Guyana Times Daily - March 2, 2015

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Issue No. 2420

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, March 2, 2015

Opposition backs Govt stance against Venezuela’s “provocation” Page 3

Jewan Ka Nritya steals the show during Indian Folk and Dance Festival Page 9

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Afro-Guyanese have been P11 miseducated – ACDA head Caribbean universities deficient to compete globally – P13 UWI Vice Chancellor

Linden too dependent P16 on bauxite – PM Hinds Page 12

The Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Troupe on Saturday night was crowned winners in the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Annual Folk Dance Festival held at the Guyana International Conference Centre. In photo, dancers of the group celebrate their first place at the end of the competition (Carl Croker photo)

Health Ministry peeved at release of medical assistance records

PRICE

Mon Repos woman busted with cocaine at CJIA Page 12

Guyanese begin paying less for electricity P16 Caricom P17 committee to tackle “bad banking image”

2 news

monday, march 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

APNU denies drugs-tainted campaign funds …“Let Rohee prove his allegations” – Harmon

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon

G

eneral Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Joseph Harmon has rubbished the accusations of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General

Secretary, Clement Rohee that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) was guilty of having links to the criminal underworld, and that drugs money was funding its elections campaign.

Harmon has since challenged his counterpart, Rohee, to prove his allegations. Speaking to Guyana Times in a telephone interview on Thursday evening, Harmon related that his party had no ties or linkages to any drug dealer and as such would have never benefitted from any monetary contribution. He went on to state that if the General Secretary who is also the serving Home Affairs Minister was so confident of his information and his allegations, then he must endeavour to prove it and make it public.

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

“Let him prove it. He makes wild statements and without any facts or evidence. As Minister of Home Affairs, he has the power, the tools and the access to information to provide the evidence if there is indeed

any link. I don’t take him seriously. I will not inject life into those statements Rohee is making,” Harmon said.

Allegations had surfaced previously that the combined Opposition- APNU and the Alliance For Change (AFC), has received funding from a dubious group created by Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall.

Dubbed Funding a United Committee for Opposition Presidency (FUCOP), the shady group has channeled tens of millions annually into the Opposition coffers.

This would certainly come as a surprise to the APNU and AFC, since they, Kaieteur News and its publisher have supported each other’s causes for years – especially the concerted action to depose the PPP/C Government.

In addition to monetary

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

support, both of these parties have been given free columns in the Kaieteur News and their opinions are solicited on every possible issue that places the PPP/C in a negative light and then published with alacrity. The press coverage alone would be worth additional tens of millions, said one manager from the publishing industry.

Upheld laws

Meanwhile, in another section of the media, the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger was quoted as saying that his party has always upheld the laws of the country and as such, Rohee’s claims had no merit.

“I can say with absolute certainty that the People’s National Congress has always stood on the side of law and order and we have never received dirty money, we’ve never received money from criminals, we’ve never been the beneficiary of the proceeds of crime, so I cannot see what Mr Rohee is talking about,” Granger said.

On Tuesday, Rohee told media operatives at the party’s weekly press briefing that the Opposition had refused to pass the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill since it was benefitting from the transactions of drug lords.

“It seems to me that the question must be asked in relation to drug trafficking that it is our understanding that the AML Bill which was floundered in the Parliamentary process, floundered because huge sums of money were doled out by certain persons who are involved in drug trafficking to certain political parties,” Rohee related to media operatives.

However, when questioned by the media, Rohee, who is also the country’s Home Affairs Minister, could not provide any ev-

idence or say from where he had received his information. President Donald Ramotar has made similar statements in the past.

He said that the combined Opposition was guilty of sheltering drug lords and other unsavoury criminal characters by refusing to pass the AML/CFT Bill 2014.

“Who is the Opposition defending when they are going against this Bill?” the President asked, contending: “Objectively, they are defending the drug lords everywhere.” The Opposition has been accused before of protecting these people.

Ramotar posited that the Opposition continuously takes the position that it is in the fight against corruption and drugs, yet it is refusing to pass a Bill that would essentially aid in that fight.

Before the prorogation and subsequent dissolution of the 10th Parliament, Guyana was unable to meet any of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s (CFATF’s) deadlines for the passage of the AML Bill in 2014, due to the two sides refusing to budge from their respective positions taken.

Guyana on May 27, 2014 had failed to meet the first deadline given by CFATF after the Opposition announced its non-support of the critical legislation.

The country was granted an extended deadline after Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall requested an extension at a CFATF meeting in June.

The CFATF is an arm of the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an independent inter-governmental body that develops and promotes policies to protect the global financial system against money laundering and terrorist financing, among other financial crimes.

news

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monday, March 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 2 – 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, March 3 – 14:30h-16:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 2 – 14:20h-15:50h and Tuesday, March 3 – 15:05h-16:35h

FERRY SCHEDULE Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings at 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, with light rain showers in the early afternoon. Sunny intervals in the late afternoon will give way to light rain showers in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 3.12 and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:30h and 14:48h reaching maximum heights of 2.23 metres and 2.34 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:21h and 20:47h reaching minimum heights of 0.97 metre and 0.84 metre respectively.

Opposition backs Govt stance against Venezuela’s “provocation” L

eader of the Opposition David Granger said A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was standing firmly behind the Government of Guyana, against the latest objection by Venezuela for planned oil exploration by ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block.

The Venezuelan Government has written the Country Manager of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, objecting to the dispatch of a rig to dig an exploratory oil well in the concession granted by the Government of Guyana.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry here has responded swiftly to Caracas and also has informed Caricom; Union of South American Nations (UNASUR); the Organisation of American States (OAS); the Commonwealth as well as the United Nations Secretary General. ExxonMobil recently dispatched its oil rig dubbed “Champion” for drilling activities and also contracted the services of a Trinidad-based helicopter company to assist with its operations.

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progress has been slow. “Well, if in two decades you have not had the kind of progress you would like to see, and you would have had additions that complicate that, I think you need to look at the options, but let me emphasise that we have not made a decision as yet: we are looking at it.”

Nevertheless, Guyana, through its Foreign Affairs Ministry, is seeking expert advice as it explores the options under the Geneva Agreement.

By Svetlana Marshall

Speaking with the Guyana Times on Sunday, Granger, who would oversee the Foreign Affairs Ministry should his coalition win the upcoming elections, said Venezuela had “no legitimate claim over the maritime zone where the exploration is to be conducted”.

Granger said history would show that the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela was resolved more than 115 years ago by an international tribunal. Alluding to this emerging issue involving ExxonMobil, he said Guyana should be allowed to explore its economical potential as a small developing state.

This latest act by Venezuela is reminiscent of the seizure of the RV Teknik Perdana which was conducting seismic surveys in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone in October 2013. Back then APNU had called on the Government to safeguard Guyana against the peril of Venezuela’s renewed position to block economic development in Essequibo. The Opposition Leader had explained that the seizure was unlawful, in particular, the unwarranted use of force went against the Charter of the United Nations.

Granger had suggested that Venezuela’s action was consistent with past occurrences as he alluded to the attempted ‘Essequibo Annexation’. “The Venezuelan Government, under President Raúl Leoni Otero (1964-1969), placed an advertisement in the

Geneva Agreement

ExxonMobil Oil Exploration Rig

Times newspaper of London on June 15, 1968 to the effect that Essequibo belonged to Venezuela and that it would not recognise economic concessions granted there by the Guyana Government,” he explained. He further stated that President Leoni had also issued “Decreto No 1.152” on July 9, 1968 claiming a ninemile wide belt of sea along Guyana’s entire Essequibo coast. Additionally, President Rafael Antonio Caldera Rodriguez (1969-1974) had blocked Guyana’s attempt to permit petroleum exploration rights in the Essequibo by DEMITEX, a German company.

As such, APNU is calling on Venezuela to comply with Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations for the Pacific Settlement of Disputes and to desist from resorting to force in the Guyana-Venezuela matter.

Rodrigues-Birkett, had disclosed that the Government was in the process of exploring a menu of options in its quest to resolve the Essequibo border controversy.

Among options being considered are judicial action and arbitration, but this is not for the Government to decide but the UN. In August 2013, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro during a visit to Guyana signed a joint declaration with President Donald

On February 17, 1966, the Geneva Agreement was signed

by Venezuela and Guyana, paving the way for a mixed commission of Guyanese and Venezuelan representatives to be established with the primary objective of finding satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom.

Venezuela has long contended that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void. The Agreement also pro-

Desist

Meanwhile, the Guyana Government on Saturday in a statement said it has asked Venezuela to desist from taking any actions that would stymie this country’s development. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela desist from taking any actions that could only result in the stymieing of the development of Guyana and its people and that would be in contravention of international law,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.

In October 2013, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister and the People’s Minister of Foreign Relations of Venezuela had ratified all the points of the Joint Declaration of September 30, 2011: recognising that the delimitation of the maritime boundaries between their two states remain an outstanding issue and agreed that such delimitation required negotiations.

The parties had met after the Venezuela Navy had seized the research vessel in Guyana’s waters. But by December 2014, the Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn

The RV Teknik Perdana that was seized in Guyana’s waters in October 2013

Ramotar, recommitting to the search for a peaceful and practical settlement of the controversy in accordance with the Geneva Agreement of 1966. Under the Good Offices Process, the Presidents agreed to the reappointment of the Personal Representative of the United Nations Secretary General Professor Norman Girvan for another term, but he has since died.

The Good Offices Process has been in place for more than 20 years, but according to the Foreign Affairs Minister,

vided that no new claim or enlargement of an existing claim to territorial sovereignty in these territories (of Venezuela and British Guiana) shall be asserted while this Agreement is in force, nor shall any claim whatsoever be asserted otherwise than in the Mixed Commission while that Commission is in existence.

However, under severe diplomatic pressure, Venezuela agreed to a 12-year moratorium on the dispute under the Protocol of Port of Spain in 1970.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monday, march 2, 2015

Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Facing the Venezuelan threat

T

he news that the Venezuelan Government, through its Foreign Affairs Minister Delcy Rodríguez, has objected to Esso/Exxon about their oil rig preparing to explore for oil off the coast of Essequibo in a concession granted by the Guyana Government, should be cause for concern for all Guyanese.

Informing the United Nations Secretary General; the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR); the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Commonwealth, the Government of Guyana reacted with alacrity to the provocative action: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela desist from taking any actions that could only result in the stymieing of the development of Guyana and its people and that would be in contravention of international law.”

This action is even more serious than the last response to Guyana’s effort to exploit its mineral resources in the area.

Back in October 2013, the Guyanese Government had hired the oil drilling company Anadarko to conduct studies for future oil concessions in the Roraima Block off Essequibo’s coast, where it was concentrating on petroleum exploration.

The Venezuelan Navy intercepted the ship and forced it into a port at Venezuela’s Margarita Island. The captain, a Ukrainian national, was charged with violating Venezuela’s Exclusive Economic Zone while the rest of the crew were released.

As in the present situation, our Foreign Affairs Ministry made a stern response: “The Government of Guyana is of the firm belief that the actions taken by the Venezuelan navy vessel constitute a serious threat to the peace of this subregion and the Government of Guyana, therefore, strongly condemns these actions.” From the statements of the Venezuelan Opposition, it was clear that they were behind the objections to the Guyanese petroleum exploration efforts in light of the accommodative posture adopted by then President Hugo Chávez to the Venezuelan pretensions to two thirds of Guyana. The Venezuelan Opposition claimed that the Government of Nicolás Maduro was now in favour of the idea of Guyana exploring for oil in waters off the Essequibo contra to Venezuelan claims that the Roraima Block was located in Venezuelan waters off Delta Amacuro state, in eastern Venezuela.

In the subsequent effort to deal with the matter, the Foreign Ministers of Guyana and Venezuela met on October 17 in Trinidad and hashed out an agreement that a technical team would meet within four months “to explore mechanisms within the context of international law to address the issue of maritime delimitation”. As Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett noted at the time, both sides restated that their individual and contradictory claims were valid, but in an evident coup for Guyana, the maritime demarcation was delinked from the fallacious claim Venezuela had been making for Essequibo.

This latest objection to Guyana developing its petroleum resources off Essequibo by the Venezuelan Government – without explicit arms-rattling by its Opposition – suggests that the Maduro Government is extremely weak and is attempting to preempt Opposition criticisms in the face of their necessary equivocation in the face of the mega US oil company being involved in this venture.

For us in Guyana, it is a salutary reminder that no matter what might be the personal relationships developed with the leaders of Venezuela, the border controversy is so deeply embedded in Venezuelan nationalistic politics, it can never be taken for granted. It is very heartening to note that Opposition Leader David Granger has supported the Government’s stance on the issue, just as Cheddi Jagan had done when the Venezuelans had invaded our portion of Ankoko Island. Not a blade of grass then and not a barrel of oil now.

Our Government and its diplomats must intensify their efforts to have the signed commitment by the Venezuelan Government to demarcate our maritime border – with no linkage to any other claims, pursued to its natural conclusion: that our demarcation is the legal one as was the case with the Surinamese claim back in 2000.

President Donald Ramotar greets residents of Wakenaam during a meeting on the Essequibo island on Sunday (Sandra Prince photo)

Venezuela should desist from attempting to stymie Guyana’s development Dear Editor, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that consequent upon a communication being sent from the Venezuelan Foreign Minister to the Country Manager of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited

objecting to the despatch of a rig to proceed with the exploration of an oil well in the concession granted by the Government of Guyana, the Government has despatched a Note Verbale to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry.

The Ministry of Foreign

Affairs has requested that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela desist from taking any actions that could only result in the stymying of the development of Guyana and its people and that would be in contravention of international law.

The Ministry has also informed Caricom, UNASUR, the OAS, the Commonwealth as well as the United Nations Secretary General about this recent action by Venezuela.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Another victory for all women in Guyana Dear Editor, I was in the Moruca subregion of Region One (BarimaWaini) visiting Amerindian communities last weekend when I heard the great news!

The selection of Elisabeth Harper, a career diplomat, as the PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial Candidate for the May 11 General and Regional elections. Indeed, what another victory for the PPP/C and moreso a victory for all women of Guyana, which is the legacy of that bastion of women’s

empowerment, the late Janet Jagan, a former President of Guyana.

Many Amerindian villagers when they heard the good news of Ms Harper’s selection as the PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial Candidate for the upcoming elections asked me my views. I simply told the villagers that our mothers and sisters have won.

They were all excited and expressed continued confidence in and support for the PPP/C at the upcom-

ing elections for continued Amerindian community development.

But in relation to the PNC (APNU)-AFC coalition for the elections, the Amerindian communities are of the opinion that these Opposition parties are merely powerhungry and want badly to restore Burnhamism in Guyana and destroy the country, by stealing from the National Treasury, should they be the next Government which will never happen.

I wish to commend the PPP/C for selecting Ms Harper as Prime Ministerial Candidate for the upcoming general and regional elections. She is brilliant and endowed with leadership competence.

Congratulations, Ms Elisabeth Harper, and onward to a glorious landslide PPP/C victory at the upcoming polls Peter Persaud

Double standards!

Dear Editor, Permit me to shed some light on a purported leader of a student faction group (name given).

The faction group has been blocking the main gate of the University of Guyana from February 20 hitherto.

This has caused many of the ongoing classes to be cancelled as some lecturers are not fond of the idea of parking their vehicles outside the main gate unsecured, squeezing through a hole within the gate and walking for approximately two-three minutes in order to get to a class to teach exhaustedly under the already undesirable conditions.

Considering the foregoing, one would at least think that those blocking the gate and upturning furniture, with the mandate of having “all classes or no classes at all”, would not remove themselves from their post to attend “some” of the very classes they are trying

earnestly to prevent or any class in particular.

However, the purported leader of the student faction has done the complete opposite. He has, since the blocking of gates and upturning of furniture, attended one class that I personally know of – because I was sitting next to him.

I found this to be a slap in the face of the students he has been preventing and hindering from receiving their education - a constitutional right - and also the lecturers he caused to cancel classes.

Now he may wish to say the class he attended was one held off campus. My rebuttal to such is that it is immaterial whether the class he attended was off campus or on campus - the “all classes or no classes” slogan speaks in that it is general and not specified to a particular place or time.

This also applies to whether he’d like to call it a “meet-

ing” since I consider class to be a place where educational materials and guidance are given by the lecturers to students present, regardless of whether it was over a period of five or 60 minutes, or attended by five or 15 students.

Further, as a law student, he spoke about being concerned about the students within that Department, particularly because of the external relationship they have with UWI and Hugh Wooding Law School.

I submit that he has a very strange way of showing his concern. Preventing and hindering them from being taught by the few lecturers who are actually teaching - which can ease some of the stress and pressure that will come upon resumption of normalcy due to the anticipated heavy work load - must be the best way to show his concern.

Lastly, as a final year law student myself I am even sur-

prised that a fellow budding lawyer would engage in such a potentially unlawful act.

Blocking the gate may be considered a breach of the peace since it, inter alia, disturbs the free flow of students and lecturers in and out of the compound via their vehicles, and puts students and lecturers alike in fear of being harmed – through an assault or an affray – should they try to remove the barricade.

Therefore, I urge students to remain cognizant of who says they are working in their interest.

I will also take the opportunity to implore the University of Guyana’s Administration to take steps to remove the barricade so that those who are willing to teach can teach and those who are willing to be taught can be taught, both without hindrance or intimidation.

Joshua Benn

guyanatimesgy.com

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dropped by 50% in Sri A coalition of power Suicides Lanka’s Hazard Reduction Model hungry avengers Dear Editor, In Moses Nagamootoo’s recent utterances, he told the media that the PPP/C had an opportunity to select him as the Presidential Candidate back in 2011, but it fell short; hence, the party was facing the consequences.

“We would have not been here, if I didn’t table a Motion of No Confidence, we would have not been here discussing a new election,” confirms what all the leaders of the PPP/C have been saying for eons about Nagamootoo; his thirst for

power was insatiable.

Back in 2011, Nagamootoo, told Kaieteur News that he felt as though he was “bulldozed” out of the leadership of the PPP/C, calling “sidelined” a mild word again providing ample fodder for the view that his only quest was that for power.

Like everything in life, power is no different. It must be earned and given to you, not demanded; Nagamootoo would do well to pay heed.

What Nagamootoo essentially told the media is look, had the PPP/C made me

their Presidential Candidate in 2011, I would not have had any need to join another party.

Bear in mind, this is the same party he described as filth infested on Christopher Ram’s Palin Talk; yet was fighting only a few weeks earlier to become its Presidential Candidate.

Isn’t it becoming more and more apparent now what this coalition is really about? It is about quenching Nagamootoo’s thirst for power.

Anson A Paul

Applaud IP, URP for contesting elections Dear Editor, Voters applaud Mark Benschop and Vishnu Bandhu for taking the courageous decision to contest the next election under “Independent Party” and United Republican Party respectively.

In my latest travel around Guyana just last week, people expressed frustration with the three dominant parties (PPP/C, PNC, AFC). They want something new and different.

Since the AFC is no longer independent, having joined the PNC in an alliance, some of its supporters are looking for an independent force. The IP and URP, presenting themselves as independent forces, would benefit from those disenchanted voters as would the other mini parties.

Benschop is right to recently point that most of those who were involved in the independence movement had “service to people in mind before self-service and self-enrichment” when they got into politics. Today people say it is the reverse - politicians seek fame and wealth in getting into politics.

Around the country, people did tell me there is hardly any Cheddi Jagan around among the three major parties working altruistically to service and empower the population.

They don’t have much trust, faith and confidence in the parties but expressed preference for one or the other describing it (their choice) as the lesser of the evil given their experience (or as told to them by elders) over the last 50 years.

Thus, a fresh party like Independent Party or a URP could be attractive to disgruntled voters.

Many voters talked about change and even sought my advice on how they should vote given that they feel all three parties have let them down.

They also described the PPP/C, PNC (APNU), and AFC in most unflattering terms and view all three as corrupt and self-indulging

with politicians only seeking power for themselves and not the nation at large.

They spoke, for example, of the PNC (APNU) retaining politicians from the Burnham/Hoyte era who were known for corrupt acts, of PPP/C not reining in some Ministers who embarrass the party, and of AFC’s infighting and missing party funds.

I declined to advise them on how to vote since my mission was to conduct an opinion poll (that requires objectivity, professionalism, and neutrality) to determine popular support for the various political entities and issues that are affecting the electorate.

People (children to seniors) are most disappointed with the AFC (those who voted the party in 2011 and those who were considering to vote for it in 2015) for not maintaining its position independent of the two bigger juggernauts by merging with APNU (PNC).

Most have abandoned AFC ship and looking for a new ship to board. So any new political movement, a la the IP or URP, would attract the attention of independentminded voters, who were attracted to the AFC .

The URP, IP, along with JFAP, and TUF were mentioned by voters in the NACTA survey, though it was not clear at the time of the poll that IP would contest the election. JFAP has given up its independence and merged with APNU (PNC) and no doubt would add to that party’s (alliance) strength.

On a related note, contrary to what Benschop recently wrote, Peter D’Aguiar did not “embark on a struggle for nationhood” for British Guiana.

He consistently favored the status quo (continued colonial rule) and was convinced of supporting independence by imperialist forces because of an agreement made by Britain to grant then Guiana its freedom.

D’Aguiar was not thrilled about Guiana becoming an independent state, fearful that Guyana would descend

into a dictatorship. This fear would become a reality when Burnham dumped D’Aguiar from the PNC-UF coalition (that toppled Jagan) after D’Aguiar complained of corruption and racism.

Burnham refused to take actions against the corrupt.

Burnham roped in a handful of political opportunists from the UF to give a multi-racial image to the PNC and then proceeded to rig every election to stay in office.

Over half the country don’t wish to take a chance again with the PNC-AFC alliance fearing the PNC would repeat what if did in the past as voters learn that history repeats itself.

Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, According to Guyana’s Chief Medical Health Officer (CMO) Dr Shamdeo Persaud, the Ministry of Health will set up Poison Control Centres throughout the country to provide immediate, free and expert treatment, advice and assistance over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous or hazardous substances.

The CMO explained that the operations of such centres across the country can help curb the issue, or at least, reduce the amount of successful suicides by providing immediate life-saving information for suicide attempts.

However, The Caribbean Voice hopes that Dr Persaud is aware that information by itself is useless, unless it is acted upon.

So we look forward to the unfolding of other measures aimed at ensuring that information disseminated by the Poison Control Centres is utilized to the fullest, that utilization is monitored, and that follow up is mandated.

In this context we would like to point out again that Shri Lanka’s Hazard Reduction Model relating to agro-chemicals has proven to be highly successful in reducing suicide in that nation.

In fact, the total number of suicides in Sri Lanka fell by 50 per cent from 1996-2005 compared to 1986-1995 – a reduction of

AFC/APNU doesn’t occupy moral high ground Dear Editor, The coalition of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is actively selling itself as a pro-democratic force in our country.

They make big claims of their morality and sell themselves as being above others. I believe in democracy. I believe that the people of a country should have a right to choose who would lead them. I am a strong believer that leaders should hold themselves to the standards that they hold others at.

The coalition is not a pro-democratic alliance.

The leaders and supporters of this alliance make big claims of this union. I would like to point at the fact that this union has questionable beginnings.

The fact that neither of these parties had free and fair elections to elect leaders within the parties should effectively remove pro-democratic as an adjective to this alliance. It also raises questions as to if the un-

democratic leaders of these parties compromised the parties’ elections to ensure the coalition was possible.

The fraudulent nature of the members of this coalition has also been highlighted by former AFC members Sixtus Edwards and Balwant Persaud. The former members highlighted issues such as poor accountability, undemocratic elections and cronyism.

The members of these parties are yet to give account of this.

I believe that these parties are not occupants of the moral high-ground in our country. They have used deceptive tactics. It’s not plausible to have undemocratic forces heading a democratic country.

It is simply contradictory. If the parties find it impossible to account for their own spending, how would they account for a country’s spending? Only the deluded would ever describe this coalition as credible and prodemocratic.

Davendra Kissoon

approximately 19,800 suicides, after this model was introduced. There is no such proven track record for Poison Control Centres.

The Sri Lankan model encompasses: 1. Introducing a minimum agro-chemicals list restricting the use of pesticides to a smaller number of pesticides least dangerous to humans.

2. Placing import restrictions to ensure that more dangerous chemicals do not enter the country.

3. Restricting the availability of agro-chemicals by ensuring they are stored safely in locked boxes in rural households, along with all equipment with which these pesticides are used.

4. Ensuring that empty containers are safely and effectively disposed of.

5. Restricting sale of agro-chemicals only to licensed premises and to licensed farmers.

6. Implementing administrative controls to ensure that sales outlets safely store all agro-chemicals.

7. Implementing an ongoing safe use policy to educate people about safe handling, use, storage and disposal. Concurrently, for small-scale farming, nonchemical methods, including organic farming, should be encouraged.

8. Improving medical management of pesticide poisoning: an important facet of control because better management will reduce

the number of deaths.

Requirements are the better availability of antidotes (both in central referral hospitals and ideally in peripheral health units) and ventilation facilities, better training, and better evidence for interventions.

9. Constantly monitoring all measures to ensure ongoing conformity, including random home visits to check for locked box storage and field visits to ensure that only licensed premises and licensed farmers have access to chemicals and that safe handling, use, storage and disposal are in effect.

10.

Given that in Guyana, the vast majority of suicides result from ingestion of agro-chemicals, it would seem logical for the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (and related other agencies), to implement (with necessary modifications) a suicide reduction model that has been tremendously successful, rather than a measure that is nebulous at best.

Besides this innovation should cost less than poison control centers. The most difficult part would be regular enforcement but, given what is at stake, surely the resources should be employed accompanied by political will to ensure success.

The Caribbean Voice

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Memory strategies for students: The value of strategies

BY REGINA G RICHARDS

O

ther strategies that use student’s strengths in visual patterns involve the wide variety of visual organisers that are available.

Visual organisers can be used to compare and contrast two related aspects.

Basic visual organisers, also called mind maps or clusters, can be used to summarise information from a lecture or reading materials, or to prepare for a writing assignment. The main idea is placed in the centre and then the supporting facts can be attached in various formats. Mind maps can also be organised to show cause and effect or a sequence of events, such as the following episodic organiser.

Strategies that help students review and retrieve known information

These types of strategies are very valuable for students. That is because many

times students learn information but then don’t have a plan to easily retrieve or recall that information when it is needed (during a test, for example). It is important that the students know the information well, because otherwise the mnemonic, whether it is a silly sentence or a picture, will not serve its function.

For example, how useful is it if the student knows that the letters in the phrase “CAMP W” represent the first letter of each of the nine Amerindian tribes, that is the Caribs, Arawaks, Akawaios, Arekunas, Makushis, Patamonas, Wapishanas, Warraus and the WaiWais.

“CAMP W” is valuable with these strategies because our brains are good at remembering unusual or silly things.

Imagery or picture associations can be

encouraged through modelling or using actual pictures. A short sentence or a sequence of letters is often used to aid in the recall. These are technically called acrostics (a short sentence with the initial letter of each word matching the first letter of the names or words to recall in the correct sequence) or acronyms (a sequence of letters that may or may not form a word, with each letter representing one of the keywords to be remembered).

Strategies that help students recall and retrieve information These types of strategies are very useful for students who have difficulty learning associative information, such as sound/symbol correspondences or math facts. Some students have an easy time remembering such information, such as the fact that the letter a has the /a/ sound or that 9x3 is 27. Other students may struggle greatly to remember these “simple” associations. Using strategies with these tasks can be especially valuable for students who learn differently because some of their processing issues may interfere with associative recall. Also, appropriate strategies can help them take advantage of their substantial processing strengths, which in turn helps increase their self-esteem as well as their learning.

Sound/symbol correspondences Sound/symbol correspondences can be recalled using visual mnemonics.

This type of strategy presents a picture cue that can be used to help trigger the association to be remembered. For example, the word apple, along with a pic-

ture, can be used as a keyword to recall that the letter a has the /a/ sound. When words are combined into a silly phrase, the connections and patterns become even stronger.

Maths Memorising math facts, especially multiplication facts, can be a challenge for many students. Some students memorise the facts but then struggle to retrieve them when they are doing actual calculations. Students who struggle should be taught to look for patterns within the numbers.

An example pattern is evidenced when multiplying nines: adding up the digits in the answer will always result in the number 9. For example, in 9x1=9,

9x4=36, or 9x7=63. The answers (9, 36, or 63) each add up to 9.

Students can use their fingers to calculate many of the multiplication facts.

The easiest strategy is for multiplying a number by 9. To use the strategy, students place both hands in front with the palm side down and fingers outstretched.

Each finger is numbered (either mentally or with an actual sticker) beginning with the pinkie on the left hand.

The number that is being multiplied is folded over, as in the diagram. The

student then counts the number of fingers to the left of the folded down finger (in this example of 9x5, there are four fingers to the left). This number represents the tens digit (4). The student then counts the number of fingers to the right of the folded down finger (in this example, there are five fingers to the left). This number represents the ones digit (5). The answer to this problem (9x5) is 45.

The value of strategies Learning strategies help all of us learn how to learn by focusing on the process and the plan rather than just the outcome or the content of learning.

The goal is for students to carry many of the strategies and habits learned during the school years throughout life to enhance lifelong learning. While it is true that as adults we are generally not asked to calculate a page of math facts, it is also true that we will be asked to learn new information, analyse tasks, organise data, and plan our activities. These are the lifelong skills that are critical for all of us to acquire in school.

Too much too fast… it won’t last!

Several years ago, a Farside cartoon was published showing a classroom situation.

The student was raising his hand and asking if he could be excused because his “brain was full.” This highlights an important caution to remember in using mnemonics. Go slowly. Too many strategies at once may confuse the student rather than help.

• Use strategies to have fun with your students • Use them as examples to create more strategies that will help enhance students learning • Vary the strategies and include different sensory patterns • Help students realize the importance of strategies as a lifelong skill Doing so will help enhance students’ self-esteem because they will be more successful. When students learn to proceed through a task systematically, it will seem less overwhelming. (www.ldonline.org)

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monday, march 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Govt resolute in improving Amerindians’ livelihood – Benn

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merindians are the most atrisk group in Guyana and the ruling party is committed to improving their livelihood and living standards, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn told residents of Kumaka, Region One (Barima-Waini) on Sunday.

“We recognise that our Amerindian people throughout the country need to access and benefit from all aspects of the social, economic and developmental spheres irrespective of where they are living,” Minister Benn told residents.

“The party I represent has been making great efforts to improve their livelihood and living standard.”

He said that the combined Opposition’s refusal to approve funds for hinterland airstrips’ maintenance was a thoughtless act which has denied many Amerindians their basic rights.

In 2014, $248 million was allocated for rehabilitation of airstrips in Matthews Ridge, Imbaimadai and

disclosed.

There were a number of missed opportunities to attract new investments, the Public Works Minister further stated, as a result of not having cheap, renewable energy.

Improved road network

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn addressing residents

Kamarang and the maintenance of 43 airstrips in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight and Nine.

The Minister, who is responsible for the transport sector, emphasised that the airstrips were critical for the movement of goods

and services “in and out of these communities”.

The failed Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was also addressed by the Minister. “Amaila was so important for our country.

The light bill for all of us would

be reduced, and particularly we would have savings for renewable sustaining energy project. That way, we can make the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) facilities available to communities that have inadequate power supply,” he

Approximately $70 million has been set aside this year to improve the road networks in Moruca subregion, Minister Benn announced.

“13.5 kilometres of new roads were developed in the area; however, some of them are not up to standard. We have to make a change. I have instructed my Engineer so that we make that change quickly,” Benn stated.

Lamenting that the General Election was less than three months away, Benn called for unity and peace. He also opined that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has the best, most talented, most committed leaders to move Guyana forward.

Gender violence workshop targets Policemen, recovering drug addicts

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two-day workshop, hosted by the Human Services Ministry’s Men’s Affairs Bureau (MAB), in collaboration with the Salvation Army’s Men’s Social Sector, Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Health Ministry’s Gender Based Unit, has ended with men more empowered to deal with the issue of genderbased violence.

The workshop focused on the role of males in addressing gender-based violence and targeted religious organisations and their contributions towards dealing with the issue. MAB Head Diego Alphonso, who chaired the opening session, pointed out that men have not been given enough priority and recognition; however, they play a major role in society, and they too were abused.

“We believe that men are hurting too, and they too have a story to tell … men also have a need to be loved, cared for, respected, listened to and affirmed,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported him as saying. Alphonso added that this was one of the main reasons why faithbased organisations play a critical role in this issue.

Alphonso explained that men too were hurt, and when this happened because of their partners’ actions, they tend to return that pain, but most times, in a physical way. The MAB Head stressed that this cannot be accepted as justification for physical violence.

This is the reason why the Administration has turned its attention to men, seeking to help them find other solutions to their problems, and to work with them, in the fight against gender-based violence. In closing comments, Alphonso urged society to see men not as the enemy in this fight, but as

faced with. The Minister also congratulated the organisers of the workshop, noting that persons with the ability to bring about change were present. He proposed that ‘heart and soul’ be put into the matter to bring about change.

Permanent Secretary of the Human Services Ministry, Patrick Findlay added that the workshop was orchestrated by Human

A section of the gathering at the workshop

partners.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, who was among the gathering at the workshop, highlighted that with movies and cartoons being violence filled, lives were being patterned after them.

He urged that the battle be started with children in primary schools. Noting that the previous Film Census Board was once responsible for filtering what persons could watch, he urged that parents now do that job.

Pointing also to the type of language that was being used, the Minister opined that this was also impacting behaviour. He also noted that social media was used as another means to express the vilest things in society. According to Minister Edghill, “We need to find a new path on how to create (a good) image”, imploring strongly that the media publicise when men are seen taking care of their children. He commended those men who have worked hard for their families, and urged that they keep it up.

He warned, “If you want to damage the male psyche, then the men must pro-

nounce against you.”

Pointing to President Donald Ramotar, who recently observed his 40th wedding anniversary, he noted that this was not news, but if there had been a divorce or separation, that would have made the press.

Minister Edghill also offered that what should be continued was that all ‘out of control’ men should be embraced by others. He pointed out that they should not be thrown away, but be taken care of, and urged the workshop facilitators to be encouraging towards the participants.

Strong families

He also emphasised that gender-based violence should not exist. A broken family could be held together by the commitment of the support base. Society could be helped only if strong families exist, and this should be learnt at home. He urged the participants not to hide the problem, but to be responsible in how it was being dealt with. Government and religious leaders have a role to play, as men cannot be helped unless they admit publicly what they were

Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster herself, because “we feel that the religious section of our population – the churches, mosques, temples and where ever we believe – that if we can get the involvement of our religious leaders in their different settings, we can be able to multiply the effects of, if not totally eliminate, but reduce the incidence of gender-based vio-

lence”.

He further noted that gender-based violence has been around for a long time, but has escalated over recent times. Similar sessions have been held in Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Six (East Berbice-Canje) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), and others are planned for the rest of 2015.

8 NEWS

monday, march 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

CIOG commissions computer centre at Aurora in Region 2 I n an effort to foster Information Technology and other life skills in young people as well as elders in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on Saturday commissioned a computer centre at Aurora.

The Islamic organisation has thus far built five computer and sewing machine centres in Berbice, Essequibo and East Bank Demerara. The commissioning of the computer centre at the Aurora Masjid was done in collaboration with Asad Al Sanad Trust and Br Asad Abdul Aziz Al Sanad, Chairman of Al Sanad Real Estate Group Co State of Kuwait. The centre is equipped with 10 computers that create a learning environment.

Present at the commissioning of the centre was head of CIOG Shaikh Moen

CIOG Director Shaikh Moen ul-Hack posing with some of the Muslims who participated in the commissioning ceremony

ul-Hack. Moen ul-Hack said that CIOG is dedicated to improving the welfare as well as the overall standard of living of Muslims.

The Imam explained that the organisation is engaged in many non-profit-

able deeds that foster sustainable development and bring relief to the poor.

Moen ul-Hack explained that with the computer centre at Aurora, young people will have access to basic knowledge that can make

Children being taught Information Technology at the Aurora Islamic Computer Centre

them more marketable.

The Islamic organisation believes in charity and as such over the years, it has been involved in charitable programmes such as feeding programmes, clothes distribution and providing shelter for the poor and needy.

It is also working to boost health and educational services in vulnerable communities.

To achieve the various charitable gestures, CIOG survives by working in togetherness with affiliates, sponsors and volunteers.

Computer classes will commence on Saturday and will accommodate 10 persons per session.

The coordinator for those classes is Deputy Imam of Aurora Masjid Iqbal Khan.

A computer centre of similar nature was commissioned at Meten-Meer-Zorg Islamic Academy. The centre is presently providing literacy classes for students.

Eyew tness Foul play...

I

...at Police Stations?

f not "rotten", something's definitely "spoiled" with the state of our police-apprehension procedures. We can't just sweep these deaths of persons in Police custody under the rug any longer. They're piling up.

Pretty soon there will be so many bumps in the rug that no one's gonna be able to traverse it. Meaning that our social order would've broken down.

Added to these killings while in the "care" of the Police, the well-publicised cases of torture, the burgeoning number of cops and ex-cops fingered in assorted crimes – not to mention the quotidian harassment by the traffic cops – and you have a police force that's actually deprofessionalising rather than professionalising.

Now none of this is anything new...and that's what makes the situation even more depressing. The rot in the Police Force started right from the start. Very bluntly, the British just wanted a bunch of armed men to "police" whoever they ruled. In essence, this deeply ingrained orientation of the Police to view the civilian populace as people to "keep down" has never been challenged, much less reversed. And this is what has to begin pronto.

Up to the recent past, the Police Force had been made into a political football by the PNC when it refused back in 1965 to implement the recommendations of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) to professionalise it. Fifty years down the road – and dozens of investigations with thousands of recommendations – have all been for naught because every administration's played ducks and drakes with the elephant in the room blocking any real reform – the need to have the composition of the Police Force reflect the demographics of the country.

As in the law of evidence's "fruit of the poisoned tree doctrine" - if the original construct of the Force was defective, whatever flowed out of it had to've inherited that defect. As late as 2004, the Disciplined Forces Commission – of which David Granger was a sitting member – recommended that the original 1965 ICJ's proposal for altering the composition of the Police Force be implemented. Now that he is trumpeting his desire for a "love and unity" approach to Government, why doesn't he take up cudgels for the reforms he helped to craft. Rather than just criticising the Police from the sidelines.

It's quite possible that this one "bad" lapse of the Force had "spoiled" the entire barrel of cops. Let us quit beating around the (Police) bush – and have real root and branch reform in the Police Force!

...at elections

Once again, Leader of the Opposition David Granger has reiterated that neither he nor the PNC has anything to apologise for. And that if anyone has proof of any PNC wrongdoing, they should step forward with evidence!!

Pleeeeease!! This is just too much. Granger must be called out. Let's just talk about one of the criminal acts of the PNC that compel apology – rigging of elections.

Was Granger, who studied history at UG, so badly miseducated by his lecturers that he doesn't know about the declassified files of the US Government? They recount, in excruciating detail, how Burnham started election rigging in 1968? Or is he saying that the US Government wanted to give Burnham "bad name" so they incriminated themselves? Jeez!! There’s got to be a limit to how much stonewalling zealots like Granger will be prepared to commit for the Burnhamite cause.

But this Eyewitness has a bit of (gratuitous) advice.

His refusal to apologise for elections rigging will lead to his Waterloo, come May 11.

...off Essequibo

For decades we've known there was oil in "them thar waters" off the Essequibo Coast. The problem, however, was always the Venezuelans and their ridiculous claims.

This time this Eyewitness thinks they've bitten off more than they can chew.

Unlike 1962, the US wants THEIR Government out – and it's a US oil company that's being threatened.

9 Health Ministry peeved at release of medical assistance records news

monday, march 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

T

he Health Ministry is peeved at the release of information on the medical assistance given to Government officials – one of whom received as much as $2 million for dental services.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry voiced what it described as its “ab-

insensitive and inimical culture of journalism, towards the Government of Guyana and the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

“The Ministry of Health notes that it is well established that private details, particularly those dealing with the health and finance

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran

solute consternation at the unethical and disingenuous exposure of private medical details, concerning selected Government officials”.

According to the Ministry, certain media outlets and personnel, in taking ‘cheap shots’ for political mileage, have revealed not only their political biases, but also an

of citizens, are not normally exposed, except under certain ‘extreme’ conditions, and even so, not in a manner to besmirch people’s character, nor negatively sway public opinion against any person or group.”

The Ministry said it should be recalled that in May 2009, Alliance For

Change (AFC) Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan did enquire about the then People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Robert Corbin’s medical expenses being offset by the Government, stating that a substantial amount of taxpayers’ dollars has been spent, and “there must be a balance between that and accountability”.

However, at the time, he was met with silence concerning the nature of Corbin’s health issues and the sum of the expense incurred, the Ministry said in its statement. “In this vein, the Ministry of Health highlights that it is not ‘decent’ to expose these sensitive issues, as they can redound to both medical and impecunious embarrassment.

However, some media operatives went this route, clearly targeting a select few from the ruling party, and in so doing have engendered unease among the family members and other concerned relatives and friends.

“The Health Ministry once again condemns the behaviour of those responsible for the report, and deems their actions as ‘vendetta for no known reason’.”

The Health Ministry also sees the reportage as inten-

Police mulling who will pick up DNA results of headless corpse

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lthough the DNA results of the headless corpse suspected to be that of former MFK Trading boss Mohamed Feroze Khan are ready to be uplifted from Trinidad, the Guyana Police Force is still to identify a rank to do so.

This was according to a senior Police rank who told the Guyana Times that the package was ready to be collected almost two weeks ago, but a member of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Unit has to do so, noting that it could not be posted due to its sensitivity and more so, due to the Standard Operating Procedures.

The senior rank indicated that the procedure will have to be similar to that for the Nyozi Goodman case.

The decomposed, headless corpse was found on September 22, 2014 at Old Road, Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown. The head was reportedly found by workers attached to the Public Works Ministry who were weeding in the area.

It was reportedly in a black plastic bag and was being carried by a dog.

Upon the discovery, the men went to the area from where the dog came and stumbled upon the body.

The businessman who resided in Venezuela after

Mohamed Feroze Khan

selling his Hadfield business left that country on August 21, 2014 to visit his Guyanese attorney. He was expected to spend five days in Guyana and return to his three children and wife.

After his disappearance, his family members contacted several of his friends, but they said that they had not seen him.

After the discovery, relatives of the businessman turned up at the Lyken Funeral Home and positively identified the remains as those of Khan by the underwear and a belt that was found on the corpse.

Investigators believe that the man was beheaded before his body was dumped in the area.

On July 9, 2014, the 54-year-old businessman was shot to his abdomen by a gunman at La Grange, West Bank Demerara in a failed execution attempt. It was reported that a business deal of Khan turned sour.

At that time, he claimed that he had sold a property, but the buyer wanted to rob him of millions and he thought that the execution attempt might have been orchestrated by the buyer.

Khan left the business world about six years ago after he received death threats.

Relatives of the businessman are awaiting the results so that the remains can be handed over to them for burial.

tionally skewed with portions being mischievously selected or incomplete, with ulterior and sinister motives.

“Also, it should be emphasised that the Ministry of Health embraces and practises a policy, to render assistance indiscriminately and in a holistic manner, depending upon the nature of the medical condition and the financial needs of those seeking to obtain same.”

Last Friday, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) registered concern over the Ministry of Health spending approximately $361 million in health benefits with more

APNU Executive Basil Williams

than half of that amount being given to several of Government Ministers and

officials. According to APNU Executive Basil Williams, the National Assembly were unaware of the spending, further pointing out that there was obscurity when it came to the basis of the Ministers and other officials qualifying for the amount of monies spent on healthcare.

“We do not know about such spending. Such spending does not come to the House. What we know is that we, the Members of Parliament, do not get and have never gotten any medical benefits. I don’t know that there is a lawful regime governing those expenditure,” Williams said.

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monday, march 2, 2015

News

Linden holds Mash float parade De fightin and de in-fightin

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Linden revellers parading through the streets

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he streets of Linden came alive with a fusion of colours, revellers and music on Sunday when the community hosted its leg of the Mashramani float parade observances, commemorating 45 years of Guyana’s Republic status.

The show, however, was lacklustre with those attending choosing to stand on the sidelines. There were few floats. The show began to heat up from approximately 11:00h, when the participants began assembling from the Five Corner area at Mackenzie.

Decked out in their costumes, scores of revellers made their way along the Washer Pond Road, thence to Casaurina Drive, before crossing over the Mackenzie-Wismar bridge. Participating in the costume frenzy was the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports contingent, one of the largest in this year’s Linden float parade. Adding to the array of fun and frolic were ‘the story of Linden’ contingent, Bernard’s Variety and Woodmaster (Bella’s Lumber Yard and Variety).

A number of party trucks including Banks DIH and Stag also complemented the contingents as they made their way onto the Wismar shore, touching down firstly along Winifred Gaskin Highway.

Hundreds of cheerful faces lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession as it made its way along the

One Mile Public Road to the Bayroc Community Centre Ground. The atmosphere in

party events at the location as well as others across Linden brought

the curtains down on the Mashramani activities in the mining town.

Another section of the Linden Mash parade

Linden remained energised throughout the day with joyful and amused onlookers, frolicking revellers, and the rhythms of feisty Soca music filling the air.

Backed up by good weather and delicious Guyanese cuisine, Lindeners came out in their numbers to celebrate under this year’s theme, “One People, One Culture, One Celebration”. Whether they chose to stand on hills, look on from outside their homes, stand/sit along the roadway or join the procession as they passed, hundreds came out to pledge their full support.

At sundown, the event culminated at the Bayroc ground, as fete mode was activated. A number of

One of the few floats during the Linden Mash

ince before de elections announcement, dem Opposition politicians was fightin fuh elections. From Nagga Man, to Rum Jhaat, to Green Jah to Joe de Hard Mouth was fightin.

De Prezzi finally give dem whah dem want, and up to now dem still fightin. Even dem ABC people who don’t know Guyana ABC was fightin at one time.

Well, elections ain’t reach yet and de fightin get more bad. Prezzi had only just mek de announcement fuh de prorogation and de Nagga Man was already fightin to be Prezzi, although that ain’t nutten new. Is since de Pee-P-P days he been fightin fuh position.

Even after de Nagga Man a** get haul out from de PeeP-P, he was still fightin to be Prezzi. But wid all that fightin, Green Jah still knock he down, and he had to settle fuh whah he get, not knowin yet whah he gon get.

Rum Jhaat is another one who been fightin since he was in de Pee-P-P. And he does wanna haul every body a** when he fightin. Some lil boy musta haul Rum Jhaat a** real good when he was growin up in Number 47 Village and leff all de way in 69. Till now he spittin out when he talkin.

De Pee-P-P announce Harper, who is a damn good woman, fuh de Prime Minister position and more fightin start. First, de Kissmoon woman run to bet up Edghill and push he over de edge of a cliff in Linden.

But Edghill shoulda know bettter than to trust every body just because he is a pastor, because is de same Kissmoon woman who had create a big fight when Oscar de bite man had try to get de poorkey fuh a buildin, which he know Kissmoon had in she purse.

Then Nagga Man start harpin bout Harper till he get hoarse. Now de Selman woman sell out and resign.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie!

But before Selmnan done wid dem, she let out a lotta secrets bout de in-fightin that causin de fightin.

Vybz Entertainment officially launches ‘Linden Town Week 2015’

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ybz Entertainment Group has officially launched Linden Town Week (LTW) 2015 under the theme “Enhancing mutual relations as we celebrate the richness of our town”.

The annual event, which showcases Linden, was launched through an interactive session on Friday evening at the National Communications Network (NCN) Inc’s Linden branch.

The team, consisting of Devin Sears (Chairman); Akelo Elliot (Events Manager); and Jenella Harry (Secretary) has signed a three-year pact with the Linden Town Council for the hosting of the activities in the mining town from 20152017. This year’s event is slated to be officially opened on April 26.

During the launch which was broadcasted live on NCN Channel 13, Sears acknowledged that the main focus of the LTW activities under the entertainment group would be on revamping cultural activities and standardising new cultures, with more focus on education. In addition, he stated

Linden Town Week organisers, Vybz Entertainment Group

that the team would be focusing on branding, advertising and marketing the community of Linden. As such, he said, a magazine showcasing the town will be launched during this year’s observances, which runs from April 25 to May 4.

“This is a stepping stone of greater things to come in Linden,” Sears said, adding that the magazine would give insight of what Linden is about. “We are reaching out, promoting Linden … this is not just about making money, but showcasing Linden. Linden Town Week is for all of our efforts; everyone can get involved. Linden Town Week must benefit

everybody. We have a responsibility to ensure that Linden Town Week grows from strength to strength.”

Sears also outlined some challenges with accommodation in Linden, adding that persons travel from outside the community to be part of the event. He stated that as such, the team would focus on creating markets for bread and breakfast services. He also noted that New Era Entertainment Group which usually promotes the signature ‘All Black’ party event no longer had that franchise.

Elliot said the event would incorporate a fusion of trade, cultural activities,

exposition and fete. “We’re going to ensure that safety comes first … this year promises to be exciting,” he stated. He also outlined a number of activities to be held over the 10 exciting days, including Inter-Primary Spelling B Competition; gospel concert; a health fair and fitness walk; science and job fair (April 29); Big and Bold Pageant (April 30); international night; Champion of Champions athletics (April 30); and a comedy show (April 29).

New additions to the week of activities this year include a Regional Culinary Display and a heritage and culture show.

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monday, march 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Times Notebook

Empowering women I

t is difficult to fathom the tired allegation that the PPP/C has nothing to offer women. We find these efforts to denigrate the PPP/C’s record on women farcical and incomprehensible. Attacks on the PPP/C for nominating Elisabeth Harper as their Prime Minister represent an anti-women position and we deem these attacks as shameful.

There is no political party in the Caribbean with a more proud record than the PPP/C when it comes to women.

Janet Jagan as one of the founding leaders of the PPP/C fought from the inception to ensure women have equal status in our society. Guyana has one of the highest ranking in the world when it comes to women and gender equality.

Because of the political and social struggle led by the PPP/C, women have achieved the highest levels of office in our country. If the PPP/C wins the election, Ms Harper, the first woman Director General of Guyana, would become another woman who would have been Prime Minister of Guyana.

Janet Jagan already

had the distinction of being Guyana’s first woman Prime Minister. She also was Guyana’s first woman to serve as President of Guyana. The first woman Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodrigues, was appointed by the PPP/C. The appointment of Jennifer Webster in the Ministry of Finance during the Ninth Parliament was the first time a woman was in that position in Guyana.

There are many other firsts for women that resulted because of direct policies of the PPP/C. The first time a woman was elected as a Deputy Speaker of the Parliament was when the PPP nominated Janet Jagan.

When Desiree Bernard was appointed first as the Chief Justice and then as Chancellor, those were the first times that a woman occupied those important positions in Guyana. These appointments were under the PPP/C. The first woman to be appointed in the Caribbean Court of Justice was nominated by the PPP/C Government.

Sonya Roopnauth is the first ever Budget Director for Guyana.

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper

It was the PPP/C that appointed the first woman Treasury Secretary. During the PPP/C regime, women became heads of trade unions and of the Guyana Trades Union Council.

It is under a PPP/C Government that the reformed Constitution furthered the advancement of women by providing for women to be at least onethird of the political candidates in our elections.

This is the only country in Caricom that provides for equity in representation

in our Parliament and that is the reason Guyana ranks highly in women representation in Parliament among countries of the world.

Today, Guyana’s Parliament is among a handful where women make up more than 30 per cent of the MPs. The PPP/C Government led the way in creating a constitutional Commission on Women and Gender Equality. Women have equal pay for jobs in Guyana. Even the USA cannot boast that women have equal pay in their civil service. Our laws also prohibit the private sector from paying women less than men for the same level of appointments.

Girls have equal access to education in our country.

Guyana today has achieved universal primary education and is close to attaining universal secondary education.

While the PPP/C increased access to secondary education from about seven per cent in 1960 to almost per cent in 1964, access to secondary education was stalled at about 30 per cent in 1992 after almost 30 years in Government by the PNC. Since 1992, the Government has increased

access to secondary education to almost 100 per cent.

In terms of nursery education, Guyana has moved from under 10 per cent in 1992 to almost 80 percent today, under a PPP/C Government.

There are more women in university in Guyana and more female university graduates today than males.

Women have achieved equity in professional life in our country. From just a few women who were lawyers and doctors, there are now almost equal or even greater numbers of women who are among new lawyers and doctors in Guyana.

Women are even entering professions never imagined for women, like engineering. Let us not ignore women in sports and entertainment – it is under the PPP/C since 1992 that women flourish in sports and entertainment to heights never envisaged before 1992.

In addition, maternal and child health services have increased enormously in our country. There is 100 per cent access to maternal and child health services. Access to advance services such as c-section for risky pregnancies, services

for cervical cancer, immunization against cervical cancer are provided free of cost to all women and girls that need the services.

Guyana is one of the few countries in the world that provide immunization against cervical cancer for young girls. Guyana was one of the first developing countries to provide universal access to prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and is about to be certified as eliminating HIV transmission to babies.

One area of note is the avalanche of women-owned small and medium size businesses in Guyana.

Domestic violence and sexual abuse of women and girls in our country are major impediments towards attaining higher development for Guyana, not just for women. Under the PPP/C Government, there are strong domestic and sexual abuse laws to protect women and girls.

For those who criticize the nomination of Ms Harper, they need to know that this is a signature of the women agenda of the PPP/C and is the very essence of the DNA of the party.

Afro-Guyanese have been miseducated – ACDA head but all other citizens regardless of their ethnicity.

He said that each school needed to have a standard history programme, libraries with books that not only talked about where the various peoples came from but details on who they were as a people in an effort to create a greater link.

The COLAACO students in their African dress

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frican Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) Director, Dr Eric Phillips said Guyana’s education system was not doing enough to inculcate identities in its people – something which was hindering the country from reaching its fullest potential.

Friday marked the last day of the Black History Month; however, little was done to mark the occasion here in Guyana. It has been pointed that Guyana should move away from the US tradition of celebrating Black History in February, and do so in August – which is known throughout the world as the period when enslaved

Africans gained their emancipation.

Phillips told the Guyana Times that the lack of knowledge of the African culture and its people can be laid at the feet of Guyana’s education system, adding that the same held true for other ethnicities in Guyana. Schools in Guyana teach only the basics of where its people came from and what they were known for, but he said more was needed.

The ACDA Director cited the various beliefs of who black people were or what they have come to be known for in Guyana and around the world. He said that black people were commonly called

“lazy”, “corrupt” and a host of other negative and derogatory adjectives, adding that even the colour black inspires no warm image. Dr Phillips elaborated that lack of education of Africans, their history, their culture, their values, their strengths and their inventions have made black people around the globe try to be everything they were not.

All ethnicities affected

The African enthusiast stated that Guyana’s education system needed to do more for its people, being quick to note that the lack of education on the history of the various ethnicities of Guyana did not only affect Afro Guyanese

Dr Phillips told this publication that although ACDA wished to stress on this and promote African culture in Guyana, it was handicapped in the fact that it was unable to access the schools.

He stated that ACDA has tried several times to get the Education Ministry to give the Association some time to

go into the schools to present on the rich African history that many Guyanese were missing out on. However, he said these efforts were usually ignored with the excuse that it was not African History Month for the organisation to want such an activity with students. turn to page 13

12 news Jewan Ka Nritya steals Mon Repos woman busted the show during Indian with cocaine at CJIA Folk and Dance Festival T monday, march 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

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he Guyana International Conference Centre came alive on Friday night with a flood of lights, music, colours and professional dancing as the Indian Folk and Dance Festival was held. The exuberant Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Troupe copped the top spot after giving a performance that was well deserved for a spot on the stage of the Bollywood Movie Awards.

The much anticipated annual Indian Folk and Dance Festival, hosted by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, was the place to be on Friday with performances that showcased rich culture and talent. The Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Troupe exemplified this by displaying strength, innocence and aggression during its performance that began with the theme song of Jodha Akbar, a Bollywood movie that had gotten overwhelming reviews for its mixture of war and love.

The members of the West Coast Demerara dance troupe were decked out as royal warriors with the glittering colours of gold and a zealous black, armed with swords and pitchforks to defend themselves against their attackers. Guyana Times had the opportunity to talk with the choreographer of the performance, Roshini Boodhoo. The talented young woman shared that her warriors were preparing for battle as they flexed their swords and also tested their sense through blindfolds.

She explained that the children were their reason for fighting, the chance to give them a life free of violence and death, thus all swords and symbols were put away when the children were around in their bid to make them see only the good the world has to offer. In the end, Boodhoo stated that her warriors died to protect the children from such a life, and such was seen as one by one the warriors sunk to the floor in death with the cries of the children ringing after losing their brave protectors.

The claps of the relatively quiet crowd were loud after this performance as Jewan Ka Nritya was declared the winner without even seeing the others.

Meanwhile, the Kanhaiya Dance Troupe from Essequibo, who was the first to perform, put up just as much of a fight for the top spot as the Jewan Ka Nritya. The troupe’s performance depicted a Punjabi

The Jewan Ka Nritya Dance Troupe performing at the Guyana International Conference Centre

wedding ceremony where the groom wore his traditional turban headwear to celebrate his marriage to the woman of his dreams.

The groom and also the choreographer of the piece, Ravindra Deowattie told this newspaper that his team was showcasing a folk

majesty of Lord Krishna and his love affair with his lovely Radha, who was all over the stage. Even so, Lord Krishna truly showed his flair for dancing as he twisted and flowed with Godlike grace. However, the overall performance was somewhat confusing as the God

The Kanhaiya Dance Troupe performing a Punjabi wedding ceremony

wedding as it was done by their ancestors years ago even as it is practiced today.

His troupe came in second.

Placing third in the competition was the Better Hope Dance Troupe which had a jovial little woman who caught the attention of a few in the audience. The young lady genuinely appeared to be enjoying herself as she performed her piece as one of the friends of the heroine.

However, her exuberance and also unrestrained performance made her the star of the piece.

Meanwhile, the Mon Repos Dance Troupe came in fourth. During its performance, the troupe depicted a group of marriageable girls going to a river with their water pots. The girls had their own little party at the well as they danced and sang and even talked about boys and their potential life partners.

Coming in fifth was the Golden Home Berbice Troupe that showcased the

appeared to have had many roles apart from Godly duties.

In addition to these performances, the audience was treated to a concert where a flow of Indian songs, old and new, was sung by the one and only Purnash Mahase, who hails from Berbice but currently resides overseas.

he Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has been once again praised for its continuous fight against drug trafficking after it intercepted a 26-year-old shopkeeper at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Sunday morning with 2.5 kilograms of cocaine stashed in her laptop bag and hand luggage.

The woman, who hails from Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, was busted at approximately 00:45h as she was about to board a Fly Jamaica Flight to the United States of America.

CANU Head James Singh told the Guyana Times that the woman was profiled and approached by ranks of the Unit to conduct a search.

He said that while the search was being conducted, the woman started to act in a suspicious manner which alerted the ranks. During the search, cocaine was found in her carryon and another por-

tion in a laptop bag she was carrying.

She was immediately taken into custody and interrogated. She subsequently ‘gave up’ the identity of two people who had given her the drugs to take to the US. According to Singh, those persons were arrested in Georgetown and were being questioned. The Guyana Times understands that this would have been the woman’s first trip to the US on a Visitor’s Visa.

The three people are likely to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts as soon as possible. If they plead guilty, they can spend up to four years in prison and pay a fine based on the discretion of the magistrate.

On January 20, Rohbina Basdeoram, 29, and her husband, Mahendra Ramsuchit, 25, of Rose Hall, East Canje, Berbice were nabbed with over 20 kilograms of cocaine at the CJIA. The couple had already

boarded a Fly Jamaica Flight when they were asked to deplane and were subjected to a search. Earlier the couple used the VIP Lounge of the main port of entry.

During the search, ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch unearthed 10.392 kilograms of cocaine stashed in Ramsuchit’s luggage.

Another 10.968 kilograms of cocaine was reportedly found in his wife’s.

They were arrested and charged. They subsequently appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where they pleaded not guilty to trafficking in narcotics. They were remanded to prison.

An accomplice, Kenroy Anthony Augustus Joseph, who allegedly presented a forged document from the Foreign Affairs Ministry to the Airport Duty Office purporting that he was carrying out protocol duties for the couple was also charged and remanded to prison.

GPA elects new Executive Committee

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he Guyana Press Association (GPA), the local representative for all media workers, on Sunday elected a new executive committee to run its operations for the next two years, at its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in six years.

Neil Marks of Capitol News was elected unopposed as President, while Oluatoyin Williams of Stabroek News was elected Vice President.

Iva Wharton of Capitol News was elected Secretary, while Gaulbert Sutherland of Stabroek News was elected Treasurer. Fareeza Haniff of Inews Guyana was elected as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

Other members making up the new executive committee are: Denis Chabrol, Demerara Waves; Enrico Woolford, Capitol News; Leon Horatio, Guyana Chronicle and Nazima Raghubir.

Outgoing President, Gordon Moseley acknowledged that the Press Association is not where it should be, and the new executive committee has an uphill task to battle. The lack of participation, especially by members of the state media, was lamented for a great part of Sunday’s AGM. In his report prior to the

elections, Moseley said that one of the biggest problems that dogged the association throughout the past three years was the absence of the state media colleagues. “They were invited to every single training programme hosted by the GPA and for reasons best known to them they never turned up. We engaged the then President, Bharrat Jagdeo and he indicated that he too was not aware why they were not turning up.

The one day they turned up and then it returned to the same old,” Moseley said.

Moseley also urged all the media personnel present to desist from taking sides, while noting that the association was not a political body and as such, should remain impartial and unprejudiced at all times. He further went on to state that journalists have an obligation to the people and as such, politicians on both sides of the aisle must recognise that they play an integral role in a democracy or in any society, and that role ought to be respected and not trampled upon.

According to him, while many may be of the opinion that the organisation was not doing anything for its

members and the media fraternity, this was not so. He noted that there were many instances when the affected persons would not report their concerns to the organisation but would expect the body to act.

“It is not that we are not doing anything but we cannot do anything if you do not come to us. How will we know if you do not tell us? We want to work along with you to address those concerns, but we can’t do it if you stay in your corner and the association stays in its corner. We have to meet at the same table and we have to throw our concerns out…that is the way forward, it may be the only way forward.”

He issued the challenge to all present to look out for each other, noting that the GPA is as strong as its members and very often some of the criticisms leveled against the body are unjustified and sometimes without good reason. Newly elected President, Marks, in accepting the position said that there were several changes which he would like to see in the association and as such, he will use his position to ensure that they are achieved.

Caricom region set to improve as harmonised customs bill nears finalisation

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momentous 12 year effort to bring to pass a much-coveted harmonised customs bill for the Caribbean is now in its final stages.

The bill is intended to foster economic growth in the region, which will ultimately contribute to the improvement of Caricom nation economies.

Caricom policy makers are due to finalise the harmonisation of customs laws in two meetings that will take in place in Antigua and Barbuda from February 23-27 and in Trinidad

and Tobago from March 23-26.

If successful, the harmonisation project will see businesses assured of equal and fair treatment by customs authorities throughout the region.

It will also increase transparency of all activities by customs administrations and give trading partners a level of predictability. The Caribbean Community (Caricom) consists of fifteen Member States and five Associate Member States and has been in effect since 1973. As the region moved closer towards integration, it was recognised that

an enabling environment for greater inter-regional trade must be encouraged.

Subsequently, a project to harmonise the customs laws of the Caribbean Community was launched at the beginning of the 21 century, spearheaded by the Caribbean Executive Committee.

Agreement for the bill was finally reached in August of 2014 with only one outstanding issue remaining: the drafting of regulations. It will be this issue that is deliberated on over the course of two meetings, the first taking place in Antigua & Barbuda

in February, and the second in Trinidad and Tobago in March. Both meetings are organized by Caricom with the support of the ACP Business Climate Facility (BizClim). A harmonised customs bill will see improved regional integration and bring many economic benefits to the region.

These include greater foreign direct investment in the Caribbean, reduced clearance times for goods at ports of entry and greater support of regional companies as they expand their operations to other territories.

news

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monday, march 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Caribbean universities too deficient to compete globally – UWI Vice Chancellor V

ice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Eon Nigel Harris said that universities in the Caribbean Region lack the necessary tools to compete in the global tertiary education sector.

The Professor made his remarks here at the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s World Understanding Dinner held on Friday at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston where he spoke on the topic of “Transforming Mid21st Century Caribbean Societies through Tertiary Education”. There were representatives from various Caribbean countries present at the event.

“I believe that to be a successful university, you must have an adequacy of talented academic staff. You must have up-to-date facilities. You must have, very importantly, financial resources necessary to fund the profoundly complex research environment necessary to foster cutting-edge knowledge for growth,” he mentioned. Despite growth in tertiary education institutions and students and student access in the Region, the Professor pointed out that the percentage of the workforce in Caribbean countries with tertiary degrees is less than 15 per cent, a goal which was set by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) more than a decade ago.

According to Harris, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries have at least a 40 to 60 per cent tertiary educated workforce, while countries such as Korea and Taiwan have even a higher percentage of tertiary educated workforce. “Indeed, there is a long way for us to

go,” he stated. The UWI Vice Chancellor further noted that the labour force in the Caribbean did not require the necessary certification that would cause students to attend universities.

Unprepared

On this note, the Professor disclosed that only a mere 20 per cent of students in the Region secure passes in Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC ) examination) subjects, with only 37 per cent passes in Mathematics and 50 per cent in English.

As it relates to the prospective of entering university, the cohort of students eligible from secondary schools is very low, he noted. Harris continued that in order to address these issues relating to tertiary education in the Caribbean, efforts has to be undertaken to improve the education delivery in primary and secondary schools.

Nevertheless, Professor Harris highlighted that there were several regional schools that were doing well, making special mention of Guyana’s Queens College. “I think too that we need to examine our tertiary education system. I believe that we have to get together – the University, the Private Sector, Rotary and other groups – to think about how do you best tailor tertiary education to fit the necessary requirements for a 21-st Century society,” he posited.

The UWI Vice Chancellor went on to talk about the advances of technology and the effect it has on the evolution of the workforce. He said that before students were prepared for a single job for their lifetime, but in this modern age, students were

Afro-Guyanese have... from page 11

However, Dr Phillips pointed out that February, which is African History Month, is filled with Mashramani activities which a number of schools participate in. Thus, ACDA yet again was unable to educate the schools effectively.

It is due to this, more than anything else, that the organisation has taken steps to open its own school.

The ACDA Director stated that at the school – COLAACO, students learn their African history, their true culture and the importance it has for all cultures in various parts of the world along with African teachings.

He said that the students quite literally live Africa with their toys, their dress, their foods and the songs they sing.

Dr Phillips said it was important to be able to find that identity in oneself for

true confidence and purpose to be found in one’s character. In the end, he noted, this can help bring all peoples together, no matter how different they are. He explained that respect of one’s own culture made for respect of others, thus ensuring peace and the discontinuity of racial hatred.

In addition, Dr Phillips had posited that without a cultural identity there can be no real Guyanese identity. He told the Guyana Times about the many young people in Guyana who strive to be white, not African or Amerindian or even Indian. He said this was the case because of the pride that Americans place in their culture and the fact that they stress identity and history at all their schools.

He reiterated this was what was needed in Guyana.

Professor E Nigel Harris addressing the regional gathering at the Rotary Club Dinner on Friday evening

being prepared for a lifetime of jobs. As such, he added, tertiary institutions are now challenged to frame their academic curriculum to adapt to these changes.

Professor Harris believes that universities in the Caribbean have to re-condition themselves to provide courses and programmes that fit better with the 21st

century workforce.

On another note, the Professor underscored that all stakeholders should have a hand in the development and advancement of tertiary education, since they are the ones to benefit from it. Harris called on all stakeholders to get involved in the transformation of tertiary education so that the Caribbean societies can advance along with the rest of the world.

“The issue of tertiary education is not an issue for one sector of the society… I believe it’s a Government issue; I believe it’s an issue for the Opposition parties. I believe that it is an issue for students because students benefit from university education; their lives are transformed in ways that it would not have been possible without tertiary education. So it is necessary that they be

part of the framing of their education and they contribute to their own education,” Harris stated.

He continued that the Private Sector should also play a role in shaping tertiary education since ultimately, it also benefited from a tertiary educated population.

Professor Harris, MPhil, MD, DM, assumed office at the UWI back in October 2004. A born Guyanese, he is known internationally for his work as a rheumatologist. After becoming the VC, he has been focusing on programmes that seek to enhance the contribution of UWI to Caribbean Governments, strengthening services of the University to its stakeholders, broadening funding and enhancing alumni relations and marketing.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONday, march 2, 2015

Regional

Venezuela announces Argentina Fire Chief sacked diplomatic sanctions over Patagonia blaze against US

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he head of Argentina’s national fire control agency has been sacked as a huge forest fire threatens to engulf a renowned national park in Patagonia.

Jorge Barrionuevo was sacked during a visit to the region by the Government Chief of Staff.

The fire is advancing towards Los Alerces National

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enezuelan President Nicolas Maduro plans to limit the US diplomatic presence in Venezuela and require American tourists to obtain visas, amid growing tensions between the two countries.

Maduro said the measures, announced on Saturday, aimed to “control” US meddling in Venezuelan affairs.

Maduro has intensified his allegations of coup and assassination plans in recent months – often purportedly backed by the US – as he faces a deep economic crisis and a sharp drop in popularity.

“In order to protect our country ... I have decided to implement a system of compulsory visas for all Americans entering Venezuela,” he told supporters.

Under the new measures, Venezuela will start charging tourists the same visa fees the US asks of Venezuelans, though it was unclear when the plan would be implemented.

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ning strike more than a week ago.

Hundreds of rescue workers have since been fighting the flames, but officials now say they hope rain expected today may help control the situation.

Local Government officials say it may take hundreds of years for the damaged forests to grow back.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Uruguay bids farewell to Jose Mujica, its pauper President President Nicolas Maduro says the measure is aimed to check US meddling in Venezuelan affairs [AP]

But the restrictions could also have an impact on business travellers seeking to invest in one of the biggest oil producers.

In his speech outside the Miraflores Presidential Palace, Maduro noted that the Americans have 100 diplomatic staff in Caracas, compared to 17 Venezuelan diplomats in Washington DC. He cited the Vienna Convention’s principle of

the equality of states concerning the size of respective diplomatic missions in ordering his Foreign Ministry to “reduce, adjust and limit the number of US officials” at the US embassy in Caracas.

Additionally, Maduro singled out several US political figures as being unable to come to Venezuela because his Government considers them “terrorists”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Tobacco workers in Cuba dubious about opening of US market

e have to wait and see,” “There isn’t a lot of talk about it,” are the responses from tobacco workers in a rural area in western Cuba when asked about the prospect of an opening of the US market to Cuban cigars.

“If the company sells more, I think they would pay us better,” said Berta Borrego, who has been hanging and sorting tobacco leaves for over 30 years in San Juan y Martínez in the province of Pinar del Río, 180 kilometre west of Havana.

The region of Vuelta

Park, which is home to larch trees dating back more than 1000 years.

The flames have already destroyed 200 square kilometres (77 sq miles) of forest.

Government Chief of Staff Anibal Fernandez said Barrionuevo’s work had been “unsatisfactory”.

The fire is believed to have been started by a light-

Abajo, and the municipalities of San Juan y Martínez, San Luis, Guane and Pinar del Río in particular, combine ideal climate and soil conditions with a centuriesold farming culture to produce the world’s best premium hand-rolled cigars.

In this area alone, 15,940 hectares are planted every year in tobacco, Cuba’s fourth top export.

While continuing to hang tobacco leaves on the Rosario plantation, Borrego told IPS that “there is little talk” among the workers about how they might benefit if the US embargo against Cuba, in place since 1962, is

eased, as part of the current process of normalisation of bilateral ties.

Borrego said “it would be good” to break into the US market, off-limits to Cuban cigar-makers for over half a century. And she said that raising the pay of day workers and growers would be an incentive for workers, “because there is a shortage of both female and male workers since people don’t like the countryside”.

Cuban habanos, rum and coffee represent a trade and investment opportunity for Havana and Washington, if bilateral ties are renewed.

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He married Lucia Topolansky, his long-term partner and former co-revolutionary, in 2005

hatever your own particular “shade” of politics, it’s impossible not to be impressed or beguiled by Jose “Pepe” Mujica.

There are idealistic, hard-working and honest politicians the world over – although cynics might argue they’re a small minority – but none of them surely comes anywhere close to the outgoing Uruguayan president when it comes to living by one’s principles.

It’s not just for show.

Mujica’s beat-up old VW Beetle is probably one of the most famous cars in

the world and his decision to forego the luxury of the Presidential Palace is not unique – his successor, Tabare Vasquez, will also probably elect to live at home.

But when you visit “Pepe” at his tiny, one-storey home on the outskirts of Montevideo you realise that the man is as good as his word.

Wearing what could best be described as “casual” clothes – I don’t think he’s ever been seen wearing a tie – Mujica seats himself down on a simple wooden stool in front of a bookshelf that

seems on the verge of collapsing under the weight of biographies and mementoes from his political adversaries and allies.

Books are important to the former guerrilla fighter who spent a total of 13 years in jail, two of them lying at the bottom of an old horse trough. It was an experience that almost broke him mentally and which shaped his transformation from fighter to politician.

“I was imprisoned in solitary [confinement] so the day they put me on a sofa I felt comfortable!” Mujica jokes. (Excerpt from BBC News)

(Excerpt from IPS)

Barbados and Cyprus’ bilateral Husband of slain TT journalist relations to be energised charged with murder

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he husband of slain television journalist Marcia Henville, who was charged with murder late Saturday, is scheduled to appear in court today.

Sheldon Henville was slapped with the charge after investigators consulted with Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard.

Marcia, 51,the host of TV6’s Point Blank, was killed on the morning of January 23 at her home in St Augustine. She was stabbed several times all over her body and the bed-

room of the townhome was set on fire.

Following Marcia’s murder, Sheldon, 40, was admitted to hospital where he was being treated for burns he sustained.

Last Tuesday, he was released into the custody of the police who questioned him about the incident.

Marcia who was born and raised Notting Hill, West London, worked at various media houses here before hosting her own show “Point Blank” that showcased the lives of people in depressed areas in Trinidad and Tobago. (CMC)

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Slain Trinidadian Journalist Marcia Henville

rime Minister Freundel Stuart has identified tourism and the international financial services as areas in which Barbados and the Republic of Cyprus can learn from each other.

Stuart told the High Commissioner of Cyprus to Barbados, Georgios Chacalli, during a recent courtesy call at Ilaro Court, that diplomatic relations between both countries had been established in 1972, but the relationship’s possibilities had not been maximised, even though they shared some similarities.

High Commissioner Chacalli explained how the

global economic crisis affected his country, and how Cyprus’ Government had to turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for assistance. He said that Cyprus was going through a very strict IMF programme, but the country had been able to “pick up the pieces and move on” more quickly than it had anticipated.

He pointed out that Cyprus was focusing on growth and had invested a lot of time in attracting foreign investment, for example, in the area of hydrocarbons. He noted also that there was enough natural gas for both domestic usage and export. Stuart ex-

plained that Barbados was engaging in certain renewable energy initiatives since the economic crunch had exposed its vulnerabilities. He said Barbados had offshore petroleum possibilities and was in the process of awarding blocks for exploration.

Chacalli was optimistic that, if everything went according to plan, Barbados and Cyprus could sign a Double Taxation Agreement before the end of this year, and promised to work closely with Barbados in this regard.

He made the comments in relation to Stuart’s remarks that both countries needed to accentuate their bilateral relationship. (Barbados Nation)

monday, march 2, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Thousands march in Moscow Netanyahu flies to US, ties fraying over his to mourn Nemtsov planned Iran speech T

ens of thousands of people have marched through Moscow in memory of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov, who was gunned down in the Russian capital on Friday night.

More than 70,000 people turned out in central Moscow on Sunday, many carrying Russian flags and slowly marching through an avenue alongside River Moskva, one of the organisers said, but Police estimated the crowd at more than 16,000.

Al Jazeera’s Rory Challands, who is reporting from Moscow, said security is “very tight” for the rally.

Our correspondent is also reporting that a Ukrainian Member of Parliament, who attended the march, has been de-

More than 70,000 people turned out in central Moscow on Sunday, many carrying Russian flags and slowly marching through an avenue alongside River Moskva

tained.

On Saturday, thousands of people laid flowers and lit candles on a bridge near the Kremlin where Nemtsov, a former Deputy Prime Minister, was shot to death.

National investigators

who answer to President Vladimir Putin say they are pursuing several lines of inquiry, including the possibility that Nemtsov, who was 55, was killed by Muslim attackers or that the Opposition killed him to blacken the President’s

name.

Putin’s opponents say such suggestions show the cynicism of Russia’s leaders as they whip up nationalism, hatred and anti-Western hysteria to rally support for his policies on Ukraine and deflect blame for an economic crisis.

“It is a blow to Russia.

If political views are punished this way, then this country simply has no future,” Sergei Mitrokhin, an Opposition Leader, said of Nemtsov’s murder.

Putin has described the killing as a “provocation”, and told Nemtsov’s 86-yearold mother, Dina Eidman, that the killers would be found and punished.

He also promised to do everything possible to bring to justice those responsible for Nemtsov’s killing. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

MH370 search nations trial Mali’s main rebel group asks for delay on peace deal long-haul plane tracking

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ustralia, Indonesia and Malaysia are to trial a new method of tracking planes, almost a year after a Malaysia Airlines flight disappeared.

Contact with Flight MH370, carrying 239 people, was lost en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. Despite an extensive search no trace has ever been found.

The trial system enables planes to be tracked every 15 minutes, an increase on the current 30 to 40 minutes.

It uses technology already installed on most long-haul jets.

The system is expected to increase the tracking rate to five minutes or less if there is any deviation from a plane’s expected route.

Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss said the new system was a “world first”. But he stressed the new technology would not necessarily have solved the

mystery of MH370.

“It would have been very difficult, one would imagine, without knowing what precisely occurred in the case of MH370, to have intervened from outside,” he said.

“But at least it would have tracked the aircraft to within 15 minutes.”

Airservices Australia Chairman Angus Houston, who helped lead the search for MH370, agreed it was “no silver bullet”.

“But it is an important step in delivering immediate improvements to the way we currently track aircraft while more comprehensive solutions are developed,” he added.

The trial will begin in the Australian city of Brisbane, before being extended to Indonesia and Malaysia.

Investigators searching for MH370 are focusing on an area of the Indian Ocean off the coast of western Australia. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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he Malian Government has signed a peace agreement with some northern rebel groups, but the main Tuareg armed coalition asked for more time to consult its grassroots.

The deal, hammered out in eight months of tough negotiations in neighbouring Algeria, provides for the transfer of a raft of powers from Bamako to the north, a large swath of territory the rebels refer to as “Azawad”.

The Tuareg rebel alliance that includes the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad said it had asked for a “reasonable delay” for consultations before signing.

Ethnic divisions run deep in the west African nation’s northern desert, the cradle of a Tuareg separatist movement which has spawned several rebellions since the 1960s.

Algeria and the United

Nations have led mediation talks in the capital Algiers since last July between Ministers and six armed rebel groups amid a surge in violence that threatened to jeopardise the peace process.

The armed organisations which took part are dominated by Tuareg and Arabs, however, and no “jihadist” group was invited to the dialogue.

Fighters linked to alQaeda seized control of northern Mali for more than nine months until a Frenchled military intervention launched in 2013 partly drove them from the region.

The 30-page “Agreement for Peace and reconciliation in Mali from the Algiers Process”, seen by the AFP news agency on Friday, calls for “reconstruction of the country’s national unity” in a manner that “respects its territorial integrity and takes account of its ethnic and cultural diversity”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Afghanistan’s Panjshir valley hit by fresh avalanches

H

uge new avalanches have hit Afghanistan’s Panjshir Valley, closing off areas that were already difficult to reach, the provincial governor says.

Abdul Rahman Kabiri told the BBC that new avalanches 40 metres (130 feet) high have inundated new areas n the north-eastern province.

President Ashraf Ghani said on Saturday that at least 286 people have died throughout the country in recent days.

The fatalities have all been due to snow or flooding, officials say.

Most of the deaths, how-

The snowfall has been the heaviest in Panjshir province for decades

ever, are in the Panjshir Valley, where it is feared people remain trapped in the snow.

Some progress in the relief effort has been made – a long stretch of road up the Panjshir Valley has been opened by bulldozers and

other machinery.

In places the bodies of victims, including women and children, have been unearthed.

Officials say the worsthit place, Paryan, remains unreachable.

The Air Force is dropping

food parcels to seven badlyaffected villages and has continued to rescue marooned people not just in Panjshir but in several other provinces where there have been casualties. Afghanistan has begun three days of national mourning for the victims.

President Ghani has cancelled a trip to Iran because of what he described as a national tragedy.

Avalanches are relatively common in northern Afghanistan, with dozens dying in major incidents in 2010 and 2012.

But Panjshir province is reported not to have seen avalanches on this level for three decades. (Excerpt from BBC News)

D

efying US President Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Washington on Sunday to warn Congress about the risks of a possible nuclear deal with Iran in a speech that has imperilled ties between the two allies.

Israel fears that Obama’s Iran diplomacy, with an end-of-March deadline for a framework accord, will allow its arch foe to develop atomic weapons – something Tehran denies seeking.

But by accepting an invitation from the Republican Party to address Congress on March 3, the Israeli leader infuriated the Obama Administration, which said it was not told of the speech before plans were made public in an apparent breach of protocol.

Earlier this week, Obama’s National Security

Adviser, Susan Rice, said the partisanship caused by Netanyahu’s looming address was “destructive to the fabric of US-Israeli ties”.

But Netanyahu, who is running for re-election in a March 17 ballot, has framed his visit as being above politics and he portrayed himself on Sunday as being a guardian for all Jews.

“I’m going to Washington on a fateful, even historic, mission,” he said as he boarded his plane in Tel Aviv.

“I feel that I am an emissary of all Israel’s citizens, even those who do not agree with me, and of the entire Jewish people,” he told reporters.

US officials fear he is seeking to sabotage the Iran diplomacy, and critics have suggested his visit is an elaborate election stunt that will play well with voters back home. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Nigerian female bomb suspect beaten to death by mob

Bauchi was hit by a market explosion that caused much damage in December 2014

A

mob beat a woman to death in the northeastern Nigerian city of Bauchi in the belief that she was a suicide bomber, Police and witnesses say.

The woman – said to be a teenager – was attacked when she refused to be screened at the entrance to a market. No explosives were found on her.

A series of suicide bombings in northern Nigeria has been blamed on Boko Haram militants.

It wants to enforce strict Islamic law across the country.

Witnesses say the mob put a tyre sprinkled with petrol over the woman’s head and set it on fire after she was beaten.

Police say that she was dead before they arrived on the scene to rescue her and disperse the mob. No ar-

rests were made.

The exact circumstances of her death are unclear.

Some reports say that the dead woman was accompanied by another woman, but other accounts say they she had a male escort.

An eyewitness told the AFP news agency that the woman came under suspicion when two bottles were found strapped to both sides of her waist after she refused to be frisked with a metal detector.

“When her hijab was raised over her head two bottles were found strapped to her waist and the crowd descended on the young woman,” he said.

Police told the AP news agency that it was doubtful the woman was a bomber because she did not detonate any explosives when she was attacked. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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monDAY, march 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Linden too dependent Guyanese begin paying less for electricity on bauxite – PM Hinds

P

rime Minister Samuel Hinds said the town of Linden was struggling to adjust after losing advantages previously offered by the once thriving bauxite industry.

Speaking with the Guyana Times via telephone on Saturday, Prime Minister Hinds said: “It is very wrong to think that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is what’s wrong with Linden.” The Prime Minister further explained that the backbone of the problems and disagreements emanating from the Region 10 town was the fact that it has always been a single product/company town.

Hinds explained that Linden’s situation is a familiar one as faced by many mining towns when market demands change.

He pointed to the town of Aninoasa, which was the first Romanian town to file for bankruptcy in 2013.

Hinds said the PPP/C Government was well aware of the problems faced in Linden and has done all it could thus far to aid in developing the mining town. Once a bustling town, Linden has now lost a lot of its financial stability, as the bauxite industry began to suffer some years ago.

There have been assumptions by persons in

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

many quarters over the years about the present state of Linden’s economy and they have accused the Government of neglecting the region. Further, the Prime Minister said the PPP/C Government has done all it could to promote countrywide development and the successes were visible countrywide.

Being a minority Government following the 2011 elections, Hinds said, the Party did not allow that to hold back the development of Guyana, rather, it bent backwards and negotiated with the Opposition parties to ensure progress.

He spoke of the instances

where the Party made provisions and allocated funds, such as facilitating an increase in Old Age Pension over what was proposed in the National Budget in keeping with the demands of the combined Opposition.“We took all the steps, give in and compromised. It is quite untrue to say the Government did not make any attempt to reach a working relationship,” Hinds said.

In the 2011 elections, the Opposition gained a one-seat majority in the National Assembly, which put the leading PPP/C Government in a position where it needed the approval of the Opposition to move forward with developmental projects.

Projects such as the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, the Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill (AML/CFT) were shot down by the combined Opposition.

Hence the life of the 10th Parliament was cut short after a No-Confidence Motion put forth by the Alliance For Change (AFC) was set to be debated. But, President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament with the aim of preserving its life.

Hence, Guyana now faces early elections as the political parties prepare for the polls on May 11.

Princess Fun City hosting school tours

The packed Entertainment Centre during one of the tours in February

A

s promised last year when it held its inaugural ‘School Tour Programme,’ Princess Fun City and Entertainment Centre not only returned with the free tours for schools across Guyana but has extended it for four months.

The programme, a collaboration between Fun City and the Education Ministry, seeks to give students a break from their academic curriculum. The programme began on February 1 and will conclude at the end of May. The tour caters for a full day of packed entertainment with unlimited access to the Entertainment Centre and Movie Theatres.

According to Marketing Manager of Princess Fun

City and Entertainment Centre, Ali Williams, some 1,500 to 2,000 students are expected to benefit from the programme this year.

She noted that in February, several schools took advantage of the programme and hundreds of students were allowed to have a full day packed with fun games, rides and movies.

Most of the schools that took part of the programme last month were from Essequibo and Berbice with 60 per cent from the latter.

Williams noted that the facility is opened from 09:00h until 16:00h on week days only, as permitted by the Education Ministry.

She mentioned that while Princess had reached out to some of the schools, there

were many, especially in the outlying areas that were not contacted due to their geographical location.

On this note, she extended invitations for both private and public schools, from nursery to secondary, to take advantage of this opportunity.

Meanwhile at the end of the programme, the Management of Princess will be giving away five computers to selected schools that participated in the programme. In addition, Princess is also working along with the Education Ministry to donate equipment to the Science Laboratory.

Princess Fun City and Entertainment Centre is packed with over 80 games including 7D Cinema, 3D graphics, dancing, street fighting, gifts, bowling, racing and much more. The one of a kind theatres cater for children ages, two to 10. The two movie theatres have seating capacities of 186 and 93 respectively and will be featuring animated movies for the younger children and PG13 for the much older children during the tours.

Schools interested in being a part of the programme can contact Princess Fun City Entertainment Centre on 265-7212 or Williams on 673-8698.

T

he 10 per cent reduction in electricity tariffs promised by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) took effect from Sunday, according to the power company.

In full-page advertisements in various newspapers, GPL stated that it would be applying an interim 10 per cent rebate across all tariff categories.

Further, the company said the rebate would immediately impact customers whose reading dates began in February and end in March and subsequently monthly consumption. GPL outlined that prepaid customers will see an increase in the amount of Kilowatt Hour (kWh) of power acquired on purchases, while the 10 per cent rebate will be deducted from the bills of postpaid customers.

On February 11, Chairman of the company, Winston Brassington announced that in keeping with the falling oil prices internationally, the power company

decided to lower its rates by 10 per cent from March 1.

The decision of the company followed the calls of President Donald Ramotar for lower rates. The average Guyanese consumer can expect to pay $48 per kWh onwards to the month of June.

In addition, consumers classified as ‘lifeline residential’ by the GPL will pay as low as $43 per kWh while commercial businesses will pay $62 as opposed to $69.

For industrial businesses, small, medium and large scale will pay $48, $54 and $56 respectively.

Brassington had also said that for those classified as Governmental, those in the residential category will pay $52 and $53 respectively, while for commercial businesses under this category, the cost will be $65 per kWh. Additionally, industrial businesses will pay $50, $56 and $59 respectively. With the new rates, GPL anticipates that consumers will collectively save some $3 billion

annually on their electricity bills. Prior to GPL’s announcement, Head of the President Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon disclosed during his post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President that the price for fuel has been dropping around the world since last June, with the latest price of fuel in Venezuela being recorded at US$39.19 per barrel, the lowest in almost half a decade.

The drop in tariffs comes as a relief to citizens across Guyana, as they have long complained of the high cost for electricity. Even the commercial and industrial sectors along with their representative institutions: the Manufacturing and Services Association and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) have complained of the cost for electricity. The Private Sector has said that the high electricity cost has been one of the main factors that have contributed to the lack of production of value-added products.

Nekisha Roberts crowned Miss Soesdyke 2015

S

ixteen-year-old Nekisha Roberts was on Saturday evening crowned Miss Soesdyke Talented Teen 2015 when the pageant was hosted at the Madewini Resort, Timehri, East Bank Demerara. The newly crowned queen outshone the five other contestants to cop the title.

There was fierce competition in the interview, swimsuit, causal, talent and evening gown segments but Roberts took it home during the final question segment.

She was asked “If you were to be crowned Miss Soesdyke 2015 what measures would you put in place to enhance the lives of youths in the community and ultimately the community as a whole?”

The well composed young woman said that she will seek the advice from people in authority in order to form several youth groups to get young people involve in educational programmes. She also said that she will cater for those slow learners by creating the right environment to teach them basic reading and writing skills.

In addition, she pledged to work with the Guyana Police Force to ensure that youths stay out of trouble.

Taking the first runnerup spot was Yonell Loncke, 16 and Tambela Gilkes also 16, coming in as the second runner-up. Nzingha Holder was given the Miss Congeniality prize.

The competition started with the delegates performing an opening dance followed by the interview segment which saw each delegate being grilled on their respective platforms including child abuse, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, incest, drug abuse and peer

From left: First runner-up, Yonell Loncke; Franchise holder, Teecha Sutton; queen, Nekisha Roberts and second runner-up, Tambela Gilkes

pressure.

That segment was followed by the casual wear competition where the delegates wowed the audience with their charm, grace and braveness. The delegates also performed songs, poems and dances as their talent pieces.

As the competition continued, the delegates looked stunning in their two-piece swimwear which had the crowd cheering lustily. Most of the contestants were too shy to untie their shawls wrapped around their hips but flaunted their bodies to the rhythm of the music.

The evening gown competition saw some fabulous dresses worn by the delegates. The best however, was that of the now crowned queen who sported a fish tail peach body fitted gown that definitely caught the attention of the judges.

After the first five segments, the final three were announced to the satisfaction of the audience. The em-

cee of the evening, Cledyn Williams then informed the audience that the scores from the previous competitions were erased hence the queen will be selected based on her response to the final question.

The final question was read twice to each delegate.

They were judged on how well they articulated their answers, the relevance of the responses and how well they cope with pressure while on stage during the nerve wrecking segment. At the end, Roberts proved she had what it takes to wear the crown of Miss Soesdyke 2015.

However, at various intermissions, the audience was entertained by a dazzling display of fashion wear

by Guyanese designer, Juliet Bernard who now resides in Trinidad and Tobago. Also, they crowd went berserk during a special performance by ‘Sasha Fierce’ who performed ‘Srew some bulb.’

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news

monday, march 2, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

MACORP trains Caterpillar How to be yourself machine operators I

Some of the graduates posing for a photo after the simple graduation ceremony

I

n an attempt to advance the capacity of its employees, and by extension, provide a better service to its customers, the Machinery Corporation (MACORP) recently hosted a training programme for heavy-duty machine operators.

The operators graduat-

ed last Friday evening at the company’s headquarters in Providence, East Bank Demerara. Twentyfive trainees are now certified as specialists in the fundaments of heavy duty machinery which aims to prepare them for the heavy duty equipment industry.

MACORP is positive this training programme has the ability to advance its services and make way for improved industries in Guyana.

“The caterpillar training programme at MACORP has genesis since 1988 when it was realised there was a

need for specialised training in heavy duty machinery to meet the needs of customers,” Training Officer Hugh Griffith said at the simple ceremony.

He added that such a programme can definitely contribute to the growth and development of the country.

Agriculture key to Caribbean food security and coping with climate change

A

griculture, particularly family farming, is crucial for Caribbean countries to achieve food security as they face climate change and other challenges, and can also spur their economic development by creating jobs, especially for youth, according to FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva.

In a statement to a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government summit in the Bahamas on Thursday, he stressed how over the last two decades efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition in the Caribbean have made substantial progress.

The FAO DirectorGeneral noted that more than 70 developing countries have already met the Millennium Development Goal hunger target of halving the proportion of hungry people by 2015. This includes four CARICOM countries out of the 130 nations for which FAO regularly monitors hunger figures: Barbados, Guyana, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and now Suriname as well, which has just achieved the goal this year.

“Let´s be inspired by these success stories, because a lot remains to be done,” Graziano da Silva told the assembled leaders.

He noted that hunger is only one of the faces of malnutrition. Obesity is the other extreme affecting over 500 million adults. “This is an issue of concern in the Caribbean and FAO is assisting CARICOM countries design and implement strategies,

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva

policies and plans of action that tackle the multiple dimensions of malnutrition,” the FAO Director-General said. Action plans are already approved in Belize, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia and are ready for approval in most of the remaining countries.

Shared challenges and building resilience Graziano da Silva stressed how the island nations of the Caribbean are particularly vulnerable to extreme natural events such as hurricanes -- being made more frequent, violent and unpredictable by climate change -- which threaten agriculture, food security and sustainable development. “In few places is the impact of climate change so evident as in Small Island Developing States.

For SIDS, climate change is not just an urgent issue. It is a question of survival,” the FAO Director-General said.

FAO is working with governments and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to build resilience, strengthen capacities and mobilize resources to deal with the impact of natural disasters. The FAO Director-General also referred to the fact that the food prices increase that began in 2008 has had a major impact in the food import bills of most CARICOM countries. “Despite recent falls, international food prices still remain higher than pre-2008 levels and they will remain high as long as we can predict,” Graziano da Silva said.

Reducing dependency “Strengthening agriculture and increasing support to small-scale and family farming will help ensure greater sufficiency in local food production, protecting your economies from external price shock,” the FAO Director-General told the audience. He described agriculture and family farming as “drivers of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development,” and noted how they can create new employment opportunities, especially important for youth, and be linked to the tourism industry, an important source of revenue for many Caribbean countries.

The FAO DirectorGeneral also mentioned several initiatives involving CARICOM countries taking place in the context of South-South Cooperation the mutual sharing and exchange of development solutions, including knowledge,

good practices, policies, technology and resources between countries in the global South. Cuba, for example, is assisting Caribbean countries fight the Black Sigatoka plague that affects banana production, while Brazil has developed a strong cooperation programme focusing on food security and nutrition, supporting and linking family farming to the provision of school meals. “FAO is here to work with you to be a partner in the road to achieving sustainable development” the FAO DirectorGeneral concluded.

t’s very hard to live life to maximize our potential if we can't live with our own self. It is very crucial to accept our body, our choices, etc and our life story, because we all have our own unique one.

The worst thing we can do to is to say things against ourselves. It is important for us to make every effort to be a better person and to love ourselves, because we need to be strong enough to be able to put up with our mistakes and learn from them.

Narine Dat Sookram Believing in ourselves is so important, because if we don't then no one else will which is a fair statement to make. The thing is, if we don't have faith in ourselves, there is that possibility for us to second guess ourselves and the problem with this is that we tend to turn to other people for help every time we need to make a decision.

I wouldn’t support this, because when we rely on people for everything, then we are slowly disabling ourselves.

I always encourage people to be independent, because when they do, theylearn to see the both sides of people, the good and bad that is and then make their own choice from there. In other words, we must learn to accept the world as it is and choose to be strong. This will help us to realize that there are many ways to live in this world and nobody is forcing us to follow just one, because ultimately it’s our own choice.

Accepting the fact that life is not fair will make things easy for us, because though we were raised a certain way with certain values, society does not function that way, of which I am aware is a huge problem in today’s society.

Generally speaking society protects either the majority or the people with money and power. I am sure this sounds familiar to most people. It is not uncommon that people will treat us differently for all kinds of reasons.

For example, the colour of our skin, our weight, our gender and everything else in between. But despite of all of that, we still have to be happy with ourselves. Sometimes it’s very hard to face challenges when we try to be ourselves, but we should never allow anywrongness in this world keep us from doing what we want to do in life.

The most important thing about being independent is to stop caring about what other people think or say about us. This usually happens because of people’s own low selfesteem.

The reality is, if we only rely on others to tell us that the things we do is great, then we wouldn’t necessarily be very happy, because their opinion is different than ours. As far as I am concerned, if I like what I do then nothing else really matters.

So the message here is to stop worrying about what other people are saying, because at the end of the day, they are our decisions, and not someone else's.

For questions, comments or feedback, them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

Caricom committee to tackle “bad banking image”

C

aribbean Community (Caricom) leaders have agreed to establish a committee of finance ministers to work with the Caribbean Association of Banks to develop a plan to deal with the region being unjustly labelled as a high-risk area for financial services.

“Because in many cases our indigenous banks cannot provide a high level of reward, correspondent banks are closing their relationships with them because of the claim that the Caribbean is a high risk area for financial services.

“Unless this situation is addressed with urgency, the indigenous banks in each of our countries will be adversely affected in their operations,” Caricom chairman and The Bahamas Prime

Minister Perry Christie said following the two-day inter-sessional summit that ended here on Friday.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who described the banking situation as ‘this very vexing issue” noted that “corresponding banks in the United States as well as Europe have continued to implement a policy to sever corresponding relationships with several banks within the region”.

He said the Caribbean Association of Banks had assets in excess of US$30 billion and members are a “very important part of the region’s system so that if they are unable to settle their transactions in the US, in Canada and Britain, clearly it has serious impli-

cations for the payment system within the Caribbean region and certainly for the economies of our respective countries.“It means therefore we will not be able to settle our trade transactions expeditiously. It also has implications for investments and we felt that rather than allowing these banks in these countries to deal with the issue on their own that there was a need to elevate it to the level of the regional Caricom governance and to have Caricom as a whole come together to address this issue with various others including the IMF (International Monetary Fund), the World Bank, the Organisation of American States and also to have dialogue with the corresponding banks,” he said. (CMC)

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monday, march 2, 2015

ARCHIE

A great deal or job opportunity is apparent. Don’t hes(March 21- itate to promote your ideas April 19) to as many people as possible. Your enthusiasm coupled with an energetic approach will drive you to the top.

ARIES

Look at the big picture.

TAURUS Putting too much emphasis (April 20- on unimportant details will May 20) obstruct your vision and hinder your ability to get ahead.

Devise a realistic plan and move forward.

dilbert

Don’t try to follow the GEMINI crowd.

Your uniqueness will (May 21be more visible if you stand June 20) on your own. Concentrate on the goals that matter to you.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Don’t be gullible. If you rely on others to supply the facts, you will be intentionally misled. Research and interrogation will put you in a good position.

Your intuition is strong.

LEO You will come across a rare (July 23opportunity. Don’t hesitate.

Aug. 22) Make your plans and prepare to celebrate. Add a little romance to the mix if you’d like to enhance your personal life.

Calvin and Hobbes

Be careful not to jeopardVIRGO ize your position at work by (Aug. 23spending too much time worSept. 22) rying about personal matters.

Get your responsibilities out of the way first.

Education and communiLIBRA cation are highlighted. The (Sept. 23more information you gathOct. 23) er, the more marketable you will become. Neighbours and friends will turn out to be valuable networking contacts.

SUDOKU

Unleash your free-spirited SCORPIO nature and engage in creative (Oct. 24pursuits. Joint ventures or partNov. 22) nerships will not run smoothly.

Realising that you can accomplish your goals independently will lead to bigger and better opportunities.

You will be intrigued by a SAGITTARIUS joint venture. Offer your ser(Nov. 23- vices, not your money. Delays Dec. 21) will wreak havoc on your plans if you aren’t organised.

Put less-important tasks on hold.

SATURDAY'S

Saturday's solution

You will be disappointCAPRICORN ed by someone close to you.

(Dec. 22- Being judgmental or critical Jan. 19) won’t help. The more understanding you are, the easier it will be to fix any dilemma you face.

AQUARIUS

Resiliency and courage will help you overcome adver(Jan. 20- sity. Regardless of the roadFeb. 19) blocks, if you keep moving forward you will make significant strides toward your goals.

PISCES Making the right choice (Feb. 20- will have a dramatic effect March 20) on your love life. Your steady progress will continue as long as you don’t overextend, overindulge or exaggerate.

monday, march 2, 2015

Sir Wes slams Cameron tweet as “torrentially tasteless” E

x-West Indies Cricket Board head, Sir Wes Hall has described as “torrentially tasteless” current board president Dave Cameron’s controversial tweet regarding champion batsman Chris Gayle.

Delivering the feature address at the Barbados Cricket Association’s 2014 Awards Ceremony on Friday, the legendary former West Indies fast bowler said Cameron’s actions had fallen “short of the diplomatic niceties”.

“I am an ex-West Indies player and I have an unconditional love for cricket and for all people especially those who have been privileged to wear the maroon,” the Barbados Today online newspaper quoted Sir Wes as saying.

“I want to warn our president of the West Indies Board as he tweets his language falls short of the diplomatic niceties. His retweet about Chris Gayle was tor-

Sir Wes Hall

rentially tasteless.

“Oh, what a privilege and honour it would have been for a president as in the past, [to] congratulate Chris Gayle on the greatest double century in a one day international.”

Cameron sparked a firestorm last week when he retweeted a message critical of Gayle’s poor form, via online social networking service, Twitter.

Following Gayle’s failure against Pakistan in Christchurch, a fan tweeted: “Gayle goes... Can't buy a run. Let's give him a retirement package ... Can't fail repeatedly and still front up based on reputation".

The message was retweeted by Cameron who subsequently deleted the post and apologised.

“No offense intended. Full apologies extended. Rally round the West Indies,” he tweeted.

By then, however, the controversial re-tweet had gone viral across social and traditional media, prompting criticism from fans and a stern rebuke from players association, WIPA. Cameron is up for reelection in less than a week and is being challenged by BCA president, Joel Garner, the legendary former West Indies fast bowler.

Garner was present at the BCA Awards Ceremony on Friday. (CMC)

Real Madrid title pursuit suffers setback

R

eal Madrid’s hopes of securing a first La Liga title since 2012 suffered a setback as they were held 1-1 by Villarreal at the Bernabeu Stadium.

Carlo Ancelotti’s leaders looked to be heading four points clear at the top of the table after Cristiano Ronaldo’s ninth league penalty of the season.

It was awarded after Ronaldo was bundled over

by Eric Bailly.

But Villarreal hit back through Gerard Moreno, the 22-year-old beating Iker Casillas with a low shot from 18-yards.

Real had started the game with a slender onepoint lead at the summit after Barcelona’s workmanlike 3-1 win at Granada on Saturday.

Yet while they extended their lead to two points, Ancelotti will consider this a wasted opportunity to keep some distance from Barca, who they visit on 22 March.

Real had 25 shots yet were fortunate in the end not to have suffered a defeat.

Villarreal’s leading scorer Luciano Vietto found himself clean through on goal in

19

Windies take time out to party with Caribbean fans

West Indies batting star Chris Gayle poses with excited fans (WICB Media photo)

W

est Indies were on Sunday feted at a Caribbean day organised by the Western Australia government, as the team took time out from their preparations to mingle with the large West Indian community here.

The side arrived in the coastal city on Saturday to begin preparations for their fifth game of the ICC Cricket World Cup against reigning World champions India next week.

Caribbean music – mainly calypso and reggae – and the smell of West Indian food filled the air at the Perth Cultural Centre as fans got the chance to meet with the West Indies stars.

As expected, among the biggest drawing cards were talismanic opener Chris

Gayle and former Test and One-Day International captain Darren Sammy, who took photos with and signed autographs for numerous excited fans.

Team manager Sir Richie Richardson and bowling coach Sir Curtly Ambrose, both former stars, were also mobbed by eager fans.

However, it was Gayle who stole the show. He joined the live band on stage to showcase his singing and dancing skills, and was joined by fellow Jamaican Andre Russell who also entertained the crowd.

West Indies will turn their attention to their preparation on Monday with a full training session at Murdoch University.

They have had a mixed run in the World Cup to

date, losing two and winning two of their four games, with form that has lurched between spectacular and substandard.

They opened their Group B campaign with a shock four-wicket defeat to minnows Ireland before rebounding to hammer Pakistan by 150 runs in Christchurch.

The Windies then scaled new heights when they piled up 372 for two to beat Zimbabwe by 73 runs in Canberra but then plummeted to the joint worst-ever defeat in World Cup history with a 257-run loss to South Africa in Sydney just days later.

A victory at the WACA ground on Friday would see them take a huge step towards qualifying for the second round. (CMC)

Rafael Nadal wins in Argentina to equal title record

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more penalty goals than any other La Liga player in the last 10 seasons

the 77th minute before losing his footing just as he prepared to shoot.

It is first time Real have dropped points at home in the league since they were beaten by neighbours and defending champions Atletico Madrid 2-1 on 13 September.

But Real have only themselves to blame after spurning a string of chances.

Ronaldo’s penalty took his tally to 30 goals in the league this season, yet the Portuguese should have been celebrating his fifth hat-trick of the term.

He was frustrated by Sergio Asenjo, the Villarreal

keeper producing a string of fine saves including one flying stop to keep out Ronaldo’s 71st-minute header.

In a thrilling end to the game, Real substitute Jese wasted a great chance before Vietto was denied a dramatic Villarreal winner when Casillas kept out his glancing header.

The visitors survived strong claims for a late penalty following Bailly’s challenge on substitute Javier Hernandez.

But Villarreal, who move one point behind fifth-placed Sevilla, were full value for their point.

S

pain’s Rafael Nadal won a record-equalling 46th career claycourt title with a 6-4 6-1 victory over home favourite Juan Monaco in the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.

The world number four moved on to the same number of titles as Monaco’s compatriot Guillermo Vilas.

The start of the match was delayed because of rain and there was a further hold-up at 1-1 in the opening set.

But once play got started, the 28-year-old swept to an easy victory.

“I had the hope of winning here and I prepared very well for this so it’s objective achieved,” the nine-

Rafael Nadal

time French Open champion said.

It was his first final since winning at Roland Garros last June, having been hampered by a wrist injury and appendicitis in the second half of 2014, and was his 65th career title.

Nadal got the first break in the seventh game when the Argentine netted a service return.

He went on to break serve three more times for a comfortable victory in one hour and 26 minutes. (BBC

Sport)

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monday, march 2, 2015

Sangakkara, Thirimanne Wahab, Irfan put Pakistan on the board thrash England

I

t was difficult to decide what was more brutal: the giant that is Mohammad Irfan stretching the Zimbabwe batsmen's every sinew of resolve, the grimacing of Elton Chigumbura every time he took a step, no doubt ripping his torn quadricep up a little more, or the gulf between Pakistan and Zimbabwe, which grew smaller, larger, smaller and then finished the same way it began.

The giants were not slayed, the little guys did not win, and in the end, what matters is that Pakistan's quarter-final hopes are alive, while Zimbabwe's are all but over.

But the drama of the second half of the match did not decide its outcome as much as the deeds of the first did.

For the third time in three matches, Pakistan's batting let them down. For the fourth time in four matches, Zimbabwe's death bowling let them down.

After having Pakistan on the ropes at 162 for 6 from 40 overs, Zimbabwe conceded 73 in the last 10. They ended up falling just 20 short as Irfan and Wahab Riaz defended a total that was not quite in the realms of the indefensible, but close enough for Pakistan to feel far from comfortable.

Zimbabwe's opening pair failed again, this time overawed by Irfan. Chamu Chibhabha, forced to evade and ride the bounce, was beaten before he pointed his bat one way and his body the other to effectively direct

Wahab Riaz affirmative for behind appeal

the ball into Haris Sohail's hands. Sikandar Raza went in similar fashion when the ball took the shoulder of the bat to find second slip.

The experience of Hamilton Masakadza and Brendan Taylor showed as they handled Irfan a little better. They also had less of him to handle and a little more reprieve. Wahab, Rahat Ali and Sohail Khan all offered boundary balls and the pair knew when to accept the offerings.

Although the run-rate hovered around three-and-ahalf, their approach of keeping wickets in hand seemed sensible until they detract-

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan innings Nasir Jamshed c Sikandar Raza b Chatara

1 Ahmed Shehzad c †Taylor b Chatara 0 Haris Sohail c Williams b Sikandar Raza 27 Misbah-ul-Haq* c Williams b Chatara 73 Umar Akmal† b Williams 33 Shahid Afridi b Williams 0 Sohaib Maqsood c & b Mupariwa 21 Wahab Riaz not out 54 Sohail Khan not out 6 Extras:(lb 3, w 17) 20 Total: (7 wickets; 50 overs) 235 Did not bat: Rahat Ali, Mohammad Irfan .

Fall of wickets 1-1, 2-4, 3-58, 4-127, 5-127, 6-155, 7-202.

Zimbabwe Bowling: T Panyangara 10-1-49-0, TL Chatara 10-2-35-3, T Mupariwa 8-1-36-1, SC Williams 10-148-2, H Masakadza 3-0-140, E Chigumbura 1-0-7-0, Sikandar Raza 7-0-34-1, SF Mire 1-0-9-0.

Zimbabwe innings (target: 236 runs from 50 overs) CJ Chibhabha c Haris Sohail

gets the a caught-

b Mohammad Irfan 9 Sikandar Raza c Haris Sohail b Mohammad Irfan 8 H Masakadza c Misbah-ul-Haq b Mohammad Irfan 29 BRM Taylor† c †Umar Akmal b Wahab Riaz 50 SC Williams c Ahmed Shehzad b Rahat Ali 33 CR Ervine c †Umar Akmal b Wahab Riaz 14 SF Mire c †Umar Akmal b Mohammad Irfan 8 E Chigumbura* c †Umar Akmal b Wahab Riaz 35 T Mupariwac †Umar Akmal b Wahab Riaz 0 T Panyangara run out (†Umar Akmal/Wahab Riaz) 10 TL Chatara not out 0 Extras: (b 3, lb 2, w 13, nb 1) 19 Total:(all out; 49.4 overs) 215 Fall of wickets 1-14, 2-22, 3-74, 4-128, 5-150, 6-166, 7-168, 8-168, 9-215, 10-215.

Pakistan Bowling: Mohammad Irfan 10-2-30-4, Sohail Khan 10-0-45-0, Rahat Ali 10-037-1, Wahab Riaz 9.4-1-45-4, Shahid Afridi 10-1-53-0.

ed from it. When Irfan was brought back for a second spell, Masakadza tried to take him on but skied to mid-off where Misbah-ulHaq took a tumbling catch.

But Zimbabwe were unfazed. Taylor and Sean Williams accelerated, with Williams taking on Irfan and pushing for singles, often turning them into twos.

Their 50-run partnership came up in 41 balls and in the next over, Taylor brought up his first milestone of this tournament. However, three balls later, Taylor threw it away as he tried to tickle a ball down the leg side only to edge behind.

Akmal did not take his next chance as simply.

Craig Ervine got an edge off Shahid Afridi when he was on just four, but the ball popped out of Akmal's gloves. Pakistan may have rued that error but everything changed when in the next over, Williams also gifted his wicket. He pulled a Rahat short ball to backward point and remained rooted to the crease in disbelief.

Ervine was joined by Solomon Mire, who only lasted long enough to flash at Irfan, but the big question was whether Chigumbura would join the fight. After injuring himself in the field, Chigumbura would have hoped for some feet-up time but limped onto the park to face 13 overs and try to see Zimbabwe home.

He may have wanted to give up when Riaz removed Ervine and Mupariwa in the same over but marshaled his No.10, Tinashe Panyangara, through a 47run, ninth-wicket stand. It gave Zimbabwe hope of pulling off something special.

Chigumbura played sensibly, turning down runs when he knew he would not be able to, and attacking when he could.

He kept Zimbabwe in it until the last over, although they needed 24 runs to win by then. Chigumbura did everything that could have been expected of a man who had to leave the field in the 24th over, after falling while trying to gather a ball. At that point, he had seen his team enforce a squeeze he would have been proud of.

Panyangara began with signature discipline and Tendai Chatara surprising speed - the gun put him in the lower 140kphs. Between them, they frustrated Pakistan's openers. Nasir Jamshed's patience was up by the end of the second over, when he pulled a Chatara short ball to Sikandar Raza at square leg. (Cricinfo)

S

ri Lanka made a chase of 310 seem like a weekend stroll in the park as Kumar Sangakkara unfurled a majestic hundred, his second of the tournament, alongside Lahiru Thirimanne's fourth ODI ton. They ensured Joe Root's hundred became merely a footnote and left England facing two must-win matches to make the quarter-finals.

The pair added 212 for the second wicket in 28.2 overs with Sangakkara racing to his hundred from 70 balls - his fastest one-day hundred - to follow his 76ball 105 against Bangladesh at the MCG as he shredded England's attack with piercing drives, dismissive pulls and the occasional touch of deftness.

Thirimanne's century, which came from 117 balls, meant Sri Lanka's top four all have three-figure scores now. He made England pay for missing him on 3 when an outside edge was dropped

by Root at first slip, although the blame has to go to Jos Buttler who started to move for the chance before bailing out.

In a sign of how Sangakkara dominated, check this. When Thirimanne moved into the 90s Sangakkara was on 28 but had reached 78 by the time Thirimanne squeezed the single to reach his landmark. A ball ago, he had been spilled for a second time, on 98, with Moeen Ali not able to hold a low catch at cover.

It was a late decision

by Sri Lanka to open with Thirimanne, only made during the recent series against New Zealand, but before this innings he had already impressed. Even a reunion with his nemesis James Anderson, who has dismissed him seven times in all internationals, did not

Kumar Sangakkara pulls on his way to an unbeaten 117

prove a problem. And he had the honour of finishing the most clinical of chases with his second six.

England had punched reasonably hard in the latter part of their innings - the last 15 overs bringing 148 runs - but their effort was put firmly into context by the way Sri Lanka cantered to the target with 16 balls to spare. It continued a prolific few days for Sri Lanka's top order; they piled up 332 for 1 against Bangladesh after unconvincing displays against New Zealand and Afghanistan.

The way Sri Lanka eased through the chase brought back memories of the 2011 World Cup quarter-final when they won by 10 wickets and means their last two World Cup matches against England have brought combined batting efforts of 543 for 1.

It was a humbling experience for England's attack which did not possess the variety, or seemingly the nous, to force Sri Lanka's batsmen to change their game. Only Moeen (and a little bit of Root) provided any alternative to right-arm fast-medium, with Moeen giving England their one success when Tillakaratne

SCOREBOARD

England innings MM Ali c Lakmal b Mathews 15 IR Bell b Lakmal 49 GS Ballance c & b Dilshan 6 JE Root lbw b Herath 121 EJG Morgan* c Dilshan b Perera 27 JWA Taylor c Dilshan b Malinga 25 JC Buttler† not out 39 CR Woakes not out 9 Extras: (b 4, lb 3, w 9, nb 2) 18 Total: (6 wickets; 50 overs) 309 Did not bat: SCJ Broad, ST Finn, JM Anderson.

Fall of wickets: 1-62, 2-71, 3-101, 4-161, 5-259, 6-265.

Sri Lanka Bowling: SL Malinga 10-0-63-1, RAS Lakmal 7.4-071-1, AD Mathews 10-1-43-1,

TM Dilshan 8.2-0-35-1, HMRKB Herath 5.5-0-35-1, NLTC Perera 8.1-0-55-1.

Sri Lanka innings HDRL Thirimanne not out 139 TM Dilshan c Morgan b Ali 44 KC Sangakkara† not out 117 Extras: (b 8, lb 1, w 3) 12 Total:(1 wicket; 47.2 overs) 312 Did not bat: DPMD Jayawardene, AD Mathews*, FDM Karunaratne, LD Chandimal, NLTC Perera, HMRKB Herath, SL Malinga, RAS Lakmal.

Fall of wickets 1-100.

England Bowling: JM Anderson 8-0-48-0, SCJ Broad 10-1-670, CR Woakes 9.2-0-72-0, ST Finn 8-0-54-0, MM Ali 10-0-50-1, JE Root 2-0-12-0.

Dilshan flipped a leading edge to midwicket.

However, by then the opening stand of 100 had already knocked the stuffing out of England, ensuring any feel-good factor from Root's innings was distant memory. James Anderson and Stuart Broad started reasonably tightly but Dilshan took to Broad with two sixes in the eighth over which Thirimanne followed with two strong drives against Anderson in the next.

Steven Finn's improved performance against Scotland was put into perspective as he laboured under another barrage although it was not quite of Brendon McCullum proportions. Meanwhile, it was another chastening World Cup day for Anderson as he barely moved a ball on the ground where Tim Southee swung his way to 7 for 33.

Eoin Morgan had not let that result against New Zealand, where England crumbled for 123, change his way of thinking as he again batted first and the final outcome would have left him reasonably comfortable after a strong finish engineered by Root, James Taylor and Buttler.

But there were still significant stages when England stalled, especially the period between overs five and 25 which brought 76 runs with Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera and Dilshan tying the batsmen down.

Gary Ballance's horror World Cup continued when he limply prodded a return catch back to Dilshan to leave him with 36 runs in four innings and facing the axe as England, somehow, try to revive their campaign.

Dilshan's first spell of flat offspin was 5-0-15-1 and revived memories of the aforementioned 2011 quarter-final when he flummoxed the top order with a four-over spell for nine. (Cricinfo)

sports

YELLOW PAGES monday, march 2, 2015

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

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Price negotiable. Tel: 602-2135 Eccles: Build your own home in a modernized, gated community. Lot size 60’x100’ $7.5M. Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033.

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New rules for “The Clash of the Titans” horse race meet

“T

he Clash of The Titans” horse race meet, scheduled for Sunday, March 22, at the Port Mourant Turf Club, will undergo substantial changes to the provisional programme in an effort to improve the standard of horse racing in Guyana.

This is in keeping with an agreement and commitment coming out of the last Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) meeting held at Rising Sun Turf Club.

Commencing in March, the members appointed to the classification committee were tasked with overhauling the entire classification system to reflect the ratings system used worldwide.

This would see many horses moving out of their class, particularly many of the imported horses stuck in D3 and G3. The new format will see these horses being allowed to participate in lower class races. To simplify matters, the organisers are immediately accommodating the D3 maidens and non-earners in the last six months in the four-year-old West Indian Bred race.

This race will now be the 1400 metres open to all horses, classified D3 maiden and non-earners in the same category for the last six months

of under $300,000 and all other lower class and ratings of horses.

The “Four Horsemen Group” promotion group will keep sponsors, owners, trainers and turfites updated and will be open to discussion on the way forward, in an effort to take the sport of horse racing to another level.

The rest of the programme reads – the feature A and lower event has a rewarding $1.2 million winner’s purse and the Clash of the Titans Cup over 1600 metres.

A prize of $400,000 and a trophy is available for the winner of the three year old event for West Indies Bred horses over 1200 metres.

The G1 and lower 1200 metres race fetches the winner $320,000 and a trophy.

The 1200 metres three year old Guyana bred and I and lower race has a first prize of $300,000 and a trophy.

The G 3 Maiden and H and Lower 1200 metres race has $300,000 and a trophy set aside for the winner.

The J1 and Lower 1100 metres event has a first-place prize taking of $240,000 and trophy.

The J3 and Lower race will also be an 1100M race for the take home money of

$200,000 and a trophy.

Some of the horses set to be in action on race day are: Score’ Even, Treacle, CP Got Even, Curfew Tower, Princess She Not, Plum Plum, California Strike, Spit Fire, Country Armage, Appealing Harvest and Captain Crook Tiz A Holiday.

The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives, compliments of the Trophy Stall and the organisers. The event will be held under the rules of the GHRA. Among the sponsors on board so far are E-Networks, Southland Distribution Incorporated, Poonai and Poonai, Sleep-in Hotel, Latchman Mohabir Cambio, P and P Insurance Company, Banks DIH Limited, Delmur Shipping Company, and Shariff Business Enterprise.

The next promotion organised by the group is fixed for August 2, 2015 at the same venue.

Interested persons can make contact with Rajendra (Jim –Jo) on 618-7278; Fazal on 657-7010; Colin on 6242723; or Donald and Zaleena Lawrie on telephone 2254530.

Race time will be 12:30h.

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21

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J

Chelsea celebrate League Cup win

ose Mourinho claimed his first trophy since returning for his second spell as Chelsea manager with a comfortable Capital One Cup final victory over Tottenham at Wembley.

John Terry and Diego Costa did the damage - both with the aid of deflections - either side of the interval as Spurs’ hopes of repeating their success over Chelsea in this competition seven years ago never got off the ground.

The win gave Mourinho his first silverware since La Liga success with Real Madrid in 2012 and Chelsea their first since the Europa League final victory against Benfica in Amsterdam a year later.

Despite a career laden with trophies, Mourinho

claimed this was the most important final of his time in the game and Chelsea were never seriously troubled once Christian Eriksen’s early free-kick rebounded to safety off the woodwork.

And with Chelsea’s closest Premier League title rivals Manchester City losing 2-1 at Liverpool even before this final kicked off - leaving his side with a five-point advantage with a game in hand - this just about added up to Mourinho’s perfect day.

Tottenham had the exertions of a Europa League tie - and painful exit against Fiorentina in Italy on Thursday, and while this may have taken its toll, they never looked like rescuing the situation once Chelsea

took the lead right on halftime.

Tottenham’s usual suspects created early optimism for their fans as Eriksen bounced a 20-yard free-kick off the bar, although Petr Cech - preferred in goal to Thibaut Courtois - looked to have the situation under control, and Harry Kane ended a fine run with a low shot that was comfortably saved by Chelsea’s keeper.

As usual, Costa was keeping Spurs fully occupied in the physical exchanges, angering Nabil Bentaleb with a hand-off, squaring up to Kyle Walker and getting involved in a running battle with Eric Dier that ended with the defender picking up a yellow card for a foul.

(BBC Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, march 2, 2015

Road to Mecca II...

Milo Under-20 School football tournament...

Defending champs New champs to be in ripping form crowned after Ravens Lodge – Kingston score 10 on David Rose fall to Pacesetters

By Treiston Joseph

D

efending champions Lodge Secondary demolished Cummings Lodge Secondary when action in the Milo Under-20 School Football championships continued over the weekend at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Lodge trounced

Deshawn Jones (6th); Carl Griffith (13th); and Matthew Harrison (20th) were the other goal scorers. North Ruimveldt’s sixth goal was an own goal by Freeburg.

Continuing with Saturday’s action, St Rose’s High School topped St Joseph High School as three different scorers scorched the back of the net.

was just the tip of the iceberg for Sunday – Kingston Secondary School dropped 10 goals on David Rose Secondary who were unable to register one goal in the routing.

Vincent Thomas led the way with goals in the 11th, 13th, 15th and 23rd minutes while Allister Holder’s hattrick in the 39th, 43rd and

Travis Burnett heads to the rim for an easy lay-up

By Treiston Joseph

T

he Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters topped Dynas Ravens 69-65 in a thrilling semifinal on Saturday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Pacesetters combined the run and gun style of offence with physical defence to outplay the Dynas Ravens especially in the fourth quarter.

Ryan Stephney started hot for the Ravens scoring the Ravens’ first 10 points to give the defending champs a comfortable double-digit lead early in the game.

However, Pacesetters went on a run to close out the first quarter trailing by only one point.

The game continued with its physical nature as Travis Burnett started to show signs of life with his dicey crossovers as he continually got into the post be-

fore either passing, drawing a foul or scoring as the game remained close with the first half ending 55-53 in Ravens’ favour.

Ravens came out hot in the third, opening up a ninepoint lead as they looked to pull away as they usually do in the third period.

However, the Pacesetters came right back with a run of their own as their second chance points played as a big factor in keeping the game close.

The final period was where it all went wrong for the Ravens as they had the Pacesetters in early foul trouble and opted to shoot the ball instead of attacking the rim and drawing fouls and were kept to 10 points in the final period, while the Pacesetters made a final run to secure their place in the final.

Burnett led the way for the Pacesetters with 18 points, while Stephon Gillis

and Travis Williams had 12 and 11 points respectively.

Stephney led all scorers in the game with 27 points, but went cold in the final period and could not get his team out of the hole.

Jermaine Slater was the next best performer for the Ravens, scoring eight points while grabbing a game-high 18 rebounds.

In the other semifinal, the Bounty Colts took care of the Retrieve Raiders to win the encounter 79-70.

Shelroy Thomas helped the Colts in the win with a near triple double, scoring 18 points while registering six steals and five rebounds.

New acquisition Haslyn Hooper had nine points and 16 rebounds, while Ryan Cumming and Niko Fraser scored 12 and 10 points respectively to help in the win.

Sheldron Ned was the top scorer for the Raiders with 18 points and seven rebounds in the loss.

Some of the action between Lodge Secondary and Cummings Lodge Secondary on Saturday

Cummings Lodge 8-0 in the third match of the day on Saturday, led by doubles from Sylvester Richardson (4th and 5th minute); Jarel Grannum (33rd and 39th minute) and Kevin Boters (13th and 43rd minute).

Ryan Hackett and Leon Blake scored the other two goals for the defending champs in the 55th and 68th minute respectively.

Elroy George and Zeemario Johnny scored the two goals for Cummings Lodge in the 11th and 17th minute respectively.

The first game on Saturday saw North Ruimveldt Secondary easily defeating Freeburg Secondary 6-0 in a game that had five different scorers.

Tyrese Rowley led the way with a double in the 28th and 40th minute while

Loncel Martin, Jumain Jack and Patrice Agrippa were the scorers for St Rose’s High in the 22nd, 31st and 43rd minute respectively.

The final game on Saturday saw Richard Ishmael Secondary coming from behind to defeat Charlestown Secondary 2-1.

Charlestown scored first with a goal from Tidel Bailey in the 20th minute before Charlestown’s own goal levelled the playing field. Rondel Peters would produce the winner in the 54th minute to seal the deal.

In action on Sunday, North Georgetown Secondary topped Queen’s College 5-0 with a hat-trick from Jaydev Mona in the 17th, 20th and 31st minute.

Stephen King scored a double in the 5th and 25th minute to complete the rout.

However, North Georgetown’s scoring fest

50th minutes ensured no comeback from David Rose was on the cards.

Ryan Trotz would end the game with a double in the 46th and 49th minute respectively while David Rose helped Kingston add to their score line with an own goal in the 20th minute.

Mae’s Secondary School held on to defeat School of the Nations 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Hakiem Hutson scored the game’s opening goal in the 14th minute for Mae’s while Darshan Persaud added two goals in the 54th and 65th minutes respectively.

Shaquille Bess scored in the 62nd and Lyndon Dorway in the 70th to bring the game to its close ending.

Meanwhile, Morgan Learning Institute gained a walkover win against Houston Secondary School to end the weekend’s action.

BCB honours triumphant Under-15 Inter-County team A t a simple but significant ceremony held at the conference hall of the Albion Community Centre, the Berbice Cricket Board took the opportunity to honour its Under-15 team, who were recently crowned champions of the Inter-County tournament.

Honoured too were players on the standby list, most of whom represented the President XI, the Manager and Coach.

Master of Ceremonies Vemen Walters, Human Resource Manager of Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Albion Estate and Third Vice President of the BCB, congratulated the players, Manager and Coach for their effort and commended the Board for the initiative to recognise them.

He reminded the players that this was just the beginning of their career and while success is sweet, it came with discipline, commitment, dedication and hard work. He also praised

Members of the winning Berbice Under-15 team along with the standby players pose for the camera with their Manager Kwesi Maltay, Albion Estate Manager Threbhowan Shiwprasad and BCB President Anil Beharry

the work of the junior selection panel led by Leslie Solomon.

BCB President Anil Beharry also praised the performance of the team and said there were enough financial incentives in the game these days to motivate the players to reach the highest level. He added that there were two avenues to take out of poverty and improve one’s standard

of living: sports and education. He warned, however, that both have to go hand in hand.

Beharry thanked the parents for the role they played in the lives of their children and encouraged them to continue to so do.

He then praised the selectors, Manager and Coach for a job well done.

West Indies leg-spinner Devindra Bishoo addressed

the gathering in an inspiring speech in which he remembered his days as an Under-15 cricketer. He advised the players that his success was a result of hard work, and being focused and humble at all times. He said that cricket has made a great difference in his life financially and has made him a more rounded individual.

The feature address was delivered by GuySuCo

Albion Estate Manager Threbhowan Shiwprasad, who advised that success should never go to the head of young cricketers and they must always keep their feet on the ground, cautioning that many times successful persons forget the ones who were with them on their path to success. The role of the parents, the Club members and elders must never be forgotten, he emphasised.

He added that the Almighty must always be close to the heart for without him, nothing was possible.

Team Manager Kwesi Maltay, a former national youth pacer who also represented Berbice at the senior level, thanked the Board for the opportunity and the acknowledgement of their effort. He said it would surely inspire the youngsters and others to follow.

Maltay further recommended that each first-division club build a concrete strip so that players can be kept active during the rainy season and coaches can work with them one on one.

In closing, the Master of Ceremonies thanked Deonarine Balram, Devindra Bishoo, Shabeer Baksh, Rabindranath Saywack, Angela Haniff, Wattson Catering, Sharda Beharry, the management of Albion Estate and Albion Cricket Club for their contribution towards the success of the event.

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, march 2, 2015

Bounty Farm Handicap squash tournament...

Khalil retains title with dazzling display

Bolt stunned as UTECH upset Racers

By Treiston Joseph

D

efending champion Jason Ray Khalil dazzled those in attendance at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts on Sunday to retain his title in the Digicel-sponsored Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament.

Khalil with a handicap of -24 defeated Nyron Joseph with a handicap of -16 in three thrilling sets.

Although both players were athletic and gifted at their craft, Khalil showed how dominant he can be in his first set by quickly overcoming his handicap to level the scores at 5 all.

The rallies were long between the two as they showcased their speed, athleticism and at times power before Khalil went on to win the first set 15-13.

The second set was a different story, as Joseph brought his arsenal of shots to the fore and pulled away from Khalil who showed signs of frustration, losing the set 15-4.

However, Khalil quickly refocused and started hot in the third set to easily overcome his handicap, but he fell behind 8-0 to Joseph who was beginning to look fatigued.

Khalil on the other hand kept his composure and battled back with variety of shots to level the score at nine all before going on to win the game 15-11.

Meanwhile, in the Category A final, Lucas Jonas (-3) came up against his brother Ethan Jonas (-1).

In the first game, Lucas won the first eight points before his brother secured his first point, but Ethan got no further than seven as Lucas won the first game 15-7.

The second game was no different to the first as again Lucas won the first eight points before Ethan secured his first point and the set ended 15-9 win.

In the Category A third place playoff, Michael Alphonso (-1) defeated Demetrius De Abreu (-1). De Abreu won a close first game 15-13, but lost the next two to Alphonso 15-10 and 15-6.

Full Final Results:

Open Category: Jason Ray Khalil (-24) defeated

Nyron Joseph (-16) 15-13, 4-15, 15-11; third place: Nicholas Narain won by walkover from Raphael De Groot.

Open Category Plate: Final: Alexander Cheeks (+7) beat Joe Mekdeci (0) 15-11, 15-12; third place: Tiffany Soloman got a walkover from Stephen Fernandes.

Category A Final: Lucas Jonas (-3) beat Ethan Jonas (-1) 15-7, 15-9; third place: Michael Alphonso (-1) beat Demetrius De Abreu (-1) 13-15, 15-10, 156.

Category A Plate Final: Jason Gomes (+4) beat Kamir Khan (+7) 1511, 15-13; Third place:

USA’s Joseph Rivera...

from back page

Alisha Fortune going through the paces to win the women’s title

The sequence continued with 60 push-ups for the men then loading a wheel barrel with five sacks of sand weighing 60lbs each before carrying it for two metres and carrying one sack of sand for another two metres.

Dillon Maheda of Cross fit won the event to the cheers of the crowd, but was only able to finish third

S

Usain Bolt All of the winners pose with their trophies

with a total of 413 points.

Tim Lombardi of the USA was second with 413 points as well, but had a faster aggregated time of 1h 30s while Maheda had a time of 1h 36s.

Sprint queen Alisha Fortune was the winner of the female event with a total of 495 points as the females had to do lighter weights in the final round

with their sacks of sand weighing 30lbs while only having to do 30 pushups in the same sequence of events.

Team USA won the team event with a total of 1376 points while the Guyana Defence Force was second with 1181 points. Elite System finished third with 1161 points and Interline fourth with 1032 points.

Paige Fernandes (+10) defeated Chad De Abreu (+11) 15-9, 15-7.

The presentation of prizes was done by Stephen Fernandes and Dr Peter De Groot, representatives of the sponsors Bounty Farm Ltd.

23

print legend Usain Bolt found himself in an unfamiliar position on Saturday, losing a sprint to the finish as the University of Technology (UTECH) men’s team stunned the much vaunted Racers team in the 4x100 metres at the 39th staging of the Gibson/McCook Relays.

Anchoring Racers in

his first outing of the season, Bolt was unable to reel in Tyquendo Tracey, who crossed the line first to win in a world-leading 38.23 seconds at the National Stadium.

Bolt, the multiple-time Olympic sprint champion, brought Racers home second in 38.29 seconds.

He received the baton behind Tracey and despite making up significant ground, just failed to overhaul his rival.

“You want to win every time you go on the track, but this was a good race and I am feeling OK,” Bolt told the Jamaica Observer newspaper afterward.

Tracey said with Bolt chasing him down, he knew it was important to relax.

“I told myself to just relax and run,” Tracey said.

“Last year I got the lead but tightened up and (Yohan) Blake caught me, and I told myself I was not going to let lightning strike twice.”

Bolt led a star-studded team into the final with Commonwealth Games 100m champion Kemar Bailey-Cole, Olympic 200m silver medallist Warren Weir and Mario Forsythe joining him for the one-lap event. (CMC)

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

Monday, march 2, 2015

Bounty Farm Handicap squash tournament...

Khalil retains title with dazzling display Page 23

Cricket no longer attracting region’s most talented youth – Holding

Michael Holding

M

Jason Ray Khalil (white) goes on the attack against Nyron Joseph during the final game (Treiston Joseph photo)

ore kids need to be playing cricket in the West Indies if the game is to survive in the region. That’s the view of former West Indies fast bowler turned cricket analyst and commentator Michael Holding.

Holding, who took 249 Test wickets during the West Indies heyday in the 1970s and ‘80s, believes the

sport is not attracting the best talent anymore.

“There are good cricketers in the Caribbean, but the number of outstanding or top-class cricketers in the Caribbean has certainly declined,” he said, noting that during his time playing there were “a lot of guys on the bench who could come into the team at the drop of a hat.” That paradigm no longer exists.

“If you have a smaller pool from which to choose you’ll find that the ones who get to the top aren’t necessarily the best that you’ll ever find,” he said.

“You’ve got to encourage the youngsters to play cricket. You’ve got to look for them and make them come and want to play cricket.

There are so many other things for youngsters to do in the Caribbean; you have got to put infrastructure in place, you’ve got to give them a pathway.” (Digicel Sportsmax)

Inaugural CrossFit games...

USA’s Joseph Rivera is Guyana’s 1st CrossFit champ

– Alisha Fortune takes female title

By Treiston Joseph

G

uyana crowned its first CrossFit champ on Sunday when the inaugural E-Networkssponsored event was held at the National Park tarmac.

Completing a series of fitness tests that included leg thrusts, 50 jump squats,

pull-ups with toe touches as well as a 1500 metres race, Rivera accumulated a total of 485 points to win the men’s final.

The last event of the day sparked the most interest as all competitors had to do a 1500 metres run before returning to do chin pulls with 45lb dumbbell bars. turn to page 23

Upcoming World Cup matches (with Guyana time) Tuesday: 25th Match, Pool B- Pakistan v UAE, 21:00h Wednesday: 26th Match, Pool A- Australia v Afghanistan, 02:30h Wednesday: 27th Match, Pool A- Bangladesh v Scotland, 18:00h Thursday: 28th Match, Pool B- India v West Indies, 02:30h All of the winners pose with the prizes at the presentation

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