Guyana Times Daily

saturDaY, september 13, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

Popeyes’ Vlissengen Road outlet robbed by gunmen

In a timed assault reminiscent of the movies, armed bandits stormed the Popeyes’ Vlissengen Road outlet around 22:40h on Friday, carting away an undisclosed sum of money.

Two of the men were reportedly armed with handguns while the other stood watch at the door, yelling out the countdown to his cohorts.

According to a female eyewitness, who was in the franchise at the time with friends, the entire ordeal lasted approximately five minutes.

She related that they were in the fast-food outlet chatting, when a masked man walked in and said “nobody move and everybody put you phone down”, while another stood guard and the third pointed a gun at customers and told them to lie on the floor.

One of the gunmen then went up to the cashier and took an undisclosed sum of money from the cash register before taking the cashier and other employees to the back of the building and demand-

ing more money. The traumatised young woman related that she could not tell if they got any more money, but the bandit at the door keep yelling “three minutes”, “two minutes”, and then “time”.

According to another traumatised customer, “The bandits tied kerchiefs over their mouths and nose to conceal their identities.” However, the men were no more than 20 years old, she said, and the handguns were “small” and “shiny”. At the time of the incident, there were approximately 20 people in the outlet, inclusive of children. No one was reportedly hurt and no shots were fired.

As the bandits exited the outlet, they took a few customers’ phones and jewellery before quickly escaping in a car that was parked in front of the fast-food outlet. An alarm was immediately raised by the employees and Police responded promptly. An investigation is in progress.

West Coast Berbice man burnt to death

A49-year-old man was burnt to death in his house that went up in flames at Number Three Village, West Coast Berbice on Thursday around 22:30h.

The burnt remains of Fazim Ally-Asgar were discovered among the debris of his home early Friday morning. The cause of the fire is unknown. According to the dead man’s son, Azam Ally, his father lived alone in the one-bedroom house.

He related that he last saw him on Thursday afternoon and he looked well. “I see he the day before and we talk little bit and he say

he ah go home and then later he would go by one ah we family house, but like he stay home,” the son related. Ally tearfully said he only learnt about the incident Friday morning. The dead man’s brother Ramzan suffered burns to his body as he attempted to save his brother from the blazing fire. He stated that when he got to the house, it was engulfed and the door had a padlock on it, so gaining entry was difficult. Ramzan added that he heard noises coming from inside the house, but had to retreat as the flames got intense.

Ally-Asgar worked as a labourer and was also a patient of the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital. Neighbours recalled hearing loud noises around 22:30h and upon checking, noticed the man’s house on fire. According to one neighbour, they quickly formed a bucket brigade but their efforts were in vain, since the fire was too intense. They noted that the Fire Service was informed, but arrived when the house was completely destroyed. AllyAsgar leaves to mourn his three children.

Fazim Ally-Asgar

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

House lot scam… Minister Ali offers amnesty to whistleblowers

By Jomo Paul

ousing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali is offering amnesty to persons who were duped in the major house lot scam uncovered recently.

Ali made the promise during a One Stop Shop exercise at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) last week called in the Guyana Police Force to help probe the scam, which had been running for some time now.

Ali told house lot seekers that all persons who come forward with information would be given a reprieve and walk away from the scam without being prosecuted.

As part of the scam, persons have been collecting money to expedite delivery of house lots to citizens.

In a statement, the CH&PA had said that information was received that the various players in the scam could not deliv-

The scam saw persons alleging that they are relatives and associates of Housing Ministry personnel, including Minister Ali. Some even operated as staff of the Ministry, taking people to various housing areas and identifying plots of land that are vacant.

Despite numerous warnings by the Ministry against entering into these transactions, persons continue to fall prey.

Ali said thus far some 49

if you did anything that is illegal to the service of the Ministry, I am asking you to give that information to the staff here… our internal system will catch each and every single crook. I can guarantee you that.”

He added: “If you give information, then you will have amnesty, we just need the information now.”

The Housing Ministry, in a recent release, noted that some of the parties to this scam are recent appli-

er on their promises and moreover, various persons who have been defrauded have since responded to the Ministry’s recent public notice.

persons have been identified as being involved in the scam, but it does not stop there for the Ministry.

“Thus far, 49 persons are under investigation and

cants who are being lured on the pretext of an expedited process to access their own land.

“The Ministry is once again encouraging persons

to come into us and report any instance whereby any individual or group would have collected monies from them in an effort to ‘expedite’ or ‘deliver’ any service provided by the Ministry.”

Last week, the Ministry had warned against the illegal sale of land.

According to the Housing Ministry, several scams have been unearthed in recent days, and investigations are currently being conducted.

Culpable

The Ministry warned that persons who are involved in scams of this nature are equally culpable, since they have willingly participated in these illegal activities and must have known that the transactions could not have been authentic.

“We would like to urge the members of the public to report any case in which they would have paid or were requested to pay or enter into any transaction in relation to any business of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA),” the Ministry said.

Persons are being reminded that the Housing Authority is the only authorised agency responsible for the allocation and receipt of payments with respect to house lots purchased from the Authority, for which official receipts are issued.

“No one is authorised to collect money for house lots on behalf of the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

"All transactions related to house lots are conducted at the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s offices. No official business with the Authority is conducted in the field or at private premises,” the Ministry emphasised.

The transfer of any lot bought from the Housing Authority must be approved in keeping with the terms and conditions of the Agreement of Sale. Unauthorised or illegal transactions would not be recognised by the Housing Authority.

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

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

Arresting rape

Despite Government’s passage and operationalisation of the Sexual Offences Act of 2010, the number of reported rape cases continues to climb, while the conviction and prosecution rates remain stagnant.

It appears that the legislation has not managed to put a dent in the rape culture which exists within our society, much less dissuade men-folk from resorting to this barbaric act of lawlessness. This is a most worrying development especially when one considers the recent report, which puts the number of reported instances of rape at 140 so far for 2014.

Further, in a recent study, “Without Conviction: Sexual Violence Cases in the Guyana Justice Process”, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) shows an average conviction rate of 1.4 per cent in rape cases compared to rape reports originally made to the Police (nine convictions out of 647 reports) over the years 2000-2004.

This average figure disguises a trend which is even worse. The conviction rate for 2000, the first of the five years, was 0.9 per cent (1:117), while that for the final year, 2004, was 0.6 per cent (1:154).

Statistics also reveal that over the period 2011 to 2014, several cases were thrown out of court because of the lack of evidence; uncooperative witnesses including the victims; jury verdicts; and lacunas in the laws. While this may be the case, some in authority find comfort in referring to the aforementioned reasons as to why the poor conviction rates are continuing.

They hardly refer to the unprofessionalism of the ranks investigating reports of rape, the poor investigative work done before the matter is taken to court, the inadequate systems in place to house or offer protection to both victims and witnesses of rape, and other bureaucratic deficiencies that often times impact the overall success of the prosecution’s case.

Additionally, the Human Services Ministry since 2010 has been educating various stakeholders on the Act, including the Judiciary and Police, but this “education campaign” has not yielded any tangible results. Despite this, the Ministry has not seen it necessary to change its game plan with the hope of developing more ambitious and aggressive campaign strategies or concepts aimed at either changing the rape culture or empowering more women to set up advocacy and pressure groups for action in this regard.

The Ministry is still in “reactive” mode and apparently lacks both the conventional and modern testicular ability to wage war against rape in a meaningful manner.

Surprisingly, the Human Services Ministry has not recognised that need to address the socialisation of boys and girls, and its link to sexual aggression, which is completed by a culture that uses rape as entertainment in film, video and pornography.

The lack of feminists in our society has not helped and despite the birth of several Non-Governmental Organisations, the slow progress continues. Women appear damned if they do and damned if they don’t as no attempt is being made to rebuff the stereotypes associated with rape.

If the courts will not help and only offers slow justice, then there is urgent need for the Ministry, along with its partners and stakeholders, to create the platform for a ‘rapefree society’ where every woman has the right to be feminine without worrying about the consequences of demonstrating or flaunting that gift.

The Ministry must lead the way and must use the power enshrined in policy to bring an end to this dastardly practice of rating our women. There must be no complacency and no more excuses, Guyana is duty-bound to do more to arrest rape.

Enough is not being done and maybe it is time for a complete evaluation of the effectiveness of the Sexual Offences Act since its passage and implementation.

As far as is immediately evident, it has not made one iota of difference in real life, neither offering real justice or an improved process for victims of rape nor serious punishment and a deterrent for their attackers and wouldbe perpetrators.

for Guyana

Dear Editor,

I cry for Guyana. And it seems I weep alone. So many things happening around us and no one seems to care. We find correspondents seeking to destroy the lives of citizens whose beliefs they do not agree with. So they are ridiculed and called all sorts of names.

But the correspondents themselves have no religious or cultural traits and like animals, utter all manner of abuse to poor unsuspecting Guyanese.

Let us take the Voters Lists for example. The PPP/C is complaining of all manner of irregularities they discovered. The Opposition and their press are silent on the issue, or they seek to mock. They can, at least, invite GECOM to ensure a proper list.

Do we need to return to the days when the Chief Elections Officer was a toothless poodle, and the lists then could not stand the test of the times?

Do we forget when elections were due in 1990 and it was found among the errors on the list, the President’s name (Desmond Hoyte) was not listed? What happened? Elections were postponed for two years getting the list straightened out. Now, no one cares, it seems.

There is talk of trust. Do we forget in 1994 after the Georgetown Municipal Elections when Hamilton Green’s party

got the most votes? It was agreed that the mayoral position will be shared annually between the PNC, GGG, and the PPP/C. The PNC and GGG got theirs and when it came to the PPP/C’s turn, Green rebelled and has been squatting in the position since then. No one seems to care.

There is talk by Green as to which Police Officer intervened in the Carol Sooba’s matter when the door of her office was forced open. He should hang his head in shame.

Who intervened when Dr Joshua Ramsammy was shot outside the Co-op Bank? Who intervened when Vincent Teekah was murdered allegedly in a dentist’s chair one night?

And who was responsible for and who intervened when Rose Ann Barrow was shot to death in Green’s office in Homestretch Avenue, when she was selling milk and other stuff to feed her infant children. Is Green still getting the $100,000 for fuelling his car?

What about the bandits who entered the man’s home on the Corentyne and robbed them and then raped the man’s wife and three minor children, aged 14,15 and 17.

Have we heard the women’s groups who speak up for those who sell their bodies? What about the human rights

body? Will they come to life if the criminals were caught and properly dealt with? Is this a return of the Lusignan Massacre?

Daily robberies amounting to millions of dollars in bright daylight and no one can be identified. Are they centrally directed when and where the coast is clear?

Two persons who were in the bosom of the PPP/C are now crying shame on the party after they were booted out. They were enjoying all the benefits of officialdom, including duty-free concessions for members of their families.

Have they made restitution for all the gains they reaped whilst in the bosom, now that they have discovered the errors of their ways?

What about our independent press? The news reporters injecting their personal views in any story which puts the Government in good light. How can society tolerate a newspaper which claims massive support referring to a person as ‘cow shit’ and no one has said anything? Is this what we have come to?

Poor Guyana – My heart bleeds for you, dear land.

Yours truly, Mohamed Sultan

Dear Editor, Guyana once made its international presence felt at the six-month Montreal Expo 1967, held under the theme, “Man and his World”, a world exhibition held in North America. It was a joint venture between Guyana and Barbados, sharing the same pavilion for about 183-185 days at the centennial year’s grandest gesture.

Two of the many outstanding features at the “Guyanarama” show were Bill Rogers’ tune, “Daddy gone to Cove and John”, which was performed by the Guyana Police Male Voice Choir, and “Millie”, the Macaw which swore in French and English, and, I believe, was subsequently deported.

October 29, 1967 was the “Carnival Style Jump Up”, which was well-supported by many from the Caribbean, and it was a moment that some, if not all, representatives of Guyana forgot about protocol and had a great time. Some notable representatives were as follows Sir Lionel Luckhoo and Lady Luckhoo; Sir John Carter and Lady Carter; Prime Minister LFS Burnham and Viola Burnham; Ted Braithwaite; Eileen Pooran (broadcaster and chief hostess); Peter D’Aguiar and Mrs D’Aguiar; Hugh Sam (pianist); Evelyn John; Pauline Thomas; Dorothy London-Williams; Sergeant Lloyd Andrews; the Theatre Guild Dance Group; the Guyana Police Male Voice

Choir; ER Braithwaite; and Peter Morgan (Commission General).

A Souvenir Gold Medallion was presented to each Pavilion (Guyana and Barbados) and I believe Mr Morgan collected on behalf of Guyana. The million-dollar question is as follows: Where is that Souvenir Gold Medallion from Expo 1967?

I believe that such memorabilia should be made available for the public’s viewing – perhaps at the National Museum, or it should be included for display at GuyExpo 2014 under security.

Yours faithfully, T Pemberton

Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director, Dr Carissa Etienne and President Donald Ramotar shaking hands after the launch of the Presidential Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) See Story on page 7

Kaieteur News article a disservice to hardworking Cuban Medical Brigade Guyana’s Land Court

Dear Editor,

I refer to the article published on September 11 in the Kaieteur News on Cuban doctors. It is difficult to understand that in the context of the fraternal relations enjoyed by the Governments and peoples of Guyana and Cuba, this media house published inaccurate information, neither objective nor balanced, with bad intention, about the Cuban collaborators.

This leaves a lot to say about the commitment of journalists and this media house to bring the truth to their readers.

From the triumph of the Cuban Revolution on January 1, 1959, the country drew a policy of international cooperation and solidarity with many peoples.

As early as May 23, 1963, the Cuban medical collaboration started officially after sending to the Republic of Algeria 55 health collaborators to fulfil an internationalist mission.

To date, more than 132,000 professionals have offered their services in other countries and there are over 50,000 internationalist workers, of which 25,000 are doctors.

Obviously, we’ve also developed strong ties of cooperation with our Guyanese brothers. In 1976, Cuba began sending of health personnel to Guyana. The current Cuban Medical Brigade comprises 167 members, present in six of the 10 regions of the country. They work in four Integral Diagnostic Centres and provide also assistance in various hospitals and health centres. Additionally, in 2009, the Ophthalmologic Centre was opened in Region Six, Port Mourant, and surgical personnel work there.

Consequently, hundreds of health collaborators have been in this friendly country, saving lives and helping to improve, modestly, the health levels of Guyanese brothers, among other notable results. My country, in addition to the global challenges that developing countries face, has had to battle with the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States for over 50 years, but, in spite of that, it has also contributed to the training of human resources in Guyana; today, about 500 Guyanese doctors have graduated as will more than 800 in about two years.

Given these objective facts that reflect the brotherhood and mutual support between two Governments

and peoples, the abovementioned newspaper publication is almost unthinkable.

The Cuban collaborators are formed in a socialist system where there is no reason to see the patient as a commodity or customer, and where every person has the right to health from birth to death, without distinction. They are persons who are born of the people, not of elites, so they are able to adapt to limitations and difficult circumstances, have the spirit of transforming the medium, intervening from the point of view of health in communities and to establish a healthy and friendly doctor-patient relationship. Humanism characterises these persons

If the person who wrote the infamous article personally knew the Cuban collaborators, he would realise this and would not hesitate to defend the great work that every day these people build, away from their homeland, friends and family, but with the satisfaction of helping and fight together for the welfare of the Guyanese people, and for the Big Homeland.

If the author decides to write only two articles on each of these collaborators who sacrifice every day, he could get beautiful stories to publish for almost a full year and could learn from the values that they have, as individuals, families and social groups, that many people in this world want to multiply in our societies for the triumph of good and not evil and so that our children and the future generations be better than today’s.

Meet the members of the Cuban Medical Brigade and of the Cuban State Mission in Guyana and you will see and learn about principles, convictions and courage among other things that surely will remove your doubts or misinformation received from others about the integrity of the Good Cubans.

By the way, September 11 would have been an appropriate day for this newspaper to publish other valuable things about the action of the Cuban health brigade, for example, the gratitude that the Director General of the World Health Organisation, Margaret Chan, gave to Cuban President Raúl Castro Ruz for being the first country to respond to the call of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation to fight against Ebola in West Africa. A contingent of 165 health collaborators was sent to face this task. After almost a year of

having the honour to represent my country and my people in Guyana, it is difficult to explain how it feels when from any corner of this country and from the heart of her noblest sons to the most illustrious, appears expressions of satisfaction and gratitude for Cuba, for the Commander-in-Chief, Fidel Castro; for its President, Raúl; and for the solidarity and internationalism of the Cuban people.

Sincerely,

Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante Ambassador of Cuba

Dear Editor, I write you about the Georgetown Land Court, which, according to my latest feedback, is still not functioning since last year when the incumbent Commissioner of Titles took his own discharge from the judicial service.

Despite the earnest assurance in March 2014 that this important judicial service would resume operations shortly for at least three days a week initially, this has not been effected yet.

Many, including myself, have been waiting for

more than a year now to have their matters heard, but, at this time, no information or update is forthcoming on when this court would resume sitting.

One is left to believe that matters of the Land Court do not subscribe to the importance of the judicial system and, therefore, can wait until whenever it is deemed necessary again. Isn’t the Land Court a source of revenue for the people of Guyana more than any other aspect of the Judiciary?

Many private people are now on the hook with

regard to sale of properties, including transfer of ownership. This obviously will lead to a multitude of other problems, other than loss of revenue and opportunities.

When this entity begins to function again, one can imagine the backlog clearance before matters are dispensed with normality. I trust the authorities are reminded once again of the plight of those waiting for the past year.

Yours truly, S Mohamed

Guyana is not alone in piracy attacks

Dear Editor,

Recently, there was the discovery of a self-propelled semi-submersible craft (SPSS) in the Waini area. This submarine craft was made to carry drugs, the specific type – cocaine, and may I add, tonnes of it.

In addition to its ability to carry large quantities of cocaine, it was also created to avoid detection when moving in the high seas. Barely visible above the watermark, it can easily pass detection as a floating piece of debris.

I first learnt of this device while watching a documentary on the various ways drug dealers transport their “goods”. The documentary was based on a study involving the Colombian cartels which highlighted the successful use of these SPSSs.

Now, this technology has reached our shores with the latest find, taking into consideration that the drug traffickers are hell bent on getting their stuff to the lucrative North American market. However, all plans were thwarted, thanks to the Police’s sleuth-like investigation and prompt response. I say kudos to the Police and keep up this relentless work.

Staying on this subject of drug trafficking and the innovative ways the barons utilise in transporting it, this writer was forced to marshall his thoughts into this whole idea of piracy. My questions are: Is this piracy at all when you view it from the standpoint of the foregoing discussion? Is there more to this “piracy” business? Is it just the

hijacking of a fisherman’s boat and his catch?

I beg to differ. I am tempted to believe that there is a whole lot more going on in the high seas which has nothing to do with a boatload of fish. I believe it is directly connected to the transportation of the illegal substance. When things go sour, the ultimate price has to be paid, that is why we are witnessing these socalled gruesome pirate attacks.

Guyana is not alone in these latest attacks. A few years ago, the sister Caricom nation of St Lucia was at the receiving end of these brutal attacks. Her fishermen were constantly reporting these stories of piracy; some of the fishermen involved were never found.

This plight of the fishermen continued for some time until the alert response of marine Police unearthed the root cause for these attacks – drug trafficking. This brought an abrupt end to “piracy”. To date, the largest discovery of cocaine intended for trafficking was discovered at sea. I say no more. My call to the Government and marine Police is to effectively monitor our coastline. Something fishy is going on in the high seas and it has nothing to do with piracy or the stealing of a fisherman’s catch. It certainly has drug trafficking as its main objective.

Sincerely, Neil Adams

Page Foundation

BY DEBBIE PINCUS

MS LMHC

Sometimes we parents don’t think we are anxious because we are not trembling in our boots. Often there is no visible sign of how anxious we are. Yet when we look inside our heads, we notice that we spend a lot of time thinking about our children – sometimes scary thoughts about things that haven’t even happened. These “awfulising” thoughts can sound something like this:

* “He didn’t do well in school last year; I’m afraid this year will be worse.”

* “I wasn’t crazy about the children she was hanging around with last year; I can only imagine who she will be hanging with this year!”

* “How is she going to handle all the increased pressure of being on the varsity team? She will never be able to do it.”

* “My son always lies to me. He reminds me of my delinquent brother who’s done nothing with his life. Is that going to happen to my son too?”

It’s natural to want to protect our children from what might happen or to try to make sure nothing bad does happen. And funny as it sounds, our brains are actually comforted

when we think up every worst-case scenario and then worry about them. We think that somehow if we just worry enough, we can control things and make them go right. But fretting about the future, about the unknown, can cause extreme thinking, stirring up our fears, imaginations and projections. “He will never… She always… He’s a loser…” No surprise that this causes our (and everyone else’s) anxiety to skyrocket which causes us to – guess what… worry more! It’s an unending negative cycle unless we can get control of our anxious and awfulising thoughts.

When parents get caught up in this negative cycle, we often find that we are spending much of our energy directing, lecturing, hovering, cajoling or nagging instead of connecting with our children. We get so frantic about “fixing” things that we are not able to see we are parenting out of fear rather than from a calm, realistic and helpful place. We lose track of the facts about our children and see them from the lens of our anxieties, often stemming from our own unfinished business. Maybe we didn’t do well in 7th grade or felt left out of the popular group. It’s nor-

mal to want our children to do better than we did and not fall into the same holes. But it can be hard to see that perhaps that’s not where they are headed.

Until we can recognise and name all this awfulising as anxiety and reactivity rather than the actual facts about our children,

to be, we need to calm our anxiety down first. Calm is contagious – calm parents raise calm children.

Easier said than done? For sure! After all, we are only human. But it can be done. Here are some tips to being a less anxious, calmer parent.

Know what you

for. But can you make your child eat them? Maybe, but at what cost to you, your child and your relationship? Anxiety about their health might compel you to “make” them eat those vegetables but that might only land you in a battle of wills that becomes less about the vegetables and

we will not see our children clearly and therefore not be able to give them what they actually need. We worry and awfulise, rather than guide. In order to see our children as they are, not how we wish them

can and can’t control Control battles can be over many things, like friends, school, and even food. Is it possible to provide healthy foods in your house? Yes, that is something a parent can do and be responsible

more about “you don’t control me.” Put your efforts into what you have control over and let go of what you don’t. Accepting that you can’t possibly control every outcome will help you feel calmer. And you will

be making the space your children need to learn to be responsible for their choices.

Know the difference between fear and facts The best way to know if you are parenting from fear is to ask yourself if there is any evidence of what you are so worried about. You might worry that your child is unhappy. Write down the evidence that backs this belief up. For example, he cries every day or he used to be very talkative but now he is quiet and withdrawn. If you have facts to back up your concern, determine useful next steps to attend to the problem.

Maybe talking to him or to his teachers or school counsellor would be a good first step. But if you find no evidence to back up your awfulising thoughts then recognize this is about you, not him.

Get off of him and on to yourself. Pay attention to your own unfinished business of the past or feelings you had when you were his age. Understand what is getting triggered in you when you see him. Does he remind you of your troubled sibling at that age? Where does your imagination take you? In other words, find the source of your worry so you don’t confuse yourself with your child. Facts help us to stay calmer.

Ask yourself: what are you really anxious about? One of the ways adults manage anxiety in our important relationships is to deflect onto our children. Let’s say you feel emotional distance in your marriage. Rather than address the problem directly with your spouse, you might instead get overly focused on your child. You might see problems in your child that barely exist but become exaggerated in your mind.

This gives you a place to focus the intense emotions not being dealt with in your marriage. A child is an easy target to place the focus on. It’s normal to want to avoid the hard stuff between you and another person and bring in a third, like a child, to reduce the intensity. However, it doesn’t solve anything. It increases anxiety and we end up trying to “fix” something that isn’t the problem. Attending to the actual problem will calm us down and help our life function at its best.

(Empowering Parents)

saturDaY, september 13, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

500 get house lots at Providence Phase 3

By Jomo Paul

The Central Housing and Planning Authority on Friday pulled off another successful One Stop Shop at the National Stadium, which saw some 500 plus house lots being made available to citizens in a $1.2 billion housing scheme aback the National Stadium.

It was noted that $60 million alone went into providing Providence Phase 3 with electricity. Housing Minister Irfaan Ali, who gave brief remarks at the event, noted that the price that persons were paying for the house lots which is between $1.5 million and $2 million, was heavily subsidised, contending that the original price was almost three times that amount.

Ali pointed out that already major development has been taking place in the scheme, noting not only the availability of electricity but also the asphalt roads in the community.

No resale

He also pointed out that the Government has intentions of running a major roadway from Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) through the housing development. This would give residents more entrance and exit options.

Further, he pointed out the area is well poised to become a major commercial district, complete with malls, Banks, and a University that is already under construction. With that in mind, it was noted that the house lots in the area would appreciate greatly and their value would “skyrocket”.

However Ali warned the would-be house lot owners of the dangers of attempting to sell or lease the house lots, an act which is deemed illegal. He said that though persons will

be approached and offered huge sums of monies for their house lots, they should not take it.

“From the time people know that you’re the owner of a house lot in that vicinity, they are going to offer you a lot of money for the land. This will be illegal and you will not be entitled to another piece of land. Don’t be lured into any offer that would seem rewarding now,” Minister Ali said.

When Guyana Times

He said: “I am really excited, I can’t wait to start building. If I could have started building today, I would have started; I just can’t wait to get the process over with.”

When asked whether he had visited the area the man responded in the negative, but said from the reviews he has heard thus far from persons who would have taken the time to visit, he is “certain it won’t disappoint… we love the area”.

A woman who has visited the scheme explained that she was blown away by what she saw. “They have proper roads and I saw lantern posts, so that means electricity and the drainage, everything is just there; is just for me to go and build now. I am really, really happy that I received what I wanted; it is a very nice area,” she said.

She further explained that she had applied a long while ago and to have the opportunity presented to her was a “blessing”. She too contended that she would soon commencing building, adding that she was looking forward to the area becoming a major district in the coming years.

arrived at the event, persons were seen lining up cordially to sign up and collect numbers. The persons at the One Stop Shop would have been notified by the Ministry of the availability of house lots in the area and were invited to the event. These persons would have made applications for land at the Central Housing and Planning Authority from as far back as 2010.

This newspaper spoke to several of the persons there who all expressed joy at the opportunity to own their own land in the area.

One man who gave his name as Terrence went to the event with his wife and youngest son. Terrence explained to Guyana Times that he was elated to have the opportunity to “finally” own a plot of land and begin construction of his own home for his family.

Presidential Commission on NonCommunicable Diseases launched

APresidential Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) was on Friday launched at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

President Donald Ramotar , who launched the body, called for more prominence of this category of diseases as compared to the communicable diseases that often grab international headlines. He noted that diseases such as Bird Flu, Ebola and even Chikungunya are being fo-

impact is even more strongly felt.” It was in recognition of this that Caricom signed the Declaration of Port of Spain in Trinidad, to jointly address these challenges, he added, and in 2011, the issue was raised at a United Nations high-level meeting.

On the local front, the Health Ministry is doing its part to raise awareness, but all must become involved. President Ramotar cited the need to encourage persons, particularly children, to become more active, and all must endeavour to eat health-

chance; if we fail, we will fail the next generation…we can’t afford to lose 60 to 70 per cent of our population at its most productive.”

She noted that while globalisation has brought development, it has also resulted in numerous health changes, with NCDs killing 35 million people worldwide, as two out of three persons affected die and more than 80 per cent related deaths are in low-to middle-income countries. Nearly one-third of these deaths occur before the age of 60.

Dr Etienne said, “They spend being sick, they spend resources on medical care, they become disabled and they lose their productive potential.” She added that a response to address the issue requires a leadership response, “One which we are seeing today”.

The presence of President Ramotar and top Government officials, she added, “is a testimony to the fact that they recognise the importance of NCDs, not only to the health of its people, but the wealth and development of this country.”

cused on, but it must be understood that NCDs are more prevalent and are responsible for 70 per cent of the deaths of persons aged 35 to 60 across the Caribbean, alone. “In 2013, some 382 million persons were said to have had diabetes, in the next 25 years that figure could rise if we don’t do anything about it, to 593 million.”

It was pointed out that NCDs, for which the Caribbean Region ranks the highest in the Americas, have dealt a “heavy blow” to the economic and social life of countries around the world. He said that, for instance, China alone would lose some US$558 billion and India, US$237 billion, by 2017, according to a study done in 2007. “As bad enough as it is for them, in small developing countries like ours the

ily as, “we are what we eat”.

He cited his own weight loss as an example of exercising and eating correctly, stating that 90 per cent of the 70 pounds he lost was as a result of healthy eating. Good habits must be encouraged and Government will continue to do its part to reduce alcohol abuse, tobacco usage, and other harmful activities, the President said. “All of us have benefits and we have nothing to lose, but we have a lot to gain.”

Leadership response

Among those on hand for the event were Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Director General, Dr Carissa Etienne, who said that NCDs was not just a health issue, but a developmental one that encompasses all sectors of society. “We don’t have a

Meanwhile, Caricom Assistant Secretary General, Dr Douglas Slater, in brief remarks, lauded the launch of the Commission and stated that the regional body will fully support the initiative. The Caribbean Research and Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Executive Director, Dr James Hospedales, said that his organisation will help to give the Region, the legislation to enforce the political will needed to institute changes, particularly those arising from the Port of Spain Declaration.

The Presidential Commission on NCDs will see participation from a wide cross-section of stakeholders seeking to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce preventable diseases. The secretariat will be housed at the Health Ministry and will meet quarterly as it devises strategies to lower NCDs across Guyana.

President Donald Ramotar chatting with Caricom Assistant Secretary General, Dr Douglas Slater and Caribbean Research and Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Executive Director, Dr James Hospedales. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud is at left

This man is about to retrieve his house lot number from the envelope (Jomo Paul photos)

Minister Ali addressing the crowd on Friday at the One Stop Shop

Duo accused of robbery remanded

Two men ac-

cused of robbing a Campbellville woman were on Friday remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Terry Cromwell of Albouystown, Georgetown, and Nicolai Brazil, a taxi driver, of Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the

charge of simple larceny.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, September 9, around 11:30h in the vicinity of D’Abreu Street, Section A Campbellville, the men robbed Ashanti Lawrence of a number of items valued approximately $120,000.

The Magistrate transferred the case to Court Three, and the men are to return to court on September 30.

Rotaract Club of Linden donates backpacks to students

Fifty school-age children from the Linden community recently benefited from a back-toschool backpack distribution exercise, organised by the Rotaract Club of Linden.

The backpacks which contained essential back-toschool items, including exercise books, pens, pencils, crayons, colouring books, erasers, rulers and sharpeners, were donated to students between the ages of four and 13.

In explaining the overview of the exercise, President of the Club, Kean Bonnett, said the activity, which is in its fifth year, serves as a means of giving back to the less fortunate in the community.

“This project started five years ago, with the objective

Students pose with their backpacks

to assist children around the Linden community who are faced with socio-economic problems, to equip them with the necessary tools for

their day-to-day learning at school,” she said.

Additional sponsors of the distribution included ACVS Studio, Digicel

and

La Grange resident on bail for fraudulent conversion, simple larceny

A20-year-old woman was placed on $200,000 bail for two offences which she allegedly committed – fraudulent conversion and simple larceny – when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday morning.

Sherlyann Hope, of Lot 22 La Grange, West Bank Demerara, stood before the

Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

It is alleged that on August 1, Hope, being solely entrusted with four Samsung Galaxy cellphones to sell and return the money, fraudulently converted them to her own use; and also stole 10 pennyweights

of raw gold, property of Dexter Forrester.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not object to bail, and the defendant, who was unrepresented, was granted $100,000 bail on each charge. She is expected to return to Court on October 13 to face Magistrate Geeta ChandanEdmond.

UNICEF’s Regional Consultants meet with Attorney General

UNICEF’s Regional Consultants of the Consultancy of Law, Governance and Rights (CILG&R), Dr Lawrence Joseph and Anande TrotmanJoseph paid a courtesy call on Attorney General Anil Nandlall at his Chambers on Friday.

Attorney-at-Law Dharshan Ramdhani is also a member of the consultancy team. The consultants are at present engaged in conducting a multicountry legislative assessment on Juvenile Justice supported by UNICEF, in five countries in the Caribbean: Guyana, Belize, Suriname, Barbados, and Antigua. This study is one of UNICEF’s wider investments for children, pursuant to the joint programme of cooperation with the Government of Guyana, and will be beneficial

UNICEF’s Regional Consultants (Consultancy of Law, Governance and Rights) Dr Lawrence Joseph and Anande Trotman-Joseph with Attorney General Anil

in providing a solid evidencebase for both planning and implementation of child protection programmes. Discussions with the Attorney General centred on the importance of the family

unit as the focus of the prevention of children being in contact with the law as offenders, victims, and witnesses. Poverty, limited access to education, dysfunctional families arising out of parental neglect, broken

homes, absent fathers, changing norms, and cultural penetration were all seen as factors which contribute to children’s involvement in crime.

Consideration was also given to how the present justice system could be improved, subject to the State’s available resources. The Attorney General expressed his interest in expediting a pending Juvenile Justice Bill being finalised with the assistance of UNICEF.

To date, the CILG&R team has also met with other Governmental officials –including Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster; officials of the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry; the Commission on the Rights of the Child, and the Child Care and Protection Agency.

Eyew tness

Selection...

...not election in AFC

Nagamootoo’s reportedly said he’s “very humbled” to’ve been selected by Khemraj Ramjattan as the next Presidential Candidate of the AFC. Poor fella. Apart from the quip that he has a lot to be humble about, he should be ashamed and embarrassed. He claims he was “abroad” when the decision was made.

Yeah, right!! Nagamootoo’s candidacy was cooked up right there in the backroom of their HQ in Campbellville – over several large bottles of rum divvied up between Nagamootoo, Ramjattan, and Hughes.

It goes without saying that most of the rum was consumed between the first two, who’re old rummies from their PPP days. Hughes was easily convinced to step aside for Nagamootoo. While it was the turn of the “African” leader of the party to have a shot at the top rung, Hughes knew he was damaged goods. Irreparably damaged goods. How was he ever going to shake off the albatross of the Case of the Sithe Company Secretary??

But there was another, more fundamental reason – the very fact that he was “African”. Over the years, Hughes had made no secret about his racial orientation. His recent acceptance of taking the lead in the Cuffy250 conclaves across the country – at the side of the likes of Granger and David Hinds – is merely his coming out of the closet, so to speak. So why wouldn’t he want to represent his constituency in Parliament – if not the Executive, you ask??

Simple. Since folks voted for the AFC according to the ethnicity of the Presidential Leader (African Guyanese voted for Trotman in 2006 and Indians voted for Ramjattan in 2011) if Hughes, was the top gun, he’d be pulling African Guyanese votes. Especially after his advocacy in the last three years. And like in 2006, these would come from the APNU constituency. Now, Hughes is caught between a rock and a hard place. From his decision, it’s clear he doesn’t want to risk this outcome. Better Nagamootoo becomes the Presidential Candidate and pulls votes from the PPP/C’s constituency, no?? Hughes would be killing any number of birds with the one stone of him stepping aside. And we come back to Nagamootoo. How can he talk about “democracy” when he’s connived to deny younger African leaders like Carrington and Williams their chance to lead the party??

But like they say, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, can you?? Was it because he was anti-black, Granger rejected him in favour of Trotman for the Speakership?

...of a legal dunce

Well, the other foot has dropped on the ridiculous complaint that Ramjattan had dropped at the Police’s feet. They said AFC’s complaint could, in no way, shape or form, constitute a “criminal charge” and so the Police couldn’t get involved. And isn’t this what your humble Eyewitness was saying from day one?? This fella Ramjattan is a real dunce – legal or otherwise.

Some’ve said we should go easy on the wanker –he’s always “high” on “spirits” or something. But jeez... you’d hope that he wouldn’t make these elementary mistakes. But they say “every dark cloud has a silver lining”...and what we’ve learnt from this very dark cloud is that Ramjattan is so besotted with the lust for power, he’s willing to literally trump up charges against his opponents.

He seems to have a special venom for Minister Ashni Singh. We saw how he went after the man’s wife, no?? We’re sure it’s tied up in some twisted way in his twisted mind that Ashni Singh is riding high in a party where he once thought he was the “rising star”. What a wanker!!

...of armoured vehicles

Trinidad recently acquired an unknown number of some real heavy-duty armoured vehicles. Looks like they’re finally getting serious in dealing with their criminals. With all the threats issued over here, shouldn’t our Police follow suit??

Nicolai Brazil and Terry Cromwell are facing simple larceny charges

Guyana, Rotary Club of Demerara, Rotary Club of Scarborough, Mark’s Footlocker,

the Linden Technical Institute.

Sherlyann Hope

Nandlall

Linden girl needs $4M for life-saving surgery

Support poured in from all corners of Linden and Region 10 on Friday as the Region’s Department of Education organised a fundraising school concert in aid of Monique Amsterdam, who is desperately in need of surgery to correct the medical condition Scoliosis.

The 13-year-old Third Form student of the Mackenzie High School, who hails from One Mile, Linden, has been battling the condition, characterised by the curving of the spine, since being diagnosed in 2012. Amsterdam’s family, along with members of the community, are currently in the process of raising funds for the surgery, which cost in excess of $4 million, to be conducted overseas.

The Health Ministry has pledged its support of $1 million to assist in offsetting Amsterdam’s expenses.

A number of events were recently organised in the Linden community, including radio and television telethons, in aid of the young aspiring dentist. On Friday, the doors to all schools in Linden and Region 10 were closed, as the concert, which featured local artistes such as Troy “Genesis” Porter and Diana Chapman, got under way at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground. Tickets for the event were distributed to all schools in the community and sold in an effort to raise funds. Regional Education Officer Marcia Paddy Andrews said the Department of Education jumped at the opportunity to assist after being ap-

proached by Amsterdam’s mom.

“What we did was organise some donations, but we realised that that wasn’t going to help much, so... we decided to have this activity in an effort to raise as much money as possible. What I decided, on behalf of the Department of Education was to give all schools a holi-

day so that every child could attend this fundraising activity... We tried to include the entire Linden and its environs in this activity,” she noted.

Schools from neighbouring communities such as 47 Miles, Coomacka Mines and Bamia, among others were also included in the event.

Andrews said the event, which was carried out in two segments: one for nursery schools and the other for primary and secondary schools, received overwhelming support from the community and public-spirited citizens. She added that sup-

Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge toll hike put on hold

Following an order by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) has moved to put on hold the proposed increase in vehicular tolls at the MackenzieWismar bridge.

port also came in from the South Ruimveldt Secondary and the Allied Arts Unit in Georgetown. Additional funds were garnered from the proceeds of activities such as a trampoline and food court, which were set up as part of the event.

Another fundraising event is planned for next Saturday at the Mackenzie High School in addition to a basketball competition. A Republic Bank account, #1731611, has also been set up for persons desirous of making donations. Donations can also be made by contacting telephone numbers 625-1184 or 6787988.

IMC Chairman Orrin Gordon had last month announced that all vehicular tolls, excluding those of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) and cars, would have been increased, effective September 1.

The move, Gordon had explained, was an effort for the cash-strapped municipality to garner funds so that it could pay its employees and carry out other functions. Whittaker, however, recently advised the municipality not to increase the tolls, noting that there are laws (Mackenzie Bridge Act Chapter 51:04) governing the increase in the tolls at the bridge, which connects Mackenzie and Wismar.

Gordon explained that following a meeting in Georgetown on Tuesday with the Minister, National Industrial and Commercial

Investments Ltd (NICIL) Director Winston Brassington and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, a decision was made to halt the increase until a proposal was taken to Cabinet for recommendation.

Cabinet to decide

“The meeting came out with an understanding that they will take the matter and recommend the increase to Cabinet... I saw PM (Prime Minister Hinds)... and he said something is being worked out. He was not specific and I did not get a feedback from the Minister (Whittaker) as he had promised,” the IMC Chairman

said on Wednesday. He added that the toll increase will remain on hold, pending the decision by Cabinet and a response from the Minister.

Last year, the Council found itself in a similar situation when it attempted to reinstitute vehicular tolls at the Kara Kara toll booth located at Mackenzie. The booth was, however, ordered closed by the Local Government Ministry following complaints from miners and other motorists passing through the community, and due to its “illegality”.

According to the IMC Chairman, the municipality has been battling a serious financial crisis over recent years and has been managing with little input from the Local Government Ministry. He said it “had no other choice”, but to put measures in place in order to increase its revenue. Whittaker recently, by way of letter, advised the municipality to better manage its affairs and to seek alternate routes in boosting its revenue. Only last month, municipal employees went on strike after not being paid two months’ salary. The Council is yet to put measures in place to pay its workers for the remainder of the year.

Another section of the gathering at the Mackenzie Sports Club

A large turnout for the benefit concert

Monique Amsterdam is in desperate need of funds to undergo surgery

IMC Chairman Orrin Gordon

Granger repeats ultimatum and threats

... says calls for Local Govt poll "clear"

By Alexis Rodney

APartnership for National Unity (APNU)

Leader David Granger said his coalition’s position on Government announcing a date for Local Government Elections (LGE) is very clear, pointing out that Head of State Donald Ramotar has a responsibility to tell the nation the truth about the long overdue elections.

He also restated his ultimatum to the President to announce the date for LGE by Monday and his threats to mobilise both local and international pressure on the Government.

Against a background of trenchant criticism from other Opposition elements that he has been too docile, the APNU Leader, who is also head of the People’s National Congress Reform and Opposition Leader, threatened to mobilise international and domestic action if Government does not announce the date of LGE by September 15.

LGE have not been held in Guyana for over 20 years and, in recent times, Government has come under pressure from the international community, political parties, and civil society to host the elections. In a letter to President Ramotar, Granger had said:

He told the President that, in accordance with the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, “local government is a vital aspect of democracy”.

“Local Government Elections, last held in 1994, are a constitutional obligation and a democratic entitlement of the Guyanese people. It is not an option of the executive branch of government,” Granger emphasised.

He reminded Ramotar that he had promised in the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Manifesto ? Working Together for a

Better Tomorrow – to ensure that: “within one year of the 2011 General Elections, Local Government Elections are held...”

“We now call on you to respect the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; to respect the decision of the National Assembly with regard to the Local Authorities (Elections Amendment) Bill 2014; and to respect your manifesto – Working Together for a Better Tomorrow.

"We call on you, therefore, on or before Monday, 2014-0915, to announce the date for Local Government Elections to be held countrywide, to issue the ‘Commencement Order’ to operationalise the Local Government Commission and to initiate a process by which the Local Government (Amendment) Bill could be returned for your assent,” Granger asserted.

“We wish to advise that, failing an announcement by you that Local Government Elections will be held and that these legitimate democratic conditions are met, we shall be obliged to take any lawful action to mobilise national and international support in defence of local democracy, the Constitution and the rights of the Guyanese people.”

Reacting to the letter

on Wednesday, President Ramotar described Granger’s call as “pushing at an open door”. The Head of State said too that Granger was quite aware of Government’s concerns and commitment to Local Government Elections, pointing out that there are some specific areas that must be examined, before he gives a response. Making an announcement by Monday is not the most important thing, Ramotar stressed, pointing out that “I really have to consider all the angles and then I will give him a response”.

For his part, Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger

Luncheon, said: “There is a little bit more to the mortar than the pestle.”

He noted that the letter may just be a political ploy.

“What is he really getting at with this proposal – this whatever you want to call it? … what does the Leader of the Opposition really want?” questioned the Cabinet Secretary.

To this end, the Administration has since written Granger for clarification, and Granger reiterated that the Opposition had expected that upon the passage of the Local Government, the Local

Government Commission, the Fiscal Transfers and the District Councils Bills on August 7, 2013 that LGE would have followed.

This was never done. As a consequence, he said his party’s Shadow Local Government Minister moved an amendment in the National Assembly in February of this year that the LGE must be held by August of this year.

“When the first of August came, we were determined to find out when elections would be held. And there was no indication from the Government, and so it led to us calling on him to announce a date for elections,” Granger told reporters at the party’s weekly news conference on Friday.

He said there was a reasonable expectation that, “at least, Local Government Elections would have been held this year, but the PPP/C has made it clear that it had no intention of either obeying the mandate of the National Assembly or complying with the precepts of the Constitution.

“The PPP/C Administration does not have the prerogative to deny the people their constitutional right to local democracy.

"The Guyanese people are being denied their right to elect their own local and municipal leaders. They are being denied their right to even know when those elections will be held,” Granger said.

LGE, like general and regional elections, are a constitutional right, Granger said. It is an obligation, not an option, for the President of the republic to comply with the Constitution and to conform to the laws of the country.

The President and the PPP/C, he continued, by deliberately delaying the holding of LGE, are in gross violation of the Constitution and the law. “The first bill has not yet been assented to, because the PPP/C wants the Minister of Local Government and

From pump problems to wood problems

Is every where yuh look yuh seein one problem or another. And these problems is wid some of de major tings that never suppose to have any kinda problems. Not people nor country can function wid these kinda problems.

That is why so mucha people unhappy wid de Guvament and de Opposition fuh one reason or another. In one way, de Guvament is not to be blame, because these problems suppose to get fix by people who gettin pay to fix dem. On de other hand, de Opposition can’t solve de problem even when dem was in power.

In de last few weeks, all yuh hearin bout is pump problems, pole problems, stone problems, and wood problems. One contractor get pay to bring in pumps. De pumps come in and no body can’t see dem, causing people to do dem own pumpin when dem ain’t see no pumps.

And of course, whenever yuh have pump problems, yuh must get water problems. Is usually too much water when it ain’t got no pumps. In as much as no water does be problems, too much water does be more problems.

Only de other day Gee-Pee-Hell had pole problems. Not enuff poles to put in de holes. So dem start lookin outside fuh poles. But that only mek de problem wuss, because once yuh tek some body else pole, that is big problem, especially when is nuff poles yuh start tekkin.

Not too long ago, Minister Benn Down admit he ain’t got no stones leff. De TAG man announce that BK got nuff stones all over and even offer Benn Down to see BK stones. Well, Benn Down ain’t tek de offer, but now BK own wuk men turn round and thief BK stones.

But TAG man insist that BK still got stones. Is no wonder BK start to fly now. It musbe hard to walk wid all dem stones. Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, de wood problem aint’ so old. Is just that a man who got no-good wood want some good wood!

Regional Development to retain the authority to dissolve elected councils.

The second Bill was assented to by the President, but more than one year later, the commencement order from the Minister that is required for the commission to be operationalised is yet to be issued,” the Opposition Leader noted.

The Local Authorities Amendment Bill, at its second reading on February 10, 2014 was debated and passed as amended, directing that elections be held by August 1, 2014.

Granger said the PPP/C has systematically underfunded local democratic organs and undermined democratically elected local councils thereby inhibiting their development and impeding the provision of services to residents.

The 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and six municipalities, as a result, have been ineffectual and dysfunctional, he related, continuing that the result has been a near total breakdown in local governance leading to “visibly unkempt and unsanitary communities”.

President Donald Ramotar

Opposition Leader David Granger

Clean-up campaign money will help upgrade city markets – Whittaker

Local Government

Minister Norman Whittaker said some of the funds from the “Clean Up My Country” Campaign will be channelled towards the upgrade of the facilities at several city markets.

Following a visit to three municipal markets last Wednesday, the Local Government and Regional Development Minister answered stallholders’ longstanding calls for better infrastructure at the markets.

Through the Central Government’s clean-up programme, Albouystown, Bourda and Stabroek Markets will benefit.

At a press conference at the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Whittaker told a gathering that the Ministry under the “Clean Up My Country” Programme will create a better environment for the vendors.

Minister Whittaker said that under the Market Infrastructure Programme, internal and external drains

of the markets will be desilted, which will improve the drainage systems.

For better visibility and as a means of improving security at nights, the Ministry will repair damaged lights and install new units where necessary. To address the issue of solid waste disposal, the Ministry is in the process of procuring waste disposal facilities, which will be placed at multiple locations.

Consultations with vendors

For the Albouystown Market, a tarmac will be constructed and fenced to provide a place for vendors to store their stands when not in use. Last week when Minister Whittaker visited the markets, the vendors who met with him and his team were very thorough and candid as they expressed their concerns with respect to the issues that were causing them discomfort and inconvenience.

These include poor drainage facilities which contribute to constant flooding

within the market; inadequate electrical installation and lack of proper security which has led to the upsurge in criminal activities within the market environs; inadequate sanitary facilities; and poor roofing – leaks in the roofs were cited as another major contributor to flooding in the markets.

The vendors also pointed out uneven flooring within the market structures which often resulted in water taking longer to recede in lower sections.

The stallholders asserted that the poor infrastructure has caused them millions of dollars in damaged goods, and they are faced with the reality of the conditions of the markets on a daily basis.

The Minister assured the vendors that Government had provided resources to improve the Georgetown environment and that the markets were going to be beneficiaries of these improvements under the “Clean Up My Country” Programme.

Jeweller on death by dangerous driving charge

Bishnarine Persaud, a Jeweller of Lot 26 Sheriff Street, Georgetown was on Friday charged for allegedly causing the death of Leon Hunte, a handyman attached to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&C).

Hunte died in a motor vehicle accident on Wednesday evening on Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

The 39-year-old businessman was granted bail in the sum of $1.5 million when he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He pleaded not guilty to the charge after the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied.

The charge stated that on September 10, at Lamaha Street, he drove motor car PKK 5501 in a manner dangerous to the public causing the death of Leon Hunte.

The businessman was represented by Attorneyat-law Glen Hanoman, who told the court that his client was temporarily discharged from the hospital to facilitate an investigation into the fatal accident. He claimed that as soon as

his client was discharged, he presented himself to the Kitty Police Station where he was interrogated.

Hanoman added, that by attending court his client proves that he is not a flight risk and promised that he will attend court on his own accord once bail is secured. At this time, his client made an application for bail to which, the prosecutor, Vishnu Hunt had no objections.

Bail was initially set at

$2 million but was reduced to $1.5 million by Magistrate Latchman after a plea by the defendant’s lawyer. He argued that Persaud had a huge hospital bill to pay and is assisting with the funeral expenses for the deceased.

Guyana Times understands that about 23:15h on the day in question, Persaud was proceeding east along Lamaha Street at a fast rate of speed when he collided with Hunte, a pedal cyclist who was proceeding in the same direction.

Investigations proved that the now dead man was stuck from behind and as a result, he was flung some distance before landing on the roadway.

An ambulance was summoned to the scene but by this time, Hunte was already dead. Persaud, on the other hand, sustained injuries and was taken to the Woodlands Hospital where he was treated and subsequently sent away. Police launched an investigation which led to charges being instituted. The father of two will make his next court appearance on October 3.

Digicel launches new smartphone app

With effect from Friday, Digicel has launched a new and exciting feature for smartphones, which will allow its subscribers to take care of many of their customer service needs straight from their handsets with “My Digicel App”.

Designed to put the power in the hands of customers, the app will save them time and hassle since the app is available for free download on Android devices and is the smart and easy way for customers to manage their mobile lives.

Text numbers and com-

plicated short codes are a thing of the past as customers can use the app for a variety of their service needs from the basics like checking their account balances and the status of their current plans to highlights like purchasing new plans, using online top up, sending credit to another user, or managing their account settings.

Apart from the new features, the app is also available in English, French and Spanish, and keeps customers in the loop with all of Digicel’s social media channels and allows users to give feedback on the app from their handsets.

Digicel Guyana Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James, said: “We are delighted to be making the My Digicel app available to our customers. This is all about putting the power in the hands of our consumers and providing them with the tools to manage their lives through their pockets.” She added that with the My Digicel app, time spent calling and talking to customer care can be spent doing something far more productive, as all the mobile help you need is just a touch away.

Region analyses access rights in environmental matters

Representatives from the Region’s signatory countries to a declaration that promotes access to information, participation and justice in environmental matters, together with specialists and members of civil society, participated this week in two events organised by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in San José, Costa Rica.

The events are the capacity-building and good practices workshop on the implementation of Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, which took place on Tuesday, and the Seventh meetings of the Working Groups established in the Plan of Action to 2014 of the Declaration on Principle 10.

The Declaration on the

implementation of Principle 10 – which recognises the importance of access to information, participation, and justice in environmental matters – has been signed by 18 countries of the Region since 2012: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.

In the framework of this process, under ECLAC’s oversight as technical secretariat, the countries approved a road map (2012); a Plan of Action to 2014 (2013); and a common view (2013) to move toward the construction of a regional convention that enables the thorough implementation of access rights in environmental matters.

At the Workshop’s inauguration, Costa Rica’s Vice Minister of Environment, Patricia Madrigal, said that the application of Principle 10 in the Region will bring countries closer to a culture

of tolerance and will not allow the costs of environmental conservation to go to the most vulnerable ones. It will also help prevent the surge of socio-environmental conflicts that have created great social strain in some coun-

tries, she stressed.

The Vice Minister thanked ECLAC for the support it has given to this process and showed optimism regarding the endorsement of a regional convention in the fourth meeting of focal points scheduled for next November in Santiago, Chile.

Carlos de Miguel, Head of the Public Policies for Sustainable Development Unit of ECLAC’s Sustainable Development and Human Settlements Division, highlighted that access rights in environmental matters are going to be fundamental in the implementation and oversight of the new development agenda beyond 2015 and the Sustainable Development Goals. In his opinion, “the construction of a new future will only be possible if the envi-

ronmental pillar is integrated thoroughly in the development agenda,” for which structural changes are required. In that sense, the international official called for the countries to keep moving towards the implementation of Principle 10 and strengthening environmental statistics.

Andrea Alarcón, representative of the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, invited the countries to seize the good practices introduced in the meeting as “opportunities of bilateral and regional cooperation”, while Antonio Chang, from Panama’s Environmental Advocacy Centre (CIAM), underlined the guiding principles of the process: equality, inclusion, transparency, proactivity, collaboration, non-regression, and progressive realisation.

Bishnarine Persaud

Local Government Minister Minister Whittaker assured the vendors that markets were going to be beneficiaries of the “Clean Up My Country” Programme

Access rights in environmental matters are going to be fundamental in the implementation and oversight of the new development agenda

Georgetown Hospital must give more satisfaction to patients – Ramsaran

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran says the Georgetown Public Hospital must give more satisfaction to patients during times of distress.

He was at the time commenting on the recent maternal death that has rocked the hospital. Evita Singh, 34, of Lot 13 Lathan Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, died during childbirth on Saturday last. According to reports, the mother of two was taken to the hospital two Mondays ago after she experienced high fever. Up to Friday, officials were still probing the death of the woman and her baby. A post-mortem examination revealed that the woman bled to death due to a ruptured uterus.

According to the woman’s father, in a telephone interview, the post-mortem was performed by Dr Nehaul Singh who gave the cause of death as shock

and haemorrhage due to a ruptured uterus. The relatives are holding out that if doctors had performed a Caesarean Section on the woman from the inception, both lives could have been saved. Chandra Ramjit, mother of the dead woman, told the Guyana Times that she received a call from her daughter on every occasion nurses inserted a tablet to induce labour. She confirmed that her daughter called about six times as the tablets were inserted. The grieving mother promised that if she was called to identify the nurses and doctors who looked after her daughter, she will do so.

Investigation

She recalled receiving a telephone call from the hospital, with the person on the other line assuring them that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the deaths and those found culpable will be disciplined. However, she said her daughter and grandchild are dead and cannot be returned, and it might take years before justice is served.

On Wednesday, the Health Minister said that he was aware of the incident and has instructed Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Chief Executive Officer, Michael Khan and the Chief Medical Officer, Shamdeo Persaud, to investigate the matter to find out the circumstances behind the two deaths. The

Minister has requested copies of the statements given by the doctors and nurses who attended to Singh from the time she was admitted to the hospital.

Dr Ramsaran also has lashed out at the administration of the GPHC when it comes to patient satisfaction, claiming that he has received numerous reports that relatives have not been given the opportunity to meet doctors and hospital officials when they need answers.

This, he noted, has to be

corrected, and, as such, he has instructed the CEO to look into the matter. He referred to the situation with respect to patient satisfaction as “unacceptable”.

Upon Singh’s admittance to the medical facility, she was placed in the maternity ward where she was treated for the high temperature, which was brought under control by Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the nurses reportedly induced labour by inserting a tablet called ‘Cytotec’ into Singh. Guyana Times was told that the nurses reportedly inserted about six of the pills between Wednesday and Thursday, since they claimed Singh was not responding to the tablets and there was no movement from the foetus.

On Wednesday evening, the dead woman’s mother said, her daughter started to bleed and by Thursday, the pain had become intense. Also on Thursday, the young mother related that she was having strong contractions, but at this time, it was understood that they had to perform a Caesarean Section.

Transfusion

Singh was taken to the labour room where the nurses attempted to deliver the child, but in the process, the bleeding became excessive. Eventually, a decision was taken to perform the C-Section, but, by the time it was done, the baby was already dead. During labour, Singh lost a significant amount of blood and her heart rate started to decline. She never regained consciousness. The doctors reportedly told the family that Singh’s body was also rejecting the blood transfusion she had been given.

The young mother leaves to mourn her two children aged 13 and six, her husband and other relatives.

“We’ve not abandoned

Digicel completes acquisition of submarine fibre assets across Caribbean – says Government, regulatory approvals in place

The Digicel Group on Friday announced that it has received the required approvals from Government and regulatory authorities with regard to its purchase of a submarine fibre network across the Caribbean Region from the Guadeloupe-based Loret Group and Caribbean Fibre Holdings.

The completion of the deal marks another major step in Digicel’s ongoing evolution from a pure mobile provider to a complete global communications provider, and follows the recent announcements of several cable TV and broadband acquisitions in the Region.

This deal will provide

Grow More

campaign” – Ramsammy

Agriculture

Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said contrary to popular belief, Government has not abandoned the Grow More Food Campaign, but has instead sought to have it “re-engineered”.

The Grow More Food Campaign was first launched in 2008 under the stewardship of then Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud. Because of the changing economic climate and rising food prices, the objective of the campaign, at the time, was to encourage locals to help sustain themselves by growing traditional foods that were sought after in the local greenery markets. “It was not just to grow more of a product, but a greater variety and in addition to that, he was saying that families, who go to the market, to grow some and reduce the amount of money you take from your pocket”.

While that objective has

been somewhat realised, Minister Ramsammy said the Campaign will now take on a whole new dimension with individuals, while being encouraged to continue growing food, to do so with the intension of monitoring and sustaining the economy. “You do two things; you save foreign currency and you create entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for our own people, because you are growing things to

sell in the supermarket that use to come in via importation”, Ramsammy explained.

Another dimension to the new Grow More Food Campaign is the hope of being able produce feeds for stock. Ramsammy said that Guyana is now producing all the chicken it needs. The problem now, however, is that about 70 per cent of production cost is consumed in the feeds for those local stocks.

The importation of 40 tonnes of corn and soya, used as feed for local stock costs Government some US$30 million. The Grow More Food Campaign seeks to meet those needs. Ramsammy related that Guyana has succeeded in this regard; announcing that the first crop of commercial soya; some 22.5 acres will be harvested in a few days from now. “Our goal is that the 40,000 tonnes of these products that we import to Guyana we talking about US$30

million of corn importation in Guyana can now be supplied right here. The goal by 2020 reduces that by 25 per cent. The ultimate goal is that you should not import any corn or soya to do that.

And since some of us like to open up cans to cook, in addition to being able to provide raw materials for stock feed, we are hoping to turn to agro processing so that what’s in our supermarket or what we produce creating employment, business opportunities, etc, and the foreign currency is saved in Guyana. That is our major priority of the grow more food today”, Ramsammy said. He continued that the dream of pass leaders that Guyana is the breadbasket of the Caribbean will be finally realised.

The Grow More Food Campaign was launched on March 20, 2008, through the implementation of a five-step plan, which included the imple-

mentation of a US$21.9 million Agricultural Export Diversification Programme, the implementation of a US$6 million Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development Programme, increased investment in drainage and irrigation by restoring drainage to areas abandoned by farmers and training farmers to manage the maintenance of rehabilitated structures at a cost of G$12 billion.

Rural farmers, agro investors, processors, exporters, and all those involved in the value chain have benefited from the investments made by the Government over the past five years to boost food production and attain a lucrative means of earning a livelihood. Guyana is the only country in the southern hemisphere that is a net exporter of food, and has achieved the United Nations first Millennium Development Goal of eradicating hunger.

Digicel with a wholly-owned submarine fibre-optic cable network providing capacity from Trinidad connecting 12 countries to Puerto Rico, with onwards connectivity to the United States. In total, Digicel has secured access to a robust network comprising 15 submarine segments with a reach of some 3100 kilometres across the Caribbean Region. Digicel will also have extensive onwards capacity connecting to the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Digicel Group CEO Colm Delves declared: “In our data-hungry world, we are committed to ensuring we deliver innovative products and services to our valued customers. This latest acquisition grants us significant additional submarine fibre capacity, which, in turn, means we can help our customers achieve their personal and business goals through advanced solutions and multimedia experiences on multiple devices.”

Digicel Group prides itself on being a leading global communications provider with operations in 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After 13 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network.

The company is also intimately involved in the countries in which it operates. Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams, including the Special Olympics teams. Digicel sponsors the West Indies cricket team and is also the presenting partner of the Caribbean Premier League. In the Pacific, Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams and also sponsors the Vanuatu cricket team. The company runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes.

Digicel Group CEO Colm Delves

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran

Dead: Evita Singh

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

US$12.3M Linden water supply rehab project on track

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) said that the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) funded US$12.3 million Linden Water Supply Rehabilitation Programme (LWSRP) is progressing as planned. This was observed during a tour of the civil works by GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh, the water company said in a statement.

The Chief Executive was provided with an update on all progress by GWI personnel, contractor UEM Inc and consultant EGIS EAU in association with SRKN. It was observed that the major structures of the new Amelia’s

Ward Water Treatment Plant are 90 per cent complete, including seven tanks and a

high-capacity reservoir which is capable of producing 57 litres of water per second.

Civil works for the construction of the Wisroc Water Treatment Plant are 90 per

FAO food price index drops to four-year low

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO’s) monthly food price index registered another drop in August, continuing a fivemonth downward run and reaching its lowest level since September 2010.

The index’s August average of 196.6 points represents a decrease of 7.3 points (3.6 per cent) from July. With the exception of meat, prices for all of the commodities measured by the index dipped markedly.

Dairy led the pack, with FAO’s sub-index for dairy products averaging 200.8 points in August, down 25.3 points (11.2 per cent) versus July and 46.8 points (18.9 per cent) compared to a year ago – the result of abundant supplies for export coupled with reduced import demand.

Russia’s prohibition at the beginning of the month on imports of dairy products from several countries helped depress prices, while slackening imports of whole milk powder by China (the world’s largest importer) also contributed to market uncertainty.

FAO’s price index for cereals averaged 182.5 points in August, down 2.8 points (1.5 per cent) from last month and 24.2 points (11.7 per cent) versus August 2013. With 2014 being another record year for wheat production, prices for the staple grain continued to slide in August, reaching their lowest value since July 2010. Similarly, near-ideal growing conditions in key producing areas, coupled with abundant stocks, have seen maize prices retreat to a four-year low.

However rice bucked the trend in grains, with its prices rising in August, reflecting increased import demand, lower-than-expected releases from stockpiles by Thailand, and unfavourable weather affecting some crops in Asia.

“Rice supplies appear to be ample worldwide, but stocks are very much concentrated in a small number of countries, and often owned by Governments. This means that these countries can very much influence world prices, by deciding whether to let those supplies flow to the market or not,” said FAO economist Concepción Calpe.

“The fact that Thailand is still limiting sales of the huge rice volume held in public warehouses has been one of the principal factors underpinning world prices in recent

months.”

FAO’s Food Price Index is a trade-weighted index that measures prices of five major food commodities on international markets: in addition to sub-indices for prices of cereals, it also tracks meat, dairy products, vegetable oils, and sugar.

The vegetable oils sub-index clocked in at 166.6 points in August, 14.5 points (eight per cent) less than the previous month and the lowest level since November 2009.

FAO’s index of sugar prices averaged 244.3 points in last month, down by 14.8 points (5.7 per cent) from July, but still 2.2 points (one per cent) higher than one year ago. And its meat sub-index averaged 207.3 points in August, 2.5 points (1.2 per cent) more than in July but 25 points (14 per cent) above last year.

Cereal harvest upgraded

Meanwhile, FAO’s monthly Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, also released day, has upped the Organisation’s forecast for 2014 world cereal production by 14 million tonnes. At 2.5 billion tonnes (including rice in milled terms), the new projection would be 0.5 per cent (13 million tonnes) short of last year’s record.

More optimistic wheat forecasts were mostly behind the revision in cereal production compared to last month. Wheat production is now expected to reach 716.5 million tonnes – also just shy of last year’s record harvest. Wheat crops in China, the Russian Federation, Ukraine and the United States are now projected to be larger than previously anticipated.

And production in Argentina, Brazil, China, the European Union, India, and the Russian Federation has increased significantly, offsetting reductions in Australia, the United States and, especially, Canada – where the latest official forecast points to a decline of almost 10 million tonnes (26 per cent).

For rice, however, the production outlook worsened compared to July by about three million tonnes, as an erratic rainfall pattern and concerns over El Niño’s impacts on crops early next year marred prospects in China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka.

Still, at 500.4 million tonnes, global rice production (in milled rice equivalent) is

forecast to surpass the 2013 harvest by 0.4 per cent. All told, the size of global inventories of all cereals is anticipated to rise to their highest levels in 15 years as a result of two years of good harvests. FAO now sees world ce-

real stocks reaching 616 million tonnes by the close of the seasons in 2015 – 12 million tonnes higher than the previous forecast, and over six per cent (37 million tonnes) over stock levels at the start of the 2014-2015 season.

cent complete, including booster stations and the installation of transmission mains. The reservoir, which is capable of holding 3500 cubic metres of water, is 60 per cent complete.

Additional works, including the installation of electro-mechanical components and pipelines, are currently being executed at both water treatment facilities. The Chief Executive noted that while wells are the primary source of water for the Amelia’s Ward Plant, the facility at Wisroc will utilise freshwater from the Dakoura Creek.

“In 2013, GWI appealed to residents and stakeholders to protect the Dakoura Creek from pollution,” the CEO recalled, “We facilitated several articles in the local press and issued a television broadcast urging residents of Linden to protect this valuable freshwater resource. Again, we are appealing for all stakeholders to protect the Dakoura Creek from pollution, as this will be the major source of water for the Wisroc Plant.”

The installation of water service meters, which forms

a significant component of the LWSRP, is currently being executed. This is pivotal for the overall success of the programme, since it will encourage conservation of the treated water provided by the new facilities.

The CEO further commented on the successful employment of staff from Linden within the LWSRP. “Over 70 per cent of the staff employed under the LWSRP are from Linden,” Baksh stated, “This was a priority, since it was our intention that the programme benefit from the skills and talent available in Linden and that the people of Linden reap benefits in the form of employment from such a large-scale programme.”

It is expected that substantial completion of civil works at both water treatment facilities will be achieved in December 2014. Upon completion, the water treatment facilities at Amelia’s Ward and Wisroc will significantly improve the water service provided to the people of Linden and enhance the overall quality of life experienced in Linden.

GWI CEO Shaik Baksh inspects works that are part of the Linden Water Rehabilitation Project

Regional

New party wins Montserrat general election

The newly formed People’s Democratic Party (PDM) won an overwhelming victory in Thursday’s General Election in Montserrat, gaining seven out of the nine elected seats in the Legislative Assembly.

Gaining the most votes in the single, island-wide constituency was PDM party leader and former Leader of the Opposition Donaldson Romeo, with 1,695 votes.

The other winning PDM members are Dr Ingrid Buffonge, Paul Lewis, David Osborne (son of the late former premier John Osborne), Claude Hogan, Delmaude Ryan and Gregory Willock.

The incumbent Movement for Change and Prosperity (MCAP) gained

only two seats: outgoing premier Reuben Meade and outgoing Agriculture Minister Easton Joseph Farrell

Taylor. There were 13 independent candidates, none of whom were successful, and most did poorly in terms of number of votes.

In conceding victory to the PDM, Meade said, “I’d like to congratulate Romeo and his team for a resounding victory. The people have clearly shown that they wish to take a different path with a different team.” Romeo said, “I am thankful that God has spoken through the people of Montserrat and that I am now chief servant of the people. I am thankful that the people have responded to our agenda of putting people first.” He also thanked Meade for “his respectful, concessionary statement”. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Cuba to send doctors to Ebola areas

Cuba is sending 165 health workers to help tackle the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, officials say. Doctors, nurses and infection control specialists will travel to Sierra Leone in October and stay for six months.

The announcement comes as the World Health Organisation says new cases in West Africa are in-

creasing faster than the capacity to manage them. More than 2400 people have died from the virus in recent months and some 4,700 people have been infected.

The death toll remains highest in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. World Health Organisation (WHO) officials say the number of people affected

Venezuela’s Maduro vows legal action against Harvard Professor

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has called for legal action against a former Government official who now teaches at Harvard University and wrote an opinion piece that contributed to a fall in the nation’s bond prices earlier this week.

Ricardo Hausmann, a Venezuelan planning minister in the 1990s, wrote that Venezuela was in arrears across various sectors of the economy and had “defaulted” on its people. “So, should Venezuela default on its foreign bonds?” he asked.

Combined with pessimism on Wall Street over lack of market-friendly reforms, last week’s article on Project Syndicate, a web portal that carries opinion pieces on global affairs, hit Venezuelan bond prices. They recovered somewhat, however, when Maduro re-

sponded with reassurances the nation would pay every dollar it owed.

However, in a speech late on Thursday, the Socialist President accused Hausmann of being a “bandit” and mouthpiece for an international conspiracy against the Government.

“I’ve ordered the public prosecutor, and I’ve spoken to the Attorney General, to start actions because you’re involved in a campaign to damage our fatherland,” Maduro said. “We have the proof in your declarations and articles, up there in your mansions where you live with money stolen from Venezuela.”

Reached by telephone, Hausmann said Maduro’s comments were falsehoods that exposed the lack of independence of the judiciary and a desire to find scapegoats for Venezuela’s economic mess.

Reuters)

AG sues Rowley over Emailgate

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan has filed yet another defamation lawsuit against Opposition Leader, Dr Keith Rowley, this time for his role in the controversial Emailgate scandal. It comes almost three weeks after Ramlogan produced correspondence from Google Inc which he said invalidated a thread of incriminating emails purportedly sent between him, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and other senior government min-

isters.

According to the documents, filed in the Port of Spain High Court on Thursday afternoon, Ramlogan is alleging that Rowley committed slander when he spoke extensively on the alleged conspiracy at a public meeting in San Juan, days after he revealed the emails in Parliament on May 20 last year. While Ramlogan’s lawyers admitted that Rowley could not be sued for his statement in the House of Representatives

as it fell under parliamentary privilege, they said he had no protection for his subsequent comments. “The words complained of and the entirety of the Croisee speech made by the defendant have exposed the claimant to public scandal, ridicule and contempt and has caused his name, and office to be brought into odium and disrepute and further caused him humiliation, embarrassment and distress,” the lawsuit stated.

Former Jamaica Tourism Minister to stand trial

Former Tourism Minister Daryl Vaz is due to go on trial early next year on corruption related charges.

is likely to be much greater than current estimates suggest.

In Liberia WHO experts say there is not a single bed left to treat patients with Ebola. But the world football association, Fifa, says it is joining forces with the United Nations to turn the country’s national stadium into a large-scale Ebola treatment unit.

Dr Margaret Chan, director of the WHO, said: “If we are going to go to war with Ebola we need the resources to fight. “I am extremely grateful for the generosity of the Cuban government and these health professionals for doing their part to help us contain the worst Ebola outbreak ever known.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Vaz, who will now appear in court on February 16, 2015, had been charged in April 2012, following allegations that he conspired with former Senior Superintendent James Forbes and businessman Bruce Bicknell, to quash a bribery charge against Bicknell.

Prosecutors alleged, that Vaz approached the arresting officer, Sergeant Jubert Llewellyn, and promised him “gold bars”… a code word for a promotion, if he withdrew the charge against Bicknell.

In July, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn, withdrew the bribery charge against Bicknell. She then argued

that it would have been difficult to mount a successful case against him.

However, Forbes was convicted and fined J$800,000 (One Jamaica dollar =US$0.004 cents) for his role in the conspiracy. Vaz, who is the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament for the constituency of West Portland, appeared in court on Thursday when the trial date was set (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Chilean MP charged over Pinochet-era killings

Amember of Chile’s Parliament has been charged with the killing of three left-wing militants during the dictatorship of Gen Augusto Pinochet.

Rosauro Martinez was an Army captain at the time of the incident in 1981.

He led a patrol in southern Chile in search of members of the Revolutionary Left Movement (MIR), which sought to overthrow the Pinochet regime.

A gun battle followed in which at least 11 people died, but the exact details of what happened remain a mystery. Martinez says he followed Army protocol, but some former conscripts who were with him at the time say he used excessive brutality.

The 64-year-old member of the conservative National Renewal party has been a Congressman since the early 1990s, when Gen Pinochet relinquished power and Chile returned to democracy.

In June, he was stripped of his parliamentary immunity. That paved the way for his arrest in city of Valdivia on Thursday – the 41st anniversary of the coup that launched Gen Pinochet’s 17-year rule.

“Chile needs more truth and more justice so we never live the horror of dictatorship again,” said government spokesman Alvaro Elizalde. Some 3200 people were killed and 38,000 others tortured during Gen Pinochet’s rule, according to the Government. (Excerpt from

Premier elect Donaldson Romeo

Former Jamaica Tourism Minister Daryl Vaz

Rosauro Martinez is member of the conservative National Renewal party

Around the world

Pakistan arrests Malala gunmen

The Pakistani Army said Friday it had arrested the gunmen who tried to kill schoolgirl campaigner Malala Yousafzai in the country’s restive northwest in 2012.

The teenage activist was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen but recovered and went on to earn international plaudits for her fight for the right of all children to an education.

The detention of the 10 men, a joint operation involving Army, Police and intelligence agencies, came as part of the Pakistani military’s ongoing offensive against the Tehreek-eTaliban Pakistan (TTP) and other extremist outfits.

“The group involved in the attack on Malala

Yousufzai has been arrested,” Major General Asim Bajwa told a news conference. He said the group was part of the TTP and the plan

to kill Malala came from network’s current leader Maulana Fazlullah.

After narrowly surviving the assassination bid,

Malala was taken to Britain with her family for treatment, where she now lives. Her courageous recovery has made her a global figure – she won the EU’s prestigious Sakharov human rights prize last year and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

An address she gave to the United Nations General Assembly in July last year, in which she vowed she would never be silenced, earned her a standing ovation.

Malala first rose to prominence in 2009, aged just 11, with a blog for the BBC Urdu service chronicling life under Taliban rule in Swat, the beautiful valley in northwestern Pakistan where she lived. (MSN)

US intensifies sanctions on Russia over Ukraine

The United States hit Russia’s largest bank, a major arms maker and arctic, deep water and shale exploration by its biggest oil companies with new sanctions on Friday to punish Moscow for its intervention in Ukraine.

The sanctions, coordinated with similar European Union steps, were triggered by what the West sees as

Moscow’s recent effort to destabilize eastern Ukraine by backing pro-Russian separatists with troops, heavy arms and cross-border shelling. They are the latest economic penalties imposed by the West since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March.

The sanctions target companies including Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank by as-

China stabbing suspects sentenced to death

China has sentenced three men to death and a woman to life in prison for a knife-wielding attack at a train station that killed 31 people and left more than a hundred others injured.

The three men, believed to be from the Uighur Muslim minority, were convicted on Friday of “leading a terrorist group” which planned and carried out the stabbing spree, the Intermediate People’s Court in Kunming said in a statement.

The court said the suspects, influenced by religious fundamentalism, plotted the March 1 attack when five knife-wielding assailants hacked 31 people to death and

injured another 141 people.

Local authorities arrested Iskandar Ehet, Turgun Tohtunyaz and Hasayn Muhammad, two days before the attack as they were attempting to illegally leave China. Having lost the contact with the three men, five other members of the group mounted the attack as planned, the court said.

Police shot dead four members at the scene and captured the fifth, Patigul Tohti, the court heard. Tohti was jailed for life for taking part in the attack as well as intentional homicide, but had her death sentence commuted to life in prison because she was pregnant. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

MH17 crash: Investigation focuses on ‘25 metal shards’

The investigation into the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 is searching for clues in 25 pieces of metal recovered from bodies and debris.

Dutch officials heading the inquiry say they want to establish whether the iron fragments could prove the theory that a ground-to-air missile struck the plane.

Flight MH17 came down over eastern Ukraine on July 17, killing all 298 people aboard, mostly Dutch citizens. The investigation has been hampered by continued fighting near the crash site.

Detectives are relying heavily on forensic samples taken from bodies and baggage, as well as satellite data, interviews with witnesses, computer reconstructions, online evidence and intercepted communications.

Flight MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it crashed in rebel-held territory in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine and Western countries have accused pro-Russian separatists of downing the plane with a surface-to-air missile, supplied by Russia. (Excerpt from BBC News)

sets, and Rostec, a conglomerate that makes everything from Kalashnikovs to cars, by limiting their ability to access the US debt markets.

They also bar US companies from selling goods or services to five Russian energy companies to conduct deepwater, Arctic offshore and shale projects. The Russian firms affected are

Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, Lukoil, Surgutneftegas and Rosneft.

The United States stressed that the sanctions could be removed if Russia, which denies sending troops into eastern Ukraine and arming the separatists, took a series of steps including the withdrawal of all of its forces from its neighbour.

Northern Ireland firebrand turned peacemaker Ian Paisley dies

Firebrand Protestant cleric Ian Paisley, whose unlikely alliance with bitter Catholic rivals helped to bring a belated peace to Northern Ireland, died on Friday aged 88, his family said.

As the leading light of hardline Unionism, which wants to maintain links to the United Kingdom, Paisley stringently opposed any concession to the mainly Catholic nationalist community’s desire for closer ties with the Irish Republic to the South.

But in a dramatic u-turn seven years ago, Paisley agreed to share power with former foes to become first minister in Northern Ireland’s devolved Government.

“I think we confounded the world by him, a proBritish, pro-Unionist politician, being able to work in a positive spirit with myself, an Irish Republican,” said former Irish Republican Army commander Martin McGuinness, who became

Paisley’s deputy.

“A friendship grew out of that, and it’s a friendship that lasted to this very day,” McGuinness, the province’s deputy first minister, told the Irish national broadcaster RTE. Paisley’s family said he died early on Friday and that a private funeral would be held in the coming days.

“My beloved husband, Ian, entered his eternal rest this morning,” his wife Eileen said in a statement. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai – who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban – addresses the congregation at Westminster Abbey in London on March 10

(Excerpt from MSN)

Ian Paisley

Tate and Lyle brainstorming with Guyana ways to lower sugar costs

The top executives of the Tate and Lyle Sugar Company on Thursday met with President Donald Ramotar at his office.

The team of officials, which included Regional Technical Director Colin Turner, Vice President, Trading, Duncan Tate and Social Responsibility Specialist Rafael Vaya, was led by Senior Vice President of Simon Gibbons. Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Gibbons said that the discussions focused on the longterm relationship between Guyana and the company.

“We buy most of the sugar for the European Union and some for the USA as well, under the US quota, and we talked about the cane breed-

ing station in Barbados, as well”. The company executive added that they are desirous of seeing lower costs and more competitive sugar on a worldwide basis, “so that we can sell it on and Guyana can make money and we can make money as well”.

It was explained that Tate and Lyle has a very good relationship with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and the team, who were here on a oneweek visit, has been meeting with stakeholders and major players in the sugar industry.

The team also visited the Skeldon Sugar Factory, and according to Simmons, the factory is being turned around, in terms of performance and its faults being rectified. “We know that

GuySuco is gradually turning that estate around but it is a long journey… but is going in the right direction”.

In October 2010, American Sugar Holdings (ASR Group) acquired the EU sugar refining businesses of Tate and Lyle PLC, namely Tate and Lyle Sugars in the UK and Sidul in Portugal. This was an important milestone, as these operations are now part of the world’s largest cane sugar refining company with operations in North America, Central America and Europe.

The European businesses have approximately 1,300 direct and contract employees (incorporated shares in joint ventures) manufacturing sugar at three refineries and associated manufacturing sites.

GDF presents 60 with bursaries for 2014

Wonetta Semple, Acquino Luke, and Sonia Lynch were the top three awardees when the Guyana Defence Force awarded 60 bursaries valued $25,000 each, to children who successfully completed the National Grade Six Examinations and gained places at secondary schools.

The Bursaries are awarded each year to the children of Officers, Other Ranks and civilian employees of the Force. In brief remarks at the award ceremony, Staff Officer One General Six, Lieutenant Colonel Julius Skeete, congratulated the awardees and their parents for the hard work and dedication which has resulted in suc-

Deepening of ties of between China, Caribbean highlighted at business summit

With trade and investment between China and Latin America expected to nearly double over the next decade, opportunities abound for businesses from both regions that want to sell their products and services halfway around the world.

Hundreds of companies gathered to learn about those opportunities at the 8th China-LAC Business Summit September 1213, organised by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the People’s Bank of China, and the government of Hunan Province.

A mong the strategic sectors showing the greatest promise for growth and investment in Latin America are infrastructure, transportation, agro-industry, telecommunications, and renewable energy.

Panels including top government and private sector leaders from both regions discussed ways to boost productive invest-

ment and trade, and exchanged valuable knowhow on how to tackle tough development challenges, from rapid urban development to environmental protection.

They also learned about opportunities for equity investments in Latin America. “Latin America has much to gain from deepening its relationship with China, just as China has much to gain from our region,” said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno. “For our governments, this is a strategic priority. But much of the day-to-day building of those links will fall on the private sector.

China, which joined the IDB as a shareholder in 2009, already is the top trade partner for Brazil and Chile, and is expected to surpass the US to become the top trade partner for Latin America and the Caribbean within a decade.

The IDB released a new studyon investments made by 98 Latin American companies in China, “LAC Investment

in China: A New Chapter in Latin America and the Caribbean-China Relations. ”Nearly all of those companies came from Brazil, Chile, Mexico and Argentina, and one of the study’s goals was to examine their strategies to provide useful information to companies from other countries that might want to venture into China as well.

During the conference, urbanization experts from the IDB described the Bank’s innovative Emerging and Sustainable Cities initiative, which works closely with 50 fastgrowing medium-sized cities throughout Latin America to help them plan for future transportation, sanitation, housing, citizen security, educational, green spaces and other needs before they arise.

A short video outlining how the program works was shown, along with explanations on how China might adapt the initiative to deal with its own fastgrowing urban centers.

The Summit also fea-

tured a workshop, organized by the IDB and the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection, aimed at familiarizing Chinese firms with the environmental and social safeguards that infrastructure development projects in Latin America are increasingly expected to fulfill.

In order to help small and medium-sized companies benefit from the expansion of China-LAC trade, the IDB also un-

veiled a new initiative called ConnectAmericas. com, an interactive social media website for businesspeople who want to establish contacts with potential clients, suppliers and investors; take online courses that will help them become agile exporters; access large databases of information on trade rules worldwide; and learn about a wide variety of financing options, ranging from IDB loans to commercial bank trade finance lines.

Launched in March, and offered free of charge, ConnectAmericas.com already has more than 11,000 registered members and has had more than 60,000 visitors.

In Changsha, the portal launched the ChinaLAC business community, inviting more than 6,000 Latin American and Caribbean entrepreneurs living in China or interested in doing business with China and WHO belong to an existing community called LaRedChina.com, to join ConnectAmericas.com.

cess. He told the awardees that this was just the beginning and encouraged them to continue to be disciplined, focused and determined to succeed.

“Do not become complacent. Do not tell yourselves that you can relax now that you have succeeded at the Grade Six examinations. Your academic pursuits have just begun on another level, and you have to stay focused and continue to strive for excellence,” he said. “While your success must be grounded in academics, you ought to still find time to engage in sports and extra-curricular actives. Join the various clubs which may be at your schools. Enjoy your school life since these years will turn out to be some of the best years of your life,” he added.

Top Awardee, Wonetta Semple moved an eloquent vote of thanks to the GDF for recognising the achievements of all the awardees. “Your encouragement will become our point of reference as we seek to excel during secondary school. We are grateful to the GDF for recognising our efforts and those of our parents,” she said.

The GDF began awarding Bursaries 1974 when five students gained awards. Ever since then, a number of awardees have done exceedingly well, going beyond secondary school, to a gain university education, and, others who also excelled, became serving members of the Force. The Force congratulates all the recipients of the 2014 Bursaries and wishes them much success in the future.

From left Lieutenant Colonel Julius Skeete, Misses Sonia Lynch and Wonetta Semple and Lieutenant Colonel Patrick West

President Donald Ramotar meeting with executives of the Tate and Lyle Sugar Company

IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno

Lead actress Surbhi Jyoti also referred to as “Zoya” of popular Indian TV Series “Qubool Hai” will grace Guyana with her presence in October for three big events through promoter Ram Jhoda under the RJ Films Brand.

The shows are set for October 10 at Canje, Berbice; October 11 at Everest Cricket Club ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown; and October 12 at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground, Essequibo.

The actress is expected to perform several scenes from the TV series, “Qubool Hai” and will also perform a few

Baby Cham and Christopher Martin are two of the five artistes who are slated to perform at a mega concert on November 29 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

dance pieces. She will also be accompanied by three big names in the music industry.

About Zoya

These are Chintan Bakiwala, a former contestant in the India reality show Indian Idol; Indian songstress Sangeeta Kopalkar and popular playback singer Shiaz Billo. General admission tickets cost $2000 while the VIP tickets will cost $5000 and more. Tickets are expected to be released shortly at various locations to be announced.

Jyoti is a popular face in Punjabi movies and Punjabi soap operas. She came into

the limelight while playing the lead character role in Zee TV’s soap opera “Qubool Hai” as Zoya Farooqui. Currently, she is portraying the role of Sanam in the same show.

The talented Surbhi was born on May 29, 1988 into a Punjabi-Brahmin family hailing from Jalandhar; the oldest city in the north-western India state of Punjab.

She is a talented theatre artiste and debater and has won the national debate

is managed by brothers who hailed from the Pomeroon River. The name ‘Golden Boy’ was derived from a particular feature the brothers sported as young boys while growing up.

The two brothers in their youth had steaks of golden strands in their hair; hence they were

thrice. After making a number of appearances in Punjabi movies, she was selected to play the character of Zoya in her television debut show “Qubool Hai” on Zee TV.

She has also worked in the Punjabi series “Kach Diyan Wanga”. She starred in the popular Punjabi movies such as “Munde Patiale De” and “Raula Pai Gaya”. Surbhi Jyoti has been the anchor for many shows, as well at the college level. On her role as Zoya

referred to as the ‘golden boys’. This is not a new group since they have promoted several shows in their hometown.

Essequibians have seen the likes of KI, Shal Marshal, Lil Rick, Father Moses, Peter Ram and others who performed at the Purple Heart Guest House

Farooqui, Jyoti has said that she can relate to her character in real life.

Jyoti completed her schooling from Shiv Jyoti Public School and graduation from HMP (Hansraj Morarji Public College). Later, she pursued her MA in English from Apeejay College of Fine Arts.

The charming Surbhi is now seen as the co-host of TV show “Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya” on Zing TV. Jyoti hosts alongside popular singer Meiyang Chang.

Surbhi says she is afraid of lizards, and refers to herself as a bookworm who loves

cooking.

Crying is a natural part of her personality; whether she is happy or sad, so she says she does not need glycerine for shooting emotional scenes of the show… tears come naturally. The only thing she hates about Mumbai is the traffic and admits that sometimes she is shorttempered. She acted in the movie, “Akiyaan To Door Jayen Na” as Sona; “Raula Pai Gaya” as Reet; “Kach Diyan Wanga” as Preet Sehgal and was the lead female character in “Munde Patiale De”.

in Charity.

Apart from the parting, the two brothers want Golden Boy Entertainment to be a family oriented group that caters for every member of the family.

The Guyanese public can expect a whole lot from the Alphansos in the near future.

The other three artistes are expected to be revealed leading up to the once in a lifetime concert that is expected to be off the hook. While speculation are in the air as to the other three artistes, Guyana Times Entertainment can assure the public that they are artistes who have made their names on the international stage. They are known for their energetic performances and sensual moves that will create quite a stir when they make their stage appearances.

Promoters Lorenzo and Geraldo Alphanso confirmed that plans are moving apace to host this event. They are working with several

entertainment groups including Hits and Jams Entertainment, Stereo Sonic and others to make the show one to be remembered for 2014.

The Golden Boy Entertainment Group

Tickets for this ‘once in a lifetime’ concert will be released a few weeks before the concert. Don’t worry the tickets will be reasonably priced.

The two confirmed are Damian Beckett, who is popularly known as “Baby Cham” – a Grammy Award nominated rapper, singersongwriter and actor – will be performing at the show. His reggae dancehall fusion has been killing the airways in the Caribbean, as well as in Europe and North America.

Baby Cham’s fan base is now officially worldwide.

Ryan Washington was born on December 11, 1994 to Tracey Nixon and Gavin Paul Washington –both deceased. He is the last of four children and a former student of East La Penitence Primary School and Lodge Secondary School. He lost his mother at the tender age of three and was sent to live with his father where he faced many challenges growing up. During his teenage years, life’s challenges grew larger when his father passed away just

before he celebrated his 15th birthday.

This deterred him a little as he felt alone and worthless in such a big world, with little or no support from his family. Nevertheless, he ventured into the world of work and never gave up on what he wanted. Ryan joined the fashion industry in 2008 as a model and was a part of many fashion events such as Guyana Fashion Week, Guyana Model Search and many other fashion competitions and events. Washington enjoys

dancing, singing and of course modelling and is a Customer Service Representative at one of Digicel’s Agent outlets (Cellular plus) and has promised himself that he will continue to work hard towards making his future a brighter one.

He was also a participant of the SKII training provided by the US Embassy/USAID where he learnt life skills on providing good services through the right attributes he possesses.

He is currently a contestant of the Mr Guyana International 2014 and his platform is ‘Music

and its influence on young men’, since he is of the opinion that many of the actions and decisions taken by men today is based on songs that they listen to and continue to feed their souls with. He plans to continue his quest for good and wholesome music to be played on all forms of media as it is said that ‘music is food for the soul’.

He encourages young men to fuel their lives with music that will teach them to love and respect women and trust God.

He operates out of the Madhouse and Atlantic labels. His mega hits have become a household phenomenon. These include: “Funny Man”, “Ghetto Story”, “Tic Toc”, “What the Police can do?”, “Backway”, “Conscience”, “Drop it like you doing it”, “Strange things”, and “Vitamin S”, among many others.

The other artiste, Christopher Martin, was born on February 14, 1987 in St Catherine, Jamaica. This young man has evolved from the winner of Digicel’s Rising Star competition in 2005 to a world class reggae/dancehall singersong writer.

His biggest hits include “Take my wings”, “I’ll be your driver”, “Cheaters Prayer”, “Chillspot”, “Paper loving”, “Mama” among

Chintan Bakiwala

Surbhi Jyoti

Sangeeta Kopalkar

Golden Boys

Christopher Martin

Baby Cham

SUDOKU

tuesday's solution

Reconsider a relationship with someone who finds fault with your every move. Your feelings are just as valid as anyone else’s, and it’s important that you feel appreciated.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Take a slow and easy approach to personal and professional dealings. You will have great success if you think before you act. Steady progress is the name of the game.

Deception and confusion regarding a personal situation are apparent. Make sure the information you receive is from a reputable source and not from someone hoping to gain from your misfortune.

Make a point to remain in a positive state of mind. If you feel pressured by someone or something, explore solutions that could maximize your independence.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Partnerships and love connections look positive. Lady Luck is shining on you, so take advantage of the favorable conditions and follow through on plans that will improve your life.

(March 21-April 19)

Prepare to take on additional duties. Offer to help a colleague get through a difficult task. The extra work will be rewarded when the tables are turned and you need a favor.

(April 20-May 20)

Think before you make a move. You are overreacting, causing a troublesome situation to escalate. You can defuse matters if you listen rather than argue. Practical actions will bring solid solutions.

(May 21June 20)

Ease your stress by spending time doing something calming. Fresh air, sunshine and physical activity will help, along with an entertaining evening spent with someone special.

By experimenting with an old concept, a new outlet will reveal itself. This unusual opportunity will point you in a promising new direction. Don’t look back.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Collaboration will prove inspiring. With a little extra effort, a creative idea will come to fruition. It’s time to put in motion what you’ve been contemplating.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take a rational approach. Not everything will be as it appears, but that doesn’t mean you should give in too quickly to what someone suggests. Wait for the details to fall into place.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Your natural curiosity will lead to a detour in your plans. Don’t be alarmed if you fall behind. The experience will energize you to finish on time with your own personal touch.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

Senior Inter-county final…

Battle between home favourites and title favourites

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Invincible so far in the competition, Demerara are firm favourites for the title but home team, Berbice have displayed commitment, camaraderie and confidence throughout and have also shrug off the chokers tag, winning two of the three games played during the preliminary round.

The two teams will battle it out in the Grand Finale of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) senior Inter-County final today at Albion.

Regarding as one of the most evenly-matched limited-overs finals, the match is being billed as a battle between batsmen and spinners. Despite the contrasting results during the preliminary stage of the tournament, both teams entered today’s clash on even keel where their strengths are concerned.

Berbice have Test players, Captain Narsingh Deonarine and his deputy Veerasammy Permaul in their line-up. They have the best new ball pair in Keon Joseph and Raun Johnson, both with First-Class experience, along with the

hard hitting Jonathan Foo and National Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble. Demerara will be spearheaded by skipper Christopher Barnwell, Trevon Griffith, Steven Jacobs and Robin Bacchus while Shemroy Barrington, Andrew Lyght Jnr., Chanderpaul Hemraj, Zaheer Mohamed, Rajendra Chandrika, Amir Khan and Paul Wintz are expected to lend support.

However, what makes the clash even more interesting is the fact that the game will be played on a deck that will be encourag-

ing to the spinners.

The Berbicians must have had an eye on the Essequibo/Demerara first round game and the team management would have observed how Demerara strangulated by an overdose of quality spin.

The DemeraraEssequibo match has also brought to the fore that if you can make early inroads into the Demerara innings, you have a chance of taking them by the horns. The Demerara middle order also lacks a ‘worker’, someone able to find gaps, run hard and rotate the strike.

The Berbicians will look to Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Krishendat Ramoo and Narsingh Deonarine to be the key in this crucial match.

But, it is the Demerara bowling, which may concerns the Berbicians more. They have a number of quality spinners in their line-up and with the conditions traditionally favour the slow bowlers, it will not be an easy task too for the hosts.

In the spin department, Demerara will continue to place their hopes in the

hands of Raj Nanan, Zaheer Mohamed, Amir Khan, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Steven Jacobs and Chanderpaul Hemraj.

However, although Berbice does not have the big names as their opponents, they have a lineup that is capable of putting together huge totals.

Meanwhile, looking ahead at the final, Berbice coach Hubern Evans said “The team is feeling good and confident. We came into the tournament convinced that we could do well and we hope we can do that.

Demerara coach Garvin

Nedd hoped his side would stick to the basics. “The side that does its basics right in these sorts of games usually comes out on top. If we can go out there on Saturday (today) and do the basics better than Berbice, then I think things might go our way.”

Teams for Saturday’s final reads:

Demerara: Christopher Barnwell (Captain), Paul Wintz (V/Captain), Trevon Griffith, Robin Bacchus, Andrew Lyght Jnr, Shemroy Barrington, Rajendra Chandrika, Raj Nanan, Zaheer Mohamed, Amir Khan, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Steven Jacobs, Chanderpaul Hemraj, , Seon Daniels, Garvin Nedd (Coach), Clive Grimond (Manager/Assistant Coach).

Berbice: Narsingh Deonarine (Captain), Veerasammy Permaul (V/ Captain), Kandasammy Surujnarine, Seon Hetmyer, Devon Clements, Jonathan Foo, Rajiv Ivan, Anthony Bramble, Jason Sinclair, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Krishendat Ramoo, Keon Joseph, Raun Johnson, Albert Smith, (Manager), Hubern Evans (Coach).

Banks DIH throws support behind 5-fight card

TGuyanese Derick Richmond and Jamaican

contest.

Dexter Marques and Richard Williamson will start the evening’s proceedings with a Super Bantamweight six-round clash, while Leon Moore will look to outdo Mark Murray in a Junior Welterweight six-rounder.

The third bout will be a Guyana/Jamaica showdown with local boy Winston Pompey up against Kemahl Russell in a six-round Middleweight fight, while Mark Austin and Dexter Gonsalves will go head-tohead in a Junior Welterweight scrap, scheduled for eight rounds.

Admission to the venue is $2000 (Ringside) and $1000 (Stands).

Meanwhile, Banks DIH Limited has joined the list of sponsors for the event under its popular GT Beer brand. High ranking officials of the company on Friday confirmed their alliance with the card, expressing elation at being associated with boxing once more.

Christopher Barnwell Veerasammy Permaul Raj Nanan

Narsingh Deonarine

GBBC President Peter Abdool (third left) makes a point at the ceremony at Banks DIH Limited on Friday in the presence of officials of the company, representatives of other sponsors and members of the Jamaican delegation

Ajmal’s flex more than twice legal limit - ICC report Oscar Pistorius found guilty of culpable homicide

Saeed Ajmal’s average elbow extension is more than twice the permissible limit of 15 degrees, according to an ICC report available with ESPNcricinfo following biomechanical testing of his bowling action.

Ajmal, who was banned on September 9 after tests at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, was found to flex his elbow up to an average of 42 degrees while bowling, the report said. Ajmal was assessed bowling offspin from over and around the wicket, the doosra and quicker balls, and none of the deliveries were close to the permissible limit, the report said.

As per ICC rules, a bowler can have maximum elbow extension or flexthe amount he bends and straightens his elbow while delivering the ball - of 15 degrees; anything more, and the action is deemed to be illegal.

As per the report, during the tests Ajmal’s average elbow extension stood at 37 to 39 degrees for offspin delivered over the wicket, 41 to 42 degrees for offspin bowled around the wicket, 40 degrees for the doosra, 38 degrees for quicker ones around the wicket and 42 degrees for quicker balls over the wicket.

Following news of the report breaking, PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan admitted that the tests found Ajmal’s elbow extension to be well over the legal limit.

“Some of the deliveries had very high elbow extension, over 40 degrees,” Khan told AFP. “The mean of Ajmal’s deliveries was 37 degrees which again is high and now we have a challenge to do the remedial work.”

Ajmal is set to undergo remedial work on his action from September 15. He can apply for reassessment of his action once he has undergone remedial work, and if it is cleared then, his suspension will be lifted.

This was the second instance of Ajmal being reported for a suspect action. In April 2009, he had been reported for his doosra, and was cleared the following month.

The ICC rules allow the PCB 14 days from the receipt of the report on Ajmal’s action to file an appeal, though the Pakistan board has seemingly been veering away from taking this course of action. Ajmal, though, had said after being banned that such an appeal could work in his favour since he had a medical condition that contributed to his problem. “They are yet to consider my medical reports and once they do it, I am sure there shouldn’t be any problem,” Ajmal had said. “If one has a medical problem then what can he do? So

I am 100% positive and hoping for the best.” It is understood that the PCB had maintained Ajmal had a medical condition following an accident which affected the movement of his elbow when he was previously reported, and that had been accepted by the ICC when his action was cleared then. The ICC’s report this time around, under its injury history and anatomical abnormalities section, said he “reports a previous injury [of the elbow], a fracture in 2004”, but did not elaborate on how that would affect his action. Separately, the report did note that “the player was not generally hypermobile”, hypermobility being a condition in which the body’s joints easily move beyond the normal range. (Cricinfo)

SAfrican athlete Oscar Pistorius has been found guilty of culpable homicide after the judge found he killed his girlfriend by mistake.

Judge Thokozile Masipa said the athlete had acted “negligently” when he fired shots through a toilet door, but in the “belief that there was an intruder”.

She said the state had failed to prove he intended to kill Reeva Steenkamp.

The judge allowed Pistorius to remain on bail ahead of sentencing which is to take place on 13 October.

The victim’s parents, June and Barry Steenkamp, condemned the verdict, saying it was “not justice for Reeva”.

Speaking in an interview with NBC News, June Steenkamp said: “He shot through the door and I can’t believe that they believe it was an accident.”

However Arnold Pistorius, the athlete’s uncle, said the family was “deeply grateful” to the judge for finding him not guilty of murder and that a “big burden” had been lifted.

“There are no victors in this,” he added. “We as a family remain deeply affected by the devastating, tragic event... It won’t bring Reeva back but our hearts still go out for her family and friends.”

South Africa’s prosecuting authority said it was “disappointed” Pistorius was not convicted of murder but said it would wait until after sentencing to decide whether to appeal.

The verdict leaves the disgraced sprinter facing up to 15 years in jail, although the judge could suspend the sentence or only impose a fine.

The BBC’s Nomsa Maseko said there was a poignant moment in court when Oscar Pistorius’s father and Reeva Steenkamp’s father hugged each other as the judge adjourned to consider bail.

The athlete was also found guilty on a charge of negligently handling a firearm that went off in a restaurant.

Oscar Pistorius was a picture of composure as the judge announced he was guilty of culpable homicide, a lesser count of murder in South Africa.

The athlete, who became emotional on Thursday after being described as an “evasive witness”, seemed to have been expecting this verdict. The judge had already spoken of his negligence and use of “excessive force” when he fired through the door.

Some say this verdict is the best outcome he could have hoped for.

Many South Africans have questioned the judge’s

decision to acquit him of murder and argue that the prosecution may have grounds to appeal.

For now, the Pistorius family seem relieved. But in the benches opposite them, friends and relatives of model Reeva Steenkamp wept, while others, including her mother June, seemed shellshocked.

The double amputee had denied murdering Ms Steenkamp after a row on Valentine’s Day last year, saying he shot her by mistake.

With this the judge agreed, saying “it cannot be said that the accused did not entertain a genuine belief that there was an intruder”.

But she said: “The accused knew there was a person behind the toilet door, he chose to use a firearm.

“I am of the view the accused acted too hastily and used too much force. It is clear his conduct is negligent.”

Pistorius was convicted on an unrelated firearms charge - negligently handling a firearm that went off in a crowded restaurant. He was acquitted of another charge of firing a gun in public, through the sunroof of a car, and of a charge of illegal possession of ammunition in the home where he killed Ms Steenkamp. (BBC Sport)

IPC will allow Pistorius to compete at Rio Paralympics

Oscar Pistorius will be allowed to compete at the 2016 Paralympic Games if he is not in jail, the International Paralympic Committee has revealed.

The South African, 27, was found guilty of culpable homicide on Friday after the judge ruled he killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by mistake.

Sentencing will take place on October 13, but Pistorius could compete at Rio if he has served his sentence.

“We wouldn’t stand in his way,” said IPC spokesman Craig Spence.

Pistorious, nicknamed Blade Runner, won six gold medals at three Paralympic Games and made history by

becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics.

IPC director of media and communications Spence said that the organisation’s thoughts were with the family and friends of Steenkamp.

But he said the IPC would not block Pistorius if he had served his sentence and wanted to compete at Rio.

“Providing he serves his sentence then he will be free to compete in IPC competitions going forward,” Spence told BBC chief sports correspondent Dan Roan.

“Oscar would need to decide first whether he wanted to compete and then he would need to be selected by the South African National

Paralympic Committee.

“If he had served any punishment given to him before Rio then the ball would be in his court.”

But former Paralympian Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson doubts whether Pistorius would make the Games - even if he had served his punishment and was picked to represent South Africa.

“He’ll have missed a chunk of time training and competing,” added the 11time Paralympic gold medallist.

“His sponsors aren’t there anymore…financially he’s in a very difficult position.”

Meanwhile, IPC chief executive Xavier Gonzalez is confident Pistorius’s convic-

tion will not harm the profile of the Paralympic movement.

“The trial has had no negative impact on the Paralympic movement,” he added.

“Since London and Sochi 2014 we have seen an incredible growth in all aspects of our activities and we are looking forward positively to Rio and Pyeongchang.

“Oscar was a fundamental ambassador of the Paralympic movement in the period between 2008 and 2012.

“Since then the Paralympic movement has many other ambassadors and many other athletes that have been recognised globally.” (BBC Sport)

outh

The verdict leaves the disgraced sprinter facing up to 15 years in jail, although the judge could suspend the sentence or only impose a fine

A report said Saeed Ajmal flexed his elbow up to an average of 42 degrees while bowling

Oscar Pistorious, nicknamed Blade Runner, won six gold medals at three Paralympic Games and made history by becoming the first amputee sprinter to compete at the Olympics

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Federer, Wawrinka put Swiss in control at Davis Cup

Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka both recorded straight-sets victories to give Switzerland a 2-0 lead over Italy in the Davis Cup semi-final in Geneva.

Federer beat Simone Bolelli 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 6-4 while Wawrinka defeated Italy number one Fabio Fognini

Richard Gasquet and JoWilfried Tsonga also won their semi-final singles to give France a 2-0 lead over defending champions Czech Republic.

Gasquet beat Tomas Berdych while Tsonga defeated Lukas Rosol in Paris.

Playing indoors, world number three Federer and Australian Open champion

Wawrinka can clinch a 3-0 series victory in Saturday’s doubles, which would send Switzerland into their first Davis Cup final in 22 years.

Italy defeated Great Britain in April’s quarter-final in Naples.

“It was quite frustrating at times,” said Federer. “But I am happy overall, it was important to get that point.”

At the French Open venue Roland Garros, it took Gasquet two hours and eight minutes to beat Berdych 6-3 6-2 6-3 in the first semi-final singles match on Friday. Tsonga then despatched Rosol 6-2 6-2 6-3 in just over one hour and a half to put France one win away from a place in the final.

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“This was one of my best wins ever,’’ said Gasquet. ‘’The atmosphere was great, this is the Davis Cup, at Roland Garros, and I beat a top player.’’

Sport)

Cairns to face perjury charge

ormer New Zealand

Fall-rounder Chris Cairns will face a charge of perjury in the UK. The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that Cairns will face one count of perjury related to a libel action trial from two years ago.

A spokeswoman for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “We can confirm that we have authorised police to charge Chris Cairns with one count of perjury, which arises from a libel trial held in the UK in March 2012.”

In a statement, Cairns said he was “extremely disappointed” by the charge but would extend full cooperation to the authorities.

“I can confirm that I have now been notified by the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK that it is their intention to lay charges against me on 25 September for perjury,” Cairns said in a statement.

“I’m obviously extremely disappointed, however, at least there will now be an opportunity to face my accusers in an open forum, with some rigour and proper

process around that, so that I can clear my name once and for all.

“I hope that, through this forum, significant additional information will be flushed out that will help people to better assess the situation, as well as the character and motives of the parties involved.

“I wish this wasn’t the situation - having been to Court before, I know what lies ahead and how gruelling it will be and how tough it is on my family - but I have nothing to hide and I will do whatever it takes to once again prove my innocence.

“I will continue to co-operate fully with the authorities, including voluntarily travelling to the UK to face these changes.”

New Zealand Cricket also released a statement acknowledging the likely charges.

“New Zealand Cricket acknowledges the decision from British police to lay perjury charges against former New Zealand cricketer, Chris Cairns,” the NZC statement said. “These

charges, quite different from proceedings conducted by cricket authorities into match-fixing and corruption, will now be tested in a British court of law and be subject to the normal processes of a criminal trial. Accordingly, NZC will not make any comment on the matter until such time all proceedings have been concluded.”

The Crown Prosecution Service also charged Londonbased lawyer Andrew FitchHolland with one count of perverting the course of justice. Fitch-Holland had served as Cairns’ lawyer during the libel action against former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi in 2012.

In May, Cairns had been interviewed by the Metropolitan Police, the ECB and the ICC’s AntiCorruption Unit in London. He claimed the interviews in London had been conducted at his own request and dealt with allegations he had perjured himself during the Cairns v Modi trial in 2012, and separate allegations of match-fixing. (Cricinfo)

Roger Federer

Chris Cairns: “There will now be an opportunity to face my accusers in an open forum, with some rigour and proper process around that, so that I can clear my name once and for all.”

Courts launches fourth 10k

By TreisTon Joseph

Courts Guyana Inc

launched the fourth edition of their Courts 10k road race on Friday at the furniture’s store flagship branch on Main Street.

The mega furniture store will be dolling out over 1.7 million dollars to ensure the success of the event with at least 1.2 million dollars going towards cash and prizes for the winners.

With the event set to attract a number of top athletes such as Guyana’s best distance runner Cleveland Forde along with the likes of Euleen Jossiah Tanner, Cleveland Thomas and Alika Morgan, President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson has ensured that all safety measures are in place for the event.

“We have written to the Commissioner of Police

highlighting the race and we hope that they come out and ensure the route is safe we can only depend on what they do.

“What we have also done is to ensure some of our marshals come out with some red flags to alert the motorists on the road of the race, so we can almost guarantee full safety this year,” Hutson related.

Marketing Manager of Court Pernell Cummings was pleased to host the event for its fourth year, “The Courts 10k has been growing and we’re hoping that this year is the biggest and we want it to be the best.

“We are looking forward to seeing Guyana’s best athletes performing, it’s about keeping Guyana fit as this month is our birthday month,” Cummings informed.

Hutson at the press con-

ference was grateful for Courts continued effort in sport, “Courts has done it again, sticking to their motto bringing value home, we have been attracting persons outside of Guyana to be a part of the race and it’s is nice to see Courts continuing with their effort n sport as we have as an annual event on our calendar,” Hutson mentioned.

In addition, there will also be a three kilometers race for staff members of Courts as they too will be rewarded if they place in the top three.

Meanwhile the race is expected to start on September 28 at 06:00hrs with registration closing on September 26. All athletes can register at the Guyana Olympics Association (GOA) in Kingston until the said closing date.

GCF names team for Junior Caribbean championship

young Crawford disappointed with omission

The Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) has named a seven-member team, including one official who will double as Manager/Coach, to compete at the ninth annual Junior Caribbean Cycling Championship in neighbouring Suriname on October 4-5.

GCF President Cheryl Thompson on Friday divulged the names of the cyclists selected to compete with the colours of the Golden Arrowhead. Four Juniors and two Juveniles have been selected and they will be under the supervision of former national rider, Dwayne “Road Hog” Gibbs, who will serve as Manager/ Coach.

The Junior riders are Michael Anthony, Akeem Arthur, Stephano Husbands and Alonzo Ambrose, while the Juveniles are Andrew Hicks and Raphael Leung.

According to Thompson,

the six riders were chosen based on their performance at the GCF National Championship earlier this year, and results from others races in 2014. Thompson said she expects great things from the riders, given their exploits on local soil over the last year. Meanwhile, there has been some controversy over

West Indies celebrate special 500th Test Match

West Indies cricket will mark a special milestone on Saturday when the West Indies team plays its 500th Test match. The landmark will be celebrated when they take on Bangladesh in the second and final Dhaka Bank Test match at Beausejour Cricket Ground.

First ball on Saturday is 10 am (9 am Jamaica Time).

Shivnarine Chanderpaul is the most capped West Indies Test cricketer and will play his 158th match on Saturday. He described it as a “great and special occasion”. Skipper Denesh Ramdin said the entire team is looking forward to the match and called it a “celebration for West Indies fans worldwide”.

“This is a wonderful occasion for West Indies cricket and I’m delighted to be part of it,” said Chanderpaul on the eve of the match. “This is a milestone that we have achieved and as a West Indian I am proud and I want to keep the West Indies flag flying as high as possible.”

The 40-year-old lefthander made his Test debut over 20 years ago and

Women’s

the non-selection of reigning Time Trial champion Romello Crawford.

Crawford and his uncle Kervin Crawford earlier this week expressed disappointment at the decision, noting that it is unfair and they would be taking the necessary steps to have it rectified. The Crawfords have also threatened to take legal action against the Federation should the need arise.

Thompson, in explaining the omission, said the rider was in breach of the GCF rules, as he left the jurisdiction without informing the Federation of his whereabouts. Crawford has denied such allegations.

Thompson further stated that as far she is aware, the rider informed his club, Trojan Cycle Club, that he would out of the jurisdiction, but from all indications the club failed to channel that information to the GCF.

has scored 11,499 runs at an average of over 52 runs per innings, including 29 centuries and 64 half-centuries.

“I will remind the fellows in the dressing room about the history and where we came from...about the past and how as West Indians we have to fight as hard as we can. We are a people who will never give up...who will fight all the way.”

Chanderpaul added: “As a youngster when I came into the team, I was among many greats, and I got a full appreciation of what it meant to represent the West Indies. We have a rich legacy and a great history and we are all happy to be part of this great match.”

Ramdin is leading the West Indies in his fifth Test since taking over in June. He applauded the team for their win in the first Dhaka Bank Test in St Vincent and said his is looking for his first series win at the helm.

“This is a very special occasion … everyone is looking forward to it. This is very exciting. We will look to come out and give a good account of ourselves as we did in the last match in St Vincent and take home a victory for ourselves and our fans,” said

Championship

the 29-year-old wicket-keeper. “I am honoured, happy and privileged to be the man leading the team in this historic match. This is not just a special occasion for us as players but also for West Indians everywhere and West Indies fans and supporters worldwide.”

He added: "This is something for us to cherish and celebrate and we will look to win and celebrate the match and the series. We want to pay tribute to all the great people who have contributed to the history and development of West Indies cricket so that helps to add to the special occasion.”

The second Dhaka Bank Test will be played from Saturday, September 13 to Wednesday, September 18. West Indies lead the twomatch Dhaka Bank Test Series 1-0 following their 10-wicket victory earlier this week at Arnos Vale, St Vincent.

West Indies played their first Test match against England at Lords in 1928. The record is: 162 wins, 168 defeats, 168 draws and one tie. To date 299 players have represented the West Indies in the 499 Tests.

Tremayne Smartt star as windies women win first match ICC

Acareer-best spell from Tremayne Smartt and a half-century from Deandra Dottin were the main ingredients in a five-wicket victory for West Indies Women over New Zealand Women in the ICC Women’s Championship on Friday here.

Smartt claimed the Player-of-the-Match prize after she collected 5-24 from her allotted 10 overs, as the New Zealanders, choosing to bat, were bowled out for

By Andrew CArmiChAel

Wheelers will have a chance to compete for big money when the Irene Benjamin 75th Birthday 60-miler is held. The race is set for Saturday September 20th.

The sponsored by Benjamin Sports Shop of Fyrish and organized by the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) has a total sponsorship of $350,000 and is opened to cyclist country wide. The first person to cross the finish line will receive $75,000.

The race will peddle off from in front of Benjamin Sports Shop and proceed along the Corentyne Coast

142 in 40.1 overs in the first One-day International at Warner Park.

The talismanic Dottin followed up with seven fours and one six in an even 60 off 77 balls and shared a 58run, third-wicket stand with Stafanie Taylor to help the Windies Women successfully reach their target with 59 balls remaining.

The result meant that the home team took a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. More importantly, the

to Number 66 Village where the riders will turn around to return to Benjamin Sports Shop for the finish.

The first six cyclists to cross the finish line will receive prizes in the open category while the first three juniors to do so will also receive prizes along with the first three females to finish line.

Prizes will also be awarded to the first three veterans to finish the race.

The veterans will not ride the full distance as there turn around point will be Nand Persaud Rice Mills at Number 36 Village. They will cover a distance of 40 miles.

There will also be a race

first three matches count towards their IWC tally for which they gained two points.

Smartt spoke to WICB Media following play. Details for the download of the audio and video from this media opportunity are below.

Selected images from the match – for editorial use only – are available here: http://ow.ly/BowaO. Please credit all photos: © WICB Media/Ashley Allen.

for Mountain Bike riders who like the females will cover a distance of 4 miles as they peddle from Rose Hall Town to the finish line. A special BMX race has also been organized which will peddle off from the Albion Police Station, two miles away from the finish line. The top three finishers in both the BMX and Mountain Bike race will be awarded prizes.

This will be the third cycling event for the year to be sponsored by Benjamin Sports Shop.

On Tuesday the sponsorship cheque was handed over the organizer and coach of FACC Randolph Roberts.

Michael Anthony

Cheryl Thompson

Stephano Husbands

Romello Crawford

Caribbean Wellness Day cycling on today

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

All the traffic arrange-

ments are in place for an incident-free 60-mile road race to be held today as part of activities to celebrate Caribbean Wellness Day 2014.

The Health Ministry will stage the race, which is open to active riders and those pursuing a healthy lifestyle. The race is being coordinated by national cycling coach,

Hassan Mohamed, who on Friday indicated that all systems are in place for a successful race.

“Everything is in place as we speak; the police have been fully informed about the route of the race and they will be on the road ensuring that we have order and safety for riders, officials and those who would want to witness the race as it passes along,” the national coach said.

Mohamed, who has close to four decades experience in organising race meets, will lead the coordination effort for today’s race, which is expected to start at 13:00h in Georgetown, proceed to Mahaicony and return to the city for the finish.

The race will take the form of a roll start at the Square of the Revolution.

“We then turn right into Homestretch Avenue, proceed to the head of Mandela Avenue, turn left into Sheriff Street and proceed along the East Coast highway for the official start of

rugby 10s tournament set for final chapter

By TReisTon Joseph

The Guyana Football Rugby Union (GFRU) will crown a champion on Sunday when the final leg of the 10s tournament culminates this weekend at the National Park Rugby field.

At a press conference held on Friday morning at the Oasis Café, captains of three of the teams highlighted that they are ready for action come game day.

With the Pepsi Hornets a top the points table with 12 points, Captain of the team, Ryan Gonsalves was in high spirits of winning the championship.

“We are on top of the table, so we have our heads up, we are not going to take our foot off the gas, and we are going to be confident and not try to get too comfortable but try to capitalize on every opportunity.

“We are looking forward to doing well this weekend,” Gonsalves stated at the press conference.

The University of Guyana who sits at the second position with eight points, has been preparing hard for the event according to Captain of the team Ryan Dey.

“We have been preparing

the race. It will proceed from there, go through the Old Road in Mahaica, go to the Half Way tree at Mahaicony and return to Ocean View International Hotel for the finish,” Mohamed explained.

The veterans and mountain bikers will go through the Old Road in Mahaica and turn by the Mahaica Police Station on the upward journey before returning to

Ocean View International Hotel for the finish.

Registration will take place today from noon.

“We’re hoping to have a very successful race because for the longest whilesince the Three-Stage race in May-we haven’t done anything on the East Coast and people there are starving for some activity,” Mohamed reckoned.

According to the longserving national coach, the first six finishers in the Open category and top three juniors, veterans and mountain bikers will be rewarded, while there will be a special prize for the first Over-60 rider to cross the finish line.

Health Ministry officials are expected to present the prizes at the conclusion of the race.

Caribbean Wellness Day is an annual event geared at increasing awareness and promoting activities to address the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases, which continue to severely impact the health, economy and development of the Region. In 2014 the focus is on adults, “Preserving the workforce for national and regional development.”

tediously to win this tournament, the guys are excited to play, we are looking forward to bating the Caribs and Hornets and we have been training every day,” Dey confidently stated.

However, the Yamaha Caribs (four points) who will have to hope for a miracle to come out as victors of the tournament, have modest ambitions for the final leg according to Captain, Theodore Henry.

“First off this weekend is a must win weekend, we are at the bottom of the table and it is not for a lack of talent… we lost a very close one to UG and we drew both times with Hornets, so I thought it was a very good competition.

“My side is looking forward to the tournament and even though we can’t win we want to come out with a victory,” Henry noted. Meanwhile with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) unable to participate only on Saturday, Caribs will gain the walkover.

Action is set to start on both Saturday and Sunday from 15:30hrs at the National Park Rugby ground.

Hassan Mohamed

Traffic ranks will be on the road to maintain order during the race

From left: PRO of the GFRU Esan Griffith, Caribs’ Captain, Theodore Henry, UG’s captain Ryan Dey and Hornet’s Captain, Ryan Gonsalves at the press conference

West Indies v Bangladesh, 2nd Test, Gros Islet…

West Indies favourites on milestone Test

West Indies have a distinct advantage ahead of their 500th Test. Besides their 1-0, Bangladesh’s state of mind would be at a low ebb after seamer Al-Amin Hossain was reported for a suspect action and Imrul Kayes was ruled out with a skin infection.

The hosts have one setback of their own with Chris Gayle unavailable due to “personal matters.” Leon Johnson, who is yet to make his debut, comes in place of a man with over 100 Tests. The rest of Denesh Ramdin’s team looks well settled in this series. Apart from a favourable result on their milestone Test, West Indies have a chance to win their first Test series in 2014.

Kraigg Brathwaite, with his maiden double-hundred, would have taken the most out of the first Test, and his captain has urged him to continue playing his natural game. The responsibility would then be on the likes of Kirk Edwards, Darren Bravo and Shivnarine Chanderpaul to play around Brathwaite, if he drops anchor.

West Indies’ bowling doesn’t particularly have a leader, but the left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn took five wickets and was seen constantly chatting to the other bowlers. Kemar Roach would feel encouraged by his four-wicket haul in the second innings, which makes 2014 his best year since the 39 wickets he took in 2012.

Bangladesh’s confidence has taken a significant hit with a 3-0 defeat in the ODIs before conceding the St Vincent Test. They batted better in the second innings but still could only manage a negligible target. They are also unsure on using Al-Amin because of the scrutiny on his action. The obvious risk is that the umpires may call him again but Sohag Gazi played the third ODI after he was reported, and so has Prosper Utseya without any incidents. Although the same umpires who reported him, Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth, are in charge of the second Test too.

The occasion may make West Indies a bit nervous, and it would be factors

like these that Bangladesh would have to latch on to and salvage an already wretched tour.

Team news

With Chris Gayle out, it is unlikely that West Indies will drop Kirk Edwards despite his run of low scores during this series. Edwards could well open considering Leon Johnson has mostly played at No 3 in first-class cricket. With a 1-0 lead to fall back on, it is also unlikely that they would pick a five-man bowling attack by bringing in either Jason Holder or Shane Shillingford.

West Indies (probable): 1 Kraigg Brathwaite, 2 Kirk Edwards, 3 Leon Johnson, 4 Darren Bravo, 5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 6 Jermaine Blackwood, 7 Denesh Ramdin (capt & wk), 8 Jerome Taylor, 9 Kemar Roach, 10 Shannon Gabriel, 11 Sulieman Benn.

With Imrul Kayes out, Bangladesh is likely give Anamul Haque his first Test since October last year. Robiul Islam might get into the XI should Bangladesh opt to lessen

Courts launch fourth 10k

the spotlight on Al-Amin. Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Shamsur Rahman, 3

Anamul Haque, 4 Mominul Haque, 5 Mushfiqur Rahim (capt & wk), 6 Nasir Hossain, 7 Mahmudullah,

Taijul Islam, 11 Rubel Hossain. (Cricinfo)

Rugby headed to Linden

The Guyana Football Rugby Union (GFRU) is trying to expand their game outside of Georgetown with coaching courses in Linden.

At a press conference on Friday, national player and qualified coach Theodore Henry highlighted that they are trying to create more awareness of the game while expanding the talent pool.

“We are coordinating a programme in Linden…it started with a programme for the youths but as it goes along we are trying to get the coaches in Linden more knowledgeable of the game, as it is I will be heading there this weekend for another session and what we want to do is go every other weekend, we don’t just want it to be a one and done thing,” Henry highlighted.

Henry also revealed that while they will be focusing on the game and coaches this time around they also plan on searching for female talent as well and encourage females to try the sport. Theodore Henry

8 Shuvagata Hom, 9 Robiul Islam/ Al-Amin Hossain, 10

Kraigg Brathwaite, the new Chanderpaul?

Pernell Cummings (second right) hands over cheque to Aubrey Hutson at the simple handing over ceremony. (Treiston Joseph photo)