Guyana Times Daily - February 6, 2015

Over $200M budgeted to expand GPHC’s Maternity Ward

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran on Thursday announced that the Georgetown Public Hospital’s (GPHC) maternity ward will be expanded using more than $200 million.

Centre to honour those participating in the Neonatal Nursing Programme.

As he underscored the importance of training, Minister Ramsaran pointed out that neonates require special attention during the first 28 days of their lives. The Neonatal Nursing Programme is being executed by the Health Ministry in collaboration with Guyana Help The Kids (GHTK); a Canadian-based organisation.

The Health Minister pointed out that the Administration has invested more than $400 million to train health professionals in a number of areas.

has grown enormously to being comparable with the education sector.

Meanwhile, GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Khan disclosed that the first batch of nurses was trained in 2012. At the time, the nurses were drawn from GPHC and the Linden Hospital Complex.

The second batch (2013-

Bowman said the training programme includes a number of “didactic sessions” with their lecturers. It was also pointed out that one of the graduates has been dubbed a “nurse educator” and as such, is assisting with the training programme three times a week.

According to Dr Bowman, since the commencement

He said that Guyana, like many other countries, has experienced instances of brain drain where nurses migrate after being trained. According to him, brain drain was the main contributing factor to the establish-

The announcement was made during a ceremony held at GPHC’s Resource

As part of the expansion project, the maternity ward would be upgraded in keeping with the Ministry’s mission to provide quality health care to the people of Guyana.

According to him, Guyana’s health care system has made great advances, resulting in specialised nurses. He reminded that around the late 1990s, the budget for the heath sector was less than one per cent however during the years it

2014) including 16 nurses from the Suddie Regional Hospital, the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, the Linden Hospital Complex, the New Amsterdam Hospital and GPHC.

Currently, 10 nurses are undergoing training. This batch comprises nurses from GPHC, West Demerara Regional Hospital, the Linden Hospital Complex and the Suddie Regional Hospital.

Head of the Paediatric Department, Dr Clive

of the Neonatal Nursing Programme, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has undergone significant transformation. He said nurses are now able to give opinions regarding an illness and assist with diagnosis.

ment of “home grown education programmes” for the expansion of health professionals in the country.

Reognising that Guyana is limited in its capacity to facilitate specialised training, the Health Ministry has partnered with a number of regional and international organisations to meet the demands of the growing health sector. Hence, the introduction of the Surgery Post Graduate Programme and six other programmes since 2006.

Director of the Institute of Health Science Education (IHSE), Dr Madan Rambaran told the nurses, Ministry officials and other medical practitioners that were present that human resource in the health care system is “important” to the overall delivery of excellent health services and thus needs to be given priority.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran

Some of the nurses who participated in the Neonatal Nursing Programme

Remigrant duty-free scam:

Will GRA also “settle” with 30-odd other tax evaders?

The shocking decision by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to evidently drop tax evasion charges against Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall and three others including his wife has opened a Pandora’s box regarding how the State would treat the more than 30 persons who are being investigated for allegedly misusing the Government run remigrant duty free scheme.

The GRA on Wednesday indicated to the court that it had reached a settlement with Lall, his wife and a US-based couple, Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan who had allegedly conspired to rob the state of some $100M in taxes for importing two Luxury SUVs under the guise of the remigrant duty free scheme.

Already questions are being asked as to whether the same treatment would be meted out to the other accused persons and what the rationale behind the decision is. The claim that there has been “too much publicity” for the GRA in tracking down this particular tax evader goes against the practice of the revenue bodies of other jurisdictions that deliberately publicise convictions of such individuals.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma told Guyana Times on Thursday that last year his office had investigated just under 20 persons for allegedly misusing the

duty free scheme. He said a report was completed and sent to the GRA.

That report is currently still sitting with the Board of the tax body. Additionally, Sharma said his office is currently investigating another 20 persons and hopes to complete that probe at the end of this month.

Commissioner General of GRA Khurshid Sattaur declined to comment on the matter when asked on Thursday. Statistics

from the Foreign Affairs Ministry show that since the launching of the programme back in 2010, over 1411 persons have benefited from it.

The remigrant programme seeks to create a framework for overseasbased Guyanese to come back and make meaningful contributions to their birthplace. Under the remigrant scheme, a Guyanese who is 18 years

and above, who has been residing legally overseas for a minimum of five consecutive years and is now returning to Guyana, can benefit.

Also, Guyanese students/graduates who have attended or are attending a training institution and residing overseas for a minimum of four years and are now returning to Guyana, can also benefit.

Back in December Government announced that it will soon tighten the system to provide for verification of the applicants’ overseas assets and also place a limit on the value of vehicles they will be allowed to import.

The latter is particularly important, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said, given that locals who qualify for duty free concessions can only import vehicles up to a certain value, but under the present scheme persons are not restricted.

Hence, since the scheme has been established, pensioners and other persons have imported Hummers,

Lexuses and other highend vehicles.

In the specific case of Lall, according to documentation submitted by the couple to (GRA) for the tax exemption, Naroontandeo was a Maintenance Clerk 'regular blue collar worker' in the US while his wife was a housewife. It is unclear how with their incomes they would have been able to raise over US$186,000 to purchase two brand new Lexus SUVs.

Kaieteur News

Publisher Glenn Lall

Bhena Lall

Narootandeo Brijnanan

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

Confidence in Guyana

During the launch of its Guyana operations, a top level official of customer services giant, Teleperformance, was quoted in this newspaper as saying that his company has a high level of confidence in Guyana’s economy, hence the millions of US dollars it is investing in setting up a world-class call centre here.

Executive Vice President Mike Corrigan said his company sought out Guyana as the location for the company’s newest branch because it finds the country attractive for business and the fact that it was fast becoming a business hub.

He said Guyana was chosen for several reasons: it is the only native English speaking country in South America, it has very high literacy and proficiency rates and it is ideal in terms of its geographic location – outside the hurricane zone with hardly any natural disasters. Guyana’s time zone location and accessibility to services in the US market are also major advantages.

Mr Corrigan’s statement debunks certain claims being made by the Opposition and sections of the media that everything is ‘bad’ about Guyana. He has no political connections to Government or the ruling party; so there can be no accusations against him that he has an axe to grind.

Opposition parties and sections of the media often go into overdrive mode as it relates to investment possibilities in this country. One can expect that with elections due in a few months time, the level of negativity with respect to the general direction the country is going will reach boiling point.

Even though the facts say something different altogether, these naysayers will do all they can to portray Guyana in a negative light. They do so without putting into context the difficult road the country has travelled over the past two decades or so.

There was a time when hardly anyone was willing to do business with Guyana, be it a country, investors, or international lending agencies. Guyana was not respected in any way and others looked at the country as a rogue state.

That situation has now changed. Guyana’s economy bounced back and today is regarded as strong, buoyant and resilient by many well respected economists and financial institutions, both regionally and internationally.

Once labeled as one of the poorest and most indebted in the region largely due to mismanagement and corruption, Guyana is now regarded as a model for others to follow in this part of the world.

Caribbean Development Bank President Dr William Warren Smith was quoted as saying that there were some very good lessons to be learnt for the Caribbean states and the rest of the world, from the Guyanese experience.

He said although the country’s economic development has followed a very tough road, the economy has shown resilience, and alluded to the fact that this is due to responsible and prudent management. “Guyana is a good example of a country that has done some of the right things … you can almost see the country changing in front of your eyes, and so that is just a casual indication of the extent to which economic activity is vibrant and buoyant in that country,” he said.

The views of Corrigan and Smith, and many others who have no political interest in Guyana, must continue to be publicized so that those desirous of investing in the country or even those Guyanese in the diaspora who are willing to return home to retire or invest their resources will benefit from an objective analysis of the situation here.

There have been quite a number of companies pumping millions of US dollars in investments in Guyana in various sectors - mining, oil, construction, services etc.

Government, private sector and other development partners must continue to open up more opportunities for investments in the country. Long-term commitments and investments made in Guyana will not only have a tremendous impact on the local economy, but will improve the quality of life of Guyanese citizens.

cricinfo.com)

PPP/C always at receiving end when it comes to accepting will of electorate

Dear Editor, Guyanese will once again be required to go to the polls to elect a new Government of their choice. This is yet another episode in our post colonial history in which elections are being held long in advance of the constitutionally due date.

It would be recalled that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was forced to give up two years of its elected mandate in the elections of 1997 even though the party won its largest margin of victory under the Janet Jagan presidential candidacy.

During the elections of 1997 which the PPP/C won with an overwhelming majority in certified free and fair elections, the PNC took to the streets and refused to accept the verdict of the Guyanese people.

The mayhem created by the People’s National Congress (PNC) in the streets of Georgetown forced the intervention of Caricom, which brokered the famous Hermandson Accord, in which it was agreed by the parties involved that elections would be held two years ahead of the constitutionally due date.

This time the reduced mandate was trig-

gered by a No-Confidence Motion against the PPP/C Government by the Alliance For Change (AFC), which was widely expected to receive the backing of the main Opposition party in Parliament, the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU).

To avert any such eventuality, President Donald Ramotar took the historic decision to prorogue Parliament in the hope that some accommodation could be reached with the Opposition parties on the way forward.

This however turned out to be wishful thinking as the Opposition parties insisted that Parliament be reconvened as a prior condition for any talks and the first agenda item on the agenda be the no-confidence motion.

Faced with such an untenable situation, the President had no alternative but to take the next logical step which was to announce a new date for elections which is now set for May 11.

The PPP/C had always been at the receiving end when it comes to an acceptance of the democratic expression of the Guyanese electorate.

After the PPP/C won the

October 5, 1992 elections, the PNC took to the streets and refused to concede defeat even, though the elections were declared free and fair by all local and international observers, including the highly regarded Carter Centre.

Indeed, were it not for the physical presence of former United States President Jimmy Carter in the country on elections day, the outcome of the poll might have been seriously compromised.

Unlike the PNC, the PPP/C has always welcomed the presence of local and overseas observers to monitor our elections. President Ramotar has already issued invitations to a number of overseas observer groups to come and monitor our elections on May 11.

This is indeed a commendable gesture and speaks to the strong democratic credentials of President Ramotar and his PPP/C Administration.

Guyana has come a long way from the days of rigged elections when going to the polls was nothing but a farce. Those were the days when the democratic aspirations of the Guyanese people were thwarted and the true test of popular and electoral

support was difficult to accurately gauge.

This is why it is so important for all political parties to show respect for our political culture which is still evolving to one of greater inclusivity and participatory democracy.

More importantly, all political parties should play by the democratic rules and avoid that tendency to cry foul when they lose the election, especially when the electoral contest is certified to be free and fair by local and international observers.

This calls for political maturity and a willingness to embrace a political culture in which the sovereignty of the people as reflected in their democratic choices is the only basis for rule.

While it is true that in culturally diverse and plural societies like ours, there could be variables that can colour rational choices and influence pre-determined voting behavior.

n the final analysis it is our ability to rise above pettiness and accept the realities of our political and sociological make up that will be the defining factor in our quest for nationhood.

Hydar Ally

A Consul General is permitted to function in other capacities

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to respond to queries following media reports that Ernie Ross, Honorary Consul General of Guyana to Trinidad and Tobago, was involved in a spat of words between former Minister of National

Security Gary Griffith and the current Minister of Trade, Investment and Communications, Vasant Bharath.

Mr Ross has provided a complete background to the situation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reposes its confidence in the statement

made by him and in his continued ability to responsibly carry out his duties on behalf of the Government of Guyana.

In addition, to holding the unpaid position as Guyana's Honorary Consul General to Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain, Mr Ross is also

head of the advertising firm, Ross Advertising.

As Honorary Consul General, Mr Ross is permitted to function in other capacities.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Morten Kattenhøj Boys play cricket at the Rizong Monastery in Ladakh, located approximately 3500 metres above sea level (www.

Freddie Kissoon's miasmic mind

Dear Editor, Freddie Kissoon has once again made a gargantuan fool of himself in his daily column. In one of them, Kissoon extols the virtues of the White (Caucasian) race, and in the process, condemned the other races, especially Africans and Indians.

What is very obvious is that Kissoon is suffering from an inferiority complex. Believing that one race is superior is racism to the highest extent. There are populations which have adapted to particular environments, activities or even abilities.

But whatever advantages certain ethnic groups acquire must be seen as insignificant in the grand scheme of things and do not necessary represent a "superior" versus “inferior" scenario or situation.

Adaptations and particular skills can be attributed to resources available and needs of the people. It is difficult to generalize and say that one race is superior.

Kissoon mentioned that the Caricom Council claimed that the President was acting within the Constitution when

he did so. But isn't this so?

The President prorogued the Parliament because it was an option that was available to him through the Constitution.

How did the pronouncement by the Caricom Council make them inferior to the Caucasians? A blogger on an American website puts this issue of racial superiority into proper perspective with these excellent words:

"The greater problem perhaps though is ‘superior’ is not an empirical term, it is fundamentally a value judgement based on values that we select based on norms of the society in a specific time and place. Ascribing values of superiority and inferiority stops us from appreciating the beauty and variety of the human experience and each person's capacity for invention or greatness."

Kissoon conveniently forgets that the Caucasian race that he puts in a pedestal produced Hitler; Mussolini; the Apartheid leaders in South Africa; the American leaders who meddle in the affairs of every country of the world, including little Grenada where

Freddie hid in a rat hole (like Saddam during Desert Storm) during the invasion to remove Maurice Bishop; the very British who plundered the riches of many nations to enrich their empire; and many more examples too numerous to mention.

Of course there are many good Caucasians but that does not mean that we must grovel to them as we did during the colonial era.

Everyone is important and unique! Kissoon must examine himself and decide if he wants to be considered a mental slave (to other races) for the rest of his life. It is no wonder that he hates himself for being an Indian!

It is a blessing in disguise that such an individual who thinks so little of his own people is no longer lecturing at the University of Guyana, where our most brilliant minds are.

How can he raise the self esteem of his charges? God help us if Kissoon is placed in an influential position in Guyana in the near future!

Rakesh Singh

Jagdeo remains popular, but doesn’t want a third term

Dear Editor,

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has taken note of the challenge filed in the High Court against the two-term Presidential tenure as provided for in the Constitution of Guyana.

What is of interest is the timing at which this challenge is being raised and by whom.

Guyana is on the cusp of General and Regional Elections. Many challenges lie ahead, the most important being to ensure that the elections are free and fair.

Clearly, this new development is an attempt to throw a spanner in the works.

The sponsors of the legal challenge appear to have a hidden agenda in the real sense of the term other than invoking or blocking the ‘boogie’ of a third term for former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The interest of those behind the challenge lies in the darkest and deepest crevices of a democracy comparable

to the galleries of ‘Hades’.

The Party wishes to state unequivocally that Mr Jagdeo has publicly affirmed time and again his respect for the Constitution and that he has no interest whatsoever in any so called third term Presidency.

It has now become obvious that Mr Jagdeo’s assertions fell on deaf ears and that his expression of disinterest in returning to the Presidency notwithstanding, the modern-day ‘quislings’ working in close collaboration with the local satraps continue to generate and peddle this absolute nonsense, elevating it to useless legalistic twaddle.

Since 2011, Mr Jagdeo made clear his disinterest in this matter within the Party and beyond.

The Party wishes to state that while Mr Jagdeo remains a highly popular figure within and beyond the membership and supporters of the PPP/C, this popularity is in no way intended to be translated into a third term

candidacy.

The PPP/C is aware of the fact that while many of its members and supporters hold the former President in high esteem and would have liked to see his return to the Presidency.

They are very much aware that there are wolves in sheep’s clothing in our society who seek to sow discord and to engage in deceitful and artful fandangle aimed at misleading and confusing PPP/C supporters.

While the other political parties are still dithering to name their Presidential Candidate, the PPP/C has already done so.

The PPP/C has confronted many subterfuges in and out of elections season. We fought off and overcame all of them.

This new subterfuge will be fought off too and consigned to the dustbin of history.

PPP/C Freedom House

PYO promotes, encourages youths to partake in meaningful activities

Dear Editor, Please allow me space in your medium to enlighten Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member Abel Seetaram on the work of the Progressive Youth Organization (PYO) and correct his inaccuracies, particularly his understanding of what constitutes child labour.

Mr Seeteram has accused the PYO of engaging in child labour after, by his own admission, he observed “hundreds” of PYO youths in the Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) community over the weekend.

This large group of PYO youths apparently caught the AFC Executive off-guard and has left him and his colleagues dazed and confused. This AFC official would do well to tell us the expert method he adopted to determine the particulars of our members present.

That aside for his benefit, the International Labor Organization (ILO) defines child labour as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.

Hence, it is to their credit that a group of PYO youths from West Berbice collab-

orated with their counterparts and other stakeholders in the region to host a health fair at the Cotton Tree Sports Club Ground.

Mr Seetaram would know this sports club very well, after being involved in work there which ended under questionable circumstances. The response from residents there, inclusive of surrounding areas, was significant and we were even encouraged to come again soon.

Our youths are always encouraged to get involved in the development of their country in whatever area they choose. Yet here it is when youths of the PYO reach out in a humanitarian nature they are attacked and ridiculed by the AFC’s membership.

When they not only talk but make a genuine effort to effect change in their communities, they are attacked by the very people who claim to be promoting youth and change.

One cannot be considered genuine if this is the derogatory treatment reserved for our youths by the AFC, more so from a party aspiring to be the next Government in charge of the future of our youths.

PYO youths from vari-

ous villages who took their colleagues into their communities to interact with residents as part of efforts to establish how they can contribute via meaningful activities, instead of being applauded for their efforts were instead as admitted by the AFC Executive, spied upon in full ‘Gestapo’ mode.

They were ridiculed by the AFC officials on social media, who not only posted but encouraged nasty, derogatory attacks against these youths.

This, Mr Seeteram, is what constitutes emotional abuse, which is the attempt to scare or humiliate a child, or isolating or ignoring them. Your efforts at silencing the “hundreds” of PYO youths will not succeed.

The PYO is one of the oldest youth organizations in this hemisphere, we are not a fly by night organization. Our objectives today are the same as it has always been. Promote our youths, encourage them to partake in meaningful activities which will benefit them individually as well as their communities and ultimately their country.

In this regard, the PYO has produced several of our nation’s past and current leaders, including former

540 drivers caught speeding

Dear Editor, The Guyana Police Force is continuing with its traffic enforcement efforts, along with focus on traffic education, as it seeks to maintain safety on our roadways.

Unto February 4, there have been nine roads fatalities, compared to 12 for the corresponding period last year.

During the period January 25 to 31, a number of cases have been made against motorists for breaching of the traffic laws.

These include speeding (540); driving under the influence (40); breach of condition of Road Service Licence (38); careless driving (eight); dangerous driving (20); failure

to wear safety helmet (15); failure to wear seat belt (26); and prohibition of the use of hand held mobile phone (11).

In addition, 19 persons were charged for the soliciting of passengers (touting).

Ivelaw Whittaker Police Public Relations and Press Officer

President Bharrat Jagdeo, who has made enormous contributions to this nation, and we are confident that this tradition will continue. Romel Roopnarine Executive Member, PYO

Friday, February 6, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

AFC to launch campaign on March 14

…another sign of breakdown in 'secret coalition talks'

Amid reports that talks on a ‘Pro Democracy Alliance’ between the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have broken down, the minority party announced on Thursday that it will be launching its elections campaign on March 14.

It is another clear sign that the coalition proposal is not going anywhere as evidenced by APNU’s announcement last week that it will be launching its campaign on Forbes Burnham’s birthday and has already picked its Presidential Candidate, in the person of David Granger.

Speaking at the AFC’s weekly press conference at the Georgetown Club General Secretary David Patterson told media operatives that the party has decided to have its launch on March 14, when it will also convene its National Conference.

Status on ‘secret talks’

He noted that at the event, the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates will be elected as well. This according to observers is a moot point as Khemraj Ramjattan the leader of the party has already announced that Moses Nagamootoo is his man for the top post and Nigel Hughes his deputy. This was announced at the AFC’s meetings in Berbice last month.

Questioned on the status of the coalition talks

with the APNU, Patterson related that the two parties had signed a non-disclosure agreement and as such, he cannot make any extensive statement on the matter. He however disclosed that the parties were in ‘deep’ discussions and it is expected that it will soon be completed since the AFC will be having its National and Executive Committee Meeting on Saturday, February 14.

“This mission can no longer be delayed and must not be hampered by narrow, personal, ethnic or partisan interest but be driven and emboldened by our leaders to take patriotic positions in the interest of all Guyana,” Patterson said.

He noted that a report on the discussions will have to be presented to the Committee where it will be decided whether there will be a coalition or not, based on the various terms and conditions which were offered and counter-offered during the discussions.

In the meantime, the General Secretary disclosed that the AFC has handed over its proposals via a Memorandum of Understanding to the APNU with details in the areas of governance, matters of national, urgent and comprehensive constitutional reforms, reorganisation and improvement of both the offices of the President and the Prime Minister, the possible size of a Pro Democracy Alliance (PDA) cabinet, a priority set of developmen-

tal policies and time frame for delivery for any PDA administration along with political structure and possible campaign methodology. It was only last week that the leader of the APNU, Brigadier David Granger told media operatives that his party was still finalising their Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates and this will be announced when the party formally launches it elections campaign on February 20, three days before the country’s Republic anniversary.

Guyana Times was told on Wednesday that the parties have fundamental differences with establishing any alliance to contest the upcoming elections, with the larger party refusing to change its name and give way to the AFC’s proposed Pro Democracy Alliance (PDA). The parties are also divided on the symbol for any coalition and a propos-

al for them to enter the elections on a compromise as APNU/AFC is being extensively discussed. After more than a month of talks the parties have only agreed on a few policy positions and the need for a Government of National Unity.

'Elephant in the room'

However, they are skirting around the elephant in the room: the issue of leadership, which AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan has declared must go to his party’s nominee, Moses Nagamootoo. They are also yet to tackle the other problematic issue of governance. Speaking to Guyana Times on Wednesday a close source disclosed APNU has refused to accept the structure of a Pro-Democracy Alliance (PDA) as proposed by the AFC.

Guyana Times was told that the parties have committed to meeting everyday to negotiate, insisting that they will do so until an agreement is reached. Noting that the way talks are going, there is a likelihood that the coalition would not come off the source said that APNU has been readying itself to contest the elections alone.

Observers have maintained that the hardest part of the coalition discussions is deciding who will lead the alliance and the role that key political figures on both sides would play if it is successful given their own ambitions and party policies.

Private car taxis create unfair competition, say hire car drivers

Registered hire car taxi drivers are complaining that private car taxi operators create unfair competition in the sector.

President of the Guyana Taxi Services Association (GTSA) Vibert Pooran reiterated that the operation of private taxis is against the law, therefore, they must go.

“They’re getting more blatant and more disrespectful now. They are creating an unfair playing field for those people who try to uphold the law,” Pooran stated.

He also stated that it is setting an unpleasant trend that is being picked up by new taxi services. “If you look around at the newly established taxi services, you will notice that a majority of the cars are private,” he highlighted.

Hire car taxi drivers argue that the cost for setting up and operating a private car is inexpensive when compared with the cost for registered hire cars.

“It’s not fair man, everybody trying to make a living but we following the law and got to pay more, I don’t understand…,” a taxi driver from a city service commented.

In fact, the GTSA President said the road licences for private cars cost

$1500 while road licences for registered hire cars cost $4500, adding that the fitness for private cars costs $1000 for one year while for hire cars, the fitness costs

$1500 for six months.

He added that some commercial banks have stringent requirements for loans on hire cars while the loan requirements for private cars are more flexible.

Pooran explained that the existing circumstances are economically favourable for private ownership, but nonetheless affirmed that it is no excuse to break the law.

“Yes we have all of that here contributing and I know that its people’s livelihood and they have to make a living but they can’t break the law,” he contended.

Pooran also presumed that Government loses millions in revenue when persons pay for private cars which are intended for hire car usage.

Further, he pointed out that many passengers are unaware that they put their lives at risk when they travel with private cars.

He noted if a passenger is injured while travelling in a private car as a result of an accident, he/she cannot legally claim compensation whereas if it was a registered hire car, then that person can legally demand compensation.

Another taxi driver from a well known city service suggested that passengers refuse to travel with private cars that are sent from a taxi service base.

“You see, when these taxis show up in private cars, people should refuse to travel, call back the base and let them know that what they are doing is wrong,” he stated.

But, Pooran noted that it does not seem like stakeholders pay much attention to this breach of the law. “People just disregard the law; they don’t have respect for the law anymore. It’s how they were raised,” he stated.

He also said that the relevant authorities seem to pay little heed to the situation as well.

“We have tried numerous times with Government official like the National Frequency Management, the Police who said it’s out of their hands. The Police say they need evidence but if you look around, you go to any base, you will see the private cars with the company logo on it. It’s just an uphill battle.”

On that note, Pooran urged the authorities in charge to look into the situation and clamp down on those lawbreakers.

He added that when foreigners visit Guyana, they will undoubtedly recognise that the country does not have standards by the fact that the authorities have failed to enforce simple public transportation laws.

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

Cops’ promotions a done deal – Top Cop

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud on Thursday defended the decision to promote the two Policemen who were involved in the torture of then 15-year-old Twyon Thomas in 2009.

The Commissioner, speaking with reporters at the opening of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Officers’ conference on Thursday morning stated that the decision was in keeping with the Force’s policies.

The acting Police Commissioner further explained that according to the Force’s disciplinary process, anyone was eligible for promotion two years after having been disciplined, noting that the men had never had departmental charges brought against them.

“We have a policy on the discipline of ranks; ranks who have been charged before the Court. If they are convicted, they are dismissed and if they are exonerated, they become a member of the Force. In our disciplinary process, if anyone is disciplined, two years after they are eligible for consideration so we can’t have someone in the force who is ineligible for consideration for promotion,” Seelall said.

Life must go on

According to Persaud, Sergeant Narine Lall and Constable Mohanram Dulai were never found guilty of the act during the criminal trial, noting too that their accuser, Twyon Thomas, had never turned up in court to testify against them.

He said the Force had a policy with regard to such circumstances and it was that policy which resulted in the promotion of the two officers.

“You know we have people going to prison for hideous offences and we can’t reject them when they come back into society. It is the same principle that applies.

Life must go on,” the acting Police Commissioner intoned.

Questioned on whether consideration was given to the image of the Police Force as a law enforcement agency when the recommendation was made for Lall and Dulai to be promoted, Persaud said that it was unfair to reject someone who has not been convicted, saying “they have nothing on the record. There is no conviction. There was no disciplinary action”.

Seelall was told, however, that the teen was awarded over $6 million in damages and this proved that the men were held responsible, to which he replied it was not enough grounds for the men to be denied a promotion. He shared that the men were never given a fair trial, since they were not granted the right to share their side of the story.

Disciplinary process

“The ranks were represented by the state and they didn’t have a chance to defend themselves. If a disciplinary process was recommended, they would have had a right to be heard, natural justice didn’t take place. The trial took place and it is at that trial that they would or would not have been found culpable. The ranks did not get the right to be heard. Everyone needs the chance to be heard,” Seelall reiterated.

In recent days, several rights organisations, but most prominently the Rights of the Child Commission (RCC), have issued calls for the promotions of the two Policemen to be rescinded.

The RCC said the promotions would only serve to further “aggravate and entrench” international concerns about local Police excesses, which were highlighted at the recent United Nations Human Rights Council Review in Switzerland.

“…The promotion of Policemen found linked to

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

the torturing of a child will undermine the process of reform and will, moreover , corrode public faith in the Police to effectively discharge their mandate, centred on service and protection,” the constitutional commission warned, while noting commendable efforts were undertaken to reform

the Police Force.

“These promotions are not in the interest of the [Guyana Police Force], and as a significant corollary, not in the interest of law and order,” it added, saying it was calling, at minimum, for their immediate withdrawal.

However, the acting

Commissioner has stated as far as the matter was concerned, the officers would not be demoted, stressing that the policies of the Force would have to be revised for that to happen.

Public outrage

The incident had sparked public outrage after the young man had alleged that the policemen soaked his genitals with mentholated spirits and then set him ablaze in November 2008 during a probe into the murder of former Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) Chairman Ramenaught Bisram.

Lall and Dulai were charged with burning the genitals of the boy with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The criminal case against them was subsequently dismissed in the Magistrate’s Court because the boy and other witnesses failed to turn up. However, in 2011,

following the filing of a civil action, Justice Roxanne George found the ranks liable and after describing the case as constituting torture, awarded the teenager $6.5 million, which the State eventually paid. The torture of the boy prompted international condemnation.

The PSC, which promoted Lall, has since defended its decision, with Chairman Omesh Satyanand saying that the Policeman had an unblemished record aside from torturing the boy. “We should not hold something against someone, because they would have committed something wrong… even though you have served the time for it and I think the public should understand that. From our record, he has been an outstanding Policeman for over two decades and we have taken that into consideration,” Satyanand said last week. Dulai’s promotion was approved by the acting Police Commissioner.

friday, february 6, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

44-year-old woman charged with trafficking in persons

A44-year-old woman appeared before the courts on Thursday charged with trafficking in persons.

June Ann Joseph was arraigned on two counts of human trafficking when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that at Kaimo, Cuyuni River, Region

Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) between January 19 and February 2, she recruited, transported and harboured two individuals for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Joseph, who was unrepresented, pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court that she is a business woman from Charity, Upper Pomeroon.

Representing the State was Police Corporal Bharrat

Mangru. No facts were read in court as it relates to the case and the prosecution did not object to bail but asked that it be made in a substantial amount.

Bail was granted to the defendant in the sum of $1,000,000, with the condition that she report to the superior officer at the Charity Police Station every Monday, until completion of her trial. Joseph is to reap- pear in court on February 9.

Prospect resident charged with fraud

Liloutie Dial, age 19, appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday charged with fraud.

Prosecutor Adonni Innis told the court that Dial, of Prospect, East Bank Demerara, attempted to defraud the Virtual Complainant (VC) Rhonda Sancho.

It is alleged that on February 2, at Camp and Middle Streets, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, the defendant went into Quiznos and presented a forged $5000 Guyana currency note to Rhonda Sancho (the cashier) to purchase an item of food, knowing the currency was fake.

Liloutie Dial

Upon receive the note, Sancho realised it was fake and reported it to her

Supervisor who then contacted the Police. Dail was told of the charges and arrested.

Attorney Patrice Henry who represented the defendant requested reasonable bail, stating that the defendant has no previous convictions and has been in the Police custody since Monday. Prosecutor Innis had no objection to bail being granted, thus the defendant was granted her pre-trial liberty in the sum of $5000. Dial will make her next court appearance is on February 18.

IAC saddened by Philadelphia loss of lives

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) is deeply saddened by the loss of lives following the tragic incident at Philadelphia, East Bank Essequibo, on Monday, February 2. A simple religious ritual at the riverside resulted in the deaths of 53-year-old Radika Persaud, her 14-year-old son Ravin, her 12-year old nephew Billy Narine and her nine-yearold niece Annatina Persaud.

The IAC is cognisant of the excruciating pain such unfortunate incidents can inflict on surviving family members, the community and by extension, the country and hopes that with the support of all, the pain and heartbreak could be reduced

over time. Similarly, the IAC hopes that the various families affected would be able to muster the strength to deal with the harsh realities of this incident.

The IAC therefore takes this opportunity to offer its deepest condolences to the immediate family members, relatives and friends of the deceased. Also, profound sympathies are extended to the class and school mates of the three children who perished, and urges counselling where necessary.

The IAC stands committed to lending its support in this extremely trying time for the families involved. May their souls rest in eternal peace.

...by Speaker Trotman

Now that he'll be thrown out of the Speaker's Chair – into which he was foisted after Moses Nagamootoo’s rejection by Granger, Trotman's fishing to get back into the AFC. Well...not just into the AFC but into his old co-leadership position.

Being a fella who quotes poems and all, he might've come across Tom Wolf's advice that you can't go back home. Home's changed and so've you. A couple of millennia ago, Zeno also advised that you can't ever stick your toe into the SAME river, so we guess that bit of advice has stood the test of time.

Now does Trotman really think Nigel Hughes' gonna step aside as the "African-Guyanese leader" of the AFC?? If he does, we have a bridge across the Essequibo River to sell Trotman!! The old AFC partisans've already roasted Trotman for for "selling out". That happens quite frequently when you're trying to ride two (political) horses at the same time.

Problem with Trotman is he showed you can take the man out of the PNC, but you can't take the PNC out of the man.

Imagine Granger could publicly declare that Nagamootoo still has the mark of the PPP/C (beast) but Trotman – who'd quit the PNC rather acrimoniously ("the PNC should apologise for their sins") – could get his nod. Had to've raised quite a few more eyebrows in the AFC than Nagamootoo's.

What did Granger know about Trotman that assuaged whatever doubts he might've had about him as apposed to Nagamootoo? Couldn't be about Nagamootoo's race. Granger's an honourable man – and he couldn't possible be racial, could he??

We know they have a common hero in Burnham and they come out of the same social stratum. Who knows, maybe they have the same secret handshake of their lodge or something? But it didn't sit well with Nagamootoo and that's why Trotman's not going to get any warm welcome from that quarter.

Then what about his old co-founder Ramjattan?? Well, that worthy still hasn't forgotten the stunt Trotman pulled in 2011 when he demanded that he be the Presidential Candidate once again. Why?? Because Ramjattan wasn't as "good" as he, Trotman!!

Then of course, the clincher was when Trotman was suddenly struck with a life-threatening malady, when he couldn't have his way.

He recovered after Sheila Holder moved aside, but claimed he couldn't campaign "too strenuously". But as Ramjattan saw to his chagrin, Trotman's recovery after his accession to Speakerhood, superseded even that miracle.

So what makes Trotman think he can now do another "Lazarus" into the AFC?? Wanker!!

...and the taxman

Here it was, after the Government of Guyana had lost billions in taxes and import duties in the re-migrant "deputy-free" car scam, the GRA finally had the drop on one particularly egregious offender – Glenn "the Mook" Lall, publisher of the MuckrakerKN.

He'd roped in an elderly New Yorker Guyanese and his wife, who never worked a day in her life, to import – as re-migrants – not one but TWO Lexuses each worth over US$80,000 - US$160,000 total!

When they brought the vehicles to Guyana, they declared they were worth about quarter of that sum –just US$48,000. And that's where it got real interesting. The old man and his wife couldn't even drive – and after evading over $100 million in taxes, they handed the vehicles to Lall and his wife to drive!!

And the fella had been just a cleaner in New York!! How could he afford to be so generous, the US wants to know.

But not our GRA. They're cutting a "deal" because "of the publicity". In every country in the world, the taxman wants folks to know they go to jail if they evade taxes. But evidently not in Guyana!

So can we expect the other 20 duty-free car scammers – identified by the Auditor General – to also "cut a deal"??

June Ann Joseph

Claims and Objections period opens Monday

...GECOM briefs parties on procedures

Chief Scrutineer and other political party representatives recently met with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to discuss the upcoming Claims and Objections period set to commence on Monday.

During the meeting, GECOM clearly outlined the mechanisms and procedures currently in place for the efficient management of the exercise, a release from the Commission said. During

this Claims and Objections period, in addition to its permanent offices, GECOM will be dispatching mobile units throughout the interior locations of Guyana, as well as establishing a number of temporary offices in all divisions and sub-divisions.

The forthcoming Claims and Objections period is an essential one for GECOM as the Commission sanitises the Preliminary List of Electors.

The Claims period pro-

vides eligible electors who meet the specific requirement of GECOM – 18 years and older by April 30, 2015–who are not registered with an opportunity to gain entry onto the Preliminary List of Electors.

It also provides a window of opportunity to those persons already registered who are desirous of having changes made to their registration information, and/or have corrections made to their regis-

tration information currently entered on the Preliminary Voters List. Electors already registered can request a transfer if they have moved from one sub division to another, or from one registration area to another.

During the Objections phase, an elector may visit the appropriate registration office in their sub-division or registration area to object to an entry in the Preliminary List of Electors. GECOM has

BV residents protest bad road

Residents of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday staged a protest demanding better community roads.

Residents vented their dissatisfaction with the state of the community’s roads by burning tyres across the village’s main access road off of the Railway Embankment.

Leader of the protest action, Angela Rodney said protests would continue un-

til residents received positive word from authorities concerning improvement of the roads in the area.

“We need good roads in BV and we protest because Mon Repos, La Bonne Intention (LBI), Success… right through got good roads, why BV does not have good roads?” Rodney questioned.

She added that the protest was largely attended by residents, and minibus and taxi drivers in the area and

was scheduled to continue the following day.

“We will continue until someone from the Government or our Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) comes out to talk to us and says something positive,” Rodney adamantly told the Guyana Times

Police Officers from the Sparendaam Police Station were present to ensure the protest was contained.

The protest was subse-

quently broken up by law enforcement after the tyres were lit. The fire was later put out by residents and a fire engine.

Efforts to contact an official at the NDC for a comment on the matter were unsuccessful.

given the Chief Scrutineer and the political party representatives all confidence and assurances that all the relevant systems in keeping with the Standard Operating Procedures for the conduct of the Claims and Objections exercise will be in place and functioning optimally.

The various parties represented at the meeting were the Justice For All Party, Working People’s Alliance, A Partnership for

And since Gharbassi does not have a licence to drive either in the US or Guyana, it would appear that if the money was the Brijnanans’, one of the Lexuses was being purchased as a “spare”.

According to RodriguesBirkett, the Foreign Affairs Ministry was of the firm belief that it could have implemented policies to guide the process. “Someone can decide that they will apply for remigrant status, all they have to prove is five years’ legally living abroad, and they could submit a request to buy a Hummer without showing on the application…in fact sometimes, I see on the application selfemployed but they are bringing back Hummer, some pensioners, but our job here is to see if they are living legally abroad. Our job is not to go and question certain things,” she explained.

Though many of the persons who have applied for

National Unity/People’s National Congress, National Front Alliance, National Independent Party, United Republican Party, the Healing of the Nation, and the National Theocracy Party.

GECOM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield was accompanied by the Deputy CEO, Vishnu Persaud, Legal Officer Juanita Barker, and Logistics Manager Colin April.

remigrant status have proven to be legitimate, the Minister said there were a few suspicious cases. As a result, the Ministry, she said, will be moving to the National Assembly with the requisite Bill to strengthen the scheme. The Foreign Affairs Minister explained that the requisite amendments will be made to prevent abuse of the system, such as tax evasion and scam.

The Beterverwagting access road after the protest

Leader of the protest action Angela Rodney

Gharbassi Brijnanan

Mackenzie High School teachers complain to Regional Chairman

Mackenzie High School teachers

who have been protesting their deplorable working conditions since Monday have written a letter to Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Chairman Sharma Solomon, registering their concern over a number of issues affecting teachers and students.

The affected teachers began protest action on Monday, staging a sitin inside the Region 10 Education Office, and on Tuesday staged another at the Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC). Tuesday’s protest action, however, prompted a meeting between the teachers and Solomon.

The letter addressed to Solomon, dated February 3, 2015, outlined a num-

ber of issues, including an improperly functioning female washroom at the

school’s main building, leaking classrooms in the main building, no access to pota-

ble water, poor security –gaps in fence, no farmland, non-appointment of teachers to senior positions, and a lack of electricity to the new block.

“For the past school year, the teacher’s washroom – at the main building – has not been functioning adequately. In fact, when the toilet is flushed, there is an accompanying stench which permeates the teachers’ staff room and its immediate environs…,”the letter stated.

It added that this issue, among others, was not unique to the main building washroom.

“The two other washroom facilities assigned to teachers are not functioning either. Specifically, the LICHAS (other section of the school) staffroom toilet floor in the female washroom has rotted to the point that it is precarious for people to stand on the floor. One should also note that there are only three washrooms available to over 50 teachers.”

The letter continued that the teachers could no longer tolerate the situation and were now not prepared to work under such conditions. It went on to list recommendations which stated that immediate action should be taken to engage Cevon’s Waste Management to clean the septic tank at the main building of the school. They also requested that repairs be carried out to the rotting washroom’s floor. The letter further requested that a new sanitation block be constructed to accommodate teachers.

“It is our fervent hope that these matters, in particular the issue of the washroom – be addressed immediately,” the teachers said in the correspondence.

Mackenzie High students were reportedly ordered to remain home since Tuesday, following the protests, as the teachers vowed to continue their industrial action until the relevant authorities intervened in the matter.

Uncle Rafeel lookin fuh another openin

Some people does wanna do crookishness all dem life and expect to get off every time. Dem don’t wanna face de consequences of dem own actions. De law does have a way of catchin up wid some people at some time, but some people does get off now and then.

In Guyana it look like more people gettin off than who getting ketch. One man threaten a public official and get off. Now de same man owe de Guvament over $100 million in duty and he talkin bout settlement. Wonder whah happen to all de talk bout corruption.

It look like de man wid de biggest mouth on corruption is de biggest corrupter. Even Adumb and Freedie get quiet. Boss man musbe threaten dem, since he accustom to that, to cut dem pay if dem don’t cut dem freedom of speech.

But one can only hope de tax man ain’t gon mek de whole country hand fall again and he gon stand up like a man pun he two foot. At least de magistrate look like she gon stand up like a man more than de tax man.

As fuh Lil Johnny, he musbe feelin like a big stick knock he on he head de day when he hear that Uncle Rafeel get off. After all dem years of gettin knock wid plenty big stick, it look like Lil Johnny still gettin knock to this day. So mucha knockin must get some effect pun people, no matter how a person big or small. So Lil Johnny gon have to find a way to stop tekkin all that knockin. As fuh Uncle Rafeel, he now knockin pun de KFC door, but he not sure who gon open up fuh he.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat does open up a lot when dem knockin down a large, but none of dem sayin if dem gon open up fuh Uncle Rafeel. After all, wid whah happen to Lil Johnny, who can blame dem fuh gettin tight?

Armed chain snatcher remanded

Kennard Persaud appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday, to face a robbery under arms charge.

It is alleged that on September 10, 2014, being armed with a dangerous weapon, that is to say a hand gun, he robbed the Virtual Complainant (VC) Stacy Mansfield of one gold chain valued $215,000. The defendant pleaded not

guilty to the charge.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that on the day in question, Mansfield was walking down Laing Avenue, West La Penitence, Georgetown, at around 8:00h, when Persaud approached her and pointed his gun to her head. He proceeded to grab her chain from around her neck then made good his escape. The matter was reported.

On February 4, the VC was walking on the road when she notice Persaud and confronted him, which led to a scuffle. Police Officers who were in the vicinity came to her aid and the defendant was told of the offence and arrested. He was later charged. Prosecutor Grant objected to bail being granted on the grounds that the defendant was previously convicted for similar offences. Bail was refused and Persaud was remanded. The Chief Magistrate ordered that statements be made and the defendant is expected to return to court on February 20.

Mackenzie High School teachers during the sit-in

Kennard Persaud

friday, february 6, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

APNU 2015 elections campaign theme...

Reviving the Burnham touch

Outspoken social commentator and activist Ramon Gaskin has lashed out at the main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for fixing its elections campaign launch on February 20 – the birth date of former President and Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Forbes Burnham.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday last, Leader of the APNU Brigadier David Granger had disclosed to media operatives that the party will have the official launch of its campaign on February 20. Gaskin however told the Guyana Times that the APNU does not seem to be very serious about the elections and its campaign since it is taking time out to celebrate and commemorate, leaving its elections campaign in last place.

that the Government name a date for elections to be held. They have done so…then the APNU should just get on with business. They shouldn’t be waiting on anybody’s birthday to launch any campaign. Let them go and campaign,” Gaskin opined.

the Guyana Times Meanwhile, political commentator, Dr Henry Jeffrey in an invited comment, told the Guyana Times that he believes that the date chosen by the party was due to the importance and significance of Burnham’s anniversary to the PNC coupled with the Mashramani celebrations and what it meant to Guyanese people – messages of unity and cooperation.

the national motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”, politically, Guyana is not a country of one people it is his strong belief that the APNU/PNC supporters view Burnham more positively than negatively and as such, would respond in a positive manner to this move.

He noted that it is his belief that the party should simply launch its campaign and get itself into elections mode, since this is what they have been waiting for a long time now.

“My opinion is that the APNU has been demanding

He noted that the main Opposition for months had been calling on the Government to announce a date for General Elections and now that the Government has done so, they are not utilising the opportunity.

Granger had noted that the party had decided to have the launch on February 20, the birthday of the “Founder Leader”. It is also just three days before the country celebrates its Republic Anniversary. When the date for Republic Day was first announced back in 1970, there were accusations that Burnham deliberately chose a day close to his birthday, since there was no definitive date when Cuffy launched the Berbice Rebellion.

Questioned on whether he believes that this was a wise move by the party given the fact that it has always preached that it does not and will never practice the type of leadership which was followed by Burnham, Gaskin

noted that despite what the APNU says, the two are forever linked and cannot be separated. “It is not possible to disassociate the APNU from the PNC. Majority of the APNU members are former PNC members so they cannot separate themselves. The APNU is PNC. PNC is APNU and will celebrate Burnham’s legacy,” the former Presidential adviser told

Giving a more pointed rationale for the date which is only three days before Mash, Jeffrey sought to suggest a more prosaic tactical rationale: “Burnham’s regime established Mashramani which is supposed to speak to national cohesion, hard work and development, that is, in the context of the nation celebrating after the annual harvest. Around Mash many of the PNC/APNU supporters will be mobilised to participate and will be more available and prepared to give some thought to politics.”

He also noted that despite

Jeffrey went on to add that it is vital that the party launches its campaign at this time since the APNU/PNC is in coalition negotiations in which they will have to make major concessions or go it alone, as such it needs to do all it can to solidify the base since Burnham is now very much in vogue with that base.

“I believe that Mr Granger and the APNU leadership, like most sensible people, believe that Burnham should be explained, criticised and judged within their time and political context. They should not be perpetually vilified: in their own way they all wanted the best for Guyana,” Jeffrey further stated hopefully.

Caricom urged to diversify energy sources despite drop in oil prices

Jamaican Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell says there needs to be a cohesive effort by Caricom Member States if the Region was to success-

fully develop sustainable energy. At the special Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) meeting held on Wednesday, at Caricom Secretariat,

Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, Minister Paulwell stated the development of new energy policies should not be retrogressive and leave countries still heavily dependent on oil.

He made this comment in the face of oil prices plummeting to an all-time low of US$50 per barrel.

“While this fortuitous development provides some temporary respite to those of us who are almost totally dependent on this source of imported energy, we must remain resolute in our efforts to diversify, conserve and exploit our abundant supply of clean, renewable, environmentally-friendly resources,” he pointed out.

The Jamaican Energy Minister outlined that since its implementation in 2004, the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP) has become one of the most essential sustainable energy initiatives in the Region and continues to be served as an important catalyst for advancing renewable energy in Caricom.

Paulwell stressed that while the Region has made great strides, there were still many significant gaps and barriers, which needed to be overcome in order to gain access to renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reliable grid development and deployment. The Minister added that while the process to transform the Region’s energy sector will be a lengthy one, there was urgent need to create opportunities that will fast track progress.

Tangible steps

“The call by many donors, potential donors and investors for us to reform to our approach to the development of our energy resources must be heeded. Together we must identify tangible steps that as partners we can undertake in order to attract investments support of sustainable energy projects. These deliberations must emphasise our commitment to make the energy sector more efficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly, while unleashing the tremendous energy potential of our Region,” the chairman said.

Meanwhile, the two-day COTED meeting will also focus on the establishment of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), which was endorsed by COTED in November last year.

According to Caricom Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan, CCREEE can be another critical milestone for the Region if Member States worked to ensure that it was sustained. “It should not be bent on financial complications from Member States. Donor funding usually does not take care of sustainability issues,” she pointed out.

CCREEE was envisaged to support and coordinate the execution of Caricom’s

Sub-Regional and Regional Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) programmes, projects and activities. The Centre, which is being established with the assistance of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Austrian Government, and SIDS DOCK, will have an explicit technical mandate and is expected to be action- and service-oriented in its operation.

Soeknandan noted too that despite the progress the Region has made, there was still much more to be done in order for the Community to meet the demands for modern, secure, reliable, efficient, costeffective energy services. While the relief of lowered oil prices is welcomed and much needed, the Deputy SG underscored that this should not deter regional efforts to harness renewable and sustainable energy.

“The relatively low price of oil that has been experienced recently must not, therefore, distract us from our efforts but rather strengthen our resolve to pursue development of our indigenous energy resources,” she noted.

Additional, the Region’s Ministers will also be discussing the Community’s FiveYear Strategic Plan, which identified energy as a crosscutting area for building economic resilience.

APNU Leader Brigadier David Granger

Social commentator and activist Ramon Gaskin

The Caricom Member States along with stakeholders at the COTED Meeting on Energy held at the Secretariat

febrUary 6, 2015 | gUyanatimesgy.com

Caricom Rice Mill tragedy...

1 dead, another injured

By IndrawattIe natram

One person is now dead and anoth-

er injured after the bottom of a parboiled paddy storage tank burst at the Caricom Rice Mill at Cotton Field in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Thursday morning.

Dead is Threeson Gittens, aka Blackee, 18, of Richmond Housing Scheme on the Essequibo Coast, while Vishon Singh from Anna Regina is nursing injuries to his right foot at the Suddie Public Hospital. The

incident occurred around 07:30h.

According to information reaching the Guyana Times, Gittens, who was working the 07:00- 15:00h shift along with Singh, was buried by the paddy when the bottom of the storage tank gave way.

The news quickly spread around the company and many persons gathered, but they could not save the teenager. “When we went, his entire body was covered with paddy, the impact just drove him deeper and deeper in the tank. It was so shocking; we couldn’t do nothing...,” a well-placed source said, explaining what happened after the “comb” of the tank burst.

“It is the force that the rice came down with, it’s those big huge tank that store parboiled rice, it’s heavy, the force squeeze he.”

According to a source, Gittens was in the huge metal tank when the cone attached to the top broke and the paddy started to rush down.

The cone that is attached to the top of the tank usual-

ly stores approximately 300 bags of paddy. Gittens saw the bottom of the cone coming off and tried to escape, but, unfortunately, he was trapped by the paddy pouring down.

The two other employees who were in the tank with Gittens managed to escape from the tank unhurt. They were reportedly closer to the door.

The teenager was retrieved by officers from the

Anna Regina Police Station with blood flowing from his mouth and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where doctors pronounced

him dead. Singh was also taken to the hospital.

The parents of both the deceased and Singh, along with the supervisor of the mill, were present at the hospital.

When the Guyana Times visited the Gittens home, it was pandemonium as relatives reacted to the news.

The teen’s mother, Pamela Gittens, was in deep shock and repeatedly screamed in anguish. Many persons offered their condolences to the relatives.

The grieving mother said her son, the third of her six

children, left home early that morning to go to work. She said when she received the call about the accident, she started to scream. She related that when she and other family members visited the scene, they saw Police bailing rice from around her son’s body.

“Ow Gawd, this is too much, why you took my

She explained that it was especially trying for the family since they recently lost another family member, Collin John, last Sunday in an accident, but she was trying to keep the faith.

The body of the teenager is presently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting an autopsy. Police as well as the Caricom Rice Mill Limited,

Blackeeeee, he was a so jovial person, he used to make joke around the house, ow Gawd,” the woman lamented.

whose officials declined to speak to the media, have launched investigations into the industrial tragedy.

The Caricom Rice Mill Limited

Dead: Threeson Gittens

Injured: Vishon Singh

The scene of the incident

GGMC to give US$100,000 lifeline to Iwokrama

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which was highly criticised for its recent decision to loan the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) some $3 billion to develop the housing sector, will now be bailing out the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development at the cost of US$100, 000.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon made this disclosure on Wednesday at the Office of the President as he addressed reporters during his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing.

Dr Luncheon explained that the Iwokrama International Centre, which came out of an international accord in the 1990s, under the Desmond Hoyte Administration, has been experiencing significant financial difficulties in recent years. He pointed out that international partners have not been upholding their obligations.

“In the face of inadequate and the untimely interventions by the international community, part of the accord, the partnering Government of Guyana has been providing financial support to the Centre. Cabinet’s assessment of the current situation is influenced by the continued lack of necessary financial support being provided to the Centre by its international partners,” he explained.

Dr Luncheon said for this reason, the Government has taken a decision to again extend financial support to the Centre using some US$100,000, proceeds from GGMC.

Government’s intentions, the Executive intentions for the people of Guyana in the context of implementing policies and programmes of the executive,” he explained.

in keeping with the GGMC Act of 1979.

Engineers to be trained under JAGS Aviation

JAGS Aviation has embarked on a programme to train local engineers to maintain its equipment and aircraft.

equipment. As such, when this training is completed, the company will then train pilots followed by its senior management.

“The current dire financial situation of the Centre would be eased” with this financial support, he further contended, explaining too that the funds will be used for the implementation of the Centre’s 2015 financial plans.

Dr Luncheon added that “the support of the housing sector, a policy of the Government, a priority of the Administration, saw Cabinet’s approval for the use of the funds collected on behalf of the people of Guyana by GGMC”.

Asked about the decision to finance the ailing centre with funds from the GGMC, given the ongoing public debate on the $3 billion loan granted to the CHPA, Dr Luncheon explained that GGMC collects royalties on behalf of the people of Guyana.

“A statutory mechanism, the Mining Act reposes in that Commission the collection of the royalties on behalf of the people of Guyana. Those funds once collected by GGMC are indeed available for the pursuit of

He stated too that the statute is fashioned in a way that allows the Commission to retain its funds. “The statute does not impose an obligation on GGMC to transfer funds at the end of any stipulated period …. there is no stipulation, there is no statutory obligation for such funds to be transferred to the Consolidated Fund”.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has, however, contended that the move in relation to the CHPA was illegal, although the GGMC had indicated that the decision was made

Nevertheless, in keeping with the policies of the Government, the Head of the Presidential Secretariat said funds are being transferred to the Iwokrama International Centre. Without the continuous support of the Government, Dr Luncheon contended, the Centre’s deficit would have remained in the books, threatening its viability and existence.

The Iwokrama International Centre is an autonomous nonprofit institution established by Guyana and the Commonwealth through the donation of approximately 360,000 hectares (one million acres) of intact tropical rainforest by the Government and People of Guyana to the international community.

The responsibility for management, conservation and sustainable development of this forest area (the Iwokrama Forest) has been entrusted to the Iwokrama International Centre, through the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development Act of 1996, and an Agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth signed on November 9, 1995.

The airline has committed to provide training for all those who are responsible for the operation of its aircraft.

Currently, in excess of 20 engineers from the Guyana

JAGS Aviation airline was officially launched by BK International Group of Companies in August 2014 at the Ogle International Airport (OIA). The group of companies had acquired

Defence Force (GDF), in addition to engineers from JAGS Aviation and officers from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) are being trained by a maintenance engineer from the United States.

The programme aims at ensuring that safety, training and maintenance become important aspects in the operation of the aircraft.

The instructor will be teaching engineers how to safely and effectively operate planes.

JAGS Aviation seeks to provide the best quality of safety maintenance for its

JAGS three months prior to the launch.

The airline provides domestic services to interior locations using a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX, valued some US$3 million, which has a seating capacity of 13, and a US$4 million M28 Skytruck. The Skytruck provides space for transportation of passengers and cargo. Made in Poland, the aircraft is said to facilitate short take-offs and is used in many countries, with the United States Air Force being one organisation that utilises such.

Part of the Iwokrama International Centre

Jags Aviation aircraft after touching down at the Ogle Airport

540 persons charged for speeding in 1 week

– another 40 for drunk driving

As the Guyana Police Force continues its traffic enforcement efforts, 540 cases were made out against errant drivers for speeding between January 25 and 31, 2015. Speeding continues to be one of the major contributing factors for the loss of lives on Guyana’s roadways.

In addition to the speeding cases, 40 cases were made against persons found driving under the influence of alcohol, 38 for breach of conditions of Road Service Licence, eight for careless driving, 20 for dangerous driving, 15 for failure to wear safety helmets, 26 for failure to wear seat belts and 11 for use of mobile phones while driving.

The Guyana Police Force also stated that 19 persons were arrested and charged for touting. In an effort to curb the number of fatal accidents, the Police have launched a

massive campaign while focusing on trafficking awareness.

There have been nine fatalities for the year thus far, a decrease when compared to the same period in 2014.

“Name and shame”

Five persons were recently charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. The Police stated that Emanacom Tookram, of Lot 22 Number One Settlement, Blairmont, West Bank Berbice (WBB), was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on January 30 while driving motor vehi-

cle CG 8448 on the D’Edward Public Road, WBB. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7500.

Sahadeo Suhkdeo, of

Cotton Tree Village, West Coast Berbice, was also stopped and tested with a breathalyser on January 30 while driving motor vehicle PFF 5597 on the D’Edward Public Road, WBB. He was found to be above the legal alcohol consumption limit and was charged. He appeared at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7500.

Zalim Rasheed, of Lot 293 Section C Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was also stopped and tested with a breathalyser on January 24 while driving motor vehicle PGG 795 on Sheriff Street, Campbellville. He was found

to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7500.

Another Berbician, Alfred Baldeo, of Lot 136 Rosignol Village, WBB, was stopped and tested with a breath-

alyser on January 30 while driving motor vehicle HC 1752 on the D’Edward Public Road, WBB and was found to be drunk. He subsequently appeared at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court and was fined $7500 after he pleaded guilty.

Finally, the Police in a release stated that Jaipaul Persaud, of Lot 151 Good Hope, ECD, was also arrested after he was found to be under the influence of alcohol on January 24, as he was driving PKK 3890 on Lamaha Street, Georgetown. He was charged and then fined $7500 after he pleaded guilty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Stop dumping garbage, prevent flooding –Region 2 Chairman

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Chairman Parmanand Persaud is appealing to his fellow Essequibians to keep their environment clean and stop dumping garbage along the roadways.

Persaud was at the time speaking during an interview with the media. The Chairman called on Essequibians to maintain a clean environment as well as the status of the Region. “I can say Region Two is one of the cleanest regions compared to all the other administrative regions.”

Persaud said that the Region has a garbage disposal company and as such, persons should make maximum use of it. He called on residents to utilise the services being offered by Puran Brothers Disposal Service.

He related that he observed persons dumping garbage along the road

shoulders and also in the drainage trenches. He said this was wrong and had serious consequences during the rainy period.

Persaud said on Monday,

markets are an eye sore, noting that vendors and

business operators were also dropping their garbage carelessly. Speaking of Government’s intervention, he said the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Local Government, has invested millions of dollars through the clean-up campaign initiative. He said tonnes of solid waste were removed during that period.

Persaud called on the public, especially from Anna Regina, to stop dumping garbage along the shoulders of the road leading to the Mainstay holiday resort and Tapakuma. He said those areas have tourist attractions and an unhealthy environment was not a good way to sell the Region in terms of tourism.

The Chairman said he would like to see the Region clean and persons living in a healthy environment.

Jaipaul Persaud

Alfred Baldeo

Zalim Rasheed

Sahadeo Suhkdeo

Emanacom Tookram

Workers loading solid waste onto a truck on the Essequibo Coast during the Clean Up My Country exercise

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud

PPP/C roasts ‘sponsors’ of presidential term limit motion

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has flayed the sponsor of the motion challenging the twoterm limit imposed here on Presidents.

In a statement the party said that it has taken note of the challenge filed in the High Court against the two term Presidential tenure as provided for in the Constitution of Guyana. “What is of interest is the timing at which this challenge is being raised and by whom. Guyana is on the cusp of National and Regional Elections. Many challenges lie ahead, the most important being to ensure that the Elections are free and fair,” the party said.

It added:”clearly, this new development is an attempt to throw a spanner in the works. The sponsors of the legal challenge appear to have a hidden agenda in the real sense of the term other than invoking or blocking the boogie of a “third term” for Bharrat Jagdeo.”

According to the PPP/C the interest of those behind the challenge lies in the “darkest and deepest crevices of a democracy comparable to the galleries of Hades.” The Party stated too that “Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo had publicly affirmed time and again his respect for the Constitution and that he has no interest whatsoever in any so called “third term” Presidency.”

“It is now become obvious that Mr. Jagdeo’s assertions fell on deaf ears and

that his expression of disinterest in returning to the Presidency notwithstanding, the modern-day Quislings working in close collaboration with the local satraps continue to generate and peddle this absolute nonsense, elevating it to useless legalistic twaddle.”

The PPP/C said since 2011, Jagdeo made clear his disinterest in this matter within the Party and beyond. “The Party wishes to state that while Mr. Jagdeo remains a highly popular figure within and beyond the membership and supporters of the PPP/C, this popularity is in no way intended to be translated into a “third term” candidature.

The PPP/C is aware of the fact that while many of its members and supporters hold the former President in high esteem and would have

liked to see his return to the Presidency, they are very much aware that there are wolves in sheep’s clothing in our society who seek to sow discord and to engage in deceitful and artful fandangle aimed at misleading and confusing PPP/C supporters. While the other political parties are still dithering to name their Presidential Candidate, the PPP/C has already done so.”

The PPP/C said it has confronted many subterfuges in and out of elections season. “We fought off and overcame all of them. This new subterfuge will be fought off too and consigned to the dustbin of history,” the statement ended.

On Monday West Ruimveldt resident Cedric Richardson through a battery of lawyers filed the motion in the High Court. The motion named

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall as respondents.

In his writ, Richardson claims that act No 17 of 2001 passed by two thirds majority of members of the National assembly that purportedly altered Article 90 of the Constitution “curtails and restricts the sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect the person of former President Jagdeo as the Executive President of Guyana”.

Richardson again contended that the Act 17 of 2001 has the effect of restricting or curtailing the democratic rights and freedom of the electorate providing for the non eligibility of a person who has been re elected as Executive President for presidential elections candidate, required for its legal validity the holding of a referendum of the people diminishes and reduces the level of democracy enjoyed by the electorate prior to the purported alternation and therefore required the holding of a referendum for such alteration. Guyana’s constitution states that a person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for re election only once. The constitution further states that a person who acceded to the presidency after 2000 and served therein for a single occasion for not less than such a period as may be determined by the National Assembly is eligible for election as President only once.

Trust us – Dr Surujbally ...says body ready for ISO certification in elections management

As the nation gears up for new General and Regional Elections in May, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr Steve Surujbally is urging stakeholders to trust the body to deliver credible elections.

He made the call just before signing an agreement with the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles on Thursday for the provision of laptops to aid in the management of these elections – a move that the chairman interprets as that country’s expression of confidence in GECOM’s ability to deliver credible elections.

“We have given this country no cause to distrust us over the last two elections,” he declared, while acknowledging a minor “blip” in 2011 that was eventually fixed. Then Chief Elections Officer Goocool Boodoo had miscalculated the allocation of seats in favour of the ruling People’s Progressive

Party/Civic; that instance has since been ruled as “human error”. “Trust GECOM, walk with GECOM…we are the purveyors of truth.”

Consequently, Dr Surujbally stated that the body was proud of its accomplishment and it expected that the nation would “understand our pride”.

He did also acknowledge that there were steps still to be made to ensure that the Commission achieved high marks in elections management.

The GECOM chair is fearful that distrust here could stymie the body’s potential advancement. “We have reached the stage to get ISO [International Organisation for Standardisation] certification because of the kind of work that we do,” he explained.

The ISO is an international standard setting body composed of representatives from various national standard organisations, which promotes worldwide proprietary, industrial and com-

mercial standards.

The donation of 100 laptops to GECOM will cost the Canadian Government some C$43,360. According to Dr Surujbally, it has come at an opportune time. “The people and Government of Canada have decided that we (GECOM) are worthy of such a gift.”

Strengthen GECOM’s ability

Meanwhile, Dr Giles, in brief remarks, stated that her country, while recognising the complexity of elections management, has a high level of confidence in GECOM’s ability to deliver credible elections. “The work undertaken by independent election commissions is crucial. Electoral management bodies must strive to deliver elections which are transparent and credible, free and fair, and produce timely results,” she outlined.

The Canadian diplomat is hopeful that Guyana considers and implements the recommendations that were made by the Organisation

UG students, labour unions protest in front of OP

Backed by a number of students, the University of Guyana (UG) labour unions protested in front of the Office of the President (OP) on Thursday as they continue to advocate for better wages and salaries among other benefits.

On Wednesday, the University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) were offered increases amounting to 25 per cent over a threeyear period but this proposal, which was put by the Council’s negotiating team, was met with stern objection. The unions are demanding a whopping 60 per cent increase in wages and salaries.

UGSSA President, Dr Melissa Ifill and UGWU President Bruce Haynes told Guyana Times that the proposal was totally unacceptable.

In a press release, it was indicated that a counter offer of 75 per cent was made. It was pointed out, that the unions agreed that the increases could be given in phases; 25 per cent each year until 2017.

The Council’s proposed travelling allowance of $5,000 was also deemed inadequate by the unions. “It does not properly address the increases in public transportation costs,” the unions said.

Additionally, the unions

are of the opinion that the Council has no control over the issuance of duty free concessions and house lots; hence it would not be able to secure any real agreement to ensure UG staffs get these awards. It was noted, however, that the offer was only made to lecturers with Masters Degree that have provided over 10 years of service.

The Council had also made an offer to buy the cloth needed for work outfits for some staffs but the unions questioned the reason behind this. They indicated that the staff would be unable to pay for the suits to be sown, stating that the money given to sew one is not enough.

However, no mention was made on the Council’s offer to give bursaries to the children of the staff who performed well in the National Grade Six Assessment, the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).

The unions submitted their new demands to the negotiating team and will be meeting with them today to find out whether an agreement can be made on their new proposal for the gradual 75 per cent increase in salaries.

The answer will determine whether classes will resume at the University on Monday.

of American States Electoral Mission (OAS) and the Commonwealth Secretariat’s final report. These, she believes, could make subsequent elections more efficient and fair. They include improving mechanisms that guarantee more equitable access to media and political financing, adherence to timely and standardised procedures for the electoral process, improving communications with all stakeholders in particular GECOM; and strengthening the promotion of gender balanced participation throughout the electoral process.

Dr Giles noted that the donation, which was facilitated through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), could help with the implementation of these recommendations as well as to strengthen GECOM’s ability to efficiently deliver its mandate.

The Canadian High Commission has also been working with other stakeholders such as political par-

“Trust GECOM, walk with GECOM…we are the purveyors of truth,” GECOM’s Dr Steve Surujbally urged as he signed an agreement with Canadian High Commissioner, Dr Nicole Giles for elections management support ties and the Private Sector to ensure a smooth process.

But importantly, Dr Giles thinks that Guyanese play a significant role in the electoral process. “Canada is hopeful that the upcoming electoral process will allow the Guyanese people to debate the important issues that are facing the country,” she expressed.

The CFLI supports and implements projects across the world in partnership with local, national and international organisations, educational institutions and local governments. It enables Canada to respond to and address the needs of its global partners, while advancing Canadian values and foreign policy priorities.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

Elections 2015:

Soldiers warned against 'partisanship'

...urged to protect against violence

By Gomatie GanGadin

President Donald Ramotar on Thursday warned members of the Guyana Defence Force to shun political propaganda and militancy as the country heads into elections.

He also urged the country’s military men and women to take decisive actions in guarding the country’s security especially at this time, when elections are approaching. Addressing the opening of the 2015 Annual Officers’ Conference at the GDF’s Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna, Ramotar told the officers that it was their duty to ensure that stability prevails in the country.

He cautioned that soldiers must never be used for political propaganda and that they must discharge their duties with the highest level of professionalism at all times. Ramotar added that anyone who tries to pervert or disrupt the course of peace and stability must be never be tolerated by them.

“Forces of fear and fragmentation must not be allowed to fester in our socie-

ty. Any attempt to create a feeling of insecurity and fear among citizens within any segment of our population based on rumours, subjective gutter politics or worse, must be frowned upon and actions taken by security forces to arrest any such tendency by the application of the full weight of the law and the constitution”, the President emphasised . He noted that they have been placed in a position to uphold the laws and constitution of Guyana and that should at no time, be compromised. President Ramotar noted that they must take decisive action to preserve security in the up-

coming general and regional elections since violence has always defined the process in Guyana. He also called on all political parties to play their part in ensuring that the country was not affected in any negative way by the unfolding of the democratic process.

“As we approach the regional and general elections in May 11, 2015, it is my fervent hope that peace and good sense will prevail and contesting political parties and their supporters as is their democratic right; vigorously conduct their campaigns”, he said. Ramotar appealed to the soldiers to abide by their oaths and re-

Closing date for “Race to the Altar” is today

Roraima Duke Lodge’s Wedding Expo is an event that provides couples preparing to be wed, as well as those assisting them, with an excellent opportunity to see and interact with local businesses that offer the services necessary for planning and executing a seamless wedding.

Moreover, it hosts, in a central location, varying institutions relevant to persons beginning a new life together, such as insurance companies, commercial banks, contracting/housing services, furniture retailers, etc.

In essence, Wedding Expo is geared towards helping to make the bold step and commitment to marriage a smooth one.

Since its inception in 2009, Wedding Expo has championed the promotion of small businesses operating in this niche market and has witnessed significant

growth among businesses that choose to exhibit their services and products at the expo.

In 2013, the organisers of Wedding Expo introduced “Race to the Altar” – a component geared towards enabling the public at large to feel more connected to the event, but more specifically allowing couples intending to get married the opportunity of winning an all-expense paid wedding after participating in a competition designed to test the strength of their love.

Wedding Expo 2015 was launched on February 4, at the Roraima Duke Lodge and promises to build on the rich heritage established by the expo over the years.

The committee is overwhelmed by the commitment of loyal exhibitors who have returned to lend their support, as well as the pledges and expressions of interest to exhibit in this

year’s exposition by new exhibitors and sponsors, both local and international.

As such, the Wedding Expo Committee is confident that Wedding Expo 2015 will be a success. An invitation is extended to all for this remarkable journey that culminates on the final weekend of the month of March.

The Wedding Expo 2015 Committee is pleased to share with you the Wedding Expo 2015. Those couples who wish to be a part of the event called “Race to the Altar” are encouraged to send in their applications.

The registration forms must be completely filled and delivered to either oraima Duke Lodge, Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown or Roraima Residence Inn, Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Closing date for applications is February 6.

spect the constitution and the results of the general and regional elections scheduled for May 11, 2015. He stressed that the GDF must remain professional and non-partisan although officers and ranks are allowed to vote in the elections for the party of their choice.

“The Guyana Defence Force is a professional and non-partisan entity. Officers and ranks participate in the democratic process and are entitled to vote in accordance to the law but you aren’t allowed to engage in acts of propaganda or militancy. You must inspire confidence in citizens and demonstrate to Guyanese and the world that, while as individuals in uniform you exercise your democratic right to vote, as members of the GDF as an institution you will carry out your professional responsibility in accordance with the constitution and respect the legitimate outcome of the electoral process”, he urged. He further stated that

the Government has invested billions of dollars in the GDF in the form of equipment, vehicles, arms and all other resources and these should always be utilised to its fullest capacity but at the same time, for all of the right reasons. Meanwhile, Chief of Staff of the Force, Mark Phillips in his brief remarks, stated that theme for this year’s conference was ‘Towards greater operation readiness for National Defence and Security’ since “readiness” can never be over emphasised. Phillips went on to state that the Force is and has always been prepared for any

eventuality and will seek to ensure that the country’s wellbeing in placed first in all of its activities but cited the need for continuous training and ‘operational readiness’ so that this can be achieved. “The Force shall continue to be charged with the defence and maintenance of order in Guyanese Operational readiness remains appropriate because readiness after all, is the goal of all trainings and as military men and women, we must master the art and science of training development and recognise the importance of performance based training. This is because the measure of military professionalism remains our success in military operations whether we are deployed on the frontiers or are in support of our civilian authorities", the Chief of Staff stated. He assured the President that everything would be done to ensure that the integrity, professionalism and dignity of the force were never compromised. The conference will conclude today.

GDF Officers and President Donald Ramotar pose for the official conference photo

Wedding Expo 2015 was launched on February 4, at the Roraima Duke Lodge

friday, february 6, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

The 11 delegates vying for the title of Miss and Mister University of Guyana are adding that final touch to their wardrobe as a fierce night of competition is expected when the pageant is held at the National Cultural

Centre (NCC) on Saturday evening.

Those vying for the male title are Paul Garraway, Malcolm Moffatt, Dwayne Mckinnon, Taise Seepaul and Jermain Deharte.

The delegates competing for the female title are Esther Inniss,

Tomika Cooke-Chase, Melissa Canterbury, Sarafina Phillips, Gabriella Chapman and Christina Richardson.

The pageant, titled “King of Erudition, Queen of Elegance –True Beauty is Intelligence” will

It has now become a tradition for the semi-finals of the adults

Calypso competition to be held in Bartica and come this Saturday, the mining community will be treated by 20 of the best as they compete for a spot in the finals.

The competition has drawn massive crowds in the past and it is expected that that Bartica Community Centre ground will be sold out. The 20 well seasoned contestants are all ready to entertain and have been rehearsing for quite some time.

This year, patrons can expect fireworks as the contestants perform their pieces. Those expected to thrill the audience are Garfield Campbell who will perform “Woman”, Kenroy Fraser will perform “De Tecking Pay”, Winfield James is set to perform “This Country Needs Prayers”, Lassell Duke will do his piece titled “How Literate, How Educated,” while Ivan Harry is set with “We Need A Change” and John Marcus will do his bit with “The Law Is An Ass”.

see contestants being judged on their opening dance and introduction sequence, talent piece, evening wear and the intelligence segment. They will be judged prior to the completion on their platform which deals with issues affecting the ed-

Karen Bennette will perform “De Lying Tongue Man”, Roger Hinds will be confident performing “Guyanese Fed-up”, Martin Byrne will try to wow the judges with “Deh Can’t See” while Manoel Ferreira will perform “King Pearai” and Diana Chapman set to dish out “No Politics In Calypso”.

Rounding off the 20 contestants are Derrick Mangal, who will perform “Turn It Around”, Linden Thomas will do his piece “Where Dignity Gone”, reigning Junior Calypso Monarch Daniel Plowell will do his thing “Pick It Up”, Pearl Lewis will perform “Kaiso Ills”, Prince Smith is ready with his piece titled “Judgment”, Edward Perez will perform “Yuh Wrong” and Daria Barrow will take charge with “All Yuh Listening”.

ucational institution as a whole, their individual faculties or more specifically – a programme offered by the university. Tickets for the pageant cost $1500 and $1000 and will be available at the UGSS office or at the NCC.

Also taking the stage will be Sherldon Lyken with “The Cup”, Abigail James with “High Drama”,

Out of the semifinalist, 10 will move on to the final which is slated for February 20 at Demerara Park (opposite Thirst Park), in Georgetown. There, Lester “De Professor” Charles will defend his title. The winner will walk away with $600,000 while the second place finisher will receive $450,000 and $250,000 and $100,000 for the third and fourth place winners respectively.

Lester “De Professor” Charles

Roger Hinds

Reigning Junior Calypso Monarch Daniel Plowell

Paul Garraway

Malcolm Moffatt

Dwayne Mckinnon

Taise Seepaul

Jermain Deharte

Esther Inniss Tomika Cooke-Chase

Melissa Canterbury Sarafina Phillips Gabriella Chapman

Christina Richardson

Sport Ministry equips Powerlifting Federation

- GAPF in better position to bid for international competitions, says Green

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Faced with a busy year ahead, executives of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) have been given a major boost with the donation of a quantity of equipment by the Sport Ministry.

At a simple presentation ceremony in the compound of the Ministry on Thursday morning, Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony presented the pieces of equipment to GAPF President Peter Green, in the presence of other executives of the body.

Green, in accepting the Eleiko branded equipment, said this latest development was a shot in the arm for the sport.

“Today is a special day for powerlifting; the culmination of a long journey

and a promise made by the Sport Minister a few years in light of the achievements of powerlifting,” Green commented.

He added, “With these weights now, we are fully equipped to be able to bid for international championships rather than think to go through the process of trying to find funding to travel. [We can also now] contribute to the marketing and tourism of Guyana through sport.”

The donation includes three complete sets, weighing over 2400lbs, scales and platforms.

Dr Anthony said ever since the Ministry assisted the Federation with a few sets of weights a few years ago, there has been significant growth in the sport.

He noted, however, that the lack of equipment has

always been a bugbear for the Federation.

“About a year ago, the Federation approached us, and they made this concern known to us and they told us about their future plans in terms of hosting certain competitions and we said we would like to partner with them. We set aside the money to buy the equipment that were required and today we’re very pleased to be able to hand over three sets of equipment to the Federation,” the minister explained.

The Federation will commence its 2015 programme this Sunday with the National Novices and Junior and Sub-Junior championships at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, where the equipment will be put to use.

Gumdac Open Doubles

badminton tourney starts Monday

The annual Gumdac Open Doubles badminton tournament will serve off on Monday at the Queen’s College courts, as the Guyana Badminton Association commences what is anticipated to be a busy year.

Players have been in training since the early part of this year and the tournament will see the

top and up and coming players in action.

Tournaments apart, the Guyana Badminton Association plans to visit schools as part of its developmental programme and will start in the county of Berbice this month.

“Our top players are also in constant training as they have a packed calendar this year, both lo -

cally and internationally. Some events are the Pan American Junior in Mexico, the Caribbean Championships in the Dominican Republic, and the World Junior Championships in Peru. Guyana will host the Easter Junior International with Trinidad, Suriname and French Guiana expected to participate.

MCYS/EBFA Pee Wee League... Grove Hi-Tech remain unbeaten; Diamond and Craig draw

When action in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Pee Wee Under-11 League continued at the Grove Playfield recently, home team Grove HiTech recorded their second win in as many matches, while Diamond United and newcomers Craig Football Club battled to a 2-2 draw.

While Grove were dominant in their first-day win over Diamond United 5-1, they found Agricola Red Triangle much tougher opponents, but were able to come out victors by the lone goal of the encounter, which was scored by Devon Padmore in the second minute.

Padmore has now taken his tally of goals to three in two matches, having netted a brace against Diamond United.

In the day’s other game, newcomers Craig FC took the lead against Diamond in the fourth minute through a Tevon Davidson strike, but Diamond responded in like manner in the 12th minute, thanks to a Nakarla Boucher goal.

Craig again took the lead with two minutes remaining in the 30-minute game when Alex London found the back of the nets. With not much time remaining on the clock, Craig were sensing a huge win in their debut game, but Diamond had other ideas.

With one minute to go, Teon Forde was able to weave his way into the final third to deliver the equalis-

ing goal for Diamond to ensure an equal share of the points. With action set to continue Saturday at the same venue from 10:30h, Grove Hi-Tech sit at the top of the points table with six points, followed by Diamond and Craig on a point each. Agricola and Herstelling Raiders are still to come off the mark.

Centre of Excellence for strength sports in the making

There is a high possibility that athletes competing in strength sports will soon have a home of their own, Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony revealed.

The Minister said on Thursday that plans were in place for such a building to be erected in the city.

The group of sports –bodybuilding, weightlifting and powerlifting among others – could soon benefit from the construction of a facility that caters to their needs, as it is one of the projects engaging the Sport Ministry’s attention.

“Our intention is to work with powerlifting, weightlifting and some of the other types of sports that fall in that group. We want to create a centre; we were thinking about developing the National Gymnasium, on the side of it, where we will have weight and other

equipment to allow our athletes to do their final training and have those facilities available to them,” Dr Anthony said.

Minister Anthony pointed out that the Administration was looking to set up what could be dubbed a Centre of Excellence where national

athletes can conduct their training for regional and international competitions.

He noted that the construction of such a building has been in the pipeline for quite a few years now.

“In fact, the Federation [Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation] would have done some initial drawings of what the building would look like.

Peter [GAPF President Peter Green] himself was able to do that and we have added a cost to it and so in the near future we’re hoping to get that started,” Dr Anthony highlighted.

The Government has been investing heavily in the construction of specialised facilities across the country, among them the National Stadium, the Olympic sized swimming pool, the stateof-the-art synthetic track and the National Racquet Centre. (Avenash Ramzan)

Action in the Grove Hi-Tech (yellow and blue) and Diamond United game on the first day of competition

Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony (third right); GAPF President Peter Green (third left); and Permanent Secretary of the Sport Ministry Alfred King (second left) pose with the equipment and members of the GAPF at the presentation ceremony on Thursday (Avenash Ramzan photo)

Garner to run against Cameron for WICB Presidency

Cricket legend Joel Garner, the former West Indies fast bowler, is set to challenge embattled incumbent Dave Cameron for president of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) in elections carded for early next month.

Garner, the president of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), will be nominated by his board and is expected to be seconded by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), according to media reports.

His running mate is TTCB director Baldath Mahabir, who was nominated by the TTCB during an executive meeting Tuesday night.

“I would not say this is a challenge (to the current administration), the fact is there is the thinking emanating from within the TTCB that we in Trinidad and Tobago need to play a bigger role. And that is the whole thing that has prompted the TTCB move,” Mahabir told The Express.

“The fact that we believe we need to play a bigger role, it means you are not happy with all that was happening and so we feel that the T&T presence could influence the board to become a bit better.”

Meantime the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) has voted 10-6 in favour of supporting Garner and Mahabir for the two top posts

Joel Garner

during a meeting on Tuesday.

The two, whose names are expected to be submitted before the February 14 nomination deadline, are running against Cameron and his vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan from the Windward Islands.

Cameron and Nanthan are both in their first terms as president and vice-president but their tenure has been tainted by the current fallout with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), over the aborted tour.

There have been calls for Cameron to step down including from the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonzalves.

Elections will be held on March 7 when the WICB holds its Annual General Meeting in Jamaica. (CMC)

Walsh lists fast bowlers that might shine at the World Cup

Former West Indies great, Courtney Walsh lists eleven bowlers to watch out for in the upcoming World Cup 2015.

As the ICC Cricket World Cup gets closer and the players get more eager

for one of cricket’s biggest events, I will try to settle some nerves by selecting a few fast, or seam, bowlers to watch or look out for and tell you why.

You will notice that I have no Pakistan or India players on this list, the rea-

Windies pace attack. Though he is not as tall as some of his colleagues, he has pace and hit the right areas, he is not playing at present due to injury but his late movements could ask a lot of questions, he will be looking to make early inroads whenever he is called upon.

(4) Pat Cummins: Having seen him first hand in South Africa a few seasons ago, I was truly impressed with him and his pace and control. Injury has not been too kind to him, but he has the ability to generate good pace, has a good slower ball and knowing the home conditions will be expected to play a key role in leading the Australia attack as he does move it around as well.

son being that I have not seen much of Pakistan of late, which is unfortunate, and no India seamer stands out, in my view. But I can be proven wrong when it comes to the World Cup. I will not be listing them in preference or ranking. I know how unpredictable this game can be, but these are just my personal picks and thoughts.

(1) Mitchell JohnsonWith him playing at home, he can be a handful on most surfaces, his confidence will be very high and a lot will be expected of him from his team and captain. He has good pace and can push you on the back foot early with the new ball. Mitch will be used to getting early breakthroughs, or will be brought back to take wickets, so one could say he will be one of Australia’s key attacking threats.

(2) Dale Steyn will also be used similarly to Mitch. He has been one of the most consistent fast bowlers in the last few years, has plenty pace but what I like about him is his controlled aggression and the control and change of pace that he has. He moves the ball around at good pace and can be a handful on any given day and a lot will be expected from him if South Africa is to get early wickets. It will be very interesting to see how he will be used.

(3) Kemar Roach is expected to spearhead the

pace along with a very good Yorker. It will be interesting to see how he uses it on these bouncier pitches. He has shown that he is among the best when it comes to bowling at the death.

(8) Morne Morkel has height, good pace gets good bounce and asks good questions of batsmen. With the pitches expected to help his style of bowling, he is certainly a bowler to watch. He also swings it around and will be looking to make early inroads with the new ball along with his partner Steyn.

(9) Steve Finn is another one with good height and he is showing good form and aggression on the bouncier Australian wickets. This World Cup could be where he shows his worth and make a name for himself. He has pace, gets good bounce and does move the ball around and could be the perfect foil for Anderson in the length they both bowl.

(5) Jerome Taylor: Like Kemar, is not especially tall like most around him, and was out for a while and will see this World Cup as a good personal challenge in leading the attack alongside Kemar. Jerome has pace and swings the ball

(10) Vernon Philander does not have express pace, but he makes up for that with consistency and swing bowls a very good line and length will be putting the batsmen under pressure early and can be a wickettaker. He has good control and if he gets into the swing of things early will pose major problems.

(11) Jason Holder: Though he might not have the experience of some of his seniors, but with his height he could be troublesome

both ways. Once he finds his rhythm he can be a problem bowler for any batsman. A very crafty operator, once his confidence is up he will be raring to go.

(6) James Anderson has been leading the attack for England for some time now and a lot will be expected from him. He swings and seams the ball around and with the expected conditions will ask some good questions with the new ball. He has a good change of pace as well so he will keep them honest.

(7) Lasith Malinga will lead the Sri Lanka attack and as we all know he has

for batsmen. He gets good bounce, has a good yorker and is learning all the time. Jason can be a match winner for his team, and will be learning new tricks all the time as well. It will be a big ask for him to fill the boots of Joel Garner, or his current coach Curtly Ambrose, but he will be trying.

Let me wish all the fast men, and seamers, all the best for this tournament. Happy hunting, as the bat is set to dominate! I will be watching and hoping to learn a few things, so may the best TEAM win. Happy viewing to all.

Jerome Taylor

Jerome Taylor

Kemar Roach

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Conditions shrink India’s chances at World Cup

India go into this World Cup not only as the defending champions but also as one of the only three teams that have won it more than once. Had they won the World T20 final against Sri Lanka in April 2014, they would have held all three big limited-overs international trophies. In the lead-up to the World Cup, they have either been the No. 1 ODI side in the world or thereabouts. Yet you wouldn’t put them among the two or three big favourites to win the tournament.

A lot of this has to do with the venues. The last time India played ODIs in Australia and New Zealand, they failed to make the final of a triangular series in Australia and went winless in a five-match bilateral series in New Zealand. India are half the side when their spinners cannot dictate terms and their spinners are unlikely to be too effective on pitches in New Zealand and Australia, though the big grounds in Australia will give them some breathing space.

Between World Cups, spin bowlers have averaged the worst - 50 - in New Zealand,

with an economy rate of 4.97, which is second only to 5.02 in South Africa. Little wonder that India have struggled in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

India will face another unique challenge. By the time the World Cup starts, most of their players will have played without a proper break for almost a year. If they make it to the final of the World Cup, most of them will have been away from their homes for a stretch of 144 days, starting with a Test series and triangular series in Australia.

Temperament

The odds might not be stacked in India’s favour, but the field is limited and the format soft. There is no way a big team can be knocked out in the league stages unless things go nightmarishly wrong, repeatedly, and after that it is a matter of three good days. Temperament has not really been an issue for this side under MS Dhoni, the only major captain from the 2011 event to survive so long. It is not going to be easy with the conditions not in India’s favour, but with the nature

of the format and shrinking competition in world cricket, don’t rule India out.

Until June 25, 1983, India were nobodies in limited-overs cricket. Since that day, when Kapil Dev’s team fashioned India’s most famous success to date, they have entered every World Cup with high expectations, winning the last one, thus joining Australia and West Indies as the only repeat winners. They have come close on three other occasions: losing the 2003 final and two semi-finals at home, in 1987 and 1996. The alternate editions, 1992, 1999, and 2007 have been strictly forgettable. The law of averages then doesn’t make for good news after their 2011 success.

The oldest member of the side, one of the few survivors from the 2011 win, MS Dhoni might be the most familiar face in cricket today, but he still has it in him to surprise. With his tactics, with his field placements, with his batting. It is hard to imagine India doing well in this World Cup without Dhoni being at his best as a batsman, wicketkeeper, and captain. (Cricinfo)

Tunisia face ban after refusing to apologise

Tunisia face being banned from the next Africa Cup of Nations after refusing to apologise for accusing the Confederation of African Football (Caf) of cheating.

They made the allegations after conceding a controversial stoppage-time penalty in a 2-1 defeat by Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-finals.

The game’s referee has been banned for six months for “poor performance”.

Tunisia had until Thursday to say sorry or face a ban from the 2017 edition.

After a meeting on Wednesday, the Tunisian FA refused to apologise with a spokesman saying the team had “suffered scandalous injustice from referees”.

Caf, which fined Tunisia after players confronted referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn

The formidable combination of these players forms the nucleus of the team, and with the Warriors aiming to build a stronger, wellknit unit, they have chosen Guyanese Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Devendra Bishoo, Trevon Griffith, Assad Fudadin and Paul Wintz as the other members of the squad.

During the 15-round Draft, Narine was retained at a sum of US$150,000 in round one.

In round two, Guyana Amazon Warriors, who were second in the turn to pick a player in this round, got hold of Malinga at US$100,000.

The Warriors then got hold of Tillakaratne Dilshan in round three at US$80,000. Simmons and Ramdin were both retained by the Warriors in round

after the final whistle, had wanted the 2004 champions to apologise for “insinuations of bias and lack of ethics against Caf and its officials, or to present irrefutable evidence to substantiate the accusations”.

African football’s governing body said it had been sent two letters by the Tunisian FA after the match, with the second asking for an investigation and suggesting Caf and its officials “were questionable and biased against Tunisia in general”.

Caf fined Tunisia $50,000 (£33,000) for what it termed “the aggressive attitude of some supporters in the stands, invasion of the pitch after the final whistle by players and substitutes of the Tunisian team - insulting the referee of the match and trying to physically assault him

four and five at US$70,000 and US$50,000 respectively. All-rounder Perera then became the third Sri Lankan player in the Warriors team when he

- and the regrettable behaviour of the president of the Tunisian Football Federation, Wadie Jary”. The Tunisian federation was also ordered to pay for damages after their players broke a changing-room door and a fridge.

The ugly scenes came after Mauritian referee Seechurn had awarded the penalty in stoppage time when Ali Maaloul was harshly ruled to have fouled Ivan Bolado when Tunisia were leading 1-0 and, after equalising from the spot through Javier Balboa, hosts Equatorial Guinea went on to win in extra time.

Equatorial Guinea face Ghana on Thursday for a place in Sunday’s final against Ivory Coast.

Qualifying for the 2017 tournament starts in June. (BBC Sport)

was picked in round six at US$40,000. Barnwell was retained in the following round at US$30,000, while the former Australia player Hodge went to Guyana in round nine at US$20,000. Permaul was signed up for US$15,000, while Beaton and Chanderpaul were snapped up at US$10,000 each. Bishoo, Griffith, Fudadin and Wintz were bought at US$5000 each.

The CPL is the Region’s premier T20 tournament, attracting sold-out crowds and is viewed by millions across the globe. The 2015 CPL will take place from June 20 to July 26.

The Amazon Warriors lost at the final hurdle in both of the previous two editions, to Jamaica Tallawahs in 2013 and Barbados Tridents last year.

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Dates confirmed for Jagan cycling trilogy

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

After weeks of plan-

ning, the organisers of the annual Cheddi Jagan memorial cycling road races have agreed on the dates for this year’s activity, which will once again span the month of March.

One of the chief coordinators of the highly-anticipated

trilogy, Hassan Mohamed, informed this publication on Thursday that the races will once again be held in the three counties, as has been the case over the years.

The opening leg will be held on March 1 on the West Demerara roadways, with the riders competing from the Wales Police Station. They will proceed to Bushy

Park, Parika, before returning to the Demerara Harbour Bridge for the finish, covering a distance of 50 miles.

The ever-improving Michael Anthony of Linden won this leg last year, completing the course in a time

of one hour, 54 minutes, 32.05 seconds (01h: 54m: 32.05s).

On March 8, the second leg will take place in the Ancient County of Berbice. It will commence in New Amsterdam, proceed to Number 63 Village and return to Dr Jagan’s resting place at Babu John, Port Mourant, for the finish.

Roraima Bikers Club’s rider Alanzo Greaves emerged as champion of

this leg in 2014, pipping his competitors in a photo finish. He clocked two hours, 17 minutes, 8 seconds (02h: 17m:08s).

The third and final stage is set for March 22 in Essequibo, where villagers usually line the roadways to catch a glimpse of the country’s cyclists locked in fierce battle.

Seasoned campaigner Godfrey Pollydore was the top rider on that leg last year, copping the top podium spot in a time of two hours, 10 minutes, 24.41 seconds (02h: 10m: 24.41s). The race will ride off at Supenaam,

head to Charity and return to Anna Regina for the finish.

Mohamed said, “Once again we are expecting three competitive races, and another large turnout of riders. As we have done in the past, we’re covering all three counties and we want to urge persons to come out and witness the races as they pass the hundreds of villages along the way.”

Dr Jagan, one of the founders of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, was an avid supporter and follower of sports. The Head of State passed away in March 1997.

Bolt to open season next Saturday

Jamaica’s six-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt is expected to make an eagerly anticipated appearance at the Camperdown Classic to open his 2015 season.

Organisers of the meet, carded for next week Saturday at the national stadium, have announced that the star sprinter and his clubmates will be competing, barring injuries or unavoidable engagements.

Bolt is a member of Racers Track Club, home of some of the world’s top international athletes and coached by the legendary Glen Mills.

“All Racers athletes who are in the island and who are fit and well will be running,” meet chairperson Cynthia Cooke announced at Wednesday’s press launch.

“There is a buzz; everybody looks forward to Camperdown Classic, because that is where the big stars open their season”.

Bolt has not run since last year, having called an early end to his season after withdrawing from the Weltklasse Zurich 100-metre race in Switzerland due to a foot injury.

Other members of the star-studded Racers cast also expected to open the season include double Olympic silver medallist

ICC Americas announces six players for CPL opportunity

Six young players from ICC Associate Members in the Americas region have been selected to trial at each of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchises in June.

American, Steven Taylor, and Bermudan, Christian Burgess, are joined by four Canadian cricketers, Nitish Kumar, Nikhil Dutta, Satsimranjit Dhindsa and Farhan Malik who will all be keen to make an impression in the Caribbean later this year.

The ICC Americas player will be allocated to one of the six CPL franchises, along with four West Indies Under-19 cricketers for each franchise, for a pre-tournament training camp. One rookie contract per franchise will then be offered from amongst these five possible candidates.

The six Associate Member players have been selected based on performances for their National teams, as well as performances during talent development initiatives conducted by the ICC Americas Regional Development programme. In particular, this included a dedicated camp in Barbados in December 2014.

For Steven Taylor, a 21 year-old batsman-wicket keeper from Florida with Jamaican roots, it will be a great opportunity to extend his game and hopefully provide him a pathway to playing professional cricket.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to impress CPL coaches and players and hopefully prove that North America can be a recruiting ground for the CPL and other first class teams,” Taylor

said.

Nikhil Dutta, a 20 yearold Toronto based off-spinning all-rounder, was thankful for the opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to working hard over the next 5 months to make the most out of this opportunity.

It should be a great learning experience for us and hopefully we can impress enough to earn a contract,” said Dutta. Whilst the players are currently spread between Calgary, Toronto, Florida and the UK for study, they will each follow training programmes and also come together for additional training commitments prior to the camps. They will be involved in the CPL franchise training camps from June 13th to 18th, with the 2015 CPL scheduled to run from June 21st to July 26th. (CPL Release)

Guyana Jaguars seek...

“The most important thing is the mindset and the guys are focused and we are back to full strength against Jamaica and our mission is to win and stay atop the table.”

Despite Jamaica, the four-day powerhouse over the last decade, having the upper hand over Guyana at Sabina in recent times, Crandon was positive that his team could finally turn the tables.

“We are optimistic of our chances and we are a confident group. We haven’t had much success over the years in Jamaica, but this is an opportunity for us to do it,” Crandon said.

On the other hand, Jamaica on the heels of three wins against the Windward Islands, T&T and the Leeward Islands have recalled the experienced wrist spinner Odean Brown.

Brown was overlooked for last season’s First-Class tournament as well as the start of this new campaign.

The leg-spinner, who made his debut in 2004, last played for Jamaica against Trinidad and Tobago in May 2013. Thereafter, he had surgery to correct a knee ailment and was fit enough to return for preseason training, but was not selected.

Brown’s call-up came after the void left by his longtime spin bowling partner Nikita Miller, who was called to the West Indies squad for the Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

It is likely that Brown, who has taken 240 wickets in 62 First-Class matches at an average of 22.28, will join Jacobs in the 11 for today’s clash.

The other frontline bowlers in the squad are pacers

Mindley, Jason Dawes, David

and left-armer

The batsmen are openers Nkrumah Bonner and left-hander John Campbell, as well as Captain Tamar Lambert, young West Indies player Jermaine Blackwood, and Shacaya Thomas. Carlton Baugh, who was dropped for the recent Nagico Super50 tournament, is expected to take the wicketkeeping gloves. Horace Miller, Baugh’s replacement for the 50-over competition, is more known for his work with the bat and could play solely as a batsman.

Other fifth-round matches will see hosts Barbados playing Leeward Islands at the Kensington Oval, while Windward Islands oppose Trinidad and Tobago at the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia.

Marquino

Bernard

Gavan Brown.

Dr Cheddi Jagan

Hassan Mohamed

Godfrey Pollydore

Alanzo Greaves

Michael Anthony

Yohan Blake, Olympic medallists Michael Frater and Warren Weir along with Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Commonwealth Games 100m and sprint relay gold medallist Kemar Bailey-Cole.

On the female side, Olympic stars Kerron Stewart, Rosemarie Whyte and Schillonie Calvert are also expected to feature. (CMC)

Usain Bolt

Brett Lee to aid Ireland in World Cup preparation

Brett Lee will join the Ireland team as their bowling coach during the warm-up phase of the World Cup, a Cricket Ireland release said.

Lee, who recently retired from all forms of cricket, was a valuable addition to Ireland's pre-tournament preparations, Phil Simmons, the Ireland Coach, said.

"Brett Lee has a wonderful knowledge of fast bowling, and his special insight of Australian pitches will help give our bowlers further confidence ahead of their group matches," Simmons said.

"I'm sure all our bowlers will benefit from the experience that a two-time World

Cup winner has accumulated, especially in the pressure situations of a global event.

"It's a fanatstic opportunity for our bowlers to learn from a living legend and one I'm sure they'll all benefit from."

Ireland are scheduled to play two warm-up matches in Sydney - against Scotland on February 12 and against Bangladesh on February 12 - before their first match, against West Indies in Nelson.

Apart from the two official warm-up matches, Ireland are also scheduled to play a 50-over friendly against Randwick Petersham on Friday, February 6. (Cricinfo)

GCB yet to...

Guyana Times Sport also understands that Trinidad and Tobago’s Baldath Mahabir has confirmed his intention to run against the incumbent Emmanuel Nanthan, President of the Windward Islands body, for the WICB vice presidency.

The T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) held an executive meeting Wednesday evening and decided that it will support Garner while nominating its own director, Baldath Mahabir, as his running mate. Both names will make the nomination deadline of February 14.

This publication understands that Garner will be nominated by his board and is expected to be seconded by the TTCB, while Mahabir will be nominated by the TTCB and seconded by the BCA.

Police Headquarters Interdepartmental domino tournament...

CID arrest 2015 title

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) took top honours in the Police Headquarters Interdepartmental domino competition on Wednesday at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary.

CID amassed a total of 97 games to easily top Traffic who had a total of 82 games. Mounted Branch took third with 76 games while Immigration was fourth with 73 games. Fifth place went to QMS/Combine with 65 games

while PRO brought up in the cellar with 55 games. Judy Sandiford and Munilall Persaud assaulted their competition for CID, winning the maximum of 18 games apiece. Suraj and Devendra Singh had 16 games apiece for the winning team. Traffic’s Nyron Hassan won a maximum 18 games while Mounted Branch’s Carl Saul and Immigration’s Kevin Archer also scored the maximum number of games for their respective teams.

The key to tilting the challenge their way came from Jamaica on Tuesday night, when the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) voted 10-6 in favour of supporting Garner and Mahabir for the two top posts.

Sources close to the situation are saying that Cameron has six votes, coming from Windwards, Leewards and Guyana.

Cameron and Nanthan are both in their first terms as President and Vice President and their tenure has been tainted by the current fallout with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), over the aborted tour.

A number of individuals have called for their heads, including the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr Ralph Gonzalves

Emmanuel Nanthan

Brett Lee

Star studded line-up for Guyana Amazon Warriors

– Malinga, Dilshan, Hodge and Chanderpaul among names

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have selected a balanced T20 team on paper for the upcoming season of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2015 and have already become a force to be

Dilshan and Thisara Perera along with Australia’s Brad Hodge and West Indies veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul joined the retained players – Sunil Narine, Lendl Simmons, Denesh Ramdin

reckoned with.

and Christopher Barnwell – when the players’ Draft was held on Thursday in Jamaica.

GCB yet to pronounce on WICB election

By Rajiv Bisnauth

uyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Drubahadur said his administration would decide at its February monthly meeting who it would support at the upcoming West Indies Cricket Board

(WICB) presidential election.

Drubahadur, whose board is considered to be in favour of incumbent Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron made the declaration on Thursday.

“We haven’t made a de-

cision as yet; when we sit at our February meeting, we will decide on that,” Drubahadur told this media outfit.

The WICB is set to stage its Annual General Meeting on March 7. With the cutoff date being this Saturday,

PCL Regional 4-Day Tournament...

February 7, Guyana Times Sport understands that Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) President and former West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner appears ready to challenge Cameron, who was elected in 2013.

Guyana Jaguars seek to stretch lead against Jamaica

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Frontrunners Guyana Jaguars will aim to stretch their lead when they play hosts Jamaica as the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League Regional Four-Day Competition enters the fifth round with matches in three venues from today.

The Jaguars are currently on 57 points after outright victories over Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Windward Islands Volcanoes and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, but will face a stern test against the Jamaicans, who are in second place, with seven fewer points.

The Guyanese will have history against them as they failed to get the better of the Jamaicans the last time the two teams met in a FirstClass game when the latter beat the former by seven wickets at Sabina Park.

However, the Jaguars are boasting a full contingent of players, including five Test players, in their line-up.

The Jamaicans will have to contend with the class and experience of West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul along with Leon Johnson and Narsingh Deonarine.

While that trio are the headliners, the batting de-

partment also includes silky top-order player Rajendra Chandrika and swashbuckling Christopher Barnwell and Ramond Reifer.

The hosts will also face a stern test against West Indies leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who both are in ripping form.

The bowling unit also features long-limbed pace

aim is to stay

bowler Ronsford Beaton and the left-armer Reifer. Meanwhile, head coach Esaun Crandon told the Jamaica Observer after the Guyanese arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport on Wednesday that the main

atop of the points table at the end of the Jamaica clash.

Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron

Drubahadur Baldath Mahabir Joel Garner

Leon Johnson Shivnarine Chanderpaul Veerasammy Permaul

Three stars of Sri Lankan cricket Lasith Malinga, Tillakaratne

Sunil Narine

Lasith Malinga