Guyana Times Daily - November 24, 2014

Women urged to become vocal members of society – at remembrance of martyred Kowsilla Youth leaders honoured for outstanding work

PNC hiding from past under APNU –Ali Baksh Taxi driver on bail for allegedly raping two school girls

Palm Court puts brunch on the menu

Palm Court, a favourite hangout spot for many Guyanese, especially late-night workers, on Sunday raised the bar with the addition of a brunch service to its menu.

Public Relations Officer

(PRO) Sasha Lewis told Guyana Times that Palm Court would be providing an array of food and drinks for persons to enjoy at the buffet brunch service. She said that there are many options for customers to select from for the affordable price of $1500.

Brunch will be offered every Sunday featuring different types of pepper-pot; salt fish and bake; boiled and fried provisions, and deep fried banga as well as a variety of egg dishes, such as western and cheese omelettes; meats, including ham, bacon, baloney, and salami; and assorted cheeses. The PRO informed that several salads will also be available.

There is also a sweet corner for customers who like sweet baked goods for

brunch, such as cinnamon rolls, fruit cake, and black cake. As for drinks, there are 100 per cent homemade fruit juices with no additives and tea and coffee, as well as a signature cocktail that distinguishes the Palm Court brunch – a mimosa which consists of natural orange juice and champagne.

Lewis told Guyana Times that Palm Court is already renowned for its great food, as it has an excellent kitchen which prepares an array of delicacies that aim to please customers, and she hopes the Sunday brunch will become a much accepted aspect of the restaurant’s services.

Palm Court already provides breakfast, lunch and dinner service in addition to its lively entertainment for ‘partiers’. And the brunch service, a delicious combination of breakfast and lunch, is intended to ensure those

customers who are in the habit of not eating on time or missing breakfast, have a fulfilling meal that refuels the body and satisfies the palate in a tranquil atmosphere to the sounds of live steel pan.

The restaurant is urging the public to bring out their family and friends to enjoy a “Home- style breakfast away from home” on Sundays from 10:30h at the Original Palm Court at 35 Main Street, Georgetown.

Men’s Affairs Bureau urged to provide mentorship for boys

In efforts to foster more positive male role models in society, Labour, Human Services and Social Security Minister Jennifer Webster challenged the Men’s Affairs Bureau to commence a mentorship programme for young boys.

Minister Webster made the call at the Police Mess Annex, Eve Leary, Georgetown on Saturday where scores of men and boys gathered in celebration of International Men’s Day.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Webster said males are important for the development of a better society.

“You being here on this earth signify that you have a purpose… your life must be seen as one of value,”

Minister Webster said as she encouraged men and boys to give of their best to their families and country.

She urged the largely male gathering to build bet-

and their contributions to the community and family, while highlighting the challenges they face.

Gilbert said males have to embrace their senior role in their families as this is important for a progressive society.

Pastor Diego Alphonso, Administrator of the Men’s Affairs Bureau calls for a world where men fulfil their roles as fathers and husbands.

The lively occasion featured dances, songs and inspirational speeches.

There were moving performances by The Messenger, Winner’s Cathedral, Merundoi and Alister Collins, among others.

The event entitled “Magnificent Man 4” is a collaborative effort between the Labour, Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s Men’s Affairs Bureau and the Guyana Police Force. It was themed

ter relationships with female family members as this will help them to learn to respect women and make a positive impact on society. On that note, she called on males to be proper role models.

Member of Parliament (MP) Kwame Gilbert and Senior Superintendent Paul Williams also addressed the gathering.

Williams noted that the occasion is a celebration of men’s achievements

“Working together for Men and Boys”.

According to Pastor Alphonso, the collaboration was born out of an engagement between A Division Commander Clifton Hicken and the Men’s Affairs Bureau.

Both agencies have been going into communities to work with troubled men at the grassroots level, with the aim of helping them reach their full potential.

Merundoi highlighting an example of a bad male in society in a dramatic piece

A section of the gathering at the Police Mess Annex, Eve Leary, Georgetown

Enjoying a delicious brunch at Palm Court, Restaurant and Bar on Sunday

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, November 24 from 05:00h-06:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Monday, November 24 from 05:15h-06:45h

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Coastal Regions One to Three can expect cloudy to overcast conditions with heavy to moderate showers and thundershowers with 24-hour accumulated rainfall between 20 mm and 40 mm. Other coastal regions can expect partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with rainfall between 10 mm and 20 mm over a 24-hour period. Other regions can expect afternoon cloudiness with showers and isolated thundershowers. Rainfall is expected to be between 10 mm and 20 mm over these areas.

Winds: East North-easterly at 6 to 12 metres per second.

High Tide: 17:39h reaching a maximum height of 2.80 metres.

Low Tide: 11:13h and 23:41h reaching minimum heights of 0.58 metre and 0.41 metre.

The above-normal high tide warning is in effect until Thursday, November 27. Residents of low-lying, riverine, and flood-prone areas are advised to take necessary precautions against possible flooding.

Glenn Lall to make separate court appearances today

language charges

aieteur News

KPublisher Glenn Lall, his wife Bhena Lall, the owner of Bhena’s Footwear and remigrant couple Naroontandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan are expected to make an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts today.

The four are charged with attempting to defraud the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and by extension the State of over $100 million in taxes payable on the import of two vehicles from the US.

On Monday, October 13, all four individuals were charged with tax fraud at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts; however, the Brijnanan’s were not present for the first court hearing.

Lead defence Attorney for the four alleged fraudsters, Khemraj Ramjattan had said that they would be present at the next court hearing, which is this morning.

Lall on Friday was also charged for allegedly making threats to GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur and will also appear before the Sparendaam Magistrate’s to answer to that charge.

Following the threat, the GRA Commissioner General had told Guyana Times that he is fearful for his life as Lall had killed a man before.

Sattaur was referring to the murder of Kenny France some 20 years ago. It was reportedly the most egregious example of vigilante murder in McDoom.

Despite committing the murder, no sanction was brought against Lall, and the action seems to have set in train a pattern of excesses by Lall that continue to this day with the latest charge of tax fraud.

The GRA is claiming that remigrants Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan of Number 61 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, had imported two Lexus LX 570 motor vehicles into Guyana; however, the two vehicles were not kept or used by the remigrants.

This is in breach of the Customs Act and the conditions of the grant of the duty-free concession.

Driven by the Lalls

The GRA said investigations have revealed that the vehicles are being driven by the Publisher of Kaieteur News Mohan Lall called “Glenn Lall” and his wife Bhena Lall. The Authority has since seized the vehicles and filed six criminal charg-

and September 21, 2013, together with others unknown at Lot 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, they knowingly aided and abetted each other, in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of customs due and payable to the Revenue Authority on one Lexus LX 570 motor vehicle registration number PRR 8398 with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis number JTJHY7AX6 D4094851 and number JTJHY7AX6 D4096745.

The Lalls were charged jointly with two counts of

es against the four persons.

The four persons were charged with two joint counts of knowingly committing fraudulent evasion of import duties. The charges read by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry stated that between June 18, 2013

knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the revenue of duties on the said motor vehicle.

The particulars of the offence read that between June 18, 2013 and August 30, 2014, at Lot 110 Regent Street, Charlestown,

Georgetown, they knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the revenue of duties on one Lexus LX 570 motor vehicle bearing registration number PRR 8399 with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis number JTJHY7AX6 D4094851 and number JTJHY7AX6 D4096745.

Additionally, the Brijnanans were jointly charged with the offences of making and subscribing to a false declaration.

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 one Lexus LX 570 motor vehicle with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis number JTJHY7AX6 D4096745 to be US$44,158.00 and one Lexus LX 570 motor vehicle with engine capacity 5700 cc, Chassis number JTJHY7AX6 D4094851 to be US$44,158.00, contrary to Section 217(1)(a) of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01.

The other defence Attorneys were named as Nigel Hughes, Joseph Harmon, Christopher Ram, Rex McKay, Bettina Glasford, Brenden Glasford and Robin Hunte.

Before and after the last 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.

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. These persons are expected to show up with him again in court today.

One of the vehicles driven by the Lalls

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

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

Fall of the Wall

Two weeks ago, it was the 25th anniversary of an event that had profound implications for the entire world

- including Guyana. But surprisingly, it elicited little interest in even our political elite.

The event was "the Fall of the Berlin Wall" and the disinterest suggested that perhaps we had definitely arrived at the end of an era. The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961 and it was 28 years later in 1989 the process began that finally brought it tumbling down.

The 28 years that the Berlin Wall was up, eerily signals the nexus that it actually had with our own infamous "28" years: both were consequences of the Cold War between the USA and the USSR. Partitioned between the two occupying powers after WWII, Berlin was a symbol of that war between "capitalism and communism", which was very hot indeed in other parts of the world such as Guyana.

After witnessing more than five million of its citizens crossing over to West Berlin, which was an enclave within East Germany, the East Germans claimed to have erected the Wall to keep out the western "fascists" but actually it was to achieve the opposite end.

It was the same dynamics in 1961 that launched the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba by US-backed forces and the subsequent decision by the US government of John F Kennedy to remove the newly elected People’s Progressive (PPP) Government in the then British Guiana. Kennedy promised that he would not "allow another Cuba" - meaning another communist Government - in the Western Hemisphere.

Jagan's equivocation, in his estimation, as to whether he was a "communist", convicted him to effect regime change here.

On June 26, 1963, just months before he was assassinated, Kennedy made one of his most famous speeches in West Berlin in front of a crowd of almost half a million, to show solidarity to West Berliners and his commitment to "fight communism".

Kennedy declared, "2000 years ago, the proudest boast was civis romanus sum ["I am a Roman citizen"]. Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is "Ich bin ein Berliner!"... All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words "Ich bin ein Berliner!"

By then, the CIA had already opened up the Pandora Box of violence in the political struggle between the two major groups in Guyana. On February 16, 1962, in another of the Black Fridays that Georgetown experienced, many Indianowned businesses in the downtown district were burnt down by rampaging mobs of People’s National Congress (PNC) and TUF (The United Force ) supporters, organised by CIA proxies.

While Kennedy made his peroration in Berlin, Guyana was in the throes of its infamous "80-day strike" by the Public Servants that eventually led to widespread ethnic violence in other parts of the country. His inability to exert any control over the security forces helped convince Jagan to accept a change of voting rules from the constituency system (under which he was guaranteed a victory, to the Proportional Representation (PR) system that would oust his regime.

Burnham was ensconced into office by the US-British combine in 1964 and his party remained in office until 1992 through rigged elections.

But that latter event is also related to the Berlin Wall: its fall three years before in 1989. This fall signalled to the US that communism was not the threat that it had once considered accepted and consequently that it was prepared to countenance regimes in its "sphere of influence" that were once verboten.

"Free and fair" elections for Guyana moved from being an aspiration to being a reality with several members of the US Congress and the Carter Centre lobbying for it. The "Fall of the Berlin Wall" in this way presaged the fall of the PNC and the return of the PPP.

Making an effort to manage your diabetes

Dear Editor,

I must congratulate my fellow Guyanese on their eagerness to know about their health. Based on feedback from the readers, I am motivated to continue to write in order to continue to educate my fellow Guyanese on their health.

For those of you who were diagnosed with diabetes recently an many years ago, it was not easy to face the facts, however acceptance is the first step toward controlling your diabetes, feeling better and living a longer and a healthier life. Below are tips to get started on the path toward improved health and wellbeing after you are diagnosed with diabetes.

There is good news and bad news for diabetics. The good news is that controlling your diabetes, which means keeping your blood sugar at healthy levels and reducing your chances of diabetes complications ranging from heart disease to foot damage, is something that you can do.

However the bad news is that keeping your diabetes under control is up to you, and it's not always easy.

Many people with diabetes have found out after having a major complication such as a heart attack, stroke, or diabetic coma

etc. Or you could have experienced symptoms such as blurry vision or excessive thirst, or just happened to find out from a routine blood test during a check-up.

In whatever way you are diagnosed, it's difficult to make sudden lifestyle changes. Most people need to gather their wits, talk to the experts and get up to speed on a confusing array of medical terms. However there are a few things you need to do right way.

Please Don't let the past haunt you. Type Two diabetes is partly genetic and many people may have childhood memories of grandparents or other relatives with diabetes who died after amputations, blindness, heart attacks, or strokes. In recent years a lot have change due to the advances in technology.

Our fore parents had no way to test their blood sugar at home, little or no medication options, and limited knowledge about the benefits of diet and exercise. We can count our blessings and acknowledge that there are lots of options/tools to control diabetes.

Understanding what is meant by the term moderation and consistency. These are important words for diabetic patients to understand. You need to learn how to eat

at consistent times, limit your total calories, and space your carbohydrate intake throughout the day.

Even exercise needs to be done on a routine, because it can help to lower blood glucose. People who do not take control of their diet and does not exercise have a lot of difficulties in controlling their blood glucose.

Don't beat yourself up because you are diagnosed with diabetes. Many people may ask the question –"What did I do?" What you need to do is to move past this. You could feel bad or guilty, but the more quickly you move on to "What can I do about this?" the better it is for you.

Please Do not panic.

Many people are horrified when they hear the word diabetes. It could be the idea of using insulin needles, pricking their finger to test blood sugar, or never eating a piece of cake again.

There are a lot of myths floating around about type diabetes (such as you can never eat cake). Seek professional help from a diabetes educator or other people living with diabetes and enquire what you can eat, whether insulin hurts, or how difficult it is to prick your own finger. You may find that these aren't as bad as you expected.

Don't be too rigid about treatment options. Many diabetics may feel that they never want to take oral medication or insulin. Or they may think they could never control diabetes with diet and exercise. According to the American Diabetes Association patients can initially treat type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes (improved diet, more exercise, and weight loss) and the oral medication metformin.

What works best will depend on your individual circumstances. Once you take control over your blood sugar levels then you are on the way of lowering your risk for diabetic complications.

These are words of encouragement to help people accept their illness and make an effort to control it. The management of diabetes will be further discussed in the next publication.

Please feel free to send an email to kumarsukhraj@yahoo.com or call 622-8032 for further enquiry and discussion on the topic. Patient education plays an important in the diagnosis and management of diabetes and any other illness.

Submitted

by

Dr Kumar Sukhraj

A solo dancer performs at an event on Sunday remembering Kowsilla, also known as Alice, of Leonora, who was killed on March 6, 1964 during the great Sugar Strike of 1964 (Carl Croker photo)

No one, whatever their behaviour or dress, deserves to be raped

Dear Editor,

The Guyana National Youth Council has noted with great concern the statements made by ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken concerning what he sees as a correlation between women’s attire and their likelihood of being raped.

In a press release, Guyana Police Force Public Relations and Press Officer Ivelaw Whittaker followed this statement by affirming that the press and the general public had taken Commander Hicken’s statement out of context.

Commander Hicken stated that our society creates an atmosphere for committing the crime of rape and that women should “embrace an attire that would be morally acceptable” as a deterrent to rape.

While only Commander Hicken can truly say what the intent of his words were, the effect of those words is clear: to express the sentiment that women bear a significant proportion of the blame for sexual assaults committed against them.

Even if we are to give Commander Hicken and Mr Whittaker the benefit of the doubt that no moral judgment was being passed on women and how they choose to dress, and that the Division Commander was making practical recommendations for how women might protect themselves, the recommendation by Commander Hicken is not grounded in research concerning how and why rape is committed.

According to Mr Whittaker, Commander Hicken based his argument on “discussions among elements of criminal groups regarding sexual assaults they would have committed”.

Regrettably, it would seem as though Commander Hicken gives a great deal of weight to the testimony of rapists, men possibly seeking to explain away, lessen and/or justify their own crimes.

One wonders if provocative attire was a contributing factor to the rape and murder of 90-year old Cove and John resident Millicent Adriana Cummings, as reported by the Guyana Times on April 13, 2013, or the numerous young children and teenagers who are raped.

Were they dressed in a provocative or “morally unacceptable” manner? Both women and men of all ages can be victims of rape and sexual abuse. Though most reports in the media highlight the fact that women are victims of such vi-

olence, we must remind ourselves this is a problem facing both sexes.

If it is suggested that the way women dress has anything to do with the likelihood they will be met with such violence, is it being suggested the same is true for the men and boys who are victims of rape?

There have been several accusations and charges levelled at members of the Guyana Police Force, including a former Commissioner with the most recent case reported on November 8 another media.

This report shared that Police Corporal Hufford David was being sentenced to four years’ jail for raping and forcing a 14-yearold girl into prostitution. As Division Commander in a Force already trying to deal with the sexual misconduct of its own ranks, those looking to Commander Hicken for guidance should be met with a more positive and supportive message.

Guyana is signatory to more than 15 international agreements on human rights with the same number of legislative acts and amendments locally designed to enshrine and preserve the rights of women.

These include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW - 1980) and the Sexual Offences Act 2010. The National Policy for Women also sets out the inclusion of the issue of gender equity on the national agenda.

It is condemnable that we live in a society which can be so recklessly uninformed of circumstances surrounding sexual assault, that some would wholeheartedly support the idea that there is a direct correlation between provocative dress and rape.

We must not default to a culture of victim blaming which both prevents persons from speaking out about sexual abuse as well as adds miles to the road of recovery and the search for justice.

In considering Commander Hicken’s statement and the resulting public outrage, what is less talked about is the manifestation of a larger problem. Cases are dissimilar in their implications, but similar in that the men exhibit gross disrespect for and objectification of women.

Perspectives such as these exist for many historic and cultural reasons which include inherited structural conditions, gender role expectations, and the fundamental exercise of power in a patriarchal

society.

Confronting rape myths demands a critical examination of the data and reevaluating knowledge in the face of social facts. Research has found that the vast majority of rapes are planned. Rape is the crime of the rapist, not the fault of the victim. Rapists look for victims they perceive as vulnerable.

Where we cannot fault Commander Hicken is in his observation that our society does seem to be creating the atmosphere where the crime of rape flourishes. Where Guyana’s rape conviction record stands at 1.4 percent, in an environment where proper investigative work is uncommon, and in a justice system which does not offer adequate protection to a rape victim, we must pause and examine the other factors that contribute to the creation of a rape culture.

Take into account a male-dominated local entertainment industry that promotes songs such as, “Kick In She Back Door”, and the myriad of obscene dancehall songs, there is a relentless stream of images and music encouraging the sexual objectification of women.

What impact does this have on rape culture? Does it promote the necessary attitudinal change in men and boys highlighted by the National Policy on Women? Let these be the conversations we have, to alter the trends that we can – let’s not indulge in victim blaming of any form or fashion.

No person, whatever their behaviour or dress, deserves to be raped. Women deserve to live in a society free of fear in this regard, and we must all work together to promote a rape-free society.

As we near International Elimination of Violence Against Women Day on November 25, the Council calls on the Commissioner to not only retract his statement but to also issue a public apology to the women of Guyana.

It is necessary that a commitment to protecting our women (despite their choice of dress) is reaffirmed, particularly from an institution that is sworn to protect and serve.

Further, the Council calls on all, particularly all the relevant Government authorities, to implement and enforce the Sexual Offences Act 2010, to safeguard and protect the rights of women.

Submitted by Guyana National Youth Council

A Network of Youth and Youth Organizations

Political parties and civil society have a critical role to play

Dear Editor,

On November 20, I met a delegation of the Alliance For Change (AFC) in my office. This meeting was at my request and follows my earlier letter on the proroguing of Parliament, and subsequent meetings with President Donald Ramotar and Leader of the Opposition David Granger.

The AFC was represented by General Secretary David Patterson, MPs Valerie Lowe-Garrido and Kathy Hughes, and Treasurer Dominic Gaskin.

Representing the Catholic Church were myself

and Mssrs Gino Persaud, Lawrence Lachmansingh and Albert Rodrigues.

The AFC outlined the timeline and associated details that led to their tabling of the Motion of NoConfidence, while inquiring as to the future steps that the Church would be taking to assist Guyana through this difficult period.

We discussed the Christian obligation to promote justice and peace in both word and deed, and the specific measures that the Catholic Church would be taking, as outlined in my earlier letter.

Our discussions delved

into the challenges that lead to lowered levels of political trust in Guyana and its impact on the people.

We agreed that both political parties and civil society have a critical role to play, through dialogue and respectful engagement, in promoting reconciliation and trust in our beloved nation.

I remain grateful to the AFC and its delegation for taking the time to meet with me and my delegation from the Church.

Bishop Francis Dean Alleyne Bishop of Georgetown

President Obama’s immigration reform initiatives

Dear Editor,

I applaud President Barack Obama for the bold reforms to the nation’s broken immigration system, albeit temporary.

Immigration reform does not only impact our Latino brothers and sisters. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants from the Caribbean, South America and Africa now qualify for relief from the threat of deportation and will become eligible for lawful employment.

Almost all undocumented immigrants from the Caribbean and Guyana enter the United States lawfully, but overstayed their visas and thus are out of status. A large percent has children and/or spouses who are either US citizens

or permanent residents.

Thousands more arrived before their 16th birthday, but are ineligible for DACA because they are currently above age 31. They have all lived here for a long time “decades in some cases”, and are law abiding. America is their home.

They deserve a shot at the American dream.

Thanks to President Obama’s initiates, they can now emerge from the shadows to pursue that dream, once they pass a criminal background check and pay any back taxes accrued.

This is a historic day for America : “A nation of immigrants”. Millions of families will remain united and millions of people will without fear begin to con-

tribute to society and the US treasury. Economists forecast that this could boost GDP by over $1 trillion.

Republicans are not only opposing President Obama. They are attacking the relatives of millions of US citizens who vote, as well as millions of US permanent residents who will soon become voters.

When these millions of Americans go to the polls to exercise their franchise, they will remember who stood with them and fought to keep their families united and who fought to tear their families and the nation apart!

Submitted by Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy

Page Foundation

… experts offer advice

By Dulce Zamora

The Car Ride

Angel-building response: “Plan ahead,” says Kindlon “Bring snacks, games, and things to keep them entertained in the car. If that doesn’t work, help them understand the consequences of their behaviour. Again, with the ultimatum, if you use one, stick to it: ‘If you don’t stop behaving this way, you don’t get to watch TV when you get home.’”

The Lack of Respect

Your child just called you a name, or talked back, or showed you some allaround lack of what Aretha Franklin likes to call R-E-SP-E-C-T.

Brat-building response: “If you sink to their level and use the same language back at them, you’re modelling bad behaviour,” says Kindlon. “You’re teaching them the wrong way to deal with something and someone when you’re upset.”

Angelbuilding response:

“Dock a kid [50 dollars] on their allowance when they use a tone of voice or an inappropriate word you don’t like,” says Kindlon.

“Maintain your cool. Show mature behaviour, and give them

that will help you raise a well-behaved child – instead of a brat

consequences for their bad behaviour.”

The Restaurant

You just sat down to dinner with your husband and three children at a local restaurant when the outbursts start.

Brat-building behaviour: “What happens is there is talk of punish -

ment and threats at the restaurant, like ‘I’m going to take way your play date on Sunday,’ or ‘No TV for a week,’” says Paul Donahue, PhD, director of Child Development Associates in Scarsdale, New York. “Punishments don’t work as well as rewards, or the threats are idle because the kid knows that the parent won’t take away their TV.”

Angelbuilding response:

“Before you get to the res-

taurant, tell your child what you expect in terms of behaviour,” says Donahue. “If your behaviour is good, here is what privilege will come your way, whether it’s dessert at the restaurant, or that they get to watch a movie when they get home.”

Children need to understand that their privileges are based on their behaviour, explains Donahue.

“While I’m not suggesting you bribe your kids or take them to Toys ‘R’ Us, because they sit at the dinner table, they need to understand that the things

and if they behave well, good things will come their way.”

The Morning Routine It’s hard enough for you to get out of bed at 6 am, let alone get your two children out of bed. Should you let them sleep late, just this once?

Brat-building response: “Sometimes kids come downstairs in the morning, they watch TV, they get around to eating their breakfast, they get dressed, the process gets delayed, mom or dad gets frustrated and angry, and may-

they enjoy are privileges and they can have those things if they behave well,” says Donahue. “Kids have to have an understanding that good behaviour is expected,

be they make the bus, maybe they don’t,” says Donahue. Better yet, the whole routine starts over again the next day.

Angel-building re-

sponse: “Kids shouldn’t come down and watch TV or play a video game first thing in the morning,” says Donahue. “It’s like saying you get to have this fun experience before you get dressed, brush your teeth, or do your work. You have to take care of your responsibilities first.”

The Homework As your child gets older and wiser, his pile of homework grows – as does the frustration you feel in making sure he gets it all done.

Brat-building response: “We want our kids to do well in school, and yet we are not clear that homework takes precedence over a play date or after-school activities,” says Donahue. “So then the homework gets left until after dinner, and then it’s diminishing returns: they’re tired, and it’s getting much more difficult to get them to do it, and they don’t have incentive to get it done.”

Angel-building response: “There needs to be a reasonable structure for homework,” says Donahue. “Say to your kids, ‘At 3 pm you get to play, but at 4 pm, you sit down and do your homework.’ It’s especially important in most families that homework get done before dinner. Set the structure in place so when they are older and they have more activities, they know they still need to get homework done before dinner.” No matter the scenario, here are tips for dealing with parenting pitfalls: Mean business. “Speak to your child like you mean business, and send clear messages when you’re communicating with your kids,” says Donahue. Stick to your guns. “The toughest thing is to have endurance,” says Donahue. “Stick to your guns, even when the kids are whining and pushing your buttons. Kids know that if we have a history of not sticking to what we say, they’re going to push and push. Have the endurance and the strength and the energy to keep up with them.”

Plan ahead. “Parents have to do a better job of helping kids to anticipate the behaviour that is expected of them beforehand,” Donahue tells WebMD. “When you’re in the middle of a situation, you’re busy and rushing and don’t think about it, and then things can get out of control.”

Take care of yourself “Sleep more, exercise, and take care of yourself,” says Donahue. “Parenting is extremely exhausting work.” (Excerpt from WebMD)

Youth leaders honoured for outstanding work

Local youths, activists and organisations have been nationally recognised for their achievements as the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry on Saturday evening held the first-ever National Youth Awards ceremony at the National Cultural Centre.

The inaugural award hosted in collaboration with CUSO International recognised outstanding individuals and/or organisations that have focused their efforts on creating and providing an enabling environment that facilitates youth advocacy and provides effective youth programmes.

Awards were presented in six categories: regional participation, national participation, service, media, school and an award of excellence. The regional awards were given to individuals from all the regions except Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

“Here is a mechanism to distinguish youth advocacy and effective youth programmes. Here is an award that recognises young people who have made a difference through there voluntary participation and active voice, whether it is through sports, training, culture and arts,” Director of Culture, Dr James Rose said.

Dr Rose, delivering the keynote address at the award ceremony, said that earlier having examined

ously endowed with such gifted and varied youths,”

Dr Rose noted. He said that often a nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is considered by the exploit of that country’s natural resources ignoring the super abundant potential and the wealth of its human resources, especially in the youth.

“So it was in my days, so I suspect it is in your days, and so I wonder if it is not now the time for that to change,” he said.

Great hope

He noted that Guyana has great hope in her youthful generation to redeem the country from stressful issues and that no one should ever underestimate the power of youth in this, or any other society.

“They have not yet learnt what cannot be done, they have not yet become jaded by life’s heartbreaks and because they do not know what cannot be achieved...”

tural, political, economic framework of this, or any other society, then young people have the responsibility to ensure they have acquired impactful measureable strengths. He explained that to do this, young people need language and process for using and identifying their strengths and finding ways to change their status and improving their productive status.

Recognising this, the Government of Guyana is busily preparing a national blueprint to guide and empower youth in the national endeavour of creating a better society, Dr Rose said.

He noted that in the meantime as the scope of this document is being worked out, the organisers of the National Youth Award must be applauded for initiating a new means of reward and at the same time ensuring the development of skills in youths that would lead to the

the long list of areas, the scope of activities covered in the award would have questioned whether it was difficult in finding entries for the category.

He explained that he was instead informed that the difficulty was not in finding entries, but instead in choosing from among so many quality entries.

“That speaks volume about how fortunate Guyana is to be so gener-

He noted, however, that these very youthful qualities pose many dangers as young people are sometimes naïve, they do not have the value of experience, give into the silent call of temptation and less likely to older persons who would want to warn them about mistakes.

Dr Rose explained that simply because youths are the ultimate custodian of the post-2015 socio-cul-

tion of a better society.

Director of Youth, Gillian Frank explained that the award aims to recognise the accomplishments of those within the age range of 14 to 29 years who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in their lives and through voluntary services and youth focus organisations that have promoted and fostered the development of youth welfare and

voluntary activities. She listed as some of the objectives of the award those of highlighting out-

standing work that young people contribute to their communities, that is by providing social services to

motivate them to develop a sense of duty and leadership to their community regardless of age, and to establish benchmarks that challenge young people to increase their skills in different fields, thus, improving their personal potential.

Frank said that it is anticipated that gains of the awards will increase the participation of youth in public affairs through voluntarism, increase the ability of youth to advocate for themselves, and the value of youth and their contribution to community and national development.

539 truckloads of garbage removed in Region Six

– under Household Bulk Waste Removal Programme

Some 539 truckloads comprising household bulk waste and illegal garbage piles were removed from several Berbice communities under the Household Bulk Waste Removal Programme.

According to a release, the refuse was removed from areas covering the Municipal Town Council (MTC) of New Amsterdam to the Crabwood Creek/Molsen Creek Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

The programme was executed in communities within the 19 Local Authority Bodies over an 11-day period (Monday, November 10, to Sunday, 20 November).

This time provided the opportunity for residents to get rid of household bulk waste and for parapets to be cleared of roadside garbage piles.

In response to the large volume of garbage in Corriverton around the Municipal Market and along the seawall areas, the pickup schedule was extended to facilitate the removal of approximately 80 loads of debris.

The release noted that at the MTC New Amsterdam, Enfield and New Doe, 31

truckloads of waste were removed; at Rose Hall Town Council, Ordinance and Fort Lands, 90 truckloads; at Canefield, Enterprise, Kintyre and Number 37 Village, 15 truckloads; at Gibraltar, Fyrish, Kilcoy and Hampshire, 18 truckloads; Port Mourant, John, Bloomfield and Whim, 42 truckloads; Lancaster, Hogstyle and Number 52/74 Village, 82 truckloads; Maida, Tarlogie and Black Bush NDC, 52 truckloads; Bush Lot-Adventure and Macedonia-Joppa, 69 truckloads; and Corriverton Town Council, Crabwood Creek and Hope-51, 140 truckloads.

When asked about the comparison of the volume of waste picked up in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Programme Implementation Officer Bramhanand Singh said “the volume varies from NDC to NDC”.

The Programme Implementation Officer elaborated that “NDCs, which have a regular garbage collection schedule had fewer illegal garbage piles (as in the case of Region Four) as compared to NDCs

which have irregular garbage collection system (as in the case of Region Six)”.

In Region Four, the bulk waste programme was executed over a five -day period (October 27 to October 31), during which 163 truckloads of bulk waste garbage piles were removed.

In summing up, Bramhanand Singh said, “generally, in Region Four, there was a larger volume of bulk waste than in Region Six, which had more illegal dump sites to be cleared”.

The Household Bulk Waste and Illegal Garbage Piles Removal Programme will be implemented in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) from Monday to Friday, followed by Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) from December 1 to December 8 and in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) from December 8 to December 14. Residents desirous of disposing of their household bulk waste are asked to place waste in front of their premises for free collection by 08:00h on the day of pickup. Commercial waste will not be facilitated in this programme.

crea-

Chattergoon Jadoopat receives the award for the Diamond-Grove Youth Group

Winners of the 2014 National Youth Awards

One of the trucks collecting bulk household waste

Keep your culture alive

– President tells inaugural North Pakaraimas Expo

Residents from communities in the North Pakaraimas were on Saturday reminded of the importance of keeping their culture alive as President Donald Ramotar declared the first ever North Pakaraimas Festival Expo opened.

The two-day event is being hosted by the residents of Kurukubaru, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and features booths from the various communities in the North Pakaraimas showcasing their produce as well as inter-community competition in football, archery and cricket.

President Ramotar, who delivered the fea-

ture address, noted his Government’s commitment towards improving the lives of residents in hinterland communities while simultaneously promoting sustainable livelihood.

The President told the gathering that it is always heart-warming for him to

visit Amerindian communities having come from Amerindian ancestry himself.

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration over the years has done a lot in preserving the Amerindian culture while striking the

balance in developing the communities and its people by bringing them on par with the rest of the country.

“When the PPP was in Government first in 1950, we introduced the Hinterland Scholarship Programme and since we came back to Government in 1992, we

started to expand on that, and we have been building schools in the interior.”

Mention was made of the Kato Secondary School, which is under construction that will house over 400 students and which carries dormitories, and a new primary school recently commissioned in Paramakatoi.

The Head of State, who noted that owing to the many interventions by the Government, a significant number of hinterland children now have access to both primary and secondary education.

He added that in an effort to afford hinterland students the opportunity to gain a University of Guyana degree, the Government is working collaboratively with the university to develop online courses. While this initiative is in the making, the President said the administration is putting in the necessary framework to facilitate it.

continue on page 9

Eyew tness

Beating...

...a dead donkey

You've heard about "dead horses" no?? Even if you keep on beating them, they ain't going no where. Well "dead donkeys" are worse: stubborn when alive, they're implacable when dead. Ralph Ramkarran, ex-PPP Ex-Co member, ex-Speaker and evidently, an ex-Marxist, keeps beating the dead donkey called "shared governance" in Guyana.

It's his solution to everything that's ground to a halt.

The PNC...oops!...APNU and AFC create havoc in Linden?? No problem - just roll out "shared governance". Opposition axes Government's Budget?? Hey!! What about shared governance?? Record rainfall and flooding of Georgetown?? Why! Try shared governance, stupid!

So now that Ramotar's irresistible force of prorogation has met the Opposition's immovable object of "NoConfidence" from the Opposition, this Eyewitness is sorry - but you don't get any prizes for guessing Ramkarran's silver bullet is "shared governance!!" Give the man a prize, though, for consistency. Consistentcy in being airy-fairyily irrelevant, that is!

This Eyewitness has to ask: When is this guy gonna realise that even though he's spent years cultivating the "Mr Reasonable" air among PPP/C, leaders, he's not gonna get another bite at the cherry on being a Presidential candidate. Not, as he's hoping this time, to be the dark horse to be nominated by the Opposition. He's already shot his wad...and there's no second act on Presidential nominations after Cheddi Jagan. Ain't gonna happen. Period.

Does he really think Granger's gonna step aside for him?? Granger's even thrown his sponsor Corbin under the bus, for Chrisssake! What does he owe Ramkarran??

Nada...zero...zilch! Granger's long past his expiration date - and he knows it. He didn't step aside for Greenidge and Norton when they whupped him fair and squarebecause he so wants to have folks salute him again - and he's gonna walk all over the likes of Ramkarran?

And Ramjattan?? His objections against Ramkarran makes Granger seem like ringing endorsements! Ramjattan hates Ramkarran’s guts because when he was a young, struggling lawyer, even though a putative comrade in the PPP/C, Ramkarran never gave him the time of the day.

Supposedly a flaming red Marxist, Ramkarran yet favoured the nepotism of pushing sons over comrades. No Jagan was he! And then there was the delicate matter of Ramjattan claiming Ramkarran standing mute when he, Ramjattan, was accused of being a "news carrier" for the US Embassy.

No endorsements here!

We wish Ramkarran would ease up on that dead donkey named "shared governance". It's cruelty to all cringing in embarrassment for him. Not to mention to the said donkey.

...a childish retort

Remember, dear readers, those famous, eloquent and profound exchanges in the schoolyard that went like this?? "You hit me first!!" "No you hit ME first!" NO!! You hit me first!" Repeated, of course, like a stuck phonograph for half an hour! With only the volume getting louder. Well that's how Granger came across in his "reply" to the President's question: "Can we talk??"

Here's a big, grown man, who had no shame to say, "Well, the President didn't tell ME directly - he did so through the press". Never mind the fate of the country rests in the balance, "I ain't talking to him except through the press also!! Do fuh do na obeah!" It's a good thing he didn't stamp his foot and exclaim, "So there!!"

And this is a man who wants to run this country?? Did he call Ramotar to tell him he was welshing on the bargain he'd struck to exchange the raising pensions for raised tariffs on Linden's electricity??

Dammed right he didn't! But then, school kids are caught up in their own world, aren't they?

...the rap??

Just got news a priest was defrocked for molesting a 12-year-old, 20 years ago in Dominica. And in our country, worse is done to a boy, and no one even talks about the big one who lectures Presidents??

President Donald Ramotar being escorted into Kurukubaru in the North Pakaraimas by a resident and the village’s Toshao

President Donald Ramotar cuts the ribbon to declare open the inaugural North Pakaraimas Festival Expo

$300 million cocaine case

DPP to challenge Magistrate’s decision

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack has reportedly filed an appeal at the Appeal Court, Kingston, Georgetown, challenging a decision by a Magistrate to sentence a confessed drug dealer to five years suspended sentence.

The decision by Magistrate Alex Moore to send Leonard Bacchus on custodial sentencing has led to public outcry. Bacchus has confessed to trafficking 76 kilograms of cocaine worth $300 million in kunds (a Hindu religious apparatus).

Bacchus was given suspended sentence of two years for being in unlawful possession of 125, 12-guage cartridges and 115, .32 rounds of ammunition,

which also stemmed from a raid of his Lot 20 Enmore Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara home on August 16, 2001.

He was nevertheless fined $2.5 million, but after a plea by the defendant’s lawyer; the Magistrate gave him up to June next to pay.

A senior rank of the Guyana Police Force stated that once the appeal has been filed, it will take some time before the case is heard, noting that presently there are several other cases that will take precedence.

The suspended sentence, he explained means that Bacchus will only go back to jail if he commits another criminal offense over the next five years.

However, he was not sure what would have been the reason for such a sentence to someone who pleaded guilty to narcopossession. This, he noted is a rear occurrence.

Initially, the prosecution team was led by now Police Commissioner Personal Assistant, Superintendent Karim Baksh, but was taken over by Inspector Stephen Telford.

After the prosecution closed it case, a case was made out against Bacchus; hence, the Magistrate ordered that he leads a de-

Keep your culture...

Already, the Administration has begun construction of computer hubs in hinterland communities as efforts are being made to source solar panel to power them. It is also with this in mind that the One Laptop Per Family initiative is being extended to hinterland communities.

Capacity building

President Ramotar said that the Government has also been placing emphasis on capacity building in hinterland communities as through the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) Programme, many communities have benefitted from initiatives that will boost economic activities.

As the second phase of the LCDS programme rolls out, more than 150 communities stand to benefit.

Meanwhile, the President also used the opportunity to bring the residents, who came out in their numbers, up to speed

on the current parliamentary situation, which is facing Guyana, and his decision to prorogue the Parliament.

The President explained that this was done after the Opposition were bent on moving ahead with a No-Confidence Motion against the Government. He spoke of the combined Opposition’s constant effort to derail the progress that has been made under the PPP/C Administration, as he cited the cuts to the national budget over the past three years, which the High Court ruled was unconstitutional, but noted that from the actions of the Opposition, they seem bent on stymieing development, moreso in hinterland communities.

The residents were reminded of the cuts to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry’ capital budget.

He assured the gathering that despite the Opposition’s efforts to

Simply

Harvest

fence which was led by Attorney James Bond.

During the defence’s rebuttal to the court, Bacchus changed his plea to guilty on both charges. At that time, he was looking at a possible jail time and having to pay a big fine, but the legal fraternity and the public were shocked when Magistrate Moore handed down the suspended sentence.

Bacchus’ wife and 17-year-old son, who were jointly charged, were also acquitted due to lack of evidence against them.

The three were remanded to prison when they made their first court appearance on August 23, 2011, but subsequently secured high court bail in the sum of $1 million each on November 23 that year.

from page 8

thwart development, the Administration will continue to work towards the advancement of all its citizens

Meanwhile, Toshao of Kurukubaru Leonis Peters, who also addressed the gathering at the opening ceremony, described the event as a historical one for the residents.

“Very often we have heard about similar national events taking place in other regions. I am very proud today to say expo 2014 is the first of its kinds, it’s an attempt to bridge the existing gap with other communities and regions.”

He added that the event is also a vision that has become a reality, and called on his fellow residents to use the event for social cohesion, nation-building and most importantly as a forum to boost economic development and give recognition to the North Pakaraimas.

The invitation to the “Harvest” or “Thanksgiving” Service at St John Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, Corentyne, was so graciously delivered that it would have been rude to have said no. I went last Sunday, as invited.

The Church is situated on the south side of the Public Road, on the cusp between Rose Hall and Williamsburg. It was there for as long as I can remember. As a mere slip of a boy, living then in Williamsburg – a stone’s throw away from the Church –it was always a joy to go into the compound.

The compound was well manicured, small flower brushes symmetrically aligned, the broad grated gate painted black, the walkway brushed clean of debris. And those of us who did not belong to the “faith” walked through gates of welcome.

It was most passing strange, upon looking back, that there was no babble nor bray of religion. It was a place of all of God’s children, without the vulgarity of who believed in what nor worshipped whomsoever by whatsoever name. All were given welcome. We were never invited into the church, although the doors were open wide. There was no need for invitation.

What was important was that we behaved with civility and with honor, things beyond muddy religious affiliation. It was also important that we played table-tennis and volley-ball with effort, with winning with grace and losing with grace abounding.

There was, then a volleyball court which exists no more. The tennis table upon

which we played remains as a sad reminder of crusted memories. It is peeled, with a half dozen cheap sundry books littering it surface.

In one short year, as a University of Guyana (UG) undergraduate, my publications would have been more plentiful. When UG was UG, that is. When it was a place of dignity and honour and truth and genuine intellectual effort from students – guided by mentors like John Rickford, Joyce Jonas, Walter Edwards, Ian Robertson and Jeff Robinson.

Now UG is like that peeled and irrelevant tennis table with a littering of scant, worn books, brown and wet from age and sad from not having been opened.

The person I remember best that belonged to the Lutheran Church was Vernon Outar. An unassuming man, empty of arrogance, soft of voice, measured of language, and as decent as the clean breeze.

He blessed me with a visit some nine moths ago, when I was abandoned to the noble charity of loved ones. He was as gracious of recent and he was in our youth. How, then does one repay such a person? On the opposite scale is the befouled who reminded me: “I brought you food!” This is Berbice, and we NEVER talk about food given or got. Ever! The St John Lutheran Church stands still. I went to the Harvest sermon. I was relieved that there was no vulgar noise not pretentious prancing. It was staid, simple, in the manner of the Roman Catholic Church, its antecedent.

There was a good congregation, though not as good as back in the days, but good people helped me to turn pages to find hymns that I may sing along. It was all lead by a deacon, and I liked his gentle approach.

I did not sing. I simply beheld as a witness.

Decomposed body found in Puruni River buried – to be exhumed for post-mortem

The decomposed body of a man who was found in the Puruni River in a shallow grave on Friday last has been buried by ranks at the Itabali Police Station, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), a source told Guyana Times

The body which has not been identified has two tattoos, one on the right hand with the writing “Death Before” and another on the left hand “No Guts No Glory”.

A senior Police rank told Guyana Times on Sunday that once the body

is decomposed to an extent that it cannot be recognised, the Police have the right to bury it.

Nevertheless, he stated that a post -mortem examination will still have to be performed to determine the cause of death.

In this case, he added that once a Pathologist is available, he will travel to Itabali where the body will be exhumed to facilitate the process.

No one had come forward to identify the man.

The Police; however, would have taken photos of the decomposed body with

the tattoos for verifications purposes. Meanwhile, Itabali residents have raised some concerns in the manner in which the body was buried, claiming that it as a health risk, but the senior Police rank assured that the body was properly buried. Officials at the Bartica Hospital stated that the body was too decomposed to be taken to the mortuary, and as such, the Police through their superiors buried it. The Police are however, continuing their investigations and have not ruled out foul play.

Professor Daizal Samad

Director of Public Prosecution, Shalimar Ali-Hack

Freed drug dealer, Leonard Bacchus

Guyana currently unrated

– some distance away from qualifying for national airline status

As the local aviation sector booms, Guyana is in need of its own national airline, but this is far from becoming a reality due to the fact that there are certain criteria that must be fulfilled.

This is according to Fly Jamaica Director Roxanne Reece, who stated that presently Guyana is unrated on the international aviation chart.

She disclosed that Guyana has moved from Category Two to unrated status a few months ago, noting that the dream of being qualified for national airline status can only be realised when Guyana gets to Category One status.

In 1999, she explained that Fly Jamaica set up a company called Wings Aviation with the hope of operating an international route from Guyana due to the fact that Guyana had Category Two status at the time.

She disclosed that only a Category One country can fly to the United States.

“We just couldn’t start the company… it is pending but we are waiting on Guyana to get to that stage for it to become a Category One country,” she reiterated.

While there are certain factors that have to be considered before moving to Category One status, the most important, however is for Guyana to have air traffic regulations that are internationally recognised.

Another aspect, she added is that there must be trained and adequate human resources in the Civil Aviation Department.

However, she boasted that Fly Jamaica is the National Carrier for Jamaica. A Guyana Civil Aviation Authority offi-

cial when contacted for a comment explained that the different airports are managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations.

He posited that for an airport to gain Category One status is highly dependent on how developed the local aviation section is with respect to security, documentations and more importantly human resources.

The human resources, he noted include persons to perform flight and

other critical inspections. Currently, Guyana does not have these in place, but is using a Jamaican company to assist in this regard.

Other important factors which have contributed to the unrated status include the fact that illegal drugs continue to be shipped out of Guyana on a regular basis.

In addition, the official stated that the current infrastructure might have also contributed to Guyana’s unrated status.

The Airport Expansion Project, once completely will see Guyana heading for Category One status.

The first national airline was Guyana Airways which operated from 1939 to 2001. During this period, it operated at destinations throughout the Caribbean, the US and Canada. It was declared insolvent in 2001. After the airline went bankrupt in 2001, its successor, Guyana Air 2000 maintained a short-lived operation until 2003, when it also filed for insolvency.

Guyana gave flagship status to Caribbean Airlines a few years ago.

More sick people since de floods

De Hong Kong people start to protest a long time now. And dem still deh pun de streets. Now some people in Mexico start to protest. People all over de world does have dem own reason fuh protest. Some good, some bad. But at least dem have a reason.

In Guyana, Green Jah does love to start a protest, but wid out reason. Green Jah look at lil too much news, see all whah happenin, and he start up. Right away God get vex and send de rain to flood out GT.

Green Jah is a man who does protest inside and outside Parliament. And he does call pun all and sundry to join he. Is a good ting most of de people got better sense than Green Jah, includin dem Lindenians.

Before de Guvament change, it never used to have any protest. Every body used to stay in dem house, tek whah ever de Guvament give dem (or don’t give dem), and bear strain. Old people used to seh yuh have to bear yuh chafe.

Plus people had to go to wuk fuh lil bit pay, line up fuh gas fuh dem car if dem coulda afford one, and whenever dem need to use a phone, dem had to go down de road to beg to borrow one. At that time only Burnt Ham people had phones.

Dem was de days Adumb use to con people wid some ting nice in de front page of every day of de Con-icle paper. Now is de same crookishness goin on. Just that nowadays, Adumb turn from a con man to a Kocheur man.

But since tings in de country start to get better, people findin other reasons to protest. Pullice man Sicken seh some ting sick bout women and next day a setta sick women line up in fronta de Brickdam Pullice Station.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And all of dem dress up (or down?) in de same way Sicken talk bout. Is a lotta sick people deh bout since de floods!

Man found dead in CJIA reservoir

An electrician attached to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Maintenance Section was on Sunday afternoon found dead in a reservoir in the Civil Aviation Compound, Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

The dead man was identified as Chris Andrew Jacob, 26, of Haurauni, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. According to reports received, the man was found about 13:45h on Sunday, but went missing since Saturday afternoon after work.

There was reportedly no mark of violence on his body, and as such, Chris is suspected to have drowned. His father Jagat Jacob in a telephone interview told Guyana Times that his son left for work on Saturday morning, but after work he reportedly went and “hang out” with some friends.

He said about 02:00h on Sunday morning, he woke up and did not see his son. This, he said made him get worried since it was unusual occurrence. At about 05:30h, he received a call from his son’s Supervisor enquiring about his whereabouts.

The distraught father explained that from information gathered, he was made to understand that there was an issue at the airport involving his son.

Guyana Times understands that the members of the internal security at the airport could not handle the situation and called on members of the Guyana Police Force to intervene.

It was this time that the young man escaped and was not seen since until his body was discovered. He was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.

The father went on to say that he contacted his son’s Supervisor about 12:00h on Sunday and up to that time, he was still missing. He said while on his way to Georgetown, he received another call informing him that they had found his son’s body in the reservoir.

He immediately rushed to the airport where he saw the lifeless body.

The distressed man stated that his son’s wallet and phone and other personal belonging were intact. The Police have since launched an investigation into the matter.

A colleague with whom the young man worked told Guyana Times that he was out with some relatives when he received the devastating news. He said Chris was a jovial and hard working colleague. He noted that the young man started to work in the Maintenance Department about five years ago, and was promoted to the rank of Electrician.

Chris, he stated was a very polite and well disciplined individual and was not sure what might have been the contributing factors to his death.

The young man attended the Haurauni Secondary School where he wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CXC) and went on to study Electrical Engineering at the Georgetown Technical Institute. He leaves to mourn his parents and two sisters.

His body is at the Lyken’s Funeral Home and is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Fly Jamaica Director Roxanne Reece

Chris Jacob

Times Notebook

Ban Styrofoam and plastic containers

Clearly, the time is now – ban the use of Styrofoam in Guyana. Everywhere, the devastating impact Styrofoam has on the lives of all of us in Guyana is evident.

Globally many countries have already taken action to stop the enormous negative impact of Styrofoam on the lives of people and on countries. Styrofoam has direct and indirect negative implications on the health of our people and animals. Tomorrow is too late; ban Styrofoam today.

Another flood has hit Guyana. Styrofoam contributes to the clogging of drains and contribute to a general non-hygienic condition in communities. No community is spared. Styrofoam plays a role at the beginning and at the end of too many catastrophic events due to climate change today. It plays a role in global warming and it creates an environmental nightmare.

Guyana took a major decision in June 2013 when Cabinet announced that Government will ban the importation of Styrofoam containers into the country, starting from June 2014. June has come and gone, Government has buckled under pressure and delayed the implementation of a progressive measure intended to bring about a healthier environment.

Government has stated that it will decide on a later on implementation of the ban. Well the Government has another reminder that banning Styrofoam is an action it must take now.

Cities across the globe are taking action to ban the use of Styrofoam. Haiti had by decree banned Styrofoam use since 2012. In Haiti’s case, the use is still too abundant in that country due to smuggled Styrofoam containers.

New York City has passed a law to ban the use of Styrofoam containers from 2015. Washington, DC will ban the use of Styrofoam starting from 2016. These American cities represent the latest in a string of US cities that have banned or about to ban Styrofoam.

Countries and cities around the world have followed one another in a revolution to bring about a healthier environment and to manage the growing problem of unhealthy sanitation.

While Guyana made a progressive policy decision, it is tardy in implementing action to give effect to a policy that is desperately in need for implementation in our country.

Restaurants and stores

must stop providing and selling food carts and single-use cups, clamshells and trays, as well as peanut-shaped packing materials, made from a type of thermoplastic petrochemical called expanded polystyrene, commonly called Styrofoam.

Banning Styrofoam in Guyana is urgent. It can be done without negative effects on people’s lifestyles. Here in Guyana, lead-based paints were banned. Most people now are unaware that lead-based paints are not imported or manufactured in Guyana. Styrofoam must go the way of lead-based paint.

Styrofoam ban in Guyana is consistent with existing policy and leadership in the war against global warming and climate change and entirely consistent with the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Styrofoam is more than 1,000 times more effective than carbon dioxide in contributing to global warming.

Worst yet, in addition to the immediate impact of clogging drains and overwhelming solid waste capacity, it remains in grounds for centuries without being degraded and during all that time produces toxic chemicals to pollute the environment and add to global warming.

Polystyrene foam is a major component of plastic debris in the ocean, where it becomes hazardous to marine life and could lead to the transfer of toxic chemicals to the food chain. Animals do not recognize this artificial material and may even mistake it for food.

Polystyrene foam blows in the wind and floats on water, and is abundant in the outdoor environment. It can be lethal to any bird or sea creature that swallows significant quantities. Guyana’s sea turtle population has been threatened by floating Styrofoam.

It’s in our plastic cutlery, under our meat, in the lid

on our coffee. We use it and we get rid of it not considering that polystyrene, a.k.a. plastic No. 6, will stay in our world for 500 years at least more than us - clogging up storm drains and landfills.

Why is this product still being tolerated? It does not make life better in Guyana. It makes a lot of money for manufacturers, including its inventor, Dow Chemicals, which introduced it in 1938.

But it is costing millions in cleaning drains and canals, in repairing pumps that are destroyed by Styrofoam making their way in the engines, etc. It is costing millions to take them to solid waste sites and to store them

for more than 500 years. It is an eye-sore in Georgetown and all along the coast, including the remotest parts of Guyana.

The time has come for Guyana to act as one, boldly with a progressive action to protect the environment and save lives. Government must act decisively by banning Styrofoam containers now. Do this for Guyana, not for foreign interest.

The time has come for the Caricom and the UN to act at the global level. Act now to save Guyana and the world. Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

Styrofoam contributes to the clogging of drains and contribute to a general non-hygienic condition in communities.

monDAY, november 24, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Citizens Bank opens $200M branch at New Amsterdam

Citizens Bank on Sunday commissioned a spanking new $200 million branch at New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) with President Donald Ramotar calling for credit cards to be used more in transacting business. The President made the call against the backdrop that Guyana’s financial sector is becoming more developed and sophisticated.

“Cash being carried has been related to some of the crimes we have and if people start to use other forms of money and other means of transacting their business and have less liquid cash around, it could help to curb some of the crimes that the country has to deal with.”

The President said the new banking facility is evidence of the confidence the business community has in the local economy, noting that Guyana over

the years has moved from being a Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) to a developing country.

“We have the conditions in Guyana to take us

to the other level of reaching the status of being a developed country in a short period of time.”

He said over the years, the Government has de-

veloped the infrastructure to keep the country going, but he noted in order to go to the next level “we will need projects like the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project”.

Government, he said will not give up on this project.

“Another project that is as important as cheap electricity that we envisage will be based right here in the Berbice region is a deep water harbour. This is needed in any modern society.”

Meanwhile, Citizens Bank Chairman Clifford Reis said the County of Berbice is a force to be reckoned with, noting that it is a well established agriculture base, rich in mineral resources, which all speak of the economic importance of Berbice.

“What we have here is a vision of what could be possible in terms of economic activity and creating wealth could now be considered with the creation of a deep water harbour.”

Citizens Bank Managing Director Eton Chester said that the New Amsterdam branch will offer the same standard of services offered at its other locations.

The building was designed by Guyanese architect Sheldon Williams and was constructed Home Designs, a New Amsterdam firm.

The newly-commissioned branch is the seventh of the bank since opening operations here on Camp Street on November 7, 1994.

Women urged to become vocal members of society – at remembrance of martyred Kowsilla

Guyanese women were urged to stand up and speak out for their rights as the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) remembers Kowsilla, a mother of four who was ran over by a tractor during a protest against the British plantocracy five decades ago.

The Women Progressive Organisation (WPO), along with the PPP/C on Sunday remembered the sacrifices of Kowsilla at the Leonora Secondary School, West Coast Demerara.

Kowsilla, 44, known as “Alice” was killed on March 6, 1964, when her body was severed in two by Felix Barr, who drove a tractor through her. She was the sole breadwinner of her family.

Addressing the gathering at Leonora on Sunday, WPO General Secretary Gail Teixeira said that looking back at the his-

tory of Guyana; women have played and continue to play an important role in the struggle for independence and rights for all Guyanese.

She noted that while not every woman can be a Kowsilla, they can definitely make a change, but will have to continue the struggle.

“You got to stand up and open your mouth. Stop hiding, you’ve got to be out there, don’t hide yourself. We have to be proud of us as Guyanese women because the change in Guyana came about through the struggle for democracy, the struggle which changed

about the strides women in Guyana have made over the years since the days of Kowsilla, such as being owners of properties, having sound a education and being in politics, among others.

Bravery

Meanwhile, PPP/C

General Secretary Clement Rohee said that not a lot of people know about the struggles of women such as Kowsilla. He noted that Kowsilla was an ordinary woman but she stood out because of her bravery to challenge the plantation rulers. Rohee added that her sacrifice contributed

our Constitution and created equality and the struggle today to make sure that we don’t so backwards and keep on going forward,” she stated.

Teixeira went on to talk

to the struggles of sugar workers and eventually to the development of unions, political parties and the country as a whole.

“Things have indeed changed since the days of

Kowsilla and it was a result of her contributions that we are enjoying today what we’re enjoying. The condition of working women today, compared to the conditions of the working women when Kowsilla was alive, is like comparing mangoes with tangerines. Working women today have much better conditions than Kowsilla had,” Rohee said.

This sentiment was reiterated by the representatives from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Rice Producers Association, who pointed out that the sacrifices of Kowsilla paved the way for better working conditions

for all categories of workers across the country and recognition of GAWU.

Kowsilla was an Executive of the Leonora branch of the WPO. At the time, there were countrywide industrial protests, demanding recognition of GAWU by the Sugar Producers’ Association.

Kowsilla, along with other men and women who were mostly estate workers gathered at the High Bridge, leading to the Leonora Sugar Estate, where they sat forming a human barricade in protest against inadequate wages and inadequate working conditions.

Their actions prevented some scabs from enter-

ing the estate to work and based on instructions, one of them drove a tractor on the bridge, causing several persons to jump off into the punt trench while 14 of them who held their ground were injured.

Kowsilla and two other women who were severely injured were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, but she died on her way there. The two other women Jagdai and Daisy Sookram survived the incident but suffered broken spines and were crippled for life.

The driver of the tractor Felix Barr was charged but was subsequently acquitted of the murderous act.

President Donald Ramotar (seventh left) and Citizens Bank Chairman Clifford Reis (left of President) with staffers at the new branch in New Amsterdam

A section of the gathering at the event to remember Kowsilla’s sacrifice

Kowsilla also known as “Alice”

WPO General Secretary Gail Teixeira addressing the gathering

PNC hiding from past under APNU – Ali Baksh

By IndrawattIe natram

Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Ali Baksh said A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is the old People’s National Congress (PNC) in disguise and the Alliance For Change (AFC) is no different.

Addressing Wakenaam residents at separate meetings at Success and Marias Pleasure, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Saturday, Baksh said both political parties are against the

(Pomeroon-Supenaam)

Chairman said gone were those days, noting that Wakenaam was assuming its rightful place in Guyana, performing well in a number of sectors.

He said the island has been producing a number of intelligent young men and women.

“Young people who leave the island to go further their studies are returning to further develop the island, this is because of the many opportunities we, the PPP, has exposed them too,” Baksh said.

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, but unfortunately to stop development.

The Minister urged residents to continue to support the PPP/C, noting that Guyana might soon be going to the polls.

Baksh said the PPP/C was proud of the developments on the island, the majority of which has been achieved under its watch.

Minister Baksh reminded residents that during the dark days of the PNC, the roads on the island were in a terrible state.

He said residents had many “early nights” as there was no electricity, coupled with no telephone services, poor access to water and rundown education and health sectors.

The Minister, who was a former Region Two

He said too that he was more than impressed whenever he drove around the small agricultural island and noticed the tremendous transformation in the landscape with the erection of many modern houses.

The Minister told residents that since the PPP/C took office in 1992, there was a sparkle of light, a light that created opportunities, development and progress throughout every region in Guyana.

He reminded residents that the same old PNC, now disguised as APNU, had destroyed the country during its 28 years of “plunder”, during which human rights abuse, starvation and rigged elections were a central feature.

According to Minister Baksh, then Finance Minister of the PNC

Taxi driver on bail for allegedly raping two school girls

Ataxi driver was on Friday placed on bail when he appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court to answer to rape charges.

Leonard Bristol of Number Two Village, Canje is alleged to have committed the offences on two school girls while another matter of a similar nature was receiving the attention of the court.

It is alleged that on September 16 at a house at Edinburgh Village, East Bank, Berbice, he sexually penetrated a 14-year child.

It is also alleged that on next day, at the same house, he committed a similar offence with a girl under the

Government, Carl Greenidge had said the finance barrel was scraped till it “bore”.

“During PNC days, we had no bread, flour was banned along with split peas, potatoes, sardines and other basic food items, including soap; people suffered, they had to find alternative –grind black eye to make dhal. If we were caught with any of the banned items, such as a loaf of bread, a tin of sardine or any of the banned items, we were charged and jailed; I faced all this,” Baksh related.

At the end of the meeting, residents interacted and raised issues that affect them. The Minister was accompanied by Region Two Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo and PPP/C organisers of Wakenaam Island, Zakir Khan and Mustak Mohammed.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran also conducted meetings at Ridge and Zeelandia.

Wakenaam farmer dies in accident

AWakenaam family is mourning the death of a young rice farmer who lost his life tragically after riding into a parked lumber truck on Saturday night. The incident occurred on Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo IslandWest Demerara).

Dead is Shailindra Rambajue, 38, also known as “Fatso” and “Redeye” of Ridge, Wakenaam.

The father of two reportedly lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a parked lumber truck next to a sawmill. Based on reports, he suffered injuries mostly to the head and arms.

Rambajue, who is well known on the Island, was picked up by residents and rushed to the Wakenaam Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

An eyewitness told Guyana Times that the farmer was “bleeding from

the head; his hands had broken and blood was oozing from various part of his body”.

Rambajue was described as a very loving and cooperative individual. He leaves to mourn his wife and two children. His body is at the Wakenaam Cottage Mortuary awaiting postmortem examination.

age of 16.

Magistrate IsaacsMarcus placed the accused on $150,000 bail on each of the two charges and ordered that he does not come within 20 feet of the victims.

She has also ordered that he reports every Friday to Central Police Station in New Amsterdam at 18:00h. Meanwhile, Bristol is also on $100,000 bail for touching an underage female in a sexual manner. That incident is alleged to have been committed at a house in Palmyra Village on October 20.

On that charge, Bristol was asked to lodge his passport with the court before bail was granted. The accused will return to court on December 22.

The state of the motorcycle belonging to Shailindra Rambajue after the accident

Minister within the Agriculture Ministry, Ali Baksh speaking at a meeting at Success, Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo IslandWest Demerara)

Grenada and St Kitts-Nevis to officially join ALBA next month

It is expected that the membership of Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis will be made official during 13th summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA) in Havana, Cuba, on December 14, when the regional bloc will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of its founding.

Bernardo Alvarez, Executive Secretary, asserted that ALBA-TCP emerged as an alternative to traditional schemes of integration and that today it was a powerful political alliance that defends the environment and human rights, and against interventionism and war.

According to Alvarez, the progress and achieve-

ments of the alliance will be promoted in countries like

Spain, France and Germany, among other countries, and the Venezuelan embassies in various nations will carry out activities to promote the significance, goals and plans of the organization.

The 13th summit will honour its founders, former Presidents Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Fidel Castro of Cuba.

The two new member nations will bring the total to 11, the others being Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Venezuela.

(Caribbean News Now)

Jamaica: Human rights group says US immigration plan “laudable but incomplete”

Amajor human rights group in the United States has described as “laudable but incomplete” President Barack Obama’s executive actions to fix the US’s “broken immigration system” by halting deportations of certain undocumented Caribbean and other immigrants.

On Saturday, Human Rights Watch noted that the President’s decision will protect millions of people from the “corrosive threat of removal”.

“The plan outlined,

while deficient in key respects, will keep eligible families intact and help immigrants resist workplace and other abuses without fear of deportation,” the human rights group said.

“President Obama’s plan to keep nearly five million immigrants and their families from being broken apart by deportation is a strike against arbitrary cruelty,” said Antonio Ginatta, US Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch.

“By ordering major re -

forms to immigration enforcement, Obama is improving public safety and making millions of people less vulnerable to abuse.”

Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Actions expands eligibility for already-existing “temporary legal status” for migrants who came as children, and offers a similar temporary status for the parents of US citizens and permanent residents.

Other aspects of the plan make it easier for families to stay together by of-

fering relief to people who would otherwise be eligible for family visas but for bureaucratic backlogs, Human Rights Watch noted.

But Human Rights Watch said other abusive practices against immigrants are “unaddressed and possibly worsened under the plan,” stating that Obama declined to provide protection against deportation to immediate relatives, including parents, of young people with deferred deportation status. (Jamaica Observer)

German couple hacked to death in Tobago

AGerman couple has been hacked to death in Tobago. They have been identified as Hubertus Keil, 74, and Birgid Keil, 71. The bodies were discovered shortly after 11:00h Saturday by a passerby who called the Police. The bodies were found approximately one mile east of the beach, near the mouth of the river at Bacolet Bay. There were multiple chop wounds about the necks, hands and bodies of the couple. They were identified by property manager Brian Abraham.

Police officers and undertakers remove the body of a German national who was murdered in Tobago

The couple were last seen on Thursday, but investigators believe that the incident may have occurred shortly before the bodies were found. The T&T Guardian was told that the Keils lived alone and have been visiting Tobago annually for the past 20 years during the winter

months, arriving on the island in the month of October and leaving in March.

Police are yet to ascertain a motive for the killing,

since the couple’s villa was locked and was in a pristine condition. Their personal items, including laptops and cellular phones, were also intact. A resident of the area where the couple lived, and who did not want to be named, said they were very quiet people. The resident could not understand the reason for the attack.

Up to late Saturday night, Police had no suspects in custody. District Medical Officer, Dr Lesley Gabba ordered the bodies removed to the Scarborough Mortuary. This brings the murder toll in Tobago to seven for 2014. Tobago Homicide Bureau is continuing investigations.

(Trinidad Guardian)

Petrotrin claims sabotage, calls in cops after oil leak

Aday after Petrotrin beefed up security following an Internet threat, saboteurs have struck at a Petrotrin installation in Grand Ravine, Palo Seco, unscrewing a plug from an oil tank. However, Petrotrin was able to avert a catastrophe as only five barrels of oil leaked into the environment before it was contained. Petrotrin President Khalid Hassanali said the removal of the bull plug at

the base of the oil tank was the work of saboteurs who used a wrench to unfasten the plug. “We have taken note of this and reported it to the Police,” Hassanali said.

While he admitted that it was extremely difficult to man all Petrotrin installations in the refinery, marine and field operations, Hassanali said hiring additional manpower was not an option at this time. Instead, he said Petrotrin

would invest in technology that would better assist in keeping surveillance on all of Petrotrin’s installations.

“You have to remember that we have installations in the forests, so it would be impossible to hire watchmen to guard every installation. We are looking at investing in technology to assist in this regard,” Hassanali said.

He admitted that no discussions have yet been held with the Oilfield Workers

Trade Union (OWTU) about the sabotage. Police officers from the Santa Flora Police Station visited the site and took statements.

It is uncertain who was in charge of the installation at the time of the incident, but Hassanali said an investigation has been launched.

On Friday night, Petrotrin raised its threat alert after a cryptic warning was issued in a video posted on Youtube from the group Anonymous T&T.

(TT Guardian)

Catholic Church ousts priest in Dominica for sexual abuse

Alongtime parish priest on Dominica who was accused of sexually abusing a girl in 1994 has been removed from the priesthood under a decree issued by the bishop for the eastern Caribbean island, the Associated Press reported.

“Monsignor Reginald LaFleur, a popular priest known as “Father Reggie” by parishioners in Grand Bay, was defrocked at the direction of the Congregation of the Faith in Rome, Bishop of Roseau Gabriel Malzaire said late Thursday,” the news agency said.

“The Bishop said in an interview that it was a painful decision for him and the diocese. “I am sure that one will appreciate that this is one of

the most difficult things that I have ever had to do in my life as a bishop and priest.”

The 60-year-old priest was placed on administrative leave in 2013 after a woman reported that he touched her inappropriately on her “bottom and breast” when she was 12 years old during his time in Portsmouth. The accusations were made in a series of letters she wrote to the Bishop.

LaFleur declined to participate in the church investigation and was “represented in the proceedings by a clerical expert from outside the diocese. Results of the investigation were sent to the Vatican, which directed that he be removed from the priesthood”.

Amnesty International told to stay out of Bahamas affairs

Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader Branville

McCartney said on Thursday that Amnesty International should “stay out of our business” when it comes to the Government’s new immigration policy. They obviously do not know what is going on here,” McCartney told The Nassau Guardian.

“They comment from a distance and not from a reality of what is taking place in our country. With all respect, stay out of our business.”

On Monday, the international human rights organisation alleged that the Government’s policy is “leading to human rights violations” in The Bahamas.

Other critics are Florida State Representative Daphne Campbell and the Robert F Kennedy Centre for Justice and Human Rights (RFK Centre).

The RFK Centre expressed alarm over the “discriminatory use of the new immigration policies in The Bahamas”.

However, the Government has insisted that there has been no breach of the law and no violation of any individual’s constitutional rights sanctioned by the Government in the enforcement of its immigrations laws.

Speaking on the international backlash on Monday, Prime Minister Perry Christie said while The Bahamas is attuned to its international obligations, it is doing what is “just”, and “what is right”. Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell was expected to travel to Miami on Saturday to address what Christie has called “misinformation”.

Mitchell said he will also speak to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) caucus in Washington, DC, soon.

On Thursday, McCartney said the DNA has received no reports of the Department of Immigration committing human rights violations, as Amnesty International has alleged.

(Caribbean News Now)

ALBA Member States

Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Leader Branville McCartney

Around the world

Suicide bomber kills dozens at Afghanistan volleyball game

Asuicide bomber has killed dozens of people in an attack on a volleyball match in Afghanistan’s east, officials say.

Mokhis Afghan, Spokesman for the Governor of Paktika Province, bordering Pakistan, said the attack happened late on Sunday afternoon during an inter-district tournament match attended by a large crowd in the Yahyakhail district.

He said at least 40 people were dead and about 50 more were wounded in the attack, adding that most casualties were civilian.

The suicide bomber was on foot in the crowd, Afghan said.

Al Jazeera’s Charles

Stratford, reporting from Kabul, said the toll was expected to rise as the target was a well-attended match.

No group has claimed responsibility yet, but Paktika

All eyes on oil: What will OPEC do this week?

While Americans are chomping down on turkey and pie this week, everyone involved in the energy world will be closely watching the Thanksgiving Day meeting of the OPEC in Vienna, Austria.

Oil prices have tumbled dramatically in recent weeks. Oil now trades below US$80 a barrel and most Americans can buy gas for their cars for under US$3 a gallon.

The question is how OPEC will respond. So far, energy producing nations and companies haven’t scaled back production even though it’s pretty clear there’s an oversupply of oil

Iraqi forces

Iraqi forces said on Sunday they retook two towns north of Baghdad from Islamic State fighters, driving them from strongholds they had held for months and clearing a main road from the capital to Iran.

There was no independent confirmation that the army, Shi’ite militia and Kurdish peshmerga forces had completely retaken Jalawla and Saadiya, about 115 kilometres (70 miles) north-east of Baghdad. Many residents fled the violence long ago.

At least 23 peshmerga and militia fighters were killed and dozens were wounded in Sunday’s fighting, medical and army sources said.

“We have liberated Jalawla and Saadiya,” said Mala Bakhtiar, a senior official in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, speaking by phone from a nearby town. He estimated 50 Islamic State fighters may have been killed out of a force of 400.

on the world market.

Experts who follow OPEC and the oil market closely are evenly split in their bets on whether OPEC will vote to cut product. It will almost certainly come down to Saudi Arabia, which has refused to scale back production because it wants to squeeze its regional nemesis Iran, which is reeling from sanctions over its nuclear programme. All of this geopolitics makes it a strange time to be an energy investor. Many oil and gas company stocks have been pummelled as prices drop. But as any good investor knows, when others flee, it can be an ideal time to pick up a bargain buy. (CNNMoney)

has been targeted by the Taliban before, he said.

The Taliban and other fighters have mounted multiple suicide attacks and assassinations in Afghanistan

this year, as foreign forces continue to withdraw after 13 years of war.

Sunday’s attack is one of the deadliest so far this year, a time when attacks are escalating following a controversy-marred election and the inauguration of President Ashraf Ghani in September.

Afghanistan’s Parliament approved agreements on Sunday with the United States and NATO allowing international troops to remain in the country past the end of this year.

US President Barack Obama wants all American troops to be out of Afghanistan by the end of 2016, as his presidency draws to an end. (Al Jazeera and agencies)

Netanyahu warns of “grave mistake” if France recognises Palestine

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Sunday that France’s Parliament would be making a “grave mistake” if it recognises a Palestinian state in a vote on December 2.

“Do they have nothing better to do at a time of beheadings across the Middle East, including that of a French citizen?” he commented to reporters in Jerusalem, referring to hiker Herve Gourdel who was executed by his jihadist captors in Algeria in September.

“Recognition of a Palestinian state by France would be a grave mistake,” Netanyahu said.

“The State of Israel is the homeland of the Jewish peo-

ple, the only state that we have, and the Palestinians demanding a state do not want to recognise the right to have a state for the Jewish people,” Netanyahu told members of Israel’s growing Jewish community from France. His comments came just hours after his Cabinet voted 14-6 in favour of a controversial proposal to anchor in law Israel’s status as “the national homeland of the Jewish people”. France’s plans for a non-binding but highly symbolic vote follows similar resolutions passed by the British and Spanish Parliaments, and an official decision to recognise Palestine by the Swedish Government. (Yahoo! News 7)

“retake two towns from Islamic State”

Iraq’s Shi’ite-led Government, backed by USled air strikes, has been trying to push back the Islamic State since it swept through mainly Sunni Muslim provinces of northern Iraq in June, meeting virtually no resistance.

Last week, the army broke a months-long siege of the country’s largest refinery north of Baghdad, but Islamic State fighters continue to take territory in the western province of Anbar, which shares borders with Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

The militants have been fighting in the last two days to take full control of the Anbar provincial capital Ramadi. On Sunday, Iraqi and foreign jets struck Islamic State fighters near central Ramadi. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Tunisians vote in landmark presidential poll

Millions of Tunisians are casting their ballots to directly elect their President for the first time since the revolution four years ago that swept away long-time leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Sunday’s election was a closely fought contest among stalwarts of the deposed regime, members of the onceoutlawed parties, as well as a new breed of politicians that has emerged since the 2011 revolution.

Early voter turnout after the opening of the polling stations at 8:00h local time (07:00 GMT) was low, especially among the youth.

Al Jazeera visited a polling centre at 18 Rue de L’Inde in Lafayette district in downtown Tunis, where the voting process was progressing smoothly.

“As you can see it is a very smooth and calm opera-

tion. So far things have been going very well,” Noureddine Jouini, the electoral officer in charge of the polling station, told Al Jazeera.

“Last time in the legislative elections, there were a couple of people who couldn’t find their names on the lists even though they had registered. This time the lists have been updated and we have not received any complaints regarding that issue. The youth voter turnout is very low like in the legislative,” Jouini said.

Mohamed Khlil, 78, a retired state official, was among the first to vote in the early hours.

“I came to vote because it’s my country’s fate that we are deciding. I am very happy to be able to vote and make my voice heard,” Khlil told Al Jazeera after casting his vote in the same polling station. (Al Jazeera)

Iran, powers set to miss nuclear talks deadline, seek extension

Iran, the United States and other world pow-

ers are all but certain to miss today’s deadline for negotiations to resolve a 12year stand-off over Tehran’s atomic ambitions, forcing them to seek an extension, sources say.

The talks in Vienna aim for a deal that could transform the Middle East, open the door to ending economic sanctions on Iran and start to bring a nation of 76 million people in from the cold after decades of hostility with the West.

But sources confirmed on Sunday what officials close to the talks have been predicting privately for weeks: that a final deal is still too far off to hammer out by the deadline.

“Considering the short

time left until the deadline and number of issues that needed to be discussed and resolved, it is impossible to reach a final and comprehensive deal by November 24,” Iran’s ISNA news agency quoted an unidentified member of the country’s negotiating team in Vienna as saying.

“The issue of extension of the talks is an option on the table and we will start discussing it if no deal is reached by Sunday night,” the official said.

The US, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China began the final round of talks with Iran on Tuesday to clinch a pact under which Tehran would curb its nuclear work in exchange for lifting economically crippling sanctions.

(Reuters)

China hosts World Internet Conference

Leveraging its 630-million-strong platform of Web users to attract some of the planet’s Internet elites, the China Government is staging its first World Internet Conference in the ancient riverside resort of Wuzhen on the east coast.

But simultaneously, in a

secret Beijing courtroom, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is launching the trial of a Tiananmen rights activist for allegedly leaking a secret Communist Party document against democracy to an online American magazine.

The Tiananmen activist, journalist Gao Yu was held

incommunicado while coerced into confessing that she passed state secrets to the US-based website, said Maya Wang, a Human Rights Watch researcher in Hong Kong who has been monitoring the case. “Police also detained Gao Yu’s son, and threatened to imprison him if she did not confess,” she explained. The CCP directive that Gao Yu has been accused of leaking is the Central Committee’s Document Number 9, which warns party cadres of the dangers of democracy and a free press, she said. The punishment for disclosing state secrets, in serious cases, can include life imprisonment.

The timing of the trial, set to coincide with China’s first staging of the global Internet summit, is unlikely to be lost on any of the elites from Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Apple, Amazon or Oracle attending the gathering. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

According to the officials, the suicide bomber was on foot in the crowd (ibnlive)

Iraqi forces said on Sunday they retook two towns north of Baghdad from Islamic State

US Secretary of State John Kerry (left); Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif (right) and EU envoy Catherine Ashton pose for photographers before a meeting in Vienna, November 22

VOX POPULI

PUBLIC OPINION

What the people say about: Do women who dress suggestively invite rape?

In light of the public controversy over A Division (Georgetown) Commander Clifton Hicken’s comments that females, particularly girls aged 16-18, need to embrace attire that is morally accepted to prevent rape, Guyana Times solicited the views of members of the public on the subject.

Radha Singh – Mother

“Definitely. When people see you dress like that, you get stares. I have a 16-year-old daughter and I encourage her to dress appropriately, ‘cause I know what does happen. If you dress a certain way, people will look at you a certain way and get ideas.”

Sheniza Ritchie – Student

“No, it’s all in the person’s mind because they can be attracted to your face, body or just to satisfy their sexual pleasure. Because a woman can dress decent and still be raped. So it’s all in the person’s mind and the way they are thinking.”

Avesh Ganeshram – Student

“Yes, if she revealing then it’s only natural a man will want to do her things but that doesn’t give him the right to do so, but it’s how he will think.”

Rashley Holder – Student

“I believe a respectable female should dress modest, and when men see a modest and wellgroomed female, they formulate a particular idea about them, same thing when you dressed suggestively. Even myself when I see a girl dressed provocatively, it attracts me, but I can control myself, I won’t go after her. But not all men like me, so these women need to protect themselves. It’s just like with robbery, you won’t wear all your gold jewellery and walk around the place and expect not to get robbed, because we know we live in a society where robbery prevalent.”

Nial Sukhra –

“Yes, you see, some boys have a warped mind, so seeing a girl who exposes herself tempts them, so if you dress and show out your body then you will tempt the boys. So you have to dress properly, because you don’t know what does go on in some boys’ mind.”

Tevin Spencer – Student

“The way women dress is routinely cited as an incitement to rape. References to sheer and clinging fabric, short skirts and liberally applied make-up are common in the context of rape trials. I think women are often judged too much on the basis of the way they present themselves, as though the presence of a bra or a subtler shade of lipstick might have made all the difference between uneventful occasions.”

Fitzroy Lynch – Sales Clerk

“Women these days, like they don’t care how they dress and how they present themselves. So if they carry themselves a certain way, then people will think certain things, you know what I’m saying? You can’t want be dressing and exposing yourself and then expect a man to be tame and not look at you. And sometimes some man does just look, but not all of them does look alone.”

Jorge Luis – Safety Supervisor

“I think woman should dress modest and decent, because you can’t change society and if man see her dress indecent, it’s not nice because he want to do things, so she should dress decent. Where I am from, it’s the same thing. A man will be a man.”

Richard McFarlen –Sales Clerk

“It’s not how they dress. It’s how they carry themselves. They need to be more respectful. And you see they fight for equality, I don’t think that could happen because a man is a man and a woman is a woman, and if a man see a woman carry herself a certain way, then that sending signals. But don’t get me wrong, I don’t support no cause of rape. Anybody, once they rape, I believe they should be publicly stoned.”

Tony Nandlall – Businessman

“It’s all about the occasion. They should dress appropriately for the occasion. And some women don’t do that which causes society to think a certain way. So women, they got to be careful with how they dress, because society got some sick people.”

Josh Oodit –Student

“A female should be free to dress however she feels; it’s an extension of her personality. But it’s the men, not all of them, but some of them who have mental illness or something. So if you want to be careful and safe, you dress properly to avoid being a target because you don’t know which persons will pounce on you. It’s a complicated situation, but generally, females, some females need to dress better.”

Reshma Khan – Student

“Of course, a woman can dress however she wants, no one is stopping her. But of course a man, well, not all men, but no one can stop them from wanting to rape her. So, it’s a give-and-take situation, because just like persons can’t control how you dress, persons can’t control how a man thinks and what he may do.”

...is a Guyana Times effort to give expression to issues concerning Guyanese. Every week we will publish views on one issue along with contributors’ photographs. The views expressed in comments published do not reflect the opinions of the Guyana Times Inc. I Say... will be published every Monday

East Coast hotel owner forgives robbers

Last Saturday, the E-Guest Hotel on the Nabaclis Main Road, East Coast Demerara, was robbed of over $50, 000 cash. But, in a show of mercy, the owner, though he reported the robbery to the Police, refused to press any charges owing to his familiarity with the suspects.

Hotel employee Julia (only name given) told Guyana Times that she be-

came aware of the robbery after she had counted the night’s earnings and found that things did not add up.

Upon investigation, it was realised that the bar was robbed around 23:00h when the bartender was called from her post, with only a few customers present.

Julia showed video footage to this newspaper, which captured the prima-

ry male suspect sitting with another male and female before he took the opportunity to remove money from the bar.

The hotel employee believes that the two persons sitting with the suspect were in collusion with him and had provided him with the opportunity to rob the bar by calling the female bar attendant from her post.

Julia said the owner was quite familiar with the male sitting with the suspect and assumed that it was probably an issue of being in the wrong place with the wrong company and thus did not press charges against the suspect as he returned the money that was stolen.

The suspect had already given a number of family members and friends some of money while spending

some of it. It seems that $12,000 was given to the male that was with him at the bar while $6000 was given to the female.

Both parties said they were unaware of what was happening and returned the money to the hotel, remarking that the suspect owed them.

Julia noted that the money was what the suspect had used to buy drinks

at the bar where he stayed into the wee morning hours. When the Manager queried the involvement of the aforementioned male and female, the suspect said that they were in on the plan. He blamed the other man for making him commit the act as he was drunk at the time. Efforts to contact the Manager of the hotel proved futile.

New Amsterdam presents $139M Budget for 2015

… poor revenue collection hampering operations

The New Amsterdam Municipality has submitted a proposed budget of $139 million for the year 2015 and has promised not to increase property taxes, but to go after defaulting taxpayers in an effort to raise needed funds.

Deputy Mayor Harold Debydeen revealed that some property owners have not paid their taxes for more than 10 years. “We intend to collect all our rates and taxes, which stand at $67 million. Things are going up every day and we do not have any duty-free concession, we buy our fuel at $215 per litre and we have to buy it in bulk to run the tractors to pick up the solid waste.”

Debydeen’s comments came even before acting Treasurer Verna Newyear presented the proposed budget.

Mayor Claude Henry noted that new measures will be taken to ensure the municipality still receives the money it is owed, even if rates do not come in. “In another week or so, we will embark on ... [ a process to get monies from ] persons who are defaulters. It is not a treat, but we need to get the money…”

The Mayor also noted that they will recommence removing signboards which were illegally erected in the township. That project started early in the year, but was put on hold. “We are going to continue that exercise until people come in and

pay their fair share to the Municipality.”

A fee of $30,000 is charged to erect a signboard on the municipal’s reserve. Many have erected signs without first contacting the municipality.

During 2015, the NA Municipality proposes to collect $67.2 million as taxes from property owners. This represents 57.7 per cent of what they should collect from the 4184 property owners in the township of which approximately 160 are commercial.

In her maiden budget presentation, Newyear noted that the largest portion of the budget will go to wages. This, she said, represents 39 per cent of the total budget,

while 11.3 per cent will go towards maintenance work. In terms of dollar amounts, $15.7 million will be spent throughout the town on maintenance work; there will be no maintenance works on roads in 2015.

The acting Treasurer said the Municipality is expected to collect $8 million from execution of appraisals and an additional sum for the regularisation of squatter communities.

In emphasising the Municipality’s need of revenue, Newyear added that most staffers are receiving the minimum wage of $35,000 monthly.

“There is no increase budgeted due to the meagre sum we usually collect in all

our revenue,” she said as she called on all to support the Town Council.

“We need the input most of all from the business community.”

Newyear nonetheless noted that the Municipality should be congratulated for the service it provided, taking into account the amount of taxes it collects to do various works.

Social Care Consultant Paulette Henry, who chaired the proceedings, took the opportunity to call on Government to assist. “While we demand more from the Council, we must raise our voices as citizens because the Municipality cannot operate without the support of Government.”

She said with the small salaries which the Municipality offers, it will not be able to attract quality persons.

Councillor Winifred Haywood, commenting on the issue at the budget presentation, said New Amsterdam was not a stepchild. “The $10 million a year they give us is not enough to run an entire town.”

The Mayor also reiterated the appeal saying that the time has come for Government to give to New Amsterdam, which is the largest town in the country, some of the revenue it collects annually from vehicle operators. According to him, these road users are responsible for most of the damage to the town’s roads.

Stop the fight and unite for Guyana

The United Force (TUF) is taking a different stand as part of its come back strategy; it is urging the current political parties to unite for the benefit of all Guyanese.

Leader of the party, Attorney Marissa Nadir said “the way they (political parties) going right now, it raises the question of whether they are working for themselves or they are working for the people”.

Nadir and fellow party Executive Member Roy Vantoll said the TUF is willing to work with the other parties for the development of Guyana.

The young Attorney told Guyana Times that all political parties need to work together, exercising their strongest arm for the betterment of Guyana.

“All parties need to ac-

TUF Leader Marissa Nadir

cept the past for what it is and at some point, if they really do have the country and the people’s best interest at heart, they will need to decide to work together.”

Vantoll contended that the current state of affairs in Guyana is not conducive to good spirit and is detri-

mental to business growth, foreign investment and the economy as a whole.

As a result, Nadir felt that there is an urgent need for stability in Guyana. She explained that “it is not about power anymore, the Guyanese people are fed-up about power”.

Vantoll felt that in order to get pass the current political stalemate, a majority Government is needed. He also called for early polls and explained that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) can easily rectify the issues on the Voter’s List. GECOM has recently announced that it will be embarking on the Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration.

It was recently found out that the Voter’s List has approximately 10,000 persons who are either dead

or migrated. The Peoples’ Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has since called for the list to be corrected, but the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) seems not to be bothered by the discrepancies, and is calling for early elections, with the current list.

Persons in some quarters say that the additional 10,000 voters on the list will work in the favour of APNU, in the event General Elections are called.

After being thought of as a dormant party following the loss of its only seat in Parliament during the 2011 elections, Nadir has made it very clear that the party is alive and will be contesting the upcoming elections.

She said the party will be going to the polls alone, noting that members have

Happiness is like anything else in life, it needs to be nurtured.

Everyone will have their own little way to define happiness and what it actually takes to achieve it. The key is to live our lives to maintain our own happiness, while at the same time not cause unhappiness to anyone else.

Too often we make the mistake of believing that some people don’t deserve happiness and we accept their unhappiness as a way of life. One thing we must realize, though, is that it is important to for us to understand that everyone deserves to be happy.

Narine Dat Sookram

We should even consider telling ourselves everyday if we have to, because if we don’t, we might end up harming our efforts to achieve happiness.

First, we must understand what it is that will make us happy. I am sure everyone has their unique requirements for achieving happiness and the reality is, what makes one person happy may be totally different from what makes someone else happy.

We need to dig deep into our own selves and do not worry too much about others around us. Our mood will very likely increase as we pursue our goal, because we will feel better about ourselves for going after something we value.

Also, we can be happy by making a plan for attaining our goals and by surrounding ourselves with people who are generally happy, because it’s very easy to get bogged down in negativity when we are surrounded by people who think in a negative way.

Sometimes we are too busy doing things for other people and we forget about our own selves, but it is important to make it a priority to take some time each day to do something nice for ourselves.

It could be anything from treating ourselves to dinner or listening to music if that’s what we love, because these simple things can put ourselves in a better mood.

Even just by taking a few minutes to spend each day to just think about the things that makes us happy can give us a nice, warm feeling, because it will give us the opportunity to focus on the positive things in our lives that matter to us that will lead us to happiness.

Sometimes based on what we are doing, many of us tend to be very serious, but by finding humour in challenging situations can also lead us to happiness. I am aware that there are times when we have to be serious, so we have to use our own judgment when it is appropriate to do so.

Generally speaking, people want to be physically fit, but this doesn’t come easily without appreciating the physical stress that comes with going to the gym or exercising for days upon days.

There are also many business-minded people who want to become financially independent, but this doesn’t come without being willing to take the risk and to deal with the possible failures that come along the way, and not to mention working long hours. And it still does not guarantee if success will come or not.

The key is to be real, don’t fake it. In fact a new study led by a Michigan State University business scholar suggests customer service workers who fake smiles throughout the day worsen their mood and withdraw from work, affecting productivity.

But workers who smile as a result of cultivating positive thoughts – such as a tropical vacation or a child’s recital –improve their mood and withdraw less. That’s a thought to think about!

For questions, comments and feedback, please email them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

planned a countrywide campaign. He believes that the TUF chances of doing well are promising.

“Most parties are stuck in the past and the past had less educated people while today we have more educated people.”

He said flooding in the City is also a matter of concern for the TUF. To combat flooding in Georgetown during rainy season, Vantoll said his party plans to bring Dutch officials to strategise a plan

for better drainage in the city. He said at present, there are lots of housing schemes, but not enough drainage systems. He said too that the value for the country needs to be instilled in the citizenry at an early age, and the people need to have a sense of involvement in the decision-making of the country, in order to acquire a sense of belonging. He believes that if people do not feel like they belong to Guyana, they will leave.

Mayor Claude Henry

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

You are known for your generosity, but you will have to learn to say no if you want to avoid money problems. Give your time and talent, but nothing more.

If someone is looking for more than you are willing to give, it may be time to rethink the connection you have with this person. An honest discussion is in order.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Pick up the pace and lift your spirits. A short jaunt to an unusual destination will give your mind something new to think about. Take a close friend along. Love is on the rise. Make plans that could help you meet someone new or let you get to know an interesting party a little better.

Your hard work will pay off. A get-together will give you a welcome break and provide an opportunity to brag about your progress. A challenge will excite you.

Too much idle time will lead to boredom and irritability. Start a new hobby or do something physical. An older relative will offer insight that will help you move forward.

All work and no play will hinder you mentally and physically. Focus on activities that will help you rejuvenate and give you a new lease on life.

There is money to be made. Talk to your financial adviser and go over your options. It will take diligence and planning on your part, but, in the end, you will make gains.

Steer clear of anyone who is looking for a donation or handout. It’s important that you look out for your best interests, regardless of what’s going on around you. It’s important to recognise and appreciate what you have. The chase for bigger and better things can make you lose sight of the present, as well as your future goals.

Find a market for your skills. Follow your passion, whatever it is. Networking and research will help you discover how to bring your talents to the forefront.

Rely on a loved one to help you see your situation clearly. Don’t jump at the first opportunity. Take your time and make your move when it best suits you.

AQUARIUS

GEMINI

SATURDAY'S WORD

PeanutS

Calvin and HobbeS

dilbert

arCHie

Year end tournaments still in limbo – Normalisation Committee to meet today

As the year draws to a close, uncertainty lingers as to whether or not there will be any year end football tournament(s) being held.

Eastman powers to Diamond Mineral Water victory

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

With the insertion of the Normalisation Committee by the World governing body FIFA to run Guyana’s football, organisers of various tournaments will have to satisfy the criteria as stated by the constitution of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in order to host their tournament.

ing the final period of 2014.

Normally the two biggest tournaments at the end of the year are the Kashif and Shangai Football tournament and the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/ Banks Beer Cup. However, neither of the tournaments has been confirmed by the Normalisation Committee to be hosted dur-

Sources close to the situation told Guyana Times Sport that while no firm decision has been made at this point, The Kashif and Shanghai tournament to their knowledge has been the closest group in fulfilling the criteria to host their tournament.

Also revealed by several sources close to the situation is that the Normalisation

Committee is expected to meet today around 16:00h in order to map out their way of dealing with the final part of 2014.

The Normalisation Committee according to some of the sources has reached out to various associations in effort to understand how they should approach the matter, more than one sources confirmed.

Lavillenie, Adams named athletes of the year

Pole vaulter Renaud Lavillenie and shot putter Valerie Adams have been named male and female World Athletes of the Year for 2014.

World and Olympic champion Adams, unbeaten since August 2010, becomes the first female thrower and first New Zealander to win the award.

In February, Frenchman Lavillenie broke Sergey Bubka’s 21-year-old pole vault world record with a 6.16m leap.

British heptathlete Morgan Lake was joint winner of the Rising Star award.

She shared the accolade with 19-year-old French hurdler Wilhem Belocian, who won gold in the 110m hurdles at the IAAF World Junior Championships this

summer in a world junior record time of 12.99 seconds.

The 17-year-old won two gold medals at the World Junior Championships, winning heptathlon and high jump gold in Oregon in July.

Lavillenie, 28, broke Bubka’s record en route to winning his third European title in Zurich in August.

“For me, this is my dream season,” said Lavillenie, who eclipsed Bubka’s record as the Ukrainian - the first man to vault 6.00mwatched on in his home city.

“It’s extraordinary what’s happening to me.”

Two-time Olympic champion Adams, who this season enjoyed a record 56th consecutive victory, secured her third successive Commonwealth title in Glasgow this summer.

“It’s the icing on the cake,” said the 30-yearold of the award. “It’s awesome to be here to represent throwers in general and also women in sport.

“It’s always difficult to compete against the glamour events on the track but, nevertheless, we still compete and train just as hard as everybody else and we want to make sure we showcase our sport in all areas because it’s not just the track event, it’s the track and field event.”

Young cycling sensation

Hamzah Eastman continued his rise on the local scene by sprinting to victory in the 15th annual Diamond Mineral Water 50mile road race sponsored by Demerara Distillers Limited on Sunday morning on the West Demerara roadways.

The talented wheeler, who recently graduated to the senior ranks, powered to victory in a time of one hour, 59 minutes, 42.80 seconds (01h: 59m: 42.80s), being the first to cross the finish line at Schoonard

on the Western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

The race started at feverish pace in front of the Wales Police Station with 32 participants, proceeded to Bushy Park, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, before returning to the Harbour Bridge for the finish.

At Vreed-en-Hoop on the upward journey, Eastman was part of a fiveman breakaway that would go on to dictate the pace of the race, steadily increasing their lead over a chasing pack. Such was the quintuple’s dominance that they were never caught, storming to the finish line to share the top five positions. The ever-consistent Orville Hinds took the second spot, followed by the young and promising quartet of Romello Crawford, Jamal John, Alonzo Ambrose and Mark Harris, who took positions third to sixth in that sequence. Eastman and Hinds copped three prime prizes each, while Ambrose

took the other two. Crawford was the top Junior rider, followed by John and Ambrose in that order, while Ozia McUally took top honours in the Mountain Bike segment, winning ahead of Julio Melville and Seon Budnah, who took second and third spots respectively.

Talim Shaw continued his success story on the West Demerara roadways, once again storming to victory in the Veterans division, leaving Shameer Baksh to settle for the runner-up position and Kennard Lovell third. Walter Isaacs was the top Veteran Over-60 rider, while 2014 Inter-Guiana Games representative Ronella Samuels was the lone rider on the distaff side. National coach and organiser of the day’s activities, Hassan Mohamed, congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to the management and staff of Demerara Distillers Limited for once again investing in the discipline of cycling. He said sponsorship is critical to the growth and development of any sport and he lauded the company for seeing the need to plug its resources into cycling for the past decade and a half. Brand Manager of Demerara Distillers Limited, Larry Wills, in an invited comment, said the company has always had a profound interest in sport. He said the entity will continue to support the event as it is keen on providing avenues for persons to exert their energies.

Hamzah Eastman

Orville Hinds

Renaud Lavillenie

Valerie Adams

Bangladesh overpower Zimbabwe in 2nd ODI

Bangladesh overpowered Zimbabwe in the second ODI that saw the fortunes of both teams seesawing and consolidated their lead in the five-match series. Mashrafe Mortaza’s three early wickets were followed by a grinding battle which continued till the 42nd over when the home side made the finishing move.

Zimbabwe weren’t letting go of the chase until that point, particularly with Elton Chigumbura starting to open up with a flurry of boundaries. At that point, Sabbir Rahman’s direct hit caught the Zimbabwe captain short of the crease, effectively ending their chances of a final assault at the 252-run target. They were eventually bowled out for 183 runs in 44.5 overs, the match ending with Arafat Sunny taking three wickets in one over.

Bangladesh appeared to be on shaky ground at the innings break after a collapse from 158 for no loss to 204 for 6 in the space of 10.2 overs. Every fall of wicket was immediately followed by another. Tamim Iqbals’s was the first wicket to fall in the 34th over, ending Bangladesh’s second-highest opening partnership in ODIs and it was followed by the wicket of Shakib Al Hasan off the next delivery. Shakib missed a straight one from Vusi Sibanda to collect his fourth golden duck in ODIs.

Anamul Haque was the third batsman to fall, superbly caught by Sibanda at point, after he had made 80 off 110 balls. Two deliveries later, Sabbir Rahman was out for a second-ball duck after being caught at fine-leg off a top-edged

pull. Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim added 31 runs quickly before falling off consecutive deliveries to Tafadzwa Kamungozi. Mahmudullah chipped the ball to long-off, while Mushfiqur failed to connect a reverse sweep and was out lbw. Bangladesh eventually made 251, thanks to Mominul Haque providing a late flourish.

The Zimbabwe openers could not replicate their opposite numbers, however. Hamilton Masakadza inside edged Mashrafe’s slower offcutter before Vusi Sibanda, in a rush to play shots, was similarly castled by a quicker offcutter. Sikandar Raza was his third scalp, top edging a shortish delivery with Mahmudullah running back from cover to complete the catch.

Zimbabwe slipped to 50 for 4 in the 14th over when Brendan Taylor’s attempted reverse sweep took his glove, on to Mushfiqur’s shoulder be -

fore Mahmudullah took another good catch, this time at slip. Further slide was prevented by Regis Chakabva, who made 32 off 53 balls, and newcomer Solomon Mire. The pair added 65 runs for the fifth wicket in 14.2 overs, keeping them in the vicinity of the required run-rate at the stage. Mire reached his maiden ODI fifty soon after, off 78 balls with two boundaries, but he fell next ball - caught well by Arafat Sunny at point off Shakib.

A game of cat and mouse started with Shakib bowling a maiden and giving away one run in the Powerplay but Chigumbura hammering 18 off a Mashrafe over in between. Zimbabwe needed 77 off the last ten overs, but Sunny came back and gave away just a single and soon, Chigumbura fell to a run-out as the runrate pressure mounted. The innings ended soon after, with the next three wickets only adding six runs.

Bangladesh’s six-wicket

collapse hardly did justice to Tamim and Anamul, who had provided a strong platform - Bangladesh’s third 150-plus opening stand and the second-highest after the 170-run partnership between Shahriar Hossain and Mehrab Hossain in 1999, also against Zimbabwe.

The pair reached 50 runs in 13.1 overs to bring up Bangladesh’s first 50plus opening stand since March this year. Twelve overs later, they added Bangladesh’s ninth century opening stand. They added 77 in the first 20 overs but settled down and pushed up the scoring rate, and the next 10 overs produced 57 runs. Bangladesh took the Powerplay in the 29th over and finished the five-over period with 42 runs for one wicket.

Tamim played some excellent shots in his 76 off 98 balls, between periods of play when he stalled and waited for the bad balls. There were a couple of edged boundaries but he peppered the cover and point boundaries and brought up his fifty with a straight six over long-on.

Anamul took his time to settle down. He miscued a few to the boundary but soon found his way and ensured Tamim had the bulk of the strike. He drove through cover to bring up his 50 off 83 balls and then lofted the ball through the same area for a six. His half-century also made it the ninth occasion when both Bangladesh openers had scored fifties.

The home side ultimately prevailed, despite the batting collapse and Zimbabwe threatening give a real go at the chase. (Cricinfo)

Federer seals first Davis Cup for Swiss

Roger Federer beat Richard Gasquet to seal Switzerland’s first Davis Cup triumph, then dedicated the victory to his team-mates.

The 17-time Grand Slam champion beat France’s Gasquet 6-4 6-2 6-2 to give the Swiss an unassailable 3-1 lead.

“This one is for the boys,” said Federer, who was in tears at the end of the match.

“This is not for me, I have won enough. I am just happy we can give everyone in our country a historic moment.”

Federer, 33, also paid tribute to compatriot Stan Wawrinka, who helped set up the victory in Lille by beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga before partnering Federer to win the doubles.

Federer and Wawrinka were involved in a row at the ATP Tour Finals in London, which the world number two later described as “heat of the moment”.

“Stan has put in so much effort over the years. He played an unbelievable weekend and that is what

gave me the opportunity today,” said Federer. Federer, who lost his singles rubber to Gael Monfils on Friday, played an inspired match as he crushed Gasquet, who replaced Tsonga due to an arm injury.

In front of a passionate crowd of 27,448 - a world record for a competitive tennis match - Federer dropped only four points on his imperious serve in the opening set, which he sealed with a whipping forehand winner.

World number 26 Gasquet dropped serve in the first and seventh games of the second set, which Federer took without conceding a single break point. He broke the Frenchman twice in the final set to serve for the match and claimed victory with a deft backhand drop shot - collapsing in tears onto the clay at the Stade Pierre-Mauroyto.

The Swiss win comes a week after Federer pulled out of the Tour Finals title match against Novak Djokovic at the O2 in London to protect a back injury. (BBC Sport)

Crystal Palace upset Liverpool

Liverpool endured another miserable trip to Crystal Palace as two late goals gave the south London club their third win of the season.

The Reds, whose title bid last season was damaged by a 3-3 draw at Selhurst Park, took the lead through Rickie Lambert’s strike in the second minute.

But Dwight Gayle equalised after Yannick Bolasie’s shot came off a post.

Joe Ledley then slotted Palace in front before Mile Jedinak converted a freekick from 25 yards.

The look on the faces of the Liverpool players after the third goal was reminiscent of that night in May when they threw away a 3-0 goal lead, a result which effectively ended their title hopes.

But while that side were

applauded for their heroics of last season, few are eulogising about this current incarnation.

They have now lost three consecutive league matches and have only won once in five in the league. They are 18 points behind leaders Chelsea, and at the moment Europe, never mind the title, seems to be a distant dream.

Questions will be asked, such as: do Liverpool need to buy a striker in January?

Should manager Brendan Rodgers drop Steven Gerrard? And what has happened to the form of Raheem Sterling?

Gerrard was wayward with his shooting and failed to impose any sort of influence in midfield, while Sterling, who appealed for a penalty, appears to have lost the sharpness he displayed at the start of the season.

The match could not have started any better for the Reds when striker Lambert, in for the injured Mario Balotelli, scored his first goal for the club when

he controlled a ball from Lallana and finished calmly.

But they held on to the lead for only 16 minutes, when Gayle, who twice scored in that 3-3 draw, tapped in after fierce strike

from the exceptional Bolasie cannoned off a post.

The match settled down into a more of a rhythm, with Liverpool having the lion’s share of possession and Palace trying to catch them

on the counter. But apart from the goal, the visitors failed to hit the target again. And the only other real chance for the Reds was when Lambert headed over at the far post. Palace were more direct and it paid dividends. Their second goal resulted from a marvellous piece of skill on the right from Bolasie, who turned two markers before pulling back the ball for Ledley to score. And Palace completed a splendid win eight minutes from time when Australia midfielder Jedinak curled a superb free-kick beyond the reach of Simon Mignolet. The win pulls the Eagles out of the bottom three, but no doubt manager Neil Warnock would have been more pleased with the manner in which they managed it.

(BBC Sport)

Anamul Haque scored 80 during a 158-run stand with Tamim Iqbal

Crystal Palace celebrate after defeating Leverpool

Roger Federer cries tears of joy after the win

Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

Machine lathes and a quantity of hand dryers for sale. CONTACT 333-2544 OR 648-6135

Used imported from USA office furniture in excellent condition, secretary executive and office chairs, 2, 3&4 draws metal filing cabinets, Panasonic copier-fax, scanner and printer in one. Call 623-3183, 6255353, 227-1135.

One Toyota Allion, Series PSS 800.

2.1 Million Negotiable or

Healthworld Holistic Centre offers clinical psychotherapy for suicidal thoughts, attempted suicides, depression, stress, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, homicidal thoughts, hallucinations, loneliness, conflicts, anger management, relationship & sexual problems, paranoia and much more. Call +592-6210552 and make that appointment now before it’s too late. 12:006:00PM. Mondays-Fridays. Email: healthworldhc@gmail.com

Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

32 Acres of transported land located at Lot 5 Plantation Content, Mahaicony, ECD; from the public road to sea shore. This property is ideal for residence, business, aquaculture, agriculture, etc. Price: $175,000 (USD) or best offer. For more information or to make an offer please call Pooran at 813-319-4219 (Florida, USA) or email rpooran@tampabay.rr.com

Parfaite Harmonie( 100ft x 50ft) $2.6M, Eccles(100ft x 50ft) $4.5M, Providence $4M & Herstelling $4M. Call 675-7292, 218-5591.

248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit; bad luck; evil sickness; spells; re- uniting lovers and prosperity to busi- ness etc, Call 612-6417, 220-0708, 687-5633.

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-6901824 from 10:00-16:00h Email:anewlife@live.com

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES. 24hrs miracle line 322-5081/337-4510/3374259/337-4021/337-3070/337-5103

For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues. Call now. Jesus cares.

One house with 5 bedrooms, (2 large, 1 small, 1 master and 1 guest), Laundry room with half bath, kitchen with island, living room, dining area, gym, storage/freezer room, generator room with exhaust, two storage rooms, one small front office, 3 car-parking area. House is sold with a running document center with all equipment and supplies. Property (2900+sq) is located on a corner lot close to the public road. Contact Hans/Andrew: 645-5596/638-8599

Eccles: two flat executive concrete house; three bedrooms upper, two bedrooms lower (separate flats). Price negotiable. Tel: 602-2135

Windsor Forest 2 storey, concrete building $27M. Phoenix Park (90ft x 47ft) land $3.5M. Call: 675-7292, 2185591

Eccles: Build your own home in a modernized, gated community. Lot size 60’x100’ $7.5M. Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033.

Eccles: Commercial lots $14M. Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033

One flat, 3-bedroom house with toilet and bathroom, kitchen, sitting and dining room. Located at lot 408 Kayman Dam, Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast. Contact: 670-8911.

Australia beat South Africa to become top ODI team

Australia will enter the World Cup year ranked as the game's top ODI team and with the likes of Steve Smith, Aaron Finch and Shane Watson all running into ominous form, following a fourth victory in five matches over a sloppy South Africa at the SCG.

The hosts had more to play for in this fixture than the visitors, and it showed during their chase of 275, reduced from 281 by the second of two brief showers for the day. Finch, Watson and Smith all struck the ball cleanly, though the latter's sublime run of scores was maintained partly by some ordinary work in the field by a South African side missing AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn.

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST 4x4 Nissan Titan fully powered Immaculate condition $3.5M. No reasonable offer refused. 622-7740

One PPP series Mazda Axela in excellent condition and one white 2007 unregistered BMW, Price negotiable. Call 679-5842.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 679-4672 One welder to do body work and spray paint call: 616-5697, 690-6608

Morne Morkel's confidence ebbed away, as epitomised by a dreadful misfield to concede a boundary to Smith, who was also bowled off a Kyle Abbott no-ball and edged Morkel behind though the South Africans did not deign to appeal. Finch and Watson gave less chances, both working their way into decent touch after slow starts to the summer.

There was less promising news for Glenn Maxwell and the stand-in captain George Bailey, who each entered the match short of runs and confidence and will return to their states wondering who will be the man to make way for Michael Clarke, should he return in the new year. A late slide to the doughty left-arm spin of Robin Peterson briefly allowed South Africa to sense victory, before James Faulkner struck the winning boundary.

Quinton de Kock had played with poise and timing to guide the visitors' innings, receiving decent support from Rilee Rossouw, who had been included in de Villiers' place. Farhaan Behardien chimed in with a freewheeling 63 at the finish, an inside out drive over cover for six from Mitchell Starc the shot of the innings.

Having won the series in Melbourne, Australia's bowlers lacked a little in the way of penetration, though Pat Cummins again bowled usefully through the middle of the innings and deserved his three wickets.

Finch and David Warner began as though keen to end the match as quickly as possible, crashing boundaries to most corners of the SCG before a Warner miscue off Wayne Parnell was held expertly by Robin Peterson at mid on.

Watson has taken his time finding his rhythm after an off season extended by ankle and calf complaints, but timed the ball nicely in Sydney and was accompanied by Finch until almost halfway to the target. Australia were within 21 runs when Smith was dismissed, but the loss of 4 for 3 including Maxwell and

Bailey caused a brief heart flutter for the hosts.

Still, the team's finisher Faulkner remained at the crease, and he swung the first ball of the final over by Peterson to seal the match, the series and the No. 1 ranking.

Hashim Amla had called correctly at the toss because South Africa chose not to risk de Villiers after he suffered a rib complaint in the fourth match at the MCG, which Australia won to seal the series. Steyn was also rested having played the first four matches, meaning a return to the team for Morkel.

Australia made one change to the team that won from a long way back at the MCG, recalling Josh Hazlewood for the injured

Nathan Coulter-Nile. A perfect day and an evenly grassed pitch greeted the teams, though the crowd was again a slim one. De Kock knew it would be his day from the first ball he received, a yorker from Starc that he jammed down upon, squeezing it narrowly past the stumps and down to the fine leg boundary. He was more comfortable against Josh Hazlewood and James Faulkner, while also carting 11 from Shane Watson's single over. Amla was content to bat in de Kock's slipstream early on, but his attempt to push along resulted in his wicket when a fierce drive at Glenn Maxwell resulted in an outside edge that was very well held by Matthew Wade up to the stumps. (Cricinfo)

1-0-11-0, SPD Smith 5-1-17-1 Australia innings (target:

Extras: (w 4, nb 4)

Sale

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD.

business space. Call 231-2619, 691-7164.

Shane Watson cuts against South Africa

AAG hosts successful retreat

he Athletics

TAssociation of Guyana (AAG) held their first retreat of the current administration on Sunday at the Splashmins Resort to iron out the way forward for athletics in Guyana.

Five council members inclusive of President of the AAG Aubrey Hutson and

Vice-President Gavin Hope as well as 28 coaches and officials combined were present for the event under the theme: Athletics- the way forward.

There was a brief opening ceremony before the officials and coaches were broken up into two groups in order to deliberate on the

way forward. The five council members also formed a third group.

At the opening the Hutson highlighted the mandate he went by, “Since becoming president – I’ve worked tirelessly with my council to ensure that the new national approach to athletes take form - a new

dispensation. It is not to do away with what happened prior to us taking office, it’s to enhance what was done before and take it to the next level,” he mentioned.

After the ‘break out session’ points and suggestions by the various groups were presented as the meeting was deemed a success.

Hamilton wins second world title

Lewis Hamilton clinched his second drivers’ world championship with a comfortable victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 2008 champion became only the fourth Briton to win two world titles.

Hamilton, second in qualifying, took the lead at the start and controlled the race, as Mercedes teammate and title rival Nico Rosberg suffered car trouble and finished 14th.

“This is the greatest day of my life,” the 29 year-old said.

“2008 was a great year in my life. The feeling I have now is way, way past that. The greatest feeling ever.”

Hamilton moves level with Britons Jim Clark and Graham Hill on two titles, and is one behind Sir Jackie Stewart.

He joins a number of other drivers on two titles, including his great contemporary rival Fernando Alonso. Michael Schumacher is the all-time record holder with seven, while the most successful current driver is Sebastian Vettel on four.

Rosberg, who started on pole, was left struggling by the failure of his hybrid system. With two laps to go, he was told to retire by his

engineers at Mercedes but said: “I would like to go to the end.”

As Hamilton crossed the line, Prince Harry, attending the race, took to the team radio to say: “Lewis, well done for not making the British public sweat. You are an absolute legend.”

Hamilton stood on his car to celebrate after he returned to the pits and then went over to embrace girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger and his family, who had flown in for the race day to support him.

The Englishman’s win was his 11th of the season, compared to Rosberg’s five, and he finished 67 points clear at the top of the title standings. It was the 33rd win of Hamilton’s career, moving him clear of his great rival Fernando Alonso into fifth in the alltime list.

Rosberg, who entered the race needing to win and hope Hamilton finished lower than second in order to win the title, was never in the position he needed to overhaul his rival.

While Hamilton made a perfect start to the daynight race under the setting sun at the impressive Yas Marina circuit, Rosberg’s Mercedes bogged down and

guyana Jaguars stretch lead...

At stumps on the penultimate day, Guyana Jaguars were 133-5 after Windward Islands Volcanoes folded for 184 in response to the hosts' 291. Windward Islands Volcanoes started the day on 63-2, but soon found the off-spin of Deonarine too difficult to handle.

Deonarine finished with 5-24 off 19 overs, and received solid support from leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (3-40) and leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo (2-66) as the Albion trio combined for all 10 wickets.

Skipper Liam Sebastien top scored for the visitors with 54, which included sev-

the Briton was into the lead well before braking for the first corner.

Hamilton completed the first lap 1.2 seconds in front, and inched clear until he was 2.7 seconds in front by the time he made his first pit stop on lap 10, always giving the impression of being in control.

The gap stayed at about that margin until lap 23, about half-distance, when Rosberg suffered a failure of the energy recovery system on his Mercedes.

From then on, it was a matter of damage limitation for Rosberg, who asked his team to tell him what he needed to do to finish in the top five - the result that would give him the title should Hamilton retire.

from back page

en boundaries and took 130 deliveries, while Lindon James made 29, Romel Currency 21 and Devon Smith 29.

Batting a second time with a lead of 107, Guyana Jaguars, in a hunt for quick runs, closed on 133-5.

The veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul is unbeaten on

Junior teams should be selected from Nationals

B y T reisT on J oseph

The National Schools Championships should be moved from November to March or April in order to effectively facilitate junior national teams being selected.

While the Ministry of Education has pondered on the move for the past two years, Guyana Times Sport will implore the Education Ministry to meaningfully deliberate on the actual move.

On many occasions, in times past and as recently as 2013 at the National Stadium, former president of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU), Colin Bynoe was heard saying that the athletes participating at the event are the future Olympians of Guyana.

Those comments more times than not were echoed by the Minister of Sport Dr Frank Anthony, once he was invited to speak at the event.

Therefore I ask what is the purpose of holding the National School Championships in November when our regional counterparts are in offseason and by extension the World?

If it is to simply avoid the clash of exams then I ask what is the purpose of the event itself?

When Rosberg hit trouble, Mercedes put Hamilton’s car into conservative settings and the tension he was feeling as he neared his goal became apparent when he said: “Please don’t turn up the car - I am comfortable. I can go faster if I need to.”

Williams took a shot at beating Hamilton to the race win by putting secondplaced Felipe Massa on to super-soft tyres for a short final stint at his final stop with 12 laps to go.

Massa closed to within nine seconds of Hamilton with eight laps to go and kept reducing the gap but Hamilton controlled his pace to ensure he had plenty of margin in hand to keep Massa at bay. (BBC Sport)

a defiant 31 and Raymond Reifer on four.

Fast-bowler Mervin Mathew has so far picked up 3-25, while left-arm spinner Alston Bobb has grabbed 2-29.

Play will start at 09:00 hours on today's final day to make up for lost time on the rain-affected first day.

Is it simply to give athletes/students a chance to compete, a chance at recreation or to simply hold a championship and derive at a winner?

Why I ask these question is to hopefully drive home the extremity that something more needs to come from a championship that is Guyana’s biggest… not just a winner.

It must be a means to an end where athletes not only receive a medal or national recognition but place themselves in line at a shot at representing their country.

If these championships do truly represent Guyana’s future Olympians then they are being done an injustice by having to compete for a prolonged period after their actual in season competition has ended.

While it is understood that moving the championships will not be an easy task or come without its hiccups, the move must be made.

Firstly if hosting the event alongside exams is the major issue, the first thing that Ministry should understand is that the World is filled with student/athletes.

What needs to happen is for a system(s) to be formulated to help these athletes

study and train effectively. This is so in a number of colleges and high schools around the world and can be done right here with the right expertise.

Further, it is known that in the month of March, there is normally the Common Entrance Examination for primary schools which is a concern.

However, a possible separation of the primary and secondary school championships can suffice, where the primary school champs are held after Common Entrance in the month of maybe April or May and the Secondary School Championships in the month of March or April which will be before CXC.

The possibility of separating, swimming from cycling, athletics and the teacher’s championships is also an option for the Ministry of Education.

This would allow the Ministry of Education to spread sports throughout all three of its terms while being able to effectively budget and manage their expenditures since the events would be on a smaller scale.

Further, the Ministry of Sport, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) as well as the various associations attached to the various sport disciplines needs a bigger role at the event.

For instance, how can these athletes be Guyana’s future Olympians and the President of the GOA is never at the Championships or never addresses the athletes at the opening of the championships?

54 editions of the National School Championships have passed us by and if we are to count the amount of Olympians the event have produced or have passed through the championships, it would be a sad tale.

And mind you Aliann Pompey never competed at Nationals in her junior years, a very interesting fact.

These championships should mean more than just crowning a champion athlete or overall district champion, it should be about providing Guyana’s best junior athletes with a platform to elevate themselves unto the World scene.

Such will only be achieved when our athletes are in full flow for competition and if we should understand when that time is I implore the Ministry of Education to take a peek at the World calendar.

The members of the AAG retreat

Lewis Hamilton

Ram Slam T20 shifted to this weekend

Heavy rainfall along the East Coast Demerara corridor has forced organisers of the Ram Slam T20 cricket competition to shift the event to this weekend, November 29 and 30 at the Lusignan Community Centre ground.

The event, organised by the Lusignan Sports Club, was initially slated for Sunday last, but due to a soggy outfield it was called off.

According to a release from the organisers, the competition will feature four neighbourhood villages, namely Mon Repos, Good Hope, Lusignan and Annandale. It is an effort geared at rekindling the competitive spirit and rivalry among these four villages, and at the same time, renewing the interest of the game and community spirit of this Neighbourhood Democratic Council area.

The Lusignan club, which has wide membership stretching across the

Three minutes later, Grant made it a more comfortable 4-2 in favour of Alpha United, before more drama unfolded with an Amos Ramsey double equalising for Riddim Squad. Ramsey netted in the 35th and 38th minutes.

The game seemed destined for extra time with the teams locked on four goals each, but that didn’t materialise as Williams broke the backs of Riddim Squad with a goal in the 39th minute to hand Alpha United the title.

For the victory, Alpha

Coming into the fight with Algieri, there were many questioning where Pacquiao’s once-devastating power had gone in recent years because, after a series of crushing knockouts as he moved up the scale, he had not scored one in eight consecutive fights since a 12thround knockout of Miguel Cotto in November 2009 to win a welterweight title for the first time.

Make that nine in a row now, as the knockout drought continued despite Pacquiao’s Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach, predicting an early knockout, even saying at one point that it would be in the first round.

That didn’t come close to happening, but Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) laid a beating on huge underdog Algieri (20-1, 8 KOs), a junior welterweight titlist who moved up to meet him at a catch weight of 144 pounds. The judges all had it by lopsided decision for Pacquiao, 120-102, 119-103 and 119-103. ESPN.com also

four communities and beyond, expects this event to be a rambunctious family affair with side attractions of games for the children, lots of food, drinks, and music.

The matches themselves will feature players who have made the villages proud within recent years and include several high profile players, such as for-

United collected $400,000, while Riddim Squad had to settle for half that amount.

In the third place playoff, Western Tigers were led to victory by a double from Stellon David, who scored the game’s opening goal in the seventh minute, and added another 16 minutes later. Darren Benjamin (12th), Cleon Forrestor (25th) and Randolph Wagner (30th) added a single strike each to complete the rout. Kenroy Dominic was the lone man on target for Santos FC, scoring in the

had it a shutout for Pacquiao, 120-102.

“Yes. I am looking for a knockout but he is fast and moving, so it’s hard to get Chris,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao’s speed advantage was obvious from the opening moments of the fight. He had an easy first round, landing a good straight left hand down the middle and momentarily wobbling Algieri with a right hook.

The 35-year-old Pacquiao, the icon of the Philippines, where he is also a congressman and professional basketball player and coach, connected with a right hook in the second round that began to swell Algieri’s left eye. He also landed a left hand that forced Algieri back to a corner, where he slipped on a wet spot. It was ruled a knockdown by referee Geno Rodriguez.

Pacquiao was landing almost at will. He dished out punishment in the fourth round, landing a hard uppercut, lefts to the body and lefts

mer and current Guyana National players such as Emran Khan, Krishna Deosaran and Brian Sattaur, all of whom have played in select West Indian teams, emerging prospects such as Somnauth Bharrat, Rajindra Naikbaran, Kumar Bishundial and Vishnu Ramjeet, and young talents such as Steven Ramdass and Tameshwar Motilall. Admission is free and all are invited to be thoroughly entertained.

The matches are aimed at further developing cricket in these communities, thereby keeping young people away from some of society's ills such as illegal drugs, HIV/AIDS and suicide.

Monies raised will be used to fund participation of the club in the various competitions run by respective Boards such as the East Coast Cricket Board, the Demerara Cricket Board and the Guyana Cricket Board, at the Under-15,

26th minute. For finishing third, Western Tigers took home $125,000, while Santos FC pocketed $75,000.

Four exhibition games were also played prior to the final and third place playoff. Media thrashed Referees 5-0, Masters needled Lyken’s Funeral Home 1-0, Wartsila got the better of Ansa McAl Trading 4-2 and GT Celebrity won 3-1 on penalty kicks against Rolex Celebrity Crew after a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation and extra time.

to the head.

Algieri landed some decent straight right hands during the fight, but they had little on them. Algieri was also warned for a low blow in the fifth round.

“I knew he would come on strong,” Algieri said. “I had a feeling he would try to blast me out of there just because I’m not used to the big stage. Manny is the best in the world at fighting like Manny Pacquiao. That’s really what it is. His style, he has so much experience. He’s perfected fighting like Manny Pacquiao.

“The plan was to get to the later rounds without taking too much damage, step up the pace and land shots that would hurt him. If the knockout came, it came. We weren’t specifically looking for the knockout, but we were looking to put some damage on the guy.”

He never did, and it was Pacquiao putting damage on him. He found his power in the sixth round, knock-

TT surprised by aggressive Leewards

Under-17, Under-19 levels, in Inter-Association, Senior Demerara and National competitions.

The Club has won every conceivable competition on the East Coast of Demerara over the past 25 years, at both the senior and junior levels, and has been the runner-up in National Club Competitions on several occasions.

Travis Grant scored a double for Alpha United in the final The tournament was organised by the GFA and sponsored by Ansa McAl Trading under its Stag Beer brand.

ing Algieri down twice. First, it was a left hand that had Algieri stumbling and then hitting the deck. Then, Pacquiao landed a clean right hand on the chin for the second knockdown.

Pacquiao, who made more than $20 million, scored two more knockdowns in the ninth round, one on a blistering straight left hand that sent Algieri hard to the canvas.

Indeed, Pacquiao did come with an onslaught, dropping Algieri again moments later after a series of punches sent him to a knee.

In the 10th round, Pacquiao notched his sixth knockdown of the fight, dropping Algieri with a right hook-straight left combination.

Despite the shellacking, Algieri’s trainer, Tim Lane, was talking oddly in the corner after the round, telling Algieri they had Pacquiao where they wanted him. He should have been thinking about stopping the fight. (ESPN)

Leeward Islands rolled back the years to produce a vintage performance which stunned T&T Red Force on the second day of their WICB Professional Cricket League contest in St Kitts, yesterday.

Resuming at their overnight 133 for six, their batsmen rallied to a respectable 202 all out and their bowlers then picked up on that cue, as they bundled out Red Force for a hugely disappointing 130 in their first innings.

At the close at Warner Park in the second round contest, the Leewards were 17 without loss in their second innings, an overall lead of 89 runs heading into Sunday’s third day.

Starting the day in need of precious runs, the Leewards lost Jacques Taylor for 12 with the score on 154, after the batsman added just six to his overnight score.

In the next over with no runs added, Gavin Tonge fell without scoring to leave the hosts languishing at 154 for eight. However, 18-yearold Jeremiah Louis, yet to score at the start, and Yannick Leonard combined in a 47-run ninth wicket stand which saw Leewards past the 200-run mark.

Louis hit 34 not out off 107 balls in nearly 2-1/4 hours at the crease with four fours while Leonard stroked 21 off 56 balls, with two fours and a six. Captain and seamer Rayad Emrit finished off the innings by taking the last two wickets in two deliveries to finish with two for 15. Leg-spinner Imran Khan led with four for 83 while pacer Marlon Richards chipped in with two for 36.

What happened next no

one expected. Off the sixth ball of the innings, Tonge got one to seam away from Lendl Simmons who edged into the gloves of captain Devon Thomas, to leave T&T one wicket down without a run the board. On six for one at lunch, T&T lost wickets steadily afterward as only Yannick Cariah with an unbeaten 43 showed any resistance. At one stage, T&T were tottering on 65 for six but Cariah and Emrit, who struck 33, put on 44 for the seventh wicket to steady the innings. Cariah faced 113 balls in 2-1/2 hours and struck three fours while in contrast, Emrit lashed four fours and six in a 23-ball cameo. Legspinner Anthony Martin (2-17) along with seamers Orlando Peters (2-17,) Tonge 2-24 and Louis (2-30), all finished with two wickets apiece. (CMC)

SCOREBOARD

LEEWARDS FRANCHISE

A Richards Jr c Simmons b Khan 34

L Richardson run out 18

A Saunders st Pooran b Khan 34

O Peters b Richards 4 +D Thomas c wkp Pooran b Gabriel 24

J Hamilton c Emrit b Khan 9

J Taylor b Richards 12

J Louis not out 34

G Tonge c Emrit b Khan 0 Y Leonard c Mohammed b Emrit 21

A Martin c Hosein b Emrit 0 Extras (b6, nb6) 12

TOTAL (all out, 84.2 overs) 202

Fall of wickets: 1-49, 2-67, 3-68, 4-118, 5-118, 6-128, 7-154, 8-155, 9-202, 10-202. Bowling: Gabriel 13-5-26-1, Richards 15-5-36-2, Hosein 15-5-35-0, Imran Khan 307-83-4, Emrit 7.2-2-152, Mohammed 4-2-3-0 T&T RED FORCE 1st Innings

L Simmons c wkpr Hamilton b Tonge 0 Imran Khan c Richardson b Louis 15 Y Ottley c Richards b Tonge 9 J Mohammed c Taylor b Peters 5 Y Cariah not out

(all

Vishnu Ramjeet

Krishna Deosaran

Lendl Simmons plays a shot for Trinidad

Guyana Jaguars stretch lead to 240 after Deonarine's five-for

NNarsingh Deonarine's dream season continued with a five-wicket haul turn to page 22

arsingh Deonarine's dream season continued, albeit with a different weapon, on Sunday as Guyana Jaguars stretched their lead to 240 at stumps on day three against the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the WICB's Professional Cricket League Four-day competition at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. WICB PCL 4-Day Tournament...

SCOREBOARD

GUYANA 1st Innings 291 WINDWARDS 1st Innings

(overnight 63 for two)

D Smith lbw b Deonarine 29

T Theophile b Permaul 21

A Fletcher c Johnson

b Bishoo 10

K Peters st Bramble b Bishoo 11

S Ambris c Beaton b Permaul 0

R Currency b Deonarine 21

*L Sebastien c wkp Bramble

b Deonarine 54

+L James lbw b Deonarine 29

A Bobb c Bishoo b Deonarine 0

M Matthew not out 2

N Pascal lbw b Permaul 0

Extras: (lb4, nb3) 7

TOTAL: (all out, 83 overs) 184

Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-60, 3-66, 4-71, 5-79, 6-128, 7-166, 8-178, 9-183, 10-184. Bowling: Beaton 3-1-16-0, Reifer 3-1-12-0, Deonarine 19-

11-24-5, Permaul 29-14-403, Bishoo 25-7-66-2 (nb3). GUYANA 2nd Innings

R Chandrika b Matthew 9 A Fudadin lbw b Matthew 19

*L Johnson c Ambris b Bobb 25

N Deonarine c Smith b Bobb 34

S Chanderpaul not out 31

C Barnwell b Matthew 6

R Reifer not out 4

Extras: (b2, lb1, nb2) 5

TOTAL: (5 wkts, 45 overs) 133 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-40, 3-77, 4-110, 5-125. Bowling: Pascal 6-0-24-0, Mathew 12-2-24-3, Bobb

10-0-30-2, Sebastien 101-36-0, Peters 5-1-130, Theophile 2-0-3-0.

Position: Guyana lead by 240 runs overall. Umpires: N. Shivsankar, P. Nero.

AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.

Alpha United crowned Stag Beer futsal champs

Known for their dominance and resounding success on the traditional football field, Alpha United demonstrated their versatility in the wee hours of Sunday, copping the Georgetown Football Association (GFA)/Stag Beer Indoor Fustal title with a thrilling victory over Riddim Squad.

The Georgetown-based side seemed at home in the

small goal competition, pipping Riddim Squad 5-4 in a tense final at Guyana’s premier indoor facility, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. By contrast, the third place playoff was woefully one-sided with Western Tigers breezing past Santos FC 5-1.

In the championship game, the lead changed hands on several occa-

sions, and it was not until the dying minutes had the match found it decisive goal, compliments of Ronson Williams.

The experienced Travis “Zorro” Grant handed Alpha United the lead in the 10th minute, but that was soon nullified with Dorville Stewart drawing Riddim Squad level with a goal in the 17th minute. A minute later, Stewart was on tar-

get again, blasting the small goal to hand his team a 2-1 advantage.

However, their supremacy was short-lived as Daniel Wilson scored in the 19th minute to draw Alpha United level at 2-2. The teams went scoreless for the next 11th minutes, before Wilson broke the deadlock in the 30th minute to hand Alpha United a slim 3-2 lead.

PacMan hammers Algieri

The great Manny Pacquiao did everything he could possibly do against Chris Algieri other than get a knockout in a one-sided thrashing to retain his welterweight world title.

Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division titleholder, scored six knockdowns and dominated virtually every minute of the fight to win a lopsided unanimous decision before a sold-out crowd of 13,201 on Sunday at the Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena in Macau. Now the only question remaining in his legendary career is whether he will ever get fellow welterweight champion and pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. to agree to fight him after years of the biggest fight in boxing going unmade, mainly due to Mayweather’s reluctance.

“The people deserve that fight. The fans deserve that fight,” Pacquiao said at the post-fight news confer-

ence. “It’s time to make that fight happen. It’s been a long time. I want that fight.

They’re always denying the fight. I think the fight has to happen.”

Members of the Alpha United team moments after their win on Sunday morning saved as Alpha

Manny Pacquiao lands a hard right to floor Chris Algieri