Guyana Times Daily - January 21, 2015

wednesday, january 21, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Elections 2015:

PPP/C urges monitoring of GECOM’s pre-election activities

...insists on scrutiny of packing, sealing of ballot boxes

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) continues its engagement with the Guyana Elections Commission’s in the lead up to general elections, urging the electoral body to grant permission to party agents to monitor pre-election day activities such as packing and sealing of ballot boxes.

The request was made when a team from the party met with top officials of GECOM on Monday. In a statement, GECOM said that the PPP/C requested that party agents be allowed to monitor all stages of packing, sealing and transporting of ballot boxes before Election Day, and opening of the boxes on Election Day, by GECOM personnel. In this regard, Keith Lowenfield, Chief Election Officer (CEO), assured the party representatives at the meeting, that the involvement of agents, as desired by political parties, is the standard operating procedure at GECOM. He pointed out that there will be no departure from this procedure in the upcoming elections, emphasising that the party agents would have to be proper-

ly accredited, before they would be allowed to participate in the process.

Monday’s meeting GECOM said was arranged on the heels of a previous one on January 12, 2015 to continue the discussions on outstanding matters of concern to the PPP/C. In addition to the monitoring of ballot boxes, the party also raised concerns that the law authorises the Returning Officer for each of the ten Electoral Districts to declare the results of the elections for his/her District and that the CEO is not empowered to make changes to

the declarations. However, GECOM said: “Whereas the understanding of the Party was acknowledged, the Party’s representatives were assured that the law also provides for the Returning Officers to consult on their relevant/respective tabulations with the CEO before making declarations. Accordingly, the CEO is vested with the responsibility to confirm that the tabulations before the respective declarations are made at the District level.”

The PPP/C also expressed the concern that, at the 2011 General and Regional Elections, proxies were issued to persons who did not meet the eligibility criteria as provided for in law. Representatives of the Party proffered a few examples of such occurrences. In this regard the party asked that GECOM review the procedure relative to treating with applications for proxies. While advising that a few occurrences should not be interpreted as the norm, the Commission gave the undertaking to review the existing procedure with the view to developing an even more secure methodology to treat with appli-

cations for proxies. Additionally, the party said it was concerned about the practice of all Polling Stations within a Polling Place being provided with copies of the combined alpha-split Lists of Electors pertinent to that Polling Place, and that this could lead to electors voting at more than one Poling Station, since his/her name would be listed in all of the relevant Polling Stations. The Commission however gave the assurance that it had already dealt with this issue and had decided that each Polling Station will be

provided with alpha-split List of Electors who would be voting at the respective Polling Stations. This issue is relevant only to Polling Places with more than one Polling Stations.

Early elections

Meanwhile, GECOM said at their meeting the PPP supported the call by other stakeholders for earlier declaration of the results of the elections, and proffered that the establishment and maintenance of a proper communication network would contribute positively to such an outcome, especially as this relates to the transmission of results from remote hinterland communities. To this the Chairman responded that, whereas GECOM is committed to declaring the results of the elections as soon as possible, the Commission would not sacrifice accuracy upon the altar of expediency, while reminding that the framers of the Law (Section 99 of The Representation of the People Act, Chapter 1:3) in their wisdom allocated 15 days for GECOM to relay the official results. “The Chairman made the

point that while it is relatively easy to count a small number of votes or to correct an inaccuracy in a constituency of say 20,000 voters within the first-pastthe-post system, the entire Guyana at General and Regional Elections is one huge Constituency of hundreds of thousands of voters. No discovered error can be perpetuated; it has to be rectified before the final correct announcement can be made. “ The GECOM team at the meeting comprised, Dr Surujbally, Commissioners Dr Keshav Mangal, Mr Vincent Alexander, Ms Sandra Jones, Mr Charles Corbin, Mr Mohamood Shaw and Mr Athmaram Mangar, and Chief Election Officer, Mr Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Election Officer, Mr Vishnu Persaud, and the Commission’s Legal Officer, Ms Juanita Barker. The PPP/C team was led by its General Secretary, Mr Clement Rohee and included Mr Zulficar Mustapha, Mr Ganga Persaud, Mr Manzoor Nadir, Mr Juan Edghill, Ms Sheila Versammy and Mr Devanand Ramdatt.

UK envoy pays farewell courtesy call on Granger

BLeader of the Opposition Brigadier David Granger at his office, Lot 61 Hadfield Street,

The Leader of the Opposition was accompanied to the meeting by APNU Shadow Minister for Public Infrastructure, Joseph Harmon, Shadow Minister for Regional and Hinterland Development, Ronald Bulkan, and APNU Director of Communications, Mark Archer. The Leader of the Opposition took the opportunity to brief the outgoing High Commissioner on APNU’s interpretation of the current political climate, the absence of Local Government elections, the continued prorogation of the National Elections and the looming General and Regional Elections in Guyana. The Leader of the Opposition and his team wished the outgoing High Commissioner well in his new endeavours. Mr. Greg Quinn will replace Mr. Andrew Ayre as British High Commissioner to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbaly

ritish High Commissioner Andrew Ayre on Tuesday paid a farewell courtesy call on

Georgetown.

Outgoing UK Ambassador to Guyana Andrew Ayre meeting APNU, Leader David Granger and other officials

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 21 – 17:05h-18:35h and Thursday, January 22 – 05:30h-07:00h

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 21 – 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, January 22 – 05:00h-06:30h Parika and Supenaam departure –06:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

FERRY SCHEDULE

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning, with light showers giving way to sunny weather in the afternoon. Clear skies are expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:05h and 17:22h reaching maximum heights of 2.77 metres and 2.90 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:55h and 23:22h reaching minimum heights of 0.44 metre and 0.31 metre respectively.

The above-normal high tide is in effect until Monday, January 26, 2015. Residents of coastal, low-lying and riverine areas are advised to take necessary precautions against possible flooding

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

E-Day: May 11 ...GECOM says will be ready

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

Guyanese will head to the polls on May 11 this year after President Donald Ramotar on Tuesday announced that date for the country’s first snap elections.

The President’s announcement of the date for General and Regional Elections is in keeping with his promise to do so within the first quarter of 2015 after he took a bold decision to prorogue parliament last November.

The President has already informed the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of the elections date and they have assured him that they will be in a state of readiness to ensure that the elections are held in a free and fair manner.

Speaking during a prerecorded address to the nation, Ramotar said he had hoped that the prorogation would have allowed for more dialogue and an easing of tensions within the society.

He explained that he also wanted to the opposition political parties which hold a one-seat majority to “constructively engage the government” during the period of prorogation.

Noting that he has always acted in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana, President Ramotar said that the opportunities that were possible during the period were not seized by the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) which together hold a oneseat majority in the 65-seat legislature.

“The parliamentary opposition adopted an inflexible position that they will not engage with me until parliament is reconvened. I had hoped that they would have reconsidered this unproductive posture and meet with me so that we can discuss our differences and find solutions to advance the development of Guyana”, Ramotar reasoned.

He said that it was the hardline approach of the opposition that forced him to move to calling Regional and General Elections ahead of 2016 when it was constitutionally due.

“I made it clear then that I remained open to dialogue with the opposition parties. It is a door that I did not nor do not intend to shut, now or ever. In light of the opposition’s sustained refusal to engage my Government in the dialogue we anticipated

and in light of the commitment I made to you, the people of Guyana, I now move towards general elections”, he announced.

The way forward

The President, who became Head of State back in 2011 with a plurality with his party wining the largest block of seats, said that as per the Constitution, until the elections are completed, his Government would continue to administer the affairs of the country.

He said that he will ensure that the international community is present to observe the elections and will leave no stone unturned in his bid to ensure that the polls are free and fair, and free from fear.

“As usual, I intend to invite international observers to be part of the elections process and I will expect the political parties, the security services, and the people of Guyana to conduct themselves in a manner that would ensure continued peace and stability before, during and after the elections”.

He reminded Guyanese that they had a collective obligation to ensure the protection of the democratic

gains while explaining that Guyana has endured a lot since gaining independence.

The President’s announcement comes on the heels of disinformation and an orchestrated campaign by the political opposition parties to mislead the regional and international community about the reasons he choose to prorogue the parliament back in November.

His announcement also nipped in the bud, the opposition’s further plans to protest the suspension of parliament and lobby the

international community with the aim of gaining more electoral, and political mileage out of the current state of affairs in Guyana. Since 2011, the opposition political parties have been unwilling to work with the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government (PPP/C)which emerged victorious at the polls despite the negative propaganda and vicious campaign waged by the opposition against key principles within its camp especially the then outgoing President Bharrat Jagdeo.

President Donald Ramotar

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

The moment has come

The expected announcement by President Donald Ramotar on Tuesday, setting May 11 as Elections Day, would have no doubt ended weeks of speculations as to when Guyanese would go to the polls following last November’s prorogation of Parliament.

Elections here are always interesting times. Apart from the lively political discourses and banter on the campaign stagesE-days in Guyana are always fraught with lurking danger.

Little wonder, President Ramotar urged in his address to the nation, that the elections process be conducted in a spirit of peace and stability. President Ramotar like anyone else would be familiar with the Opposition-inspired violence that accompanied most elections since 1992.

His appeal to the security services to conduct themselves in a professional manner is also apt at this time, given previous incidence of excesses.

On the other hand, despite the apprehension that accompanies elections season, all Guyanese must be very tired of the political brinkmanship and the daily struggles since the opening of the 10th Parliament. There must be a collective sigh of relief as the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) seeks a new mandate to continue its course of developing this nation.

It is gratifying to read Opposition Leader David Granger signalling that his coalition A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) will be looking forward to a clean campaign and called on his opponents to rise above the “petty politics” and “name calling”.

Granger must also show leadership and encourage his often enthusiastic supporters to respect the rule of law and not kick down barricades on Nomination Day at City Hall as was seen in previous elections.

The next three months will also provide the sternest test to our media operatives, whose reportage on political meetings in many ways than not influences the reaction of ordinary citizens. It is also hoped, that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) resuscitates its Media Monitoring Unit, which though not empowered to apply sanctions on errant operatives, provides well-balanced assessment of each media house, which serves as a tool and guide in our reporting.

Media houses themselves also often come under attack from some political parties and this must not happen this time around. Already, Presidential Candidate of Alliance For Change (AFC) Moses Nagamootoo has insulted one of this newspaper’s reporters at a press conference and attacked its satirical commentaries.

This type of crass behaviour must not characterise this period as it often gives licence to ill-advised party supporters to attack unsuspecting media operatives.

Following the 10th Parliament, there could be no doubt in the minds of all citizens that the upcoming election is about serious choices between three main parties which all have something to offer. President Ramotar is seeking for the second time a mandate to govern. To push through the reforms and transformational projects of his party to which his immediate predecessor, President Bharrat Jagdeo had understood and ably did.

For the past three years however, Ramotar was confronted by an Opposition that used its one-seat majority to literally stymie every major project brought to the table. If nothing else, their stance has allowed his party to become more diverse and to engage with centre-ground opinion.

Granger for his part claims to offer a new approach to his party the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R). His difficulty however, is that despite being under the APNU umbrella he is the "same old PNC".

The AFC, had started out as an “alternative” to the two larger parties, but has quickly lost its way. Buoyed by its seven seats and moderate success in Berbice at the last elections, the minority Opposition has sought to project itself as the main Opposition and in several cases was able to seize the initiative from its senior partner, and has now called for the leadership of their proposed coalition.

The election is a straight fight between the PPP/C, AFC and APNU – May 11 will decide the winner.

Practice makes perfect

Kaieteur News allows Freddie Kissoon a free reign

Dear Editors,

I am terribly disappointed (this is an understatement) at the continuation of this madness of Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon of publishing highly damaging information (and in the process, damaging people’s characters) without validating same.

I have written about this issue several times now, but Kaiteur News and Kissoon are hell bent on continuing this despicable practice.

Those who are very vocal in their daily attacks on the Government close their eyes and ears to these unwarranted attacks by Kissoon and Kaieteur News. It is a commentary on the value system of those who describe themselves as freedom fighters and human rights activists, yet remain mum on these incessant and vicious attacks.

The latest victim is the

late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud. Kissoon publishes a highly scandalous article of this former PPP/C Parliamentarian, and Persaud’s daughter Dr Vindhya Persaud responded to the malicious allegations of Kissoon.

She provided strong evidence to refute all these spurious claims by Kissoon. Again, the issue of validation comes into focus. How does Kissoon come up with his information? How credible are his sources? Does he properly investigate his sources?

Do his bosses (Adam Harris, Glenn Lall and others) ask Kissoon to validate his information before publishing? So many questions remain unanswered.

Kaieteur News is equally culpable as Kissoon in this daily character assasination. In their nonchalant attitude to Kissoon, they are aid-

ing and abetting him in his senseless campaign.

Miles Fitzpatrick at Stabroek News let Kissoon know, in no uncertain manner (when Kissoon was there) that he was responsible for all articles he ( Kissoon) publishes. When Kissoon was sued, it was not the responsibility of Stabroek News but Kissoon.

This is why Kissoon hates Fitzpatrick, but the latter was correct – if a journalist cannot substantiate his information, then he must accept the consequences, such as being sued.

Kaieteur News allows Kissoon a free reign like he is in the wild west. There are no rules, no boundaries and no limit to what Kissoon publishes. It is time Guyanese display the courage to speak up.

Kissoon must also demonstrate that he has the tes-

ticular courage to apologise for his huge indiscretions. He speaks of the many negatives in Guyana, but he sits on top of the list.

Another issue that I want to write on is this decision by GRA to settle the tax evasion charges with Lall and his relatives. Why is there one rule for the rich and the powerful and another for the poor man?

With all respect to Khurshid Sattaur, Lall should face the courts like everyone else. Lall used his paper to malign the character of Sattaur and his family for a prolonged period of time, yet he is negotiating a settlement.

I thought Lall was innocent! We are only seeing one side of the story of Guyana’s dark side!

Rakesh Singh

Declare all old production in a timely manner as prices improve

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Gold Board wishes to bring to the attention of gold producers and other holders of gold specifically, raw or unrefined gold, amalgam, slimes and scrapings containing gold and/or smelted gold that the gold market is currently at an all-time high since the beginning of September 2014.

While 2015 began with

the price of gold quoted by the London Fix at US$1,184.25, the market prices initially fluctuated within US$1,200 to US$1,220 band before showing increased volatility and pushing past that band upwards.

It should be noted that for the year so far gold price has appreciated by 7.9 percent with 4.5 percent of that

growth occurring over the week ended January 17.

The Guyana Gold Board encourages producers and other holders of gold to sell and declare the gold in their possession.

To encourage increased declaration, the Government of Guyana has approved for there to be duty free waivers for the importation of various re-

quired vehicles for gold producers. That waiver is depended on the declaration of gold by producers.

The Guyana Gold Board wishes to remind producers and traders of their legal obligation to declare their production and transactions in accordance with the Guyana Gold Board Act.

Guyana Gold Board

Students of the St Margaret’s Primary Schoo dance team diligently practise in their schoolyard the moves with which they hope to wow the judges and audiences at the Mashramani dance competition (Carl Croker photo)

Aishalton Villagers are watching this potential kidnapper

Dear Editor,

The residents of Aishalton Village are happy that you published a letter concerning a potential kidnapper who presently lives in Aishalton Village of Deep South Rupununi.

This potential kidnapper is the son of a former village leader who intends to be elected as Toshao at our village elections in April 2015. He badly wants to become Toshao of Aishalton Village.

But I am presently going around my village telling residents not to vote for him because I do not want any potential kidnapper or snatcher to become the Toshao of Aishalton Village.

Many villagers have agreed with me. This potential kidnapper indeed has done some bad things to his wife. He stole his wife’s little business money and escaped to Brazil with his own niece who was a teacher at the Potarinau Primary School.

He destroyed the career of this young Amerindian woman. Village residents claim that she may have been the victim of sexual assaults at a tender age be -

cause she was living in the matrimonial home of the potential kidnapper while growing up.

The potential kidnapper is back from Brazil, but no one knows the whereabouts of his niece since it is not known if she as well has returned to Guyana. But the potential kidnapper who is presently in Aishalton Village is planning to kidnap his three children from their mother and take them to Brazil.

The potential kidnapper is having the support of his parents who are strongly in Opposition to the PPP/C Government.

The Aishalton Villagers are watching the potential kidnapper and in the event he tries to harm his wife and children would quickly hand him over to the Aishalton Police. I do hope they read this letter if published.

The Aishalton villagers do not want any potential kidnapper or snatcher to be Aishalton’s Village Toshao.

Many thanks to Guyana Times for publishing what is taking place in the Rupununi region.

Melva Antone

Floodwaters receding, rice crop not seriously affected – Region 2 Chairman

...pump in operation at Hampton Court

Sections of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have been underwater for approximately six days, but Regional Chairman Parmanand Persaud has reassured residents that efforts are being made to drain the water off.

Persaud, during an interview, disclosed that water from villages such as Golden Fleece, Walton Hall, Devonshire Castle, Anna Regina and Reliance has receded almost five inches, adding that if the rain did not fall for the next two days, the water would drain off the land completely.

Deposits of mud are hampering the flow of wa-

ter through the sluices and channels.

President Donald Ramotar promised residents of Hampton Court, Windsor Castle, and Sparta to install a mobile pump to bring relief. Those areas were predominately affected by knee-high water and many residents, including farmers, were counting their losses. The pump is currently in operation at Hampton Court, and others are bringing some relief to residents in other areas.

Persaud commended the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) for installing the hydro flow pumps promptly in his re-

gion. He also lauded the efforts of residents in the Sparta, Walton Hall area who helped to stir the sling mud and clear the channel to get the pump in operation.

Rice crop When asked if the rice crop would be affected after being underwater for approximately six days, Persaud said it was not seriously affected. No damage to the rice crop was reported. However, the Chairman added that officers from the Guyana Rice Development Board were conducting field visits to assess the situation.

The flood-affected areas were earlier visited by President Ramotar and several other Government officials, including Agriculture Ministry Permanent Secretary George Jarvis, NDIA Chief Executive Officer Lionel Wordsworth, Guyana Rice Producers Association General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj, Junior Agriculture Minister Alli Baksh, Member of Parliament Cornel Damon, along with Regional Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo and Regional Executive Officer Sunil Singh.

Questions for the the WBCA

Dear Editor, Cricket fans in Berbice were highly amused to read a letter in another section of the press by someone who describes himself as the Marketing and Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the West Berbice Cricket Association (WBCA).

Abel Seetaram, who is only known in Berbice cricket as an organiser of fundraising T20 matches, exposes his lack of knowledge of the game in the Ancient County and worse yet, seems to have been misled, as he was not present at the Annual General Meeting and has never attended a Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) meeting.

The WBCA has destroyed cricket in that area, as its only purpose seemed to be to allow certain cricketing officials to enjoy perks at the national level. Can the Marketing Officer of this group inform us how

many cricket tournaments have the WBCA organised over the last five years at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Second Division and First Division levels?

He can also explain to us how many cricket academies, coaching clinics and other developmental programmes the WBCA organised.

The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA), which was only recently reformed after being dormant for a long time, has embarrassed the WBCA by outdoing them by organising cricket all levels and in the school, attracting countless sponsorship and hosting several developmental programmes in their areas.

I have no sympathy for the BCB, but every Berbician would readily acknowledge that the Board has done a very good job over the last decade and is regarded as

the best organised Cricket Board in Guyana.

What I do know is that the worst cricket is in West Berbice and they must take full responsibility for this. It was the BCB which had arranged special tournaments for teams in the area, including Hand-in-Hand-sponsored 40-over, the Norman Singh T20 and the Jumbo Jet twoday tournaments, as well as organised cricket clinics for the junior players.

Mr Seetaram should follow the press releases of the Board. I would also like to inform him of the following:

Chesney has full voting rights to vote at the BCB elections. Just check the BCB Constitution. Strange, that the WBCAPublic Relations Officer did not mention that both the Whim Cricket Club and the Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club only play Second Division cricket, just like Chesney.

Malcolm Peters voted on behalf of the Bermine Cricket Club and not as a Life Member. Mr Peters has been a member of that club for over 30 years.

Mt Sinai, Mental Hospital and Kildonan have played cricket at the Second Division level. Angela Haniff resides in the township where Mt Sinai is located and was chosen to represent the Club.

One is left to wonder why Mr Seetaram did not object to a retired cricket coach, who resides in the Upper Corentyne area forcing his way to vote for the Berbice River area, which is over 100 miles away from his residence.

One is left to wonder how the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) can donate cricket gear and cash to phantom cricket clubs like Kildonan.

Why haven’t the GCB officials been charged with fraud

for using its limited funds to give out over $100,000 worth of cricket gear? Another point is why was Umpire Jai Hardeo of Mt Sinai suddenly rewarded at the ripe old age of 73 years, and why was he bombarded with phone calls soon after seeking his vote for a particular candidate?

Umpire Somwaru of Chesney Cricket Club was named on the losing candidates’ list that included the President of the WBCA. How can they include the name of an official of a so called nonvoting club on their list and then turn on his club when they lose?

In closing, I would be very grateful if the Public Relations Officer of the WBCA can do the following for the cricketing public of West Berbice: 1. Provide a full list of the cricket tournaments organised by the WBCA. Please do not include fundraising T20 matches.

2. List the developmental programmes undertaken by the WBCA and say how many of the clubs in West Berbice are invited to attend and vote at the elections of the WBCA. Say if the notice was advertised and sent to all of the clubs and where was it held.

3. Say why only a selected group represented the WBCA at the BCB election.

4. Say when the WBCA would repay the BCB the large sum of funds that was borrowed several years ago.

Mr Seetaram seems to be proud of his title as Public Relations and Marketing Officer of the WBCA. Can he please inform us of his achievements in that capacity? How many tournaments has he been able to raise sponsorship for, so that West Berbice cricket can improve?

Name withheld by request

The pump in operation at Hampton Court on the Essequibo Coast

Page Foundation

Defiant child behaviour: Is your child’s bad behaviour escalating?

BY KIM ABRAHAM AND MARNEY STUDAKERCORDNER

“It started out with my daughter yelling ‘NO’ whenever she didn’t get her way when she was a toddler. Then when she got into elementary school, she started throwing things and slamming doors any time she didn’t get what she wanted. I thought it was just a phase. Over time, it got to a point where I was walking on eggshells – you never knew when she was going to have a fit because she wasn’t happy. And it kept getting worse. Now that she’s in middle school, she’s throwing things at me, cursing at us and destroying stuff in our house. It’s like being in a landslide – and she’s defying me about almost everything.”

Before you had children, you probably expected your child to misbehave at times. Acting out behaviour is nothing new, after all – you probably didn’t follow all of your parent’s rules growing up, yourself. You saw friends –and even strangers – parenting children who had tantrums in stores or restaurants and it all seemed pretty typical. Children test limits and parents respond with consequences. That’s the way life goes. It comes with the territory of having

children. What you probably didn’t expect, though, was that someday – despite your best parenting efforts – your child would not only refuse to respond to your discipline, but the behaviour would actually worsen over time.

When parenting feels like a nightmare

When a child starts exhibiting behaviour problems, parents will try anything they can think of to get a handle on the situation: Consequences for negative behaviour. Rewards for positive behaviour. Behaviour charts. Talking about the behaviour. Talking about how to change the behaviour. Ignoring the behaviour in the hope it will stop if you don’t give it attention. Talking about positive ways your child can get your attention. If we can name it, you’ve probably tried it. When a child’s behaviour continues to escalate in the face of every discipline technique you can think of, it’s terrifying. Kim Abraham has raised an oppositional-defiant child and knows the utter sadness, hurt and frustration that comes from parenting a child who fights against rules and limits. You start to question yourself, your ability to parent effectively, and what’s worse, oftentimes others

(teachers, family members, neighbours) start to point the finger of blame at you, too! Fear that you’re failing as a parent can turn to guilt, shame and desperation.

If your child’s behaviour has continued to escalate,

medical issues such as allergies (food or otherwise) that can truly impact their behaviour. Other children who are chronically defiant, constantly breaking rules or having trouble handling frustration may be experi-

becoming increasingly frustrated and simply doesn’t know how to express it. You might also find, after thinking it over, that your own reaction to your child is contributing to the intensity of his behaviour. Are you easily

quickly or over time, take heart. Here are a few tips that can help:

1. Rule out other factors

If your child’s behaviour continues to escalate despite all your best efforts, you may want to see a professional to rule out other factors. Some children have undetected

encing ADHD, Asperger’s Disorder, anxiety or depression. If any of these situations are occurring, getting your child the proper help can help him manage his emotions – and behaviour –more effectively. There are many reasons a child’s behaviour can escalate. It may be that he is

irritated by your child, and if so, how do you respond?

Dealing with a child’s negative behaviour can leave a parent feeling whipped; you may not realise the role your own behaviour is playing in the interactions. Even your tone of voice or the expression on your face can affect your child.

2. Walking away doesn’t mean you’re giving up It’s easy to get drawn into control battles with a child who argues about everything. There’s often a cycle that goes something like this: Your child wants something or experiences an intense negative emotion. You tell her “no” or set a limit. She tries to get you to change your mind. You stick to your guns. She gets more upset; her emotions and behaviour escalate. Your emotions escalate. She tries to get her way. You try to get her to understand your point of view and why the answer is “No.” Things continue to escalate to yelling, swearing or even getting physical. During a conflict, children sometimes go into “fight or flight” mode: they get upset, there’s a rush of adrenaline and they don’t know how to release that energy. The longer the conflict continues, the more their adrenaline pumps them up. Ending the argument by walking away shows your child he doesn’t have to stay in fight–or–flight mode. You can offer him suggestions on how he can get rid of that energy in a more acceptable way than yelling or throwing things. This can help keep things from hitting the point where they continue to escalate.

Remember: your child doesn’t have to understand why you’re setting a limit. In the old days, parents never spent a lot of time explaining to a child why they were setting a limit. They might give it a sentence or two, but then that–was–that. Discussion over. You never saw Pa Ingalls arguing with Laura over her chores. Why? Because he’d have said something to the effect of, “Because I said so, now get in the barn and clean up after the horses!” Then he’d have walked away! Over the years, parents have fallen into the trap of talking to our children too much. We talk about everything, and we want our children to be okay with our decisions. The fact is, sometimes they’re not going to be happy about a limit or a consequence and that’s okay. That’s part of learning and growing up and that’s life. You can validate for your child that it’s hard to accept things she doesn’t agree with, and that she may be really upset, disappointed or angry. But don’t fall into the trap of believing you need to justify yourself – or your decisions – to your child and then stand there until she’s okay with it. If you do, you may be standing there a very long time – ripe for getting further drawn into the power struggle! (Empowering Parents)

Political parties in agreement for Public vetting of E-day staff

– but GECOM non-committal

By Gomatie GanGadin

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is yet to agree on a proposal for public vetting of elections day staff, although most of the political parties said they will give support to such an initiative.

The idea was first floated by the People’s progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) during recent meeting with GECOM. However, in a statement on Tuesday the electoral body said at a meeting with the PPP/C on Monday the request was repeated its request for the commission to publish the names of persons to be employed by the Commission to work for the upcoming elections. “The Commission gave no indication that it would respond positively to this request,” the statement said.

However, Guyana Times contacted some of the political likely to contest the elections and they all threw their support behind the initiative. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), The United Force (TUF) and the United Republican Party (URP) all responded favourably. Reached for a comment on the matter, Member of Parliament for the A Partnership for National Unity, Basil Williams told the Guyana Times that as far as his party was concerned, they will welcome this move as long as it does not interfere with the independence of the Guyana Elections Commission.

“This will reveal any information about the staff that needs to be known so I think that is a good move and we would welcome it but at the same time we need to ensure that the Guyana Elections Commission remains independent and is not influenced by any party. GECOM is supposed to be independent and there should be no interference on its independence… I hope that while performing its duty, it does not become subjective to anyone. Once its independence is guaranteed and there is no inference on its independence, we support the call”, Williams said.

He however noted that if such a decision is taken, then the Commission must ensure that proper measures are put in place to ensure that the information which may be brought forth by the public is thoroughly investigated and not taken as gospel.

“Measures and systems must be put in place so that when a person comes forward with certain information, it can be determined

whether it is true of false. They need to provide substantial evidence to support whatever claims they are likely to make because there is a thin line between facts and slander and this can lead to libel and so on…so all claims must be thoroughly investigated”, he added.

General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee on Monday told a news conference that the party’s leaders want the public vetting exercise to be done since the staff will be involved in a matter of national importance and one which has far reaching effects. He disclosed that the public vetting will involve the publishing of the pictures and names of the per-

sons and members from the public who may have contentious information about the person can come forward and make those to the relevant personnel.

2011 Presidential Candidate for The United Force (TUF), Marissa Nadir, related that her party will also welcome the exercise if it is implemented since her party is interested in knowing whether there is any GECOM staff who has public political affiliations. “We support a public vetting of elections day staff. It is a good move. Persons involved in the elections process are supposed to be neutral so a public vetting on the staff will provide any information which may contradict this. We want any public political affiliation of any staff to be made known. We have no reservations about supporting this move”, Nadir expressed.

Adding voice to the call was the leader of the United Republican Party (URP), Vishnu Bandhu, who told the Guyana Times that his party too, has no qualms or issues with the call made by the ruling party.

“I think it will be a very good move if they can do this. Election is a very important matter; it is a matter of national importance and it would be fair to all concerned if this is done. The United Republican Party is in support of this call. We welcome it”, Bandhu said.

US-Caribbean energy confab More PetroCaribe debt buyouts high on agenda

By Jomo Paul

Battling a high inflation rate of up to around 63 per cent and steep budget deficits, Venezuela is in desperate need for cash. A major US-Caribbean meeting on oil and renewable energy next week in Washington will discuss the possibility of US financial firms buying out some additional debts owed by Caribbean countries to Caracas under the Petrocaribe deal. Already under this arrangement the investment bank, Goldman Sachs Group Inc, has paid off US$1.7B to Venezuela state oil companyPetroleos de Venezuela SA in exchange for the cancellation of about US$4 billion of debt owed by the Dominican Republic. According to reports, under the proposal, the Dominican Republic would issue bonds at 11per cent interest rates that would be held by Goldman Sachs in exchange for the debt it liquidated with Caracas. In this way, the DR will have saved 59per cent on its repayment schedule.

United States Charge d Affaires to Guyana Bryan Hunte in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times on Tuesday revealed that the possibility exists that US investors may be looking to buy out PetroCaribe debts as was done with the Dominican Republic as explained above. Petrocaribe is an oil initiative of several Caribbean states with Venezuela to pur-

chase oil from the latter on conditions of deferred payment. Under the programme, Venezuela supplies a total of around 200,000 barrels of crude and refined oil products to member countries. Around half of this goes to its close ally Cuba, which has separate bilateral arrangements with Caracas.

The Dominican Republic, one of the main beneficiaries of Venezuela´s PetroCaribe regional oil supply program, has accumulated debt of about US$7bn plus over US$4bn of PetroCaribe debt, totalling US$11bn or roughly 200pc of the country´s GDP. By selling the US$4bn in obligations to Goldman Sachs, the Dominican Republic improves its overall debt profile and brings down yields on its total bond debt, lowering interest costs, reports state.

Observers have noted that investment giants from the US will possibly be willing buy off all of Petro-Caribe debts, including that of Guyana’s from the Nicolas Maduro led government. However, this newspaper was unable to secure a comment from Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who is heading a Guyana delegation to the US meeting on the issue. The US investment bank is also reportedly holding conversations about doing the same for Jamaica’s Petrocaribe debts.

Along with Nicaragua, these two countries account for $10bn of the total $14.5bn owed to Venezuela under the 13-country program that, in the past, has bought Caracas valuable support in fora such as the United Nations and the Organisation of American States.

Member of Parliament for APNU Basil Williams

United States Charge d Affaires to Guyana Bryan Hunte

East Ruimveldt man remanded for robbery under arms, attempted robbery

Deon Clark of Lot 164 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown was refused bail after being arraigned on a robbery under arms and an attempted robbery charges.

He appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, on Tuesday.

His first charge alleged that on January 6, between Middle and Carmichael Streets, Georgetown, being together with others and armed with a knife, he robbed Lakeram Rooplall of his cellphone, wallet and $5000 cash which amounted to a total of $31,200.

The other offence read that on the same day at the same location, being together with others and armed with a knife, he attempted to rob Delroy Griffith.

The court heard that on the day in question, at around 12:30h, Rooplall

and Griffith (who are unknown to each other) were in the Promenade Gardens when it was alleged that Clark and others whom were all armed with knives went to Rooplall. It was heard that Clark placed the knife to his neck and relieved him of the articles mentioned in the charge while the others attempted to relieve Griffith of his belongings.

Public spirited citizens who became aware of the commotion came and assisted the men. The Police was alerted but the perpetrators made good their escape before they could have arrived.

The matter was reported to the Brickdam Police Station. Acting on information received, the defendant was arrested and an Identification Parade was carried out and one of the complainants in the matter was positively identified.

However, Clark, who pleaded guilty to both charges, begun to explain himself in court by saying that he was indeed at the gardens but did not rob anyone. He explained that he was under a tree smoking when he noticed two men jumping the fence and begun attacking the men. He denied hav-

ing a knife and placing it to anyone’s neck.

Bail was refused after Police Prosecutor Michael Grant cited the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence, the penalty that the charges attract and that the defendant was convicted for a similar offence but under the name of Wendell Austin.

Clark denied this allegation. He told the court that he has a baby and his partner at home and pleaded for leniency, asking that the court accept his guilty plea. However, the Chief Magistrate told him that she cannot accept the guilty plea due to his explanation.

The matter will be heard again on February 13.

Technician granted bail on fraud charge

Leon Davidson, age 32 of Lot 3906 Well Road, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown was granted $75,000 bail after being arraigned on a charge of obtaining money by false pretense.

The defendant who is a technician attached to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Davidson denied the allegation which read that on July 15, 2014 at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he obtained the sum of $200,000 from Mohamed Khan, by falsely pretending that he was in a position to sell motor car PHH 4941, knowing same to be false.

No facts were presented to the court by Police Prosecutor Michael Grant. The Prosecutor did not object to bail. The case will be called again on February 13.

Eyew tness

Revisionists...

...on Burnham

One of the reasons we’re in such a deep political deadlock is the refusal of some folks to accept that their leaders may’ve made mistakes...and then move on. As far as this Eyewitness is concerned, the only person who doesn’t make mistakes is the Big Guy “up there”.

But then, some of these leaders act as if they’re God and their “followers” (there’s no other word for it) go along with the conceit.

One of these leaders was Burnham...and the 1300word letter (dissertation??) in yesterday’s Opposition papers by Aubrey Norton, defending his Kabaka’s ignominious record on relations with Venezuela, proves the point. What’re the facts - now in the public realm courtesy of the declassified documents from the US once-secret files?

First and foremost is that from the moment the Americans prodded the Venezuelans to create a “controversy” at the UN on our hitherto sacrosanct border - in February 1962, Burnham was in on the dastardly plan. After all, that was just a fallback option to have over Jagan in case the British caved in and gave independence to Guyana under Cheddi Jagan. The main option was to have Burnham and D’Aguiar’s supporters torch the City of Georgetown to force the British’s hand.

Burnham explicitly aided and abetted this betrayal. Macmillan duly gave in to JFK later at Burch Grove and it was only a matter of time (and a few hundred murders) that Burnham would be ensconced into office.

But in his obscene drive to seize power, Burnham had helped create a tiger he couldn’t control. The Venezuelans weren’t gonna back off from their ridiculous claims over Essequibo. And the Americans never really trusted Burnham - who “opportunistically tacked and turned”.

They wanted to keep their “Sword of a Venezuelan Invasion” over his head also. Burnham, of course, compounded his betrayal when he fell into the Venezuelan trap by agreeing at Geneva that there was a “controversy” on our border. What a dope!!

On Burnham’s rejection of the Cuban backing of MIR’s actions in Venezuela...wasn’t the “enemy of our enemy, our friend”?? Wouldn’t MIR’s success have pinned down Venezuelan troops that were later deployed at our borders and helped to take over our portion of Ankoko?? Yes, unlike Norton’s pathetic defence, Burnham should’ve been ashamed of his denouncing on MIR. But there was one man who stood tall - Dr Jagan?

He, unlike Burnham had an overriding sense of nationalism that transcended the rivalry with the cad and bounder - and stood shoulder to shoulder with him to promise “not a blade of grass”!!

Like all humans, Jagan wasn’t infallible - but by golly, he never betrayed Guyana!

...on MLK, et al

Yesterday was Martin Luther King Day in the US...but the great man was remembered further afield. A follower of the apostle of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi, King was cut down by a hater.

But even before his assassination, the FBI tried to destroy him by bugging his phones and revealing that King had several extramarital affairs. They even wrote him a letter threatening to “out” him and suggesting suicide. MLK’s great rival in strategy to end racism in the US - Malcolm X - who believed in “the ballot or the bullet” - was also assassinated and also derided. Long after his assassination one scholar even published a book suggesting that he was homosexual - as another scholar did on Gandhi. It’s excused as “revisionist history”.

Now we’re all for “setting the record straight”. But what’s the point? No one’s perfect. So, coming closer home, what’s the point about regurgitating ad nauseum that a famous (deceased) pandit possibly had an extramarital affair??

Is the good interred with his bones??

...Goolsarran

That wanker Goolsarran resigned his TI post and ran abroad because he was called out for refusing to denounce the “Glenn Lall re-migrant scam”. Well that story’s now out in the open. Is he returning since elections are around the corner??

Deon Clark

Leon Davidson

Guyana to attend Major USCaribbean energy summit

Guyana will participate in the first ever Caribbean Energy Security Summit in Washington, DC on January 26, 2015 which is to be hosted by Vice President Biden. Guyana will be represented by Prime Minister Hinds, Minister with responsibility for Energy and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud. The U.S Vice President will meet with a delegation of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and representatives of the international community to promote a cleaner and more sustainable energy future in the Caribbean through greater access to finance, and donor coordination. The Summit will include remarks by the Vice President, an energy security roundtable with heads of government, and meetings and events with government officials, representatives from the private sector, and officials from multilateral institutions.

According to GINA the Summit is a key component of the Caribbean Energy Security Initiative that the Vice President announced in June 2014, during a visit to Trinidad and Tobago, and will be hosted by the White House and the State

Department in partnership with the Atlantic Council and the Council of the Americas.

The Caribbean Energy Security Summit will attempt to diversify energy sources for Caribbean countries. In a Fact Sheet published on June 19, last year, Biden's office identified energy security as a "major challenge" for the Caribbean. The "Promoting Energy Security in the Caribbean" report claimed that, "the region is largely dependent on relatively high-cost imported fuel and electricity. Small isolated economies and unattractive investment poli-

cies discourage investment necessary to build sustainable energy systems. The high cost of energy diverts resources away from economic development, reduces competitiveness, and renders the energy sectors of Caribbean nations vulnerable to supply shocks."

VP Biden claimed that energy support for the Caribbean is possible, recognising a "one-size-fits-all" solution may not be appropriate for all countries in the region. Guyana eagerly welcomes additional support. The Caribbean Delegation will include: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM. There is also slated to be a meeting with Caribbean Heads of Government for a discussion on climate change, a critically important issue to the US and the Caribbean. Topics will include climate change finance, adaptation, and how countries can work together this year to achieve a new global agreement on climate change in Paris.

Canada-based Guyanese wins global business award

Canada-based Guyanese

Narine Dat Sookram has been named Customer Service Director of the Year by the International Council of Customer Service Organisations (ICCSO) International Service Excellence Awards.

Now in its seventh year, the International Service Excellence Awards are the premier awards for customer service, designed to reward outstanding achievement by both organisations and individuals. The Awards, which are managed by Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA), receive nominations from around the globe highlighting commitment to customer service excellence.

ICCSO Vice President, CSIA Executive Director Christine Churchill believes that the 2014 award submissions truly embody the essence of what customer-focused organisations are all about. Being exceptional at customer experience delivery is no longer an option if companies wish to remain successful, it is a necessity. It is much more challenging to pull away from the pack and go beyond simply ‘good’ service. The 2014 International Service Excellence Award winners demonstrate ways to serve their customers that are relevant today.

Sookram, the Customer Service Director of Active Vision Charity Association and a Guyana Times columnist, was among six persons who won individual

Narine Dat Sookram

awards. Winners in other categories included: Cheapoair, Microsoft Dynamics Global Operations Team, Wells Fargo Treasury Management Client Delivery, and DHL Express South Africa. The judging criteria were based on the rigorous International Customer Service Standard (ICSS) – a comprehensive and practical framework to assist organisations in delivering consistently high levels of service.

Sookram knows the importance of listening to customers/ clients’ concerns, but, most importantly, he understands the importance of coming up with solutions and doing follow ups. This is because he came from a business background, both academically and professionally. As a business owner, he ran many successful businesses/ projects over the years.

Satisfy customer needs

The community activist

understands that only when customers become the first priority can businesses increase profits and draw more support. He knows that every business will be sure to flourish when the primary motivation is to satisfy customer needs. He does this by earning the trust of every customer/client and treating everyone fairly.

“One of the biggest mistakes with business owners is that the focus is on money only. We need to be very cautious of this, because if our motivation is only about money with no regard to how customers are treated, it is more likely that customers will walk away from us, because all businesses are competitive these days leaving customers with lots of choices,” Sookram noted.

The thing that sets Sookram apart from other leaders is that he has intimate knowledge of his inner emotional state and his strengths and weaknesses; hence, he is able to direct himself very powerfully. He also knows how to get things, which is very important in today’s world – generating the necessary energy and thinking outside of the box. Sookram is a leader who knows how to make decisions quickly, but he can also slow down to accommodate others.

“Winning the International Service Excellence Award is a testimony of hard work and dedication. It is certainly not an overnight success,” he stressed.

Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds

Sale of counterfeit products remains a major problem

The influx of substandard and counterfeit products in Guyana remains a major problem, as it affects not only consumers but commercial entities that are selling legitimate products.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) is now joining organisations such as the Government AnalystFood and Drug Department and the World Health Organisation (WHO), in the call to end the sale of these substandard products.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, PSC President Ramesh Persaud said businesses should guard against the importation of substandard and counterfeit products.

He said too that wholesalers and retailers should carefully scrutinise their goods to ensure that they are correctly labelled, genuine and of high standards, before selling. “They have a responsibility to ensure their goods are of high standard,” Persaud said.

Persaud also opined that better monitoring is need-

ed to safeguard consumers. However, he said the Food and Drug Department and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) require additional resources to effectively execute their mandate to prevent the influx of these questionable products.

When contacted, GNBS Public Relations Officer (PRO) Lloyd David told this publication that the bureau lacks the capacity to monitor all goods thus the establish-

ment of agencies such as the Food and Drug Department. He explained that GNBS monitors 20 products to ensure they comply with the relevant regulations. However, he said that consumers need to inspect products that are on sale before purchasing.

There are serious health implications linked to the sale and use of expired, substandard and counterfeit drugs, medical devices and cosmetics. These implications can result in death, the WHO said.

Though she was not placed on death’s bed, one consumer told this publication that she was battling with a skin infection after using a “Dove” branded soap.

After using the soap for a day, the woman said a number of black spots appeared on her skin. As a result, she immediately stopped using it.

Upon closer inspection, the consumer noticed little differences in the packaging when compared to the “Dove” soap she had used

before.

A Victoria Primary School teacher also complained of a similar occurrence with a shampoo she had purchased from a shore along America Street, Georgetown. The teacher explained that she started experiencing severe hair loss after using the shampoo.

Last year, ANSA McAL Trading Limited experienced a drop in sales due to the presence of counterfeit products in the local market.

By mid-year, the Trinidadian conglomerate had experienced a 15% drop in sales for Proctor and Gamble products primarily Head and Shoulders, Pantene and Olay, due to the circulation of counterfeit goods.

Counterfeit products often remain with importers longer than recommended and after becoming aged and expire, these products with questionable ingredients are sold to unsuspecting customers at a heavily discounted price.

Suspected cellphone thief remanded to prison

Toralva Scipio was remanded to prison after being arraigned on a robbery under arms charge.

The unrepresented defendant appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, on Tuesday. It was heard that on January 18, at Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, being armed with a knife, he robbed

Saleema Mohammad of a BlackBerry cellphone valued $80,000. He denied the charge.

The facts read that on the day in question around 19:15h, Mohammad was at a Chinese Restaurant in Kitty to purchase food when Scipio came and ordered food. Mohammad was sitting at a table when Scipio approached her and asked her for money, a request she refused. He then drew the knife

from his waist and held it to her neck demanding her cellphone, which he took. The matter was reported to the Police. Scipio was arrested and searched. The item was found on his person. Further investigations were carried out and the defendant was brought before the court.

Police Prosecutor

Michael Grant objected to bail, citing the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence, the penalty of the charge, and the fact that he has pending matters in the court.

Scipio was remanded to prison until February 13.

Big brains

Satiricus always knew he was no brainiac. And in case he forgot, his friends were always there to remind him. So Satiricus, not surprisingly, is in awe of those fellas and felines (see???) who could whip off the answers to brain twisters like, “What’s the capital of Kazakstan? Or why’s Miley Cyrus such a bitch?”

This fella Rambo Gaspin was one of Satiricus’ heroes in the brains department. The fella had once been a big one. He had run the electricity company...that’s right.

“That he had run it into the ground is neither here nor there,” thought Satiricus. People were so picky!! What was the important thing was that Rambo Gaspin had an answer to every question - and then some.

“Take this prorogation business,” said Satiricus to his buddy Cappo the cane cutter. “Rambo says we must come out into the streets to make sure Prezzie ends it.” The rains just wouldn’t stop so that Satiricus was forced by his high sense of loyalty to keep Cappo’s company at the back street bar.

“Budday!! You bettah ask Rambo something,” retorted Cappo, “When dem bin a gat Parliament, ah wha dem Opposition people bin do??”

“Cappo, you always wrong-sided,” said Satiricus hotly. “I ain’t talking about that. Rambo talking about the principle of the thing.”

“Principle me arse!!” Shouted Cappo, who’d already downed ten Banks. He’d heard D’Aguiar’s profits were dropping.” Every time dey don’t sit in Parliament, is $1.7 million we saving in food alone!! Demn MPs can eat, boy!! When dey sit dey does eat!!”

“OK, Cappo” said Satiricus with a shrug, “I get your point. But all Rambo saying is that Prezzie can’t rule without Parliament. And that if the people march in the streets, Prezzie got to come to scratches.”

“Really?? How dey gon do da??” asked Cappo sceptically.

“Boy, Rambo already figure that out,” replied Satiricus. “He said that once Pressie stop the prorogation, two-thirds of the Parliament can vote his ass out! Article 106 Section 7, boy!! That man too smart!!”

“Really??” said Cappo once again. “And where de Opposition gon get two-thirds, when dey only gat only one seat more than Prezzie party??”

Satiricus scratched his head, and was silent.

“But why de Opposition need two-thirds if Pressie call back parliament?” concluded Cappo with a smirk.

“Dey could just kick out Prezzie wid dem No-Confidence Motion!”

“Bai Cappo,” Satiricus said smiling, “Look like the cane didn’t soften you brain. Rambo should take some lessons from you!”

PSC President Ramesh Persaud

Toralva Scipio

WEDNESDay, jaNuary 21, 2015| guyaNatimESgy.com

In spite of its challenges in 2014, Food For The Poor (FFTP) Guyana Incorporated constructed 94 houses under its continuing housing programme and undertook other Community Development Projects.

Fifty-eight of the homes were constructed under the White Water and Akawini Community Development Projects while the remaining 36 were done under the General Housing Programme. The homes were constructed in Sophia, Greater Georgetown; Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast; White Water and Akawini, Region One (Pomeroon-Supenaam); and on the East Bank and East Coast of Demerara.

Several projects have gone over to the new year, including the construction of a wooden community centre at Bara Cara Village, Bara Cara River, Berbice. When completed, the building will be the first of its kind in the community and will facilitate public meetings and skill training activities among other things.

The White Water Village has also benefited from the construction of a community centre. Both centres will be equipped with solar panels, computers and sewing machines.

Another project that was a major success for FFTP was the Rural Solar Electrification Project which saw the distribution of 220 household solar panel kits to families who lack access to the national electricity grid.

The School Feeding and Angel of Hope Programmes were also highlight of 2014, and the Enterprise, East La Penitence and Mashabo Primary Schools benefitted.

A hot nutritious lunch, inclusive of a glass of fruit juice and a slice of fruit, constituted the meals. Care packages (hampers) consisting of food supplies, clothing and toiletries were also distributed to the children and families.

Food supplies, clothing, cleaning materials, toiletries and other items were distributed to the homes monthly throughout the year. During the Christmas season, the children enjoyed Christmas parties, concerts and a retreat at the Princess Hotel. The programme caters for 248 children.

Critical kitchen and other appliances such as gas stoves, irons, freezers and washing machines were also donated to the homes.

Agricultural programme

boras, tomatoes and cabbages being cultivated. Some of the produce was utilised by the home while the excess was sold.

A Practical Agricultural Centre was also launched in New Amsterdam, Berbice. Tilapia rearing and shade house cultivation are components of the centre. This project is being done in collaboration with the All Saints Presbyterian Developmental Centre.

During the year, the FFTP also continued to support the New Haven Siriki Association, New Haven, Siriki Village, Pomeroon River which is involved in small-scale logging and agro processing and cultivation of cash crops. A New Holland tractor was recently donated to the association to boost their logging operation.

The Non-Governmental Organisation continued to donate to the health sector throughout 2014. Most local hospitals and health centres were the recipients of FFTP’S benevolence. Donated items included aspirators, birthing beds, gurneys, hospital beds and over-the-counter items to mention a few.

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Education Officer Bharamdai Seepersaud has disclosed that the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School which is closed owing to flooding will remain shuttered for the rest of the week.

Seepersaud said a visit was made to the school located at Cotton Field on Tuesday and water was still seen around the environs. The Education Officer added that the water, which was knee-high in the dormitory kitchen, was receding. She

noted that the cleaning of the compound and the dormitory will commence today and school will resume on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Education Officer said that Mashramani activities will continue in the Region at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground on Wednesday. Region Two’s Mash activities were officially scheduled to kick

94 homes among projects undertaken by FFTP in 2014 Anna Regina Multilateral to remain closed until next week Investigation underway into close call at JFK Airport

During 2014, rehabilitation works were done to the White Water Primary School, which saw the upgrading of the school floor, construction of a library and the repainting of the building.

Work is ongoing on the construction of a new school building for the students of Kairuni Nursery School, Kairuni Village, SoesdykeLinden Highway. The building is scheduled to be completed in February.

As 2014 progressed, the Guyana Prison Service; Women in Creek Side Agriculture Group; the Mashabo, Capoey and Tapakuma villages; and Bath Referendum Farmers Group were beneficiaries of garden tools, water pumps, tillers and common tools such as machetes, forks, and hoes.

Under a self-sustainability programme, a fruit and vegetable project was established at Save ‘R’ Kids Children’s Home which saw

During the month of November, the FFTP supported the Health Ministry’s fight against Ebola by donating a quantity of gowns, pillows, blankets, drapes, towels, linens, sheets, sanitisers and wipes among others.

Meanwhile, in order to serve the country effectively, the FFTP continues to solicit the support of the business community and individuals for financial assistance. With increased support from the business community, more communities and less fortunate individuals can benefit.

CCJ dismisses academic appeal

BY JOANNE FLEMMING: NORMAN MANLEY LAW SCHOOL

The overriding need to preserve and protect the diverse ecosystems situated within the Bladen Branch Nature Reserve in Belize, fuelled the Ya’Axchè Conservation Trust’s call for the Court to re-examine the decision of the Court of Appeal of Belize. The Court of Appeal held that the Administrator under the National Parks Systems Act could issue a permit to the Belize Hydroelectrical Development and Management Company Limited to conduct hydroelectric studies within the reserve. Ya’Axchè Conservation Trust therefore contended that the Court of Appeal wrongly interpreted the powers of the Administrator since the object of the Act was to protect the natural reserve and preserve its undisturbed state.

The Ya’Axchè Conservation Trust how-

ever faced an obstacle of whether by the time the case is presented before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) there would be any existing issue for the Court to determine. The matter concerning the validity of the annual permit would by then only be in theory, because the permit would have been exhausted and there would be no dispute to be resolved.

The CCJ was therefore invited to analyse the circumstances in which academic appeals could be heard. The Court noted that although there is no rule barring a matter where there is no live issue to be heard, it must still exercise caution in its discretion to entertain such appeals. It was therefore held that the Conservation Trust presented a compelling case which raised issues in public law. The Court also reasoned that it was in the public interest to hear such an appeal for it involved the Administrator’s approval of conduct of activities consid-

ered forbidden within a natural reserve.

The Conservation Trust was however unsuccessful in persuading the CCJ that there was an arguable case justifying a grant of special leave to appeal. The CCJ agreed with the Court of Appeal that the grant of the permit was lawful for the power afforded to the Administrator under the Act was sensitive to the need to protect the natural reserve. Unconvinced that a different conclusion to the Court of Appeal would occur if the appeal was granted, the CCJ refused the application for special leave.

This summary is intended to assist the Caribbean public in learning more about the work of the CCJ. It is not a formal document of the Court. The judgment of the Court is the only authoritative document and may be found at http://www.caribbeancourtofjustice.org/wp-content/ uploads/2014/08/2014-CCJ14-AJ.pdf

off on Monday; however, the inclement weather caused them to be postponed to today. First up are the Children’s Dramatic and Calypso Competitions. Students from all nursery, primary and secondary schools in the Region are expected to flock the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground for the activities.

An investigation is currently underway into the near collision between JetBlue Flight 1295 and Caribbean Airlines Flight 526 at the John F Kennedy Airport in New York.

Flight 526, which had just arrived from Guyana, rolled across the runway as the JetBlue plane neared take-off speeds. Fortunately, the JetBlue pilots saw the other plane crossing in the night and slammed on their brakes.

According to ABC Eyewitness News, the JetBlue plane had been given clearance and headed full throttle down JFK’s runway, while the Caribbean Airlines flight had been instructed by Air Traffic Control to hold short, that is, stop before crossing the active runway.

The pilot, who is now suspended, along with his

co-pilot, pending the completion of the probe (see story on 14), never answered, because according to Eyewitness News, he was on the wrong frequency and never heard tower instructions to stop, nor repeated calls from the tower.

“It’s about as bad as it can get without having two planes collide,” said former commercial airline pilot Bob Ober.

Ober spent decades as an airline pilot and flew in and out of JFK hundreds of times.

“In just a matter of two to three seconds, that plane would have been at a speed where it could not have stopped,” Ober added.

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said the planes never came within 2800 feet of each other, which is not that much space when one plane is going 130 miles per hour.

“We were headed full steam down the runway, and the plane came to a screeching stop,” said passenger Brandon Card.

“When they said a collision was inevitable if pilot hadn’t braked, I said ‘WHAT?!’” adds passenger Krista Hollis.

Eyewitness News has learnt that JFK was scheduled to get a new runway lighting system that would help prevent, through flashing red lights, exactly this kind of close call. Red inpavement lights illuminate when it is not safe to enter or cross the runway.

The FAA says construction on the project has begun.

“Ninety percent of these things can be eliminated with technology,” Ober said, “you spend the money and do it right, there’s no reason for a delay in doing this.” (abcnews)

The Caribbean Airlines plane

The compound of the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School

Region Two Education Officer Bharamdai Seepersaud

UG union threatens strike over 60% wage hike demand

University of Guyana (UG) Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi said the council is currently working towards reaching the demands of the University of Guyana’s Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the UG Workers’ Union (UGWU).

During an emergency meeting on Monday, staff members publicly demanded, among other things, a 60 per cent increase in salary from the University. They threatened that if this is not finalised before the end of February, strike action will take effect.

But Dr Opadeyi said he could not promise that increase until he and other council members rationalise the amount that could be given.

“We are working on the negotiation and so far we are calculating our own sources of fund and once we know how much we can offer the union”, Opadeyi told Guyana Times on Tuesday. This announcement could be expected within the next four weeks, the Vice Chancellor relayed.

Staff members claimed

that the University is in perfect shape to move in this direction since the country’s premier tertiary institution was able to rake in close to $275 million from the increased tuition fees.

At the start of the semester beginning in September 2014, students, particularly those from the social sciences, were required to pay the newly imposed tuition fee which sprung from $127,000 to close to $200,000 annually.

During an earlier interview with Guyana Times, Opadeyi said the increase in tuition fees was being pursued, to, among other things, increase the salaries of staff members.

His comments had come on the heels of the Opposition’s move to slash funds allocated to the University through the budget early last year. Dr Opadeyi had said that the then situation was making it impossible for the institution to hire and retain staff members and meet other overhead costs.

He had said too that the institution’s income – including its subvention –

Abandoned children attending school under CCPA’s care – parents if found can face prosecution

Three of the children found abandoned in their rat infested home in Guyhoc Park, Tucville have resumed school under the watch of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA). The children, aged 12, eight, four and one, were rescued by CCPA on January 6.

Understanding the importance of education, CCPA Director Ann Greene said a decision was taken to have the three older children recommence school.

The 12-year-old girl is attending a secondary school while her eight-year-old sister is attending a primary school. Even as the toddler remains in the care of a safe house, her four-year-old brother is benefiting from the services of a day care centre.

Even as the children remain in the care of CCPA, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is continuing its quest to locate their parents. Once found, charges will be laid against them on the grounds of abandonment. Only last Tuesday, Greene stated quite emphatically that neglect is one of

the major issues affecting children in Guyana. She had pointed out that cases of neglect and abandonment have been growing steadily over the years.

In most cases, parents are charged, jailed or fined for such behaviour; however, recognising the importance of family, they are also given a chance to have custody of their children. However, Greene pointed out that the stability of parents is first verified before custody is given.

UG Vice Chancellor Dr Jacob Opadeyi

could not meet its expenditure, thus stifling its ability to grow and improve its facilities.

Staff members contended that they are yet to see this promise materialise.

The heated meeting between staff members, including UGSSA Vice Chairman, Dr Melissa Ifill and former President, Dr Pat Francis, was held days after talks between the two representative bodies and the University’s administration fell through.

Ifill related that the unions have been holding consultations with the administration for years; however, they have not been much success.

Apart from the 60 per cent salary increase, staff members have also been clamouring for a 200 per cent increase in their travelling allowance, and a better

medical scheme, increases in allowances for books and other materials, duty-free concessions, and yearly research grants.

Concerns were also mounted over the “imposed” workload policy, a system through which teaching staff must adhere. Asked about this, Opadeyi said there have been some misconceptions.

“They have some concerns about the process that was used. And they believe that the policy has been approved, it has not been approved. It was presented to council for information, following that we are going to have consultations with all stakeholders and after that, we will make the necessary changes and then present

it”, Opadeyi told this publication.

Staff members have also claimed that the Vice Chancellor has absolutely no respect for his staff members. They claim too that he is involved in too many things.

They are concerned too about the state of affairs of the University, especially since there is no Pro Chancellor. The University has been without a Pro Chancellor for some eight months now, following the resignation of Dr Prem Misir in May of last year.

Opadeyi said while he has no clue who the new Pro Chancellor will be, the University will have a new Chancellor in two month’s time.

CCPA Director Ann Greene

Regional

63 million adolescents out of school Caribbean Airlines suspends pilots pending investigation

Around 63 million adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 years are denied their right to an education, according to a new joint report from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and UNICEF, released on Monday during the Education World Forum.

The report, titled ‘Fixing the Broken Promise of Education for All: Findings from the Global Initiative on Out-of-School Children’, states that globally, one in five adolescents is not in school compared to almost one in 10 primary schoolage children. So, adolescents are twice as likely to be out of school as their younger counterparts. The report also shows that as children get older, the risk that they will never start school or will drop out increases.

In total, 121 million children and adolescents have either never started school or dropped out despite the international com-

munity’s promise to achieve Education for All by 2015. Data show that there has been almost no progress in reducing this number since 2007. Children living in conflict, child labourers and those facing discrimination based on ethnicity, gender and disability are the most affected. There is also a growing concern that previ-

ous gains in expanding access to education will erode without a major shift in policies and resources.

“Business as usual strategies based on more teachers, more classrooms and more textbooks are not enough to reach the most disadvantaged children,” said UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova. “We need targeted

interventions to reach the families displaced by conflict, the girls forced to stay home, the children with disabilities and the millions obliged to work. But these policies come at a cost. This report serves as wake-up call to mobilise the resources needed to guarantee basic education for every child, once and for all.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

into JetBlue near collision

Safety inspectors from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA) are due to hold discussions with Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control (ATC) officials on Tuesday following the near collision involving the Trinidad-based Caribbean Airlines (CAL) and a fully loaded Jetblue plane at the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.

TTCAA Director Ramesh Lutchmedial also confirmed that the two CAL pilots had been taken off flying duties, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“Caribbean Airlines Ltd is fully cooperating with the investigators,” Lutchmedial said in a statement. On Monday, CAL said it was “working with industry authorities” into the incident

that occurred last Saturday.

The United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has started its own probe and in a statement posted on its website, CAL said it is committed to the safety and security of all passengers.

“We are concerned to hear of an alleged incident highlighted on internet news sites regarding JetBlue 1295, and BW flight 526 on Saturday night (January 17) at JFK airport, New York.

“Caribbean Airlines takes allegations of this type very seriously, and is committed to working with the industry authorities to investigate all the facts. We are in the process of investigating and compiling the facts surrounding this allegation in cooperation with all regulatory agencies.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Argentine prosecutor Alberto Nisman’s death sparks protests Jamaican to head US Defence Intelligence Agency

Thousands of Argentines took to the streets in protest on Monday following the death of prosecutor Alberto Nisman. Nisman was found shot dead in his apartment in Buenos Aires on Sunday.

He had been investigating the 1994 bombing of a

Jewish centre in Buenos Aires in which 85 people died. Officials said there was no evidence that anyone else was involved in his death, but demonstrators shouted “No more lies!” and demanded a thorough investigation.

Nisman’s body was discovered just hours before

he was due to give evidence to a congressional committee outlining his accusations against Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

He had accused the President and Foreign Minister Hector Timerman of involvement in a plot to cover up Iran’s alleged role in the 1994 attack on the seven-storey Amia community centre.

The Government has dismissed the allegations as ridiculous. Investigating Prosecutor Viviana Fein said that a preliminary autopsy suggested there was “no intervention” by others in Nisman’s death.

Nisman’s body was found by his mother and one of his bodyguards in the bathroom of his apartment in Buenos Aires.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Caricom Secretariat to host statistics workshop in St Vincent

In its continuing quest to train personnel and boost the profile of statistics in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the Caricom Secretariat will host a training workshop on merchandise trade statistics in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Statisticians from across the region will gather in Kingstown from January 26- February 5, for the workshop that is funded by the under the Tenth European Development Fund (EDF), CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Economic Integration Programme.

The sessions target persons in charge of data processing, data dissemination, and data analysis of merchandise trade statistics.

Core objectives of the workshop are: enabling harmonisation of the technical assistance in place across member states on the Eurotrace software by status updates; sharing good practices on the use of Eurotrace in trade data processing and its maintenance; and training in the trade dissemination and trade indices modules of the Eurotrace software and presenting and

identifying best practices for quality improvement of merchandise trade statistics.

Among the main topics that will be covered during the workshop are: The maintenance of the data processing system; Eurotrace domain – Conversion to SQL Server; Web Comext –Installation and management; Mirror Statistics; and IMTS (International Merchandise Trade Statistics) recommendations. The method of training will consist of a mix of lecture sequences, peer learning and practical sessions. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

United States Marine Corps Major General Vincent R Stewart will assume duties as the 20th Director of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JFCCISR) on Friday, the DIA has announced on its website.

Major General Stewart, a Jamaican who attended Kingston College and who entered the Marine Corps in 1981, will take up his new post after a 10:00h ceremony scheduled for at DIA Headquarters, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC.

“The US Senate confirmed his promotion to Lieutenant General December 11, 2014, and he will receive his third star

just prior to assuming duties as DIA Director and JFCCISR Commander,” the DIA news release said.

Major General Stewart, the DIA added, served most recently as commander, Marine Forces Cyber Command. Prior to that assignment, he served as Director of Intelligence at the US Marine Corps head-

No DNA match

quarters in Washington, DC.

“Stewart is the first Marine Corps officer and the first black officer to take office as the DIA Director. As the full-time DIA Director, Stewart succeeds US Army Lieutenant General Michael T Flynn, who left the DIA in August 2014, and subsequently retired. The agency has since been led by Acting Director David Shedd,” the DIA stated.

The DIA provides military intelligence to warfighters, defence policymakers and force planners in the Department of Defence and the intelligence community, in support of US military planning and operations and weapon systems acquisition.

The agency also plans, manages, and executes intelligence operations during peacetime, crisis, and war. (Jamaica Observer)

of charred remains for most missing Mexico students — lab

An Austrian laboratory has been unable to match incinerated remains found in a dump with the DNA of dozens of trainee teachers Mexico’s Government says were abducted and massacred in South West Mexico, the Attorney General’s Office said on Tuesday.

The 43 students went missing on September 26, 2014 in Iguala, a city in the poor South-western state of Guerrero. The Government says the students were abducted by corrupt Police working for a local drug car-

tel, which it said incinerated their bodies at a nearby garbage dump.

So far, experts have identified the remains of just one of the group. The brazen attack sent shockwaves through Mexico, where more than 100,000 people have died in drug-related violence since 2007, highlighting the mix of impunity, corruption and drug gangs that has blighted Latin America’s number two economy.

It also sparked President Enrique Pena Nieto’s worst crisis, forcing him to admit he hadn’t paid enough atten-

tion to security as he focused on driving through economic reforms.

The Innsbruck Medical University’s forensics institute told the Mexican Government the rest of the available remains were so badly burned it was impossible to take a usable DNA sample.

Nonetheless, the institute, in a letter, offered to use a new technique, known as massive parallel sequencing, to test the bone fragments in the hope of eventually identifying a match.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Boys hitch a ride on a truck in this file photo. According to the report, adolescents are twice as likely to be out of school as their younger counterparts

Major General Vincent R Stewart

Argentines held up placards reading “We’re all Nisman, will you kill us all?” at a protest in Buenos Aires

AirAsia flight QZ8501 “climbed too fast”

The AirAsia flight that crashed in the Java Sea, killing 162 people, climbed too fast before stalling, Indonesia’s Transport Minister has said.

Ignasius Jonan told a parliamentary hearing in Jakarta that Flight QZ8501 had ascended at a speed of 6000 feet (1828 metres) per minute.

No passenger or fighter jet would attempt to climb so fast, he said.

There were no survivors when the plane crashed on December 28, en route from Surabaya to Singapore. The Airbus A320-200 is thought to have encountered difficulties from an approaching storm.

Only 53 bodies have been retrieved so far from the crash area, where debris was scattered across the sea.

Investigators examining the tail of AirAsia flight QZ8501

Citing radar data, Jonan said: “The plane, during the last minutes, went up faster than normal speed... then it stalled.”

“I think it is rare even for a fighter jet to be able to climb 6000ft per minute,” he told a House of Representatives commission.

“The average speed of a commercial aircraft is probably between 1000 and 2000ft per minute because the aircraft is not designed to soar so fast.”

A source familiar with the investigation’s initial findings told Reuters news agency last month that radar data appeared to show

flight QZ8501 had made an “unbelievably” steep climb before it crashed, possibly pushing the jet beyond its limits.

When planes stall, their engines do not cut out but the wings no longer generate lift because there is not enough air passing over them, BBC transport correspondent Richard Westcott says.

This normally happens when the nose is pointing upwards for too long during a climb. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pope Francis: No need to breed

Pope Francis is firmly upholding church teaching banning contraception, but said that Catholics do not have to breed “like rabbits” and should instead practise “responsible parenting”.

Speaking to reporters en route home from the Philippines, Francis said on Monday there are plenty of church-approved ways to regulate births. But he said most importantly, no outside institution should impose its views on regulating family size, blasting what he called the “ideological colonisation” of the developing world.

“Every people deserves

“like rabbits”

to conserve its identity without being ideologically colonised,” Francis said.

On the trip, Francis gave his strongest defence yet of the 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae, which enshrined the church’s opposition to artificial birth control. He warned against “insidious attacks” against the family – a reference to gay marriage proposals –echoing language often used by overwhelmingly conservative US bishops. And he insisted that “openness to life is a condition of the sacrament of matrimony”.

At the same time, however, he said it was not true that to be a good Catholic

“you have to be like rabbits”. On the contrary, he said “responsible parenthood” requires that couples regulate the births of their children, as church teaching allows. He cited the case of a woman he met who was pregnant with her eighth child after seven Caesarean sections.

“That is an irresponsibility!” he said. The woman might argue that she should trust in God. “But God gives you methods to be responsible,” he said.

He said there are many “licit” ways of regulating births that are approved by the church. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

India’s tiger population sees 30% increase

India says it now has almost a third more tigers than it did four years ago.

Presenting the findings of the latest tiger census, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said the tiger population had risen from 1706 in 2011 to 2226 in 2014. He said a number of Government initiatives to streamline tiger conservation were behind the increase.

India is estimated to be home to around 70 per cent of the world’s tigers.

Javadekar described the results of the census as a “huge success story”.

“Never before has such an exercise been taken on such a massive scale where we

have unique photographs of 80 per cent of India’s tigers,” he told journalists in Delhi.

“While the tiger population is falling in the world, it is rising in India. This is great news,” he added.

Tiger conservation practices that had proved successful in India could be adopted elsewhere, he suggested.

He also said India was

Around the World

LRA leader Dominic Ongwen on way to Hague court

Top Ugandan rebel commander Dominic Ongwen is being flown to The Hague to stand trial on war crimes charges.

Ongwen, a feared commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), was taken into US custody in the Central African Republic (CAR) earlier this month.

Uganda agreed that he should be tried by the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite being a fierce critic of The Haguebased court.

US and African forces had been searching for Ongwen since 2011. He is said to be the deputy to LRA Commander Joseph Kony, who is still on the run.

The ICC said in a statement that Ongwen would be held in a detention centre in the Netherlands until his trial.

“His flight took off around 1700 GMT and he should arrive tomorrow morning,” ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah told AFP news agency.

Ongwen would undergo a medical visit upon his arrival and a date would soon be set for his first court appearance, the statement added.

The US is not a signatory to the Rome Statute that set up the ICC, but it facilitated his transfer to the ICC.

It offered a US$5 million reward in 2013 for information leading to Ongwen’s arrest. He is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including enslavement. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Zambians vote in tight presidential election

Polling stations have opened in Zambia’s tightly contested presidential vote amid accusations of intimidation from the main Opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema.

The two frontrunners are the ruling Patriotic Front’s Edgar Lungu, and Hichilema, candidate of the United Party for National Development.

A close contest is expected, with the Patriotic Front having experienced infighting after the death of President Michael Sata three years into his fiveyear term.

Zambia has had five presidents since its independence from Britain in 1964.

Two have died in office.

The winner of the election will serve the remaining 19 months of Sata’s term. Al Jazeera’s Haru Mutasa, reporting from a polling station in the capital, Lusaka, said voting appeared to be going well.

“Lines are getting longer and longer,” she said. “People are saying they want someone younger, someone who won’t die in office. They also want someone who will deal with unemployment, education and infrastructure issues.

“But most of all they hope whoever loses the election accepts the result.”

Opposition candidate

Hichilema has promised change and investor-friendly policies that he says will create jobs.

The Ruling Patriotic Front is promising continuity, to improve roads, facilities, and education and to create jobs.

Both parties say they want to improve the lives of poor Zambians in Africa’s second biggest copper producer.

However, they disagree over the tax on mining companies introduced by the ruling party in January.

The Patriotic Front says that the mining companies make too much money and can expect more taxes.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ukraine forces come under attack from Russian troops – Kiev military

Uwilling to donate tiger cubs to the international community and play a key role in global tiger conservation.

Wildlife campaigners had been expressing concerns over dwindling numbers of tigers for some time.

The Times of India says that as recently as 2008, census figures showed a tiger population of just 1411. (BBC News)

krainian army units came under attack from Russian regular forces in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday and heavy fighting was taking place, a Ukrainian military spokesman said.

“In spite of preliminary agreements, Ukrainian military units were attacked in the north of the anti-terrorist operational zone by regular military formations of the armed forces of Russia,” the spokesman, Andriy Lysenko, said.

“Heavy fighting is con-

tinuing near the (Ukrainian army) checkpoints 29 and 31,” he said, pinpointing an area near the town of Slovyanoserbsk, northwest of Luhansk.

“Ukrainian forces have stopped the advance of Russian troops ... The situation in the conflict zone is serious, but under our control,” Lysenko said at a news briefing.

Three more battalion tactical groups of Russian motorised infantry had been tracked inside Russia heading towards the Ukrainian

border, as well as an artillery division, he said. Lysenko’s announcement at a specially called news briefing was one of the boldest assertions yet by Ukraine of direct Russian military involvement in the nine-month conflict between pro-Russian separatists and Government forces.

Despite what the West and Kiev says is incontrovertible proof, Moscow has continued to deny that any of its regular forces are deployed in Ukraine. (Reuters)

Lungu’s Patriotic Front has been damaged by infighting, but says it is confident of winning the election (AFP)

India said it was willing to donate tiger cubs to the international community to help conservation efforts

wednesday, january 21, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Police Force called on to stop East Coast drag racing Bridge to Suriname a priority for UNASUR – Secretary General

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett on Tuesday said the Corentyne River Bridge project was a priority for the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and its newly appointed Secretary General Dr Ernesto Samper Pizano, who paid a one-day visit to Guyana.

The Minister was at the time speaking at a press briefing along with Dr Samper. She pointed out that among the items on the list of priorities of the Secretary General were seven infrastructural projects, two of which are important for Guyana. These are the Brazil-GuyanaSuriname link project which includes the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge and another project that links Venezuela-GuyanaSuriname.

feel that in advancing the UNASUR infrastructure agenda, it would be better in most cases to do it together. So, for example, Suriname has approached the Chinese Government on the Corentyne Bridge. That project is one of the priori-

out integration of the South American Continent was important to UNASUR and they were working on three agendas, including an economic agenda that focuses on improving areas such as infrastructure, technology, and education.

She outlined that UNASUR was assisting member countries to focus on their responsibilities for the projects, which would be funded by the Chinese Government.

“The UNASUR Secretariat and the Secretary General, in particular, has a coordinating role in that because we

ties listed by the Secretary General, so UNASUR will also be giving both Guyana and Suriname in terms of moving that forward,” the Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted.

Integration important

Speaking to the local media during the Tuesday press briefing, the UNASUR Secretary General pointed

“We brought a proposal for a multilateral project for infrastructure for the region,” the UNASUR Secretary General noted. He showcased a map of the continent on which where the seven projects were identified. He explained that South America’s infrastructure is developed vertically, that is, from South to North and vice versa. “We’re

trying to connect by ocean – the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans – in a parallel way,” he added, noting that these projects were very important for the South American region.

The other two agendas are: focusing on the social sector and improving the process of democratisation. During his visit, the Secretary General paid a visit to President Donald Ramotar with Minister Rodrigues-Birkett.

He said that he had discussions with President Ramotar on the peace protest ongoing in Colombia, stressing that peace was a key matter on the agenda of UNASUR.

Additionally, the Secretary General mentioned that he has also discussed with Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, how to improve mobility of UNASUR citizens in South America. Dr Samper underscored that UNASUR was committed to working with all member countries and the 400 million citizens of UNASUR to improve mobility in the region. Talks to this effect were held with Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, he mentioned.

Dr Samper, a former President of Colombia, was appointed to his new post in August last year and commenced a tour of the UNASUR Member States. His visit to Guyana wrapped up the tour.

Guyanese citizens, particularly those living along sections of the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) are calling on the Guyana Police Force to address an issue that is beginning to take footing in the area.

Reports reaching Guyana Times reveal that a group of young men would use a section of the East Coast Highway, between Le Resouvenir and Conversation Tree to engage in a dangerous game of drag racing in the early hours of the Sunday mornings and holidays. This practice draws a massive crowd and while the names of some prominent business persons have been called as the organisers, they have all denied these allegations.

The dangerous practice is reportedly carried on, although there is a Police station at Sparendaam.

Residents in the area continue to complain and have called on the Police Force to address the practice, which caused the death of a teenager late last year.

Nineteen-year-old Christopher Baichan lost his life in a freak accident in November last year what was suspected to be a drag racing exercise.

The son of a prominent auto spares dealer was named as one of the masterminds behind the activity. But when contacted on Tuesday, the young man denied having any knowledge of such occurrences, noting that he became aware of it via the Internet. He even warned that whoever becomes involved in the practice is treading on dangerous ground.

Residents along the stretch of East Coast that is used for this type of racing said they have made several complaints to the Police, adding that the activity has also become a noise nuisance.

Police unaware

However, when contacted by this publication on Tuesday, both former Traffic Chief Denhert and Commander of C Division Christopher Griffith said they are not aware of any such activities.

Denhert said while the complaints lodged by residents would go to the traffic department, they would come a very long time after the completion of the race which he said would usually last for just a few minutes. He denied ever receiving an official report.

Commander Griffith told this publication that he had no comment on the matter and was unaware of the allegation.

Meanwhile proprietor of the RK’s Security Service Roshan Khan, who lives in close proximity, has also joined in the condemnation of the ongoing practice, advising that the persons involved, whom he claimed are “people with money”, should instead use that money to assist the poor.

He said it is totally disrespectful that the exercise is being carried on right under the nose of the Police.

He said it is even more disrespectful, since the races are carried out in a highly residential area.

“I am shocked that the Ministries of Tourism and Transportation and the Police allow these things to happen. I am even surprised that the Police are not aware of this”, Khan told Guyana Times in a telephone interview on Tuesday. He said it was “most unfortunate” that people who seem to have money would go to such lengths to “waste money and burn tires”, simply because they have time on their hands.

While he called on the persons engaged to desist from the practice, he has also urged the Police Force to charge those caught and place them before the courts.

Red Thread calls for increased use of rape kits in Guyana

Rape is downplayed as assault in some cases due to lack of evidence, Red Thread representative Sherlina Nageer contended during an interview with Guyana Times.

According to Nageer, the issue can be remedied with the use of rape kits; however, only one hospital in Guyana has those kits.

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, rape kits are known as Sexual Assault Evidence Collection (SAEC) kit, Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kit, Sexual Offence Evidence Collection (SOEC) kit, and Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK), depending on

where they are used. They are generally evidential kits that not only consist of tools used during examinations but storage packets that ensure the longevity of evidence found.

Approximately a year ago, Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran had instructed the Regional Health Director, Dr Elisabeth Bachan and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud to provide each public hospital with rape kits, however, these supplies can only be found within the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). When contacted, Dr Bachan told Guyana Times that a number of rape kits have been

able to give an update.

Nageer said this comes has no surprise, explaining that the Health Ministry and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been tight lipped on their acquisition of rape kits for public hospitals.

Nageer said in other developing and developed countries, rape kits are used by health institutions and police stations when attending to rape victims, to ensure that all evidence of sexual abuse are efficiently collected and recorded.

Once this has been done the relevant authorities then analyse the collected evidence to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused, ensuring justice is ef-

fectively administered. The Red Thread representative stated that these kits are appreciated even more when one considers cases that were dropped due to the lack of evidence. Nageer emphasised that this trend can be broken in Guyana with the increase use of rape kits. Women and Gender Equality Commission Chairperson Indra Chadrapal had also pointed out that the use of rape kits is provided for in the Laws of Guyana to ensure that justice is served. She said the commission has been lobbying for the widespread use of rape kits in Guyana.

A map outlining some of the projects to be undertaken in South America by UNASUR

UNASUR Secretary General, Dr Ernesto Samper Pizano with Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett at the press briefing on Tuesday

Stable political climate crucial

...to sustain economic growth – Banks DIH Chairman

By Devina Samaroo

Citizens Bank

Chairman Clifford Reis on Tuesday called on political parties to work to find solutions for this country, noting that Guyana’s economy is dependent on the existence of an enabling environment that is socio-economic friendly and politically stable.

Reis made the remarks while addressing shareholders at the Bank’s Annual General Meeting held at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street. He said parliamentary representatives must to work together to bring about the necessary changes that are needed to boost Guyana’s economy. Reis’ comments come on the same day when President Donald Ramotar announced that citizens would go to the polls one year earlier following persistent political gridlock which forced him to suspend Parliament late last year.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh had also recently accused the Parliamentary Opposition of continuously working to stymie development in Guyana, noting that the economy could have seen much more growth if it had not been for their “schemes.”

At the Banks’ AGM, Reis disclosed that the local economy expected to experience growth during the remainder of 2014 and onwards and is projected to grow by 4.5 per cent in fiscal year 2014 and by 3.8 per cent in 2015. He noted that the agricultural, manufacturing and service sectors

are expected to continue as the main contributors to the growth in 2015.

“The agricultural sector is expected to benefit from the improved output from the major sub-sectors and services will continue to expand through increase performances in the construction, and other sub-sectors, including communication and financial services respectively,” Reis who is also Chairman of the Banks DIH, of which Citizens Bank is a subsidiary said.

Rebound

He told the gathering that global economies are expected to rebound in 2015 with a projected growth of 3.8 per cent and will be driven by the advanced economies. He said the United States would have to play a critical role in this as well as the emerging markets. According to the Bank’s Chairman the advanced economies are pro-

jected to grow by 2.3 per cent with the United States growing by 3.1 per cent on account of an accommodative monetary policy, favourable financial conditions, strengthen household balance sheet and a healthier housing market. As it relates to emerging economies, growth is expected to be 5 per cent and supported by stronger domestic demand as well as a recovery in external demand associated with faster growth in advanced economies.

Turning his attention to the local financial sector, Reis stated that the challenges are characterised by declining rates, relatively limited lending and invest-

ing opportunities and a reduction in credit quality. He said to improve this it will require initiatives that focus on areas that will ensure sustainable performances. The Bank also vowed to take proactive measures to manage their loans, investment portfolios and expenses. “Our key priorities include robust risk management, improved operational efficiencies and enhanced corporate governance all of which are key to the attainment of sustainable results.”

Increased revenues Citizens Bank Guyana Inc has recorded an increase in its revenues for 2014,

however its profit after tax saw a reduction when compared the amount from the previous year. According to Reis, the Bank’s revenue increased by seven per cent or $207.0 million; that is, from $3.010 billion in 2013 to $3.217 billion last year. These figures were disclosed in his recent annual report presentation.

“Profit after tax was $989.1 million compared to $1.004 billion in 2013,” the Chairman said, of the 51 per cent owned subsidiary of the Banks DIH. Meanwhile, the Bank’s total assets have increased from $40.7 billion to $42.1 billion, reflecting a three per cent increase of $1.4 billion. The Chairman

went on to say in the report that the Bank’s loan assets have increased by 22 per cent over the previous year from $23.7 billion to $28.9 billion. On the other hand, the records show that customers’ deposits declined from $34.2 billion to $33.2 billion by $1.0 billion. Additionally, earnings per share are now $16.63 while net interest income reflects an increase from $2.15 billion in 2013 to $2.37 billion in 2014. In the report, the Chairman remarked that the 2014 financial year was a challenging one but prudent decision-making, along with strict financial controls has yielded an “acceptable” result.

Paris-based call centre to open doors in May

By Gomatie GanGaDin

Teleperformance, a global customer service-oriented company based in Paris, France is making its way into the Guyanese market and is expected to open its doors in early May.

This investment which comes at a time when Guyana is battling to reduce its unemployment rate, will be creating some 2,500 much needed jobs opportunities for young Guyanese.

The company’s operations will be housed in the six-storied building currently undergoing finishing touches at the junction of Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown and is owned by Fazwan Khan, Proprietor of the Discount Store on Regent Street.

Pfeiffer, though declining to give a definite figure of how much has been invested into the venture, did indicate that the sum was a substantial one and will be released when the launch is done in Guyana.

He confirmed to the Guyana Times that the award -winning company will be creating and providing some 2,500 jobs to the young Guyanese with positions ranging from Executives down to Customer Service agents in the areas of customer service, technical support, call center and social media, while giving a brief overview of the company.

“We are the worldwide leader in multichannel customer experience. We’ve been providing superior customer care services for leading companies throughout the world since 1978, with expertise in many markets and verticals.

"We work with people and for people to bring passion and excellence to our businesses like our own busi-

Speaking to Guyana Times on Monday, Mark Pfeiffer, the Executive Vice President of the Global Management Team at Teleperformance, related that the company will officially launch its Guyana operations in Paris, France next week, followed by a launch and commencement of operations in Guyana in about 90 days time or early May.

ness”, he said.

When construction of the building began last year a prominent sign was erected just outside, stating that it would house a food court. However, a close source told this publication that that idea was scrapped after the company contacted the build-

ing’s owner and expressed its interest in renting it for the purpose of housing its operations here. This, he said, proved to be a much more profitable venture and the necessary works began.

Meanwhile, Guyanese have welcomed the news

with enthusiasm noting that the investment will curb the high level of unemployment which currently exists in the country.

Speaking to the Guyana Times during a visit to the site on Monday, one young man related that he is elated at the announcement since he knows many individuals who are currently unemployed and are looking for employment opportunities with no success.

"We all know that right now, people are not finding jobs in Guyana. It is very hard. I know of many people who are home right now, out of a job but they are qualified to work. So I think this is very good news. I welcome it and I know they will welcome it as well," the young man stated.

The location of the building however, has raised several eyebrows since there are no known parking facilities at the moment and many believe that the building is likely to add to severe traffic congestion in the area which is widely known as a shopping hub. Teleperformance is a

global company, worldwide leader in multichannel customer experience. Founded in 1978 by Daniel Julien, the company currently specialises in customer service, technical support, call center, debt collection and social media.

The company operates about 135,000 computerised workstations, with more than 175,000 employees across 270 contact centers in 62 countries.

The company conducts programmes in more than 63 different languages and dialects for a wide variety of global companies in various industries.

The company is known to have operations in the United Kingdom, Albania, Brazil, Chile, India, Philippines, China, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Nigeria, Norway, Italy, Portugal, the USA, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Australia and Netherlands as well as Egypt, Russia, Sweden and Germany. The company has copped several awards over the years including Best Employer Award.

A section of the audience at Citizens Bank AGM on Tuesday

The six-story building which will house the Teleperformance Call Centre

Citizens Bank Chairman Clifford Reis

18

Run-up to Elections 2015:

Successful development plans to continue

...but Govt warns of Opposition "fear mongering" and "agitation"

he Donald Ramotar

TAdministration says over the next four months Guyanese will continue to benefit from its ongoing socio-economic developmental programmes and initiatives, which are aimed at positively transforming their lives. This was as the rebuffed Opposition warned unconvincingly that there would be a massive misuse of state resources and funds in the lead-up to the May 11, 2015 Regional and General Elections.

The incumbent administration has also noted, with grave concern, the development of a culture which has seen the Opposition political parties demonstrating higher levels of “agitation” and “intolerance” for those sections of society, which publicly have supported the decisions taken by the Government.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of an early elections date by the President, but said already within the camps of the political Opposition parties, some were creating

mischief by seeking to deliberately mislead Guyanese about the possible state of affairs in the country over the next few months.

He said that despite the President’s announcement, the Cabinet will remain in place and Government will continue to function according to the Articles outlined and stipulated in the Constitution of the country.

“Government continues in office until it is voted out of office. It will continue to perform all of the normal services…..”, he reminded as he referred to the principle of continuity in the

Guyanese nabbed with cocaine in flour, rice at CJIA

A31-year-old

Guyanese was on Tuesday afternoon nabbed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) attempting to traffic 12.5 kilograms of cocaine to the United States of America.

The cocaine, which was concealed in packets of flour and rice, was discovered by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) who were on duty. According to information received, the passenger who was about to board a Dynamic Airways flight to the John F Kennedy International Airport, New York was busted as his luggage was scanned.

The CANU ranks reportedly became suspicious when they saw that the young man was taking rice and flour to the United States which is a rare occurrence.

The passenger was questioned about the items,

and he admitted that they were his and were for personal consumption, but when the ranks ripped open the packets, the whitish substance suspected to be cocaine was discovered.

The passenger was cautioned, told of the offence, and escorted to the CANU headquarters where the illegal substance was extracted and weighed.

He is being interrogated by the ranks, but is expected to make his first court appearance as soon as today.

Only recently, a Guyanese woman was nabbed at the Ogle International Airport with 1.1kg of cocaine as she was about to board a LIAT Flight to Barbados.

The cocaine was stashed in the false walls of her suitcase. Again, the bust was made by CANU ranks. She was subsequently charged and pleaded guilty, after which she was jailed by a magistrate.

Constitution which stipulates the status quo even in an elections year.

He said over the next four months, the Government would have the facility of accessing one-twelfth of the 2014 budget monthly until a new Appropriation Bill is passed in Parliament. He promised that there would be no misappropriation of funds or state resources under the watch of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Campaign financing

He strongly dispelled any notion that monies from the state’s coffers would flow into any coffer of the PPP/C to prepare it for elections.

“The fears and apprehensions that are being expressed are completely without foundation. They are baseless and whimsical,” he said during the interview.

He boasted that since the PPP/C came to power in 1992, there has been no financial “misbehaviour”, reminding that the opposition has so far failed to provide any tangible evidence of this especially during the last

elections.

“I will never be able to allay the concocted and fabricated fears and figments which exist within the minds of the Opposition leaders and if you are asking me to do that, you are asking me to do an impossibility. If they find any evidence (during this election) they should bring it to the nation’s attention,” he said passionately.

Nandlall believes that Guyanese can expect the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to take this line over the next few months to gain political mileage and paint the Government in an unfavourable light.

Intolerance

“These are the very persons whom … are unprepared to support legislation to regulate campaign financing. And they may be guilty of financial manoeuvrings which cannot withstand the test of scrutiny and proper analysis. And that is why they are expressing aversion to campaign financing,” he declared.

The Attorney General reasoned that the Opposition’s intent was to set the platform for an atmosphere of tension, confusion, and chaos which could translate into violence if people get the impression that the Government was misusing funds for political purposes and was undermining democracy.

He made it clear that the Government has also noted the recent posture of leaders within the AFC and APNU which could be summed up as “intolerant” of dissenting views which support the ideology or work of the PPP/C Government.

Nandlall wasted no time in condemning APNU’s recent criticisms and attacks on the Private Sector, Caricom, civil society organisations, and others who have spoken out against the Opposition’s politics of mayhem and destruction.

“In recent times, there has been a high degree of intolerance by the Opposition leaders in their public statements and sentiments. There has developed, in recent times, over the last few

months, a belief, a feeling, an atmosphere, an attitude, and a proclivity that seem to suggest that only one set of people can express their views and the Government is not amongst those few,” he explained.

The Legal Affairs Minister outlined the level of bitterness and vengeance with which the Opposition attacked any views not supportive of its own, saying this was a dangerous trend that lead to the rejection of elections results, violence, and chaos.

“I believe that thirst for power, the hunger for power and the little taste of power that they enjoyed in the Parliament has an intoxicating effect and that is why you are seeing these .... responses”.

“We have a peculiar and political history where some of the very people who are vying for the next Government are the very people who denied the people of this country free and fear elections, instilled fear in them, killed people at elections time in their efforts to steal the people’s vote,” Nandlall declared.

Digicel Mash fitness programme kicks off with a bang

By Royden James S

cores of persons turned up at the Guyana Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Bourda on Monday evening to be part of the 2015 edition of the Digicel Mashramani fitness programme as the mobile company started the countdown to the February 23 celebration.

Digicel Communications Manager Vidya Sanachara, speaking to the Guyana Times at the event, noted that this was the beginning of the Mashramani preparations.

Apart from getting into the Mash vibes, she noted, persons look forward to the Mash fitness programme each year since it gives them the opportunity to lose weight and stay fit.

“This is the fifth Mash fit programme that Digicel is having; this is actually the start of our preparation.

Mash fitness is something everybody looks forward to at the beginning of the year. For some, it is their resolution to lose weight and this is a perfect opportunity. So getting fit for Mash is what we push and this year it is a little different, we are not just going through different exercise moves and getting you fit for Mash and things like that; we are having a full-fledged meal plan,

putting participants

where persons will have their nutritional guides and things like that to get Guyanese ready for this particular time of the year because Mash with Digicel is always big,” Sanachara explained.

Mash Band

When asked about the Digicel Mash Band, Sanachara said that she would not let too much out of the bag but Guyanese

the

should expect a lot from them this year.

“We are not going to let the cats out of the bag just yet, but we get something grand in store and Guyanese should look out for the Digicel Mash band, because it will be unique, it will also be something different from previous years’.

As you know, every year Digicel comes new, but this year we went out of the box and that is what should be

expected of us. We are the bigger, better network and we will be bigger and better this year in the road parade,” she noted.

She said some of the persons participating in the fitness programme would be selected to be a part of the Mash Band, while others would walk away with a new and improved body.

They are being trained by Guyanese Soca sensation and fitness trainer Vanilla.

17-year-old Guyanese commits suicide in Suriname

A17-year-old Guyanese committed suicide in Suriname on Tuesday.

Dead is Rayham Persaud formerly of Pomeroon and the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

According to a relative who lives on the Essequibo Coast, she received a message from a family member in Suriname, stating that her nephew commit suicide.

Persaud was discovered hanging from the lower flat of a rented house in Suriname. His relatives in Guyana expressed shock at the news of his death.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

Vanilla

of

Digicel Mashramani fitness programme through their paces

Deonarine joins squad in South Africa

By Rajiv Bisnauth

West Indian middle-order bats-

man Narsingh

Deonarine arrived in South Africa, joining the rest of the Windies squad for the current One-Day International (ODI) series.

This was confirmed to Guyana Times Sport on Tuesday evening by West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Corporate Communication Officer Phillip Spooner.

“Narsingh is in South Africa with the team and is enjoying his training and participating in all team activities,” Spooner indicated via email.

The Guyanese lefthanded batsman had replaced his injured countryman Assad Fudadin in the West Indies Test squad, but a United Kingdom in-transit visa issue had delayed the 31-year-old joining the squad. West Indies lost that series 2-0.

Further, Deonarine missed the first two ODIs. However, he will be available for the final three games. The third will be played today, while the final two games are scheduled for January 25 and 28.

However, it is still unclear if Deonarine has been granted the UK in-transit visa or he travelled through the US, since he is a Green

Card holder.

Deonarine had submitted his relevant documents to the British High Commission Office of Immigration here on December 22 to be processed. He was told then that his passport should have been returned here in 15 working days.

This publication understands that more stringent procedures for screening persons for a UK in-transit visa were put in place since the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

“Persons from Guyana … have a different process to go through to get their UK in-transit visa to travel to England; there is a

new process and each application has to go through a more stringent process of screening,” a WICB spokesman had told Guyana Times Sport on January 9.

Asked why Deonarine’s application was taking longer to be processed, the WICB official said he was not in a position to give any details then.

Fudadin, also a lefthander, fractured a finger during warm-ups on the opening day of the first Test at Centurion. He was forced to undergo surgery that same day. Ironically, Fudadin was a replacement for Darren Bravo, who pulled out of the tour for personal reasons.

Finn, Anderson run through India

It was here in the nets at the Gabba a year and four days ago that Steven Finn couldn’t land the ball on the strip. He was fatigued and down on confidence. He was offered an ear-

et with a maiden five-for that ripped apart India’s batting order after they had recovered from a shaky start. Finn’s charge turned 1 for 57 into 5 for 67, and 5 for 137 into 153, their lowest all-out

SCOREBOARD

India innings (50 overs maximum)

AM Rahane c Taylor b Finn 33

S Dhawan c †Buttler

b Anderson 1

AT Rayudu c †Buttler b Finn 23

V Kohli c †Buttler b Finn 4

SK Raina st †Buttler b Ali 1

MS Dhoni*† c †Buttler b Finn 34

STR Binny c Morgan

b Anderson 44

AR Patel b Finn 0

B Kumar b Anderson 5 Mohammed Shami c Ali

b Anderson 1

UT Yadav not out 0

Extras: (lb 3, w 3, nb 1) 7

Total: (all out; 39.3 overs) 153

Fall of wickets 1-1 (Dhawan, 2.1 ov), 2-57 (Rahane, 14.3 ov), 3-64 (Kohli, 16.4 ov), 4-65 (Raina, 17.2 ov), 5-67 (Rayudu, 18.6 ov), 6-137 (Dhoni, 36.1 ov), 7-137 (Patel, 36.2 ov), 8-143 (Kumar, 37.2 ov), 9-153

ly leave from what was a trying tour of Australia. He took the offer. In the match that followed, an England attack lacking a tall bowler helplessly saw James Faulkner pull of a heist with No. 11 for company.

A year and three days later, Finn announced his comeback to top-flight crick-

(Binny, 39.2 ov), 10-153 (Mohammed Shami, 39.3 ov)

Bowling: JM Anderson

8.3-2-18-4, CR Woakes

7-0-35-0, SCJ Broad

7-0-33-0

ST Finn 8-0-33-5, MM Ali 9-031-1

England innings (target: 154 runs from 50 overs)

IR Bell not out 88

MM Ali c Kohli b Binny 8 JWA Taylor not out 56

Extras: (w 3, nb 1) 4

Total: (1 wicket; 27.3 overs) 156 Did not batJE Root, EJG Morgan*, RS Bopara, JC Buttler†, CR Woakes, SCJ Broad, JM Anderson, ST Finn

Fall of wickets 1-25 (Ali, 2.6 ov)

Bowling: STR Binny 7-0-34-1, B Kumar 2-0-18-0, UT Yadav

6-0-42-0, Mohammed Shami

4-0-23-0, AR Patel 7.3-032-0, SK Raina 1-0-7-0

score against England. That after India had decided to bat on a hard Gabba surface only to be undone by the extra bounce on the pitch. Ian Bell helped England chase the target down in 27.3 overs, claiming the crucial bonus point and a big net run rate boost.

India had to contend with

inauspicious news just before the match. Their centurion from the MCG ODI, Rohit Sharma, had to pull out with a sore hamstring, which meant Ajnikya Rahane was required to fill in as opener again. It is, however, the other opener that has been India’s problem on this tour. Against a rejuvenated and accurate James Anderson, who was returning from injury himself, Shikhar Dhawan stood no chance. It only seemed a matter of time that Anderson would get one right and Dhawan would nick off. It happened the first time Anderson bowled to Dhawan. By the time Anderson finished the over in which Dhawan got out, his figures read 2-2-0-1.

Rahane and Ambati Rayudu - the replacement for Rohit - batted edgily but stayed together for 12 overs, adding 56 runs. They had seen off the threat of Anderson and scored well against Stuart Broad, who didn’t seem to be at his most intense. There were no easy runs on offer, though. The two had to repeatedly leave their crease to try to put the England bowlers off their lengths, but they succeeded too infrequently. When Rahane tried to do the same to Finn, the ball got too big, and the inevitable top edge appeared.

Virat Kohli, who for some reason has given up the No. 3 slot despite having been the best ODI No. 3 in the world, soon edged to the keeper,

playing a nothing dab despite the presence of a slip. Finn’s extra bounce again did the trick. Kohli’s movement deep into the crease just before Finn had delivered hinted at desperation, at how difficult scoring runs had been.

Suresh Raina, who scored a half-century in Melbourne to rescue India, provided a reminder of how difficult India had found Moeen Ali in the English summer, walking past an offbreak. The movement out of the crease again came too early. Soon Rayudu, too, failed to handle Finn’s bounce as he looked to run one down to third man.

India had lost four wickets in the space of 27 deliveries, but MS Dhoni and Stuart Binny - playing in the place of R Ashwin - stalled the momentum with a 70run partnership. Binny ended up with the top score of 44. Yet when India called for

the Powerplay one over before the mandatory 36th over, they were staring at Finn and Anderson again. With the field coming in, the singles dried up, and Finn conceded just the one run in the 35th over. Anderson dropped a return offering from Dhoni first ball into his second spell but, conceding just a single, he ensured the pressure was on. Finn came back to clean Dhoni up with a bouncer that was gloved to the keeper. Next ball he moved round the wicket to burst through the defence of Akshar Patel, who now has two ducks in two innings in Australia. Bhuvneshwar Kumar avoided the hat-trick, but couldn’t save the top of his off stump from Anderson in the next over. Two good catches - by Eoin Morgan running back from mid-off and by Moeen circling under a swirling ball at the edge of the midwicket boundary - ended the Indian

innings in a hurry. India’s innings ended so early England got six overs to bat before the supper break. It was time enough for Bell to get off to a fluent start even as Moeen fell to a slower ball from Binny, who opened the innings. The rest of the innings was all about Bell stylishly knocking off the runs and Binny getting an extended spell possibly as India’s endeavour to test him out now that the match was lost.

For some time it seemed Bell could get to a century even in the meagre chase, but it was too fanciful a thought. Bell finished with an unbeaten 88 off 91 balls, James Taylor got a third ODI fifty, and the match was over even before it got dark in Brisbane. After one round of matches, England sat second in the triangular with five points, behind Australia’s nine.

Narsingh Deonarine and West Indies Assistant Coach Stuart Williams during training

Steve Finn celebrates a wicket during is excellent bowling spell

Williamson century leads NZ to win

Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand has been defined by the hosts’ refusal to give in, and again in Nelson, New Zealand clawed back from difficult situations, with ball and bat, to claim a tense fourwicket victory in the fourth ODI. Kane Williamson’s effortless fifth hundred will headline the victory, but fine performances from the lower middle order, and the death bowlers, effectively sealed it. New Zealand eclipsed Sri Lanka’s 276 all out, in the 48th over.

The match was decided in the over before that.

Thisara Perera had summoned a decent string of yorkers late in the innings, to dismiss Williamson for 103, and to leave New Zealand needing 25 runs off the last 18 balls, but his eighth over was substantially worse than the seven that had come before it.

He missed his length first ball, and was clattered over mid-off by Luke Ronchi. When Perera overpitched again next ball, Ronchi hit it even better, sending it into the sightscreen. Two more straight sixes would follow in the over, and New Zealand needed only one run from the final two overs after that. Daniel Vettori smote one through the covers to finish the match.

That New Zealand even took the match that far was thanks to Williamson,

who transplanted his mastery over the Sri Lanka spinners from Tests to the ODIs. New Zealand lost both openers cheaply to the opposition’s new-ball pair and, though there were no big shots in the early phase of Williamson’s knock, there was none of the inertia that had dogged some of the batsmen around him.

He was off the mark with a two behind point first ball, and at no stage from then on did he appear at pains to rotate strike. Ross Taylor and Grant Elliott both soaked up deliveries early in their stay. Throughout the middle overs, it was Williamson who prevented the asking rate from climbing far above 6.5, though Elliott did eventually play a helpful hand, as the pair put on 88 for the fourth wicket.

There was not as much turn on the Nelson track as Sri Lanka had hoped, but the visitors persisted with their spinners, who could not create chances through the middle overs.

Corey Anderson was barely tested upon his arrival to the crease, and he and Williamson swiftly set about building the steady stand that saw the hosts truly take control of the match. They scored at more than five an over, collecting regular singles into the outfield, and rarely failing to punish the poor deliveries.

Anderson slammed two sixes off square leg between

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka innings (50 overs maximum)

FDM Karunaratne

lbw b Southee 5

TM Dilshan c Guptill

b Williamson 44

KC Sangakkara† c Guptill

b Milne 76

DPMD Jayawardene

c †Ronchi b Anderson 94

AD Mathews* c †Ronchi b Milne 0

HDRL Thirimanne

b McClenaghan 19

NLTC Perera c McCullum

b Southee 5

BMAJ Mendis c Vettori

b Southee 12

KMDN Kulasekara run out

(McCullum/McClenaghan) 4

SMSM Senanayake not out 1

HMRKB Herath c Williamson

b McClenaghan 0

Extras: (lb 2, w 14) 16

Total: (all out; 49.3 overs) 276

Fall of wickets 1-11 (Karunaratne, 4.2 ov), 2-113 (Dilshan, 20.1 ov), 3-180 (Sangakkara, 33.1 ov), 4-180 (Mathews, 33.2 ov), 5-245 (Thirimanne, 44.3 ov), 6-253 (Jayawardene, 45.3 ov), 7-268 (Perera, 46.6 ov), 8-270 (Mendis, 48.2 ov), 9-273 (Kulasekara, 49.1 ov), 10-276 (Herath, 49.3 ov)

Bowling: TG Southee 10-1-

59-3, AF Milne 7-0-28-2, MJ McClenaghan 9.3-0-58-2, CJ Anderson 3-0-19-1, GD Elliott 3-0-19-0, DL Vettori 10-0-410, KS Williamson 7-0-50-1 New Zealand innings (target: 277 runs from 50 overs) MJ Guptill c †Sangakkara b Mathews 20 BB McCullum* c Perera b Kulasekara 11 KS Williamson b Perera 103 LRPL Taylor c †Sangakkara b Herath 8 GD Elliott c Thirimanne

b Mendis 44

CJ Anderson run out (Dilshan) 47

L Ronchi† not out 32

DL Vettori not out 7

Extras: (lb 1, w 7) 8

Total:(6 wickets; 48.1 overs) 280

Did not: batTG Southee, AF Milne, MJ McClenaghan Fall of wickets 1-24 (McCullum, 4.5 ov), 2-41 (Guptill, 7.3 ov), 3-63 (Taylor, 15.1 ov), 4-151 (Elliott, 32.1 ov), 5-230 (Williamson, 43.6 ov), 6-245 (Anderson, 45.4 ov)

Bowling: KMDN Kulasekara 9-0-51-1, AD Mathews 4-116-1, HMRKB Herath 9-139-1, NLTC Perera 8-0-58-1, SMSM Senanayake 9.1-0-570, BMAJ Mendis 7-0-40-1, TM Dilshan 2-0-18-0

the 40th and 42nd overs to dent the required run rate, while Williamson neared his century with a beautifully struck chip over midwicket, off Rangana Herath. He completed his ton in the 43rd over, but was bowled attempting to glance a legside Perera yorker soon after. Anderson was run out 10 balls after that as well, but the pair’s 79-run stand had propelled New Zealand to within sight of victory. All they needed from there was the one big over, which Ronchi provided.

Sri Lanka’s senior three had contributed 214 runs, with Mahela Jayawardene easing to a sublime 94 and Kumar Sangakkara going smoothly to 76, but the foundation the top order had provided was squandered by the lower middle order. Sangakkara strode past Sanath Jayasuriya’s ODI run tally during this innings, becoming the most prolific ODI batsman for Sri Lanka, to match the Test record he has already earned. He is also the third-highest ODI run-scorer overall.

Sri Lanka were 180 for 2 at the end of the 33rd over, with a score in excess of 300 well in their sights, but they went on to lose six wickets in the last six overs, as the New Zealand attack bowled tightly at the death. Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan shared five wickets between them, and conceded only eight runs from the last three overs. Anderson had chipped in with the key wicket of Jayawardene.

This resurgence was remarkable, because New Zealand were hamstrung by the loss of their best

ICC plans World Cup clampdown

Cricket authorities are actively debating whether it is time for more stringent rulings about on-field confrontations, amid concerns among some players that the current ICC system is providing scant deterrent to those who visibly "cross the line" in trying to press an advantage for their team.

Assurances from David Richardson, the ICC's Chief Executive, that umpires are being pressed to manage onfield behaviour more assertively are part of a wider debate about clamping down on flash points during the forthcoming World Cup.

ESPNcricinfo understands that players from more than one international team have been told in recent times by team leadership figures that "I don't care if someone gets fined" in their efforts to push opposition players out of their com-

bowler from the early and middle overs. Adam Milne jolted Sri Lanka’s innings by dismissing Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews in two balls before the batting Powerplay, but only bowled seven overs thanks to a side strain. Milne should have had Jayawardene out in that same over too, as replays suggest the batsman got a faint edge to a ball Ronchi collected down the leg side.

Apart from that hiccup, though, Jaywardene’s innings was composed of the timing and intelligence that is the hallmark of any of his fine knocks. He was watchful against the spin of Daniel Vettori very early in his innings, but came down the track to launch Williamson for six in the 23rd over, and his strikerate rarely dipped below 90 after that. There was a purring cover drive in the 25th over, a quick-wristed flick through midwicket for four, and a lofted drive whose languor was completely at odds with the speed at which the ball left the blade. That shot, again off Williamson, took the ball way into the crowd past long-off, in the 37th over. It took him past fifty off 55 balls.

There was more clever hitting after the milestone, but with Lahiru Thirimanne struggling to time the ball and Perera also out of sorts, too much was left to Jayawardene. When he was dismissed by a clever piece of bowling from Anderson, Sri Lanka’s prospects of crossing 300 received a big blow, and they would eventually fall well short. (Cricinfo)

publicly outspoken in his insistence that his men push things to the edge of what is acceptable, for it has become Australia's cricket custom.

After the Melbourne Test against India, in which the Australians had Virat Kohli offering them up a couple of chances following a hyper aggressive period on the field when Mitchell Johnson fired at the stumps and hit India's champion batsman in the back, Lehmann was asked if they would temper their approach to him. "Oh no, we haven't started yet," was his reply.

After Warner's penalty on Sunday, Lehmann said: "If the ICC decide it's not in the spirit of the game or we cross the line, they'll come down on us. We all know that. So we've got to make sure: we're always going to teeter pretty close to it, that's the way we play, but we've got to make sure

fort zone, making a mockery of the usual punishment for abusive language and other offences.

There are worries that current interpretations of the ICC's code of conduct and penalties for repeat offences do not serve up sufficient penalties for anything but the very worst or most repeated of behaviours, and that "the line" of what is acceptable is often crossed because the financial sanction creates minimal pain for the transgressor - in contrast to the more severe cost of "minor" over rate offences.

If bans are sanctioned for over rate offences then it is begging the question why the ICC's code of conduct, as constituted, means that bans occur so rarely for other more serious misdemeanours.

This week's events in Australia have highlighted this inconsistency, as David Warner was docked 50% of his match fee - small change for one of Cricket Australia's highest-ranked contracted players - for his confrontation with Rohit Sharma, while the captain George Bailey was suspended from a match in Hobart for his team's tardy over rate.

The Australian coach Darren Lehmann has been

we don't cross it. David's an aggressive character and we support that. It's just making sure he does the right things on the ground, and he knows that more than most. We'll work with him with that."

While no members of the team are believed to have a problem with Warner's barked request that Rohit "speak English" after the pair had exchanged words in the Australian batsman's native tongue at earlier times in that match and the Border-Gavaskar series, it is broadly agreed that he should not have broken stride to confront his Indian counterpart.

At worst, it is felt he would have been better off expressing his annoyance that Rohit had run after a return to Brad Haddin appeared to hit him with a few words delivered as he walked past. Players, umpires, coaches and administrators are all aware that, apart from extreme instances of vilification, occurrences of intimidatory body language and appearances of confrontation on matches broadcast worldwide are more significant transgressions than colourful language. (Cricinfo)

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“Rules

21 SPORTS

make it hard to play part-time bowler” – Dravid

FI wanted Miller to go in – de Villiers

AB de Villiers almost denied himself the opportunity to bat on a Wanderers’ belter because he thought there was someone else who could finish off what Rilee Rossouw and Hashim Amla started with more of a flourish.

ormer India captain Rahul Dravid and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith said the rule changes in ODI cricket will encourage fielding teams to have a more attacking mindset in the 2015 World Cup, which starts in Australia and New Zealand from February 14. The two were speaking on Contenders, an ESPNcricinfo special programme building up to the tournament.

“I approached Russell Domingo about four or five times saying, ‘Are you sure me and not David Miller?’ and he said ‘Yes, sure,’ and then two or three overs later, Sulieman Benn came back and I went to Russell for a final time and said ‘Maybe him now?’ and he still said, ‘No, you’. Russell feels I can inject us with fuel, momentum, which I can do but I just felt David could do it better,” de Villiers explained afterwards. “It was just my day.” And what a day it was.

“The new ODI rules don’t impact scores in countries like Australia and New Zealand as they have say in the subcontinent,” Dravid said. “With the two new balls, the fast bowlers will get that level of assistance up front. The grounds are bigger too so it won’t be that easy to clear the ropes. I think it will be a challenge for the captains. For example, when you have five fielders in the ring, it’s very hard to play a part-time bowler. You are almost being forced to play five specialist bowlers. That is a real positive. You are going to be forced to attack and look for wickets rather than see part-timers bowl for a large period of play.”

De Villiers was called on with 11-and-a-half overs to go in the South Africa innings and needed less than half of those to shatter the world record for the fastest century, rack up his own career-best and take the team to their highest ODI total. All of that took place at what seemed like fast-forward, which was part of de Villiers’ plan.

Among the significant changes made to the rules governing ODI cricket since October 2012, five fielders are mandated to be within the 30yard circle at all times in the course of an innings. Only two fielders are allowed outside the circle for the first 10 overs while three are permitted for the chunk of five Powerplay overs to be taken by the batting team before the 40th over. Smith said bowlers who can “pick up wickets” are now all important.

“My thinking was just to be aggressive. I had no pressure on me. I could free up nicely, knowing that if I get out, there are quite a few guys to come who could hit the ball,” said. “You don’t very often just come in and get momentum behind you right away. More often than not, you’ve got to work for it. Today was an exception. Out of nowhere, you hit a couple in the middle and then start going. Sometimes you’ve got to work harder to get that sniff, or get that click. Today it just happened from the word go.”

“If teams get partnerships in these conditions with the five in the ring, the Powerplay at the back-end, that’s when they are really going to get the opportunity to score big runs,” Smith said. “You are always looking at your attack and saying we can’t afford to carry two part-timers, we need an extra wicket-taker here. If you don’t pick up wickets through your bowling session, you will be chasing a big total.”

would require the batsmen to “sum up conditions” quickly in Australia and New Zealand.

tacking spinners is crucial because you need your spinner to pick up wickets through the innings and then you can bring your pace guys back and try and let them make an impact also. I don’t think like the older days, you will get too many guys bowling really long spells, unless it’s an occasion where it’s doing a lot. You are going to have a captain that’s going to be mixing it up a bit, trying to make an impact.”

Dravid said he will be keeping an eye out for how the five-over chunk of batting Powerplay is used by captains over the course of the tournament. “A lot of time they just wait for overs 35-40. We saw in the home series Virat Kohli changed it about a bit

AB de Villiers during his bruising attack

“You need to set more of a platform, reverse swing and spin may not be as much of a factor as in the subcontinent so you could probably catch up in the last 20 overs,” he said. “The key is not to go 3-4 down for nothing up front in those conditions.”

to come in ahead of him at first. “On this kind of wicket and on this field, if you’re in decent kind of form and you swing hard and you get a bit of luck behind you, you can do amazing things,” he said.

Concerns have been expressed about the impact these rules will have on the role of spinners. Australia, in fact, left out Nathan Lyon - their most successful bowler in the recent Test series against India - from the World Cup squad on the basis that he may not be able to control the flow of runs. Dravid is of the view that if the pitches in the tournament are similar to the ones seen in the Test series, spinners will definitely have a role to play.

But the truth was that de Villiers’ own ability accounted for much more of the record-breaking show. He seemed to know which shot he was going to play before the bowler had released his delivery, a result of time spent analysing the batsmen before him and a desire to take the fight to the opposition attack.

working,”

said. “We didn’t set the ap propriate fields. He came out there and played his game and he just kept going and going.” In the end the West Indian wicketkeeper admitted he was treated to “one of the best ODI innings I have ever seen; in the his tory of cricket.”

“I sit in front of the TV and I watch every ball when we bat and I try and look at what’s happening. I walk out there knowing how I want to play my innings but it’s very rare I walk out there thinking I am going to go at 200 strike rate from ball one. Today was one of those games and still, I needed a lot of luck to bat the way I did,” he said.

The surface had something to do with de Villiers’ success, which is also why he wanted Miller, who scored quickly on a sluggish Durban pitch two days’ ago,

“Those are the grounds we are going to be playing the World Cup in,” Dravid said. “They have been really slow and the spinners have come into play. You are just going to have to balance it out. There might be places where you go and say, the spinner might not have such a big impact on that particular day. It’s a long tournament, it’s in their summer, the nature of the wickets might change, you are just going to have to be smart enough and hopefully have the balance to play different conditions and different kinds of attacks.”

Smith said the use of two new balls from either end

As de Villiers dictated proceedings, West Indies found themselves being winded and could not figure out how to come up for air.

Smith added: “I think allowing two bouncers adds something to the fast bowlers’ armoury. I think to have at-

“We were just trying to bowl wide to him but it wasn’t

Nadal,

and he used it really effectively against Sri Lanka. That’s a good opportunity for captains, as to how tactically they can use those five overs, that will be interesting to see.”

Agreeing with Dravid, Smith said the Powerplay is a chance for the batting side to disrupt the bowling plans of the opposition. “If you look at Sri Lanka, Lasith Malinga dominates the death overs. It’s very difficult for you to score. You maybe want to take the Powerplay at a stage when he has to come back and bowl an extra over or two which then gives you the opportunity to score more runs in the last ten overs. Tactically, you can look at teams and say we need to take the Powerplay here, so we can get their bowlers done.” (Cricinfo)

Praise like that keeps de Villiers motivated and he hopes that can rub off on the team on the way to the World Cup. “Performances like this helps the confidence. That’s what I believe 80 or 90% of sport is about - believing in yourself as a team and as an individual and you can see the difference between teams that play with confidence and teams that don’t,” de Villiers said. “I’d like to believe we are getting more confidence behind us. That’s what this series is all about: for us to play well and get confidence and to go to the World Cup believing we are the best in the world. No team has ever won the World Cup not thinking they are the best. You’ve got to believe you are the best and I think we are close to that.” (Cricinfo)

bag wins at Australian Open

A question of confidence for visitors

HThird seed Rafael Nadal returned to Grand Slam action with a comprehensive win over Russia's Mikhail Youzhny.

The Spaniard, 28, won 6-3 6-2 6-2 in his first match at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon following injury and illness.

Second seed Roger Federer outclassed YenHsun Lu 6-4 6-2 7-5 while sixth seed Andy Murray beat India's Yuki Bhambri 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3).

aving both been beaten with some comfort by Australia, England and India will seek to regroup at the Gabba, scene of a pair of heavy defeats for them in the past two Test matches at the same venue. Brisbane seldom holds happy memories for touring teams, but both visitors will on Tuesday find conditions conducive to aggressive cricket, with the pitch hard, the outfield fast the and the weather warm.

and Australia is vast, meaning different shades of each player will be revealed to one another, just as the methodical ways of Cook and Andy Flower were found wanting down under last summer.

Rafael Nadal

Women's fifth seed Ana Ivanovic suffered a shock 1-6 6-3 6-2 defeat by Czech qualifier Lucie Hradecka.

The Serb was one of eight seeds to lose but second seed Maria Sharapova, third seed Simona Halep and sixth seed Eugenie Bouchard all advanced in straight sets.

Nadal, who is a 14-time Grand Slam winner, had only

India have much the better record over England in recent times, their batting power overwhelming the more conservative English approach in encounters including the 2013 Champions Trophy final, which seemed to be going the way of the team then led by Alastair Cook until a late flurry of wickets at Edgbaston. But the variation in conditions between India, England

played eight matches since a shock defeat by Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon last year.

The greatest issue for England and India following their recent losses may well be confidence to attack. Eoin Morgan sounded particularly downcast following his opening defeat, while MS Dhoni’s batting in Melbourne showed a level of anxiety his calm visage before the press could never reveal. Given that this tournament features only four pool games each, there is little time to pick up the sense of purpose after its early shake at Australian hands.

Before the tournament, he played down his chances of winning a second Australian Open title but showed glimpses of his best against world number 49 Youzhny.

"I was a little bit under doubt before, but I think I

After taking a catch late in Australia’s chase on Friday, Ian Bell tossed the ball away with visible frustration. England would lose, and Bell

played without making too many mistakes and the only way to get better is to win more matches so it will probably help me," said Nadal.

"In general I was working well, returning well and I just need to build a little bit, such as being more dynamic with the movements sometimes. But for the rest I am more or less happy." (BBC Sport)

had made a golden duck, albeit one shaded by the strong suspicion of an inside edge to Mitchell Starc’s first ball of the match. On a Gabba pitch expected to offer useful pace to work with, Bell’s correct method and ability to score off both front and back foot may be critical in allowing England to make enough runs to keep pace with India’s blazing top order. MS Dhoni has committed to batting No. 6 in this series and the World Cup beyond. He seems to be playing without his usual freedom, responsibility weighing heavily on the captain’s mind and his choice of shots. Until Ravindra Jadeja is back fit, or Axar Patel shows himself to be a lower-order player of merit, Dhoni will need to strike a better balance between attack and defence than he showed in Melbourne. (Cricinfo)

Denesh Ramdin

on the Windies bowlers

Federer

Rahul Dravid

Graeme Smith

Jeffrey, Yaw, George, Fernandes top picks to win awards

– national ruggers expected to be named team of the year

By TreisTon Joseph

With the new year already underway, it is that time of the year where Guyana’s top sportsmen and women are recognised for their hard toil in the past year.

Taking into account the various outstanding performances already etched in the minds of sport fanatics, the organisers of the National Sports Commission (NSC) will have both a tough and

easy time picking the national awardees.

While nominations are yet to be announced, Guyana Times Sport will try to predict the leading candidates for Guyana’s top awards.

Starting with the Team of the Year, there is basically only one choice for this award and that is the national ruggers who had

one of the most successfully years in local rugby to date.

The ruggers won both the NACRA 15’s and seven’s title in 2014 and have put them themselves in a position to qualify for the 2016 Olympics.

No team during 2014 can boast of the level of success the ruggers achieved during the calendar year.

Another easy award to decide will be the junior sportsman-of-the-year award and this award, in my estimation, goes to 400 metres track athlete Jason Yaw.

While Shemar Britton is a viable candidate for this award, Yaw’s accomplishments in 2014 have put Guyana on the map in South American athletics circles.

Yaw started his 2014 season slowly with a fourthplace finish at the Carifta games; however, the quarter-miler bounced back with a Central American and

Caribbean Games (CAC) bronze medal a few months after.

The 6’3” dynamo then won the B final at the World Youth Championship while registering the fifth fastest time over the 400 metres despite running in the B final.

The final chapter of Yaw’s 2014 year ended in historic fashion when the top talent broke the South American Youth Championships 400 metres record during his gold medal run.

Yaw as Junior Sportsman of the Year is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

However, the Junior Sportswoman of the Year will be a tough choice for the organisers of the sports

There is table tennis dynamo Chelsea Edghill, USbased 400 metres runner Kadecia Baird and Linden’s distance queen Cassey George.

While the former two did

ing only the second female in Guyana’s history to win two gold medals at the same Carifta Games. George won both the 1500 and 3000 metres at the Caribbean’s top junior athletics event.

Added to that, George has practically been undefeated on local soil when competing against her peers and even with some of her senior counterparts. George, at the CAC junior event, struggled with the high altitude and her breathing which resulted in her taking oxygen after the girl’s 1500 metres in which she finished sixth.

However, George was the only Caribbean athlete to finish the race.

awards, since there are three top candidates for this award.

Guyana proud during 2014, George should run away with the award after becom-

Windies all in to avoid series defeat

West Indies, facing a series defeat against South Africa, will attempt to strike back to keep their chances alive when both teams meet in the third of the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series at the Buffalo Park in East London on Wednesday.

The West Indies will have to raise their game if they are to stop the South Africans from sealing the series with a win and two games in hand after they won the first couple of ODIs comfortably.

The Windies bowling attack is expected to particularly target the top three South Africa batsmen who have garnered most of their runs protecting a vulnerable middle order from exposure.

South Africa lost five wickets for 34 runs between the 40th and 48th over in the first ODI and still look shaky at Number six and seven.

The pressure will be on

senior middle order batsman Marlon Samuels, who has been criticized for throwing his wicket away, to bat with more responsibility as the Caribbean side faces a series defeat.

The spotlight will also

be on maverick opener

Chris Gayle who plundered the bowling in the T20 series but whose flagging form will be a concern.

Gayle has not scored an ODI century in 14 matches, dating back to June 2013,

and has only managed one fifty in that time.

Lendl Simmons, who is part of the World Cup squad, is nursing a finger injury but could be slotted into the team in place of Leon Johnson to bolster the batting.

The only other change could be made is in the seam department where Jerome Taylor may be given a rest while Sheldon Cottrell is given a chance.

Taylor has been expensive, giving away 145 runs in the last two matches and claiming just three wickets.

Some commentators believe conditions are ideal for West Indies to bounce back.

East London’s pitch is much slower than Johannesburg and the ball is expected to be slow in coming on to the bat with very little assistance for the pacers. Late evening rain is also forecast which may hamper the second innings. (Windies Cricket)

The Sportswoman-ofthe-year Award is quite difficult to judge as there were

hardly any top performances from females in 2014. However, top squash player Nicolette Fernandes receiving her world-best ranking of 19 should be enough to seal the deal as Guyana’s Sportswoman of the Year.

On the men’s side of things, only two candidates should exist for this award and those two men are Cleveland Forde and motor racing breakout rookie Kristian Jeffrey. While Forde’s exploits over various 10k’s and South American races are evident, Jeffrey who made his debut in motor racing bagged the overall Caribbean title which should be enough to walk away with the top honour at the award ceremony. It will definitely be interesting to see the NSC’s picks for some of Guyana’s top sport awards when the event is held on a date yet to be decided.

WADA to complete doping report by year end

An investigation into allegations of widespread doping and corruption in athletics will be completed before the end of the year "at the latest", the World Anti-Doping Agency has said.

Wada has created a three-man panel to investigate claims aired in a German television documentary last month.

In a document setting out the aims of the commission, Wada says it will report back by 31 December 2015.

But Wada president Sir Craig Reedie can extend that date if "appropriate".

The findings will be published within 30 days of being submitted to Reedie.

Claims that a top British athlete escaped a doping

inquiry after officials decided not to look into 150 suspicious blood samples were among the allegations broadcast.

That prompted a separate investigation by the sport's governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which was accused of the failure.

An earlier programme shown by German broadcaster ARD alleged as many as 99% of Russian athletes were guilty of doping.

Those claims were rejected as "lies" by the Russian Athletics Federation, which has also launched its own investigation.

The Wada commission is being chaired by the organisation's former head, Dick Pound. (BBC Sport)

Kristian Jeffrey

Nicolette Fernandes

The national rugby team

Cassey George Jason Yaw

Andre Russell during a nets session in preparation for their crucial game against SA

Fudadin hoping for PCL return

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

est Indies mid-

Wdle-order batsman Assad Fudadin is aiming for a return to the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-Day Tournament, following the significant progress he has made in recovering from a finger injury.

The 29-year-old lefthander was ruled out of the West Indies Test series against South Africa late last year after he fractured the little finger on his right hand ahead of the opening match in Centurion. Fudadin had been called up as a replacement for Trinidad and Tobago’s Darren Bravo, who had pulled out of the series for “personal reasons”.

Fudadin was subse-

quently replaced by compatriot Narsingh Deonarine, who is yet to arrive in South Africa owing to visa issues.

In an interview with this media outfit on Tuesday, Fudadin said he was recuperating well and was confident of being back in action soon. He pointed out that his therapy would start this week and it was up to the doctor to give him clearance to restart training.

“I’m feeling very good at the moment; the recovery is coming along fine. Because

of the nature of the injury I could not do any cricket training, but I have been doing some running and cardiovascular work, since I returned from South Africa,” Fudadin related.

The injury meant Fudadin, who played the last of his three Test matches in August 2012 against New Zealand in Jamaica, could not add to his tally, a major disappointment for the former West Indies youth player.

This latest setback means the Berbician will now have to work his way back up the ladder, and he is hoping to start that process when the PCL Four-day tourney resumes early next month.

Prior to the break to accommodate the Christmas holidays and the NAGICO Super50 Tournament, Fudadin played two of

Guyana Jaguars’ four games, but had dismal returns, amassing just 59 runs from three innings, with a top score of 34.

However, prior to that he had shown some form for the West Indies A team in Sri Lanka, scoring a century in Moratuwa in October last. He had also scored an 89 for the Sagicor High Performance Centre team against the visiting Bangladesh A team in a First-Class game before that.

Meanwhile, when the PCL Four-Day Tournament resumes, Guyana Jaguars will play hosts Jamaica from February 6 to 9, followed by a clash with Leeward Islands Hurricanes a week later in Basseterre. After four games, the Guyana Jaguars are leading the table with 57 points, seven ahead of Jamaica.

Russia bans 5 athletes for doping

Russia's anti-doping agency has banned five athletes who compete in the walk, including three Olympic champions.

London 2012 men's winner Sergei Kirdyapkin, women's 2008 Olympic gold medallist Olga Kaniskina and 2011 world champion Sergei Bakulin have been banned for three years and two months. Their cases have been backdated from late 2012. Olympic 2008 winner Valery Borchin has been banned for eight years and Vladimir Kanaykin for life.

Kirdyapkin's ban will expire in time for him to be eligible to defend his title in Rio in 2016. The bans do not affect any Olympic medals, although five world championship gold medals from 2009 and 2011 could be reawarded.

Gregory Rambarran retains presidency of BVA

Gregory Rambarran was returned unopposed as President of the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) for the period 2015-2016.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections of the BVA were held last Sunday at the GuySuCo Training Centre Hostel Compound in Port Mourant.

Other elected office bearers are Godwyn Allicock (Vice President); Levi Nedd (Secretary); Rashad Razack (Treasurer/ Assistant Secretary) and Udistir Seelochan (Public Relations Officer).

Others elected were Committee Members Eldon Thompson of Number 52, Navin Jairam of 3 Doors Strikers, Levan Butchey of Rollers, and Vashti Pooran and Malika Jarvis from the Berbice female team.

Members of the various

committees were also selected.

Competitions Committee – G Allicock (Chairman), Errol Chase and Mahendra Motiepersaud. Selection Committee

– L Nedd, E Chase and Parbatan Mangar. Finance Committee – R Razack, J Motie Persaud and Jason Seelochan. The Female Development Committee is headed by Senior Coach Levi Nedd and includes Errol Chase, Malika Jarvis and Tamala Felix, while the Schools Development Committee consists of G Allicock, Rashad Razack, Satesh Motiepersaud, Satesh Seenauth and Errol Chase.

Meanwhile, the deadline for payment of affiliation fees is February 15.

Statutory meetings will be held on the last Sunday of every quarter. The Association has drawn up plans for the year in keeping with its motto: “Committed to promoting and developing volleyball in Berbice”.

Farfan and Mendes renews partnership with RHTY&SC

Sponsorship for sport activities in Guyana is sometimes very difficult to obtain and even when it materialises, most sponsorship tend to be oneoff deals.

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), however, has an unrivalled ability to maintain long-term relationships with their sponsors. Recently, Georgetownbased Farfan and Mendes Limited renewed its sponsorship for the Club’s Under-15 team for the 19th consecutive year.

The Urquhart Street business entity has been sponsoring the defending Berbice Under-15 champions since 1997, and has pledged itself to a long-term relationship with Guyana’s leading youth and sport organisation.

Club Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster expressed gratitude to the man-

agement of Farfan and Mendes Limited for its continued confidence in the RHTY&SC and for investing in the future of the young cricketers.

“The RHTY&SC cherishes its outstanding relationship with Farfan and Mendes and hailed the company’s input into the development of the Club,” he said.

“The team has won four Berbice cricket tournaments, and has produced numerous Berbice and Guyana cricketers, including Test player Assad Fudadin, West Indies ODI player Royston Crandon, West Indies female star Shemaine Campbelle, Abdel Fudadin, Dominic Rikki, Shawn Pereira, Shevon Marks, Naresh Mahadeo, Eon Hooper, Jason Sinclair, Plaffina Millington among others,” Foster stated.

Foster added: “Under the sponsorship, the RHTY&SC also won the Guyana Cricket Club of the Year award in 2004, 2005, 2009 and 2010.”

The long-serving cricket administrator noted that the company, apart from sponsoring the team, also co-sponsors the RHTY&SC annual awards ceremony, annual review magazine, educational programmes, charity programme, annual cricket academy and anti-drugs campaign. He pledged that the team would continue to represent the Farfan and Mendes brand with pride, commitment, and discipline.

Farfan and Mendes Marketing Manager Onai Vasconcellos congratulated the RHTY&SC on its Silver Jubilee achievement, and noted that his company was pleased to be associated with the Club that was widely regarded as the best youth and sports organisation in Guyana. The sponsorship for 2015 is worth $240,000. Kevlon Anderson was named captain for 2015, while Junior Sinclair was appointed his deputy.

Assad Fudadin picks the off-side field during one of his Test knocks

Assad Fudadin

Gregory Rambarran

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster collects the cheque from Farfan and Mendes Customer Service Representative Nakita Browne

Sergei Kirdyapkin

Milo, Petra launch Under-20 school tournament

By TreisTon Joseph

The Petra Organisation will team up with Beepat under Nestle’s Milo brand to host the third edition of the Milo Under-20 School Football Championship set to start on January 31 at the Ministry of Education Ground.

At the launching on Tuesday at the company’s headquarters on Regent Street, Petra Director Troy Mendonca was proud to host the third edition of the highly-anticipated event.

“Petra is proud to present the third annual school football championship and we are thankful for the support of Milo, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education.

“We have seen the tournament grow from strength to strength and we want to encourage the parents and guardians to come out and support their kids and share the passion,” Mendonca stated.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Education, Olato Sam noted the importance of having such tournaments as well as incorporating them into the school system.

“We realise that sport can contribute to the edu-

cational system and we are now trying to implement some rules and guidelines to ensure that our athletes are not going to school to play football but to also learn.

“This is the first time we are trying something like this and the main ob-

jective is for us to develop well-rounded individuals, because the only way sports will move forward with programmes like these is if we have athletes that can think the game and perform on the field at the same time,” Sam stated.

Milo Brand Manager Renita Sital highlighted the need for more parental involvement in the tournament, “Milo is pleased to be a part of the tournament, but one of the things we would like to see is for the parents to come out and wit-

ness what their kids are doing because they are talented kids.”

The tournament will feature 32 teams divided into eight groups of four with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stages.

The winning school will receive $500,000 for a school project of their choice while prizes will be up for grabs for individual performances such as Most Valuable Player (MVP). Students will also be eligible for scholarships to Chase Academy depending on their performance while three University of Guyana scholarships are available from the last tournament played. Meanwhile, defending champions Lodge Secondary will have their hands full with top Georgetown teams such as St George’s and Tucville Secondary, as four games are scheduled for every Saturday and Sunday, starting January 31 from 10:00h.

Meet Lorissa “The Cheetah” Rivas

By AvenAsh rAmzAn

While there haa been much hype surrounding Andrew

“Six Heads” Lewis’ return to the ring and his subsequent injury which curtailed those plans, boxing buffs have virtually ignored the presence of the riveting Lorissa Rivas on the “Caribbean Collision” boxing card, billed for February 21 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Standing at 5’10”, and going by the alias “The Cheetah”, the 32-year-old American is down to face Guyanese veteran Sharon “The Stone” Warde in the lone female clash of the fivefight card.

But who really is Rivas?

Born on August 24, 1982, in Clute, Texas, Rivas began kickboxing at the tender age of eight at the encouragement of her brother, Leary Jr.

At the age of 12, she and her family moved to the boxing capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2000, she

was introduced to former IBF Cruiserweight champion Arthur Williams, who became her first pro boxing trainer.

Although she has no amateur experience, “The Cheetah” has regularly sparred with some of boxing’s elite, who have nothing but praise for the athlete.

That list includes threetime women’s champion Jessica Rackozy and veterans Lisa Le Bell and Rita Turrisi; and for the men, Jeff Mayweather, Nate Vasquez, and Tyson Schwagger.

“She has a better right hand than Laila Ali [Muhammad Ali’s daughter],” trainer and former world champion Roger Mayweather said. Correspondingly, two-time world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Coley replied, “Oh, she can bang a little bit, no doubt.”

Rivas’s hobbies include horseback riding (she owns two horses); hiking; dancing; running; bowling and volleyball. Her goals are to

become world champion and one day own a ranch.

After nine trips to the ring, Rivas has racked up six victories, five by way of knockout, with three losses.

Warde, whose last fight was in October 2012 against Kwinda Rogers, has the odds stacked against her, as Rivas has never lost to a fighter of Guyanese origin.

In fact, no Guyanese has gone the full rounds with the American.

Only this month, Rivas extended her dominance with a first-round knockdown of Shondell Thomas, who was making a return to the ring after 13 years, in Trinidad and Tobago. She previously stopped Pauline London in the opening round in March 2011 and Veronica Blackman in round two in March 2012. Both bouts were also staged in Trinidad and Tobago.

Judging from history, Warde would be hardpressed to come out on top and improve her record of eight wins, five losses and a draw. But the experienced Lindener would be out to prove that she is better than her compatriots who previously lined up against Rivas.

The card will be headlined by a showdown between Dominica-based Guyanese Clive “The Punisher” Atwell, who has replaced the injured

Lewis, and Jamaican Sakima Mullings. The duo will square off for the vacant CABOFE Junior Welterweight belt over 12 rounds.

The card, the first for 2015 in Guyana, will start with a clash between debutants Travis Fraser of Guyana and Charwin Estwick of Barbados in a Junior Middleweight sixrounder.

This will be followed by a six-round Catchweight contest between the Guyanese pair Dexter Marques and Quincy Gomes, and an eight-round Middleweight rematch featuring Edmond DeClou and Dereck Richmond.

The last time these two met, DeClou suffered a broken jaw and has not entered the ring since.

The action will start at 20:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and admission to the venue is $3000 (Ringside) and $1500 (Stands).

Milo Brand Manager Renita Sital hands over the sponsorship cheque to Petra Director Troy Mendonca in the presence of Education Ministry CEO Olato Sam (centre)

Lorissa Rivas will be making her maiden appearance on Guyana’s soil