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Ebola isolation room at CJIA coming P7

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Issue No. 2283

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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Remigrant scam:

Glenn Lall, wife arraigned for tax fraud

WHAT'S INSIDE: In wake of Trotman paedophile allegations:

Page 3

Welshman pummelled by unknown taxi men P2

IAST, Asian company P9 in US$35M investment

Africans observe Maafa Day Page 11

GRPA to ramp up programme on sexual, reproductive P10 health Guyana P12 opposes widespread use of antibiotics in agriculture

Afro-Guyanese making floral offerings to their ancestors on African Holocaust/Maafa Day

GGMC to miners: Cut costs to ride price shocks ­ Page 3

Community road projects moving P12 apace

2 news

tuesdAY, october 14, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Welshman pummelled Regional official pays to settle by unknown taxi men indecent exposure charge In wake of Trotman paedophile allegations:

P

olice at the Brickdam Police Station are investigating a report of physical assault made by John Anthony Welshman, the young man who has accused Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman of buggering him when he was still a child.

Welshman, speaking with Guyana Times on Sunday evening at the Georgetown Public Hospital, related that he was severely beaten by some men who had offered him a lift in a taxi.

He told this publication that he, along with a female friend was on the Georgetown Seawall on Sunday, when sometime around 18:00h a car drove up and enquired if he was in need of a taxi. Welshman said he accepted and “jumped in the car”.

“The driver told me he had to drop off something in Kingston and there two occupants entered,” he said.

One of the men who joined the car had a gun, and he was gunbutted. Welshman said he was cuffed to his ribs and showed Guyana Time his inner lip which was slightly bleeding.

This publication saw too a jersey filled with blood mixed with vomit.

“They asked me for the ‘spy pen’, where’s the camera pen and the tape and I told them I don’t know about anything they are talking about and they started to cuff me and I jumped out and I rolled on the ground.”

He said he could not say if he had broken or sprained his ankle, as he was waiting for a medical examination.

Welshman said he began shouting for “rape and murder” and some people came to his assistance.

He said he was taken to the Albertown Police Station and was later transferred to the Brickdam Police Station,

John Anthony Welshman

where his statement was taken. He was then transported by Police to the Georgetown Hospital.

Pampering

Welshman has accused Trotman of pampering him with gifts during the alleged period of his sexual abuse.

“He started to sexually assault me when I was 12. It first started in his office, at that time I did not agree with it, but he offered to take me to Dairy Bar (formerly located on Croal Street) to buy me ice cream and then later that day, he took me to the House of Flavours and so I start to give in to him,” the young man had alleged.

Welshman went on to say that after the assault continued, he complained to his father who turned a deaf ear, so he keep on collecting the things which were allegedly offered to him by Trotman.

“Around school time he would usually take me to buy all my school things, telling my parents that he will take care of the expenses.

"He would also make sure that I wear the most expensive clothes and also buy me fancy sneakers and everyone in my class would usually tell me that I am rich

with the amount of money I used to go to school with; all of that Uncle Raphael give me,” Welshman had noted.

Trotman has since denied all the allegations, describing them as malicious and unfounded coming from “an unstable young man who, sadly, appears to have a troubled mind.

"I categorically deny his wicked assertions," insisted Trotman.

He claimed that, unfortunately, Welshman seems to have been “conveniently" encouraged by political forces to make the allegations against him.

Trotman has since secured an injunction barring the young man from speaking publicly about the allegations.

“There is absolutely no truth in the allegation, and I am confident that the masterminds and supporters of this dastardly plot will soon be exposed.

"I call for a thorough and professional investigation into this scurrilous allegation. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” Trotman said.

R

egion Six Co-ops Officer Narine Chattergoon on Monday opted to compensate a woman whom he sexually molested.

Chattergoon, who was the Chairman of B Division Community Policing Groups in 2010 when more than 100 Community Policing Groups, Neighbourhood Police and the standard Police officers suffered food poisoning, was accused of exposing his penis to a woman.

He was placed on $75,000 bail on June 30 last. On Monday, he took a decision to compensate his accuser by handing over $130,000 to the woman to settle the matter.

As a result, the Virtual Complainant decided not to offer any evidence against him and the matter was dismissed.

It was alleged that Chattergoon, 49, of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice had approached the woman who was under a house and enquired of the directions to a school.

The two started a conversation which led to Chattergoon making it known that he was the Regional Coops Officer.

The woman then relat-

Narine Chattergoon leaving court on Monday

ed that she needed a job and was trying to get into the Community Policing Group.

Chattergoon then told the woman that he could assist and invited her to his office.

The woman said she could not have made it to his office on the day she was told to come because of financial constraints. It is alleged that Chattergoon gave her $300 and told her to use the money to travel.

When the woman eventually arrived at the Regional Democratic Council compound, she asked for Narine, but was told that there was no one by that name who works there.

According to the court, around the same time, the accused rode in on a motor-

cycle and invited the woman to his office. It was there that Chattergoon allegedly placed his hands around the woman’s neck and tried to kiss her on the lips. The woman’s daughter was in her company.

Chattergoon later allegedly told the woman to look down where he showed her his exposed penis, and tried to coerce the woman into performing oral sex.

The woman did not report the incident until after meeting with a relative who allegedly reported a similar story, when she was invited the office of the Regional Democratic Council to also get a job.

Chattergoon was charged and placed before the court on June 30.

Govt assessing continued ‘exploitation’ of commuters

P

ublic Works Minister Robeson Benn said Government is assessing the persistent demands for increased fares by minibus operators, even as the two-week trial of free transportation service has come to an end.

Government in mid last month implemented the free transportation service to residents living on the outskirts of Georgetown, addressing their cries of exploitation by minibus operators.

But even after addressing the issue and having several consultations with the operators on the way

forward, Minister Benn said his Ministry is still receiving reports of continued exploitation by some operators plying these routes.

Asked what his Ministry is doing about the matter, Minister Benn said he is still assessing the situation.

He recalled that acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali had on separate occasions met with a few minibus Associations for the various routes.

According to him, it was reported that there had been some resolution.

However, Minister Benn said commuters have still

been complaining about the pressure to pay higher fares during late hours and complete fares even when they are coming off short.

He noted that Government was seeking to prevent a situation where commuters are forced to suffer as a result of one-sided actions by the minibus operators.

Minister Benn reiterated that Government had taken a decision that it would not support an increase in fares if the price of diesel or gasoline did not exceed $1000.

The free transportation service launched last month

lasted for some two weeks and was offered to residents of East and West Coast and East and West Bank Demerara.

Minister Ali had meet 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.

Arbitrary actions were taken by the operators in certain zones, where fares had been increased. This sparked the discussions between the relevant authorities and the various zone operators.

NEWS

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tuesday, october 14, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, October 14 from 09:00h-10:30h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, October 14 from 08:20h-09:50h

WEATHER TODAY WEATHER: Light rain showers can be expected during the day with heavy rain showers in the early afternoon and light rain shower in the later afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly between 3.12 metres and 3.57 metres per second.

High Tide: 08:05h and 20:20h reaching maximum heights of 2.29 metres and 2.31 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:36h and 13:52h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.98 metre respectively.

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Remigrant scam:

Glenn Lall, wife arraigned for tax fraud K aieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall and his wife, Bhena, the owner of Bhena’s Footwear, were on Monday arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on multiple tax evasion charges.

According to Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry, the charges alleged that between June 18, 2013 and September 20, 2013, at Lot 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, Demerara, a place in the Georgetown Magisterial District, they made and subscribed to false declarations on two Lexus LX 570 motor vehicles to be US$44,158 respectively, contrary to Section 217 (1a) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01.

They were also slapped with two counts of aiding and abetting in a conspiracy to defraud the Government of due taxes.

Lall and his wife, and Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, the remigrant couple who imported the vehicles under the Government’s Remigrant Scheme, were represented by a host of attorneys, namely: Khemraj Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes, Joseph Harmon, Christopher Ram, Rex McKay, Bettina Glasford, Brendan Glasford, and Robin Hunte.

Despite the Brijnanans being a no-show, the two

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall and his wife, Bhena after leaving the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

couples were instructed to appear in Court Three on November 24.

Attorney Sandil Kissoon, representing the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), made no objections to bail being granted, but objected to the duo being released on their own recognisance.

But Ramjattan told the court that the two were well-known business persons with millions in assets; hence, they were unlikely to flee the jurisdiction.

Sham

Before and after the court hearing, Lall and his wife waved and smiled to a small

crowd, comprising mainly the regular fringe elements in society who are often seen in the company of the newspaper publisher, that had gathered reportedly in a show of support for him.

In the past, Lall has often been known to pay these elements to turn up as a public display to show that he has broad-based support in the community. But it all appeared to be a sham, as Lall has used various bullying tactics to desperately avoid a court case.

Apart from allegedly threatening GRA Commissioner-General Khurshid Sattaur, for which a report to the Police was

made, ever since the charges were filed, Lall has reportedly threatened to blackmail Cabinet members if Government does not drop the tax fraud cases.

Lall is believed to have illegally obtained various pieces of highly sensitive medical information, either about some Government Ministers or about close members of their family, and has threatened to go public if the Administration does not get off his ‘back’ with the current court case.

Not coincidentally, his battery of lawyers include several outspoken Opposition politicans and critics of the Government, who are regularly quoted in his own newspaper on virtually every issue which Lall himself opposes.

Several of these lawyers, while continuing to remaining silent on Lall’s alleged criminal activities, have spoken out vehemently against other public officials for similar allegations.

Meanwhile, Lall and his wife were also recently sued by acting Town Clerk of the Mayor and City Council, Carol Sooba, for the sum of $5,660,142 and $60,142 for unpaid rates and taxes for the years 2004 to 2013 in relation to their property at 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, where Kaieteur News is located.

GGMC to miners: Cut costs to ride price shocks

A

mid unsteady gold prices and complaints from the local mining community, Chairman of the Board of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Clinton Williams said miners need to focus on minimising production costs.

Recently, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has urged more relief for the industry in light of the recent slump in global gold prices.

The GGDMA said it continues to monitor with deep concern the falling price of gold on the international market and is continuing its efforts to work with the Government to find relief for the local mining sector.

But Williams said that aside from the relief from Government, miners should “zero-in on the high-cost production areas”. He believes that once the miners pay attention to reducing extraction costs they would face less of a backlash as the price for gold falls on the international market.

It was explained that neither the Government nor the GGMC have any control over the prices for gold on the international market. The prices are basically controlled by market factors such as the price for the US dollar among other things.

GGDMA President Patrick Harding explained that the Association has been monitoring the drop in the gold price in recent months with a keen eye, and there was no telling how far it would drop.

More importantly, Harding highlighted that the falling prices reflect a need for change in the local industry, since it “cannot survive on these prices”.

He said that at this juncture serious intervention is needed to avert a crisis and protect the investment of the Private Sector into Guyana’s gold sector.

It was against that backdrop that Harding pointed out the Miners Association intended to meet with the Government and regulatory

officials to brainstorm ideas to cushion the effects of the slump in the gold price on the local mining sector.

Already the Government has approved an additional vehicle duty-free concession for miners who produce over 500 ounces of gold annually and cleared the way for the duty-free importation of matting used in the industry.

More relief wanted

As recent as September 21, the GGDMA met with Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud and secured further support, including the establishment of a working group to examine further relief for the industry.

Since that date; however, the price has hit a record low, falling below US$1200 per ounce and this has caused serious concern in the indus-

GGMC Chairman Clinton Williams

try.

The GGDMA will once again be meeting Persaud on Wednesday to press further for urgent and significant relief to the industry. turn to page 7

4

guyanatimesgy.com

TuesDAY, October 14, 2014

Views 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

Deafening silence

T

oday marks the 23rd day since 22-year-old John Anthony Welshman alleged that he was sexually molested and raped by three males while he was just a 12-year-old boy.

Since making the damning allegations, the young man has had cause to respond to several statements and publications which he deemed untrue. He has also claimed that he was offered a bribe by political activist Mark Benschop as “hush money”.

Recently, Welshman was beaten by a group of men in the vicinity of Kingston Seawall after he boarded a car which appeared to be a taxi. The young man related to the media that while he was being physically assaulted, the alleged perpetrators were making enquires about a spy pen and camera which they believed he had in his possession.

Despite the fact that Welshman demonstrated ‘boldness’ in breaking his silence and telling his story with the hope of obtaining justice for the alleged past atrocities committed against him, none of the very vocal human rights groups and non-governmental organisations have come to his rescue.

It is worrying that these important civil society stakeholders have apparently chosen to stay away from standing side by side with an alleged victim of rape, buggery and child sex abuse.

This sort of silence is deafening given the fundamentals which some of these organisations stand for and articulate regularly when they lobby Government on various issues relating to the Sexual Offences Act. The fact that several attorneys had initially refused to give legal representation to Welshman is also worthy of condemnation.

Is it a case that not a single non-governmental organisation or human rights group in Guyana believes that there is truth in the story that Johnny Welshman is telling?

Or is it the case that there is a phobia that any attempt to render assistance to the young man can have negative implications given the status of the persons that he has made allegations against?

These non-governmental organisations, including Help and Shelter, Red Thread, Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination and the Guyana Human Rights Association must explain the reasons for their deafening silence on this particular matter.

These rights groups cannot continue to hide behind the argumentation that they are observing and monitoring the situation, which now appears to be politically charged.

They are duty-bound to at least reach out to the young man with the aim of offering counselling while his matter is being heard at the level of the judiciary. They can ill-afford to miss the opportunity to represent those who allege that they are victims of sexual molestation, buggery or rape.

The silence of these ‘champions’ of a just society, where human rights are protected and defended, is sending a very strong message to men in our society who are guilty of abusing younger boys whether sexually, emotionally or mentally.

By their very actions on this particular matter, they are empowering the efforts of those who seek to use their offices, political influence, power, money and other resources to escape prosecution by manipulating the justice process.

Maybe, if Johnny Welshman made those allegations against a senior Government functionary or People’s Progressive Party/Civic member, there would be no shortage in the supply of outrage, controversy, and condemnation of the act and the alleged perpetrator.

In fact, the letter pages of the daily newspapers and the news feed on social media would have been buzzing with calls being made for the resignation of whomever was accused, pending the outcome of a proper Police and judicial investigation.

It would appear that Johnny Welshman is in this battle alone and will have to stand his ground if he wants justice to be served. In this regard, Attorney Peter Hugh stands out.

If Welshman is able to make a case and prove his accusations against the three males who allegedly buggered him, then every single non-governmental organisation here would have a lot of explaining to do.

CBRE Urban Photographer of the Year competition announced its winners. Under the theme ‘Cities at Work’, photographers around the world were asked to record the essence and reality of the working life of a city. Ly Hoang Long won the Asia Pacific award for his picture of workers mending nets in a factory in Bac Lieu in Vietnam (BBC News)

Youth Ministry, supported by UNICEF, leading revision of Juvenile Justice Bill Dear Editor, We at the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry have observed the recent surge of concern in the public domain regarding the New Opportunity Corps (NOC). We also have our concerns regarding the institution and the students residing there, and as usual, invite whatever support is available.

With regard to the most recent letter, we do not share the same view as the writers who are of the view the students’ human rights are being denied continually.

While at the NOC, the students are provided with regular meals, shelter and most importantly, an education. Please be reminded that the NOC is a co-educational institution which means that the students are given an education in a number of skills and they are also enrolled in the education system in Essequibo.

The students are also engaged in extra-curricular activities such as sports and national celebrations. With the support of UNICEF, the NOC has also agreed to ensure that their reform are in line with the global standard concerning the protection of juveniles

deprived of their liberty.

As such, the view that their human rights are being denied is quite unfounded.

Further, the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry with support from UNICEF Guyana, is leading the revision of the current Juvenile Justice Bill. Some of the agencies involved in the discussion are the Ministries of Human Services and Social Security, Home Affairs and Education; the Child Care and Protection Agency; UNICEF; and representatives from the Juvenile Holding Centre in Sophia.

The team has completed its work and has made several recommendations. To incorporate these recommendations through UNICEF and under the Ministry’s leadership, a consultancy group is currently revising the Bill.

The team met over a number of weeks as a first basis to thoroughly review the draft in light of the current legislative framework and based on the current practices example issues of coordination, management and response especially among line ministries that would have an active role for the pre-

vention, treatment and response of all children in contact with the law.

Note should be made that those issues were not substantially addressed in the draft Juvenile Justice Bill and, therefore, to effect any smooth implementation it is critical that these issues are firstly addressed.

To the greatest extent possible and given Guyana’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child this was taken into consideration along with global and accepted international standards for juvenile justice and justice for children.

It is expected that the draft Juvenile Bill and the supporting schedules to the Bill will be ready by the end of the month. Then, in line with the Ministry’s practices, as was done with the first draft, this will be available for review.

With regard to the 2012 CoI, a copy can be uplifted from the Ministry.

Yours sincerely, Tekia Higgins Public Relations Officer Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry

GECOM’s flawed employment procedure Dear Editor The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) wishes to express its concerns over the seemingly flawed and secretive employment policy of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). In such organisations, transparency and accountability are critical in safeguarding its own integrity and the country’s democracy.

It is expected that those placed in charge of these organisations will adopt near flawless practices and policies that will be bipartisan in nature and involve the major stakeholders in decision making.

The PPP/C has publicly objected to the appointment of Mr Richard Francois as Public Relations Officer at GECOM, premised mainly on the fact that this individual has been openly supportive of the Opposition and had previously used his position and authority to display biased action against leading members of the PPP/C. Mr Francois’ Facebook page can verify these claims along with the numerous anti-PPP/C articles published in the Kaieteur News in his name.

The party recently wrote to the Chairman of the Commission objecting to his

appointment and is awaiting firm and decisive actions toward this effect. The track record of Mr Francois speaks volumes on his lack of professionalism and association with the Opposition.

The PPP/C is fully aware that every Guyanese has a right to favour a political party, but we are also aware that an organisation like GECOM and the position he holds comes with responsibility and fairness.

We are not confident that the nation will be fed with accurate and reliable information under Mr Francois’s watch.

Surprisingly, too, is

the sacking of Mr Deolall Ramlall without justification. Mr Ramlall has years of experience in electioneering and with the appointment of a new Chief Elections Officer and Deputy Chief Elections Officer, one would have expected that his experience would have been necessary and vital, especially with the possibility of an early election.

One is, therefore, left to wonder the motive of GECOM’s action and the rationale behind these decisions.

Respectfully submitted, PPP/C, Freedom House

guyanatimesgy.com

TuesDAY, October 14, 2014

Learning from Nigeria…

Detailed tracking, surveillance key to Ebola containment Dear Editor, I read with interest a recent news article about Guyana’s state of Ebola preparedness where Dr Shamdeo Persaud, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), is quoted as saying that port health workers are checking up on persons who have travelled to Guyana from high-risk countries to ensure that none have symptoms of Ebola.

Dr Persaud further said that “the travellers were given contact numbers which they could call to alert the Health Ministry if they start to develop any symptoms”.

While this shows some proactiveness on the part of the Guyanese health authorities and while any exposed individual would be cleared as healthy once the 21st day incubation period passes without them developing Ebola symptoms, a question still remains, troubling me.

I am wondering if health workers are indeed making visits to travellers’ homes/ workplaces to check their state of health for themselves, or whether they are simply waiting for travellers to call and tell them if/when they develop Ebola symptoms.

Dr Shamdeo’s comment is not clear and it would be great if he could provide clarification for the Guyanese public.

The reason this is important is because how potentially infectious persons are dealt with is key to Ebola prevention. In Nigeria – the most populous country in Africa – detailed tracking and surveillance of those who could have been infected with Ebola was critical to stopping this deadly disease in its tracks.

Nigeria got its first Ebola case in July. Three months later, by mid-October, Nigeria is effectively Ebolafree, having suffered a mere 21 cases and only eight

deaths. These low casualty numbers are incredible, especially when compared to the situation in other countries on the African continent.

Aggressive contract tracing, careful monitoring of individuals, and the spread of healthcare workers throughout the capital Lagos and neighbouring cities to conduct face-to-face interviews with potentially affected persons, resulted in most Nigerian Ebola patients not infecting anybody else.

Without this dedication and careful tracking and surveillance, the death toll from Ebola in Nigeria would have been much higher.

As Guyanese healthcare workers struggle to prepare for the Ebola challenge, they would do well to pay attention to the efforts of other countries, like Nigeria, and learn from their strategies.

As the CMO rightly said, preventing this deadly disease from entering our na-

tion should be the priority. However, knowing that Guyana’s borders are extremely porous, we must also prepare for the eventuality of a breach.

But if a country like Nigeria, with a population of 174 million, can successfully halt Ebola, Guyana certainly can. All that is needed is careful attention to detail, dedicated and well trained healthcare workers, and a supportive public health infrastructure.

With these things in place, Ebola would be contained should it ever reach our shores (plus the Guyanese people overall would receive better healthcare).

I hereby urge the CMO and all other health officials to view this time as an opportunity to prove and improve themselves and the services they offer to the Guyanese public.

Respectfully, Sherlina Nageer

Investigation into Essequibo Coast road accident taking unduly long time Dear Editor, I read in two daily newspapers where a minibus driver who struck down a pedestrian was on October 3 placed on $200,000 bail for causing death by dangerous driving.

The driver appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts less than three days after the accident. This is, however, not the case of a similar accident that happened on the Essequibo Coast Public Road.

On August 9, a father and his four-year-old son who were travelling on a bicycle were struck down by the driver of a GPL ve-

hicle which resulted in the death of the four-yearold child. Up to this day, the driver of the GPL vehicle was not summoned to appear in the Suddie Magistrate’s Court by the Suddie Police Station to answer to the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

In the meanwhile, the driver is still on the road driving as though nothing happened.

A few days ago, on the matter, the Essequibo Police Commander told me that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had ordered an inquest into

the accident and that the matter is now with the Clerk of the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

The question is, why is this inquest taking so long to be held? This is indeed a pathetic situation which boggles the mind on the performance of the Suddie Police Station.

I made contact with the Clerk of the Suddie Magistrate’s Court who told me by telephone that the Police file from Suddie Police Station has not reached his department as yet. What is really going on at the Suddie Police Station?

If it is poor perfor-

mance and corruption, then I am appealing to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud to have the officers there quickly removed.

Further, the officers at the Suddie Police Station are not cooperating with the parents of the dead child in relation to court action and they now have suspicions about the Police Officers at the Suddie Police Station.

Once again, I am appealing to the Commissioner of Police for his urgent intervention.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

The legacy of the Berbice High School Dear Editor, It is with great pride that I am able to bring to your attention that on September 5, 2016, the Berbice High School will celebrate its 100th anniversary of delivering first class education to the Guyanese people, especially those from Berbice.

Today, thousands of students have greatly benefited from the instruction and mentorship provided by the Berbice High School.

However, this distinguished 100-year journey, began quite humbly with an enrolment of nine boys under the stewardship of Mr C A Pugsley, on September 5, 1916 at the Berbice High School for Boys.

Encouraged by the growth in the school’s population, and increasing Government and community support, the Canadian Mission Council of the Presbyterian Church of Canada introduced a separate school for girls in 1920.

The Berbice High School as we know it today became a co-educational institution upon the merger of the boys and girls schools in 1941. As the student population growth outstripped available placement, Government’s contribution to the school’s infrastructural development became ever more important.

The administrative control of this first rate school

was officially handed over to the Government by the Canadian Presbyterian Church in 1966, after 50 proud years of denominational control.

Currently, Berbice High School accommodates 700 students with a yearly intake of approximately 110.

Of that intake, approximately 95 per cent complete a full five-year programme leading up to the CXC examinations with 23 subject areas covered at the CSEC level and eight subjects at the CAPE level.

Undoubtedly, all are seized of the historic moment and the indisputable pride of being associated with an institution,

which for 100 years has touched, nurtured and fashioned the individual and collective lives of many, and set a standard for educational delivery and societal leadership through its charges.

In preparation for the observation of the Berbice High School’s centennial celebrations, we are in the process of creating a full database of our alumni and would greatly appreciate your assistance in disseminating this information.

Thank you for your time, consideration and support.

Best regards, Grantley Walrond

5

Police are considered effective when citizens perceive crime is under control Dear Editors, The word “Police” is a good one to start a conversation with, or even better to initiate an argument. Many experts, both local and overseas have descended on the Police, positing their views in the print and electronic media and numerous other forums. The vexed question is: How does one appraise the performance of the Police?

In evaluating the department as a whole, people tend to use crime rates, number of arrests and case clearance rates to measure how the Police are doing. Wayne W Bennett and Karen M Hess, in their book Management and Supervision in Law Enforcement, suggested that such measures have several problems.

They explained that low crime rates do not necessarily mean a Police agency is efficient and effective. A high arrest rate does not necessarily show that the Police are doing a good job. A high ratio of Police officers to citizens does not necessarily mean high quality Police services. Responding quickly to calls for services does not necessarily indicate that a Police agency is efficient.

Kramer and Fiedler (2002, p 164) argued that rather than looking at crime rates, number of arrest and response time, evaluation should assess whether or not the agency is effective in fulfilling its responsibilities to the community.

They explained that when evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of the entire department, managers must focus on their mission statement. Let me share the new Guyana Police Force mission statement with you: “The mission of the Guyana Police Force and its auxiliaries is to serve all citizens and communities of Guyana in a professional, pro-active and accountable manner. To achieve this we will work in partnership with communities, public agencies and private bodies to enhance and support an environment where all people are preventing crime and building safer and secure Guyana.”

Kramer and Fiedler stressed that managers must consider what citizens want and expect from their protectors. Most citizens want to live in safe, orderly neighbourhoods. Police are considered effective when they produce the perception that crime is under control.

Reduction of fear is a very important measure.

Citizens’ approval or disapproval is reflected in letters of criticism or commendation, support for proposed Police programmes, cooperation with incidents being investigated, letters to editors, public response to a single Police citizen inci-

dent or response to Policeinitiated surveys.

One way to assess approval or disapproval is through citizens surveys, which can measure trends and provide positive and negative feedback on the public’s impression of law enforcement.

Under the leadership of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, the paradigm has shifted. The Police are now promoting Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Policing (COPPS). They are not only attempting to solve crimes in the communities, but also to solve problems.

Commanders Ian Amsterdam – D Division; Clifton Hicken – A Division; and Brian Joseph – B Division are leading the pack. Leaders of C, E, G and F Divisions, despite their numerous logistical issues and concerns, must keep abreast with their equals in order to maintain a holistic approach towards crime reduction and the fear of crime.

Research has shown that whenever there is Police pressure on criminals in one division, they gravitate to soft locations and commit serious crimes. Hence, the need for assertive Police action countrywide.

The present crime strategy is driven by the Strategic Management Plan implemented by the Force. The key elements of this Plan must be filtered from the apex of management to the frontline ranks in order for them to understand and appreciate where the Police are, where they want to go and the strategy and tactics being used to take them there.

If not done, the performance of the Police will be prosaic. Do not expect an overnight change of attitude and behaviour of members of the Force. Sometimes it may not be correct to measure success by weeks or months.

The challenges faced by the Police are many. They defy any one-shot solutions.

Green shoots are emerging from the present Police trust. It will bear fruit but the law enforcement officers will require tremendous support from the Government and members of the communities, so as to complete the crime solving triangle: the Police, Government and communities.

All three sides of the triangle must be firmly in place and working in unison to achieve the desired results.

To do otherwise will prevent the enforcers of the law from delivering the highest quality of service to our beloved country.

Yours faithfully, Clinton Conway Retired Asst Police Commissioner Security Manager

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Page

Foundation

Why Ebola is so dangerous T

he Ebola outbreak in West Africa is the world’s deadliest to date and the World Health Organisation has declared an international health emergency as more than 4000 people have died of the virus in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria this year.

The current outbreak is the deadliest since Ebola was discovered in 1976.

The disease infects humans through close contact with infected animals, including chimpanzees, fruit bats and forest antelope.

Where does it strike?

Ebola outbreaks occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West

Africa, near tropical rainforests, says the WHO. Bushmeat – from animals such as bats, antelopes, porcupines and monkeys – is a prized delicacy in much of West Africa but can also be a source of Ebola.

It was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 since when it has mostly affected countries further east, such as Uganda and Sudan. This year’s outbreak is unusual because it started in Guinea, which has never before been affected, and it quickly spread to urban areas.

From Nzerekore, a remote area of South-eastern Guinea, the virus spread to the capital, Conakry, and neighbour-

ing Liberia and Sierra Leone.

There have been 20 cases of Ebola being imported by someone travelling from a country of widespread transmission to Nigeria, with eight confirmed deaths. The US and Senegal have both confirmed one case each. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in September that the virus might have been successfully contained in Nigeria and Senegal.

In October, a nurse in Spain became the first person to contract the deadly virus outside of West Africa, after treating two Spanish missionaries who had eventually died of Ebola in Madrid. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Helping a toddler ease into independence (Continued from Saturday)

BY DR WILLIAM SEARS

Remember, children’s behaviours are more challenging to deal with when they are making the transition from one developmental stage to the next. By easing the transition, you lessen the discipline problems that tag along.

Becoming interdependent

Many child-rearing theories teach that a prime parenting goal is to get the child to be independent. This is true, but gaining independence is only part of becoming an emotionally healthy person. A child must pass through three stages on becoming a healthy person: Dependence toddler: “You do it for me.” The infant under one-year-old is totally dependent on parents.

Independence toddler: “I do it myself.” During the second year, the exploring toddler with the encouragement of parents, learns to do many things independent of parents.

Interdependence toddler: “We do it.” This is the most mature stage. The child has the drive to accomplish a feat by themselves but has the wisdom to ask for help to do it better.

For a child to have the best chance of becoming an emotionally healthy person, they should be encouraged to mature through each of these stages gradu-

ally. Getting stuck in the dependent stage is as crippling as is being forced out of it too soon. Remaining in the independent stage is frustrating. Maturing into interdependence equips children with the ability to get the most out of others, while asking the most of themselves.

Interdependence means the parent and child need each other to bring out the best in each other.

Without your child challenging you as they go through each stage, you wouldn’t develop the skills necessary to parent them. Here’s where the connected pair shines.

They help each other be the best for each other.

Learning interdependence prepares a child for life, especially for relationships and work. In fact, management consultants teach the concept of interdependence to increase productivity.

The ability to know when to seek help and how to get it is a valuable social skill that even a two-year-old can learn: “I can do it myself, but I can do it better with help.”

Throughout all stages of development, a child goes from being solitary to being social, from wanting to be independent to wanting to be included. In fact, going back and forth from oneness to separateness is a lifelong social pattern among interdependent people. You want your child to be comfortable being alone and with other people, and which state predominates depends on the child’s temperament.

Interdependence balances children who are predominantly either leaders or followers. An independent individualist may be so tied up in themselves that they miss what the crowd has to offer.

On the other hand, the dependent child is so busy following the crowd that they never gets a chance to develop leadership.

Learning to be interdependent ties in with the child learning to be responsible. When children get used to seeking help from other people, they naturally learn to consider the effects of their behaviour on others.

Truly happy and healthy people are neither dependent nor independent; they are interdependent. (askdrsears. com)

NEWS

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tuesDAY, october 14, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ebola isolation room at CJIA coming

By Alexis Rodney

T

he Health Ministry is soon to set up its first ever isolation unit and tent at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), as Government continues its effort to prevent the deadly Ebola Virus from entering Guyana.

Based on information provided doctors have been positioned at Guyana’s main Port of Entry to conduct surveillance activities on passengers coming into the country, and more recently that 1600 medical officers are set to receive training for any outbreak of the Ebola virus here. However, questions have been asked about Guyana’s capacity to

He said the doctors working there carry out their duties during the night while Port Health Officers carry out similar activities during the day. These include screening and checks for any symptoms of the disease. He said while there have been no suspected cases so far, there is already a quarantine room at the airport, awaiting any eventualities.

Morris also told Guyana Times that staff members at the Port Health Office have already received protective gear and will today receive training on their proper use.

1600 GPHC staff

Meanwhile, consultant for Internal MedicineInfectious Disease Unit

an infected person or environment, as Ebola is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through direct or indirect contact with bodily fluids, Dr Cole said.

She noted that at the CJIA and the Ogle international Airport doctors are carrying out surveillance on persons coming off the planes, looking for signs and symptoms of the virus.

She said special interest is particularly placed on individuals who have reported having contact with anyone infected with Ebola or anyone who may have travelled from any West African territory in the last three weeks.

She said while they are screening persons for signs and symptoms, they have also reached out to all the airlines, noting that they are required to provide a declaration of health for every flight that comes into Guyana. “So they have been sensitised to look a little more closely so that if somebody is identified to have a risk factor, then the healthcare provider will be around to assess them further,” Dr Cole explained.

First session

Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases Consultant (GPHC), Dr Johanna Cole

detect and treat any suspected case of the disease.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran had already told this publication that Guyana is in no shape to carry out the actual scientific test for the virus. In fact, he reminded that there are only two countries around the world that are capable of detecting the virus through laboratory testing.

Officer attached to the Port Health Office of the CJIA, Jeffery Morris told Guyana Times on Monday that Government is in the process of setting up the unit in a selected area at the airport. That special room will be used strictly for any suspected cases of the Ebola virus coming into the country.

of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Johanna Cole told Guyana Times that the 1600 medical personnel slated to receive training on dealing with the virus are primarily employees of the GPHC. “These persons include nurses, environmental workers, securities, lab technicians, etc. The training will be risk-specific, so there is going to be training on the preparedness for an outbreak of any infectious disease,” Dr Cole told Guyana Times on Monday.

In addition, emphasis will be placed on safety and precautionary measures for health-care providers, who may come in contact with

GGMC to miners...

The Miners Association wants the Government to urgently consider the following relief options: dutyfree fuel for mining; two per cent reduction in royalties as long as the price remains below US$1400 per ounce; 50 per cent relief of rental payments for prospecting mining permits, small-scale claims and mining permits; extended grace period for medium-scale payments and a waiver of late payment fee penalties; and dutyfree concessions for all tools and spares for equipment

already listed under the Investment Development Agreement.

While the mining sector is primarily focused on gold, bauxite and diamonds, Guyana also has deposits of semi-precious stones, laterite, manganese, kaolin, sand, radioactive minerals, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, iron, and nickel among other metals. Guyana also produces high-value refractory A-grade bauxite, which is produced nowhere else except in China.

The mining and quarry-

On Monday, the first session of the training of the medical personnel in using the Personal Protective Gear (PPG) when dealing with persons with infectious diseases, including the Ebola Virus commenced.

The training, it was explained, is different to the one which will involve the 1600 medical personnel and will continue until all relevant persons have received training.

“What we are doing today is providing training for persons who will come in contact with persons, who should they arrive, are suspected to have Ebola. We are showing them how to use the protective gear which is for droplets precautions and include a waterproof coverall, show covers, face masks and face shield, goggles and gloves for highly infectious material,” said Dr Cole, who is also the trainer for the

from page 3

ing sector represents a critical component of Guyana’s economy, accounting for 50 per cent of exports.

Much of Guyana’s growth in recent years had come from a surge in gold production in response to then skyrocketing global prices.

The downward trend in gold prices may threaten future growth.

However, the prospects are still encouraging, as exploration results suggest that significant gold deposits are still there to be mined.

Participants at the training session at the new Isolation Unit of the GPHC on Monday

programme.

The training session was carried out in the new Isolation Unit of the GPHC, where doctors, nurses and lab technicians among other professionals were informed of the measures to be taken

when attending to patients with highly infectious conditions.

GPHC Chief Executive Officer Michael Khan, who joined the training session briefly, told staff that the Ebola crisis is a “serious

thing” and hopes the virus does not reach the shores of Guyana.

He explained that the training will last for one hour each day and encouraged staff to make the best use of it.

Court cashier gets 60 months for stealing over $3M

T

wenty-four-yearold Tiffany Peters, a Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts cashier who was on the run for a year, was on Monday sentenced at her former place of employment to 60 months in prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Peters was convicted of stealing, during the period February 7, 2012 to September 11, 2012, in Georgetown, being employed as a clerk at the court, $3,045,000, property of the State of Guyana.

Peters, of Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara, was employed in the court’s maintenance section and

her duties entailed writing up maintenance/affiliation cards and cash composition books, as well as collecting cash from persons.

The court was told that Peters made changes to receipts and records to facilitate the stealing of the aforementioned sum of cash.

After running from the law for a year, she was caught during a Police sting operation. The defendant first appeared on November 18, 2013 before Magistrate Faith McGusty on the charge. The trial was prosecuted by Police Sergeant Vishnu Hunt, during which a number of witnesses inclusive of Clerks, Supervisors

and the Principal Clerk of the Court testified.

Magistrate Latchman found Peters guilty as charged. She took into consideration the following before sentencing her: the seriousness of the offence, the quantum of monies involved, the execution of the offence, and the need for a sentence that would make persons note the price they will pay if they commit such an offence.

Peters’ lawyer, Adrian Thompson informed the court via an oral notice that his client planned to appeal the conviction, and requested that she be placed on a suspended sentence.

8 NEWS

tuesDAY, october 14, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Chief Justice grants fatherson murder accused bail

C

hief Justice Ian Chang has granted bail to a man and his son who are awaiting trial for murder.

Justice Chang granted the duo Roy Pestano Sr, 60, and Raymond Pestano,36, bail in the sum of $450,000 each as they await trial in what has been dubbed the ‘Breezy Point murder trial’.

The Pestanos are accused of killing Davindand Ramlagan on October 19, 2002. On September 25, 2014, Justice Navindra Singh ordered that the duo be further remanded until the

Roy Pestano

hearing of their third trial.

This was after a mixed jury in the Berbice Assizes failed to reach a verdict for a second time. On September 12, 2013, Justice Singh ordered the first retrial after the jury failed to arrive at a verdict. In 2013, the jury was then undecided 10-2 against the number one accused Raymond Pestano and 9-3 against the number two accused Roy Pestano Sr. During the second trial, the jury last month returned with a verdict of 6-6 against the number one accused, and also against the number two accused.

Go girl...

Raymond Pestano

Security guard on $100,000 bail for robbery charge

S

ecurity guard Ryan Lowe was on Monday morning placed on $100,000 bail for a robbery under arms charge.

Lowe, of Chapel and Durban Streets, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry

at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It was alleged that on September 26 at Durban Street, Lodge, being armed with an offensive weapon, that is a bottle, he robbed Virtual Complainant (VC) Orin Durkett of $35,000 cash.

The unrepresented man pleaded not

Eyew tness

guilty to the charge. He told the court that he was convicted in October 29, 2009 for a trafficking in narcotics offence.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not oppose bail and the matter was transferred to Magistrate Faith McGusty’s courtroom for November 7.

L

...but not in PNC

ast week, we commemorated “International Day of the Girl Child”...but it seems somebody forgot to tell David Granger, chief cook and bottle washer of the PNC. Or then again, he most likely just ignored it, since he’s not shown much regard for girls – or females on the whole for that matter – in the PNC. At least not those who show they have a mind of their own and won’t be anybody’s doormat.

Look at what’s going down at Linden. There’s this young woman Vanessa Kissoon who most people think just appeared after the Linden protests when she goaded Lindeners into the illegal blocking of the bridge to the interior. Good PNC material you’d think, no?? Good also for Granger who’d been accused (and still is) of being an invertebrate, right?? Well if you go by how Granger treated her subsequently, you’d be completely wrong.

And it wasn’t just Kissoon fighting off the Police at the bridge like a modern day Guyanese Horatio, she’d fervently defended ROH Corbin – Granger’s sponsor – back in the day. That is, in 2007 when Corbin had come under fire from the party’s faithful for...well...for not being CORBIN!!! Ever since he’d taken over from Hoyte, the PNCites had been holding their breaths waiting for the “real” Corbin to reveal himself. They’d become not only blue in the face...but quite apoplectic, if you don’t mind.

But there was Vanessa Kissoon, a slip of a girl then, defending Corbin down the line. And it had an effect...even though Corbin had to bow out and place his proxy Granger on the throne. The thing is, with fellas like Corbin (who’s still pulling Granger’s strings) they don’t really remember what you did for them – it’s not even “what did you do for me recently”. Their rule is: “know your place”. And for the girl-who-was-now-a-woman Vanessa, that place was where you’re the Leader’s footstool, who does as ordered.

No question asked. Especially with Granger who expected responses from subordinates when told to jump be limited to “How high, sir??!!” Especially when you are female. Kissoon’s mistake was not to fall in line with the females in the inner circle – Ammna Ally and Volda Lawrence. And most recently, Sandra Adams, who was brought back from New York and made “Coordinator” of Region 10 for the PNC. Kissoon had the temerity to think because she was elected as the regional representative of Region 10, by the people of Region 10, she should have that job!!! And that she could support the likes of Aubrey Norton for leader.

Females can be so naive!!!

...from NY

Minette Bacchus, we’re informed, is the nom de plume of the wife of a rather prolix Guyanese leader and lives over in New York. But please don’t knock her for that.

With her own frequent letters in the press defending the PNC, at least she’s following matters “back home”. And let’s face it – it’s become almost normal for spouses to be living apart when it comes to New York!

Anyhow, Minnette really skinned up Granger over his dissing of the aforementioned Lindeners – of which Vanessa Kissoon is one. She sarcastically allowed that “by academic certification Mr Granger is a historian” but does his cause no good by pissing off and dissing on Linders whose votes he’s gonna need a little way up the road.

But Ms Minette doesn’t seem to realise that Granger’s “cause” and the PNC’s “cause” might not be coincident.

This Eyewitness had written at length on the elitist bias of Granger as opposed to the rank and file PNC members.

Minette ought to also interrogate his gender bias.

...from Brazil

Even though third place Marina Silva endorsed Aecio Neves, we’re still backing incumbent Dilma Rousseff in the runoff/faceoff on Sunday. We do believe that girl power will triumph!!

news

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tuesDAY, october 14, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

IAST, Asian company in US$35M investment A

sian company Pinnacle Green Resources will be investing some US$35 million in three projects that will transform waste from various sectors into viable projects which will benefit Guyana.

These projects will be done in collaboration with the Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (IAST). The two entities signed a Letter of Intent last month that will be transferred into a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The projects will be fully funded by the company.

At a press briefing on Monday, IAST Director, Professor Suresh Narine said that the institute will be providing the company with the know-how of local species, types of waste, and the development of technologies along with technical assistance. He went on to say that in return IAST will be given five per cent equity from the project. Narine explained that the equity will be given without any investments on the part of the Government of Guyana or the institute. This, he added, has resulted in the collaboration effectively being a public/private partnership.

“It’s a clear example of science and technology being used to generate commerce, wealth creation, addressing environmental issues and utilising natural resources and then ensuring that we place a value on the provision of technology so that the taxpayers who fund IAST ultimately can have a return on that investment not only in terms of a direct return from us sharing equity, but from the creation of job opportunities etc,” he pointed out.

Excited In a brief statement, Pinnacle Green Resources Executive Director Manu Bansal expressed his excitement to be partnering with IAST on these projects.

He explained that while he had initially approached Government with one project proposal, he got three instead. Bansal noted that, nevertheless, his company is committed to seeing all three projects come to fruition.

Meanwhile, President Donald Ramotar welcomed the projects, noting that he has always been pushing IAST to move past research and enter the commercial sector. The President pointed out that these projects will not be putting pressure

Pinnacle Green Resources Executive Director Manu Bansal and IAST Director, Professor Suresh Narine at the press briefing

on the forest instead they will be using up waste from industrial activities there.

“These projects, while they will be beginning on the Essequibo Coast, my hope is that they will serve as a demonstration effect in other parts of our country that would have other type of wastes that could be used instead of being thrown away, that could be converted into commercial arrangements,” Ramotar remarked.

Additionally, he noted that these projects are expected to create 300 to 400 job opportunities particularly in the Essequibo Region, which is mostly dependent on rice cultivation. The first project is the construction and operation of a facility to produce 200 tonnes per day of biomass wood-pellets for export to Europe. This project cost some US$16.5 million. An energy plantation will be built on five acres of

land in Pomeroon for this production. The land was leased by GO-Invest under the Memorandum of Understanding.

Project number two will see the construction and operation of a facility that will produce three tonnes of activated carbon per day from coconut shells, primarily to service the gold recovery industry. Activated carbon is used extensively in the recovery of gold, refin-

ing and bleaching of vegetable oils and chemical solutions among other industrial purposes. Activated carbon manufactured from coconut shells is said to be superior to those obtained from other sources. This project will be executed to the tune of US$2.5 million.

While some US$10.6 million will be plugged into the third project to facilitate the construction and operation of a gasification facility and an eight mega-watt electricity generating facility using waste biomass. It was pointed out that Guyana spends around 50 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on electricity generation and this will be curbed.

The three projects are expected to be in operation within the next two years, with the first one, the activated carbon project launching in March 2015. The gasification and electricity project and the wood-pellet project are scheduled to commence in the next 24 months and 18 months respectively.

Pinnacle Green Resources is an India-based company operating in several Asian countries and in Trinidad. The company has substantial experience in converting waste into power generation.

Disaster risk reduction is everybody’s business – CDC Director General

C

ivil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General retired Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup has reiterated that disaster risk reduction is everybody’s business as he underscored the need for all to be involved.

He made the remark during an address at the Ocean View International Hotel Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown at an event to mark international Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The day was held under the theme “Resilience is for Life”.

The session focused on how disasters affect senior citizens and the importance of collaborative effort in responding in times of crisis.

Guyana is defined as vulnerable to disasters, thus preventative measures are crucial for the safety of the citizenry.

This was demonstrated through a dramatic performance by the CDC Volunteer Corps which painted a vivid picture of the value of knowledge in disaster preparedness.

The Director General told the gathering that the 2005 floods were a remind-

CDC Director General retired Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup with volunteers displaying a safety tools

A section of the audience at the Ocean View International Hotel’s Convention Centre on Monday

er for Guyana, noting that Guyanese were caught unawares.

He also emphasised the importance of knowledge transfer, pointing out that “while the young generation brings science and technology, the older generation brings experience and history”.

During the past three years, focus was placed on “Children and Young People”, “Women and Girls”, “People living with Disabilities” and now this year “The Ageing Population”.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

representative for Guyana and Suriname Marianne Flach said in the next 14 years, more persons will above 60 than children under 10 years old.

On this note, she said greater focus have to be placed on the older generation.

International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) encourages every citizen and Government to take part in building more disaster resilient communities and nations.

The United Nations General Assembly designated October 13th as

the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction as part of its proclamation of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.

In 2002, by a further resolution, the General Assembly decided to maintain the annual observance as a vehicle to promote a global culture of natural disaster reduction, including prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

In 2009, the UN General Assembly decided to designate October 13 as the official date and also changed the name to International Day for Disaster Reduction.

10

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tuesday, october 14, 2014

News

Caribbean countries urged to invest 6.2% of GDP on infrastructure

T

he Region’s countries should invest annually 6.2 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (US$320 billion) to satisfy their infrastructure demands in the period 20122020.

This is according to new estimates released on Monday by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

The United Nations organisation’s study was prepared by the Infrastructure Services Unit of ECLAC’s Natural Resources and Infrastructure Division.

In the report, ECLAC unveils the Economic Infrastructure Investment in Latin America and the Caribbean Database 19802012 (EII-LAC-DB), which

ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena

collects and systematises figures by country and investment origin (public or private) and updates the annual investment requirements in four main economic infrastructure sectors (transportation, energy, telecom-

munications, and water and sanitation) to respond to the needs that will arise from the region’s companies and end users in that same period.

The figure of 6.2 per cent of GDP comes from applying the investment trajectory to expected infrastructure needs, and it assumes that the historic pattern of country investments will be repeated.

As such, it is an approximation and not a strict recommendation, the document indicates.

According to the report, the average 2.7 per cent of GDP allotted to infrastructure investment in the last decade shows that the Region is not investing enough.

The study also says that an adequate response to requirements in this field is

key for the Region’s insertion in the global economy in the 21st century and for its people’s quality of life.

An analysis of the figures in the EII-LAC-DB database reveals a trend towards increasing investment in the aforementioned four economic infrastructure sectors during the period 2003-2012.

The transportation sector has drawn the biggest amount of investment since 2005, followed by energy, telecommunications, and water and sanitation.

According to the report, in 2012 (the last year available), average regional investment in the four sectors was 3.49 per cent of GDP. That year, Costa Rica was the country that invested the most in infrastructure (5.47 per cent of GDP total in public and private investment), followed by Uruguay (5.08 per cent), Nicaragua (4.93 per cent), Bolivia (4.47 per cent), Peru (4.46 per cent) and Brazil (4.10 per cent).

According to ECLAC, investment in infrastructure projects contributes to increasing the coverage and quality of public services (for example, health, education and recreation) and reduces the costs associated with mobility and logistics, which in turn improves access to markets of goods, services, employment and financing, providing a favourable environment for improvements in the population’s overall well-being.

Therefore, the Commission stresses that countries must examine the patterns in their investment decisions to orient them towards new infrastructures that reinforce the path to equality, with sustainability and inclusion.

Lawyers can only stand up fuh some people

O

ld people seh whah ever yuh don’t want fuh yuh self, yuh must never wish de same ting fuh other people. And when yuh know yuh doin wicked tings, yuh must never run yuh mouth bout other people who yuh tink doin de same wickedness like whah yuh doin.

Is like Rum Jhaat, de a** man, who get ketch red hand wid de Feathers people. Yet he callin other people thief. He even turn round and bad talk de same ting whah he wanna mek money from, just because Feathers ain’t get it.

Is like Nagga Man, de donkey man, who get ketch with NICIL money. Yet he turn round and bad talk all the wuk whah NICIL doin. Old people also seh when yuh behave like that, yuh is a snitch. And it got nuff snitches around GT who gettin ketch red-handed.

Is like NoGel Hugly who does talk like no body ever tek off he pants, not counting de Kitty Cat. But is only when de story buss out wid Sight Globe and de school building that he get ketch red handed. This is a man who gettin ketch red handed all thru he life going back to the tape whah he thief at Buxton.

Old people also seh when yuh live in a glass house yuh must never pelt no body. And right now a lotta people tryin to hide, and dem deh in glass house.

In fact, right now a big man tryin to hide behind eight lawyers at one time. Yet, de other day a Lil Boy couldn’t get not even one lawyer to represent he. De Lil Boy beg and plead and still no lawyer ain’t stand up.

Every body know Joe de Hard Mouth, Lalloo and Rum Jhaat can’t stand up, but whah happen wid de rest is any body’s guess. Although Ron was runnin, he seh he was ready. But Ron only run he mouth and seh so when de Lil Boy done get somebody.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! So it look like he too can’t stand up!

GRPA to ramp up programme on sexual, reproductive health

T

he Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) and the Family Planning Association of Guyana (FPAG) will be holding a joint Annual General Meeting (AGM) today at the Cara Lodge, 294 Quamina Street, Georgetown.

The theme for the joint AGM is “I Decide My Future” and significant focus will be placed on reducing pregnancy and risky sexual behaviour of adolescents and teenagers in Guyana.

The keynote address will be delivered by United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Country Representative for Guyana and Suriname Marianne Flach.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Assistant Representative

Patrice La Fleur and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud will also make remarks at the event.

The GRPA focuses on youth, sexual and reproductive health. In February 2014, the organisation launched a teen and youth clinic and is currently working with schools and community organisations on age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education, which includes education and information on questions about puberty and being a teenager; sex and sexuality education, knowing one’s body and how to care and protect themselves.

From November 2013 to September 2014, more than 14,000 youths below the age of 25 years benefitted from GRPA/FPAG’s clin-

ic and counselling services.

The largest component of the counselling services was on issues of gender-based violence. At the joint AGM, the GRPA/FPAG will announce a campaign for breast examination and cervical cancer screening, which will be held from October 27 to 31 at GRPA/FPAG Clinic, 70 Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

Free VIA and breast examination services will be offered during the campaign.

In April 2014, the Family Planning Clinic of the FPAG was amalgamated into the GRPA Clinic, which has strengthened the services and expanded the scope of sexual and reproductive health care within the organisation.

tuesdAY, october 14, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Africans observe Maafa Day T

Caribbean wants justice for atrocities committed under transatlantic slave trade he second Caribbean Community (Caricom) Conference on Reparations began on Sunday night with reparations activists joining political leaders in calling for justice for a Region that is still reeling from the social, economic effects from the transatlantic slave trade.

“I implore all of us to see ourselves as working towards one aim, one destiny – the search for justice and repair of our societies; societies which were disfigured by colonisation; societies that continue to suffer the legacies of enslavement and native genocide,” said PJ Patterson, former Prime Minister of Jamaica.

“We need all hands on

A

s Africans around the world observed African Holocaust/ Maafa Day on Sunday, Afro-Guyanese were urged to be resistant against those acts and conditions that their ancestors had fought against.

The African Holocaust/ Maafa Day was observed under the theme “Reparation for African Holocaust…resurrecting the feminine energies”.

The African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) in collaboration with the 1823 Parade Ground Monument held the libation ceremony at the Kingston Seawall where renowned Anthropologist and Historian, Dr Runoko Rashidi was the keynote speaker.

Dr Rashidi told the gathering about how Africans were dragged away from their homes and forced to work as slaves half way around the world.

The historian mentioned the cruelty Africans had to endure when they were captured and became slaves.

Nevertheless, he pointed out, despite all of those sufferings, African managed to survive.

Remarkable “Isn’t that the most remarkable story? Of all that, somehow we survived that and it seems to me that we owe those ancestors something. Those who lived and died and lived so that we could be here… seems like we owe them something beyond indifference,” he said.

Dr Rashidi noted that as Africans commemorate and acknowledge the sufferings of their ancestors, they should remember the resistance of their ancestors as they fought to maintain their families and basic human dignity.

He added that there are those Africans who formed armies to fight for revolution, which he explained did not only happen in the Americas as most people thinks but in Asia.

He said a lot more Africans need to learn about their ancestors, noting that he is still learning more about the African revolt, particularly in Guyana.

“You have a noble history of resistance and that resistance takes differ-

Historian, Dr Runoko Rashidi addressing the gathering on Sunday morning

ence forms not only revolts of enslaved people but intellectual revolts – Africans who fought to keep the history of our people alive,” he remarked.

Dr Rashidi highlighted the importance of Africans knowing their history, explaining that in spite of the prevalence of enslavement as an important part of their history, it is not the totality of it all.

“Our history didn’t begin with slavery and it wouldn’t end with slavery, our history did not begin in chains and it will not end in chains and us being here this morning (Sunday) is a testimony to the strengthen and resilience of African people and the determination of African people to redeem our ancestors and return Africa and Africans to their rightful glory,” he said.

Meanwhile, Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman Nigel Hughes in a brief statement told the gathering that it appears that Africans have lost their ability to resist, fight back and articulate new pathways to ensure a bright future.

“Let us resolve today that we will resist the oppression that continues to keep us down, the system

that is designed to keep us down and that we will resolve that this fight we are taking forward will not only result in victory but we will articulate a new way for our children and for those that comes after us,” Hughes urged.

The libation ritual was done by ACDA Executive Member Reverend Rudi Guyan, who applauded Africans for showing up.

He said it is time for Africans to be together and learn from their shortcomings in order to be stronger to continue the fight of their ancestors.

He noted that ACDA envisions building a monument in the Atlantic Ocean in memory of those ancestors who lost their lives while fighting for a better life for their sons and daughters and future generations.

“We are going there (to make offerings at the shore) so that our ancestors can be proud of us.

Let them know that they didn’t die in vain that we can continue the struggle that they started,” he stated.

Scores of Africans turned out at the Kingston Seawall, as they made offerings to their ancestors by placing flowers and plants in the water.

pairing the breach, which, in my view, is the full meaning of reparations.

“I would like to suggest that he struggle for reparations is and should be firmly embedded in the struggle for us to repair the damage caused by 500 years of EuroAmerican dominance so that we address the root causes of the problem,” Garvey said.

Destruction

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who is also the Caricom Chairman, said the transnational slave trade led to the separation and destruction of many families and of their cultural values, tradition, beliefs and artifacts.

Africa where some leaders were induced by intimidation, bribery or greed to collaborate in the capture and transport of Africans who were destined for slavery.

No principle

“There is no principle of law which permits the organisers of a criminal enterprise to escape responsibility because others collaborated in carrying out the enterprise.

Legal responsibility is not affected by any collaboration,” Patterson cautioned.

“The most serious penalties under criminal law are reserved for those who organise the criminal enterprise and profit most from it.”

Prime Minister Browne stated “simply stated, our

The second Caribbean Community (Caricom) Conference on Reparations began on Sunday with reparations activists calling for justice for a region still reeling from the social, economic effects of the transatlantic slave trade

deck, wherever we are located in the West, in the North, in the East, because the tentacles of colonial injustices were spread far and wide and their legacies continue to be far-reaching to this very day.

“The masses of Caribbean people are still to be brought on board the reparation train. They are stuck at the halts and stations all around the region and indeed in the diaspora, waiting for reason to board. If we do not wish to have them waiting indefinitely on the platform, or worse boarding the wrong train, we need to use this forum to settle all the unanswered questions around the struggle for reparatory justice,” Patterson said.

Patterson was among several speakers lending his voice to the cause.

University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles and Dr Julius Garvey, son of Jamaican Negro rights activist Marcus Garvey also spoke at the start of the three-day event.

In delivering the feature address, Garvey lamented that Africa is being re-colonised.

“We also see Africans as the poorest people on the planet. In America, the wealth of the average African American is one twentieth of his or her white counterpart.

It almost seems that nothing has changed in 100 years so we still have to speak of re-

He said Caricom’s concept of reparations is not defined by or limited to economic reparations. It also includes reconciliation, racial equality, inclusivity, equality of opportunity and justice.

“The atrocities committed against our people rank among the worst examples of human barbarism. This instituionalised trade in humans and its attendant atrocities have resulted in state of underdevelopment in the Caribbean and Africa, 180 years after its abolition,” Browne said, adding: “notwithstanding these atrocities; what we seek now is reparation-not reprisal”.

The Caricom Chairman said the argument is not with the peoples of Europe, neither is it a formulation based on race or a war of revenge.

He said the Region does not hold present day Europeans responsible for “the evils of the ruling classes that controlled their societies and enriched themselves from the cruelties and barbarism to which they subjected our ancestors in this Region”.

However, he said that it does not preclude them from the acknowledgement of such wrongs. Instead, they should commit themselves to “the noble action of resolving them by honouring our reparatory claims”.

Patterson stressed that people should refrain from placing blame at the feet of

contention is, that our predecessors in this region were subjected to the most inhumane treatment that would today be legitimate matters for trial by the International Criminal Court.

“In the course of that treatment, they were deprived of their liberty and the right to their lives; they were treated not as human beings, not even as animals – they were treated as “property” to be used or disposed – as suited the thinking of their owners.”

The regional conference, which is being convened by the Caricom Reparations Commission (CRC) is being held under the theme “An Expert Conference on Caribbean Reparations: Scientific Engagement and Community Mobilisation”.

It is aimed at intensifying discussions regarding the scientific and popular discourse on the CRC’s 10-point plan on reparatory justice which was adopted

by Caricom leaders at their Inter-Sessional Summit in St Vincent and the Grenadines in March.

The 10-point plan includes reparation in the areas of public health, education and literacy.

This conference is one of several activities to address the issue of reparations for Caribbean countries whose people suffered as a result of the transatlantic trade and chattel slavery. (Caribbean360)

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tuesDAY, october 14, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana opposes widespread use Community road projects of antibiotics in agriculture moving apace A T griculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said he opposes the widespread use of antibiotics in agriculture, saying this has serious implications for human health.

Dr Ramsammy, a former Health Minister, said the Caribbean Community (Caricom) should take the lead in trying to secure an international framework to govern the use of antimicrobials in food production.

Guyana initiated a discussion on the issue of antimicrobial resistance – where microbes such as bacteria become resistant to antibiotics – during the 13th Caribbean Week of Agriculture, held in Paramaribo, Suriname from October 6 to 12.

Dr Ramsammy said in an interview that, while people appreciate the usefulness of antibiotics, their use in medicine is widespread, often available without prescription, and often prescribed after minor medical procedures, such as a tooth extraction.

He said a limited number of antibiotics are available and very few new ones have been developed over the past 25 years.

“So we are dealing with a set of medicines that are now reducing, because the microbes that we fought these antibiotics with are becoming resistant to them, tolerant to them. They no longer work,” he said.

He said a patient may visit a physician who diagnoses and prescribes medication for an infection, but the antibiotics are ineffective because of

microbial resistance.

“Part of the reason and I think there is consensus is that the reason for it is the more extensive and intensive use of antibiotics. However, many of us also believe that they have been used injudiciously,” he said, adding that, in human health, drugs are often accessible without a prescription. “… but we also have seen the introduction of these antibiotics in agriculture,” Dr Ramsammy said, adding that the poultry industry in the Caribbean could not survive without using antibiotics.

“But whereas in humans we try to diagnose what the problem is and then threat it – so it is a therapeutic use, in agriculture, there is prophylactic use; that is, every time you feed poultry in the largescale production, the food includes low-level antibiotics,” Dr Ramsammy said.

Use of antibiotics

He said the use of low levels of antibiotics is the number one way of developing antimicrobial resistance.

“In my view, as a former Minister of Health, and now Minister of Agriculture, I believe that antimicrobial resistance is as important as climate change in terms of their threat to sustainable development.

“I believe the Caribbean ought to put it on the sustainable development agenda as a Post-2015 agenda item. I believe that we are missing the three items important to agriculture and also important to our economic and also impor-

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

tant to our economic and social prosperity,” he explained.

Dr Ramsammy said the other two items are land degradation, and water management, adding that the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture have identified these as priority items.

“But it has to go beyond agriculture and become part of the national development priorities,” Dr Ramsammy said.

At risk

He said the US and the World Health Organisation have also identified 18 medicines that are “at risk”.

In September, US President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order establishing a taskforce to be co-chaired by the secretaries of defence, agriculture, and health and human services, Dr Ramsammy pointed out.

“We in the Caribbean must similarly act. We have a chance to take leadership on a

global problem. We have done so with climate change, we have done so with NCDs, I believe we could be a lead region in putting this matter on the development agenda,” he said.

He said Guyana is hoping to build awareness at CWA, which is being held under the theme “Transforming Caribbean Agriculture through Family Farming”.

“I don’t think the ordinary person is as yet familiar with this issue,” Dr Ramsammy said.

He said there has been some discussion of antimicrobial resistance internationally.

“What my goal is, what Guyana’s goal is and what I would like to see the CWA adopt, is that globally, we need to shift this problem into that priority group of challenges so that we can tackle this issue globally, because no one country can deal with this issue.

“Whilst each country will have to take certain action, we need global framework under which to work, like the tobacco global framework that we have, the climate change global framework,” Dr Ramsammy said.

“That’s why I am asking that we should establish an inter-governmental panel at the UN level, because this is one of those issues that is not limited by borders, and therefore we have to agree globally to a set of actions that are implemented at national levels.

“But, if one of us does it, it will not work, or if one region does it, it will not work.

It has to be a global platform,” he said. (Caribbean News Now)

he Housing and Water Ministry is upgrading several community roads and sideline footpaths in Number 64 Village and several access roads in Miss Phoebe, Grassfield and Ankerville, Region six to the tune of 155.7 million.

Last June, the Ministry through its Community Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP), signed the contacts with KP Jagdeo General Contractor and H Nauth and Sons for the upgrade of roads in Region six.

According to CRIP’s Project Engineer Tejwattie Roopchand, in Lot 1, Middle Walk – First Street, Second Street and Third Street and the sideline footpath – were in a deplorable state and needed urgent upgrade to meet the needs of the residents.

“The situation was the same with several access roads in Miss Phoebe, the internal roads network at Grassfield and Dispensary Street Ankerville. Indeed, in some of these areas, residents had to ply mud dams to get about their daily activities,” she added.

The Project Engineer said the main access roads were upgraded from a double bitumen surface treatment to asphaltic concrete surface while the primary accesses were upgraded from either crusher-run surface or mud to that of double bitumen surface treatment.

Safety features such as road signs, markings and speed humps have also been included.

Roopchand related that these infrastructure projects will improve the lives of residents by providing better access to healthcare, schools, community centres and markets.

The economy of the communities will advance with improved level of efficiency in the delivery of goods and services, and improved access to business and places of trade.

She also added that it is another positive of having such developments in communities as it is a motivation for residents to pay their taxes which will allow the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to better serve their communities.

Works in the area are scheduled to be completed on time and within the budget.

GWI seeks ISO accreditation of laboratory services T he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has commenced the process of ISO 17025:2005 accreditation of the company’s Scientific Services Laboratory.

The laboratory is pivotal to water quality testing since it is utilised to monitor the output of GWI well stations and water treatment facilities countrywide.

ISO accreditation of the laboratory is a primary objective of GWI. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh stated that efficiently monitoring the quality of the product GWI provides to customers is a key priority of the company.

“Due to massive investment by the Government, we have significantly improved access to potable water countrywide with over 25 water treatment facilities,” the CEO said.

He added: “Now our customers desire improved quality. Testing the output of our water production sites is a key aspect of quality improvement; hence, ISO 17025:2005 accreditation is a strategic move to enhance the quality of water GWI provides to customers.”

Analytical Solutions Consultant, Dr Edgar F Paski, GWI Scientific Services Manager Donna Canterbury and Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh

Quality Management is pivotal to GWI as the Government has invested US$31 million under the “Programme to Improve Water and Sanitation Infrastructure and Supply”, which will result in the further expansion of access to potable water services in Regions

Three, Four and Six. “It is absolutely vital that as access to safe water expands, our capacity and efficiency in quality management must also improve,” Baksh said.

The accreditation is being managed by GWI’s Scientific Services

Manager Donna Canterbury and implemented by Consultant, Dr Edgar F Paski of Analytical Solutions, Canada.

Dr Paski met with Baksh on Monday and provided assurance that every aspect of preparation for accreditation will be effectively

implemented.

Dr Paski has a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and extensive knowledge in quality and laboratory management.

The ISO 17025:2005 accreditation of the GWI laboratory will involve ensuring that the facility is deemed technically competent by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

This will encompass ensuring that instruments and equipment used for quality testing and calibration meet the required standard of the ISO. The process will also involve training of GWI laboratory employees by Dr Paski. GWI personnel involved in testing for water quality, including those responsible for collecting samples from the homes of customers, will also receive specialised training in ensuring reliable samples.

“We hope that through this process our customers are enlightened on how pivotal quality is to the operations of GWI,” Baksh said, adding: “The safety of our customers is the main thrust of seeking this type of ISO accreditation.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, october 14, 2014

Regional

Brazil election: Silva backs Gunmen rob J$2M payroll, kill four workers of Neves in blow for Dilma

Marina Silva was voted for by more than 22 million Brazilians in the first round

T

he Brazilian environmentalist Marina Silva, who came third in Sunday’s presidential election, has backed Opposition centrist candidate Aecio Neves in the second round.

Neves won 33.5 per cent

of the votes in the first round to 41.5 per cent for President Dilma Rousseff, who is running for a second four-year term. Silva failed to qualify for the October 26 run-off, with 21.3 per cent.

She cited Neves’s “commitments” as the reason for

supporting him.

On Saturday, he announced in an open letter to the nation that he would include in his manifesto issues such as land reform, the demarcation of indigenous lands, the rights of rural communities and environmental concerns.

Those issues formed a key part of Silva’s campaign.

Silva stood as the Socialist Party candidate after presidential contender, Eduardo Campos, died in a plane crash in August.

Once she entered the race, she overtook Neves in opinion polls, but her popularity dropped in the final weeks of the campaign.

Many of her supporters blame Rousseff’s attacks against Silva’s policies and record in the run-up to the vote for the result. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Kublalsingh falls ill, PM to blame, says HRM

T

he Highway Re-route Movement (HRM) is blaming Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar for its leader Dr Wayne Kublalsingh’s life being under threat.

Kublalsingh started his second hunger strike in protest of the segment 27 days ago. He was rushed to St Clair Medical Centre for emergency treatment on Sunday after he suffered a heat stroke and lost consciousness at Maracas beach.

At a candlelight vigil held on Sunday, HRM mem-

ber Shereen Boodhai said the situation was the Prime Minister’s fault. Boodhai said the Prime Minister failed to live up to a promise that the controversial Debe to Mon Desir segment of the TT$7.3 billion Solomon Hochoy Highway extension project from San Fernando to Point Fortin would be halted pending determination of environmental concerns.

The promise, she said, was made to the HRM during a meeting at the Parliament building, Waterfront Centre

on March 16, 2012. The HRM and its leader are insisting that the Government hold mediation talks to arrive at the best agreement for the nation.

Close to 1000 citizens assembled at Nelson Mandela Park, Port of Spain for the vigil, which was held in support of the HRM’s calls for mediation. Kublalsingh and the HRM have repeatedly said the segment would be harmful to the environment as it was being constructed through a lagoon. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Bolivia’s Morales to stick to pragmatic leftist policies in new term

B

olivian President Evo Morales, who easily won a third term in a weekend election, said on Monday he would stick to his brand of pragmatic socialism, respecting private property while expanding the state’s role in the economy.

Morales, a former coca grower who became Bolivia’s first indigenous President in 2006, comfortably won Sunday’s election. Although official results were coming in slowly, a TV exit poll said Morales won about 60 per cent of the vote and his main Opposition rival, cement magnate Samuel Doria Medina, conceded defeat.

Morales’ anti-poverty programmes and prudent spending of funds from the nationalisation of natural gas and oil businesses have earned him wide support in a country long dogged by political instability.

He also won plaudits

Mount Rosser in Jamaica

F

our men transporting a J$2 million payroll for workers on the Chinese-constructed Linstead to Moneague Leg of the North/South link of Highway 2000 were brutally murdered on Sunday in a daring daylight robbery in the community, of Bowers Wood on the outskirts of Bog Walk in St Catherine.

The dead men, all said to be employed to the project have been identified as Courtney Courbourne,

38; Carlton Scott, 37; Greg Harris, and another man identified only as Kirk.

According to the Police, approximately 15:30h the men were travelling through the community with the cash to pay a group of employees who are working on the highway when they were ambushed by criminals carrying high-powered weapons.

“Reports received are that the men intercepted the vehicle and opened fire while they were mak-

ing their way to the community,” the Police told the Jamaica Observer. Police said the vehicle transporting the men overturned as it appeared the driver was attempting to escape but was impeded by the narrow roadway.

The criminals then went over to the injured men as they lay suffering from gunshot wounds, and fired several additional shots. The men then took off with the payroll. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Fay moves away from Bermuda, as Gonzalo threatens Leewards

T

ropical Storm Fay moved away from Bermuda into the open Atlantic on Sunday after lashing the island with heavy rain and gusting winds, knocking out power for thousands of residents.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Gonzalo formed East of the Leeward Islands on Sunday afternoon.

Storm watches and warnings were discontinued for Bermuda as Fay moved on after downing trees and utility poles with maximum sustained winds near 70mph.

New warnings and watches were, however, issued for the eastern Caribbean as Tropical Storm Gonzalo threatened the Region on Sunday.

According to the National Hurricane Centre in Miami, at 1:30 EDT on Sunday, the centre of Gonzalo was located about 200 miles East of Guadeloupe and about 230 miles East-southeast of Antigua, moving toward the West near 10mph.

This general motion is expected to continue through Tuesday, followed by a turn toward the West-northwest on Tuesday night. On the forecast track, Gonzalo is

Tropical Storm Fay downed trees and traffic lights in Bermuda

expected to move through the Leeward Islands by early Monday morning.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40mph, with higher gusts. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Guadeloupe, Desirade, Les Saintes, Marie Galante, St Martin, St Barthelemy, St Marten, Saba, St Eustatius, Barbuda, Antigua, Anguilla, St Kitts, Nevis, and Montserrat. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin

Islands.

Tropical storm conditions are expected to first reach the warning area by Monday morning, making outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area by Monday night and Tuesday morning.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo is expected to produce total rainfall accumulations of four to eight inches across the Leeward Islands, British and US Virgin Islands and eastern Puerto Rico, with isolated maximum totals of 12 inches possible. (Excerpt from

Caribbean News Now)

European Commission signs development programme for Belize

E Bolivia’s President Evo Morales speaks during a news conference at the presidential palace in La Paz, October 13

from Wall Street for running fiscal surpluses and delivering economic growth averaging more than five per cent a year. Morales attributed his election victory to “management and work” and said he would stick to the same policies.

“We will continue with the experience that we have had with the business sector,” he told journalists at the Government palace in La Paz on Monday. “Private property will be respected, the constitution says so.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

u r o p e a n Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, signed the national indicative programmes (NIP) for development cooperation with Belize, Lesotho, Togo and Zambia in the 2014-2020 period, which amount to €869 million. The signing ceremony with representatives of those countries took place in the margins of the annual meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, DC. Piebalgs said: “The pro-

grammes that we will sign are the fruit of close cooperation with the four partner countries and reflect their own policies, strategies, and needs as they have defined them. I am particularly pleased to see that energy and governance are key priorities for these countries, as clear drivers for sustainable development and growth.

“Our support will target EU resources where they are most needed and most effective and once we have signed, preparations of concrete projects and pro-

grammes for the next seven years can start.”

The national indicative programmes represent an important step in the programming of EU aid. EU member states agreed in 2013 the overall amount for development cooperation that will be channelled to 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries through the 11th European Development Fund EDF during the financing period 2014-2020 (total amount €30.5 billion).

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

tuesDAY, october 14, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

Strike over Ebola pay Canadian-made Ebola vaccine begins hits Liberia hospitals human trials in US H A

ospitals and health care facilities have been affected in Liberia as some nurses and medical professionals staged a walkout demanding better pay and safer working conditions in the fight against the deadly Ebola virus.

Sources told Al Jazeera that several hospitals and clinics were hit by the strike on Monday as health workers abandoned hundreds of patients, demanding higher hazard pay and protective equipment.

Health Minister Walter Gwenigale, confirmed that staff had gone on strike in some parts of the country, but tried to reassure workers that hazard allowances

About 200 health workers have caught Ebola in Liberia, 95 of whom have died

would be paid in full.

"That money is available and is being paid. So please, please stay with your patients," he said.

A local journalist told Al Jazeera, that many facilities were "virtually abandoned", with "nurses afraid of touching patients".

"They refuse to take blood samples from patients or even take their temperature because these require them to touch patients," Terence Sesay said.

Staff at Monrovia's Island Clinic, the largest government-run Ebola clinic in the capital, had already been on a "go slow" in recent days in their battle for extra pay.

Dozens of patients in the clinic have died from Ebola since the go-slow began on Friday, staff representative Alphonso Wesseh said.

"We have slowed down our activities because the government refuses to satisfy our request. Last night tens of patients died," he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

n experimental Canadian-made Ebola vaccine that has shown promise in tests on primates is beginning clinical trials on humans in the US. The vaccine will be tested on healthy individuals Monday to see how well it works, whether there are side effects and what the proper dosage is, Health Minister Rona Ambrose said.

“The Canadian vaccine provides great hope and promise because it has shown to be 100 per cent effective in preventing the spread of the Ebola virus when tested on animals,” she said.

Studies in primates have

shown this vaccine works both to prevent infection when given before exposure, and to increase survival chances when given quickly after exposure.

A small US company called NewLink Genetics holds the license for the vaccine and the trials are set to begin in a lab in Maryland.

Ambrose said the results are expected in December.

NewLink said earlier this month that at least five clinical trials involving the vaccine, known as VSV-EBOV, would soon be underway in the United States, Germany, Switzerland and in an unnamed African country that is not battling Ebola. (Excerpt from

The Guardian)

Shia militias 'killing In Middle East, Ban urges Gaza rebuilding amid efforts to resolve ‘root causes’ of conflict Iraqi Sunnis in reprisal attacks' T

S

hia militias in Iraq have kidnapped and killed scores of Sunni civilians in recent months, a report by campaign group Amnesty International has said. The killings were in apparent revenge for attacks by Islamic State (IS).

Amnesty said the militias had been supported and armed by the Iraqi Government and operated with impunity. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who took office last month, has admitted to previous "excesses" by security forces and vowed to govern for all Iraqis.

He has not yet commented directly on allegations contained in the Amnesty report but has previously said Iraq faces an "existential" battle against militants

from Islamic State, also known as Isis or Isil. Abadi has also acknowledged, in what is believed to be a reference to Sunnis, that his government must address the "legitimate grievances" of the Iraqi people.

The accusations against Shia militias in Iraq come two days after IS confirmed, in the latest issue of its propaganda magazine Dabiq, that it had captured and enslaved women and children from the Yazidi minority.

It said the women and children were seized around the town of Sinjar in northern Iraq and "were then divided according to the Sharia amongst the fighters of the Islamic State who participated in the... operations". (Excerpt from BBC News)

he rebuilding of Gaza remains an important undertaking, but tackling the root causes of instability in the territory is equally critical, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon affirmed on Monday as he began a visit to the long-troubled region, urging both Israeli and Palestinian stakeholders to come to an agreement and “avoid yet another tragic conflict in the future.”

During a visit to the cities of Ramallah and Jerusalem, where he met in the morning with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and, in the afternoon, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Secretary General called on all parties to stop the “endless, needless, mindless cycle of suffering” that has continued to inflame tensions throughout the region and spawned decades of instability.

“Ultimately, the situation can only be resolved

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon meets with Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah of the State of Palestine (left) and with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right)

as part of a broader political horizon that ends the nearly half century of occupation and leads towards a two-state solution where the State of Palestine coexists with Israel in peace and security,” Ban said

during his press conference in Ramallah with Prime Minister Hamdallah.

“Time is not on the side of peace,” he continued, warning that the world needs to act immediately to prevent the deepening of

“an already unsustainable status quo.”

“The United Nations, all systems, will continue to fully support all efforts to achieve a negotiated twostate solution,” added Ban.

Britain summons Thai envoy over backpacker murders Bishops push Vatican to embrace homosexuals

B

ritain has summoned the Thai Charge d'Affaires in London to raise concerns over the Police investigation into the murder of two British backpackers in Thailand, the Foreign Office said on Monday.

Hannah Witheridge and David Miller were found dead on a beach on the island of Koh Tao in September.

Miller, 24, had died from drowning and a blow to the head while Witheridge, 23, died from head wounds.

Police in Thailand have defended the arrest of two Myanmar men over the

murders amid concern the pair may have confessed under duress. Thai Police say they have concrete evidence linking the men to the killings.

A British Foreign Office statement on Monday said that Minister Hugo Swire had summoned the Thai diplomat Nadhavathna Krishnamra to express his concerns about how the investigation has been handled by the Thai authorities.

"He said that it was crucial for the investigation to be conducted in a fair and transparent way," it said.

(Reuters)

I

n a dramatic shift in tone, a Vatican document said that homosexuals had "gifts and qualities to offer" and asked if Catholicism could accept gays and recognise positive aspects of same-sex couples.

Roman Catholic gay rights groups around the world hailed Monday's paper as a breakthrough, but Church conservatives called it a betrayal of traditional family values.

The document, prepared after a week of discussions at an assembly of 200 bishops on the family, said the Church should challenge itself to find "a fra-

Monday's document was prepared after a week of discussions at an assembly of 200 bishops on the family

ternal space" for homosexuals without compromising Catholic doctrine on family and matrimony.

While the text did not

signal any change in the Church's condemnation of homosexual acts or gay marriage, it used less judgemental and more compas-

(Excerpt from UN News Centre)

sionate language than that seen in Vatican statements prior to the 2013 election of Pope Francis.

The document was read at a closed-door gathering in the presence of Pope Francis.

"Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer the Christian community: are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a further space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home," said the document, known by its Latin name "relatio". (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

16 NEWS

tuesDAY, october 14, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Edghill continues tour of Duo accused of stealing Region 10 communities cows on $125,000 bail ... hears issues affecting Rockstone residents A

Some of the residents who turned out at the community meeting to interact with Minister in the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill and Health Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Joseph Hamilton

R

esidents of Rockstone, Region 10, came out in their numbers on Wednesday to interact with Minister within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill and Health Ministry Parliamentary Secretary Joseph Hamilton at a community meeting, signalling their eagerness to cooperate with the administration on critical issues.

Over the past few weeks, the Minister has been holding meetings in the various communities in Region 10, and residents have been turning out in their numbers at each meeting, indicating their willingness to work with Government to deal with issues that affect them. Thus far, 23 meetings have been held in communities in central Linden and in the Linden Mines.

During the meeting at Rockstone, a small fishing community 18 miles from Linden, where annually thousands of people converge for the exciting Rockstone Fish Festival, residents were given the opportunity to raise issues that are affecting them.

Some residents even made suggestions how these issues can be resolved with Government’s intervention.

However, prior to that, Minister Edghill sought to highlight some of Government’s programmes that have been crafted

with every citizen in mind.

The Minister spoke of the Government’s allocation for several roads in interior locations. According to Minister Edghill, rehabilitation works have been carried out on the road leading to the Rockstone community, hence reducing travelling time.

He mentioned the $10,000 per school child education grant which will benefit each family with children in public schools, irrespective of their geographical location or their political affiliation. This initiative was launched on October 11.

Other projects

He also spoke of other developmental projects, and called on the residents to play their role in maintaining the projects which will have long standing benefits for citizens and their communities. The Rockstone community has also been a beneficiary of the Low Carbon Development Strategy’s Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund.

Further, Minister Edghill called on the residents to continue to work together in the best interest of their livelihood, their community and most importantly, the country at large.

The residents called on the Minister for interventions to create more op-

portunities for youths in Rockstone and to address other issues. Specifically, residents pointed out that youths in the community need more recreational facilities. To this, the Minister reminded the residents of the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry’s $1 million community ground projects.

While informing the residents that he will make representation to the relevant authorities, he reassured them that the issues raised will be dealt with.

Government has made a lot of interventions to improve the lives of Rockstone residents.

In November 2013, the community received a minibus valued $3 million from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, which will ensure the community’s health services are improved and children are transported to and from school. In 2007, a presidential grant was allocated for the construction of a guest house; in 2008, support was provided for agricultural tools; in 2009, a fuel dump was constructed; in 2010/2011, a boat and engine were provided; and in 2013, financial support was granted to support the community’s tourism drive.

Those initiatives were complemented by infrastructural works that were done in the areas of health and education.

duo on Monday appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on two counts of praedial larceny.

Shawn Garwin and Deon Garwin are accused of stealing two cows valued $500,000 belonging to Ramnauth Ramkellwan and stealing one cow valued $100,000 which belongs to Collin George.

Both of the acts were committed on October 9 at Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and the men pleaded not guilty to the charges.

They were represented

by Attorney Paul Fung-AFat who told the court his

clients’ particulars. Shawn who is 22 years old and Deon who is 29 years old reside at Lot 540 East La Penitence, Georgetown and have no pending matters in any court. Fung-A-Fat then requested reasonable bail for his clients.

According to the facts of the matter for the first charge, on the day in question, Ramnauth took his cows to graze at a lot in Sophia (which has no connection to the defendants).

Half an hour later when he returned to gather his cows, he noticed two were missing.

A report was made to the Police. Acting upon information received, the Police went to the house of the defendants where they found

one cow dead and the other alive. The duo were told of the offence, arrested, and charged.

Defence counsel FungA-Fat said in relation to the dead cow that the cow gave birth and died.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant objected to bail on the grounds of the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence.

He also noted that all of the animals were recovered, but one had died.

The prosecution’s objections were overruled, and bail was granted to the defendants in the sum of $125,000. The matter was transferred to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

World finance chiefs outline steps to spur growth, boost jobs

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gainst the backdrop of a fragile and uneven global recovery, the International Monetary Fund’s policy steering body met Saturday to discuss ways to boost growth and to foster a sustainable, balanced, and job-rich global economy.

Bold action is needed, especially on structural reforms, said Singapore’s Finance Minister and International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) Chair Tharman Shanmugaratnam, referring to changes to the fabric of an economy that can help to jump start growth. “We all recognise that structural reforms have been too slow and we’ve got to pick up the pace,” he stated, speaking during a press conference on the heels of the IMFC meeting.

“Our single biggest focus is to be on the reforms that enable us to lift potential growth and build a better tomorrow,” Tharman said. “If we don’t focus with urgency on that, we won’t solve even today’s problems. We’ve got

the long haul. “Structural reforms and infrastructure investment can address both the demand, shortterm side, and the supply, medium-term issues,” said Lagarde.

More growth, more jobs

Lagarde said that she was encouraged by the IMFC’s support and endorsement of the IMF’s work agenda. Going forward, the Fund will focus its efforts on three areas to help the global community achieve stronger growth, specifically: First, growth and jobs remain a priority. More infrastructure investment, appropriately designed and implemented, can also help increase growth and jobs; secondly, spillovers and spillbacks. The membership acknowledged that the Fund is uniquely placed to analyse risks and policy spillovers in a multilaterally consistent manner.

• Finally, the IMF must push on to complete financial sector reform. There was strong support for

debt restructuring issues.

Lagarde added that the IMF will be promoting the use of strengthened collective action clauses, which are already being used by some sovereign bond issuers.

Ebola crisis

Lagarde stressed the urgent situation in the countries affected by the Ebola crisis. The Fund moved quickly to provide a total of US$130 million in additional financing to Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone to help them deal with the immediate economic consequences of the Ebola outbreak. “The purpose is to eradicate Ebola, but not isolate the countries themselves,” said Lagarde, noting that all three countries are under IMF financial support programmes.

Lagarde also said that she was pleased with the IMFC’s support for the extension of the zero interest rate charged on loans to lowincome countries and said she would put a proposal recommending extension for-

Mechanic remanded on illegal firearm, ammo charge

T

hirty-year-old mechanic Leon Ramroop was remanded to prison on Monday for a charge of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on October 10 at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, he had his possession one 9 mm pistol with four matching live rounds without being the holder of a firearm

licence.

Ramroop, of Lot 1268 BV Eccles New Housing Scheme, was represented by Attorney-at-Law Paul FungA-Fat who requested bail after telling the court that his client resides in the United States.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant informed the court that the Police matched the defendant’s fingerprints at a break and en-

ter scene and more charges against Ramroop are likely.

However, Attorney FungA-Fat noted that the ammunition was found in the room in the house of Ramroop’s sister where a visitor who is a licensed firearm holder (name not given) stayed.

Bail was refused and the matter was transferred to Magistrate Ann McLennan’s court where the next court date of October 31 was set.

IMFC’s Tharman Shanmugaratnam with IMF’s head Christine Lagarde: IMFC called on members to implement bold and ambitious measures to boost growth (IMF photo)

to bring the long term into the short term, and that has to be our whole way of thinking about how we complete this recovery process.”

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde emphasised the need for swift action on reforms, adding that reforms can spur growth in both the short term and over

the Fund’s work with the Financial Stability Board on global regulatory reforms, including on the risks arising from shadow banking, and on making banks better fit to support the recovery.

In its communiqué, the IMFC also endorsed the IMF’s work on international taxation and on sovereign

ward to the IMF’s Executive Board in the very near future. Lagarde said that approval and implementation of the 2010 quota reforms was urgently needed. She said she hoped that the US authorities would ratify the agreed governance reforms and the doubling of quotas by the end of the year.

NEWS

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Tall order for Guyana to attain CDC guidelines The position of Speaker has been compromised on Ebola prevention

An Isolation Unit is to be set up at the Cheddi Jagan Airport to screen suspected Ebola infected persons

A

mid the announcement that the Guyana Government will soon set up an Isolation Unit at the Cheddi Jagan Airport to screen suspected Ebola infected persons, citizens are concerned whether this unit will match the very stringent benchmarks prescribed by the Center of Disease Control.

At the moment Guyana does not have an isolation room, but rather a place where persons who are suspected to have been exposed

According to the CDC, if reusable heavy-duty gloves are used for cleaning and disinfecting, they should be disinfected and kept in the room or anteroom. “Be sure staffers are instructed in the proper use of personal protective equipment including safe removal to prevent contaminating themselves or others in the process, and that contaminated equipment is disposed of appropriately,” the CDC said on its website. As part of the training here health work-

The new Isolation Unit of the GPHC

to the virus are quarantined. In recent days however, the Ministry of Health has taken steps to bolsters its response with the training of 1600 health personnel commenced on Monday and a boost of staff at the country’s main ports of entry.

According to the CDC, as part of the care of patients who are persons under investigation, or with probable or confirmed Ebola virus infections, hospitals are recommended to: be sure environmental services staff wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) including, at a minimum, disposable gloves, gown (fluid resistant/ impermeable), eye protection (goggles or face shield), and facemask to protect against direct skin and mucous membrane exposure of cleaning chemicals, contamination, and splashes or spatters during environmental cleaning and disinfection activities.

Additional barriers (e.g., leg covers, shoe covers) should be used as needed.

ers are being briefed on how to don protective gear.

Besides, the CDC urged countries to use a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered hospital disinfectant with a label claim for a non-enveloped virus (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, poliovirus) to disinfect environmental surfaces in rooms of patients with suspected or confirmed Ebola virus infection. The center said although there are no products with specific label claims against the Ebola virus, enveloped viruses such as Ebola are susceptible to a broad range of hospital disinfectants used to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces. In contrast, non-enveloped viruses are more resistant to disinfectants. As a precaution, selection of a disinfectant product with a higher potency than what is normally required for an enveloped virus is being recommended at this time.

EPA-registered hospital disinfectants with label claims

against non-enveloped viruses (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus, poliovirus) are broadly antiviral and capable of inactivating both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.

Regarding the isolation unit, CDC has advised that health care workers should avoid entry of visitors into the patient's room.

Exceptions may be considered on a case by case basis for those who are essential for the patient's wellbeing. The center said there should be established procedures for monitoring managing and training visitors.

Visits should be scheduled and controlled to allow for: screening for EVD (e.g., fever and other symptoms) before entering or upon arrival to the hospital.

Besides, the CDC said the unit should maintain a log of all persons entering the patient's room; consider posting personnel at the patient’s door to ensure appropriate and consistent use of protective gear by all persons entering the patient’s room.

Dear Editor, According to a media report, a poll was done which found that Raphael Trotman should remain in the Speaker position despite the sex allegations. No one seems to have heard of such a poll being conducted, so questions abound.

How was this poll conducted? When (during what timeframe) was this poll done? Where (place or places) was this poll conducted?

Across which/what diaspora (especially political affiliation) of the Guyanese community was the poll conducted? Which poll results were rejected? What means/ method(s) used to conduct this poll?

How can the news report refer to 1,300 persons of the approximate 800,000 people in the Guyanese community as ‘many’? Was access to the poll granted to the approximate 800,000 people of Guyana? Were any children (potential victims) polled and if so how many?

Were victims of paedophilia polled?

If these criteria are not met, I can therefore conclude that the report has no merit and it seems that this report of a poll is a farce, with intent on swaying the public’s support in favour of Trotman against Johnny Welshman’s need to make known his allegations and be heard.

The article reveals the prejudiced stance that the media house has taken in showing it is politically affiliated in its sup-

port of Trotman and the Opposition’s self-interests, and has no interest in justice being done in the Courts of Law. The entity has therefore shown with this concocted poll that it is not neutral, or at least biased towards defending and protecting a child or any child of Guyana, especially from pedophilia.

Even the NGOs have shown they will not protest on behalf of Welshman against Trotman, showing they support Opposition self-interests and only rally on the call from the opposition to do protests. These NGOs have therefore shown that they are by extension, arms of the opposition.

After Welshman made his allegations public, he has been gagged with an injunction, sued for GUY$50 million, approached with settlement money, approached with ‘hush-money’, and threatened, all by various persons who have their motives influenced by expectations, pay-offs and rewards.

While according to Welshman, even the lives of lawyers were threatened so as to prevent him (Welshman) from getting legal representation. These persons may be agents of Trotman and his lawyer Nigel Hughes, and/or the Opposition, but won’t Trotman be indebted to them for their efforts?

Aren’t many of these efforts such as threatening the lives of lawyers also criminal actions?

Due to the protection coming from his colleagues in the opposition and/or their agents, Trotman will be indebted and in return he will be required to grant favours to those colleagues and/or their agents of the opposition through his position of Speaker of the National Assembly.

After the injunction, Welshman could not use the media to voice his allegations, while Trotman was making full use of the media to sway public confidence in his (Trotman) alleged innocence.

After gagging Welshman, Trotman said he never represented anyone who was charged with a heinous crime but yet he took as his lawyer his very own colleague Hughes who has a reputation of representing people charged with heinous crimes.

All the above shows that the seat of the Speaker is compromised in unethical fashion as all those who seek to exploit the position of the Speaker, have rushed to and will rush to the aid of Trotman who in return will owe rewards of his Office to ‘all-and-sundry’.

It is time the Guyanese Diaspora ask whether they’re supporting the selfinterests of the Trotman, Hughes and the Opposition, or whether they are serving and supporting the interests of the Guyanese people including the children.

Regards, Balram Singh

Driver in Corentyne sisters’ fatal accident placed on $1.5M bail

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ighteen-year-old Nakesh Persaud, the driver involved in the drunken road rage accident that claimed the lives of the Bagot sisters and their cousin on June 11 of this year, was on Monday placed on $1.5 million bail when he made a court appearance at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

Persaud, of 121 Number 51 Village, was represented by Attorney Rodwell Jagmohan. In his application for bail, Jagmohan stressed that the offence is a bailable one and that his client has been on remand for several months. Police Prosecutor Phillip Sheriff did not object to bail; as such, bail was granted by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh in the sum of $1,500,000; however, up to

Nakesh Persaud

press time, the defendant’s family had not post bail and he remained in custody.

On Wednesday, June 11, at approximately 18:30h, Persaud being the driver of motor car PPP 5482, while

reportedly under the influence of alcohol hit five people in three separate accidents, killing the three girls on the spot. It all started when he hit a man at Kilmarnock Village and sped away. In the process of driving away from the scene, he slammed into the girls a few hundred metres away in the nearby village of Philippi, tossing them several yards into the air.

Even then, the driver did not stop, instead he accelerated, but was chased by public-spirited citizens. In his escape bid, around four villages away at Number 35 Village he hit Matthew Mc Bean, who was riding a bicycle at the time, before losing control and plunging into a nearby trench.

He was intercepted and taken into Police Custody.

Persaud made several court appearances and was remanded on 13 charges: three counts of causing death by dangerous driving, four counts of failing to stop at the scene of an accident, five counts of failing to render assistance, and driving under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded not guilty to the three counts of failure to render assistance, three counts of failure to stop at the scene of an accident and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The teen was driving with above the legal limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol in his breath; and the breathalyser read 68 micrograms on the night of the accident.

Persaud will make his next court appearance on October 20 for the continuation of his trial.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TuesDAY, OCTOber 14, 2014

archie

ARIES

Take note that someone

(March 21is trying to downplay your April 19)

abilities. Make a point to ensure that you receive credit for your tasks, and speak up if you are being treated unfairly.

This is not the right time TAURUS to lend or borrow. Your mon(April 20etary situation is fluctuating, May 20) so keep an accurate record and track your expenses very carefully.

dilbert

Clear up any uncertainGEMINI (May 21- ties you are having with June 20) someone you deal with daily.

Doubts and reservations are best handled honestly if you want to have a healthy relationship.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

You are currently in a transitional phase. Welcome changes and adjustments that will improve your lifestyle and professional status.

Being receptive to change will be the key to your success.

You are in the mood for LEO lighthearted entertainment.

(July 23Get in touch with distant Aug. 22) friends and make plans for a reunion. Time away from your busy schedule will give you a break.

Calvin and Hobbes

Workplace woes are likely VIRGO (Aug. 23- if you become overly involved Sept. 22) in the personal matters of your colleagues. Keep your private affairs a secret and employ discretion on the job.

Use your genial personLIBRA (Sept. 23- ality to get others to assist Oct. 23) you. Attend an event that will help you increase your business connections. The new contacts you make will lead to better offers.

SUDOKU

Don’t forget those less forSCORPIO tunate.

Sharing and caring (Oct. 24will improve your relationNov. 22) ships with the important people in your life, and the rewards will be satisfying.

SAGITTARIUS It’s time to re-evaluate a (Nov. 23- romantic relationship. If your Dec. 21) current situation is deteriorating, step back and determine what needs to be done.

Personal change will pay off.

Saturday's solution

Now is the perfect time to CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- consider a job change. Your Jan. 19) friends are likely to recommend a position that suits you to a T. Put yourself on the line and see what happens.

AQUARIUS

You will have good times (Jan. 20- if you get together with the Feb. 19) younger people in your life.

Don’t just sit on the sidelines; join in and have some fun.

PISCES Your financial position is (Feb. 20- moving in a positive direction.

March 20) Keep certain details a secret.

Revealing too much personal information will lead to complicated situations that leave you feeling guilty.

tuesday, october 14, 2014

19

Police tipped to successfully defend ISAC title in hostile territory

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he Guyana Police Force (GDF) will be aiming to defend their Inter Services Athletics Championship (ISAC) title in hostile territory beginning today from 10:00 at the Guyana Defence Force Sports Club ground, Base Camp Ayanganna.

The event which is more commonly known as Joint Service Sports will determine the best sports men and women of the armed forces.

However, with the Police Force winning the last two installments of the event, they have to be deemed the favourites to retain in spite of being on enemy territory.

Added to the fact that the Police men and women have won the last two championships, the GPF completely dominated the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic defeating the GDF by at least 200 points.

While some of the athletes competing for both factions might not be in the armed forces most of them were which provided a clear indication of how strong the GPF are.

Further, since GDF’s last championship win in 2011 which was by one point, the army men and women have lost considerable talent in the likes of Rupert Perry

The Guyana Police Force celebrates last year’s win

and Quincy Clarke, while some of their current crop of athletes have not lived up to the hype they once generated.

However, the Police Force will not only have an influx of athletes coming into the organisation such as Tiffany and Grivon Grant but will also have their reliable athletes in the likes of

Dennis Horatio, Nathaniel Giddings, Leota Bobb and Shawn Semple just to name a few.

The Police Force will be led by the dynamic and impactful sprinter and Olympian Winston George.

Looking at the Army, they will need Patrick King to come into 2011 form and Akeem Stewart to regain his

2012 form. Letitia Myles will have to do the heavy lifting in the female sprint department while National Javelin record holder Leslain Baird in always a welcomed treat to watch in the Javelin throw.

The Army will also have their trump card in the form of Guyana’s “Little Kenyan” Cleveland Forde who is a

lock to perform well as he usually does.

Police will also have the reinforcements of their field events with the likes of Julio Sinclair, Ronald Payne and Cordell English who usually dominate in the throws with the exception of the Javelin where GDF’s Baird rules.

If GDF is to win, they will need a number of athletes to

step to the plate and perform such as Davin Fraser, Neisa Allen, Carlissa Atkinson to name a few.

However, while the army might have home field advantage with some good talent on the team, their pool of athletes will not be deep enough to outlast the Guyana Police Force and the powerhouse squad.

Sterling: Hodgson questions Rodgers' claims

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ngland boss Roy Hodgson has questioned Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers’s claim that some players need a two-day recovery period after matches.

Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling complained of tiredness before England’s 1-0 away win in Estonia.

“Raheem might say it is something that is becoming ingrained in him and that he felt the need to talk about being tired more than normal,” said Hodgson.

“I don’t think there’s medical evidence to support the ‘two-day recovery’.”

Relations between England and Liverpool were already strained af-

ter Daniel Sturridge was injured on international duty in early September, with the striker not playing for club or country since.

Rodgers was angry when Sturridge suffered a thigh injury in training after England’s 1-0 victory over Norway on September 3, with the Reds boss insisting that players with pace need time to recover.

“I think clubs work differently at times to international teams,” said Rodgers.

“It’s more the recovery strategy. When we look at our players here we look at them individually in terms of what their needs are.

“Fast players would have a second day recovery while other players can work on

Raheem Sterling

that day.”

Sterling played 45 min-

utes of the 5-0 win against San Marino and came on

as 64th-minute substitute in Tallinn on Sunday, with Hodgson planning to speak to Rodgers after the 19-year-old’s exclusion from the starting line-up against Estonia.

“I should speak to Brendan and I’m sure he understands the situation,” said former Liverpool boss Hodgson. “I made the decision to play Adam Lallana, but he [Sterling] recovered well enough for the game and is 100 per cent fit.

“Brendan has been talking about the pressures Raheem has been under and the fatigue that has been setting in so I’m sure he will be dealing with Raheem over the next month as he sees fit.”

Sterling was able to play for 26 minutes as a substitute against Estonia, winning the free-kick from which Wayne Rooney scored the goal that gave England their third win from three Euro 2016 qualifiers.

He has received heavy criticism on social media, although former England captain Gary Lineker came to the youngster’s defence when he tweeted: “Raheem Sterling is a teenager.

Teenagers get tired and even moody. He’s young, still developing. We should cut him some slack.”

Sterling himself took to Twitter and said as part of a tweet: “Excuse me for being human…” (BBC Sport)

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tuesday, october 14, 2014

De Villiers calls for better fielding A

B de Villiers stopped just short of labelling his ODI side favourites ahead of their tour to New Zealand and Australia, but underlined that position when he emphasised the area the team needed to concentrate most on over the next six weeks.

While other teams are still working on combinations and game plans ahead of the World Cup, de Villiers stressed the importance of "out-of-this-world fielding," as South Africa put the finishing touches on their World Cup preparation.

"The most important thing is to get a bit of confidence over there against two teams I see as a threat in the World Cup. Mentally and physically, it will be a really good way for us to get on top of them before the World Cup starts," de Villiers said, turning specifically to what is considered the big clash against Australia. "We can definitely win the series. We have got a bit of an edge over them."

South Africa beat Australia in the final of a triangular tournament in Zimbabwe last month,

AB de Villiers: "I don't believe we are in the top two fielding teams in the world and you need that at a World Cup" © Gallo Images

which was seen as a major stride towards World Cup success. "We played better cricket in Zimbabwe and that's why we beat them.

We know there's no need to stand back for them," de Villiers said.

But it was also in Zimbabwe that de Villiers saw an area which needs improvement and, surprisingly, that is in the field.

"We had a few meetings in Zimbabwe about fielding and we talked about it at length. It's not about the

basics – it's about turning games around and doing special stuff that I see other teams do," de Villiers said.

"I don't believe we are in the top two fielding teams in the world and you need that at a World Cup." That South Africa are already thinking about one of the more intricate aspects of performance, such as fielding, is an indicator they are comfortable with their ability to beat most opposition in the 50-over format. They will use the

eight matches over the next few weeks to confirm they can do it in the same conditions the World Cup will be played in. and to ensure that anyone who is unfamiliar with Australasian will have some adjustment time.

Some of the players who have not significant game time in Australia, but are expected to have a role to play at the World Cup include Ryan McLaren, David Miller and Wayne Parnell.

Neither McLaren nor Miller

have ever played an ODI in either Australia or New Zealand, and they are expected to have recovered from arm and groin injuries to change that record on this trip.

Parnell is nursing a shoulder niggle and will be assessed over the New Zealand leg of the trip to determine his availability, but management is hopeful he will play some part in the series.

As far as the opposition go, de Villiers believes his men know what to expect and wants to see them react to it in the best way possible, given their impressive records in those countries.

In New Zealand, South Africa have won seven out of 18 matches played there in the past, and lost nine, but took the series on their most recent outing there in 2012. "I don't think New Zealand are a bits-andpieces team anymore. They are too competitive and too good a team to be labelled as that. We know the kind of threats they bring to the party."

In Australia, South Africa hold a better record, having won 16 and lost 14 of the 31 matches they've

played. Still, they expect that challenge to be fierce, fuelled by the recent history between the two teams, and keeping the animated supporters in mind.

"They [Australia] are very hungry, especially against us after we beat them in Zimbabwe. They will want to give us a bit of a pay back," de Villiers said.

"That will be a great challenge and so will the home crowds. We are a bit inexperienced when it comes to big crowds. They get quite involved so it will be good to be tested against that."

While all that goes on, South Africa's franchise cricketers will be trying to shift attention their way in the domestic One-Day competition, and de Villiers assured that stand-out performances will not be ignored.

"We're still not 100 per cent sure of who is going to that World Cup. There is time left for one or two guys to put their hands up," he said.

"I can't see five to seven changes to the current squad, but there is certainly a spot or two up for grabs.

There is always an opportunity to put your hand up and show what you are made of." (Cricinfo)

"I'm not Misbah, Misbah Holder McDowell faces Europeans in is not me" – Afridi World Match Play S

hahid Afridi, Pakistan's T20 captain, has said that his style of leadership was extremely different from Misbah-ul-Haq. Afridi was speaking to ESPNcricinfo before the limited-overs series against Australia, during which he stood in for Misbah in the third ODI, a match Pakistan lost by one run.

"I know being aggressive sometimes costs you game but captain is the one who sets an example," Afridi said. "But I strongly believe result and performance is something that comes later as the first thing is the effort and fight.

"Your body language on the field is the reflection of your intentions and people will look beyond the result or performance when they see your efforts," he said.

"No one can predict that a player will take five wickets or score a 50. So what we can ensure is the fight regardless of the result at the end of the day."

Afridi had led Pakistan between August 2009 and the World Cup in 2011 before regaining the T20 captaincy ahead of the current series. With Misbah saying that it's not given that he would lead the side in the World Cup, some uncertainty has cropped up around the position. Afridi's

Shahid Afridi (left) and Misbah-ul-Haq

aggressive style of leadership offers a contrasting option to Misbah's methods.

However, Afridi added that he did not expect everyone to follow his approach and an individual should stick to the style suited to him.

"Every captain has his own approach and I can't be Misbah and Misbah can't be Afridi," he said.

"If he is comfortable with his approach, then what is the problem? But players around him should not become Misbah. Each player has his own strengths and he should carry out what he is capable of rather than suppressing himself."

"If he [Misbah] is winning matches with his approach, then what is the problem? I am different and

have an aggressive nature.

I love to play aggressive cricket because people in my country are aggressive, my players are aggressive and I want them to play aggressive cricket. I love watching them playing aggressive in the field. I know when they play aggressive cricket, they are expressing themselves."

Afridi also said he had learnt his lessons from the previous term and he was an improved man since then. "Earlier, the time and the atmosphere was different after the spot-fixing," he said. "It was tough to gel the dressing room, but I treated every player accordingly; younger were given affection and some needed to be given fear of the stick.

You know our nation runs on the strength of a stick."

"But captaincy in Pakistan is a challenge. I was aggressive even off the field. It haunted my earlier stint. I have learnt the lesson though; things should be operated amicably. But my mindset in the field is the same, as a leader is the one who should decide the playing XI; he is the one who has to get his boys to fight on the ground. He knows what he wants and he is the one who has to face everything after the match.

Whoever is the captain, he should be given ample authority to pick his best players."

Afridi's batting has been a talking point since his debut. He has won a number of matches with the bat, but his average in the ODIs is 23.22 and 18.88 in T20s.

Afridi, though, insisted that over the last few years, he considers himself a bowler first.

"I have always insisted over the last three years that bowling is my strength and batting comes second, and it's a plus if it works," he said. "What can you expect when a batsman comes in at No 7? But yes, I know my batting is also important, because it plays a vital part in crucial stages and people expect my bat to fire." (Cricinfo)

European Ryder Cup player Graeme McDowell hits out of a bunker on the third hole during the 40th Ryder Cup singles matches at Gleneagles in Scotland, September 28

G

raeme McDowell will have to overcome European opposition as he seeks to retain his title in the Volvo World Match Play Championship, which begins at the London Golf Club on Wednesday.

Northern Ireland’s McDowell, seeded to play the tournament’s top-ranked player Henrik Stenson in the final on Sunday, has been drawn with Dutchman Joost Luiten, Finland’s Mikko Illonen and France’s Alexander Levy in the group stage of the prestigious event, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The field features five of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team as well as Patrick Reed, who made such a striking debut for the American team at Gleneagles.

Reed will play one of Europe’s Gleneagles heroes,

Welshman Jamie Donaldson, as well as Sweden’s Jonas Blixt and England’s Paul Casey in his group.

Ryder Cup teammates Victor Dubuisson and Stephen Gallacher feature in an all-European group with Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal and Irishman Shane Lowry.

Swede Stenson, the world number five, is grouped with Thongchai Jaidee, the Thai who was beaten by McDowell in last year’s final; Italy’s Francesco Molinari; and South African George Coetzee, a late replacement for the injured Thomas Bjorn.

After the group matches featuring nine of the world’s top 50 players, played between Wednesday and Friday, the top two in each section will qualify for Saturday’s quarter-finals, with the semis and final to be played on Sunday. (Reuters)

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Chucking crackdown 20 years too late – Hair

tuesday, october 14, 2014

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Darrell Hair no-balled Muttiah Muralitharan for a suspect action during the Boxing Day Test in 1995 © Getty Images

F

ormer international umpire Darrell Hair has said the ICC's crackdown on bowlers with suspect actions has come 20 years too late, and that the weakness of umpires over time to do anything about the issue has helped created a "generation of chuckers." Hair was the first umpire to call former Sri Lankan offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan for chucking during a Boxing Day Test in Melbourne in 1995.

"Whatever they're doing now, they're doing 20 years too late," Hair told Sydney Morning Herald. "They had a chance in 1995 to clean things up and it's taken them 19 years to finally come back and say they want chuckers out of the game. I can't believe that Saeed Ajmal has been able to bowl as long as he has, and they say he is bending his arm by 45

degrees [the legal limit is 15 degrees] or something.

Well, every man and his dog would have known that.

"I suppose what it does show is the general weakness of the umpires over time to do anything about it."

After Hair called Murali for chucking in December 1995, the spinner had his action cleared the following summer, but was once again called by Australian umpire Ross Emerson during an ODI between England and Sri Lanka in Adelaide in 1999.

"All I was doing at any time was just doing my job and I think I did it to the best of my ability," Hair said. "The fact was that no other ICC umpires were willing to have a go. Ross Emerson was very adamant about his thoughts about chuckers but they soon put

him into the background.

"I suppose I was lucky I had a few games under my belt so they didn't want to target me, but they certainly got him out of the way fairly swiftly. It'll be interesting to see how many umpires are brave enough to get involved in it. I said it in the late '90s that if something wasn't done about it you'd have a generation of chuckers on your hands and now you have."

Since July 2014, ICC match officials reported Sri Lanka's Sachithra Senanayake, Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal, New Zealand's Kane Williamson, Zimbabwe's Prosper Utseya and Bangladesh's Sohag Gazi for suspect actions and all of them were banned from bowling in international cricket after undergoing tests. Sunil Narine, Mohammad Hafeez, Adnan Rasool, Suryakumar Yadav and Prenelan Subrayen were also reported for suspect actions in the Champions League T20. While all of these bowlers are finger spinners, Bangladesh's AlAmin Hossain was the only medium-pacer reported, during Bangladesh's tour of West Indies in September.

The drive against illegal actions intensified after an ICC Cricket Committee meeting in June. "The game had reached a tipping point on this issue, when many groups within the game felt that there were too many bowlers with suspect actions operating in international cricket," ICC general manager of cricket operations, Geoff Allardice, told Fairfax Media. "The most prominent of these groups was the ICC Cricket Committee at its meeting in June, when it observed the ICC's reporting and testing procedures were not adequately scrutinising these bowlers.

They weren't the only ones talking about this issue, as similar views had been expressed by teams, players, umpires, referees and administrators. (Cricinfo)

Injured Simmons out of India tour

B

atsman Lendl Simmons has been ruled out of the remainder of West Indies' tour of India due to a back injury. Simmons will return to Trinidad and Tobago to continue his rehabilitation, according to the West Indies Cricket Board.

The batsman was not picked in the playing XI for the first two ODIs and had only played a practice game against India A on the tour.

The WICB is expected to announce a replacement for Simmons in the coming days.

Simmons, who last played a Test for West Indies in 2011, has not been a part of the five-day squad for the last couple of years but has featured regularly in the limited-overs matches.

The five-match ODI series between India and West Indies was reduced to four

Lendl Simmons was not a part of West Indies' playing XI for the first two ODIs © AFP

matches following the cancellation of the third ODI in Visakhapatnam due to a cy-

clone. The teams are level at 1-1 after two games. (Cricinfo)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, october 14, 2014

Shariff Racing Stable denies Sarwan responds to use of electrical devices Cricket Guyana Inc – "Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about the sport, and how much I love it," says Shariff

Dennis DeRoop

By Rajiv Bisnauth

O

wner of the Shariff Racing Stables, Mohammed Shariff on Monday denied the allegations that an electrical device was used by jockey Razzaq (only name given) during the feature A and Lower race at Sunday’s People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) one-day horse race meet.

Razzaq created a major upset, when he piloted Princess She’s Not to a much deserved victory ahead of Guyana’s only A Class animal, Score’s Even.

However, immediately after the race it was brought to the official judges’ attention that Razzaq was allegedly riding with the device which he used to shock the

horse at different intervals of the race.

Upon learning of the allegation, owner of Score’s Even, Dennis DeRoop immediately lodge an official complaint to the official judges’, requesting an investigation.

To this end, Shariff told Guyana Times Sport that the allegation is extremely embarrassing and humiliating.

“Anyone who knows me knows how passionate I am about the sport, and how much I love it. So to accuse my Stable like that is shameful,” Shariff disclosed.

He added “He (DeRoop) is shame that a Three-year-

old horse beat Score’s Even so his allegation has no bearing. DeRoop should just accept that Princess She’s Not was a better horse on Sunday,” Shariff revealed.

Princess She’s Not won ahead of Score’s Even, Grande De Roja and California Strike.

The electrical device is commonly known as a buzzer, a battery or a machine. It is a device the size of a lighter that conducts electrical current and shocks a racehorse into running faster.

An official pronouncement on the investigation is expected to be made today.

Mohammed Shariff

Jockey Razzaq piloted Princess She’s Not to victory in the feature A Class race ahead of Score’s Even

Pakistan delay announcing Test squad

Wahab Riaz has been walking without pain, but doctors say his injured knee would not take the load of bowling © AFP

P

akistan have postponed naming their squad for the two Tests against Australia until they see how their A team fares in the practice game between October 15 and 18 in Sharjah.

Injuries to frontline players have left them short of options – Junaid Khan is ruled out, Wahab Riaz needs "two-three weeks" of rehabilitation for his knee injury, and Mohammad Hafeez has a split webbing – but the PCB said it would name a tentative 18man squad within a day.

"The delay was forced on us owing to injuries to a bunch of frontline play-

ers," Moin Khan, the Chief Selector, said on Monday, the day the squad was to be selected. "With a view to field the best possible team, the selectors would like to wait for an update on their fitness as well as on the form of the players featuring in the 'A' game against Australia."

Although Hafeez was not the part of the Test squad against Sri Lanka in August, the selectors might reconsider him in light of Pakistan's poor form recently. His hand has healed well and his fitness will be checked again on Tuesday at the nets, according to the General Manager of Sports Medicine

for PCB, Sohail Saleem.

"There was neither any ooze nor any significant pain, so he [Hafeez] was advised to start batting from Monday with the help of support," Saleem said.

"On examination, the wound required suturing while the underlying musculature appeared intact. He was advised to protect his hand while fielding."

Junaid's case is less promising.

He returned to Pakistan after twisting his right knee during fielding practice ahead of the first ODI against Australia.

"On October 7, scan results indicated a tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus with the presence of a mild joint effusion," Saleem said. "He was advised rest as a part of conservative management. He will be examined by me and an orthopedic surgeon on October 14 before we could take a decision on conservative or surgical management of his injury."

Wahab picked up his injury while bowling in the second ODI and was subsequently pulled out of the match.

Although he is able to walk without pain, his knee is not fit enough to take the load of bowling. Unless things improve, Wahab will also fly back to Pakistan and will be monitored at the National Cricket Academy.

"Wahab's condition will be ascertained in detail on his arrival shortly from the UAE. He will undergo a rehab period and a progressive return to play will be implemented at the NCA," said Saleem. "In this regard, we will pursue a conservative approach to injury management/rehab programme." (Cricinfo)

I

t is incumbent upon me to address several issues surrounding my cricket career in general and matters regarding my omission from the Guyana franchise team this year in particular.

Firstly, as I was recently made to understand, a seminar for the franchise discussion was held the Tuesday before the bidding at the Everest Cricket Club Pavilion. However, no one including Cricket Guyana Inc (CGI) officials, displayed the simplest of courtesy or sought to extend an invitation or inform me of this seminar.

Secondly, there has been much talk about me having injuries, which are not unusual to any sport and are very common among sportsmen and sportswomen.

Personally, I have invested much time and resources both in and out of Guyana to improve my fitness level.

However, at no time was I ever contacted, nor any interest shown by cricket officials after sustaining injuries during my participation for Guyana regionally.

Notwithstanding, I have enlisted the services of several medical specialists in the USA to aid in my preparation for my upcoming season.

I am currently in Guyana working with another specialist to ensure that I am ready for the 2014-2015 First Class season.

The CGI, through its Chairman of Selectors, has on numerous occasions been made fully aware of my progress and desire to continue playing cricket. Following this, at no time did I indicate that I would not be available to participate in any cricket tournament.

On numerous occasions, I informed the Chairman of Selectors that my medical team recommended that I complete the entire course of rehabilitation process before returning to cricket. My expected return to full match fitness will coincide with the start of the 2014-2015season.

At this juncture, it is necessary for me to clear the air and set the record straight about my contracts with Leicestershire, Punjab, and Amazon Warriors.

My contract at Leicestershire was self-terminated. This decision was mine to make and was made with the view to seeking professional aid to improve and prepare for the upcoming regional tournament.

With reference to Punjab, this contract was fully extended to me for a three-year period. However, the Punjab team management utilized varying combinations of cricketers during the period.

But my contract was never terminated.

With regard to my contract with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the team management had the right to retain six players, and that they did. Unfortunately, I was not selected, and that was understandable and well respected.

This was, however, not on the basis of any injuries. In

fact, I played the entire season of the 2013 Caribbean Premier League season without any complications.

Mention was made that I was not retained by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

However, many of the players selected in the draft were also not retained by WICB. Earlier this year after playing against the Windwards in Trinidad and Tobago for the regional 50over tournament, I began experiencing pains in the lower back the following day.

I missed one game then returned for the semi-final.

During our practice sessions prior to the commencement of the fourday tournament, the discomfort returned. I visited Dr AshkaiMansingh, WICB Chief Medical Officer of and he advised that I refrain from playing in the four-day game He recommended that I proceed to intensive therapy, particularly medication and physiotherapy for 10 to 14 days. At no point did I declare myself unfit to play. I am in possession of the doctor’s medical report and advisories. This advice was given in Jamaica.

Based on Dr Mansingh’s advice, and after discussions with the team management, I was excused to seek treatment in the United States. I subsequently interrupted my therapy to honour my commitments with Leicestershire. I eventually made the decision to withdraw from the Leicestershire team to continue therapy in order to be ready for the regional tournament.

Challenges during my professional career have never discouraged me from pressing forward to play the game that I love most. I have invested much to improve my physical wellbeing. I am happy to advise that I have successfully concluded all medical evaluations and treatments, and have resumed my therapy and preparation for the 2014/2015 season.

I take this opportunity to thank all my fans and fellow Guyanese for their continued support over the last 19 years. I have always represented my country with pride, dignity and joy.

The Trinidad Red Force have placed their faith in me and with this selection, I look forward to your continued support as I embark on this new journey.

I will continue to love, respect and embrace the game of cricket in Guyana and the region. My main focus currently is togive my best to the Trinidad Red Force, to represent West Indies cricket team again, and aid in the development of regional cricket.

I tahe this opportunity extend the best of wishes to the Guyana Jaguars in their endeavours.

Going forward, I will desist from commenting further on these issues, as I place my full attention to matters on the cricket field.

Kind regards, Ramnaresh Sarwan

guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, october 14, 2014

23

GCA/NBS Division 2 Tourney Launched Johnson, – 16 teams to compete

By Rajiv Bsinauth

T

he Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) for the third consecutive year has joined hands with the New Building Society (NBS) as they aspire to arrest the decline in Guyana’s cricket by providing quality competition for the city’s cricketers.

The 40-overs second division competition that will target 16 city teams was on Monday officially launched at the bank’s new location on North Road and Avenue of the Republic.

The competition will be played on a league basis where points will be allocated.

A number of new initiatives will be taken during this tournament and one such initiative is the emphasis on developing fast bowlers. At least 40 per cent of the overs in the game must

be bowled by fast bowlers as stated in the playing regulations.

Part of the regulations also stated that one bonus point will be issue for the team that passes 100 runs and thereafter the team will collect one bonus point for every 25 runs, also the team will collect a bonus point for every two wickets taken.

Meanwhile, NBS Chairman, Floyd McDonald in his remarks said that NBS is pleased to be associated with this tournament, since according to him; sport is integral part of nation building.

“NBS is basically an organisation that is involved in the promotion of housing development in Guyana, especially affordable housing, but as a cooperate entity we are of the view we should make other contributions to society, and we are of the view that sport is an integral part

in persons development especially young persons and with cricket been so popular I think that we have made the right decision to responding positively.

“We are of the view that we must contribute to development of cricket in this country not only for the point of view of the enhancing image of our country and West Indies, but to assist in molding our youngsters,” McDonald outlined.

He also called on all cricket administrators to work together to ensure that the sport returns to its glory days that we are accustom to.

“NBS is looking forward to the days when cricket again would be seen as an event that brings all Guyanese together, so we are calling for on all the elements in the cricket fraternity to work together to ensure that Guyana perform much better,” the Chairman

concluded.

President of the GCA Roger Harper thanked NBS for so willingly continuing the partnering with the GCA in running this tournament and investing in youths.

Harper, a former West Indies Vice Captain noted that the GCA is focused on the development of young cricketers and also in taking the game to a higher level.

“Cricket offers the opportunity to teach a lot of important life skills and we expecting that through cricket and through this competition that will achieve,” Harper, who is also coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors cricket team revealed.

He assured that the tournament will be run at the highest standard and the GCA’s commitment to NBS will be fulfilled.

The tournament is scheduled to bowl off on Saturday.

D’Andrade dominate in Trinidad

Caribs, Wolves to meet in 7’s league final after action in round two

T

he final of the 2014 Golden Brook/ Windjammers Hotel Rugby Seven’s league is set in stone after a day of action on Saturday at the National Park Rugby Field.

The Yamaha Caribs and the University of Guyana (UG) Wolves will now meet in an anticipated rematch of their final in the Banks DIH seven’s final only a month ago, that thrilled the fans in attendance.

Yamaha Caribs put on the most dominant showing of Saturday with a 37nil drubbing of the Guyana Police Force rugby team.

Captain Theodore

Henry was in top form with two tries and a conversion while O’Neil Charles and Kevon Davis had two tries each. Carl Lewis also scored a try that resulted in the demolishing of the policemen.

Earlier, Caribs were able to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) 22-12 to go undefeated for the day. Henry had one try and a conversion while Lewis, Davis and Akeem Frazer had one try each for the winning side.

Scoring for GDF in the loss was Joseph Rahaman and Avewry Corbin with ne try each while Dwayne Scooder had one conver-

sion.

Meanwhile the UG Wolves also went undefeated on the day, holding Pepsi Hornets at bay with a 14-7 win.

Godfrey Brooms led the way for UG with a try and a conversion while Lance Adonis had a try and captain Ryan Dey a conversion. Troy Bascom scored a try for the Hornets while captain Ryan Gonsalves converted.

UG also displayed their dominant side as well with a 33-7 beating of the policemen. Osei McKenzie wan all over the Police Force, scoring three tries while

Broomes, Dey and Jamal August scored a try each.

Dey also converted twice.

For the policemen, Allan Sammy scored a try while Daniel DeAubrey converted.

GDF was able to take a win against the Hornets that ended 7-nil that left the Pepsi sponsored club winless for the day. The Police Force was also winless at the end of the day’s proceedings.

The tournament will conclude on October 18 with the Wolves and Caribs set for another clash to determine the best seven’s club in the country.

Lionel D’Andrade (middle) and Kelvin Johnson (right) pose after the six kilometre run with George Smith

T

rinidad based Guyanese, Kelvin Johnson and Lionel D’Andrade easily topped their competition on Saturday morning when TCL its 60th Anniversary six kilometre road race in Point-au-Pierre.

Johnson as has become the norm in the Trinidad races won the event in 20:09 while D’Andrade finished second in 20:20. Trinidadian George Smith finished third in 20:40.

Meanwhile on Saturday afternoon, D’Andrade won the ArcelorMittal Savannah

one lap event in 12:35.

"I feel a lot better this weekend. I held back a bit in this morning's race. But I am feeling great! The October Race calendar is still very hectic,” D’Andrade stated.

Johnson and D’Andrade will participate in two road races on October 18, “Saturday 18th October, I have two back-to-back races again, the Ministry of Health 7K at 7:00am and TTARP 5K at 4:00 in the afternoon," the tall lanky distance runner mentioned.

Journalist links GoPro camera to Vettori picked for Schumacher’s injuries, shares fall

G

oPro Inc’s shares fell as much as 16 percent on Monday after a French journalist suggested that Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher’s injuries in a ski accident last year might have been caused by a wearable camera made by the company.

“The problem for Michael was not the hit, but the mounting of the GoPro camera that he had on his helmet that injured his brain,” Jean-Louis Moncet told radio station Europe 1 over the weekend. (bit.ly/1w2LJD7) Moncet was reported to have spoken to Schumacher’s son, Mick, but the journalist denied this in a tweet later. (bit. ly/1qVLof5) Schumacher, a seventime Formula 1 champion,

Michael Schumacher

suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident in Meribel in the French Alps on Dec. 29. Schumacher emerged from a medically induced coma in June.

He has been receiving treatment at home since

September.

“We are trying to get more information about the original report from Jean Louis Moncet. His tweet this morning suggests the comments didn’t come from a family member,” GoPro spokesman Jeff Brown wrote in an emailed response to Reuters.

The company’s shares ended down 9.8 percent at $76.67 (47.70 pounds) on the Nasdaq on Monday. Up to Friday’s close, the stock had nearly quadrupled in value since the company listed on June 26.

Shares of other wearable camera makers also fell, with Digital Ally Inc closing 12.9 percent lower at $10.41 and Taser International Inc ending 3.2 percent down at $13.61. (Reuters)

Scotland one-dayer D

aniel Vettori has been named in a 12man New Zealand XI squad to play Scotland on October 15.

Vettori has been out of international cricket for 16 months; he last played an international during the Champions Trophy in June 2013. He has almost exclusively played Twenty20 cricket since then. There were four first-class matches for Northern Districts in between, but he has not played a one-day game during this period.

The last time Vettori bowled more than four overs in a match was during a firstclass game in December 2013. Last week, he admitted of a lack of confidence in his body and said he had all but given up Test cricket. But playing the World Cup at home is an incentive enough for him to work through his injury concerns - his back being prime among them.

New Zealand have a possible 17 ODIs to play - 12 of them at home - before the World Cup. (Cricinfo)

Daniel Vettori last played an ODI during the Champions Trophy in June 2013 © Getty Images

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

tuesday, october 14, 2014

GCA/NBS Division 2 tourney launched

Page 23 NBS Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Khan hands over the sponsorship cheque to President of the GCA and former West Indies Vice Captain Roger Harper in the presence of officials from NBS and GCA

ATP Erste Bank Open…..

INSIDE SPORTS:

Sarwan responds to Murray joins Ferrer in Vienna as Cricket Guyana Inc race to London heats up Page 22

Shariff Racing Stable denies use of electrical devices Page 22

Injured Simmons out of India tour Page 21

A

ndy Murray will make a late push for vital ranking points and a spot in the World Tour Finals with a wildcard entry into the Austrian Open.

The British No 1 currently stands provisional 10th on the season point’s race for the season-ending showpiece in London from November 9.

Murray has fallen 60 points behind another hot London contender David Ferrer, who beat him in the third round of last week's Shanghai Masters, and has taken another wild card in Vienna.

Canadian Milos Raonic holds the all-important eighth-spot, 95 points ahead of the former Wimbledon winner.

Such is his desire not to miss out on the event that Murray will have played for six consecutive weeks if he completes his newly-revised

Andy Murray schedule through the Paris Masters next month.

"I've played some pretty good tennis," said the 27-year-old after leaving Asia where he ended a 15-month title drought with victory in Shenzhen.

"I didn't necessarily play my best in Shenzhen (China,

a fortnight ago), but I managed to win the tournament.

And there's still obviously a few more weeks left in the season."

It will be the first Austrian appearance for Murray who takes the second seeding and is joined in the field at the Stadthalle by

Ferrer, who he is scheduled to meet in the final.

The top-seeded Ferrer, Murray, number three Shanghai Masters semifinalist Feliciano Lopez and fourth-seed Philipp Kohlschreiber all have firstround byes.

The Scot will face his first test when he plays the winner from Canadian Vasek Pospisil and a qualifier while Ferrer opens against either Tobias Kamke of Germany or Italian Simone Bolelli.

Czech Lukas Rosol is seeded fifth, ahead of Croatian Ivo Karlovic, Spain's Guillermo GarciaLopez on seventh and Austrian future hope Dominic Thiem on eighth.

Thiem beat Rosol for his only win during the justcompleted Asian swing, but reached the US Open fourth round. (Sky Sports)

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