Guyana Times Daily - December 5, 2014Binder1

Pandemonium in Opposition ranks ...over

Wrong information may have led to Corriverton murder

As Police continue their investigation into the brutal killing of a Corriverton man, family members and sources close to the investigation are of the view that the attack last Sunday was perpetrated at the wrong house.

About 23:30h on the fateful day, four masked men armed with cutlasses and knives entered the 54 Princeton, Corriverton home of Outar Ramphal, 50, and his mother Champawattie Ramphal, 74, demanding cash and jewellery.

Three of the men beat, chopped and tortured Outar resulting in his death. His 74-year-old mother was also beaten, leaving her with a wound to her neck and injuries about the body. A child who was also at the house at the time of the incident was also threatened.

According to Kamani Ramphal, a niece of the dead man, she feels the men could

not have intentionally come to her grandma’s home since they have nothing of significant value.

She believes that the attack was planned for another house in the community. According to reports, hours before the incident, a man from the community was boasting at a popular bar about his wealth and jewellery.

The niece related that her uncle is unemployed and used to receive Government Public Assistance for several years now since he suffers from an ailment and her grandmother receives a pension. This is how they survive. Champawattie had told this publication that while demanding cash and jewellery, the men kept asking for her husband, while asking “Where is the jewellery?” She explained that she does not have a husband, noting that he died many years ago. It is unclear whether the perpetrator could have iden-

tified Champawattie due to the house being “dark” at the time. The bandits left with $35000 and a gold ring.

A close relative is in custody assisting with Police investigation.

Shortly after the incident on Sunday, the grandson returned home from a birthday celebration to find his grandmother in a terrified state.

He quickly alerted neighbours, who rushed the elderly woman and her unconscious son to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, according to a Police source, investigators are actively pursuing the case with the hope of finding the perpetrators.

A post-mortem conducted on the body by Dr Viveckanand Bridgemohan at the Skeldon Hospital indicated that he died from multiple injuries due to shock and haemorrhage.

Beef up narco-trafficking screening – Benn tells CJIA

By Vahnu Manikchand

Despite the many drug busts being made, traffickers continue to take the risk; as such, Transport Minister Robeson Benn is calling on security officers at the airports to be more vigilant when screening for narcotics.

Benn pointed out that there are certain systems in place at the airport that allow different law enforcement agencies to conduct screenings of both passengers and their luggage. “There is security at the airport, which is at a lower level. There are specific agencies responsible for certain levels” he stated. The Minister explained that these agencies include the Guyana Police Force; the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the Immigration Office, which are all tasked with specific responsibilities in the screening process.

“The reason we have these layers of security at the airport, of course, and we have

various measures of trying to detect cocaine, because we know that the system is being constantly tested and people have to be on high alert and be vigilant at all times … We can never guarantee a hundred per cent of security in terms of this level of nefarious trading in narcotics, but, of course, we are concerned and we will review with the other agencies that have the specific responsibilities with respect to the detection,” he outlined.

Nevertheless, the Minister noted that this year has been a success for law enforcers as several major busts were made at the country’s main port of entry – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). He noted that earlier this year, there were a significant number of interceptions that upset and prevented the “wholesale passage” of narcotics through the airports.

“I would say that in terms of prevention of narcotics going through…that they (law enforcement) are fairly successful in preventing,” he related. However, at the same time, the Transport Minister recognised that there were a few breaches of the security system, with drug traffickers managing to successfully bypass local security only to be

intercepted overseas. According to Minister Benn, law enforcers will have to continue being alert to ensure that the system continues to be effective in detecting and preventing persons from smuggling narcotics. “There are some people who may be entrapped or forced to allow the passage of things … we get rid of people and they land up in the hands of CANU and other places. But it’s a constant battle; it’s a constant struggle to work on this problem and we have to keep up a high security profile with good integrity constantly with respect to this problem,” the Minister underscored.

Over the years, there have been a number of drug busts at the CJIA and persons are becoming more creative with their attempts to smuggle narcotics through the country’s main port of entry.

Only two weeks ago, a Guyanese man was intercepted at the John F Kennedy Airport in New York, with four bottles of liquid cocaine. According to reports, Wilton Sinclair successfully duped authorities in Guyana on November 17 with the bottles of purported “El Dorado” rum in two duty-free bags; however, upon his arrival in New York, his bags were inspected by the US Customs and Border Protection agents when the discovery was made. The 1.75 litre glass containers were reportedly filled with nearly 18 pounds of liquidised cocaine, which was estimated to be valued more than US$300,000. Attempts have previously been made to smuggle narcotics in vegetables such as boulanger and cabbage; in fruits such as awarra and star apple; in fish; in footwear; coconut milk and even in pastries. As such, the country’s main drug enforcement body, CANU, has stepped up monitoring of persons along with their luggage and shipments at the CJIA. (vahnum@guyanatimes.com)

Man on bail after allegedly threatening commonlaw wife with firearm

Seon Charles was placed on $15,000 bail after being arraigned on a threatening language charge when he appeared before presiding Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday morning.

Charles pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on December 3 at Cummings Street, Georgetown, he made use threatening language to the Virtual Complainant (VC) Nikesha Roberts.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that the two parties are in a relationship and on the day in question, the VC told Charles that she had decided make amends with the father of her children. Charles got annoyed and placed the gun to her head.

However, Charles denied the facts read by the prosecutor and told the court that on

Seon Charles

the day in question, he and his common- law wife had an argument and after sometime, he noticed the Police at his home. He narrated that the Police told him that he threatened her with a firearm. He was placed on bail with a restraining order stating not to go within 50 feet of Roberts. His second court appearance will be on December 10.

Transport Minister Robeson Benn

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery showers can be expected to give way to heavy rain showers during the day with light cloud cover in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly between zero and 2.68 metres per second.

High Tide: 03:22h and 15:35h reaching maximum heights of 2.55 metres and 2.70 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:09h and 21:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.66 metre and 0.51 metre respectively.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Pandemonium in Opposition ranks ...

over prorogation response

Several analysts say Guyana is perhaps the only country in the Caribbean where there are so many Opposition parties. Even though of recent there have been efforts to form broad coalitions, their problem is the same: extreme divisions.

More than a month since President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament after being threatened with a NoConfidence Motion against his Government; there are still major divisions among Opposition groups that impede their own efforts aimed at achieving a political solution.

It is this scenario that presents the electorate with a skewed view as to the real motives of the two larger groups: A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC).

From the onset, the deep division was evident. Once the AFC-sponsored NoConfidence Motion was tabled, APNU listed as priority Local Government Elections, while the AFC was hell bent on ramming through its motion against the Government.

“What we are seeing here is APNU having a separate strategy, one that is distinct and apart from that

of the AFC,” AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan said back in September. He added that the No-Confidence Motion was the party’s priority, insisting that “the violations of the Government no longer should be allowed. We indicated our intentions to APNU and we were given full support… we never got a sense that the priority of APNU was to see Local Government Elections at this time,” Ramjattan had said.

Around this time, there was widespread support for the holding of Local Government Elections with several organisations and even the international community pressing the Government to hold the poll.

“I believe at that time there was indeed support for

Local Government Elections, but somehow APNU allowed itself to get sidetracked from the real issue and AFC entered with its No- Confidence Motion... this threw everything aside,” a former Member of Parliament told Guyana Times on Thursday.

Even President Ramotar had alluded to the division, stating one time that APNU had to make up its mind whether it wanted Local Government Elections or General Elections, giv-

en its support for the NoConfidence Motion.

Political analysts had posited that the APNU, being the major political player in the one-seat majority in the House, should have been the one to first put forward a proposal such as the No-Confidence Motion, against the Donald Ramotar Administration. They claim too that the coalition, because of its weakened state, might be trailing its junior partner in this regard.

But Granger had explained to this newspaper that his party is not following the AFC. “We are not following the AFC; we have taken a line to support the No-confidence Motion. There were four courses of action and the No-Confidence Motion was only one.”

Faced with the situation, of his party being the first to fall on an Opposition No-Confidence Motion, President Ramotar on November 10 prorogued Parliament and invited the Opposition for talks aimed at thrashing out their differences. But this instead, set off major confusion within the Opposition’s camp.

Amid a flurry of meetings and statements, APNU arranged a rally a few days later at the Square of the

Revolution billed as a forum where the Opposition would articulate their strategy to supporters and also explain the implications of the prorogation. At this rally, there were further divisions. The AFC decided to send two of its black leaders to the rally largely attended by AfroGuyanese, while its two top Indo leaders: Ramjattan and Nagamootoo stayed away.

“At this stage, no; we are not going out there with APNU,” Ramjattan said.

Besides, the party has shunned APNU’s daily protests outside the Office of the President, instead taking its demonstration in front of the Regional Administrative Complex at Fort Wellington, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice).

“We don’t want to go there. We will continue to protest using other methods that do not require them to be on the streets rallying alongside fellow Opposition party – APNU. We have indicated that we will maintain our hard-hitting press releases and comments in the press,” he said.

turn to page 8

Opposition Leader David Granger

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon

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

Wanted: Men to lead

Maybe it’s nostalgia, but the old male politicians are certainly missed. In the days before the internet, politicians were forced to connect with their constituents in meaningful ways. They were forced to construct images that were larger than life itself. They were defined by their pronouncements, which were repeated in homes and public spaces with reverence. Even when they were unwittingly funny, the stories were told with reverence.

Today, we are stuck with leaders of all kinds, leaving society, particularly our male folk, to wonder if they understand what it means to be a male political leader. Leadership brings its own set of challenges. The challenge of youth is that they are always seeking leaders. The root of Guyana’s problem is the people who have become leaders are often involved in some of the wrong activities.

While they preach peace and harmony, their very actions cut across the values they project to society. Only recently we were confronted by the issue where two of the top leaders of the Alliance For Change (AFC) refused to mount the platform of A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) because they did not want to be seen to be identified with a party that draws its electoral support largely from Afro Guyanese.

The excuse given by one of the leaders that he had vowed not to stand on the platform of his opponents cannot hold water and many Guyanese, particularly our youths, saw the naked race-baiting that was played out by the AFC.

What is more like the truth is that the AFC was afraid to be identified with Afro Guyanese because it sees it itself as an “Indian party” and is fearful of any possible repercussions from voters of that ethnic make-up. When asked why he did not attend the APNU rally, Leader of the AFC Khemraj Ramjattan said he did not want to attend since that could have provided an opportunity for “PPP/C propagandists” to attack him and link him to the APNU.

What could have been a watershed occasion to see East Indians and African leaders united in their “common cause” turned out to be a matter of race for the AFC because instead of Ramjattan and AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo attending the rally, they chose to send two of their leaders of African descent. This sort of message from our leaders is very dangerous at a time when all and sundry are seeking racial healing in society.

One religious writer said that: “The greatest want of the world is the want of men – men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.”

It is leaders with these attributes that Guyana seeks today.

History has taught us many lessons of leaders whose missteps caused nations to suffer. Those who occupy responsible positions as guardians of the people are false to their trust if they do not faithfully search out and stand up for what is right. For the AFC leaders to cover under the cloak of protecting one’s votes at the expense of national unity is a misdeed deserving of the strongest condemnation.

And for those who it is considered uncharitable to rebuke such behaviour should also be condemned. In the existing state of our country, there is crying need of earnest, honest leaders –men who will not shun to stand up for what is right.

Those upon whom the burden of carrying this nation rest are not to hold their peace and cover with a cloak of false charity, but must be willing to separate themselves from entrenched hatred and racism that have for years dogged this country.

Cuffy inspired proroguing?

Dear Editor,

“Not a single leaf moves in this country if I’m not the one moving it. I want that to be clear!” (1981), boasted General Augusto Pinochet who toppled the elected Chilean Government of Marxist President Dr Salvador Allende in 1973.

Hundreds of Guyanese attended the APNU-AFC rally at Cuffy square on November 14 to protest the proroguing of the National Assembly. But there was no reported violence afterwards - for the first time.

The healthy green leaves did not move! We can thank God for green leaves. But the generals have made it known that those leaves move only by their orders, not God’s and they want that made very clear.

Previous PNC demonstrations have always culminated in violent riots, rapes, looting and arson. How much are Guyanese now indebted to the Chilean dictator’s boast? Indeed, how profound are the similarities between Guyana and Chile’s military generals?

In Chile for a conference Brigadier General (ret) David Granger found inspiration to completely duck the 1964 Wismar massacre of Indo Guyanese like that tragic lesson never occurred. His complete speech posted on the internet was subsequently removed. Consequently, he proceeded to resuscitate the horrible tragedy of the Sun Chapman’s boat bombing of Afro Guyanese. Mr Granger’s PNC now actually requires the usual mon-

ument to be erected in tribute. The PPP/C would prefer both tragedies remain buried without any known commemoration of note.

Both countries’ generals are without any economic backgrounds or experience. Both seek economic independence for their own bases in their respective countries. General Pinochet said it best in 1987: “The nation is trying to make Chile a country of proprietors, not of proletarians.”

The AFC-PNC opposition demands piggyback power sharing because nothing else seems to work for them, not cooperatives, not piggybacking on Dr Walter Rodney, not “slow fyah, more fyah”.

The PNC’s imposition of a scorched earth violent policy inevitably also boomerangs on their supporters in its long term economic repercussions. It has not altogether, however, emancipated some of the “race barrier builders”. They remain trapped within their own mental imprisonment and condemn safely from afar, living offshore free from what they preach.

Right under Cuffy’s shadow in November 2014, the black leadership either totally disgraced their hero by proroguing his violence, or they have emerged totally dayclean transformed to give peace a chance. Their sword of Damocles is still however drawn, still hanging over the nation tethered by green leaves. It has not been removed or neutralized by racial balancing of Guyana’s armed forces.

Who are best equipped

to “jump in the line, shake shake, shake you body line to activate the sword as a threat? (See Lord Flea’s rendition - www.youtube.com.)

After more than 50 years, our discontent still remains unresolved as it continues even as it seems tempered. Finding “Sampson’s” PNC currently under Ms AFC’s Delilah seduction to publicly lead the tethered by their hair hoping they will provide the launch pad for Guyana’s political instability makes one wonder who is wearing the pants. How long will the pants stay down?

Come the next elections, the AFC while it lasts, is destined to take a pummeling with their inability to deliver anything to their left over supporters so far. But their decisive edge still remains intact and only ends when the fat lady actually sings.

Who knows what prize they can meantime win? Should the Opposition seize the initiative to activate, the racial balancing of the armed forces it may decisively scuttle the PPP/C’s electoral fortunes.

The PPP/C probably expects disgruntled AFC supporters to automatically all rush back to their fold in any future elections. They may be in for a surprise. After Speaker Raphael Trotman was reluctant to honour the AFC’s leadership rotation agreement and Mr Khemraj Ramjattan succeeded him, the AFC’s black supporters returned enmass to the PNC in 2011.

But many PPP/C supporters who became disil-

lusioned, felt neglected and are not likely to mirror PNC abscondees who returned to the PNC. What “secret weapon” drives the AFC leadership by their stridency to terminate the PPP/C Government’s lifebreath in their suicidal sacrifice mission?

In taking out the PPP/C Government the hijacked PNC/APNU leadership and membership will also be impacted in any American 9/11 similar fallout in Guyana. A significant segment of Guyana’s black proletariat have noticeably become economically empowered proprietors with the PPP/C in Government.

Will they vote for the ruling party? Who will lose more is certainly not the AFC leadership but their membership. Few can manage the meltdown after they release Zeus’s singular Kraken monster.

Even should they “cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war!” (Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar) so many rampaging quadrupeds are not all subjected to military discipline to halt on command. Guyana’s leaders apparently seem headed to the falls on automatic pilot with no one in the boat ready to talk to each, even cry out for help. Apparently relief is expected and conditional on only the “other” to change, not them. Because we are all Guyanese, this confounded nonsense must stop. If not, how are the usual suspects equipped to stop tomorrow’s sun from rising?

Sultan Mohamed

The Grosser Feldberg, the highest peak in Germany’s Taunus mountain range, wreathed in snow and ice one early December morning

(BBC News)

AFC losing ground in East Berbice; APNU struggling to salvage reputation in Linden

Dear Editor,

The hopes of AFC Presidential Candidate Moses Nagamottoo to garner support for his party from East Berbice communities seem to be dwindling as most residents from Whim and Port Mourant boycotted two rallies by the party.

The robbery under arms allegation by a Security Officer

This is a clear indication that those who voted for the party have lost confidence in them and are therefore returning to the PPP/C, which has over the years kept up its programmes and policies, all aimed at improving the lives of all Guyanese. The turnout at both rallies which were held over the weekend was less than favorable.

Linden, Opposition Leader David Granger, in an attempt to salvage what he thinks is left in that community, dispatched a new team.

Meanwhile, after being ‘booed’ out of a meeting recently in the Mining Town of

However, that team too was not able to accomplish much, as Granger is trying desperately to regain lost ground, a little too late.

Further, both parties also held meetings simultaneously

at Reliance on the Essequibo Coast, a clear indication that they are jostling each other for political support. This certainly does not speak well for them individually, as they try to put up a united front to Guyanese, while trying to gain political momentum over each other.

PPP/C, Freedom House

AIDS – the Islamic Perspective

Dear Editor,

Allah, God Almighty, informs us in the Holy Quran, the final revelation to mankind, “And we revealed in this Quran a cure and mercy for believers…’’ (Q 17: 82).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) outlined his mission statement in the following words: “I was sent to perfect human behavior.’’

How does Islam see the curbing of AIDS? In answering this question we need to examine the ways the disease is transmitted.

1. Sexual contact - HIV is found in semen and vaginal fluids. Transmission can occur from one person to another. The highest risk groups for sexual transmission are clearly those men and women (homosexual or heterosexuals) who have many sexual partners.

2. Mother to child - a woman infected with HIV may spread the disease to her child during pregnancy, during birth or shortly after birth. It is also possible that an infected mother could transmit the infection by breast feeding.

3. Shared needles - intravenous drug users are a major risk group because many of them share needles and syringes without proper cleaning.

Any un-sterilized skin, piercing instrument (including earpiercing or tattooing needles) can spread the disease from one person to another.

4. Blood and blood products - transmission of HIV contaminated blood can affect the recipient. However, an increasing number of countries systematically screen and reject blood containing virus. Blood clotting products for disorders such as hemophilia are treated to kill HIV.

On issue number one, Islam advocates abstinence before marriage. Fornication and adultery are prohibited in Islam. These are the primary factors for the spread of HIV/AIDS virus amongst human beings. The Quran is very clear on the question of adultery as a social evil: “Nor come near to adultery: for it is a shameful deed and evil, opening the roads to other evils’’ (Al Quran 17:32).

The spread of AIDS is evidence of the inability of the prevailing culture to deal with sexual promiscuity. Islam teaches man to control his passion, the prevailing culture ignite the flame of passion.

The creator has recommended a natural way for His creation and has provided for every need including the sexual need which is satisfied through marriage, Prophet Muhammad says, “Oh youths, who can afford to marry should do so, for

marriage is a protection of the eyes and private organs, as for those who cannot afford to marry, then he/ she should fast for fasting would reduce sexual urge”.

Islam advocates, prevention is better than cure and advocates that both men and women be modest in their dress, behavior and speech. Prophet Muhammad said, “Modesty and faith are bound together, if one is raised so is the other”. The Hijab is the mark of dignity, honour and respect.

Islam emphasizes the importance of the family unit through marriage, which is considered half of the Islamic faith. Anything that may harm or destroy this unit is prohibited such as sex outside of marriage, the use of alcohol and narcotics and abuse of one’s spouse and children.

A Muslim must be faithful to his partner at all times. Allah says in the Quran, ‘’And of His signs is that He created for you mates among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Verily in that are the signs for those who reflect.’’ (30:21).

In this light a prospective spouse has the right to demand that his or her mate be tested for the HIV virus. Our society in Allah’s sight will not achieve sustained progress or indeed survive if the family unit is non-existent or its importance is ignored. The home is the first training ground for all forms of morality.

On issue number two, parental transfer to feotus, adequate medical check-ups and testing for HIV would keep this to a minimum. Encourage your spouse to take the HIV test. Islam advocates fidelity in the marriage in order that husbands and wives attain peace and love. This relationship will prevent many social ills and the HIV virus.

A spouse has the right to separation if his/her partner is HIV positive as evidence in Ch: 4 V195 (“…and do not put your lives at risk…”).

On issue number three, ue of infected needles, as indicated earlier, Islam prohibits every type of intoxication and narcotics in order to protect the health of the individual and the rest of society from the threat posed by drug addicts and alcoholics.

Islam does not allow the discrimination of persons who have AIDS; the mercy of Islam differentiates between the act and the disease. The seventh Islamic medical seminar in Kuwait recommended, “Regardless of how a person

contracts AIDS, everyone has the same right to the necessary medical treatment, psychological support and health care”.

Once infected, patients must report the fact to their doctors to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Doctors are under obligation to give the proper treatment taking all measures to protect themselves and others against infection. Affected persons must be made fully aware of how best they can prevent the deterioration of their own health and protect others around them.

No AIDS sufferer should have to endure any injustice, discrimination or humiliation as a result of his or her predicament. The sinner’s business is with God; our business is to treat the patient, hoping that this cure will bring about repentance.

The Islamic law permits the use of condoms by couples who are legally married as a birth control method. The condom can be placed in the category of Azl (Coitus Interuptis) practiced by the companions of our Holy Prophet Muhammad. All the rules pertaining to birth control must be adhered to.

In the event a spouse tests positive for HIV after their marriage, the other partner should also take the test to ascertain his/her status. If the other partner tests negative and wishes to continue with his/her marriage a condom must be used to prevent the spread of the virus.

Prophet Muhammad said, “The black seed (nigella) can cure any disease except death”. The black seed helps to build the immune system of humans. Recent experience shows AIDS patients who have used the black seed gained weight among other positive signs.

Islam advocates living a healthy lifestyle. Cleanliness is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. Cleanliness is also half of faith. Circumcision is considered an aspect of cleanliness.

In this regard, Prophet Muhammad said that circumcision of males is consistent with the natural way God Almighty created us; hence he instructed that males be circumcised. Recent survey shows that men who are circumcised are less likely to contract the HIV virus among other diseases.

Islam promotes healthy living through healthy lifestyles. AIDS is primarily an ethical and moral problem. The solution therefore is to treat the root cause, that is, sexual promiscuity which can only be eradicated by implementing the following steps:

Sex outside of marriage must be vehemently discour-

aged, chastity before marriage must be vigorously promoted, fidelity during marriage must be upheld at all cost, all social and cultural organizations must work collectively to encourage people to uphold sexual morality, all forms of deviant sexual behaviors must be vehemently discouraged, use of all narcotics including the use of them intravenously must be vehemently discouraged, and non- use of narcotics must be vigorously promoted.

Counseling and care giving facilities need to be developed and made accessible for all individuals who have contracted the HIV/AIDS virus. They need to be encouraged to promote and maintain healthy lifestyles and be grateful for the gift of life.

The frightening escalation in the number of HIV/AIDS cases and the accompanying fear proves that we should embark upon an active program in order to eradicate promiscuity, prostitution and drug abuse.

Shaykh Moeen

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Association of Private Security Organizations (GAPSO) is profoundly disappointed with the report, which alleges that a member of the private security industry has been charged and remanded to prison for robbery under arms.

Let’s be absolutely clear, GAPSO finds this kind of alleged criminal conduct to be tasteless, offensive and quite frankly, we are angry that any Security Officer would squander the good will we have worked so hard to build within our community.

As Security Officers we have chosen a profession that elevates ourselves above the expectations of regular citizens and we are expected to act accordingly.

The very prospect that a Security Officers, someone whom the public holds in a high regard because of the manner in which we safeguard the public, could possibly exploit this trust in such a vile and inexcusable way is highly disappointed and embarrassing.

It is critical to understand that this robbery under arms allegation should not reflect on the exemplary professionalism of the members of GAPSO or the private security industry.

GAPSO members are dedicated to continuing the professional service that our community has grown to expect and deserve. Our members will continue to protect and serve the community, while maintaining the continued high professional standard that is expected of every Security Officer. It is our duty to the public to maintain the integrity of the security industry and help ensure public safety, and we work closely with our law enforcement partners to achieve these goals.

GAPSO is the leading professional association of security practitioners in Guyana, promoting the highest standards through advocacy, collaboration, education, and the promotion of high ethical standards in the operation and management of security services within Guyana. Our members represent virtually every industry in the public and private sectors, and organizations of all sizes. GAPSO provides exceptional member service, on-going education, and advocacy and business solutions for its members.

We strive to advance the needs of our members under a collective voice in those matters that relate to legislation and business activities that affect our members.

While this incident is very troubling and tugs at our integrity, it is an isolated incident and by no means a reflection of the thousand of Security Officers who perform their duties with honor and professionalism on a daily basis.

Integrated Security Services, GAPSO

Police file sent to Kennard lacks basic info

Police Complaints

Authority Chairman, former Justice Cecil Kennard said the file sent by the Office of Professional Responsibility to him regarding the killing of Asif Rahim Khatoon who died allegedly after a beating from Leonora Police recently lacked basic information crucial for him to pronounce on the case.

Khatoon, 37, of Meten-MeerZorg, West Coast Demerara, was reportedly beaten by Police ranks while in custody at the Leonora Police Station after he was arrested for assaulting his reputed wife. He was arrested on November 22 and subsequently died while at his home on November 27.

Kennard, in a telephone interview on Thursday with the Guyana Times admitted that the file that was sent to him did not have the basic documents for him to peruse and make his recommendations. These documents, he noted are the PostMortem Examination report of the deceased as well as the results of the identification parade that was supposed to be conducted on Wednesday last. He said he later learnt that the dead man’s wife did not show up at Police Headquarters to participate in the ID parade.

The PCA Chairman stated that there was one statement which alleged that Khatoon was struck to the jaw by another man in Police custody with whom he was handcuffed. This person, Kennard noted, was arrested after he was caught with counterfeit currency in his pos-

session. He was not charged, but placed on station bail after the complainant refused to visit the Police station to give further statements.

As such, he advised the Police to locate the man and also the person who would have made the complaint against him. With the basic information missing from the file, Kennard stated that he was at a disadvantage and, as such, cannot pronounce on the matter. He, nevertheless, stated that he is perusing the 28 statements that were taken from mainly Police officers in connection with the matter.

Days after the man’s death, his reputed wife, Sursattie Chandrapaul, and family members had protested at the Leonora Police Station and the office of the Police Commissioner, at Eve Leary, Georgetown. The Police Chief met the relatives and assured them that no stone will be left

unturned, promising that a speedy investigation will be done into the alleged Police brutality. A post-mortem performed on the body of Khatoon proved that he died as a result of multiple injuries to his neck and body. According to the report, the father of four suffered a broken jaw and a ruptured ligament in his throat. The autopsy, which was performed by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, also revealed that Khatoon received severe injuries to his chest which resulted in a massive blood clot forming in his body.

The Police have claimed that they were responding to a report of assault and went to the man’s home to arrest him, but while doing so, he resisted, but was eventually subdued and taken to the Leonora Police Station. At the station, he made no complaints against the arresting ranks.

$4.7M Vrymens Erven Special Needs School opens

As Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday, children of the Vrymens Erven Special Needs School were enjoying the new $4.7 million learning institution, which was handed over to them the day before.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3. This year, it was celebrated under the theme, “Sustainable development: The promise of technology”.

This International Day was first observed in 1992. The day has been set aside by the United Nations to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

This year, the focus is on the role of technology in disaster risk reduction and emergency responses, creating enabling working environments and disability-inclusive sustainable development goals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says

Students of the Special Needs School handing over a thank you plaque to UWSNC

that at least 10 per cent of the world’s population, or 650 million people, live with a disability. The percentage of children with disabilities not attending school is extremely variable – between 65 per cent and 85 per cent in some African countries while mortality for children with disabilities may be as high as 80 per cent in countries.

More shocking is the findings by the WHO that 20 per cent of the world’s poor are disabled. This is one of the reasons which forced the United Women for Special Needs Children (UWSNC) to open its arms to the three organisations in Guyana that cater children who are considered differently able.

The David Rose School for the Handicapped, the East Bank Special Needs

School at Diamond, East Bank Demerara and the Vrymens Erven Special Needs School in New Amsterdam receive tremendous assistance from the organisation. The former two receive items to provide meals for a daily feeding programme along with financial assistance for an aqua therapy programme while the Vrymens Erven Special Needs School benefits from a similar feeding programme.

The group on Monday handed over phase two of the $4.7 million project to the school. UWSNC Coordinator Ann Geer says although the physical structure was given to the school, it was useless without the upgrade which included painting, renovations to the floor and roof.

About 70 children can now benefit from the project. According to Geer, the electrical fittings also had to be installed to make the new wing to the school habitable while the entire floor of the school was raised and tiled. This, she noted, would stop flooding during the rainy season.

In 2013, the diplomatic corps handed over a new wing to the Vrymens Erven Special Needs School. However, the school could not make full use of the facility as it stood. The UWSNC is a non-profit organisation which raises funds to assist persons with disabilities. Its two main fundraising activities are a Halloween Fair and a Valentine Day basket.

Meanwhile, in observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, students of the Vrymens Erven Special Needs School melted the hearts of scores in New Amsterdam with touching renditions of popular songs and inspiring dances at a concert held on the tarmac of Banks DIH New Amsterdam Branch on Wednesday afternoon.

Leonora Station assault

Dead: Asif Rahim Khatoon

PCA Chairman Cecil Kennard

No return of the dead

– as GECOM embarks on 7th Cycle of Continuous Registration

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said the names of dead persons will be expunged from the faulty Voter’s List during the 7th Cycle of Continuous Registration.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield said following this current cycle of registration, a Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) will be produced, during which all dead persons on the list will be identified.

These persons will then be removed for good before the Claims and Objections period, as a matter of standard operational procedure.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) following investigations had found the names of about 10,000 dead persons on the list, including that of former President Arthur Chung. The General Register Office (GRO) declared that it has been keeping its commitment in supplying on a monthly basis all registered deaths to GECOM.

Registrar General Greta McDonald said Chung’s name was provided to GECOM since June 23, 2008. Lowenfield told this publication that regarding the 10,000 names of dead

persons on the Voter’s List, “the PPP/C said that to the media, they never said that to GECOM”.

“I don’t know what they are talking about, and don’t know when they did their investigation,” Lowenfield said while adding that he has been outside of Guyana and only recently returned.

GECOM last month had signalled its preparedness to commence the Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration as it aims to further sanitise the Official List of Electors (OLE). The decision came some weeks after the PPP/C would have

made calls for the elections body to commence another cycle of continuous registration. However, GECOM is insisting that the two are not related, contending that the decision was taken at a recent statutory meeting.

“GECOM had a statutory meeting weeks ago and decided that a new continuous registration exercise should be undertaken. GECOM is fully prepared to start the Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration on Monday, December 1, 2014, where persons 14 years or older on a date to be prescribed by GECOM may get registered at the closest GECOM registration office in their area,” GECOM said in a release on November 20.

In fact, the release from the Commission contended that PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee was aware of the decision taken by the Commission prior to the statement being made at a PPP/C press conference.

Eligibility

In this new Cycle of Continuous Registration, Guyanese, by place of birth, descent, naturalisation or Certificate of Registration, as well as citizens of Commonwealth countries

who are legally resident in Guyana for a period of no less than one year preceding the qualifying date, are also eligible to be registered during the upcoming Seventh Cycle of Continuous Registration.

GECOM said it has already embarked on a rigorous training exercise nationwide, in an effort to establish a reservoir of competent Election Day staff that it can mobilise on short notice.

It said that numerous advertisements for the various levels of polling day staff were published in the media prior to the commencement of training, and suitably qualified persons satisfying the requirements outlined by GECOM, were encouraged to apply for the positions for which they are best qualified. “The best and most appropriate candidates were selected and informed of the precise date, time and venue at which training would occur and were invited to attend” the Commission said.

It was noted that currently, GECOM is engaged in training the remainder of the required Election Day staff which consist of Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers, Poll Clerks, Ballot Attendants and Information Clerks.

Elderly man granted bail on 4 counts of threatening language

Seventy-year-old Ganga Krishna of Lot 11 North Road, Bourda, Georgetown was granted bail after the prosecution had no objections to bail being granted on the four counts of threatening language brought against him.

The elderly man, a welder by profession, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, on Thursday morn-

Ganga Krishna

Pandemonium in...

And if these “double standard positions” by the AFC are not enough, APNU continues to face Opposition within its own ranks, which most people figure simply provides a fig leaf for the PNC.

Its main ally in the sixparty coalition, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has been very critical of its daily protests, calling them “weak” and urging the coalition to be more aggressive.

In a strongly worded statement last Saturday, the WPA also expressed concern over the AFC’s “conspicuous” absence from the protests.

“The AFC, the Opposition’s junior partner that initiated the No-

Confidence Motion which precipitated the prorogation move by the Government to thwart the vote for early elections, has been so far conspicuously absent from the firing line, except for a guest appearance at the APNU rally of November 14. Momentum is being lost and reaction to the Government’s derailing of the No-Confidence Motion appears to be protest in slow motion,” the WPA statement said.

According to the WPA, when it comes to the protests against the prorogation of Parliament, there is need for a game plan to effectively tackle the issue.

“What is not emerging is a definitive game plan, a

ing.

It was alleged that on November 25, at King Street, Georgetown he made use of threatening language to four individuals, namely Naresh Singh, John Findindi, Nitram Rishram and Andrew Gilbert.

The unrepresented defendant pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and while there were no facts read and no objections made by the prosecution, Police

meaningful Action Plan for implementing decisions relating thereto, and a clear conceptualisation of the end game that signals victory for the people and defeat for the usurpers of power.”

There is urgent need for the Opposition to communicate to the Guyanese public, an action plan or road map for making the Government so uncomfortable that it would be forced to relent and reconvene Parliament any time soon, the WPA said.

The statement added that “there had been talk of taking the struggle to every city, town and village, but so far agitation has been confined to inner Georgetown. However, when contacted on Saturday, APNU General

Prosecutor Dinero Jones appealed for the conditions of community service be applied.

Bail was granted in a sum of $20,000 along with a bond to keep the peace and a restraining order prohibiting him from being within 50 feet of the quartet.

The matter was adjourned until January 12, 2015 and Krishna will reappear before Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

Secretary Joseph Harmon said that the small crowds at the anti-prorogation protests were deliberate. He said that “from time to time…the attendance goes up or go down,” but insisted this was based on the message that was being sent to the President on the occasion.

Referring to the recent APNU rally at the Square of the Revolution which saw close to a thousand persons gathered, Harmon contended that if the APNU sees it fit, the party can activate more supporters to rally behind them. “If we want a large turnout, we can activate more of our members… this is a part of our strategy.”

Eyew tness

New broom...

...in AFC

One of the Eyewitness’ fellow columnists has just decided to hitch his star on the AFC’s wagon. We wish him all the best but offer this caution: the grass is always greener over the septic tank!! Being a fella who evidently felt compelled to inform the folks of Whim that he’d visited 60 countries (!!!) we hope Samad had stopped over in Florida to enquire of another Professor who’d also joined the AFC - but then left in a huff.

It all had to do with the septic pit that’s the AFC. You can’t really blame the “Donkey Cart” Professor - that’s actually the name of his thesis on Guyana - for jumping ship. The foreign fellas just didn’t know where the money they were shipping back to Guyana was ending up. It might’ve been for the “party”...but not the POLITICAL party!! Samad said he joined the AFC for its “NEWNESS’. Really??

Does “new” automatically mean “better”? Jeez...even the PNC was once “new”...and look where they ended up. But the AFC’s not so “new” that we can’t examine their record on “corruption and scandal” - which Samad claimed characterized the PPP/C and PNC.

Corruption?? Well, apart from the aforementioned greenback donations from North America, has Samad read AFC Councillor Hasseeb Yusuf’s expose on the spending practices of that AFC stalwart from Whim - Dr Ramaya?? Ramaya has to be the “anti-Christ” since he took millions to purchase bigan to feed the stalwarts during the campaign - when the blessed Christ did it with just three loaves!!

Then what about Samad’s new fearless leader Ramjattan pushing his client Fedders-Lloyd’s business in the Parliament?? Or Badal’s?? So these obvious minglings of the private with the public to make a buck, aren’t “corruption”?? What about Nigel Hughes’ keeping mum on his role as the Company Secretary of Sithe, even AFTER the cock crowed thrice?? Or Nagamootoo bilking families that had to be relocated to facilitate the Berbice Bridge ...while pocketing $7 million from NICIL?

Scandal?? Well, don’t forget these fellas have even been given permission to put their hands into the public till - as yet!! But you can’t knock them for not trying!! And call us straight laced - but Nagamootoo and Ramjattan each knocking off a large every day of the year is’nt scandalous??

Samad’s peroration bemoans the “tearing of Guyana’s moral fabric” as the problem of the hour. Morality, like charity, begins at home. We hope he’ll hold up a mirror to his new leaders.

...on PetroCaribe

We had an interesting letter in the press from the CEO of Demerara Bank Pravinchandra Dave. Now bankers don’t like to get their names in the press even worse than accountants. So we should listen when they take the leap.

Fellow passed on the news that Goldman Sachs (the mega NY investment house) has bought out the Dominican Republic’s (DR’s) $4 billion PetroCaribe debt to Venezuela at such a steep discount, you might get nosebleed just reading about it! 41 cents to the dollar!!

Imagine getting a 59 percent reduction of the price of that sofa you bought on credit from Courts!! Word is that the DR is actually behind the Goldman Sachs buyout and they’ll stand behind the bonds being issued.

Yep! What a deal. So Mr Dave is making the eminently sensible suggestion for us to buy out our debt directly from Venezuela at the same discount! That means for the US$200 million we owe Venezuela, we’ll pay $82 million!!

Can’t beat that, can you??

...from old man??

Carl Greenidge feels the Chief Justice shouldn’t be a one-man Constitutional Court. On “Budget Cuts”, he complained, the CJ didn’t even apply the “no-taxation without representation” principle.

Say what?? Which Budget since 2012 had new taxes?? Does Greenidge really mean he doesn’t want spending without taxation?? The Budget was all about spending and development.

Go sit in a corner, Carl! You’re old!!

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

Only large miners cash in on duty-free concessions – GGDMA

… wants instant relief for mining community

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on Thursday refuted claims by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Natural Resources Ministry that duty-free concessions were available for small and medium-scale miners.

In fact, the GGDMA said that while duty-free concessions should be available to all miners, this was not the case. A release from the Association made it clear that the concessions only go to the large-scale miners.

“The Association per-

The GGDMA pointed to several relief initiatives that could be implemented by the Government to save the sector from its downward spiral. These included: reduction of rental payments by two per cent for small and medium-scale miners once the price for gold is less than US$1400, duty-free allowances for spare parts, and reduction of the tax vis-à-vis the price of fuel.

The Association also called for the reconvening of the interministerial task force that is supposed to meet, discuss and make recommendations to President

Rice farmer loses $50M

... as fire guts storage bond, machines

By Royden James

ket. The prices are basically controlled by market factors such as the price for the US dollar among other things.

While the mining sector is primarily focused on gold, bauxite and diamonds, Guyana also has deposits of semi-precious stones, laterite, manganese, kaolin, sand, radioactive minerals, copper, molybdenum, tungsten, iron, nickel, and other metals. Guyana also produces high-value refractory A-grade bauxite, which is produced nowhere else but in China.

The mining and quarrying sector represents a crit-

ceives there have been a breakdown of communications as it refers to the Ministry statements on duty free for spare parts on equipment, and the reduction of tax on fuel. For the record, these statements can be deemed partially accurate, but the concessions are only extended to large-scale miners and not small and medium scale.”

In the release, the mining body emphasised that while it was grateful for the current intervention initiatives put in place by the Government, there was need for more “immediate” relief to be provided to the sector.

Observers have already noted that at present the gold industry is in a crisis and is in need of an intervention on the part of the Government, but this has not been forthcoming.

ing sector.

Production costs

Amid the unsteady gold prices and complaints from the local mining community, GGMC Board Chairman Clinton Williams has said miners needed to focus on minimising production costs.

Williams said that aside from the relief from Government, miners should “zero-in on the high-cost production areas”. He believes that once the miners pay attention to reducing extraction costs, they would face less of a backlash as the price for gold falls on the international market.

It was explained that neither the Government nor the GGMC has any control over the prices for gold on the international mar-

Unidentified man found dead on Homestretch Avenue

Apasserby on Thursday morning discovered the body of an elderly man lying just off the road along Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. The identity of the dead man remains unknown.

Reports reaching the Guyana Times revealed that the man was seen “relaxing” on the side of the road on Wednesday afternoon.

The person who made the discovery observed the body as he passed by and upon inspection, confirmed

that the man was dead. The Police were contacted immediately and after arriving at the scene, summoned undertakers from the Lyken Funeral Home to remove the body. This was done around 08:30h.

The Guyana Times was made to understand that there are no marks of violence or injuries on the man’s body. The body remains at the funeral parlour awaiting identification before a post-mortem examination can be conducted.

ical component of Guyana’s economy, accounting for 50 per cent of exports.

Much of Guyana’s growth in recent years had come from a surge in gold production in response to then skyrocketing global prices. The downward trend in gold prices may threaten future growth. However, the prospects are still encouraging, as exploration results suggest that significant gold deposits are still there to be mined.

Millions of dollars went up in flames early Thursday morning when a rice paddy storage facility belonging to Deonarine Sukhlall was destroyed by fire at Fredrick Savannah, De Hoop, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara.

The fire left businessman Deonarine Sukhlall and businesswoman Pulmattie Baliram counting their losses, but they were thankful for the residents of the area who lent their support to make sure that the fire did not do further damage. Sukhlall explained that he was roused from sleep by his neighbours shouting for fire. He said by the time he got up, the building was already engulfed in flames so there was nothing he could have done but to call the fire service.

The farmer said the fire tender arrived some two hours later with no water. He noted that they then opened the koker in the area, but later found out that the hose was non-functional. “When the Fire Service come on the scene two hours after, they came with no water or anything, so we open the koker so they could pump out the water but they say the pump was not working.”

The farmer said he later asked them to call for back up, but they refused and when he enquired how they could have come to a fire with a hose that was not working. “The fireman asked me to ask the Government,” Sukhlall said.

The businessman explained that he was not sure what caused the fire, noting that his business has been

out of operation for the past two weeks. “For the past two weeks, we have not been working by bond, so it could not have been one of my workers who would smoke on the work site and then throw down the cigarette, but what I do know is that the fire started at the middle of the bond because it spread to the front and back equally,” the businessman said.

Counting losses

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, family members were trying to get rid of rubble. When asked about the effects the fire will have on the business, Sukhlall said this was his biggest loss to date and would affect him tremendously. “All of the paddy that

was destroyed was supposed to be shipped to Venezuela this weekend; all my containers that were stored in the bond get destroyed, my engines for my machines and even my combine were destroyed,” he pointed out. The businessman, who has been a rice farmer for some 20 years, said that his rice farming business was his only means of income “so this will definitely hurt my business”. Sukhlall noted that he was still paying for some of the things that were destroyed, and for his business to continue, he needed new ones. Sukhlall estimated his losses to be to the tune of some $50 million, claiming that his machinery was state-of-the-art and his paddy of the finest grade.

The remnants of D Sukhlall’s rice bond after being destroyed by fire Thursday morning (Royden James Photo)

Donald Ramotar on the min-

December 5, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

PSC, several groups urge swift end to prorogation

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has advocated for President Donald Ramotar to bring the prorogation of Parliament to an end before December 31 as it placed a menu of recommendations on the table for increased dialogue.

According to the PSC, the proposals to end the current parliamentary impasse were crafted based on consultation with representatives of various civil society organisations. “We share the view that there is still room for the life of the 10th Parliament to be preserved once the prorogation comes to an end and the No-Confidence Motion is stayed to make room for a meaningful attempt to dialogue on the important issues that will persist even after elections are held,” the PSC said on Thursday.

Based on consultations

with political parties, the PSC said there was a willingness to engage in dialogue, but the Opposition parties have maintained that they will only agree to participate in dialogue if Parliament

is reconvened. In addition to bringing the prorogation of Parliament to an end as soon as possible but no later than December 31, the PSC is recommending that political parties agree to a moratorium of one month after the end of the prorogation to facilitate dialogue. This, the Commission emphasised, must be done before any consideration is given to the dissolution of Parliament or the passing of the No-Confidence Motion.

“We further request that our representatives of civil society be included as observers to any dialogue process agreed upon so that we could be kept meaningfully informed as to the agreements and commitments by all parties in pursuing the interests of those they represent and hold each accountable for the delivery of results,” the PSC

appealed.

During the moratorium, the PSC proposes that outstanding commissions required under the Constitution be composed and operationalised. Additionally, it was said that during this period, a date for Local Government Elections should be agreed –a date that would fall within the ambit of the 10th Parliament.

Non-assent of bills

In addition, the Commission is hoping to have a mechanism in place which resolve issues surrounding the non-assent of bills which have been passed by the National Assembly, as well as a mechanism for approval of 2014 supplementary financial papers and statements of excess.

“An inclusionary mechanism for budget talks of 2015 and 2016. This could be a meaningful start on forming a longer term agreement on Guyana’s economic development agenda.”

It is believed that the listed PSC proposals are sufficient to salvage the life of the 10th Parliament whereby previous items on the parliamentary agenda can be resuscitated including the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, the Telecommunications Bill and the Education Bills. These proposals were conveyed in the form of a letter to the President, Opposition Leader David Granger, and Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan.

These political leaders were reminded of Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana, which states: The principal objective of the political system of the state is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the state, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision making that directly affect their well-being.

The 10th Parliament, elected in free and fair general elections on November 28, 2011, is the first since Guyana’s independence where the Opposition parties hold the majority and the Government sits in minority.

The PSC said it must be accepted by all that this was the mandate given by the electorate, positing that it created an opportunity for the needs of both minority and majority stakeholders to be adequately represented and solutions negotiated for the benefit of all the citizens of Guyana. But, the opportunity is being squandered by standoffs and deadlocks to the detriment of all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, several civil society organisations have issued a joint statement calling on the President to end the prorogation. The organisations include: Transparency Institute Guyana Inc, Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination, Blue CAPS, Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church, Guyana Bar Association, Guyana Association of Women Lawyers, Help and Shelter, and Women Across Differences. “We, the under-

Green Ham got plenty baggage

People does walk around wid a lotta baggage these days. And in life, people got all kinda baggage, which does be more weight pun people shoulders. Of course weight is a ting that does deh pun people body and pun dem mind all at de same time.

And wid Christmas in de air, nuff baggage deh all over. Green Ham fuh instance got plenty baggage. That is why he ain’t wanna give up de Mayor-Fuh-Life wuk. Is a lotta baggage he got to get rid of, not just dem ones on de streets.

In fact, that is why he don’t get time to get rid of dem ones on de streets and in de drains. Is because he own ones dem too heavy and he can’t move dem no matter how hard he try. De Mayor-Fuh-Life got Teacup baggage and he got Shirley Temple baggage pun he shoulders. De other day he had he own wife tax baggage. Plus he got baggage fuh a newspaper man who seh he publish two full page ads fuh six million dollars, and mek de paper man seh that mean he ain’t got to pay any taxes.

Is no wonder Guyana deh so low pun de corruption index. That is because it gotta lotta low people around. And some of these same low people deh in high places like de Mayor-Fuh-Life.

And although de newspaper man ain’t deh in no high place, he does still deh pun he high horses. But he always low talkin bout corruption, and that is de seat of wheh all de corruption deh.

Clearly, that is a man who got plenty baggage. In fact, a setta big black baggage was comin de other day fuh he pun a plane, but de plane ain’t reach yet. It stop pun a island fuh some fuel, and that is whah fuel de US people wid some doubt.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, now that de baggage never reach Guyana, is a lotta other baggage buildin up right here!

signed members of civil society, at this critical juncture of political uncertainty and national importance, have come together to jointly register our grave concern at the decision by His Excellency, the President to prorogue Guyana’s Parliament which is in effect a suspension of our parliamentary democracy.”

“This is a crisis of governance on all fronts and requires urgent dialogue, mediation and citizen and civil society intervention. It is unprecedented since independence and the way forward is tentative. We are concerned at the serious implications for our fragile democracy and the repercussions for fundamental citizens’ rights, business, stability and indeed all Guyanese.”

Democracy and governance

The organisations said as various civil society organisations serving “our members and all Guyanese, we recognise the vital importance of how democracy and good governance are practised by our legislature, our executive and our judiciary and the direct impact on Guyanese citizens”.

The statement said that the executive act of prorogation and the resulting suspension of the House of Representatives for possibly the next six months will significantly constrain the functioning of Parliament and further weaken a vital institution of the Constitution and Government. “During this period of political turbulence, we are concerned about whether ... the affairs

of the state will be practised in a manner that upholds the democratic principles of transparency, accountability, inclusion and representation, which we value.”

Swift end

“We call for a swift end to prorogation, and a return to the vital role our legislature plays in the lives of citizens of Guyana, ensuring that fair laws are made, and holding the Government to account for its policies, actions, and spending on matters of paramount importance to citizens. We further recognise the urgency of harmonising our Constitution with democratic practices.”

Moreover, the groups encouraged all parliamentarians to enforce Article 13 of the Constitution more regularly. “We, the citizens, desire increased opportunities to have our voices reflected in “decision-making processes of the state that directly affect our well-being.” The groups called on the President and his Government to swiftly exercise the options of either an immediate resumption of Parliament or holding of general elections. “We urge all our political leaders to dedicate their individual and collective efforts to repairing the fragile, weak and ineffective political culture, practice and institutions that have led to this perilous period in our nation’s history. This must be effected through a spirit of compromise, dialogue, trust and reconciliation in the interest of the betterment of Guyana and all Guyanese.

President Donald Ramotar

Albouystown residents cry for compensation

As the residents of Albouystown count their losses due to the recent flooding in the area, they are hoping to receive compensation, especially since the Christmas Season has begun.

Following the heavy rainfall and the breakage of the Sussex Street koker in late November, Albouystown was hit with massive flooding, much to the disgust of residents.

When Guyana Times visited the area on Tuesday 2, a few residents were still recovering from the floods.

One resident Indra Ramsoondar told this publication that her refrigerator was damaged by the floodwaters and she does not have money to buy a new one for Christmas.

Another resident Anjalie Ramdass also said her refrigerator was damaged, noting that she had to pay some $20,000 to get it repaired.

Ramdass said too that many household items were damaged, many of which she cannot afford to replace.

“Everything damage, the iron, rice, flour, sugar, salt, a bucket of plantain chips, the microwave; I had to buy back one.”

The distressed housewife also noted that her mattresses and chairs; all had to be thrown out because they were no longer in usable conditions.

Housekeepers of Andrew Cumberbatch were cleaning the little house while blasting cheery Christmas melodies when Guyana Times visited them.

They gladly stated that they managed to save the chairs and all other furniture except a small coffee table. They also pointed out to several kerosene stoves which they were grateful to have survived the flood.

Moreover, most residents counted losses in food items.

Joyce, a mother of three, expressed her anguish in having to get rid of all the food items she had been storing.

“Everything we had to throw out because we friends tell we that it ain’t good to use anymore.”

Joyce normally sells pickled fruits in front of her home, but noted she had to halt her operations because the flood destroyed the food

the Christmas holidays.

But not everyone was optimistic.

In fact, several residents say they will not enjoy Christmas this year because of the losses they incurred.

“Meen get Christmas babe. Because the flood, you know you gun put yuh piece of vinyl but the flood gun come again. Meen get Christmas. It ain’t make sense,” Joyce exasperated.

11 graduate as Zoo Volunteers

items.

She even mentioned her children were unable to attend school due to the situation.

Unpleasant situation

The poor mother, who is suffering from arthritis, related how she and her chil-

Similarly, Ramdass, who was very saddened with her losses, which she said amounts to over $200,000. She said there will be no Christmas for her.

Ramdass and several others are hoping that the Government provides compensation to the residents of the area like they did in 2005.

“If they give we then

dren had to sleep in the floodwater because there was no other alternative.

“The flood was terrible. We had to sleep in the water,” the mother told Guyana Times, indicating that the floodwaters were knee high.

What is more, many persons despised having to clean up the awful aftermath of the flood, noting that the incident left their homes in a filthy state.

“Look all hay, look how the flood wata leff the ground here,” Ramdass said, pointing to the unpleasant stains on her concrete walkway.

Also, for Ramsoondar, the cleanup process lasted days, which was most fatiguing for her and her family.

“Me son throw out all the mat and they wash them and put them on the roof top and lay them to dry. And then my son geh water and throw all ova with disinfectant and he wash with the broom, corner to corner. We left it to dry a few days,” Ramsoondar stated.

However, she still had to clean her yard again, which was filled with waste materials and other debris.

Many residents tried to stay in good cheers and were hopeful for good weather for

that’s good, but if they ain’t give we, what can I do,” Ramsoondar stated.

By Devina Samaroo

The Guyana Zoological Park will soon be flocked with 11 eager and enthusiastic volunteers who recently graduated from the Zoo Volunteer Education Programme on November 29.

The volunteers, all girls, will be expected to give back at least 50 hours of their service to the zoo.

Responsibilities include acting as tour guides and educating the visiting public about the various animals in the zoo. This is a great feature because it enhances the public’s experience by leaving visitors more informed after an exciting trip there. They will also be tasked with making sure persons do not mistreat the animals. Additionally, they will participate in any other activities organised by the zoological park.

“I think that programmes like that of the Zoo Volunteer Education Course should be exposed to a wider range of young people. For example, I’ve seen little boys throwing stones at stray animals and I think if they could be taken to the soon-

to-be-opened petting zoo or go through a course like this one, this could help to re-educate attitudes of young people towards animals,” Zoo Volunteer Sarina Kawall said.

Other benefits of being a volunteer include participating in animal feeding, snake handling and the summer school programme.

The class was trained by an officer of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) Annalise Bayney and lasted for some 15 weeks.

The girls learnt astounding facts about animals, both within the zoo and within Guyana and about their endangered status, their habitats, their social structure, feeding patterns, and much more.

“The Harpy Eagle in the zoo had been there since 1952, being the oldest harpy eagle in captivity,” one of the volunteers related to Guyana Times

The volunteer, the first batch in eight years, are Natasha Sawh, Sarina Kawall, Daymanie Persaud, Anuja Singh, Olanna Bacchus, Sophia Ally, Leisa Rampersaud, Gabriela Fernandes, Natalie Hanley,

Natecia Garraway and Shebiki Jeffery.

They were all elated to be a part of the Zoo Volunteer Programme and expressed their eagerness to begin their journey with the Guyana Zoo.

“I’ve always been interested in conservation, but having gone through this course, I’m now positive that I’d like to eventually major in wildlife conservation,” said Sarina Kawall.

Also speaking with Guyana Times was Natasha Sawh, who shared her experience from the course.

“Over the past 15 weeks, I have gained so much knowledge about the Guyana Zoo. I think the most important aspect of this course is to promote the endangered species and treatment of these species to the public. We encourage our patrons to be a part of the solution and not the problem. It also helped me to boost my selfconfidence and increase my public speaking skills.” Persons desirous of becoming Zoo Volunteers can make contact with Annalise Bayney at annaliseb.pac@ gmail.com.

Win a motorcycle for the New Year! – no purchase necessary

The new Sharon’s Mall, located at the corner of Charlotte and King Streets officially launched its Christmas Promotion on Wednesday 3, where anyone can simply visit the mall for a chance to win the grand prize of a unisex Jialing Trip Motorcycle.

All persons need to do is visit the mall and they will receive a free coupon as an appreciation for their visit.

However, if they make purchases, they are then entitled to an extra coupon, which increases their chances of winning the motorcycle.

Additionally, 10 “attractive” consolation prizes will be distributed to lucky visitors and customers.

The promotion will run through December and will have a grand drawing on December 31.

In addition to this promotion, the mall’s occupants will have their special discounts and promotions for the Christmas holidays.

The mall was built for a total of 30 spaces to be rented, but so far, only 26 are occupied.

General Manager of the mall Yonell Hernandez noted that they only had nine tenants when the building was officially opened in 2001.

Now, with the conversion to a mul-

tiplex mall, 17 new tenants came on.

In 2008, a decision was made to extend the building to five floors to create a mall.

Construction began in April 2013 and is expected to be finished in April 2015.

While the mall is not entirely complete, it is open for business with many tenants offering a variety of goods, from clothing to makeup to salons to electronics and so much more.

The first and second floor is dedicated to the mall, the third and fourth will be the office complex and the fifth floor, often referred to as the balcony, will be the “Deck for Food Court”.

Moreover, the officials of the mall expressed hope of attracting international food franchises.

The business, registered as Sharon’s Building & Incorporated, is family owned and managed and operated by Doris Mahadeo.

Some of the volunteers posing for a photo after their simple graduation ceremony at the Nature School, Guyana Zoological Park (Three Parks Initiative photo)

Anjalie Ramdass

A resident’s house after the flood

Sharon’s Mall located on Charlotte and King Streets

GPHC receives $3.6M in foetal electronic monitors

Pregnant women will benefit from $3.6 million worth in electronic foetal monitor kits donated to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by Canadian charity, Guyana Help The Kids (GHTK).

Eight foetal monitors were given to the GPHC in a bid to improve the neonatal service the hospital provides. The foetal monitors examine both pregnant women and their fetuses to ensure safety before and during delivery.

According to a GPHC release, “the monitors which cost approximately $3.6 million will be used to detect if fetuses have normal heart rate patterns during the last few months of pregnancy or during labour”.

The hospital recognises that the monitoring of a baby’s heart rate is vital to a successful delivery as doctors are able to read the monitor in cases of complications to the mother, or child.

These readings of the monitor can establish whether the baby should be delivered vaginally or in an emergency cesarean section.

GHTK continues to work with the hospital in developing the Obstetric Department through the training of a number of Guyanese doctors as paediatricians and nurses to specialise in caring for newborn babies.

Only this year, in January, the GHTK donated eight transport incubators, neonatal ventilators, patient monitors, warmers and an undisclosed amount of consumable medical supplies to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

In addition, a host of supplies was again handed over to the GPHC by the organisation in 2013 with the aim of reducing the deaths of prematurely born babies. Some of the items donated include incubators, transport incubators, CPAP machines and IV pumps.

It is GHTK’s aim to decrease the infant mortality rate in developing countries worldwide and it has been doing so assiduously since being introduced to Guyana by Dr Narendra Singh.

In February 2013, Dr Singh, who was instrumental in the establishment of the GHTK, revealed that there was a 50 per cent drop in the neonatal death rate at the GPHC.

Thus, the infant mortality rate in Guyana is quickly decreasing as the GPHC continues to improve in its treatments and training of its health professional.

However, maternal death remains a con-

cern.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran had stated during the visit of China’s Health Minister to Guyana that the improvement of maternal health is the only Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target that Guyana was unable to attain.

To ensure maximum and efficient use of the foetal monitors, the GPHC has already started to train its health professionals in the Obstetric Department on the proper use of the equipment.

Albouystown shooting… Mother claims still to

Over two months following the shooting to death of 28-yearold Adrian Bishop, his mother said she is still to hear from members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Speaking with Guyana Times recently, Adrene Bishop said she never received a visit or a phone call from anyone in the Police Force following her son’s death.

The matter has been lodged with the Police Complaints Authority and Crime Chief Leslie James said it is still engaging the attention of the authorities.

Bishop was believed to have been romantically involved with a Police woman with whom he is believed to have had a domestic dispute with when he met his death.

James said the involvement of a Police officer with an offender is also one aspect of the case that is being looked at.

hear from Police

“It is an impartial investigation. We are a professional force and we seek to continue being professional.”

Following Bishop’s death, reports surfaced that he was in Police custody in Albouystown on September 20. It has been reported that Bishop was at the woman’s home when she summoned Police officers because of a domestic dispute.

While in Police custody, Bishop, who was charged for at least three criminal acts dating back to 2012, allegedly attempted to disarm the Police officers and was reportedly shot in the neck.

His mother refuted the claim that he was shot in the neck and told this publication that he was shot in the head as is stated on his death certificate.

She highlighted the recent case where Asif Rahim Khatoon, the 38-year-old fisherman of Meten-Meer-

Zorg, West Coast Demerara was allegedly beaten by Police and subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

The woman questioned why the Police reached out to the Khatoon family but never came to her.

Adrene admitted that her son has issues with the law, but said there was no reason for her son to die in the way he did and for the circumstances surrounding his death not to be acknowledged.

“I am not saying he was a saint, I myself turned him into the Police, I was a Police myself. I used to lock him up and pass him through the court. I even put him in the juvenile centre when he was younger.”

Albouystown residents had reported that the shooting was a deliberate act by Police officers, contrary to what was reported by the Police ranks who arrested Bishop.

CARREX to be fully operational by year-end

The Caricom Rapid Alert System for Exchange of Information on Dangerous (non-food) Consumer Goods (CARREX) is expected to be completely operational at the national and regional levels by the end of 2014.

Representatives from national standards bureaux in Caricom are being trained at a regional workshop in Suriname on matters relating to the CARREX and consumer product safety.

The workshop runs from December 3-5 and is facilitated by the Caricom Secretariat in collaboration with the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Participants will focus on the study of risk assessment concepts and methods in order to enhance national interagency networking in creating and sharing information.

There will be sessions aimed at strengthening national capacities to detect unsafe products and to take timely measures to tackle the circulation of such products.

The training will enable Caricom member states to more effectively implement the CARREX system and market surveillance processes for non-food consumer goods. The intervention is funded with assistance under the 10th European Development Fund (10th EDF) Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and Economic Integration Programme (EIP).

The Community Strategic Plan 2015-2019 identifies, among other areas for priority focus, the accelerated implementation of the CSME, building competitiveness and unleashing key economic drivers to

transition to growth and to generate employment and the development of human capital.

The Caricom Rapid Alert System for Exchange of Information on Dangerous (non-food) Consumer Goods is expected to be completely operational at the national and regional levels by the end of 2014.

Representatives from national standards bureaux in Caricom are being trained at a regional workshop in Suriname on matters relating to the CARREX and consumer product safety. The workshop is facilitated by the Caricom Secretariat in collaboration with OAS.

The training will enable Caricom member states to more effectively implement the CARREX system and market surveillance processes for non-food consumer goods.

Staff of the Georgetown Public Hospital Maternity Ward receiving foetal monitors from GHTK Vice President, Dr Andrea Hunter (first right)

The electronic foetal monitor is expected to save lives in the GPHC Obstetric Department

GNBS warns against fake electronics

... even from top retailers

By Vahnu Manikchand

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is warning citizens against the purchase of fake and other inferior electronic items even from prominent electronic retailers.

With “fake” or “clone” products dominating the local market, there have been several complaints by consumers over the inferior electronic devices that are being sold, particularly cellular phones.

Consumers have complained about businesses selling them purportedly new phones when in fact they are refurbished or even fake.

When it comes to cellular phones, there are many retailers in Guyana. Some of these businesses are authorised distributors, while there are those that buy the devices, whether knowingly or unknowingly, that turn out to be clones of the original.

One such business customers continue to complain about is an electronics store (name withheld) on Sheriff Street, Greater Georgetown. Customers have been complaining bitterly about the quality of cellphone devices sold by the company, alleging that the products are inferior and do not last a long time.

Scandal

Back in September, the company found itself in the middle of a scandal after there were some articles published online, accusing the company of selling fake “Samsung” products, particularly cellphones.

One article stated that Samsung, the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer, is investigating dozens of complaints that were made against the Guyanese electronics store by consumers who believed that the store is selling mostly fake mobile phones that were not procured from Samsung.

Several complaints were made against the store which offers consumers various ranges of devices at unbelievably low prices.

The company had vehemently denied the allegations, urging its customers to verify the IMEI number on their phones at the Samsung website. The store refuted all claims made by the fabricated online article appearing on a website.

The store guaranteed the authenticity of all products for sale, the company said in a notice published in local newspapers.

However, a popular businessman had explained to this newspaper that using

There have been several complaints by consumers over the inferior electronic devices that are being sold, including Samsung cellular phones

the IMEI number to check the authenticity of a phone is a “dupe”, explaining that when phones are duplicated, the IMEI numbers are also copied.

In a previous interview with this newspaper, the coowner of the store had rejected the allegations that the business is engaged in the sale of fake cellphones.

She said that the store’s products are 100 per cent authentic and customers have come to this realisation.

“A lot of people were coming to check their phones, because they had doubt in their minds. Every single customer found that their phone was genuine, so I would say within two days this entire thing blew over.

"I would not doubt that it did cause some trouble to the image of the store, because it would linger in people’s mind … but we are fine and our sales are great. I think we acted right away to get it out there that the article is fabricated and it really helped and a lot of people aware of the issue now.”

Fake Galaxy S4?

One woman, Samantha, related to this newspaper that last year September she bought a Galaxy S4 cellphone from the store; however, a month later it stopped working.

“The phone had no problem, but just like that it stopped working some time in November (last year). The screen went blank and never came on back,” she stated.

Samantha recalled that when she took the phone back, the store was closed for stocktaking and she never returned.

However, the woman said that she took the phone to a technician, who told her that it was not authentic.

“He had a real Galaxy and opened it to show me the difference between the two phones…the circuit boards, the wiring and so on were all different on each phone,” she said.

Another customer (who

Street vendors urge Sooba to reconsider removing them

Arequested anonymity) disclosed that he bought a BlackBerry Z10 from the company and within two weeks, the phone stopped working.

He said that when he took it back, it turned out to be a manufacturer’s problem and the company offered to have the phone shipped back and fixed, but he could not allow that as he was in need of a phone; as such, he was refunded the purchase price.

Be vigilant

Meanwhile, consumers are being urged to know their products and the businesses they are buying from. The GNBS has been campaigning to this effect, to ensure that customers get “value for the money”.

GNBS Public Relations Officer Lloyd David pointed out inspectors at the Bureau do not monitor the devices at the wharfs, but do spot checks at the businesses to determine whether the products are new or used/refurbished.

“We check the phone to ensure that they are in accordance to what is declared on the document, that is, if the document has that a phone is new, we check to see if indeed the phone is new or refurbished,” he stated.

David noted that Bureau has ways of making this determination; however, he pointed out that most complaints that reach the GNBS has to do more with phones that are not working properly or at all.

The PRO outlined that regular checks are being made at businesses or dealers and one way to know that their products are authentic is the displaying of a registration certificate issued by the GNBS.

Moreover, he said that there were a few times that the Bureau had to seize or put on hold the sale of cellphones from a few businesses that were found to be in breach. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

cting Town Clerk Carol Sooba has vowed to work closely with the Local Government Ministry to remove persons who vend illegally in the City.

Sooba made the call against the backdrop that the Christmas Season is fast approaching and persons will be putting up structures on the pavements, causing congestion around Georgetown.

Early on Wednesday, Guyana Times spoke with some of the persons who vend along Regent Street and some sections of Georgetown who will be affected by this move.

Patricia Jacobs, who has been a clothes vendor for the past eight years, said selling on the street is her only way of earning an income since she is a single parent with four children. The South Ruimveldt resident said she will like Sooba to reconsider this move and think about the people she will be taking bread away from.

“I think the Town Clerk

should re-think about this, because I am not speaking for myself alone, but persons who are out here don’t come to play, we come to make a living, if we had it all, we would not have been on the streets.”

Jacobs contended that persons should remain on the streets, but they should have rules for persons to vend in an orderly manner, if not then they should be removed.

Meanwhile, Jason Daniels, who has been a shoe vendor for some 10 years, said street vending is his only source of livelihood.

Daniels said he does not believe it is a fair move, noting that the Town Council cannot make such a sudden decision, saying that they need time to get themselves prepared.

“All the years I am selling here and no one ever tells me, never tell me anything about having to move, why so sudden I have to move, I don’t think the Town Clerk knows what she is saying,” the vendor said.

He contended that persons who have been selling there for years should remain, while persons who will be coming out to get “Christmas money” should be removed.

Another vendor, whose name was only given as “Aunty Rita”, said “I don’t know what I am going to do if I have to remove from selling here; I have been selling here for years, these things you are seeing on my stall I am selling them for as long as I could remember and I don’t think it is fair that they remove us.’’

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with this publication, Sooba maintained too that many persons vend illegally around the City, which usually cause a huge traffic build up.

She pointed out that these traffic build up may lead to serious accidents. Sooba said while she cares about the livelihood of the vendors, she also cares about the lives of persons who may be affected, directly or indirectly.

The Berbice

Company Inc (BBCI) has assisted the Rosignol Secondary School in putting on its Annual Graduation and Prize Giving Ceremony on November 28, donating a trophy for the Best Graduating Student. In a release, the Company said it was privileged to have the opportunity to donate the trophy to the Rosignol Secondary School and will continue to donate and sponsor other events that would benefit the school and its students. In the photo above, BBCI Administrative Supervisor Amarnauth Singh hands over a trophy to a representative of the Rosignol Secondary School for its Annual Graduation Ceremony. The BBCI has supported the Education Ministry extensively over the years by donating trophies to a number of schools and technical institutions, waiving toll charges for school tour buses transiting the Bridge, and sponsoring the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s Annual Tribute to Retired Teachers Programme, among other activities.

Street vendors plying their trade on Regent Street, Georgetown

Bridge

GUYOIL to open US$2M jet fuel farm at CJIA

BY ERICA WILLIAMS

The Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL) on Sunday will be commissioning a US$2 million jet fuel farm at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) aimed at encouraging more airlines to land here and significantly cut the high cost of aviation fuel that has blighted the local industry over the years.

Managing Director of the Guyana Oil Company Badrie Persaud said the Company made the sizeable investment to encourage more airlines to fly the Georgetown route. Fuel supplied at the CJIA is expected to be competitively priced and customers in the airline business can expect to pay less than US$4 per gallon as opposed to the approximate US$6-$7 currently being offered by the competition.

“The objective is to add competitiveness and bring fuel prices down like we did for road fuel,” CJIA Chairman Ramesh Dookhoo said, adding that Rubis is presently the main aviation fuel distributor at the CJIA and added that “in Guyana, we can’t compete as an airport with the current fuel prices being offered by private companies.”

As such, Dookhoo said GUYOIL starting its own aviation fuel facility at the airport is expected to serve as a price regulator and fuel prices are expected to go down. This will make CJIA a more attractive destination to airlines which will in turn benefit Guyana. Dookhoo said he hopes this move will encourage more airlines to fly to Guyana since fuel consti-

tutes some 35 per cent of the operating cost for airlines. Dookhoo said for 2014, airport officials have met with approximately 10 airlines and informed them of the plans for fuel supply. “Also, more recently, airport management and the Aviation Authority have spoken to 12 countries to clear the way for their airlines to come to Guyana.”

Prior to pulling out of its arrangements with Vision Airlines, TravelSpan’s CEO Nohar Singh had told Guyana Times that with a high fuel bill and other expenses, it was forced to start selling its meals and blankets, previously offered free to passengers. TravelSpan had frequently complained about high operational costs for flights into Guyana due to high fuel prices, among other costs, which remain a challenge. A number of other airlines, including US-based Delta Airlines, had cited high fuel costs as a major challenge in servicing the Guyana-New York route. At the time when Delta had pulled out of operating here, they had also complained about Caribbean Airlines which was enjoying Government subsidies from Trinidad and Tobago (TT), thereby creating an uneven playing field for other carriers. However, the TT Government has since cut the subsidy, effective from October 1, 2013.

Captain Gerry Gouveia, local representative for Dynamic Airways told Guyana Times that one of the challenges airline operators have always faced is the cost of fuel. He added that GUYOIL being present at CJIA will really make a

difference. “Rubis has been there for a long time and they have served the industry well.”

Gouveia said however, it is his belief that because of the increased activities at CJIA, namely Insel Airlines and Copa Airlines, among others, cheaper fuel is much needed. Gouveia, the owner of Roraima Airways, stated that “at the domestic level, over 50 per cent of operating cost is fuel.” He stated that the cost for aviation fuel was determined by the global market, so it fluctuates and there was no way to really subsidise the cost.

Meanwhile, when asked if GUYOIL has intensions of establishing a storage facility at the Ogle International Airport (OIA), Persaud said his company has no intention of establishing a storage facility at OIA or the anticipated Lethem International Airport. However, Persaud said over the past year, GUYOIL has been providing jet fuel to the Caribbean Aviation Maintenance Service (CAMS), a sister company to Trans Guyana Airways.

CAMS, in turn will be supplying jet fuel to the smaller airlines operating in Guyana. Gouveia said that CAMS has been doing a great job at the airport. The Government of Guyana also plans on investing US$155 million in the expansion of CJIA to support the larger and more modern aircraft entering Guyana. There are also talks of the possibility of CJIA becoming a hub for various airlines travelling through South America because of Guyana’s geographic location.

Food vendor shot in attempted robbery

Vincent Ramkissoon, 48, of Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara, was on Thursday morning shot to his left foot by a lone gunman during an attempted robbery at Ketley Street, Charlestown, Georgetown.

According to informa-

tion received, about 05:45h, Ramkissoon was attacked by the gunman who ordered him to hand over his valuables. The man who operated a food stall in the area resisted, resulting in the gunman discharging a round which struck him to his foot.

Despite dwindling crowd in Nagamootoo’s hometown … AFC claims Berbice support solid

The Alliance For Change (AFC) has hit back at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) over claims that it was losing ground in East Berbice.

The AFC, in a press statement, said this was far from the truth as it alluded to a photograph which was taken in Whim during one of its recent public meetings. Instead of “picking” on the AFC, the PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee should channel his energy towards the reduction of crime, it said. “Clement Rohee should be as focused on security issues as he is with what the AFC is doing, especially in light of the high crime levels,” the AFC said.

On Wednesday, the PPP/C launched another attack on the AFC and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) saying that the latter is struggling to salvage its reputation in Linden as the AFC loses ground in East Berbice.

According to the PPP/C, AFC’s hopes of mustering up support in East Berbice seem to be dwindling, and it alleged that residents of Whim and Port Mourant boycotted two rallies by the party. The PPP/C added that the turnout at the rallies were less than favourable.

“This is a clear indication that those who voted for the party has lost confidence in them and are, therefore, returning to the PPP/C, which has over the years up kept its programmes and policies all aimed at improving the lives of all Guyanese,” the ruling party opined.

Turning its attention to APNU, the PPP/C said the situation was even worse for the coalition in the mining town of Linden. It is contending that the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger is now attempting to salvage the party’s arm in Linden, after been “booed” at a recent meeting.

“Granger is trying desperately to regain lost ground, a little too late.”

The ruling party also alleged that the two Opposition parties are jostling each other for political support as they take their campaigns to Reliance on the Essequibo Coast and other communities. “This certainly does not speak well for them individually as they try to put up a united front to Guyanese, while trying to gain political momentum over each other,” the PPP/C opined.

Prior to this statement, the PPP/C General Secretary made similar allegations at his weekly press conference on Monday at

Freedom House. According to him, the AFC has failed miserably in making good on promises made to its supporters in East Berbice; hence, the party is experiencing a serious case of haemorrhage.

It was explained that the AFC in the leadup to the 2011 General and Regional Elections promised to increase sugar workers’ salaries by 20 per cent, but, according to Rohee, they neither got corn nor husk.

“To the PPP, this is a very pleasing sign though it’s upsetting to the AFC,” he said. As he continued to celebrate this apparent progress in regaining the support of Berbicians, the General Secretary told the press that Berbicians were never really supporters of the AFC.

“... they are not AFC supporters, these are the prodigal sons and daughters of the PPP and we have been working with them,” he posited.

As the General Secretary, Rohee said, “I have tried my best to be the good shepherd who has returned to the hill tops, the mountains and the valleys to speak to our sons and daughters who were misled.” Without any sense of uncertainty, he added, “The fact of the matter is that the AFC would never gain Government.”

Presidential guards allegedly assault man … after he

APersons in the area rushed to render assistance to the injured man, but were unable to apprehend the perpetrator who made good his escape. Ramkissoon was admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital as Police continue their investigations.

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has called for an immediate investigation to be launched into the alleged assault of a man by members of the Presidential Guard on Wednesday during a presidential visit to Aishalton, Region Nine.

According to the release from the coalition, information was received that a 29-year-old secondary school teacher was as-

heckled President

saulted by two members of the Presidential Guard.

“APNU was informed that Mr John Adams, a 29-yearold secondary school teacher from Aishalton was assaulted by two members of the Presidential Guard.

The alleged incident occurred during President Donald Ramotar’s visit to the South Rupununi yesterday [Wednesday].”

It is alleged that Adams was accosted by

the Presidential Guards and told to stop heckling the President while he was speaking. When Adams refused “he was slapped repeatedly by the guards” and “then chased”.

Adams reportedly sought refuge in the home of another Aishalton resident. The coalition called on the Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force to launch an investigation into the incident.

A section of the crowd during the AFC’s public meeting in Whim recently

FRIDAY, DecembeR 5, 2014 | guYAnAtImesgY.com

Private Sector not doing enough to tackle smuggling – Sattaur

By Erica Williams

Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur has expressed concerns over assistance provided to the entity by the Private Sector in combating the smuggling of goods in Guyana.

Sattaur told this publication during a telephone interview that the Private Sector is mostly affected by the smuggling of goods. “But you don’t get much assistance from them and they always criticise when you do.”

However, Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud said the organisation is cooperating with the GRA as much as is practical. “We normally provide intelligence, they have the power to enforce, and we don’t.”

He added that the PSC will be grateful if GRA would say what additional support it needed in combating smuggling. Recently, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Clinton Williams expressed concerns of the harmful effects on local manufacturers of goods smuggling. While addressing a gathering at the Association’s annual dinner, he said competition from smuggled or imported goods was one of the structural weaknesses and challenges that have consistently led to poor productivity and less than optimal performance.

Speaking to the Guyana Times, Williams said that

alcoholic beverages such as beers, whiskey, rum etc, are amongst the most exploited commodities for illegal importation. Williams also revealed that in August of this year, local manufacturing company Namilco, reported to the GMSA of instances of illegal importation of flour and shortening into the Guyanese market.

Stringent measures Executive Member and former President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Krishnand Jaichand, said that on the upside, alcohol smuggling has significantly declined in the Berbice area because stringent measures implemented by Suriname to stop smuggling into Guyana. Nevertheless, business people in Berbice still suffer from smuggling of other items, such as electronics. Sattaur further explained that for 2013, Guyana re-

DeSinco launches

ceived $126 billion in revenue while for this year the figure was $135 billion, which shows that the GRA has been doing its job. But nevertheless, a lot of resources are needed to receive the maximum in revenue and minimise smuggling.

The GRA is currently working on a series of systems to minimise tax evasion and goods smuggling. He said tobacco and alcohol are especially being targeted for anti-smuggling, since these two items are amongst the highest paying in revenues. Taxes on alcohol and tobacco can go as high as 100 per cent and over, Sattaur said.

The GRA is also working on creating more secure vehicle licence plates. “Hopefully these systems will be able to take more control in these areas, along with our other systems for anti-smuggling.”

Sattaur said though current systems to combat smuggling are efficient, they are not fully comprehensive since the agency was not getting the results it expected. Smuggling grabs millions in revenue from Guyana annually Sattaur said.

Current systems in place to fight smuggling are sometimes hindered when smugglers are informed of a potential raid by GRA officials before they arrive. However, during the first quarter of 2014, the agency seized a large assortment of smuggled goods with a tax value of over $30 million. Sattaur revealed that the agency has enforced a public awareness campaign to inform citizens

of the effects of goods smuggling. Enforcement officers work on a daily basis which is resulting in a large number of seizures, Sattaur divulged.

Sattaur highlighted that goods smuggling is not only done through the Berbice and the borders, but also through persons who bring barrels into the country. He said that these persons bring barrels under the pretence that the shipped goods are for their personal use. This is an issue the agency will be targeting from next year, the Commissioner General said. He explained the agency does not want to impede on peoples’ Christmas plans, thus the organisation will implement measures to deal with this form of smuggling in 2015.

This system will allow the examination of goods that are suspected to be for sale and disguised as personal effects. The Commissioner General, however, said that if a businessperson is caught smuggling goods, it is usually not the end of the rope. “He will be examined for other forms of tax evasion. In some cases, some of them have employees and they are not paying taxes for them or they are collecting taxes and not submitting taxes.”

Sattaur said the revenue from customs is relatively small, with approximately $1 billion annually in revenue, while import tax, exercise tax and Pay as You Earn tax are quite high, with approximately $17 billion and above in annual revenue earnings.

Robbery likely motive in Bosai employee’s death

Foul play has been suspected in the death of Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated employee Edgar Trotman, whose body was discovered with his hands tied behind his back at the bauxite mining location on Wednesday morning.

Trotman, 45, of Block 22, Wismar, Linden, who worked as an excavator operator was discovered dead by a serviceman who had gone to perform services on the machine he operated.

A senior official at the privately-owned, Lindenbased company disclosed that robbery appears to be the motive behind the killing, since an Electronic Control Module (ECM) was stolen from the caterpillar backhoe which Trotman had been operating after assuming duties on Tuesday evening.

The official related that the ECM also referred to as the ‘computer back’ is a “very expensive piece of equipment which is currently in high demand”. According to the official, the equipment, among others was discov-

Guyana Relief Council

helps

ered to be stolen from the vehicle, following the discovery of Trotman’s lifeless body. The official related that only last month, an ECM was stolen from another vehicle after it suffered technical problems and was not in operation.

This newspaper understands that a few workers attached to the company, including the serviceman who made the discovery were formally questioned by Police, in relation to the incident.

The official said Bosai’s management remains shocked and saddened by the incident, noting that this is the first time an incident of such extreme magnitude had taken place at the company.

They noted that while the company had experience with industrial accidents, it was not prepared for such an incident. The company said it will follow up the progress of Police investigations.

But the company’s Security Department is expected to launch its own investigations into the incident.

“Our Security Department will do its investigations but I don’t know how far it will go,” the official said. Reports have indicated that Trotman, who was tasked with clearing a pond at the bauxite mining location, was last seen alive about 19:00h on Tuesday. Family members, who are still in shock over the killing, noted that they are not aware of Trotman having any grievances with anyone since he was known to be very jovial. Trotman leaves to mourn six children. Police investigations are ongoing.

488 persons – thus far in the year

The much-anticipated Christmas season is here, and DeSinco Trading has already filled its sack of promotional goodies for its loyal customers who have been stalwart supporters all year round.

You can become winners with DeSinco’s Kerrygold Krazy Khristmas Ka$h Promotion, which is the first of its kind for the distribution giant.

Be one of many lucky persons who will win crazy cash this Christmas by just using delicious Kerrygold milk! Simply enclose an empty sachet of any 800-gram Kerrygold Milk Powder or two empty sachets of any 400g Kerrygold Milk Powder in an envelope along with your name, telephone number and address, and place in drop boxes located at Kerrygold retailers countrywide.

After you have dropped in your entry, tune in to HJ BOOM FM daily, Monday through Friday, at 13:15h for the Kerrygold Krazy

Ka$h”

“Kerrygold Krazy Khristmas

Khristmas Ka$h show.

An entry will be randomly selected and a call will be placed to the telephone number attached. That could be you!!! You must answer your phone saying, “Kerrygold Milk – Purely Delicious” and you will WIN $20,000 instantly! It’s that easy!

Throughout the month of December, you can also get instant prizes with purchases of Kerrygold Milk as DeSinco will be giving away gifts this year from its “Grab n Go Christmas Bag” at several outlets. With your proof of purchase of Kerrygold Instant Milk Powder, you get to instantly grab a prize from the Christmas bag in participating outlets.

Kerrygold Milk has been popular in Guyanese households for many years and the brand continues to be a fierce competitor on the market, especially after the recent launch of its line of Kerrygold Instant Milk Powder. Come celebrate this Christmas with DeSinco!

The Guyana Relief Council (GRC) has thus far in the year provided assistance to some 488 persons who have either lost their home or hit hard times.

In continuing to ensure its capacity to give assistance to such persons, the Council on Thursday held its last fundraiser for the year, a Silent Auction.

The Silent Auction was declared open by GRC Chairperson Yvonne Hinds.

She informed those in attendance of the many activities of the Council during the year, as it seeks to help those who help themselves.

The Chairman stated that there were 42 cases of fire which left 179 persons homeless, but the GRC was able to contribute to the victims getting back on their feet.

She added that two cases of “high winds” had also made 14 in need of GRC’s assistance.

The organisation also do-

nated a number of quality haversacks, water bottles, and story books to some 235 children and gift packages to 13 teachers from Annai Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)

This aside, some 47 persons in difficult circumstances were also assisted.

Hinds implored per-

sons and corporate entities to continue to support the GRA, and for those who are yet to do so, to come onboard.

She emphasised that “disasters do not discriminate… everyone has a right to give so we can help others and maybe ourselves even”.

By this, Hinds said eve-

ryone is vulnerable as no one is sure of what may happen in the near future and where disaster may strike next, thus, the opportunity to give should be embraced wholeheartedly

The Silent Auction which begins at 10:00h and ends at 17:00h will end on Friday.

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur

Dead: Edgar Trotman

GRC Chairman Yvonne Hinds with Mexican Ambassador Francisco Olguin Uribe as she cuts the ribbon to declare the Silent Auction open

In less than 10 days, a new Miss World will be crowned when the pageant finale is held in London, England and Guyana’s representative Rafieya Aasieya Husain is doing quite well, maintaining her spot in the top 20 as the preliminary competitions continue. The 120 delegates hoping to wear the crown arrived in London for two weeks of activities leading up to the grand finale set for December 14.

Upon their arrival, the delegates were immediately judged and this continues on a daily basis. Husain is competing well and hopes to earn a spot in the top 10 on the night of the finale. She has so far placed among the top 15 in the Beauty with a Purpose competition. Her presentation was based on “Domestic Violence” and educated the audience about the scourge in Guyana.

In terms of the rankings,

Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss

Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss remains in first place, with a near-perfect score, but now has competition from Miss Russia Anastasia Kostenko, who seems to be gaining in popularity by the minute in London.

Miss Turkey Amine Gulse entered the top five for the first time, in third place, followed

by Miss Australia Courtney Thorpe who jumped from 13th to fourth. Miss Thailand Maeya Nonthawan Thongleng is now in fifth place.

The results of the Beauty with a Purpose segment saw a huge shuffle in the leaderboard, with fierce competition from the delegates.

Guyana’s representative to the Miss Global International Pageant, Onesha Hutson is confident ahead of the grand finale billed for tomorrow evening in Jamaica.

The beauty queen left with her entourage on Sunday evening for the Caricom State and has been creating quite a buzz. Hutson is Guyana’s first ambassador to the Miss Global International Pageant where she is expected to compete with over 50 other beauty ambassadors from around the world.

Onesha Hutson who is a natural charmer, is a third year medical student of the University of Guyana and a model. This 22-year-old is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of the life and pageantry.

Pulse Entertainment, which has recently hosted a great Halloween Party, is set to rock the entertainment industry again with several shows and concept parties over the Christmas Season that will definitely brighten up the town. The entertainment group is kicking off this season with an unforgettable event at the 704 Lounge with charttopping hits of 2014. The event is titled “Ultra” and it is expected to be a party that you would not want to miss.

Come experience Ultra at 704 Lounge, Albert and Lamaha Stress under dazzling

with Pulse as DJ Ryan and one of the best selectors,

Selector Diamond from BOOM FM and Fusion International turn the music up.

He will be there to make sure there is the best mix of music in all genres including Pop, Latino, Rap, Reggae, Hip-Hop, Latin, Soca and not forgetting Chutney. Apart from the great music and venue, the Pulse Fantasy girls will be on hand to make sure that night is well spent.

There will also be bottle specials on premium drinks. Ladies will be admitted free into the venue before 23:00h. Admission to the event cost $1500 before 23:00h.

Look out for Pulse Entertainment’s other events: “Naughty or Nice”, “Pulse Party Truck Official Mash Launch”, and “Sensation”.

Her first participation in a pageant was in 2012 when she was a delegate in the Miss Guyana Universe pageant. She also competed in the Miss Jamzone Guyana pageant where she placed first runnerup. Onesha has also walked the runway numerous times locally and regionally.

With that said, Onesha

is currently one of five Guyanese models who have been selected to take part in the Music and Fashion Battle (MAFB) in Suriname and The Netherlands. Apart from her life as a runway model, Ms Hutson has been a part of various health programmes with the Health Ministry and private entities. She is a trained Phlebotomist and volunteers at the St Anne’s Orphanage. She enjoys reminiscing on her school days which were spent at Central High School and St Gabriel’s Primary, and St Rose’s High School, where she graduated as an honour student in 2009.

Being well-rounded, Onesha formed and directed the first drama club at her high school and also played basketball and badminton in her Fifth Form year. Ms Hutson also managed, directed and edited the Daily Rose, which was her high school’s newspaper.

Onesha stands at five feet, nine inches tall and rocks her natural hair. She is the first daughter for her parents and puts her family first at all times because they are her biggest supporters.

lights in first-class surrounding. Evolve

Selector Diamond

Miss Guyana Rafieya Aasieya Husain

Guyana’s representative to the Miss Global International Pageant, Onesha Hutson

Over 200 youths and children participated in the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Kala Utsav – Festival of Arts at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra in Prashad Nagar, Greater Georgetown, on Thursday.

The festival which was presented in the form of a friendly competition saw young people from Upper Corentyne, Central Corentyne, East and West Berbice, East Coast and East Bank Demerara, West Demerara and Essequibo performing in various categories before a capacity

crowd.

E-Networks

Emerging Voices winner VishalieSukram, a former

category in which participants chantedChowpais and Dohas from the Ramayan in Sanskrit, read the hindiarth (meaning) and presented dramatic displays.

The audience expressed delight as elaborately bedecked Hanumans, Ravans, Sitas and raksh took to the stage to tell stories from this great scripture.

The first position was captured by Dharamraj Mohabir and team of the Central Corentyne Praant, second by Deodat Siriram of West Berbice and third Satyadev Sahadeo of West Coast Demerara.

Kala Utsav winner, opened the day’s proceeding with Bhajans.

The competition began with the Ramayan Chanting

As the Christmas season draws closer, several promoters are planning that last event, hoping to leave an impact for 2014. During the year, we have seen international and regional artistes gracing several events with their

presence, whether at open air venues or in clubs.

They have all performed exceptionally well and with just a few years remaining in 2014, there is a lot more to be offered in the entertainment sector. One such planned event will be held on the Westside and is expected to draw patrons from the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara.

The event will be one of the biggest chutney concerts, and as usual will be held on December 26, Boxing Night at the Tuschen Community Centre ground, East Bank Essequibo. Plans are moving apace, as promoters make sure the show goes off with a bang to end the year.

The event titled “Boxing Night, Chutney Celebration 2” will see several local artistes taking to the stage with one mission and that is to perform to the satisfaction

In the male singing category, Reminda Dhoray was adjudged first followed by Vishnu Rasulan and Devechandra Ramrattanin third position, while in the female singing category, Rajshree Sookhaiwas first, Balika Seenarine second

and Layshtianna Hansraj third.

In the duet category, the top spot was secured by Remindra Dhoray and Rajshree Sookhai of Central Corentyne with their beautiful rendition of Mangalam Ganesham. Ganita Bindra and Dhanpaul Mohan of West Berbice placed second while Aveena and Aria Tejram of West Coast Demerara secured thethird position.

In a keenly contested Kirtan segment, the team from the Bath Shri Krishna Mandir representing West Berbice placed first with their inspiring performance which brought tears to the eyes of some and prompted others to stand up in appreciation. The group consisted of 32 children.

The group from West Coast Demerara placed second while the third position was taken by the Soesdyke Vishnu Mandir of East Bank Demerara.

In classical dance, the results were: East Berbice first, Central Corentyne second and Essequibo third.

Essequibo took home the trophy for junior folk dance while West Berbice came in second and East Berbice third.In the instrumental category, West Coast Demerara was awarded the first position followed by Essequibo and then East Berbice.

The best overall Praant trophy was won by the Central Corentyne Praant of the Sabha. Participants were presented with trophies, certificates and cash incentives at the end of the festival.

Guyanese renowned journalist and writer Ryhaan Shah will be officially launching her third novel titled “A Death in the Family” this evening at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown.

The simple ceremony to launch this masterpiece will be chaired by Ravi Dev with Guyanese artist Bernadette Persaud and retired University of Guyana lecturer Pat Dial as special speakers. There will also be discussion among those present about the novel.

The book was recently released in London, UK, by British publishing house

Cutting Edge Press.

In this novel, Shah moves away from the broad sweep of Guyana’s history and politics that informed her second novel “Weaving Water” and returns to a more intimate family setting.

The idea for the story derives from that situation common to many families where hurts and misunderstandings lie just below the surface of their relationships.

These can often erupt when families gather for occasions like weddings and funerals

of the audience who have supported them throughout the year.

The lineup includes Guyana Chutney sensation, Prince JP; Guyana Telephone and Telegraph

Limited

and

chutney soca monarch 2015 contestants. These artistes will be backed by 71 Sound System, with a spe-

cial appearance by Deejay Golden Chyld. The Ishara Dancers will also be there to thrill the audience with their excellent dance performances.

Promoters have also con-

when emotions run high and in “A Death in the Family”, this is what happens when the head of a family, Ahmad Ally, dies. For his daughters Maryam and Dee, and his son, Khalil, the finality of the funeral brings to the fore the pain of their difficult relationship with a father who was a strong and domineering figure.

The mysterious death of their mother at a young age is also cause for deep hurt within the family, and the suspicion that the late Ally’s bigotry about a brother-in-law who is gay could have caused her untimely death creates tension that culminates in an explosive family quarrel.

The family’s relationship settles into new patterns when calm is restored and they move forward and fill the void left by the deceased father with a new outlook and a better understanding.

As with her previous novels, the cover art was done by local artist Bernadette Persaud. The design features a detail from Persaud’s 1995 painting “The Architecture of Time, Man and God”.

Shah’s first novel “A Silent Life” won the Guyana Prize for the Best First Book of Fiction in 2007.

firmed that one surprise guest artiste from Trinidad and Tobago will be performing on the night of the event. This artiste is no stranger to Guyana. He has performed many times at the Guyana National Stadium as well as at the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground on a few occasions.

Taking into consideration that December 26 is a national holiday, the promoters are allowing everyone free before 20:00h, with a cover charge of $1000 will be paid after at the gate. The event is sponsored by A&A Travel Service, A&S Lumber Yard, Westsiders Furniture Store, Deals on Electronics, Cell Phone Plaza, A&Y Auto Sales, Star Cars Auto Sales and Carib Beer and Sky Vodka. Persons can also shop at the above stores and receive free tickets.

Company

Star, Princess Halima; Aaamir Khan; Bunty Singh

other

First place winners in the classical dance category

Junior folk dancer winners – Essequibo

Renowned journalist and writer Ryhaan Shah

Prince JP

Members of the Ishara Troupe

Normalisation Committee, FIFA officials meet Dr Anthony

The Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and visiting officials of football’s world governing body, FIFA, on Monday last met with Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony at his Main Street office.

Chairman of the Normalisation Committee, Clinton Urling, led the

GFF delegation, while the FIFA team included Howard McIntosh and Anton Corneal.

According to a release from the Normalisation Committee, the discussions centered on areas of collaboration between the GFF and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, including support for grassroots development

programmes, training programmes and the Goal Project.

A team, comprising members of the Ministry and the Normalisation Committee, is expected to work together to complete a Memorandum of Understanding that would pave the way for the implementation of the Goal Project.

Hatton backing Khan to beat Alexander in Las Vegas

Amir Khan will beat Devon Alexander “every day of the week” if he keeps his head in Las Vegas.

That is the verdict of a fellow welterweight who fought for world titles on the same MGM Grand stage that next week hosts Khan’s

latest step on the road to his dream date with Floyd Mayweather.

Ricky Hatton has watched his friend Khan’s re-emergence on the world stage and believes the impetuous nature which contributed to damaging defeats against Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson could be a thing of the past.

And if that is the case, Hatton says, Alexander has no chance when the pair meet live on Sky Sports in the early hours of December 14.

“I think Amir will win,”

retired two-weight world champion Hatton told Sky Sports News HQ. “I think he’s probably slight favourite but most people would probably pick it as a 50-50 fight.

“One thing I do love about Amir is he doesn’t shy away from a challenge. His last fight he moved up to welterweight, fought Luis Collazo and put in a really mature performance - he didn’t get involved and stuck to his boxing.

“Sometimes Amir can be his own worst enemy, sometimes he likes getting involved in a fight, but against Devon Alexander if he sticks to using the boxing ability he’s got he wins every day of the week for me.

“He’s maturing well, none more so than in the Collazo fight. Amir normally

Sarfraz 76* steers Pakistan into 1-0 lead

Opening for the first time in a T20 international, Sarfraz Ahmed made a breezy unbeaten 76 to steer Pakistan to a seven-wicket win over New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium. Sarfraz put on 51 with Awais Zia for the first wicket, and an unbroken 43 with Umar Akmal for the fourth wicket, to take Pakistan past their target of 136 with five balls remaining, Akmal ending the contest with a straight six off James Neesham.

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand innings (20 overs maximum)

MJ Guptill b Shahid Afridi 32 KS Williamson* lbw

b Anwar Ali 0

AP Devcich lbw

b Sohail Tanvir 1

LRPL Taylor c Umar Akmal

b Mohammad Irfan 4

CJ Anderson c Saad Nasim

b Raza Hasan 48

L Ronchi† b Sohail Tanvir 33

JDS Neesham c Umar Akmal

b Mohammad Irfan 6

NL McCullum not out 1

AF Milne not out 2

Extras: (b 2, lb 1, w 4, nb 1) 8

Total: (7 wickets) 135

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Williamson, 0.3 ov), 2-10 (Devcich, 1.6 ov), 3-15 (Taylor, 2.6 ov), 4-61 (Guptill, 9.5 ov), 5-112 (Anderson, 15.4 ov), 6-128 (Neesham, 18.4 ov), 7-130 (Ronchi, 19.1 ov)

Bowling: Anwar Ali 2-0-15-1,

New Zealand had two good partnerships in the middle part of their innings, with Corey Anderson involved in both, but struggled either side of them. Their total was at least 15 short of being genuinely challenging, even if Pakistan kept

can jab, move, use his ability for a few rounds and then the red mist sets in, but he showed a real mature performance, boxed really solidly and used his attributes. I think the penny might have dropped, with a little bit of luck.”

Khan’s long-term aim remains a meeting with poundfor-pound king Mayweather, who turned down a fight with the Briton last year in favour of fighting Marcos Maidana.

Hatton - a 10th-round loser when he went in with Mayweather six years ago - said: “Amir’s picking the right opponents if

Sohail Tanvir 4-0-24-2 (1-w), Mohammad Irfan 4-0-27-2 (1nb, 2-w), Raza Hasan 4-0-24-1 (1-w), Mohammad Hafeez 2-015-0, Shahid Afridi 4-0-27-1

Pakistan innings (target: 136 runs from 20 overs)

Sarfraz Ahmed† not out 76 Awais Zia run out (Devcich/ McCullum) 20 Mohammad Hafeez run out (†Ronchi) 2 Haris Sohail c McCullum b McClenaghan 11 Umar Akmal not out 27

Extras: (b-1, lb-1, w-2) 4

Total: (3 wickets) 140

Fall of wickets: 1-51 (Awais Zia, 8.1 ov), 2-60 (Mohammad Hafeez, 9.6 ov), 3-97 (Haris Sohail, 14.3 ov)

Bowling: MJ Henry 4-0-31-0 (1w), MJ McClenaghan 4-0-21-1, AF Milne 4-0-18-0, AP Devcich 2-0-19-, NL McCullum 4-0-260 (1-w), CJ Anderson 1-0-17-0, JDS Neesham 0.1-0-6-0

the game interesting by losing two wickets to run-outs.

Sarfraz had only batted once in his four previous T20 games for Pakistan, at number eight, and he quickly set about showing what a waste of talent that had been, slapping Mitchell McClenaghan

to the point boundary and stepping down the track to the debutant fast bowler Matt Henry to sweep him over the fine-leg boundary. At the other end, Awais Zia looked a little leadenfooted against the pace of Henry and Adam Milne, but quickly realised he would be best served giving Sarfraz the strike. The pair brought up Pakistan’s first half-century opening stand in 18 matches before lazy running brought about its end at the start of the ninth over. When Luke Ronchi threw out Mohammad Hafeez an over later, when the batsmen unwisely tried to pinch a legbye off a fumble, Pakistan were in a bit of a bother.

Sarfraz, though, wasn’t letting the wickets disrupt his flow. He immediately crashed Corey Anderson for successive fours, and slogged him for a six over cow corner to bring up his half-century. That over brought Pakistan 17 runs, and brought the equation down to 59 required off 54 balls. (Cricinfo)

he’s looking for a fight with Mayweather: Collazo’s a former

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony (fourth from right) is flanked by members of the Normalisation Committee, FIFA and the National Sports Commission

Corey Anderson’s 48 lifted New Zealand to 135-7 after a poor start, but couldn’t prevent Pakistan from wrapping up an easy win in the first T20

welterweight champion, as is Alexander.

“Floyd is running out of opponents, so Amir Khan has got every chance of securing him.” (Sky Sports)

Former WBA, IBF and IBO champion Ricky Hatton believes Amir Khan will get the better of Devon Alexander and feels he’d be a good match for Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather

Amir Khan

Devon Alexander

Fernandes, Cheeks highlight opening night

Play in the Guyana Squash Association’s annual Farfan and Mendes Junior Christmas Squash tournament commenced Tuesday evening at the Georgetown Club Inc. squash courts.

Play commenced on the opening night with matches in seven of the eight categories being contested. Matches in Category A have four of the top juniors in Guyana and are scheduled to commence on Friday.

In categories A-D, matches will be the bestof-five, while in categories E-H matches will be bestof-three. Several excited matches were witnessed as players matched up in their respective categories in this skill level tournament.

The match of the evening was between national players Taylor Fernandes and Alex Cheeks. Taylor won a close first game 11-8, but then Alex returned the fa-

vour by winning the second game, also 11-8. Alex was retrieving well, but Taylor was controlling the game with her powerful drives and delicate drop shots.

Taylor won the third game 11-7, but Alex quickly won the first four points in the fourth game and it seemed as if Alex would be able to force a fifth and deciding game. However,

Taylor settled down and won ten straight points before Alex could win a fifth point. She then closed out the game 11-5, thus winning the match by three games to one.

Another thrilling match was between two Under-11 players, Michael Alphonso and Ethan Jonas. This match went the full distance with Michael eventually prevailing after five extremely close games.

Michael won the first game 11-9, but Ethan won the second game 11-8. Michael then won the third game 11-8 and had a match ball at 10-9 in the fourth game before Ethan dug deep and won the next three points to take the fourth 1210.

The fifth game was close throughout, but after trailing 7-8, Michael won the next four points to win the fifth and deciding game 118.

Gambhir, Yuvraj omitted from probables

Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh have been omitted from the 30-member preliminary squad for the World Cup picked by India’s selectors on Thursday. It has been almost a year since any of them made the ODI side.

It is understood that the selectors had decided to move on with the next generation and preferred current form over past performance, which worked against all the five players.

Though any of the omitted players from the provisional squad can be picked in the final 15-man side, chances of the five senior players breaking into the squad are remote. The deadline for submitting the condensed squad to the ICC is January 7.

“Seniors were also considered [for selection]. There was a discussion on everyone,” said BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel. “But the thought process was to give preference to performers. The youngsters have been doing very well at the domestic level so they could not be ignored. Barring major injuries, the World Cup

squad would be from this lot. Captain’s views were also considered.”

“I would not like to comment at this [whether it is the end for Sehwag and Yuvraj in international cricket] level as I mentioned earlier. I think all of us should be happy that a lot of young cricketers have been considered for this, as a part of the probables. I feel that considering the future after the World Cup is also part of the thought process.”

Over the last two years, Sehwag has averaged 20.23 in 13 one-day matches. Gambhir’s is 23.58 from 30 matches in the same period. They had limited success in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy, with only a fifty each from six games. Harbhajan led Punjab in the same tournament and managed seven wickets in six matches, while Yuvraj was similarly patchy with 168 runs from five matches. Zaheer has not played competitive cricket since the IPL in May, and was ruled out of the Mumbai Ranji squad owing to fitness concerns.

Manoj Tiwary makes the cut after highly productive showings in the Deodhar Trophy and Manish Pandey

West Indies tour of South Africa…

Huge challenge for Windies, says Semple

By RavendRa Madholall in ToRonTo

Former Guyana and West Indies middleorder batsman Keith Semple says there will be a huge challenge for the West Indies team in South Africa when the two countries begin their three-match Test series on December 17 in Centurion.

The Caribbean side will subsequently compete in five one-dayers and three T20s, which are scheduled to conclude just before the International Cricket Council (ICC) limited-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

has been rewarded for consistent performances through the year, including in the IPL and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kedar Jadhav, who made his debut in the Sri Lanka series, is also among 10 batsmen chosen.

Ashok Dinda has picked up 19 wickets in nine 50over matches, including a five-for against Jharkhand and a 4 for 33 in the Deodhar Trophy final to persuade the selectors. Left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav features among seven spinners led by R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Ishant Sharma, who was not part of the team in 2011, might have a chance to play his first World Cup. Besides these five cricketers, the selectors have also overlooked most of India’s World Cup-winning squad members. Dhoni, Kohli, Raina and Ashwin are the only survivors from the 2011 squad. Barring Sachin Tendulkar, who has retired, and Sreesanth, who has been banned for life for his alleged involvement in the IPL corruption scandal, all other members of the 2011 triumph were available for selection. (Cricinfo)

Semple, who featured in seven one-day games for the regional team, coincidently playing all of them in South Africa, made this declaration recently from his home in Whitby, Canada.

Several weeks ago, West Indies aborted their tour of

who still plays club cricket in the Toronto and District Cricket Association Elite 50over competition representing Civics Cricket Club, divulges it might affect the camaraderie of the team to an extent as well.

“As professional cricketers it should not affect their approach and level of commitment to performing well personally, but I’m sure there might be some linger-

cricket, good weather, excellent facilities and first-class accommodation, but having said that it’s probably one of the toughest places to tour especially coming from the Caribbean where the pitches are very placid,” he highlighted. With some of the senior players available and who have been selected to represent the regional side, Semple reckons they have

ing mistrust given that not everyone seemed to be fully in favour of aborting the Indian tour,” revealed the former Demerara Cricket

India owing to payment dispute with the players, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) and that gives Semple some doubts of how quickly the team can regroup and compete well against the Proteas.

“Given the recent fallout between the players, WICB and WIPA, and the withdrawal of Darren Bravo from the tour and Chris Gayle is injured, I think it will be a huge challenge for us in South Africa; I would say I [am] quite hopeful, but not very confident that West Indies can make a big impact there, which is one of the toughest places to play if you are not fully prepared,” the right-hander stated.

Apart from that, Semple,

Club player.

He further related it will obviously take strong leadership from the management and captain to ensure that the dispute is put firmly behind them and that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

West Indies, currently ranked at number 7 on the Test rating, will open their campaign against a South Africa Invitational XI on December 10 with a threeday warm-up match.

The 44-year-old Semple spoke about his experience on the African continent and believes conditions can be a crucial factor when plying your trade there.

“The conditions in South Africa are great for playing

got a great bunch of guys who are capable guiding the younger and upcoming players.

“I think it’s a balanced side and in the absence of Darren (Bravo), probably the strongest we could have put out at this time whether it is a strong enough side to compete against SA remains to be seen. I think a lot will depend on the experienced players like Shivnarine (Chanderpaul), skipper Denesh Ramdin, Marlon (Samuels) and Jerome (Taylor),” Semple, who scored a magnificent 142 for Guyana in 1994 against host Jamaica, mentioned.

He further declared that Gayle’s absence will definitely be profound. Gayle has been replaced by fellow left-hander Devon Smith.

Promising cricketers such as Barbadian Kraigg Brathwaite, Jamaican Jermaine Blackwood and Guyanese Leon Johnson among others will benefit from the tour and guidance of the seasoned campaigners, according to Semple, who played 56 First-Class matches for his native country.

Bravo, who recently made himself unavailable for selection on this tour due to personal reasons, is one of the key and established batsmen and Semple said it will be a “big blow” for the Windies, but is optimistic the rest of the guys would churn out great performances.

Semple feels if the team does fine in South Africa, it will do well for their confidence and strengthen the spirit of the side ahead of the ICC World Cup mega event.

Farfan and Mendes Junior Christmas tournament…

Taylor Fernandes

Keith Semple

Darren Bravo

Chris Gayle

Virender Sehwag Yuvraj Singh

Gautam Gambhir

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Trophy Stall doubles tennis competition underway

Amidst the threat of rain, Sachin Puri effortlessly launched the first serve of the 2014 Trophy Stall Doubles tennis tournament recently at the National Racquet Centre.

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At least 10 doubles partners braved the weather to come out to play their matches, but play had to be cancelled for the entire day after an incessant heavy downpour. Proprietor of the Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, sent his regrets for his absence at the Opening Ceremony, but signalled his expectation for a successful tournament once again for the fifth straight year.

The tournament caters to five categories of players: Men’s Open Doubles, Ladies Open Doubles, Mixed Open Doubles, Men’s Over-35 Doubles and Novice Medley Doubles.

A total of 35 doubles teams have registered. Matches are being played during the day on weekends at the National Racquet Centre, but evening play during the same period will be scheduled at Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club during the week. The competition will last until December 13.

At the Opening Ceremony, the Boy’s cham-

pion Gavin Lewis, who is the first junior to perform the duties of Tournament Coordinator, gave charge to the players to take the game seriously and to exercise good sportsmanship at all times, especially during close line calls. President of the Guyana Tennis Association, Grace McCalman, thanked the clubs for their renewed interest in developing their own tennis programmes and encouraged players to improve their game.

In particular, the NonPariel Club was noted as one which maintains the largest number of novice players. She thanked the CEO of ECI Engineering Services Limited, Sam Barakat, for providing Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club facilities for night play, the absence of which creates great difficulty in scheduling tournament matches for adults.

The first schedule of matches that were played on Sunday last produced the following results: Ladies Doubles: A. Dey/A. Gentle defeated D. Barrington/K. Richmond 6/4 6/0; and A. Dey/A. Gentle defeated F. Buschell/P. Hope 6/1 6/0.

In the Novice Medley Doubles: S. Puri/D. Razick defeated R. Sawh/F. Buschell 6/2; and S.

Puri/D.

In

Several changes made to KMTC’s Boxing Day programme

The organisers of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) traditional Boxing Day horse race meet have made several changes from the original programme. The meet is scheduled for the club’s track, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

President of the KMTC, Cecil Kennard, told this publication on Thursday that organisers have change the feature A3 and Lower race to A1 and Lower. He further indicated that the G1 race has now been replaced by a F1 race.

The feature event on the day’s card will run for six furlongs for a top prize of $1 million, while the second place finisher will receive $500,000. Horses that place third and fourth will receive $250,000 and $125,000 respectively.

Other events billed for the day are the D3 with a winning purse of $500,000; the G3 for a $300,000 winner’s purse over five furlongs; and the J3 for $150,000 winner’s take over

five furlongs. The owner of the winning horse for the I1, J1 and F1 races will collect $250,000, $200,000, and $320,000 respectively. Registration closes on

December 20, and no late entries will be accepted.

Kennard also indicated that most systems are already in place for the race meet. He also indicated that a massive renovation to the tune of $1.2M is currently undertaken.

Horses can be entered through Roopnarine Matadial on 325-3192; Ivan Dipnarine on 331-0316; Cecil Kennard on 623-7609, 225-4818 or 226-1399; Dennis DeRoop on 325-3301 or 609-9143; and Fazil Habibula on 657-7010.

Meanwhile, Kennard maintained that the Guyana Cup re-match will not hinder the club’s traditional horse race meet, since preparations have already been on stream for the one-day event. The Guyana Cup re-match is billed for December 21, at the Port Mourant Turf Club. It is organised by business conglomerate Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables. Nine races are carded for that race meet, with the feature being the D1 and Lower race.

Razick defeated P. Clarke/D. Bharat 7/5.

the Men’s Open Doubles: C. Adams/A. Erskine defeated R. Bostwick/O. Dainty 6/2 6/2;

D. Lopes/P. Squires defeated S. David-Longe/J. Stephney 6/3 6/1; and S. David-Longe/J. Stephney defeated J. Goodluck/D. King 6/4 6/3.

Sachin Puri performing the ceremonial serve-off

Attendees at the Opening Ceremony strike a pose

Cecil Kennard

WICB/PCL 4-Day tournament…

Leaders Guyana Jaguars face T&T Red Force GFF seeking Technical Director

– Crandon confident team can rebound from shocking 3rd

round defeat

B y R ajiv B isnauth

One of the oldest rivalries in West Indies First-Class cricket will be the centre of attraction in the fourth round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League fourday regional tournament, starting today.

Leaders Guyana Jaguars will face hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain.

With one of the best and most famous rivalries in regional cricket and despite the make-up of the teams and the format of the game, both teams will aim to rebound from their respective third round defeats.

The Jaguars suffered a shocking tworun loss to Barbados Pride on Monday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

In a dramatic sequence of events, Guyana forced Barbados to follow-on, but failed to last the first session on the fourth and final day. They were eventually being rolled over for 66.

Prior to that, Guyana Jaguars had dominated the match, scoring 261 and then dismissing the Bajans for 101 to enforce the follow-on. Barbados Pride made 228 in their second innings.

However, despite the loss, the Guyana Jaguars, who had comprehensively defeated both Windward Islands Volcanoes and Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their first two matches, lead the six-team points table with 39 points, followed by the Jamaica franchise on 34.

On the other hand, T&T Red Force, who sit in fourth position on 23 points, went down by 38 runs to Jamaica on Monday at the Queen’s Park Oval, their first defeat in three matches.

Even though some star players will be missing from both teams, the contest will still generate a lot of interest in both countries. The Red Force will be no easy opponent especially at home, but historically speaking, both teams are level statistically.

Both teams have won 11 matches against each other from 51 games at this level, while 29 of those encounters have ended in draws.

Meanwhile, Head Coach of the Jaguars,

Esuan Crandon, feels his side needs to put the embarrassing loss behind them as quickly as possible and focus on the remaining matches.

“Our first two games we played excellent cricket but complacency was a crucial factor which cost us the last game against Barbados. Having said so, we know that T&T is a very fierce opponent over the years, but we have our game plan in place and all we need to do is remain focused and execute well,” Crandon said.

“Once we continue doing the things we have been doing and doing so well, then I know we can come out victorious over T&T in the upcoming match, taking maximum points from them to remain at the top of the points table.”

Further, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force captain Rayad Emrit in an article posted on Tuesday on the WICB website called on his batsmen to improve their performance and show fight when they face Guyana.

“Our batsmen have to come to the game against Guyana and help post a good, competitive score. Our bowlers have shown they can do the job and contain batsmen. With the likes of (Shivnarine) Chanderpaul, (Assad) Fudadin etc. out on West Indies duty, it is important that we press home any advantage we have,” Emrit said.

Other fourth round matches will see Windward Islands Volcanoes taking on Barbados Pride

at the Arnos Vale cricket ground and Jamaica Franchise playing Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Sabina Park.

Guyana Jaguars squad: Vishaul Singh (Captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajindra Chandrika, Shimron Hetmyer, Narsingh Deonarine (Vice-captain), Raymond Reifer, Anthony Bramble (wk), Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Ronsford Beaton, Keon Joseph and Trevon Griffith.

T&T Red Force squad: Rayad Emrit (Captain), Jason Mohammed (Vice-captain), Evin Lewis, Lendl Simmons, Yannick Ottley, Nicholas Pooran, Imran Khan, Steven Katwaroo, Akeal Hosein, Marlon Richards, Daniel St. Clair, Jeremy Solozano and Yannick Cariah.

The Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is seeking a suitable candidate to fill the position of Technical Director.

According to a release from the GFF, the position is a full-time one, “which will define and lead the National Technical Programme under the authority of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and in compliance with the aims, objectives and values of the Federation.”

Among his/her general responsibilities are devel- op, and implement a clear

and thorough Technical Development plan with a Technical Chart aimed at continually promoting and improving the game of football in Guyana at all levels from Grassroots to Elite football, including youth football, women’s football, futsal, beach soccer, and coaching education.Interested persons are advised to address applications to the General Secretary of the GFF at 17 Dadanawa Street, Section K, Campbellville, Georgetown, on or before December 12, 2014.

Tucker donates Best Poser trophy for Flex Night

At the Flex Night event on Sunday, the bodybuilder who in the 60-seconds free-posing round executes the most appealing posing routine will win the 2014 Best Poser trophy, donated by Frank Tucker, who will himself be a judge at the event.

Tucker’s generous gesture is aimed at encouraging bodybuilders to refine and perfect the art of displaying their muscularity in the most pleasing and effective way, including the choice of music, the sequence of his movements and the projec-

Frank Tucker

tion of overall stage personality.

Tucker is a former president of the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.

The best posing routine will be judged as part of the normal assessment of the different weight categories and not as a separate segment, which means no accessories or props are allowed. The event will start at 18:00 hours at the National Cultural Centre and will feature a total of 50 male and female bodybuilders.

Shaun Marsh added to Test squad

Shaun Marsh has been added to Australia’s squad for the first Test, which will begin in Adelaide on Tuesday. Australia’s cricketers were due to assemble in Adelaide on Thursday afternoon, after Wednesday’s emotional farewell for their team-mate Phillip Hughes at a funeral in Macksville.

Marsh’s inclusion comes as uncertainty surrounds the fitness of captain Michael Clarke, whose hamstring injury had been likely to rule him out of the first Test when it was due to be played at the Gabba. The revised fixture means the season now starts five days later, but naturally Clarke has been unable to complete his recovery programme over the past week.

On Friday, the Australians will train as a group for the first time since the death of Hughes, who was struck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG last Tuesday. Hughes was on 63 not out at the time and would have been a strong contender to be called in as cover for Clarke for the Gabba Test.

On the same day, Marsh scored an unbeaten 134 for Western Australia against Victoria at the MCG, his second hundred from four matches this Shield season. He made 111 at the WACA against Queensland in the second game of the summer, and now has a chance

of playing his first Test since the tour of South Africa in February this year.

The inclusion of Marsh brings Australia’s Test squad to 13 members for the Adelaide match. It remains to be seen whether all of the players will feel ready for five days of Test cricket by next Tuesday, so soon after farewelling Hughes, and the coach Darren Lehmann said he would understand if any player chose to withdraw from the Test against India.

“I was there 10 years ago when my close friend David Hookes was killed in a tragic incident,” Lehmann wrote in a column in the Australian on Thursday. “It’s something

I think about every day of my life. Phillip’s death has revived a lot of memories of that time. Both were freakish incidents. I guess the Hookes family have had a hard week, too.

“Hookesy’s death brought it home to me that life has to be joyful and sport the same. We are only playing a game after all.

Our existence is too fragile and lifespan too short to worry about stuff that doesn’t matter. I think I played cricket about seven or 10 days after Hookesy died. It was something I felt I had to do and it was something I wanted to do, but that was me. (Cricinfo)

Devendra Bishoo

Lendl Simmons

Mark Rodrigues was the Technical Director under the embattled Christopher Matthias administration

Shaun Marsh

friday, december 5, 2014

Guinness Greatest in the Streets football…

Three games decided on PKs as quarter-finalists decided

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Three games were decided by sudden death penalty kicks as Round of 16 action in the Georgetown leg of the Guinness Greatest in the Streets football competition was contested on Wednesday evening at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac.

At the end of games, witnessed by another huge gathering, eight teams have earned the right to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition. They are Leopold Street, Cross Street, North Ruimveldt, West Front Road, Globe Yard, Albouystown B, Festival City Warriors and Sparta Boss.

In the opening game of the night, Leopold Street and Festival City Street Fighters failed to score at the end of regulation time, forcing the game to be decided by penalties. Leopold Street pipped Festival City Street Fighters 3-2 at the sudden death kicks.

Game two was also decided by penalties after Cross Street and West Back Road played to a one-all stalemate. West Back Road assumed the lead in the 30th minute through Akeem Fitzpatrick,

before Ronaldo Dover drew Cross Street level four minutes later. At the shootout, Cross Street scored the only goal to snatch a 1-0 win.

Rickford Jones’ fourth minute strike was all that was needed in game three, as North Ruimveldt needled Hope Street- Tiger Bay 1-0. A similar scoreline was played out in game four, with a Colin Nelson’s 23rd minute goal handing West Front Road a 1-0 success over Island All Star.

Game five also required a penalty shootout to decide the outcome after Globe Yard

and Albouystown A battled to a nil-all draw. As it turned out, Globe Yard emerged victorious with a 2-1 win on penalties.

In the other games of the evening, Albouystown B edged Back Circle 1-0 with Marlon Nedd (23rd) scoring; Festival City Warriors won 2-0 against Alexander Village with Eon Alleyne (1st) and Dwayne Lawrence (15th) on target; and Sparta Boss gained a similar margin of victory over South Sophia with Sheldon Shepherd (19th) and Devon Millington (23rd) being the

Ram Slam 20/20 set for Sunday at Lusignan

The Lusignan Community Centre ground will be transformed into a festive atmosphere this Sunday when the long-awaited Ram Slam fourteam 20/20 cricket competition is slated to come off.

The tournament was initially billed for November 23, but was postponed twice, once owing to inclement weather and another due to the unavailability of the Lusignan ground.

The competition is set to feature four neighbourhood villages, namely Mon Repos, Good Hope, Lusignan and Annandale.

“It is an effort geared at rekindling the competitive spirit and rivalry among these four villages, and at the same time, renewing the interest of the game and community spirit of this Neighbourhood Democratic Council area,” the organisers said in a release.

The Lusignan club, which has wide membership stretching across the four communities and beyond, expects this

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

The matches themselves will feature players who have made the villages proud within recent years and include several high profile players, such as Emran Khan, Krishna Deosaran, Brian Sattaur, Somnauth Bharrat, Rajindra Naikbaran, Kumar Bishundial, Vishnu Ramjeet, Steven Ramdass

and Tameshwar Motilall. Admission is free and all are invited to be thoroughly entertained, the organisers have said.

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

Monies raised will be used to fund participation of the Lusignan club in the various competitions run by respective Boards such as the East Coast Cricket Board, the Demerara Cricket Board and the Guyana Cricket Board, at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 levels, in InterAssociation, Senior Demerara and National competitions.”

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

scorers.

Quarter-final games will now take place on Sunday at Demerara Park with the first of four exhibition games set to kick off at 19:00 hours. Following a break, Leopold Street will tussle with West Front Road at 21:00 hours, followed by Cross Street against Festival City Warriors, North Ruimveldt versus Globe Yard and Sparta Boss going up

against Albouystown B.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, whose body is tasked with coordinating the competition, said fans are in for a treat over the next few playing nights, labelling this period as the “business end” of the tournament. Mendonca also lauded patrons for their overwhelming support to the games, with all the playing nights

attracting massive crowds. The Georgetown leg is the first of several interzone competitions to be held countrywide in the coming months. The top teams of those inter-zone tournaments will then progress to the national playoff, with the overall champion moving forward to represent Guyana in the Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge in 2015.

Troy Mendonca Devon Millington

Vishnu Ramjeet

Krishna Deosaran

Rajindra Naikbaran

Somnauth Bharrat

Unbeaten Guyana win NACRA 7s title...again!

– newcomer King stars with 4 tries

Guyana's male ruggers continue to fly the Golden Arrowhead high and proud, storming to victory in the final of the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 7s championships, beating

hosts Mexico in a tense final on Thursday afternoon.

Playing in Mexico City, the Guyanese, who won all six of their games, the only country to do so in the twoday tournament, defeated the Mexicans 33-28 to land a seventh title after missing the competition last year.

Patrick King, a newcomer to the team, had a dream final, scoring an amazing

four tries to crown a brilliant personal performance in his maiden stint with the national team.

Avery Corbin scored the other try, while skipper Ryan Gonsalves had two conversions and Theodore Henry and Ronald Mayers one each.

Guyana had previously won the NACRA 7s an unprecedented six years in succession.

This victory however, would arguably be the sweetest of all given it was a comeback for the Guyanese and they were faced with tough high-altitude conditions.

The fact that Guyana conquered the conditions and defeated the host nation not once, but twice in the tournament is testimony to the skills, adaptability and determination of the coun-

try's ruggers.

Guyana earned the right to a place in the championship game after defeating the Cayman Islands 31-5 in the quarter-final and then beating Trinidad and Tobago 24-7 at the semi-final earlier in the day.

The Mexicans, who lost 7-19 to Guyana on the opening day, defeated Jamaica 17-12 at the quarter-final, before toppling Barbados

24-7 at the semis. The final match-up was a clash of two Pool C teams.

On the first day, Guyana also played unbeaten, romping top three convincing wins in the round-robin, group phase. The Guyanese first defeated host nation Mexico 19-7; then followed up by whipping the Cayman Islands 38-12, before thrashing St Vincent and the Grenadines 47-0.

Meanwhile, in the third place playoff on Thursday, Barbados, playing in Pool B, got the better of Trinidad and Tobago of Pool A 1714, and in the Plate final, the Cayman Islands, playing out of Pool C, defeated Jamaica of Pool A 22-11.

According to information originating from the Guyana Rugby Football Union, the team is expected to arrive home at 14:00 hours today.

Another large crowd gathered to witness

games

The successful rugby team with the trophy moments after beating Mexico in the final

Patrick King