GuyanaTimes

monday, november 16, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

NA Hospital’s neonatal unit to be shut down – Dr Norton

…increase in infant mortality recorded

By Kristen MacKlingaM

As a result of an increase in infant mortality at the New Amsterdam (NA) Hospital, Berbice, the facility’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) will be shut down once again.

This is according to Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, who told Guyana Times on Sunday that in light of a recent report that another baby died over the weekend, he decided to pay an “impromptu” visit to the hospital to ascertain what could have caused this.

“People don’t understand what it takes to kill a little baby: this lackadaisical thing is worrying me, and babies are dying with haemorrhages, bleeding in their lungs, from their noses, that is what the autopsies are saying,” a disturbed Norton said.

He said he was disgusted by the fact that the air conditioner and monitors at the facility were not working.

“You can’t have an ICU for babies that have low weight, that are premature, that have respiratory distress and don’t have an air-conditioning unit, the nurses there have one fan, none of the monitors are working, a rusty incubator, with no water for the heating purposes – somebody has got to be answerable,” Dr Norton emphatically stated.

Deeply upset about the situation, the Public Health Minister said, “I am going up there and I am being critical, I am not being political because this is not politics…we are going to close that place again, the neo-natal unit again; we got to pay Eureka to do a swab again, clean and then

pay them to come back again, if not we are wasting time. It is not the staff or the workers’ fault, it is the administration,” Dr Norton posited.

Guyana Times was further told that the Public Health Ministry would ensure that measures were taken to correct the situation as soon as possible regardless of it being the Region’s responsibility.

“If it means sending home people, then so be it. I am going to make sure that they put things in order; I am prepared to send home people. When you see things they asked for the longest while, those things don’t take any big expenses, but yet it was not done. Dr Bynoe is in charge of the hospital; we put him there now, and that is why I am happy because he has to work now, if he doesn’t work, then he can’t do the job,” the Public Health Minister said.

He maintained that Dr Bynoe should ‘better’ the situation although he took over while it was ongoing because if the official who

was placed there cannot function as was expected, change would not be realised.

According to Dr Norton, if Dr Bynoe does not succeed with support from the Region in a timely manner, he should contact Norton directly for the necessary intervention(s) or assistance.

This publication was also told that the Minister contacted the Regional Health Officer of Region Six, Dr Jevon Stephens, since Saturday, enquiring about the latest infant mortality case at the NA Hospital.

However, he is yet to respond to the Minister.

“I called on Mr Stephens since last night (Saturday) and Mr Stephens hasn’t returned a call to me up to now… I am going to give it my best shot…like I might have employed them, I can send them home,” he vehemently stated.

Meanwhile, hospitals throughout the country will soon be benefitting from a neonatal specialist who would be at the service of all 10 administrative regions. She will be tasked with advising the relevant authorities in the Regions’ hospitals on the best procedures, practices and forms of management for the neonatal units.

“We are getting her on Monday (today), unless the stupid bottleneck we are getting in the public service. We have doctors and specialists in the country for one and a half year begging to be employed and that has to stop. If it means that I have to leave my office and go to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry to get them hired, I will do so,” Dr Norton added. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

No rice market would pay like Venezuela – Agriculture Minister – Guyana not suffering from lack of rice markets

By Kristen MacKlingaM

In spite of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) recording an increase in rice exports for 2015 when comparing data for the same period in 2014, the rice industry countrywide continues to suffer tremendously.

The once lucrative PetroCaribe deal between Venezuela and Guyana which saw rice farmers enjoying high prices for their produce for a number of years no longer exists.

To date the government has not yet found another market which comes close to offering the same or similar prices which the Spanish speaking country used to offer Guyana for its rice.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder on Sunday told Guyana Times in an exclusive interview that regardless of the loss of the Venezuelan market, Guyana continues to supply a large number of markets with rice, and that the rice export data for the year will reveal that the country’s exports have increased.

With regards to the prices that Venezuela used to pay for Guyana’s rice he ex-

plained that this was only possible because of the high fuel prices at the time the deal was ongoing.

According to the minister, now that fuel prices have dropped drastically this would have affected any new deal between the two countries and would have resulted in the prices for rice being lower than it was in past years.

He stated that there is no other market in the world that would pay Guyana the same prices for rice that Venezuela once offered and the Spanish speaking country itself would not be offering Guyana such a lucrative deal again due to the fall in oil prices globally.

The Minister maintained the country is not suffering from a lack of market, as Guyana currently exports to 39 markets around the world, and more markets can and will be found in future for the country to supply its rice to.

It must be noted that although Venezuela represented 38 per cent of ex-

the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) Dharamkumar Seeraj, had told this newspaper that while the Dutch speaking country will be supplying rice to Venezuela, this does not necessarily mean Guyana’s industry will suffer more. As a matter of fact, he added Guyana should tap into the markets which Suriname had in the Caribbean and Europe.

“Suriname’s rice production is not that big so it depends on how much they supply to Venezuela and so depending on how much they supply to Venezuela then that corresponding amount will be available for us (Guyana) to supply the Caribbean and Europe,” Seeraj had posited.

He added that even if Guyana were to reduce the price at which it sells rice to Venezuela, it will still make a ‘reasonable’ profit based on the world market price for rice.

As such, Seeraj is

ports in terms of volume, in terms of the value, it contributes to 75 or 76 per cent of the total value of export which is why it is an important market.

In October last, Venezuela ousted Guyana from the PetroCaribe deal and secured an agreement with Suriname to exchange fuel for rice.

However, Chairman of

maintaining that the APNU+AFC government seek to ‘make amends’ with Venezuela with regards to the rice for oil deal in the interest of rice farmers who are presently enduring a number of difficulties due to being offered very low prices for their produce while operating at major losses. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, November 16 – 08:30h-10:00h and Tuesday, November 17 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, November 16 – 06:50h-08:20h and Tuesday, November 17 – 07:35h-09:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery and heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with thundery showers in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:09h and 19:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.47 metres and 2.55 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:56h reaching a minimum height of 0.79 metre

Charandass responds to women’s groups on Dr Vindhya’s outrage

– “They can kiss my ....”

By Kristen MacKlingaM

ut of the frying pan and into the fire’ is quite appropriate to describe what the Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Charandass Persaud has now gotten himself in as it relates to his blatant and disrespectful statement on PPP/C MP Dr Vindhya Persaud.

He has come in for a beating from women’s rights supporters who demanded that he apologise for his “abusive” and “irresponsible” assault on his fellow MP for expressing his desire to “haul her off” stage.

The AFC parliamentarian, in a Letter to the Editor quite recently, attacked and threatened the Hindu Leader for merely expressing her views regarding her religion.

“Dr Vindhya Persaud so disgusted me that I felt like hauling (her) off the stage,” penned the AFC leader under a letter which purported to be calling for a reconciliation of Hindu-Guyanese who were in disagreement over the Diwali date.

Such sentiments had generated much upheaval among women’s rights activists and female leaders who demanded that the AFC MP make a public apology to Dr Persaud and also to all Guyanese women.

However, when Guyana Times contacted Persaud on Sunday evening he appeared unrepentant and this was further supported by his response when asked to comment on the situation where the women’s rights group(s)

were demanding that he apologise.

“Who the hell is Vindhya Persaud? And if they kiss my ass, I will apologise to Vindhya Persaud. That is all they need to hear,” he emphatically stated.

He went on to say that the women’s rights group(s) did not read his letter claiming that this document which he had penned did not state that he would “haul” Dr Vindhya off the stage.

“Nobody read my letter and in my letter I never said that I will ‘haul’ her or I wanted to and if I said I want-

ed to haul the Prime Minister or the Queen of England off the platform what does that mean, I am assaulting her? Even if I said that, that I want to haul Dr Vindhya Persaud off the stage, mind you when they read the letter they will know that is not what I said, so the gutter journalism needs to come to an end…And the women rights group, tell them for me, that if they want me to apologise let them come and kiss my ass…,” the AFC MP said.

He subsequently hung up the telephone.

Condemnation

Charandass’s statement prompted much disapproval and condemnation from a number of women’s rights supporters.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Priya Manickchand took to

Facebook expressing her disgust over Charandass’s comments.

“This is outrageous and

“Who the hell is Vindhya Persaud? And if they kiss my ass, I will apologise to Vindhya Persaud. That is all they need to hear,” he emphatically stated.

must be condemned by all, irrespective of how you voted. This is the kind of brutish thing that leads to the interpersonal and gender based violence we see. You don’t like what the woman said and your first reaction is that you should physically attack her…‘haul her off the stage’…by her hair maybe? By her sari? After you have kicked her a few times?” Manickchand posted.

Also lashing out at the blatant attack on Dr

Persaud is PPP/C MP Africo Selman, who also called on Charandass to publicly apologise for his insensitive attack.

“It’s an attack on all Guyanese women, you know, not only Guyanese women but all women in general,” Selman stated.

The former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) MP also demanded an explanation for the deafening silence from the Government bench-

es over this matter.

Additionally, another PPP/C MP Gillian BurtonPersaud expressed her utter dissatisfaction with the comments made by the AFC leader. She lamented the fact that all the rights activists and women organisations have not uttered a single condemnation of his actions.

“I, therefore, call upon all those who preach, seek, endure and participate in the upholding of these fundamental rights, on civil society, on all rights organisations and activists and more so, on the government to denounce these unwarranted acts of verbal abuse on our female political and religious leaders and indeed all women in our society,” she stated.

Moreover, Chairperson of the Gender and Equality Commission, Indra Chandarpal said the AFC MP’s behaviour was totally irresponsible.

“He ought to have known better. His behaviour was uncalled for and it ass disrespectful to Dr Persaud,” Chanderpaul expressed.

Karen DeSouza, another women’s rights activist, agreed that the AFC parliamentarian’s actions were irresponsible and offensive towards women.

“I agree that his expression is unfortunate; it is an unfortunate way to express his frustration,” DeSouza stated.

It must be recalled that this incident is not the first time the AFC MP was publicly disrespectful towards women in Guyana. In 2013, he ridiculed Dr Vishalya “Artie” Sharma for being “so fat, she could probably not fit in the front seat of her jeep” when he was arguing she could not administer the New Amsterdam Hospital. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

AFC MP Charandass Persaud

PPP/C MP Dr Vindhya Persaud

PPP/C MP Gillian Burton-Persaud

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

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

Fight Diabetes

Saturday was “World Diabetes Day”, established to bring awareness about this debilitating condition spreading across the globe at epidemic rates. Presently, it is estimated that there are 387 million people with diabetes and this is projected to reach 592 million within two decades – an increase of over 50%. Guyana has not been spared and in fact the rise of diabetes here will most likely outstrip the world rates since its two major ethnic groups exhibit a higher predisposition towards developing the “silent killer”.

Diabetes occurs when two processes are impaired –both connected to the body dealing with the transportation of glucose sugar to the cells of the body via the blood. All carbohydrates and sugars are digested to glucose – which is small-molecule sugar for easier transportation to the cells that use it to produce energy for our activities. Too high a concentration of glucose in the blood, however, adversely affects several organs in the body in addition to forcing the cells to break down other molecules - even our proteins - to obtain energy. The affected organs are the eyes, heart, kidney and the feet and cumulatively debilitates the patient in the early stages and can lead to death in the end. Diabetes for instance increases heart attack risk by up to three times for men and five times for women.

The body controls the level of glucose sugar in the blood at a safe, optimum level by secreting the hormone insulin from the pancreas whenever the level rises beyond that level. There are two types of diabetes: type 1, in which the body is unable to produce the hormone insulin, and type 2, in which the body is unable to use insulin effectively. Type 2 is the most common form, accounting for around 90% of all diabetes cases worldwide.

Type 1 is diagnosed very early on and affects mostly children while type 2 develops gradually and manifests its effects generally in adults approaching their 40s. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas production of insulin could be impaired as well as the mechanisms by which glucose sugar is transmitted from the blood through the cell walls.

The treatments for diabetes attempt to positively assist the impaired processes. There can be the direct intake of insulin at prescribed times, which is the only path for type 1 patients and type 2 patients at an advanced stage. There are also medications that stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin as well as some to assist in glucose transfer into the cells. It has been found that mild daily exercise also assist in the latter process and coupled with a diet that is low on sugars, easily digestible carbohydrates and high of leafy vegetables and lean protein, can significantly lower glucose levels in the blood.

There are verbal questionnaires that can indicate a predisposition in persons towards developing type 2 diabetes. If these are conducted early enough, a change of lifestyle to incorporate the above mentioned factors of regular exercise and controlled diet have been shown capable of averting the diabetic condition.

Guyana had 61,800 cases of diabetes in 2014 leading to a rate of 14.3% for the adult population (20-79 years) which is significantly higher than the world rate across the age spectrum. There were 1025 persons whose deaths were directly attributed to diabetes. These are very alarming figures and the statistics indicate that there is actually a similar percentage of persons whose diabetic condition has not been flagged.

Over the past decade, the government of Guyana has done a credible job of improving the facilities for dealing with diabetes-related medical complications such as infected and gangrenous feet in patients. This must be continued but conjoined with an even more robust programme to prevent the development of the condition.

We have avoided describing diabetes as a “disease” because of the impact of factors within the control in the individual to prevent or control the condition. Let’s get wise to diabetes and fight it.

Nagamootoo’s apologist should publish his name

Dear Editor,

Honest letter writers should never hide their true identity and it is only then that readers will be in a strong position to judge the impartiality and objectiveness of what they are trying to convince the readers about.

I refer to a letter captioned, ‘Nagamootoo has a record of standing up for sugar workers’ in the Guyana Chronicle dated November 14, 2015. This ‘no name’ apologist for Nagamootoo made a few personal remarks which I will not respond to but will dispel his ignorance about the contents of Nagamootoo’s statement I made mentioned about in my letter.

Firstly, Nagamootoo’s statement attempted to confront two separate and distinct issues: one was the threat by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to derecognise GAWU and the second was to address the fact that the sugar workers

were given ‘zero wage increase’. ‘No Name’ appears to be the ‘confused complainer’ when he deliberately tried to obliterate the second issue from Nagamootoo’s statement. In his state of ‘bazoodee’, he completely ignored the issue of wage increase!

Secondly, Nagamootoo’s effort to ‘light a candle’ at Christmas was simply to highlight the fact that sugar workers will face a ‘black Christmas’ since they will not receive any retroactive wage increase of Annual Production bonus! It was not about the ‘sugar industry’ but the ‘sugar workers’ wage increase.

This view is further strengthened by what Nagamootoo said at an Alliance For Change (AFC) rally on November 8, 2011 – one year after his ‘light a candle’ statement was published in the Stabroek News. He told the gathering there that sugar workers are being ‘screwed’ and attempted

to malign the then President by saying that President Jagdeo should take the thee per cent wage increase given to sugar workers and ‘put it where the monkey puts the peanuts’! In 2010 he had asked for a ‘nominal wage increase’ and then one year after that, he criticised what he had asked for. Furthermore, he never made any mention that sugar workers were made ‘scapegoats’ for political reasons as is now being claimed by this ‘ghost writer’. He emphasised that ‘sugar workers cannot be the only scapegoats for the failure’ of the industry.

Thirdly, the ‘ghost writer’ claimed that Nagamootoo was threatened of being expelled from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) because he supported the sugar workers for a wage increase in 2010! How can this be true when the President himself intervened on behalf of the sugar workers in 2010? This is a very feeble

attempt to hide the truth of the matter. His growing dissatisfaction was simply because he knew that he will not be made the Presidential Candidate for the PPP/Civic in the 2011 General and Regional Election! He resigned because of his own selfish agenda as is now seen. It was ‘President or nothing’! Furthermore, as a member of the AFC at that time we were all aware of this fact. His defection to the AFC was discussed by his friend Ramayya at meetings at Whim Village long before he eventually defected. In conclusion, I will stand by every word I wrote in my letter to the press which I have supported by Nagamootoo’s own statement made in December 2010 and will ask his apologist to publish his name the next time he writes.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Ruel Johnson must be made answerable to all Guyanese

Dear Editor,

Since 2011, the political arena has become invaded by a new form of war, one in which self-proclaimed intelligencia, one which is hell bent on promoting the war of politicians by launching attacks on those who might pose a threat to them in the next five years. In a land which saw freedom of expression restored and rebuilt under the PPP/C, this is perfectly fine. What isn’t fine however, is when these figures are public servants.

One such public servant is Ruel Johnson, who is now

a Cultural Policy Advisor, at the Education Ministry. One will not dispute his competence in holding such a position. However, two aspects of his position require clarification, on the basis of accountability and transparency from this government.

The point necessitating clarification is Johnson’s contribution to Carifesta XII as a member of the committee and the type of advice he provides in his current position. It is evident that the representation of Guyana’s multiculturalism

was poorly executed, and painted an ambiguous image of some cultures as compared to others. For someone who in 2011 has publicly stated in the media that his “attention is going to be focused on whomever it is” that would have replaced Dr Frank Anthony as Culture, Youth And Sport Minister, since his “concerns remain the poor execution of cultural policy” under the PPP/C administration, one could expect an explanation from him for the very poor representation of Guyanese at

Carifesta.

Additionally, judging from the discriminatory remarks posted by Johnson on his Facebook page, some of which border on racism, one is propelled to question the equity with which Guyanese will be treated based on his advice as a “Cultural Policy Advisor”. Examples such as chutney music threatening to “make his ears bleed” or imitating the Indo-accent of many PPP supporters are frequently seen in his comments.

turn to page 5

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR) was observed on Sunday. Mothers and relatives of those who died as a result of road fatalities holding pictures of their loved ones after a ‘Remembrance Day Awareness Walk’ on the seawall on Sunday

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Charandass Persaud must be condemned even if he apologises

Dear Editor

I have been out of Guyana since Diwali day (which one?... you may ask, but that is not of concern now!); what is of serious and substantive concern to me is the despicable expression ascribed to Charrandas Persaud, Attorney and Member of Parliament in which he reportedly wanted to physically remove (“haul-off”) from a public stage Vindhya Persaud, Medical Doctor, Member of Parliament, cultural leader as well as Head of the largest Hindu Organisation in Guyana.

For that to have happened at a time when Hindus all over the world were celebrating the triumph of good over evil while worshipping Mother Lakshmee, the Hindu goddess of light, exacerbates the profanity and disgust of such threatened action by someone who proclaims to be a Hindu, who is an Attorney and therefore by training, should be sensitive to Human Rights and furthermore, as a Member of Parliament should be above such divisive intentions and actions.

I am indeed very disappointed because I believe all leaders in Guyana need to work together, despite our personal feelings, to heal the many divisive wounds that already plague our dear land.

It is also worrisome that while the world is taking all kinds of initiatives and actions to promote gender equity and more so respect for our women-folk who are the embodiment of our mothers and sisters, who have already proven beyond doubt that they are absolutely no less capable in all fields of human endeavour as their men counterparts, that perceived leaders in Guyana are inclined to say and do what Charrandas Persaud is reported to have threatened.

Already our women leaders have publicly condemned Charrandas Persaud; however, the conspicuous silence of our menfolk is regrettable. I plead with all Guyana, especially my male friends, to let their objections to such anachronistic and despicable thoughts and actions be recorded, read and heard.

Furthermore, mental cruelty and physical violence against women in Guyana are already identified as social scourges in our society; we should let our leaders know in no uncertain way that they have responsibilities as role models, not perpetrators, in the fight against such societal ills.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

Who will stand up against injustice like Black students in Missouri?

Dear Editor,

A protest by black students at the University of Missouri (UM) forced the resignation of its President Tim Wolfe. Video footage on newscasts showed Indian Americans and other nonblacks joining the protest movement to bring about policy change, especially on race relations on campus (about seven per cent of the students are blacks showing their political power in spite of small size). But it was a largely Afro-initiated protest against purported racial discrimination. It was really led by black athletes (footballers) going on for a few weeks on a small scale until it blew up with a mass rally (inclusive of a Gandhian hunger strike by one footballer). The blacks were motivated by Martin Luther King’s message of “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. We must salute these students and model our behaviour to theirs; they stood up against injustice to their people. And Indian Americans and others supported their cause. Who in Guyana has the courage to stand up against racial injustice meted out to Indians, Amerindians and others?

There is an important lesson to learn from the students at UM – brave

Where is the Region 5 PM office?

Dear Editor

Why the APNU+AFC Government have to falter so much to the people? A few months the Prime Minister made a promise that an office of the Prime Minister will be in Region Five.

athletes risked their student scholarships (and education) to support a cause of justice against their ethnic group refusing to play a game. The university stood to lose US $1 million for not playing the weekend game (college football is big bucks in America). University of Missouri is a top football team. Black players had indicated they would not play; most of the team is black. This forced the President’s hand as the university could not afford the loss of revenues.

The black players as well as those who supported them showed they stand for something –took a stand against racial injustice. They stood together and they won. Who in Guyana has the courage to speak out against wrong doings on so many domestic issues in the manner of the black athletes at UM?

Personal riches means nothing if people suffer collectively as a group; one must not simply watch at injustice without speaking up. No one would have respect for individuals who simply look

on as injustice spreads its tentacles against members of their community. The black football players could have led matters lie and gotten a lot of money for playing the game and made a big name to earn millions annually in professional league. They could have lived high. But for them, injustice against their group was more important than money and title. They sacrificed a sense of self for what was a just cause for their people. They wanted their people to be treated with respect and cared for the dignity of their people. They did not want to pay lip service to or do nothing when they sense injustice. They acted out of principle and they were victorious.

The UM students action reminded me of the brave staff and students, yours truly included, at Corentyne High School who took action against injustice by the administration in late 1976 and early 1977. It led to a prolonged school strike by students and staff forcing, the administration and the ethnic dictator -

ship to grant our wishes. It was unfortunate that non-Indians did not support our struggle. When injustice rears its ugly head, people should speak out and take action. Nothing comes for free. You have to fight for it, earn it. Hardly a non-Indian speaks out against racial injustice in Guyana as the country is on course to repeat sordid experiences of 1965 to 1992.

Who in Guyana or in the Diaspora has the courage to emulate the behaviour of black students at UM to risk everything for their community against injustice? Who will take the risk to lead their community against crime that has been enveloping Guyana or injustice in the Diaspora? Only a few dare to act. Only a handful of us place community and national issues above our own needs to enhance the life of Guyanese (minority) in the Diaspora and communities within Guyana!

Yours truly, Vishnu

Bisram

Prime Minister, please stop being mendacious to the people of Region Five.

Yours faithfully, Ajay Hansraj

After that, Abel Seetaram, an associate of his, went on several TV programmes in Berbice and also promised the residents of Region Five that the PM’s office is at Fort Wellington, RDC compound. Myself and many other residents have gone to Fort Wellington, RDC compound, but cannot find any office of the Prime Minister.

Ruel

Johnson must be made...

Then comes his very pronounced anti-PPP activism which has led to him not only openly attacking party members and Members of Parliament who represent approximately 49% of the Guyanese electorate, but also their 200,000+ supporters. Johnson said: “If you support the PPP at this time, I have to assume that you are a complete racist, an idiot, or an outright turd. I will be civil to you, but I have absolutely no respect for you”. Indeed, one has a difficult time comprehending how a government offi-

cial is allowed to disrespect Guyanese in whose interest he is hired to work, even though it is their hard earned taxpayer dollars which finance his position. So, although any clarification coming from Johnson himself will be welcomed, I demand as a taxpayer that those responsible for this “Cultural Policy Advisor” elucidate the following:

1. What are the credentials of Ruel Johnson which makes him eligible for the position he holds

2. What was his contribution to the failed Carifesta XII which saw

from page 4

the underrepresentation of Guyana’s multiculturalism, and why is a Cultural Policy Advisor allowed to discriminate against IndoGuyanese

3. Does Johnson’s position as a public servant allow him to engage in political warfare as he does and insult the largest electorate of this country, that of the PPP.

A prompt response will be much appreciated.

Sincerely, Stacy Cheong

Page Foundation

Healthy communication: The skill of listening

How do you really listen?

Listening involves paying full attention to what your children have to say. It means turning off the running dialog that goes on in your head – the one where you are so busy thinking about all the things you need to do or should be doing or you are so busy thinking of the perfect response to your children that you miss half of what they are saying to you. If you are too busy at the moment to listen, then you can set an appointment with your child to talk at a later time. For example, “I need to make a few phone calls before 17:00h, but after I am finished, I am all yours.” It is important that you keep your commitment and don’t get involved in another activity. You want to communicate to your child that he is important and that you care about his thoughts, feelings, and struggles.

There are five different ways to use the skill of active listening, all communicating that you are attending to and accepting of what your children are saying:

Non-verbal active listening

A non-verbal listening response involves little or no verbal activity, but you show attentiveness by nodding and making facial expressions in response to your children’s statements. Through body language, you can convey to them that you are interested in what they have to say and are willing to take the time to listen. When you sense that your children want to talk, you set aside what you are doing, establish eye contact

or lean forward to indicate you are listening, and don’t answer the phone or look at your mobile device. Nonverbal responses also include such ‘comments’ as “I see” or “Uh hum.”

These non-verbal responses can be represented by a ticket to a movie – in which you are watching and listening and attending, but not speaking.

Content

A content listening response reflects back to your children the content of what you heard. This should be a paraphrase and not a parroting, which can be annoying and can sound false.

For example, when a child says, “I can’t sleep because I think a monster is going to get me,” a content listening response would be: “When you think there is a monster who might hurt you, you can’t get to sleep.”

These Content Responses can be represented by a mirror because you are reflecting back what your children have said to you.

Feeling

A feeling listening response focuses on the emotions you think your children might be experiencing. Notice the word “think” – the tone for any Active Listening response is usually tentative, almost as if it ended with a question mark, as if you are checking with your children that you accurately picked up the feeling underlying the words.

A feeling listening response to the child who can’t sleep would be: “When you think a monster might get you, you are too scared to go

to sleep.”

These Feeling Responses can be represented by a trash can, in trash canwhich your children can dump their feelings when they vent.

***A caution***: While it is important to allow your children to vent and share their feelings, if recounting the story over and over seems to escalate their emotions- rather than help dissipate them – you need to stop the rant. For example, “I know how upset you are. I think you need to take some time to calm down and then we can talk some more.”

Clarifying

A clarifying listening response takes a much broader or deeper view of the situation your children are facing, offers other possible reactions and identifies potential needs, values, expectations, wishes, and underlying issues.

A clarifying listening response to the child worried about the monster would be: “Thinking there is a monster somewhere around makes you feel as though you have to stay awake so he can’t get you; if you fall asleep, you worry you won’t be able to protect yourself.”

Clarifying responses can be represented by a calculator which helps someone to process information.

Universal truth

When you use a universal truth listening response with your children, you are offering a broad commentary about the situation that reflects their needs, feelings, or experience. Often these responses are ways to

teach your children a principle about life that relates to the situation and their reactions to it. Such statements can give your children food for thought as far as processing the situation and can help them to feel less alone. After all, you are telling your children that others have walked in their shoes and gone before them. Making your statement in the third person makes it seem more objective.

5 healthy non-listening responses

There are five responses that are healthy and appropriate at certain times, but they are not active listening. As a parent, you want your children to be happy, and the hardest thing to do is listen to their struggles – you want to do something. However, your actions may get in the way. There is definite-

A Universal Truth listening response to the frightened child might be: “People can be afraid even if they have been told over and over that there is nothing to be afraid of. The feelings just stay even if the person knows in his head that what he is afraid of really isn’t there.” These responses can be represented by the world since you are giving your children universal truths which tell them that other people often react in the same way as they have to a similar situation. (Excerpt from centerforparentingeducation.org)

ly a time and place for the following responses; but since they are not Active Listening responses, they will not necessarily help your children to explore a situation and come to their own decisions about how to handle it. They do not allow your children to vent their feelings; in fact, they can cut off discussions. And they do not necessarily enhance your relationship with your children in the same way that Active Listening can, encouraging closeness, re-

spect and ultimately, independence. Here are the common traps that parents fall into when trying to listen to their children:

1. Reassuring You want to promise your children that it will all be okay in the end, it’s not such a big deal, and things will work out for the best. While their problems may seem small and easily rectified to you, they don’t seem so to your children. By reassuring your children too quickly, you minimise the problem and stop the conversation. You want to tell your children that they are fully capable of handling the situation. But if they are not convinced they can, your reassurance can feel like you are discounting the situation. It is as if you are saying that whatever the problem is, it is not so bad.

2. Explaining

Because your children are still young, they may lack all of the knowledge or information needed to accurately assess a situation. You may want to fill in the gaps and explain why another person behaved the way he did. While quite useful and important, these explanations fall under the category of teaching – an important part of parenting, but not part of listening. This form of communication tends to place the focus on the situation, not on your children, their experiences, or their reactions. It suggests they consider things at an intellectual level rather than a feeling level.

3. Suggesting Again, you want your children to be happy. It is uncomfortable to watch them struggle, especially when the solutions to their problems are quite clear to you. Like teaching your children, helping your children find ways to resolve a difficult situation is an important part of parenting. However, if you move into that mode too quickly, your children do not feel heard and usually reject any of your attempts to help. This form of communication also moves the conversation into an action mode. It denies the importance of venting feelings, sorting them out, and processing. It may tell your children that they are not capable of handling the situation, and that you know best. (Excerpt from centerforparentingeducation.org)

Guyana on high alert for Swine Flu virus – Health Minister

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

Fear of the deadly H1N1 virus commonly known as ‘swine flu’ being spread throughout the Caribbean and more specifically Guyana, Health Minister Dr George Norton has announced that this country is on high alert.

Over the past week, two persons died in Trinidad and Tobago after contracting the virus. Another person from the twin-island republic has also been diagnosed with the killer flu.

As such, Guyana is currently on high alert for signs of this virus and is poised to deal with this should the H1N1 virus enter the country.

This is according to Public Health Minister Dr George Norton, who told Guyana Times on Sunday that while there have been no reports of the virus in Guyana, at the moment focus is on preventive measures.

He explained that while the H1N1 is curable and the treatment is more ‘systematic’ (viral treatment), it is crucial that everyone concentrate more on prevention at this time.

According to the Minister, Guyana presently has the capacity to supply the treatment.

“The swine flu carries the regular symptoms of sneezing, coughing, pains, difficulties in breathing; sometimes you get secre-

tions from the nose like the regular flu so to speak, this belongs to the influenza group, specifically the H1N1 virus group,” Dr Norton said.

According to the Minister, persons who appear to have the symptoms should use a swab and have a sample of body fluid sent to the National Reference Laboratory which has already been placed on high alert.

“They will do tests to determine whether or not there are any possibilities that it might be the H1N1 flu virus. If they suspect that this is the case, then we will have it sent to the Caribbean laboratory to get it confirmed. But the people at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation which really is our main source of referral are aware of it; they are looking for it and our port of entries are all active… Last week or the week before we had our national task force meeting convened and we are fully

prepared and ready for it,” the Minister assured.

With regards to ensuring preventive measures are in place, he stated that persons have to ensure they are healthy and remain that way, so as to guarantee their immune systems are not susceptible to contracting flu-like symptoms.

Minister Norton warned that should there be individuals who are sneezing and appear to be stuffy while having a high a temperature along with other flu-like symptoms then they must get tested.

Guyana Times was also assured that the doctors at the GPHC are ‘prepared and ready’ to handle any flu-like cases which may actually be swine flu cases.

“I went to the GPHC this morning (Sunday) and I went there yesterday as well, asking if they are seeing any symptoms that might make them even suspicious that the virus is here but they have assured me that no one has shown any symptoms of the virus. They are fully aware of what is going on and ready for them. We are fully aware that two persons have died in Trinidad and one person contracted it recently and we are not going to be taken unaware… Guyana is ready and prepared for this and that is how the doctors are responding at the GPHC,” he added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Police still investigating MFK boss death

More than a year after his death, police are still conducting investigations into the murder of MFK boss, Mohammed Khan, 54, whose decomposed headless body was found on September 22, 2014 at Old Road, Cummings Lodge, Georgetown.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Friday told Guyana Times the force is at the moment still conducting investigations as was recommended by the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Following that advice, Blanhum said police are still questioning some of its sources.

Khan’s head was reportedly found by workers attached to the Public Works Ministry who were weeding in the area. It was reportedly in a black plastic bag and was being carried by a dog. Upon the discovery, the men went to the area from where the dog

came and stumbled upon the body. The businessman who resided in Venezuela after selling his Hadfield Street, Georgetown, business left that country on August 21, 2014 to visit his Guyanese attorney.

He was expected to spend five days in Guyana and return to his three children and wife. After his disappearance, his

Harmon donates salary increase towards street lights

Minister of State Harmon has decided to donate his salary increases to assist in the setting up of street lights in several villages.

The Minister made the announcement while addressing residents at the People’s National Congress’ (PNC) Regional Conference on Sunday at the Vreeden-Hoop Secondary School, West Coast Demerara.

On Sunday, Minister Harmon told the gathering he had been approached by residents of several West Bank Demerara villages including Pouderoyen, who had requested that lights be installed in preparation of their Village day 2015, since, according to reports, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) did not have a budgetary allocation for the installation of street lights.

He said that soon after,

he was approached by residents of Crane Housing Scheme, who were facing a similar problem: “I promised them that I would do something for them and so today I donate to the people of Crane, the value of the salary increase I received for this month,” he said.

This was followed by the Minister handing over a cheque for the sum of $217,000 to Bowman, a par-

ty activist and resident of Crane Housing Scheme, for the installation of street lights, which will be placed from the highway, into the Scheme.

Minister Harmon has also promised to donate his November increase to the community of Angoys Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice and the December salary increase will be given to a community on the Essequibo Coast.

Indian PM condemns terrorism in Paris

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly condemned the dreadful acts of terrorism in Paris and expressed deepest sympathy and support to Russia for the loss of life in Sinai. He spoke of the need for a united global effort to combat terrorism which has never been more urgent and called for making this a priority for BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - nations.

Sunday afternoon.

family contacted several of his friends, but no one had seen him.

After the discovery, relatives of the businessman turned up at the Lyken Funeral Home and positively identified the remains as those of Khan by the underwear and a belt that were found on the corpse. Investigators believe the man was beheaded before his body was dumped in the area.

On July 9, 2014, the businessman was shot to his abdomen by a gunman at La Grange, West Bank Demerara in a failed execution attempt. It was reported that a business deal had turned sour. At that time, he claimed he had sold a property, but the buyer wanted to rob him of millions and he thought the execution attempt might have been orchestrated by the buyer.

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

Ankara and Beirut are also reminders of terror’s growing spread and impact, Modi said in his opening address at a BRICS nations leaders meeting hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit that started later

“The entire humanity must stand together as one against terrorism,” Modi said at the meeting that is being seen as a signal from the BRICS nations to the developed countries of their rising significance in global matters. There was a time when the logic of BRICS and its lasting capacity were being questioned, Modi said. “We have provided proof of the relevance and value of BRICS through our actions…and, this has come at a time of huge global challenges”.

The meeting was also attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Jacob Zuma and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. Speaking of India’s imminent assumption of the Chairmanship of BRICS from February 1, 2016, the Prime Minister said: “India attaches the highest importance to BRICS.”

The theme of India’s BRICS Chairmanship will be “Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions” or ‘BRICS’. Modi also assured China of India’s support during its presidency of G20. China is set to take over the rotating presidency of the G20 starting in December 2015. (India Today)

The New Development Bank, the Currency Reserve Arrangement, Strategy for BRICS Economic Cooperation are clear evidence of the BRICS’ vision and resolve, said Modi. “Together, we can also give shape to G20.”

Health Minister, Dr George Norton

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Murdered: Mohamed Khan

monday, november 16, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

France strikes ISIS in Syria

French warplanes

pounded Islamic State positions in Syria on Sunday as Police in Europe widened their investigations into coordinated attacks in Paris that killed more than 130 people.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for Friday’s suicide bombings and shootings, which have re-ignited a row over Europe’s refugee crisis and drawn calls to block a huge influx of Muslim asylum-seekers.

French Police have launched an international hunt for a Belgian-born man they believe helped organise the assaults with two of his brothers. One of the brothers died in the attacks, while the second one is under arrest in Belgium, a judicial source said.

A further two French suicide attackers have been identified, Police said, while the identity of four other assailants, who all died in the violence, was still under review.

France has been bombing Islamic State positions in Iraq and Syria for months as part of a US-led operation.

Following Friday’s mayhem, Paris vowed to destroy the group. Underlining its resolve, French jets on Sunday

Jordan. Twenty bombs were dropped,” the Defence Ministry said. Among the targets were a munitions depot and training camp, it said.

There was no word on casualties or the damage in-

launched their biggest raids in Syria to date, hitting its stronghold in Raqqa.

“The raid ... including 10 fighter jets, was launched simultaneously from the United Arab Emirates and

flicted.

The Paris attacks were seen causing a short-term selloff in global stock markets on Monday, but few strategists expected a prolonged economic impact or

change in prevailing market directions.

Seven held in Belgium

The investigation into Friday’s attacks, the worst atrocity in France since World War Two, led swiftly to Belgium after Police discovered that two of the cars used by the Islamist militants had been rented in the Brussels region.

By Sunday, Belgian officials said they had arrested seven people in Brussels. But one of the people who had hired the cars slipped through the fingers of the Police. He was pulled over on the French-Belgian border on Saturday, but later released.

Police named the man they were seeking as Abdeslam Salah, saying the 26-year-old was “dangerous”. Although he was born in Brussels, French authorities said he was a French national. (Reuters)

Female transgender turns heads in court in revealing dress

Atransgender woman accused of mowing down her lover during a tiff created quite a stir when she appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court in a transparent skintight dress showing her black underwear.

The voluptuous transgender cosmetologist accused, who now sports breasts, extended hips and buttocks and was adorned in Brazilian hair

touching her waist and nude pumps, seemed to have fooled many of the men in the courtroom, whose attention she had captured.

The 24-year-old accused, who is charged with manslaughter, was arrested and charged in connection with the death of her lover, Carlos Ottary, a landscaper of Chancery Hall in St Andrew.

The incident allegedly occurred on July 7 along

Hamilton Drive in St Andrew around 14:45h.

The accused was reportedly driving along Hamilton Drive, heading towards Leas Flats, when ‘she’ hit the now deceased man who had been walking along the roadside. The vehicle went over a gully and ended on top of the victim.

According to the accused in her statement, on the day in question she drove up to

the home which she shared with Ottary and got into an argument with him when he threw a stone and hit the rear window and also hit her on her elbow.

Following the incident, Ottary reportedly left the yard and walked down the road, while the accused subsequently went into her car with the intention of going to the Police station.

While driving on Hamilton Drive, the accused said she saw a big stone coming towards her, evaded it, but let go of the steering wheel, resulting in the vehicle hitting an embankment and ending in a ditch.

The accused realised that she had hit the man whom she claimed she had not seen walking down the road. She was later told the identity of the victim and said that it was he who had thrown the stone in the car which had damaged the windshield.

According to the accused, she and the now deceased had been together for four years in an abusive relationship.

She said the accused had abused her on several occasions, and had even cut her in her eye once and she had made several reports against him at more than one Police stations.

However, the accused said that she did not intentionally hit her lover, as she had never harmed him during their tumultuous relationship because she loved him.

When the case was called, Attorney Valerie NeitaRoberston, who is representing the accused, told Senior Resident Magistrate (SRM) Judith Pusey that her client was driving when someone threw a stone into her car and she ducked her head to avoid being hit and lost control of the vehicle which hit the victim. The matter was subsequently scheduled for mention in January of next year.

(Jamaica Observer)

Eyew tness

Fruit of the poisoned tree…

…in politics

Some folks don’t believe circumstantial evidence should convict people of crimes. They like to see the “smoking gun” or hear the evidence from credible persons who saw the smoking gun. Well there are some politicians still around – and in fact ONE occupying the highest office of the land – who denied the 1973 elections were massively rigged with the aid of the GDF.

They swore this as recently as the May election campaign. Well the smoking gun on the fraudulent 1973 elections has just been produced – and by the most credible witness of them all: the US. Diplomatic cables from the US Embassy here to its State Department – and released by Wiki Leaks - announced flatly: 1973 elections were “massively rigged”. That’s right – “massively”

As it is today, the US had been very friendly with the PNC government then – in fact had ensconced it into office via CIA-inspired riots, just a decade before. So when the US Ambassador is instructed from on high NOT to even offer “congratulations” on Burnham’s announced “victory” you know “things na regulah”!

The US was shocked at the barefacedness of the PNC in the enormity of the rigging and the use of GDF troops to effectuate same. The cables detailed how the real ballot boxes were transported to Army Headquarters and switched with previously stuffed ones. Many of those officers rigging elections - just like any other Banana Republic dictator - would’ve been trained at US facilities. The US had gone along with the 1968 rigging – mostly through the overseas vote and proxies – because they’d conceded the PNC’s party machinery was “weak”.

But after directly funding the party to get its act together to bring out the vote – it definitely shocked the Americans — the PNC’s open thuggery and intimidation of the Opposition in 1973. They feared for “racial violence”. But apart from the killing of two PPP activists on the Corentyne there wasn’t widespread “violence – racial or otherwise”. The ten-fold increase of the “Disciplined Forces” – all from the ranks of the PNC’s base, didn’t hurt.

But it was interesting the US was more concerned about Burnham’s heavy handedness seen in his rigging –this, they said, they hadn’t “expected”. A more “refined” rigging –presumably like in 1968 – would’ve been preferred. But in the end, the Americans shrugged:, “Burnham was still in and Jagan was still out”.

Fast forward to the present, where the descendants of Burnham were given the US blessing as “winning” the May elections against the descendants of Jagan.

According to the PPP, the forms were observed and the rigging was more surgical than 1973. And all is well in the world again!

…in army?

Well, after its sterling (now documented and credibly verified) role in the protection of our Guyanese democratic tradition, the GDF’s in the swing of things again. One of its former Commanding officers is now Head of State and Commander in Chief, and he’s not forgetting his squaddies. The GDF and all its wings – air and marine – are to be augmented. The GDF didn’t waste much time in bringing in 375 new recruits – and to the heck with the “ethnic impact statement” promised in the manifesto.

The GDF now has its own “Day” on the calendar and with most of its former brass in top positions in government, happy days are here again. Even the fella in change of next year’s Independence Sport in New York, is old school GDF. NOW THERE’s nothing intrinsically wrong with army types… it’s just that history has this way of repeating itself.

And this becomes almost a certainty when you recreate the underlying structural conditions.

….and the road not taken

Straining for respectability, the Khronic knocked former president Ramotar for “The Road not taken”. But in cogging Robert Frost’s famous poem, they unwittingly praised the man.

Ramotar had the courage not to take the easy, popular, beaten path, but the more difficult principled one.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

French War plane

US saw Guyana’s PetroCaribe deal as "unrealistic" – WikiLeaks

The United States Embassy had deemed the PetroCaribe arrangement between Guyana and Venezuela prior to its debut here as a deal that would be introduced with “unrealistic expectations.”

The US Embassy in Georgetown described that the former administration’s ‘optimistic Guyanese’ leaders were prepared to reap the promised benefits but were unprepared for the logistics and ramifications of doing business under the untested programme.

According to the US diplomatic cable recently released by Wikileaks, Government officials also expected Venezuela to write off the 40 per cent concessional financing.

The cable states that Guyana had planned to purchase 5200 barrels of refined oil a day from PetroCaribe, roughly 50 per cent of its requirements, with the range of refined products being diesel, gas, kerosene and fuel oil.

However, in spite of recommendations of importing all of Guyana’s fuel needed under the plan, then President Bharrat Jagdeo and former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds balked at the idea of putting “all of their eggs in one basket.”

Meanwhile, the GuyanaVenezuelan political dynamic, which includes a border controversy and a history of broken oil trade contracts, was mentioned by the US Diplomatic cable and suggested that easy financing

may come with its own consequences.

“Venezuela has a longstanding border dispute with Guyana, claiming territory up to the Essequibo River. Entering into a high-

ly subsidised oil contract could complicate Guyana’s negotiating position, should the dispute become active again,” it said. It was also pointed out that providing affordable energy was the key to addressing Guyana’s status as a poor country, indicating a higher consumption of energy equals a higher standard of living.

With Guyana having a multitude of renewable energy sources, including wind, hydropower, solar, biomass, and bagasse, the US Embassy’s assistance in encouraging Guyana’s leaders was sought to push alternative energy development.

“There are other factors to consider: With hydropow-

er, for instance, there is the added responsibility of ensuring that communities in the region where hydropower is being developed -- primarily Amerindian villages - are not flooded. The prime minister also noted that wind power is unpredictable at best.”

According to the WikiLeaks, at that time, in the last 30 years, Guyana had bounced back and forth between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago as its primary source for oil imports.

It said that since 2002, Trinidad and Tobago has been supplying the majority of Guyana’s oil needs.

“With oil prices skyrocketing in the last several years, the PetroCaribe offer proved too good to pass up, and so after watching and waiting as bilateral agreements with Jamaica, Belize and Suriname fell into place, Guyana finalised its own deal. But the end game may be to never pay back the 40 per cent oil loan at all... In fact, the Government of Guyana prides itself on getting others to relinquish its debt obligations.”

The US Diplomatic cable went on to say that meanwhile, according to press reports, the US Geological Survey estimated that there could be as much as 15 billion barrels of oil resources in Guyana’s offshore waters — a resource that could transform Guyana in unimaginable ways if its border controversy with Venezuela is resolved.

France TGV crash: Children on board derailed train

Several children were on board when a highspeed train derailed during a test run in France, killing 11 people, the rail company SNCF has said.

Five people are still missing and more than 30 were injured in the TGV crash near the eastern city of Strasbourg.

Investigators are trying to determine who the chil-

dren are and why they were on board when access was meant to be restricted to technicians.

It is not clear whether children were among the dead.

“That’s not a practice that the SNCF recognises,” said company Chief Guillaume Pepy. “A test train is a test train”.

SNCF said it was pos-

President announces Village Education Scholarship Trust

President David Granger has announced the launching of a Village Education Scholarship Trust on Sunday.

According to the Head of State, once this scheme is established in villages they will each receive funding from Government, so the most vulnerable within these communities can be provided with support.

The Head of State however noted that the proposed name does not necessarily have to be used by every village. What is more important is that there is accountability for the disbursement and management of the Trust.

President Granger said

this initiative, like others rolled out by the administration, will aid in ensuring equal access to educational opportunity. This latest addition will add to the existing “Three B’s” — boats, bicycles and buses initiative — which seeks to provide transportation for children to get to and from school.

“We have to look after children. We have to make sure that they can get to school, in the first place. Every village must be able to produce scholars of excellence, scholars of quality,” the Head of State said.

The President made the announcement while addressing residents of Ann’s Grove and neighbouring communities at the Ann’s

Grove Secondary School to celebrate Elisa Hamilton, who excelled at this year’s Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE). Hamilton secured five grade ones and one grade two at CAPE, and was honoured by her fellow villagers at a simple ceremony. The President also used the opportunity to speak about the important role villages must play in educating the nation’s children. The President said school dropout rates across the country are alarming and there is the need for every stakeholder in society, including families and churches, to play their role in ensuring every child attends school.

sible that railway workers’ children were on board when the train crashed, reportedly at around 350 kilometres per hour (km/h) -- 217mph.

Excessive speed has been blamed for the crash, the first fatal accident since TGV trains began operating in 1981.

The train ended up partially submerged in a canal under a bridge. (BBC News)

President David Granger addressing the gathering at the Anns Grove Secondary School

The train ended up in a canal

Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

Jagdeo clarifies comments

BY EDWARD LAYNE

Leader of the Opposition and former President Bharrat Jagdeo has sought to set the record straight regarding his public comments on the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy and the position for a juridical settlement which the A Partnership for National Unity /Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) government has been pushing on this matter.

Jagdeo at a news conference last month had said that as president, he had explored as one of five options, the possibility of giving Venezuela access to the Atlantic Ocean offshore Guyana, without giving up any of the land territory or compromising the 1899 Tribunal Award, as part of a deal to settle the long-running border controversy.

However, these options were never presented to the Venezuelans.

But a local news website INews, had “distorted” Jagdeo’s position, by reporting that he had offered to give up the Orinoco River to Venezuela.

It is important to note that the Orinoco River, throughout most of its course it flows through Venezuela, except for a section that forms part of the frontier between Venezuela and Colombia.

This inaccurate report created significant debates among Guyanese and in a bid to clarify what was said, Jagdeo in a televised interview on TVG Channel 28 on Friday evening said his comments were distorted.

“Let me say to all of those who have been critical, because it was distorted, the person from INews asked me where was this (the channel for Venezuela) and I said that the channel would have been near the Orinoco, he thought it was the Essequibo and I said the Orinoco, and the next thing I saw was a news report from the INews saying that I had offered to give up the Orinoco. The Orinoco doesn’t belong to us, how I can offer to give it up and then when we complained about it, they quickly amended it to say riverain area,” Jagdeo explained. Further, he clarified this option was never placed on the table with the Venezuelans, but was merely considered internally by his government.

He also brushed aside criticisms of the fact that this option was considered, even internally, noting that during his 12-year tenure as president, he explored several options in order to have a good sense of what was available to him and the corresponding

advantages and disadvantages.

“You have some people now who think we shouldn’t explore things even internally. Well let me say to them, I was never that sort of president and I will never be that sort of opposition leader. I believe in doing homework, I believe in studying every single thing available to us, I took the time and effort to do that, options available to us, but without making a determination as to which one will be formally put at the negotiating table. A president needs to know all the solutions available to his country and to look through them from the per-

spective of advantages and disadvantages. I see a lot of people commenting on this as though a president must be a dummy and not study anything. Well I can’t be that,” the former president asserted.

Jagdeo reminded that he was left with no other option but to raise these issues in the public domain particularly the government’s position that it is in favour of a juridical settlement, since President David Granger has failed to fulfil a promise of establishing a special committee to address border related issues.

“I lamented the fact that in the absence of that committee I was forced to raise some issues publicly that I would have liked to raise in the committee and to seek clarification on that. What I did was I raised rhetorical issues. I am not opposed to the juridical route, because we had looked at that when I was president. What I wanted rhetorically for the government to answer were these questions and I knew the answers to the questions but this was for public consumption, to show that we are thinking though the issue before we box ourselves rigidly into a single position,” he explained.

Jagdeo said as president, he was pushing hard for Venezuela to drop the border matter, following a statement by then president Hugo Chavez, who during a visit to Guyana, said the border controversy was an imperialist imposition.

“I recalled going to the United Nations and then walking over to see Chavez at their Embassy (in New York) and taking with me a ton of documents from the ’60’s, showing the CIA’s involvement in Guyana and the British secret service, and I said to him here are documents that supports your view. Now as an internationalist and a person who said he believes in integration and justice you have an obligation now to drop this border claim, because you yourself have said it is an imperialist imposition,” he recalled.

The former President reminded that Guyana was only able to settle one border controversy since it gained independence in 1966 and it was under his presidency this was achieved, when Guyana successfully settled an age-old border dispute with its Dutch neighbour Suriname.

“No border has been settled definitively on post-Independence period. All of these agreements predated independence… the only settled border that was settled definitively was done in my tenure. I have never compromised national interest, not an inch of Guyanese land has been given up and in fact I am the only president who has settled definitely one of our boundaries during my tenure in office,” he said.

URP calls for empowerment of local communities – and measures to guarantee free and fair LGE

The United Republican Party (URP) is calling on Government to empower local bodies to handle their own affairs and the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) to ensure the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) is “free and fair”.

President of URP Vishnu Bandhu stated that while local government elections is welcomed and expected to be

held near March, nothing will change unless people are put in charge of their own affairs.

“The people are the source of power. In their locales, they are in the best position to determine what is in their interests. The people should have control over budgetary matters and the power to raise funds as well as security and the power to undertake policies that support their needs,” Bandhu said.

The central government, he said, should not dictate to the best interest of communities but rather provide resources and guidance. “The URP calls on APNU/AFC and PPP to immediately pass a bill granting self-governing powers to local bodies,” the party leader explained.

Bandhu also stated that with regards to holding of the elections, “Gecom’s conduct over the entire process remains much to be desired”. He claimed that last May’s election was not free and fair as there were too many issues that negated democratic election, “not the least being multi-

ple voting by some voters, stuffing of ballot boxes, two types of ink to stain fingers, fake statements of poll, biased poll workers, polling stations at homes of party supporters, lack of accreditation of URP polling agents, etc”.

He added that the URP was promised accreditation certificates (by Gecom) for its polling agents and observers, but none was granted when demanded by the party as was their democratic right as contestants in the elections. He said his agents and observers were thrown out of polling places when they showed up to witness voting and counting of ballots.

The URP reminds Gecom (its Chairman and CEO in particular) that free and fair elections are important in enhancing democracy in our nation.

Elections provide an important opportunity to advance people’s participation in governance, especially in a country like Guyana where there is centralized governance and where the dominant parties are unwilling to devolve power to the people.

Bandhu pointed out that Guyana has a long history of fraudulent elections between 1964 and 1992, and unless elections are free and fair, the local governments chosen will not be legitimate and there will be instability, which he stated will inevitably lead to stifled development.

He stated that based on the foregoing the election must be transparent and stand up to scrutiny.

“Gecom must take measures to ensure the places selected as polling stations and the people hired to work at all phases of the polling process are beyond reproach and not a repeat of 11 May.

In addition, Gecom must take measures to ensure the kind of skulduggery that took place last May is not repeated. Gecom must provide an impartial electoral framework, credible electoral administration, and effective (unbiased) oversight of the electoral process,” Bandhu also stated in his release. (jpinder@guyanagy.com)

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

President of URP, Vishnu Bandhu

Fractured baby shoulder Incident engages Region Two Administration

BY: INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

Parbattie Ramdat, 29, whose baby’s shoulder was fractured during delivery at Suddie Public Hospital is yet to hear from the hospital about the child’s injuries.

The matter has now engaged the attention of Region Two Administration.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Chairman Davanand Ramdatt said he is unhappy over the incident and especially the manner in which the new mother was treated.

The chairman, Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah and other regional officials had visited the mother at her Reliance home where they listened to the mother’s plight and noted her concerns.

Ramdatt told this publication he will seek an audience with the administration of the hospital to ensure a proper investigation is conducted into the incident.

He further explained that the matter calls for concern and himself and Coonjah will be meeting with the Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson to discuss and determine how and when the RDC could be of assistance to the family.

The Chairman said from all indication the newborn needs to access specialised treatment.

Ramdatt said the matter will be dealt with by the Region Two Administration so that there is not a recurrence of such a case.

Meanwhile Coonjah has also noted her concern about the incident. She said she still believes follow-up should have been done by medical officials of the hospital on the child’s condition.

Parbattie Ramdat delivered her baby at the Suddie Public Hospital on October 26, but did not get to see him immediately.

According to the mother, she and family kept enquiring about the baby, but were told the baby was in a critical condition.

She said that after demanding to see her child, the baby was brought to her with his right hand in a cast. She said the nurses then requested to take the child to recast the hand, since they claimed it was not “cast properly”.

The mother said she was discharged on November 2 and when she returned with the baby on Thursday, she was advised that the child needed another X-ray. Following this X-ray she said, the doctors informed her that the child’s shoulder was fractured and they needed to cast both hands.

She said she is very saddened by the entire situation, and the scarcity of information about her child makes it worse.

Bruster’s founder visits Guyana

TTrade and Agri Ministers meet with region’s private sector

The concerns and implications of doing business in the Caribbean were among issues discussed during a four-hour engagement between regional Ministers responsible for trade, agriculture and/or economic matters, and the region’s private sector.

Given the importance attached to facilitating the business community as the engine of growth in the Caribbean, the special session with the regions’ private sector was among the first order of business, as the Caribbean Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) met over two days (November 11 to 13),at its 40th Ministerial meeting at the Pegasus Hotel in Guyana.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, and this year’s COTED Chairperson Maxine Pamela Ometa McClean, in speaking to the media, following the conclusion of the formal meeting, reported there were fulsome discussions on a variety of subjects the body considered critical to the growth and development of its member states.

Speaking on the highlevel engagement and frank dialogue with private sector heads, McClean

explained that the interchange focused on investment promotion, challenges and priority for the business community, doing business in the Caribbean, and successes of various private sector development interventions.

How successes could be replicated, unleashing the potential of micro and small enterprises, the cost and ease of doing business in the Caribbean, competitiveness, quality assurance, security in all its ramifications, human, energy and food, community rights, media as part of the private sector and communication, particularly with respect to reportage of trade and economic issues, were among the matters deliberated on.

McClean further explained that the Ministers recognised that a response to the private sector must be strategic and coherent, and should address subjects such as concentration, risk factors, use of cash limits for official transactions like customs, access to finance and the development of an effective communication strategy.

She said the Caricom Secretariat will establish a matrix on the actionable points of the discussion, and draw up an implemen -

tation schedule on those matters.

The special session with the region’s business community attracted representation from the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Caribbean Agro-business Association, the Caribbean Poultry Association, Compete Caribbean-InterAmerican Development Bank, the Economist Intelligence Unit-Colombia Law schools, Caribbean Exports, Caribbean Association of Small and Medium Enterprise, and the West Indian Rum and Spirits Association.

The COTED meeting also saw deliberation on the implication of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) application processing system, which is set to begin on a phased basis next year.

McClean added that along with this COTED, already started were the deliberations on the region’s future economic trade strategy and agenda, taking into account the request from other countries in the wider Caribbean and the hemisphere, to conclude trade agreements with Caricom.

he founder of the Bruster’s Ice Cream Franchise, Bruce Reed, visited Guyana over the weekend and shared that his company’s decision to operate the franchise in Guyana was “not a disappointment”.

ognition of what his company has been able to accomplish so far in Guyana.

a subsidiary of WT George Group of Companies and was launched at the Regent & Hinck Street location in May of 2012. The launch was attended by

At a simple meet-andgreet held at Bruster’s Guyana Camp Street location, Reed stated that he was very grateful for the rec-

The short event was attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo; US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, and Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder.

Bruster’s Guyana – the first international franchise operation of Bruster’s– is

the parent company’s then Head of Operations, Todd Bilovus and then Regional Sales Manager (now VicePresident) Marcie Chong. The Camp Street branch was opened earlier this year.

From left, Bruster’s Ice Cream Founder Bruce Reed, Company VP Marcie Chong, PM Moses Nagamootoo, US Ambassador Perry Holloway, and Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, along with a local Bruster’s official

The mother Parbattie Ramdat and her baby

monday, november 16, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

David Granger had “reputation of racist” – WikiLeaks cables

– PNCR says report malicous

United States diplomatic cable has revealed that the United States Government viewed Guyana’s now President David Granger as a ‘racists’.

This has promoted much outcry from the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) who on Sunday described

the report as “malicious”.

The Party was responding to the published Wikileaks cable covering a wide range of issues which prevailed during the early 1970s, while Guyana was under the leadership of the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

The report states; “Mc David (a former National

Service Head) and Granger have reputations as ideologues and antiEast Indian racists”.

But the PNCR in a release to the media on Sunday said the cable’s accusation with no supporting foundational evidence has no place in mainstream media.

The report, which covered a wider perspective of that era, also reported that the 1973 elections were rigged.

It reported too that government, during that time had planned to relocate Guyana’s Capital from Georgetown to Matthew’s Ridge, North West District, and that then President Burnham had a hand in the refusal of a US visa to then opposition leader Dr Cheddi Jagan, and further, revelations of party Paramountcy.

ExxonMobil earnings down by US$5.1B

United States oil and gas exploration company ExxonMobil Inc recently announced its estimated third quarter 2015 earnings of US$4.2 billion, or US$1.01 per diluted share, compared with $8.1 billion a year earlier.

“We maintain a relentless focus on business fundamentals, including cost management, regardless of commodity prices,” Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rex W Tillerson said. He continued that quarterly results reflect the continued strength of

Also earnings of US$4.2 billion decreased to US$3.8 billion, or 47 per cent, from third quarter 2014, earnings per share, assuming dilution, were US$1.01, a decrease of 47 per cent, capital and exploration expenditures were US$7.7 billion, down 22 per cent from third quarter 2014, oil-equivalent production increased 2.3 per cent from third quarter 2014, with liquids up 13 per cent and natural gas down 10 per cent, cash flow from operations and asset sales was US$9.7 billion, including proceeds as-

the company’s Downstream and Chemical businesses and underscore the benefits of its integrated business model.

According to the company, downstream segment earnings nearly doubled from the third quarter of 2014 due to stronger refining margins. Chemical results, comparable with the year-ago quarter, reflect continued strength in product margins and the quality of the company’s product and asset mix.

Upstream production volumes increased 2.3 per cent, or 87,000 barrels per day, to 3.9 million oil-equivalent barrels per day. Liquids volumes of 2.3 million barrels per day rose 13 per cent driven by new developments in Canada, Indonesia, the United States, Angola, and Nigeria.

During the quarter, the corporation distributed US$3.6 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share purchases to reduce shares outstanding.

sociated with asset sales of US$491 million

The report also stated the corporation distributed some US$3.6 billion to shareholders in the third quarter of 2015, including $500 million in share purchases to reduce shares outstanding.

Upstream earnings were US$1.4 billion in third quarter 2015, down US$5.1 billion from third quarter 2014. Lower liquids and gas realisations decreased earnings by US$5.1 billion, while volume and mix effects, driven by new developments, increased earnings by US$110 million. All other items decreased earnings by US$70 million.

On an oil-equivalent basis, production increased 2.3 per cent from third quarter 2014. Liquids production totalled 2.3 million barrels per day, up 266,000 barrels per day, with project ramp-up and entitlement effects partly offset by field de-

cline. Natural gas production was 9.5 billion cubic feet per day, down 1.1 billion cubic feet per day from 2014 due to regulatory restrictions in the Netherlands and field decline, partly offset by project volumes.

US Upstream earnings declined US$1.7 billion from third quarter 2014 to a loss of US$442 million in third quarter 2015.

According to the report, during third quarter 2015, ExxonMobil purchased some 6.5 million shares of its common stock for the treasury to reduce the number of shares outstanding at a cost of US$500 million.

US oil giant ExxonMobil is expected to commence its second round of drilling for oil in the Stabroek Block as soon as first quarter 2016. In May, ExxonMobil announced its findings of more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. Recent reports predict that this find could see Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) escalating to 12 times its current figure, which is transformational for any developing country. Guyana’s GDP stands at around US$3.23 billion. In early March, the oil and gas company, one of the largests in the world, was warned by the Spanish-speaking Venezuela to refrain from going ahead with its planned exploratory drilling activity, on a concession awarded by Guyana offshore its Essequibo Coast.

Venezuela has repeatedly laid claim to the area being explored, ignoring an 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which was declared as the full and final settlement of the boundary between the two South American nations. Following the discovery of oil-bearing rocks in the area, Venezuela’s aggression grew stronger.

However, ExxonMobil assured it will not be intimidated by that country’s claims and will continue its work in Guyana’s offshore waters. The multibillion-dollar oil exploration project, which is expected to be executed over 10 years, got underway in early March.

Highway clean-up exercise for Linden/Soesdyke stretch

An initiative to clean the entire Linden Soesdyke Highway is soon to materialise by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).

Regional Chairman Renis Morian said he has secured an undisclosed sum of money to facilitate the project from the Public Infrastructure Ministry. He said in making representations for the cleanup of the Linden community, the Linden Soesdyke Highway stretch was in-

cluded. Therefore, he said, the Regional Administration will be venturing into the exercise. The clean-up initiative, according to Morian, is expected to create shortterm employment for approximately 150 Lindeners during the festive Christmas season.

“We’re looking at the project alongside the level of unemployment in Region 10... we’ve got a sum of money to clean the highway so we are now looking to put the approaches together. We really want this to be a

Christmas money for families”, Morian stated. As such, he said the process of paying persons on the project will be a fast one. The Regional Chairman also stated that specific areas along the highway will be allotted to different work groups and those groups employed can look forward to receiving their payments upon completion of inspection of the areas.

“It will be a task work, so we will have a designated distance that we will be working with”, he stated.

President David Granger

The DeepWater Champion Oil exploration rig

Climate change must not be treated with a cursory glance – Minister Trotman

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment has hosted a public consultation on the position that Guyana will be advancing at the upcoming annual Conference of Parties (COP21) climate negotiation in Paris, France, as well as the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC), which the country will submit there. The event was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) at Liliendaal.

The first consultation was held in September and some of the comments and recommendations that arose out of that forum were incorporated in the document.

Saturday’s activities were aimed at garnering additional feedback and support for the complete and final position that will be taken to Paris.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman said climate change, environmental protection and impact mitigation must not be treated with a cursory

glance, but rather must be embraced by all stakeholders.

“It is in Guyana’s best interest that we stand united and confident in what we have to offer the world and we seek to protect for the generations of Guyanese to come… We are, therefore, gathered today to do justice

to our individual and collective responsibility to our environment, our nation’s patrimony and world as we consult on Guyana’s position on climate change and the INDC,” the Minister is quoted by the Government Information Agency (GINA) as saying.

Guyana’s delegation to

GTT launches free wi-fi at Church’s Chicken

GTT representatives interacting with customers at the launch of the free wi-fi service.

Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) has launched its free wi-fi service at Church’s Chicken at Camp and Middle Streets.

Speaking at the launch, GTT Marketing Manager Anjanie Hackette explained that the initiative was aimed at improving the quality of service given to GTT customers.

“Indeed we are happy to launch this service, and the service is that we are offering free wi-fi to all our GTT customers. If you go into any Church’s locations across the country, there is free wi-fi but it is only for GTT customers,” she explained.

The GTT Marketing Manager also revealed that the company would be expanding the service. “This is just a start for us; we expect to have other fast food

restaurants on board.”

She stated that the service would also be available at various hospitals across the country as well as at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

Manager of the Camex Group, Lisa Insanally also explained that the venture was a joint initiative between Camex and GTT to ensure that customers receive the highest quality of service. “We applaud the efforts of GTT to bring this service to our customers. As the largest and leading fast food company in Guyana, we believe in always upping the ante, and always giving our customers the best in customer service and satisfaction just like GTT,” she stated.

She related that the partnership was ideal for their aim of giving their customers a pleasurable experience.

Marissa Stewart, a customer who benefited from the free wi-fi service, related that she was completely satisfied with the service and was looking forward to the continued quality service from GTT.

“GTT never disappoints. We’re regular GTT customers; we just came here in the afternoon to hang out and here comes four GTT representatives who supplied us with free credit. We also experienced high-speed Internet, and we were able to stream videos very fast. All I can say is that GTT is definitely doing more,” she stated.

In addition to the free wi-fi service, customers present at Church’s were treated to free GTT credit while others were given the opportunity to switch to the network for free.

COP21 in early December will include government officials, civil society, indigenous groups, and youths.

The Minister informed that Guyana is at the end of the first phase of its agreement with Norway and is keenly interested in strengthening this relation-

ship, which is beneficial for all Guyanese. In this regard, the country has already signalled to Norway, its intentions to have discussions on the possibility of extending the existing agreement. The Norwegians have agreed to have these discussions, in a meeting slated for December 8 in Paris.

“The safeguarding of our forest will make a tremendous difference on climate change impact within the next decade. Therefore, there is an urgent need for Guyana and all countries to undertake policies and actions that are sustainable and are respectful of the environment,” Trotman said.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Lead Negotiator on climate change issues, Andrew Bishop, in his presentation, outlined some of the possible setbacks Guyana could be confronted with at COP21. He explained that if the deal that is agreed on is weak, Guyana will have to decide whether a bad deal is better than no deal.

Greenhouse gas emissions have been rising rap-

idly over the last 200 years compared to the period before that and this has caused a rise in temperatures.

Bishop explained that the INDC is designed to quantify what each country is prepared to do to reduce emissions. The Guyana INDC is proposing to reduce the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide by targeting specifically the forestry and energy sectors. The country will utilise a combination of conservation and sustainable management of its 18.48 million hectares of forests in the fight against the negative effects of climate change.

COP21 will, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, aim to achieve a legally binding and universal agreement with the aim of keeping global warming below two degrees Celsius. However, Guyana’s Negotiator is contending that as a vulnerable country, which is dangerously below sea level, 1.5 degrees Celsius would be a better target for the country.

A section of the participants at the public consultation at the ACCC

Caricom, regional leaders condemn Paris terrorist attacks

Infighting starts ahead of Trinidad Opposition party leadership elections

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has strongly condemned the terrorist attacks against innocent civilians in Paris, while individual regional leaders have also taken a similar position.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque, in a message of condolence, extended deepest sympathies to the relatives and friends of the 129 who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to the more than 350 who were injured in the attacks claimed by Islamic State (IS) militants.

The attacks hit a concert hall, a major sports stadium, restaurants and bars in the French capital on Friday.

Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said in a statement Saturday that her country was “heartbroken that the cowardly acts of terror appeared to target the youth of the city of Paris and have, in the process, claimed the lives of over 120 innocent men, women and children and left numerous others wounded”.

“We reiterate our utter condemnation of terrorism

in all its forms and manifestations and renew our commitment to fighting this scourge in cooperation with the international community and in defence of the universal values of life, liberty and peace for which Jamaica stands as a nation,” she added.

In addition to the expressions of shock, condemnation and condolences, the Bahamas Government said it stood ready to work with its Caricom allies and the international community to combat the problem of terrorism. (Excerpt from Caribbean360.com)

Costa Rica re-opens border, issuing visas to Cuban migrants

To cheers from a large crowd of Cuban migrants, Costa Rica on Saturday re-opened its border with Panama after a sudden tightening in its immigration policy had left more than 1200 of them stranded there.

Like other countries in the region, Costa Rica has seen a surge in the number of Cubans entering as the process of detente between Washington and Havana announced in December stirs fears that longstanding US asylum rights may soon be lost.

Costa Rica surprised the migrants on Friday

by detaining them at the border, prompting some Cubans to block the InterAmerican Highway for a few hours in protest until the Government began issuing them with seven-day transit visas.

However, it is unclear how the migrants will fare in neighbouring Nicaragua, which refused 100 Cubans deported from a holding centre in Costa Rica on Friday.

“The situation we’re facing is extraordinary – we’ve never dealt with this before,” said Costa Rica’s Assistant Director of Immigration Gladys Jiménez. “We hope

Nicaragua will accept them with their documents so they can continue on.”

Cuban migrants receive special treatment in the United States from Cold War-era arrangements, and have long travelled through Mexico and Central America to reach the US border.

If successful, they can take advantage of the socalled “wet-foot, dry-foot” policy under which Cubans who set foot on US soil can stay, while those captured at sea are sent back.

It is a policy many Cubans feel may be running out of time. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Dr Roodal Moonilal, one of the three contenders for the leadership of Trinidad and Tobago Opposition party, the United National Congress (UNC), has gone on the offensive against both of his rivals ahead of the internal party elections on December 5.

In presenting his team to supporters on Thursday night, Moonilal slammed the Kamla 2015 presidential-style campaign for the September 7 general election that focused almost exclusively on the former Prime Minister and current party leader Kamla PersadBissessar.

Moonilal also urged the latest entrant to the con-

test, former Minister Vasant Bharath, to rethink his position and warned that a vote for Bharath would result in chaos.

However, political analyst Winford James said he believed that Bharath was more credible than either Moonilal or PersadBissessar.

It is also possible that Barath may be perceived as the “safe” candidate by those disenchanted with PersadBissessar but not willing to select the more volatile Moonilal in her place.

Former Member of Parliament Stacy Roopnarine, the current head of the UNC Women’s Arm, has also endorsed Bharath as the party’s polit-

ical leader. Roopnarine will be contesting the position of deputy political leader on Bharath’s slate.

She said it was her view Bharath was the best choice to lead the UNC as he has a wealth of experience that is needed in rebuilding the party from the ground up.

“I believe that Mr Bharath brings experience, not only as a former Minister of Government and a Member of Parliament but also managerial experience to handle the task at hand. His commitment to the party is undoubted and as political leader he will be able to dedicate 100 per cent of his time to enhancing our great party,” she stated. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now!)

Bahamas backs Antigua nominee for Commonwealth post

Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie has indicated that The Bahamas will support Antigua and Barbuda’s nominee, Sir Ronald Sanders, for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta at the end of this month.

Christie also said that he would push for a consensus among Commonwealth Caribbean Heads of Government to rally behind

Sanders as the sole regional candidate.

In recent days, the Prime Ministers of Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada have also confirmed their support for Sanders and at the same time called for a regional consensus on the issue.

However, although by unofficial convention it is the Caribbean’s “turn” to provide the Commonwealth Secretary General, continuing regional disunity resulting from the insistence of Dominica in maintaining its nomination of British

Baroness Patricia Scotland as its candidate, supported only by Barbados, has allowed two African candidates and potentially another from Australia to take advantage of the lack of Caribbean solidarity.

Furthermore, although running a costly and extensive campaign, Scotland, as a former UK Attorney General and a sitting member of the British House of Lords, is unlikely to be chosen for the post because, under international law, her dominant nationality is British not Dominican, which is unlikely to find favour with many African, Asian or Pacific member countries, if any at all. If no consensus is reached to support a single Caribbean candidate before the vote in Malta, the region may very well miss out on an opportunity to lead the Commonwealth for the next eight years. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now!)

Brazilians strip to expose violence against women

Topless, with slogans scrawled on their bare skin, feminist protesters in Rio made a colourful sight, yet their worries about horrific violence against women were deadly serious.

The 200 to 300 protesters from the international SlutWalk movement blocked traffic along Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beachfront avenue Saturday in various states of undress.

The raunchy tone is a key element of SlutWalk demonstrations, targeting what activists say is the widespread blaming of women for their own rape on the grounds that their behaviour or clothing supposedly encouraged the assault.

“My body, my rules,” was the principal slogan.

“I can’t believe I’m fighting for this in 2015,” read another.

But few placards were needed.

Messages were inscribed with crayon or lipstick onto backs, stomachs, arms and breasts.

Some ignored Brazilian laws against toplessness, others circumvented the rule with a piece of sticky tape over the nipple, and the rest simply wore as little as possible, including one of the few men present, who wore only a sheet of transparent plastic.

Despite the party atmosphere, with sam-

ba dancing and excited whoops, Stephanie Ruas, 26, said the women were all there for grim reasons, including the fifth highest rate of murder of women in the world.

“We may face violence anywhere. At school, as a young girl, at work –that’s the culture,” she said. “Brazil is one of the worst places for a woman to travel alone. When I travel I bring a special doorjamb so that my hotel room cannot be opened.”

A woman is killed every two hours in Brazil, making this the fifth deadliest country for women in the world after El Salvador, Colombia, Guatemala and Russia.

People pay tribute outside Le Carillon bar, the day after a deadly attack on Friday night in Paris

Prime Minister Perry Christie (left) and Sir Ronald Sanders

Costa Rica has seen a surge in the number of Cubans entering as the process of detente between Washington and Havana stirs fears that longstanding US asylum rights may soon be lost

G20 leaders pledge renewed fight against ISIL

Leaders of the world’s 20 major economies (G20) have pledged a renewed fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group, but offered little details on how the strategy would change.

The leaders are meeting in Antalya, a heavily guarded Turkish resort on the Aegean Sea coast, for a twoday summit.

Although the G20 usually focuses on economic issues, the President of host country Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has urged world leaders to prioritise the battle against ISIL, saying Friday’s assaults

in Paris, claimed by ISIL, proved that the time for words was now over.

The attacks left at least 129 people dead and more than 350 others injured, 99 of them critically.

“We are confronted with a collective terrorism activity around the world. As you know, terrorism does not recognise any religion, any race, any nation, or any country,” he said.

Following his statements, US President Barack Obama affirmed Washington’s support for Paris in the wake of the attacks, saying: “We stand in solidarity with them [France] in hunting down

the perpetrators of this crime and bringing them to justice.”

The refugee crisis also dominated the agenda of the summit.

In a draft communiqué, leaders agreed that the crisis is a global problem that must be addressed in a coordinated way.

“We call upon all States to contribute to responding to this crisis, and share in the burdens associated with it,” it reads, according to Reuters.

The draft communiqué states that tackling the refugee crisis means proactive measures. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

“From another planet”: Syrians react to peace plan

Syrian Opposition activists have reacted to calls from world leaders for the country to hold elections within 18 months and implement an immediate ceasefire, saying that –for now – the proposed plans are nothing more than talk.

Foreign Ministers and other diplomats met in Vienna for a second round of talks on Syria on Saturday in Austria’s capital Vienna, to discuss how to end the almost five-year conflict in

Syria.

The International Syria Support Group – including the Arab League, the EU, the UN, and 17 countries, among them Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia, the US and Turkey –restated their agreement on the need to convene Syrian Government and Opposition representatives in formal negotiations backed by the UN.

“The group welcomed efforts...to bring together the broadest possible spectrum of the Opposition, chosen

by Syrians, who will decide their negotiating representatives and define their negotiating positions, so as to enable the political process to begin,” a statement issued in Vienna said.

But Haitham al-Maleh, a lawyer and national figure from the Syrian National Coalition, told Al Jazeera on Sunday that the results of the Syria talks are nothing more than ideas and opinions being passed around –not a final outcome. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Sudanese refugees shot dead on Egypt-Israel border

At least 15 Sudanese refugees have been shot dead and eight more injured in Egypt’s Sinai region as they reportedly attempted to enter Israel.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, Egyptian security officials told the Associated Press that the refugees were killed while caught in the crossfire between security forces and people smugglers on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, however, officials said that

security forces had shot the Sudanese as they approached the border fence separating the Sinai and southern Israel.

Most of the people being smuggled through the Sinai are fleeing political violence in Eritrea, Sudan and Ethiopia, among other countries – risking their lives to make the perilous journey to seek asylum in Israel.

Many have been shot, sometimes fatally, by security forces, while others have been tortured by

Around the world

Paris attacks: Police seek “dangerous” Abdeslam Salah

French Police have issued a photograph of a man wanted in connection with Friday’s deadly attacks in Paris.

The man, named as Belgian-born Abdeslam Salah, 26, is described as dangerous.

Seven attackers, including two who lived in Belgium, died during assaults on a series of targets, officials said.

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the attacks had been prepared “by a group of individuals based in Belgium” who had “benefited from accomplices

in France.”

The discovery of a suspected getaway car in Paris on Sunday fuelled suspicion that at least one suspect had got away.

French Police appealed for information about Abdelslam Salah, but warned people not to approach him.

France is marking three days of national mourning for the 129 people who were killed in attacks on restaurants, a concert hall and a sports stadium.

Hundreds of others were injured, many critically.

Myanmar’s President promises smooth transfer of power

Myanmar’s President Thein Sein has promised a smooth transfer of power to Aung San Suu Kyi’s Opposition party following last week’s election.

He made the comments at a meeting of political leaders in Yangon.

The National League for Democracy (NLD) has won about 80 per cent of contested seats with just a few results still to be announced.

If power is transferred, it will end more than 50 years of military-backed Government in Myanmar.

At a gathering of all Myanmar’s political parties, the President said all duties would be transferred to the next Government systematically and on schedule.

He said: “We will make sure it will be smooth and stable without having to

worry about anything.”

Sein has made similar comments online before, but he has now repeated them in public.

Egyptian and Sudanese human traffickers, according to human rights groups.

Gerry Simpson, a researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW), said that Sunday’s “tragic killings are nothing new”.

“Egypt has a record of shooting unarmed sub-Saharan African refugees as they approach Israel’s border,” he told Al Jazeera.

“We call on Egypt to end this policy of shooting unarmed and investigate those who are responsible for these deaths.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Lebanese security forces have arrested nine people, most of them Syrian nationals, over their alleged involvement in last week’s twin bombings in Beirut that killed at least 44 people, the Interior Minister said.

“Until now the detained include seven Syrians and two Lebanese – one of them a [would-be] suicide bomber and the other a trafficker who smuggled them across the border from Syria,” Interior Minister Nuhad Mashnuq said at a televised press conference on Sunday.

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group claimed responsibility for the attacks last Thursday, which hit a busy shopping street in Burj alBarajneh.

“The whole suicide bombing network and its supporters were arrested in the 48 hours following the explosion,” Mashnuq

The military has already said it would abide by the election result.

Suu Kyi is expected to hold talks with the President and the Army Chief in Nay Pyi Taw next week. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The President also said that the successful election was a result of the reform process put in place by his Union Solidarity and Development Party, which has won only 41 of the 478 seats that have so far declared. The NLD has 387.

Lebanon arrests nine over deadly Beirut bombings

said. He said the Syrians were detained in a Palestinian refugee camp located in Burj al-Barajneh and a flat in the capital’s eastern district of Ashrafieh that had been used to prepare the explosive belts.

The initial plan was apparently to send five suicide

bombers to a hospital in the neighbourhood, he said, but heavy security forced them to change the target to a densely populated area. Beirut-based political analyst Ali Rizk told Al Jazeera that the bombings signal a shift in ISIL’s tactics. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

World leaders have met in Turkey for the G20 summit, where talks have been dominated by the refugee crisis [AP]

Belgian-born Abdeslam Salah, 26

President Thein Sein has said he will respect the will of the people

Twin explosions in the Lebanese capital killed at least 44 people last week, with ISIL claiming responsibility [Hassan Abdallah/ Reuters]

What the people say about I SAY...

The increase in attempted suicide and suicide in Guyana: what can be done and how does it affect society?

Irfan Ali – Private Sector Employee (Essequibo Coast)

“I think suicide is a scourge in society; over the years, there has been a significant increase and this I believe is not good. I strongly believe that more programmes should be implemented by the Ministry of Health under its Suicide Prevention Programme. There is also a need to create more hotlines in all the administrative regions. There should be more educational talks by physiologists and social workers in the religious congregation. There needs to be integrated talks on the prevention of suicide. The only way to assist the prevention is through empowerment and necessary mechanism of beneficial programmes for everyone. The suicide rate in Guyana is not healthy at all. Human beings are the most valuable resource in any country.”

Tariq Ali – Self-employed (Essequibo Coast)

“I think we have to start tackling suicide from within the school level, get counsellors on board, and let them visit the secondary schools. Parents also need to be more attentive to their children; they need to find out if they are having issues. Parents and children need to have a close relationship – be their best friends. Our society really cannot afford losing persons to suicide.”

Taneila Croal – Student Nurse (Linden)

“Over the years, the suicide rate in Guyana has risen tremendously. It is perceived to be the permanent solution for some people’s temporary problems. Many people are not able to meet counselling in time of need. Many are not aware that there is help out there for them. I believe that some measures to be put in place are outreach programmes to better counsel persons facing distress... groups can be established to have talks to help rehabilitate a suicidal person, also allow recovery from their ill state of mind. Teaching and counselling are two main roles that should be played by persons who suspect another person to be frustrated or suicidal.”

Kemwatie

(Corentyne, Berbice)

“I think that suicide in Guyana and attempts of suicide is so high because we do not have the type of support system that will really work. They have a hotline that they tell persons to call. Do you think that someone on the verge of killing themselves will remember that number or even if say the number on the wall, will put down the poison and pick up the phone? No. What might work is if more persons are out in communities educating people about suicide prevention and assist in counselling persons with personal troubles. Community outreaches will be a good start, where counsellors go to the rum shops, at the ball field, in the churches.”

Anasha Hendricks – Environmental Health Officer (Essequibo Coast)

“I think we need to start with the young people; there needs to be more recreational activities so that they can be meaningfully engaged. The issue can be tackled also from a religious level; leaders need to implement programmes to tackle such issues. Often, youths have things affecting them and they don’t have anyone to confine in. Suicide is a sickness that needs to be addressed at all levels.”

Tracy Henry Da Silva – Market Clerk (Essequibo Coast)

“The most sickening thing when you open the newspaper is to learn about someone taking their own life. This is very sad and I feel that there needs to be prompt actions to address this sickness. The Government and religious organisations have a vital role to play in this. Also there needs to be more employment for youths. Often young people are frustrated due to all kinds of pressures. More programmes need to be implemented regionally and at community levels. As President David Granger usually says “Happy people don’t kill themselves”; as such, there is more to be done and youths need to be happy.”

Dalon Chapman –Student (Linden)

“Presently, the suicide rate in Guyana is a cause for worry. While I believe there are a lot of reasons responsible for it, I think stress is probably the number one. Problems in relationships also could lead to suicide. I think measures should be put in place especially for people who we know are having suicidal thoughts. Even for people who might know of someone who wants to commit suicide. There should be someone or some place they can turn to for help and that can steer them in the right direction. Sometimes people need someone to talk to, to guide them and to give them the right advice. I think studies should also be conducted on people who have these thoughts and even on those who commit suicide.”

“Suicide is a major issue that we need to tackle immediately. Guyana is being ranked among the highest in the world and we need to tackle it. Not only the Government needs to do something about it, but the people themselves – parents, the communities. The people who influence young people need to do more. Since I’m in the entertainment field, I think people in the entertainment industry need to take a stronger hand in helping to eradicate this issue in Guyana and as a whole. The Government is trying its best and I’m not sure how much they would put into it. However, it starts from home and we all need to help out more.”

Many Non-Governmental Organisations apply to funding agencies for money to address the issue of suicide by conducting surveys and holding workshops, but hardly can you see proper recommendation to really tackle this issue. As it relates to its impact on society, I would say that it causes the country to lose its most valuable resource: its people. What is needed is for authorities to place focus on the brighter side and help persons to think positive. I think the media can play a major role and highlight the positives in society.”

“The suicide rate for farmers throughout the world is higher than for the non-farming population. Global data show a high correlation between the use of agrochemicals and suicide. With more persons going into agriculture and more land being utilised for agricultural purposes, there are more chemicals available in the growing agrochemical industry in Guyana; it is inherently linked to the growth of the agrochemical industry. Proper monitoring and managing of that industry is one of the factors which must be addressed in order to address suicide in Guyana.”

Samdat – Housewife

Paulette Henry – Lecturer at the University of Guyana, Berbice Campus

Rondell Beckles –Student (Berbice)

Colwyn Abrams – Fashion Designer (Linden)

Guyana can celebrate its remarkable progress in tackling HIV/AIDS –UN envoy

Guyana’s achievement in the battle against HIV/AIDS compared with some countries in the Caribbean has been described as remarkable. This is according to the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean, Dr Edward Greene.

Dr Greene, in a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), disclosed that “we have to look at the developments over the last 10 to 15 years and when we compare the Guyana status, in terms of HIV prevalence from 2000 to 2015, remarkable progress has been made”.

Information provided has shown that in 2001, only seven to eight per cent of the HIV/AIDS population were having access to treatment; the 2012 statistics now show that access to treatment has been improved to more than 50 per cent.

The UN envoy further stated that “although we need to increase that number, the remarkable progress is what I want to point out”.

Guyana was also lauded for the reduction in deaths from HIV/AIDS over the past 15 years; this calculates to a 70 per cent reduction.

“I think that you have something to celebrate, because Guyana is one of those countries that were successful in eliminating the mother to child transmission,” Dr Greene informed. A survey is expected to be done in a few months’ time to determine definitely whether Guyana has completely eliminated prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT), so the country can be officially certified.

Guyana has done well with PMTCT

According to UNAIDS Country Director, Dr Martin Odiit, who was also part of the interview, PMTCT in Guyana and the Caribbean has making great progress.

“As you know the world would like to eliminate this and to do so you have to reduce the infection from the mother to the child, and this involves ensuring that mothers access treatment, so yes, Guyana has been doing very well,” Odiit stated.

“A few other countries are also on the verge of reaching this status. We are hoping that the Caribbean Region will be one of the first to declare it has eliminated mother to child transmission,” the UNAIDS Country Director advised.

Dr Greene added that “we are hoping that by 2016, the entire Caribbean can declare that it has eliminated mother to child transmission”.

Challenges

Like all other programmes, challenges have affected some parts of Guyana’s HIV/AIDS prevention programme. Dr Greene noted that after perusal of the data provided, “we noticed that there was an increase in certain sections of the population, including young people, as well as sex workers and men who have sex with men.”

He noted that it was of concern now that HIV has been linked to Trafficking In Persons (TIP) and that young people, particularly young women, aged 15, are mostly affected. It is as a result of this type of transmis-

by enhancing family life and focusing on those in need, increasing access to treatment, reducing gender inequality, promoting sexual reproductive health and rights, and achieving legislative reforms for modifying and repealing AIDS related discriminatory laws.

In this regard, there is now a push for an agenda across the board to reduce stigma against children, women, men and persons with different sexual practices. In Guyana, there is a need for that inter-sectoral approach, which includes the Ministries of Education, Health, Social Protection, Social Cohesion and Finance

sion that the United Nations is advocating for interventions to be made at all levels, so as to reduce it, and thereby hopefully end it by 2030.

The Government of Guyana Global AIDS Response Progress Report 2015 states that “the HIV epidemic continues to affect the productive sector of Guyanese society. At the end of 2014, a total of 463 cases were reported within the combined age group of 25-49 which accounted for 61.7 per cent of all HIV cases reported during the year. In comparison, during 2013, 513 cases were reported within this age group accounting for 67.7 per cent of all cases.”

Stigma and discrimination

There are three major pillars for the elimination of the epidemic: treatment, prevention and HIV related stigma and discrimination. Because people feel discriminated or stigmatised, they do not come for treatment and they cannot get preventative measures, and so there have to be efforts to see how best stigma and discrimination can be eliminated.

Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV/ AIDS (PANCAP), in collaboration with UNAIDS, initiated the Justice for All programme in 2013 which was designed to achieve broadbased goals for ending HIV,

T&T meets UN development goals

T&T has been commended by the T&T Chapter of the United Nations for meeting 48 per cent of its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). However, while the country is on course to meet another 22 per cent by the end of this year, concern has been expressed about the prevalence of HIV.

Richard Blewitt, UN Resident Coordinator for T&T, said due to T&T’s wealth it was able to accomplish many of its MDG goals.

“Overall, at least 70 per cent of the MDG targets and indicators will be attained by 2015, so we have to celebrate that success,” he said when he addressed a national consultation for the design of a multi-country Sustainable Development Framework (MSDF) for the Caribbean at the Normandie Hotel, St Ann’s on Saturday.

“I always say the MDGs were a very low bar for T&T. SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are now a bar to aspire to.”

The consultation was part of a series being held

locally to design a MSDF for the region which will provide greater synergies in UN programming, as well as stronger monitoring, reporting and evaluation.

Highlighting some of T&T’s accomplishments, Blewitt said there has

Caribbean where the prevalence rate went up and the death rate went up. That tells us for HIV we should have a slight amber light about what to do about HIV.”

Blewitt said the rate of maternal deaths are also of

been significant progress on poverty reduction. It declined from 24 per cent in 1997/1998 to 14.8 per cent in 2008/2009.

Noting the “under achievements”, including HIV, he said: “We know in 2012, the HIV prevalence rate in T&T went up—the only country in the

concern. At the end of the consultations in T&T, Belize, Suriname, Jamaica, Barbados, OECS countries and Guyana, the results will be synthesised to produce a set of priorities and expected results for the UN in the Caribbean.

(Trinidad Guardian)

25-year-old hit by truck, crushed by passing cars in T&T

A25-year-old Chaguanas man survived an accident after his van slammed into a median near Grand Bazaar, Valsayn, but as he emerged from the wreck he was hit by a truck.

to deal with this issue.

The programme revolves around consultation and the first was held in Guyana in 2013. Some of the declarations were not passed because the church objected to certain elements of the declaration, especially those that had to do with sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Consequently, the Council for Human and Social Development requested the re-organisation of the table and recommended the re-implementation of the 15 elements of that declaration in short, medium and longterm scenarios. Most of the stakeholders agreed that this strategy was a good one.

Workplace Policy

PANCAP, in collaboration with UNAIDS, developed an anti-discrimination policy and model legislation, which has guidelines for countries with respect to workplace policy. Most countries in the Caribbean implemented level 1 and 2 of the workplace policy.

Guyana also has a National HIV/AIDS workplace policy which aims at ensuring equal access to persons who have HIV, in ensuring that they are not discriminated against, have access to employment, training and all other services and opportunities provided and offered by the state.

Seconds later, another vehicle hit him, throwing his body into the roadway and a fourth vehicle ran over the victim’s body. The man, identified as Rennie Sookdeo, the manager of Cham’s welding shop in Chaguanas, was returning home after celebrating a friend’s birthday party in Chaguaramas.

The accident took place around 16:00h while Sookdeo was driving along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway near Grand Bazaar. Officers who were first on the scene described it as “gruesome” and “unusual.” Sookdeo’s family, who live on Caroni Savannah Road, were in shock when the Guardian team visited.

They described Sookdeo as well-liked by employees at the welding shop which his father owned. Relative Kerry Maharaj said Sookdeo was pleasant, but quiet and respected by many. Northern Division Police are still investigating the accident.

In a second fatal accident two hours earlier, Chaguanas Police are questioning a St Augustine man, following the death of 68-year-old Una Belgrave. The man, a 28-year-old businessman, driving a Mercedes Benz, reportedly left the scene after the accident. Three other people in the Ford Laser were in-

jured. Hours later he went to the Chaguanas Police Station with his Attorney to give a statement. He was given a breathalyser test which he initially failed.

While awaiting the second test he reportedly complained of feeling unwell and was taken to the Chaguanas Health Facility.

his sorrow in a post on social media.

Lucas stated that only three weeks ago, at a Police press briefing, he warned drivers to exercise caution on the nation’s roads. According to Police, the Laser was heading north towards Chaguanas when a black Mercedes Benz reportedly overtook on the

He remained in Police custody up to press time being questioned by investigators.

The accident took place at around 14:00h, as Belgrave returned from a friend’s wake in South Trinidad. Belgrave lived on Church Street in St Thomas Village, Chaguanas. At her family home, family members were red-eyed and crying, unable to cope with their loss.

Belgrave’s son, who stood under a tent in the family’s yard, set up for his mother’s wake, could only shake his head at the tragedy. Belgrave’s nephew, an ASP in the Police Service, Wendell Lucas expressed

shoulder of the highway and collided with the Laser. The Mercedes Benz overturned on the roadway and the Laser ran off the road, Police said. Belgrave’s body was flung from the car and she died at the scene. An ambulance arrived shortly after and took the three other occupants of the vehicle for medical treatment at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex in Mt Hope.

A third vehicle, a white Toyota Fielder, driven by SRP Police Constable Mayers, was also struck. The road fatality toll now stands at 125. (Trinidad Guardian)

UN Secretary General Special Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean, Dr Edward Greene

UN Resident Coordinator Richard Blewitt, left, and Terry Mohammed of the Technical Cooperation Unit

The mangled wreck of the vehicle in which Una Belgrave (inset) was killed on Saturday

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Don’t let anyone guilt you into doing all the work. You may be fast, but you need time to perfect and hone your skills in order to do the best job possible.

Your mind will be racing with thoughts and ideas. Don’t be afraid to try a diverse range of new or unfamiliar tactics. Now is the time to express what you want.

You’ll attract a lot of attention based on your body language, but when it comes to making verbal promises, don’t offer something you cannot deliver. Love is on the rise.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Temptation is best ignored. You would be wise to take on a physical challenge that will use up your energy and keep you out of trouble. The less said, the better.

If you share your concerns, you will be given the chance to make a beneficial change. Honesty and practicality are your strengths.

Don’t let anyone confuse you. If you want something, figure out the best way to get it. Discipline and hard work will be your ticket to success.

Offer to help a cause you believe in if you want to meet people with similar life goals. Your efforts will put you in the running for a specific position.

Be the one to take advantage of an opportunity, not the one others use to get ahead. Stick to a budget and be careful not to pick up bad habits.

Don’t get angry with someone who doesn’t do things your way. If you do the work yourself, proof that you know your stuff will be forthcoming. You’ll have some interesting dreams that you can make a reality if you present and promote what you want to do. Don’t hold back; you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Pick up the pace and veer off in your own direction. Don’t follow the crowd, especially if you have your own ideas and goals in mind. Romance is highlighted.

By helping others, you will end up being helped in return. A choice you make will alter your financial future. An unusual turn of events will result in a gift or gain.

GEMINI

Peanuts

Calvin and hobbes

dilbert arChie

Taylor’s double-ton turns tables on Australia

That Kane Williamson scored a century at the WACA was no great shock, for at the Gabba Australia had found him harder to get out than grass stains on their whites. More surprising on day three in Perth was the remarkable form of Ross Taylor, who became the first New Zealander to score a Test double-hundred against Australia, and by stumps had a realistic chance of turning it into a triple-century.

Taylor’s class has always been clear, as evidenced by a Test average in the mid40s. But in Brisbane - indeed, for much of 2015 - he was so scratchy it was easy to forget how good he could be. A new city, a new pitch, a new man. At stumps on day three, Taylor had moved to his highest Test score and was still troubling the Australians. He was also troubling the scorers, running out of space to add to his 235 not out.

It was a day of New Zealand domination. After the first six days of this series that might seem like a typo, but it’s not. On Saturday the match was evenly fought, and on Sunday New Zealand gave Australia a taste of their own medicine. And no bowling team likes to spend a full day in the Fremantle Doctor’s office. All Australia could manage were four wickets; New Zealand piled on 370 runs.

The key was the 265-run partnership between Taylor and Williamson for the third wicket, which was New Zealand’s highest of all time against Australia for any wicket. Importantly for New Zealand, after Williamson fell for 166 in the middle of

the day, Taylor batted on and on and on. He brought up his second Test doublecentury from his 254th ball, with a cover-drive for four off Mitchell Starc.

Taylor celebrated with his trademark of sticking out his tongue, a move that has become less frequent over the past couple of years as the runs have dried up. But this was the Taylor of old. Along the way he became the fifth New Zealander to pass 5000 runs in Tests, and he surpassed his mentor Martin Crowe’s 188 as the highest Test score by a New Zealander against Australia.

Most importantly, Taylor and Williamson gave New Zealand a chance in this match, and thus in the series. By stumps New Zealand had reached 6 for 510, trailing by just 49. Mark Craig was at the crease on 7, and if Taylor and the tail could drive New Zealand on to a handy lead on the fourth day, anything could be possible. That in itself is an achievement after conceding 559 in Australia’s first innings.

It was a difficult day for Australia, who dropped chances and missed run-out opportunities. In the hour

before tea, things fired up significantly when Mitchell Starc used a new ball to send down a searing spell, reaching 160.4kph with his fastest delivery and breaking Brendon McCullum’s bat with another yorker. But he had two catches dropped off his bowling, and was not rewarded for his work.

McCullum was put down on 5 when he got a thick edge off Starc that flew to third slip, where Nathan Lyon spilled what he should have taken, and Taylor had a life on 137. He drove at Starc and Mitchell Marsh at gully got his hands to the ball but barely even slowed it down on its way to the third man boundary. By stumps, Taylor had punished Australia to the tune of nearly 100 more runs.

For the first two sessions of the day only one wicket fell, that of Williamson, who miscued a pull off Josh Hazlewood and lobbed a catch up to midwicket. In the final session Mitchell Marsh bowled McCullum for 27, Starc finally had his first of the day when BJ Watling drilled a full toss to point for 1, and Doug Bracewell edged behind off Mitchell Johnson for 12. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Holly Holm KOs Ronda Rousey to win women’s bantamweight title

No one is unbeatable in mixed martial arts. Not even Ronda Rousey.

Former world boxing champion Holly Holm (100) scored the biggest upset in the sport’s history Sunday, knocking out Rousey (12-1) with a left head kick in the second round to claim the bantamweight championship fight at UFC 193 at Etihad Stadium.

The fight, the first UFC event ever held in Melbourne, drew 56,214 fans and broke the promotion’s previous attendance record of 55,724 set at UFC 129 on April 30, 2011.

The shocking result came 59 seconds into the second round, after Rousey

watching that love her and is a fan is heartbroken,” Rousey’s trainer, Edmond Tarverdyan, told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. “I’m just staying strong now next to Ronda. There are no words I can say right now how I feel. It’s just, gotta be strong next to Ronda. That’s how I feel.”

“I don’t know, I’m trying to take it all in. This is crazy!” Holm said. “Getting in here, I just felt so much support -- I thought, ‘How can I not do this with all this support?’ I had the best coaching, from standup to grappling to wrestling.

“I have to say, everything we worked on presented itself in the fight. Every grab she tried to get,

know, but I have to watch it again. But we know this was not a striking match; we know that Ronda is smart enough to take the fight where she is best at and today she did. Holly stopped an attempt on an armbar and stopped some of the takedowns. She did a good job.”

Holm handled Rousey’s boxing pressure beautifully. She started to find a home for the straight left early and went back to it time and again. Rousey’s face was reddened within the first exchanges, and her striking defense went out the window as she became obsessed with keeping a high pace on Holm. Holm calmly circled away from the pressure and avoided

already had been stunned several times by Holm’s left hands. After Rousey ducked in desperately for a clinch, Holm broke off at an angle and landed a clean left head kick to the jawline that rendered Rousey unconscious. Referee Herb Dean stepped in immediately, as Rousey fell limp, arms extended, to the canvas.

UFC president Dana White said Rousey was taken to a Melbourne hospital after the fight because she suffered a knockout and to treat facial cuts. White said that Rousey was “devastated” but OK physically.

On Sunday, UFC announced that a CT scan on Rousey came back normal and that she had received stitches. Rousey spent the night at the hospital for precautionary reasons.

“I think for all the fans

on the cage -- I have not spent this much time in the gym before any fight in my life.”

A former Olympic medalist in judo, Rousey was clearly willing to trade punches with Holm. She opened the fight throwing left hooks and straight rights and didn’t attempt her first takedown until nearly two minutes into the first round.

“The game plan was pressing,” Tarverdyan said. “We knew Holly Holm was going to keep the distance. So we had to feint and get inside and pressure the right way so we can get on the side of the cage. And we’ve talked about that and Holly Holm did a good job with moving today and stayed calm.

“I wouldn’t say in the striking game she was getting the best of Ronda, you

eating a big shot. She allowed Rousey to graze her with a few right hands, but never appeared fazed by any of them.

Midway through the round, Rousey managed to drag Holm to the ground but did not do so with the same authority she traditionally has. The two fell awkwardly to the mat, where Rousey transitioned to her go-to armbar. Holm was never in serious danger, however, as she cleared the arm and quickly got back to her feet.

Facing real adversity for arguably the first time in her MMA career, Rousey’s response was more pressure in the second round. She stalked forward with her hands down, however, and nearly fell over after throwing a wild, ineffective haymaker. Holm remained patient through it all.

Ross Taylor clips one through the leg side. (Getty Images)

Holm was persistent with left hooks to Rousey’s chin (Getty Images)

GABA League of Champions

Ravens top Pacesetters in thriller

Dynas Ravens came from behind to top the Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters 81-77 on Saturday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Pacesetters put on an offensive show in the first quarter to take an early 12 point lead in the game as the Ravens struggled out the gate.

However, Ravens would find their groove in the second quarter hitting on all cylinders to cut the lead to just two points as the half ended 41-39.

Pacesetters would play well in the third period, as ravens were unable to stop the squad draped in yellow in the defensive end of

the floor as the Pacesetters opened a nine point lead heading into the final period.

A mammoth 28 point quarter for the Ravens en-

sured that the number one ranked squad pulled off the win behind Ryan Gullen’s team high 17 points. Dominic Vincente had 14 points while Darcel Harris and Marlon Rodrigues chipped in with 12 and 10 points respectively.

Travis Burnette led all scorers with 23 points in the loss while Jermaine Hamilton and Travis Williams scored 19 and 16 points respectively for Pacesetters.

In Division Two action, Pepsi Sonics dominated the Knights for a 90-60 win as Jason Squires led all scorers with 17 points in the win.

Yannick December dropped 13 point while

Hinds wins DMW road race

Team Gillette Evolution's rider Orville Hinds crowned an excellent year of riding by winning the 16th Diamond Mineral Water 50-mile road race on Sunday on the West Demerara roadways.

Hinds, who recorded eight victories and several top three finishes during 2015, was among the top riders on Sunday.

He finished the course from Wales Police Station to Bushy Park and back to Schoonord in one hour, 59 minutes and 24 seconds, copping seven of the eight prime prizes on offer, to finish as the winner.

Hinds' teammate Marlon "Fishy" Williams finished second, followed by Christopheŕ Griffith (Team Alanis), Akeem Wilkinson (Team Gillette Evolution) and Team Alanis’ Paul Choo-WeeNam and Paul DeNobrega. Griffith was the leading junior, followed b Andrew Hicks and Nigel Duguid Jr. In that order, while Talim Shaw, Jaikarran Sookhai and Shameer Baksh were 1-2-3 in the Veteran Under-50. In the Mountain Bike race, Sherwin Forde won from Wayne Nurse and Michael Holder in that order.

Kerwin Jackson chipped in with 15 points to help the Sonics pull off the rout. Randy Aaron was the only player on the Knights to score in double digits with 10.

Meanwhile in under-23 action, the Colts topped Eagles 93-83 in overtime for the thrilling win.

Stanton Rose dropped a team high 23 points while Leonard Primo contributed 18 points in the win.

Travis Belgrave was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points for the eagles while Darrel Williams and Kevin Higgins chipped in with 17 and 15 points respectively. Action in the tournament will continue during the week.

Zorg Sports Club receives sporting gear from GVF

By: inDRaWattiE natRaM

Children and women of Zorg Community in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will now be exposed to the sport of Volleyball compliments of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) that donated sporting gears to the club over the weekend.

Donating the gears to the Zorg Sports Club was

President of the GVF, John Flores who presented the equipment to Region Two chairman and a villager of Zorg, Devanand Ramdatt. Ramdatt speaking to the youths and women who are part of the club, expressed his appreciation to the federation for identifying the Zorg Sport Club and other clubs within Region Two. He called for the National Sports Commission (NSC)

to also actively engage the Region in developing sports.

The Regional Chairman is of the view that the Ministry of Education needs to establish a fully functional youth and sport department in the region.

Training programmes on Sports Club Management, Youth Leadership, Coaching sessions, Fitness and Health, Rules of the various sport discipline are

West Indies not a match for mighty Australia

The West Indies go to Australia at a time when the fabric of the game in the Caribbean is severely frayed.

Recent events and past troubles have brought the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) into conflict with the expectations of disgruntled fans and a more forceful Caricom response.

The suspension of their Senior Coach, Phil Simmons and his subsequent reinstatement, along with a drubbing of their Test and One-Day International (ODI) teams in Sri Lanka are not a good build-up to face a confident and relentless Australian team.

The Australians are a happier bunch. They are settled, fearless, and well versed in their script. On the other hand, the West Indies players are forced to carry burdens on their shoulders: Burdens on and off the field along with a string of poor performances.

One cannot bring macaroni and cheese to a closed dish supper and expect to dine on filet mignon and oysters! It is my humble opinion that the West Indies will be a mismatch for the Australians. Manto-man the West Indies will face a knockout punch.

Given the statistical disparity between the teams, the three-match series is considered relaxing preparation for the Australians, prior to more competitive business between India and hosts New Zealand that immediately follows.

In such a scenario, West Indies’ only option would be damage limitation, though it is not quite straightforward as that. With the career of the ever-dependable Shivnarine Chanderpaul, repeated saviour of lost causes throughout his 21 years in the West Indies middle order, ended and the batting being left in the care of those in their low and mid20s – the experience of Samuels, the only batsman over 30 in the top six – becomes essential.

But his recent performance is cause for concern. After scores of 11, 0, 13 and 6 in his four Test innings in Sri Lanka, and at age 34, Samuels’ future will definitely be determined by this series, given his unsatisfactory Test average of 34.52.

Eleven of the 15 heading to Australia are under 30, seven under 25. Ten are on their first Test tour of Australia. Only Samuels and Denesh Ramdin have played more than 50 Tests. The two have 11 hundreds between them, and all the others together the same number.

Bravo is the only batsman with an average over 40. Jerome Taylor and Kemar Roach, the only bowlers with more than 100 Test wickets.

some areas that should be given priority, according to Ramdatt.

Ramdatt said the Zorg Sports Club is a well deserving of the donation. The club has a functioning structure and recently held elections for executives to manage its youth and women arms. Volley ball will now be introduced on its programme of activities.

I do hope for individual glory in Craig Braithwaite. He has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Nothing has forced me to believe that Samuels and Bravo will be consistent.

The Tests against the Australians, whose ruthless power has been demonstrated over the past fortnight against New Zealand, will inevitably break some of Clive Lloyd’s young crew and make others stronger.

The only thing that is predictable about this is their unpredictability.

SayS Rajiv BiSnauth

Members of the Club pose with a few volleyballs

Orville Hinds

Ryan Gullen

monday, november 16, 2015

House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs. Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464

Khemraj & Son -landscaping & plant nursery. Lot 77 Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara. Landscaping, planting grass, weeding, killing wood ants, killing roaches, rats & mealy bug, treat plants, coconut trees and flowers, cleaning ceiling, grafting coconut plants: 18 months bearing period, treating land, grass & spraying grass, grafted papaya plants: 6 months bearing, grafted cherry plant, sour sop & sapodilla, cutting big trees & removing, treated mould for sale & flower plants for sale. Tel 627-5969/ 603-1134.

License Custom Broker/Tax Consultant, assistance with Tax Compliance Certificate, Customs Documentation, and Tax Returns etc Call: 660-9478

K. LAKERAM - BUILDING CONTRACTOR, HOUSE PLAN, ESTIMATES, WEEDING & SPRAYING GRASS DONE WITHIN 48HRS. CARPENTRY, MASON, TILING, PAINTING, PLUMBING. PROMPT & AFFORDABLE GENERAL HOME MAINTENANCE. FREE ESTIMATES. TEL: 216-0671/622-0267/692-8464.

EMAIL: klakeram.construction@ gmail.com

Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081,337-4510,337-4259,3374583,337-3070,337-5103. For healing,

business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes

Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 3393536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 9431515 for the perfect trendy touch.

GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

Suzuki (750 cc), Honda (92000 cc), Model M Truck (GRR Series) All in mint condition. Telephone # 662-6045 AA60 Carina Car, working condition. $330.000 (neg.) Call: 660-8404

One 212 Carina for sale. Excellent condition! Call #617-2370.

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY

RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID

DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

Dark skies offer South Africa a glimmer

Rain is exactly what every South African wanted today. Back home, the country is facing its worst water crisis since 1992, five of the country’s nine provinces have been declared drought disaster areas, and water restrictions have been imposed. In Bangalore, the rain has poured like the blessing South Africans believe it to be.

The entire second day was washed out, eating into the time India wanted to wipe away the first-innings deficit and begin building a lead. Even though the rain also munched away at the minutes South Africa could have used to start pluck-

ing Indian wickets - and in humid, overcast conditions their seamers would have hoped for some assistance - they would have preferred to lose time on this occasion.

South Africa’s pace pack is depleted down to only one frontliner: Morne Morkel. The two who could have made use of any movement on offer - Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander - are injured and the replacement pair - Kyle Abbott and Kagiso Rabada - need some time to gear up for the magnitude of the task facing them.

Rabada needs more experience - in less than two years he has gone from im-

pressive schoolboy to international cricketer across all formats - but Abbott, who is a swing bowler, could have used the extra day off.

Abbott was barely 36 hours off a plane when he was thrust into a Test match with his captain’s assuring words that “when he puts his boots on, he’s ready even if he got off the plane 10

minutes before he bowled the first ball.”

The Abbott of day one was not quite ready. In his six-over spell, he found movement, beat the bat and held his length back. But even with Morkel testing the surface’s spongy bounce and Rabada poison-tipped with potential, Abbott could not create any pressure. India’s opening pair were very rarely made to feel as though they would be lured into making a mistake, much less that there was any menace coming from their opponents.

South Africa’s batsmen are partly to blame for creating that sense of security of their hosts, who put them in - a rarity in Indian conditions - and then bundled them out. In the two-and-ahalf sessions India spent out there, they would have seen there were no demons in the pitch, not even the sluggish, sleeping ones like they were in Mohali They would have known they could seize an advantage by batting carefully to the close. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

IAAF suspension an option, says WADA Commissioner

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) could face recommendations that include suspension from the Olympics when the second part of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) report is released, according to one of the doping body’s independent commissioners.

Any decision to suspend the IAAF from the Games would need to be made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The IAAF is reeling from the aftermath of a major doping scandal that has led to Russia’s provisional suspension from all competition following a WADA report that uncovered evidence of state-controlled doping in the country.

IAAF president Sebastian Coe has conceded there are “unlikely to be many tomorrows for athletics” [L8N1391EV] and WADA commissioner Richard McLaren did not rule out a provisional suspension for the world governing body of track and field.

“That might well be some recommendations that come forward when we do the second phase of our report,” McLaren told Australia’s ABC radio when asked if the IAAF could face a possible suspension from next year’s Rio Games.

“We had to withhold some information relating to the international athletics federation because of the possibility that if we disclosed it would jeopardise ongoing criminal enquiries that are being conducted by the French police.

“We really haven’t reported on the IAAF so we haven’t made the recommendations, we haven’t even revealed our findings in relation to the IAAF because of the ongoing sensitivities of the criminal investigation but we will be doing that in the next report.

“I think I need to leave it at that.”

In response to McLaren’s comments, the IAAF said focus was on making the Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) “compliant for reentry into international competition”.

“Our job right now is to focus on the work that needs to be done to make ARAF compliant with the IAAF and, together with WADA, compliant

for re-entry into international competition,” an IAAF statement read.

“We will continue to work alongside WADA with whom we developed the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) to review its processes and, if any failings are found, redress them and we have already begun a root and branch reform programme within the IAAF.”

Former IAAF president Lamine Diack is being probed by the French authorities after the 82-year-old Senegalese was alleged to have received more than one million euros ($1.07 million) in bribes in 2011 to cover up positive doping tests of Russian athletes. (Reuters Sport)

A drizzle delayed the start of the second day’s play at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium

A view shows the IAAF (The International Association of Athletics Federations) headquarters in Monaco November 4, 2015

Jeffrey annihilates field to remain CMRC Group 4 Champion

– Mathew Vieira sizzles in Super Bike category

By Akeem Greene

As the South Dakota Circuit celebrated 60 years of racing in Guyana’s’ a son of the soil, Kristian Jeffery was undoubtedly the star of the day as he was completely unstoppable on the track.

Before the day was out, the Guyanese was bound to become the Group 4 champion for the Caribbean Motor racing Champion for the second year run.

The younger Jeffery in his Mitsubishi EVO 2.2 AWD was too much for competitors as sped away lapping his opponents on several occasions.

Jeffery’s closest competition came from Trinidad and Tabago’s Kristian Boodoosingh who uses a similar car but was out gunned by the superior driving skills of Jeffery. In the second group 4 race Boodoosingh was in the lead but not for too long as soon as the first turn came, Jeffery skillfully overtook him on the inside and sped away on the second straight away.

Despite it being the Kristian Jeffery show, veteran Andrew King still had the skills to battle with the young guns.

In the second group 4 race, King due to some difficulties with the cars of Boodoosingh and Bajan Mark Maloney, held on and finished second that helped in earning some valuable points for Guyana.

Another Guyanese who simply left the crowd in awe with phenomenal Super Biking was Matthew Veira.

Veira who is the son of

Mark Veira certainly knows how to handle pressure as he was tested many times by opponents but found ways of making sure he received the checkered flag.

Veira and his Ducati allowed him to win all of his races on the day. In his first race, Veira led for most of the way but in the dying stages, his cousin Elliot Veira pro-

duced some sterling performances. .

Calvin Ming certainly gave some spectators chills when he attempted to break the lap record with his Formula Four car. Ming, who is Guyana’s first F4 driver, gave fans an opourintity to see his “silent beast” in action in an exhibition drive. Latter in the day, Ming up

duce a late surge which challenged Veira but in keeping with his composure, he held off the challenged and got a chance to do gracefully ride around the track with the checkered flag.

For the Group 3 category Trnidad’s Ravi Singh won 2 of the 3 races as Paul Veira one the other. In the Group 2 category, Shan Seejattan; in Group one category, Nazurdeen Mohhamed pro-

the speed to 220 horse powered to really showcase his skill set but so break the lap time. The exhibition drive also saw Kristian Jeffery taking part but even he could not match to the speed of Ming

Entering this round, Trinidad was in lead, however no official results have been given as yet as to which country won the overall title.

(akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

Bolt, Messi to battle for 2015 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

orld’s fastest man

WUsain Bolt and football’s golden boy Lionel Messi are set to duel for another award after being nominated for 2015 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.

The pair are already both in the running for the Prensa Latina 2015 Athlete of the Year award, where Bolt leads. The Jamaican claim three gold medals at this year’s IAAF World Championships after an epic duel with Justin Gatlin. The duo are included in a list of 12 candidates, which also include Stephen Curry and Novak Djokovic.

Messi has been honoured by the prestigious American paper Sports Illustrated in the past. That was in 2012, when he was named the greatest football player of all time.

It has been a spectacular 2015 for Messi, and as well as winning three major titles with the FC Barcelona.

The winner will be decided by an online vote, the

results of which will be announced on December 14.

The other men in the running include Jordan Spieth (golf) and Thomas Davis (American football). But the award can also be won by women, and four have been shortlisted this year: Serena Williams (tennis), Ronda

St Angela’s, South Ruimveldt open with big wins

By TreisTon Joseph

The Smalta/ Public Health Ministry Pee Wee football girls tournament kicked off with a bang on Saturday at the Education Ministry Ground.

South Ruimveldt Primary opened the day’s action with a big 5-0 win against Sophia Primary School.

Angel Davis scored the tournament’s first goal with a shot in the fifth minute and returned to score again

The day’s second game saw Stella Maris Primary topping St Agnes 2-nil to start their campaign positively. Ludesha Reynolds was the only scorer in the game with a double in the second and 12th minutes.

Meanwhile, the energy from the St Angela’s boys’ squad that won the male version of the event has probably transferred to the school’s females as they put on a show against FE Pollard to win 4-0.

Meya Adams scored a

North Georgetown were also victorious on the opening day of the tournament with a 2-nil win against St Margaret’s Primary. Shamiya Daniels scored both goals for North Georgetown in the third and 19th minutes.

Rousey (martial arts), Simone Biles (gymnastic) and Carli Lloyd (football), and can also be won by teams, with baseball´s Kansas City Royals among the nominees.

The final candidate is a horse, American Pharoah, winner of the Triple Crown this year. (Digicel Sportsmax)

in the 25th minute for a double. Lenis John also had a double in the 13th and 22nd minutes. Sheniah King was the other scorer with a goal in the 20th minute.

double to lead the way in the 9th and 18th minutes, while Teandra Mingo in the 12th and Tianna Cato in the 15th scored the other goals.

The only game to end in a draw was between West Ruimveldt and Tucville which ended one-all. St Stephen’s and St Pius were awarded walkover wins while Smith’s Memorial and St Ambrose game was a nocontest.

Action in the tournament will continue on Saturday at the Education Ministry Ground.

Phelps dominates in 200 IM

Back in the pool and back out in front, Michael Phelps pulled away from the rest of the field with a dominant swim in the 200-meter individual medley on Saturday.

It was his first victory in the three-day Arena Pro Swim Series that serves as the start of the gear-up for the 2016 Rio Olympics. That he was nowhere near satisfied with his performance may show he is rediscovering the competitive fire that made him the winningest athlete in Olympic history.

Phelps led from start to finish in 1 minute, 59.30 seconds at the University of Minnesota. He finished more than 1 second ahead of fellow Olympian Conor Dwyer (2:00.73), but was left lamenting all the mistakes he made.

“I’m happy that I was about where I was at the end of last season before nationals,” Phelps said. “And it was still with a terrible last 50 and a bad finish.”

The event was the kickoff to a seven-city tour that is part of the buildup to the Summer Games.

On the final night of swimming at the series, Simone Manuel bested a star-studded field in the women’s 100 freestyle with a time of 54.19 seconds. Manuel used a strong final 50 meters to beat Abbey Weitzeil and Allison Schmitt in a field that also included Olympic champi-

ons Katie Ledecky and Missy Franklin.

“I get nervous for most all my races,” Manuel said. “But I think it’s pretty cool to be up there with such amazing athletes and to be able to race against them. Just being able to race against a good field is always fun and exciting.

Ledecky won the 800 free to go along with victories in the 200 and 400 freestyles earlier this week, and Franklin’s victory in the 200 backstroke was her second in as many nights at the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center.

“I am beyond ecstatic about that,” Franklin said of her time of 2 minutes, 7.24 seconds. “I am so, so happy. Definitely learned so much, too, which is the point of these meets.”

Phelps finished second in the 200 butterfly and third in the 100 fly earlier this week as he continues to work his way back from a brief retirement that came after the 2012 London Games. The 18-time gold medalist was barred from the world championships in Russia after his second drunken driving arrest, but has since recommitted himself to the sport he dominated for so long.

He was overpowering at the national championships in August and left Minneapolis saying he would “continue to take baby steps” as he ramps up to compete as a 30-year-old

in Rio.

“I think coming off of this it’s really just working on all the small things,” Phelps said. “We’ve gotten to the point where we’re really in shape again. Now it’s just paying attention to hitting the walls right and the finishes.”

Ledecky held off Becca Mann in the 800 free with a pool record time of 8 minutes, 19.16 seconds.

“I’m happy with how I swam here,” Ledecky said. “I think my shorter events were a little better than my longer events, but I think that’s just from being in some pretty tough training. It felt good to get back into racing.”

In other events, Nathan Adrian won the 100 free (48.49 seconds), Caitlin Leverenz won the 200 IM (2:11.24), Michael McBroom won the 1500 free (15:14.82) and Arkady Vyatchanin finished first in the men’s 200 backstroke (1:57.30).

The circuit this season features $350,000 in prize money, with $1,000 for first place, $600 for second place and $200 for third place in each event. The overall winner for each gender for the entire seven-event series will get $10,000.

“I’m just kind of having fun and really just enjoying it,” Phelps said. “But it does feel good to be picking up where we left off at the beginning of last year.” (ESPN)

Smalta/ Public Health Ministry Pee Wee girls football

Young Mathew Vieira celebrates after another victory.

Action during one of the games on Saturday

Usain Bolt

monday, november 16,

GTT Hockey championship 2015...

Old Fort crush Saints 12-2

The Old Fort Men's first division team exacted the heaviest punishment of the night in their 12-2 beating of Saints as the GTT National Indoor Championships continued on Saturdarday evening at the National Gymnasium at Mandela Avenue.

second and third place Panthers and Hikers meet in the second.

In a closely contested Men’s second division competition, Phoenix edged out GCC and Old Fort for the lead on goal difference to face fourth placed Hikers in the first semi-final.

butions to their team.

Hikers Jamarj Assanah and Old Fort’s Aderemi Simon are poised to challenge for this accolade as they spearheaded their teams into the men’s first division semi-finals.

Three GCC Tigers share the top goal scorers ta-

GCC however managed to secure the top spot at the end of the pool to face fourth place Pumas in the first semifinal.

The Hikers round out the Men’s first division semi-finals spots by facing Old Fort in the second semi-final.

There was no surprise in the Ladies division as predictably the Tigers and Panthers achieved victories over the Under-21s (2-1) and Old Fort (5-2) respectively.

The Tigers are the unbeaten pool leaders and will face Old Fort in the first Ladies semi-final, while

Second and third place Old Fort and GCC will battle in the other semi.

After 46 matches of play, GCC’s Orland Semple leads the goal scorers of the Men’s first division competition with 11 goals to his name.

GCC’s Kevin Spencer and Jaguars' Andrew Stewart are close in pursuit with 10 each, while Pumas Aroydy Brandford has nine.

All three players have been putting in sterling performances with the youthful Branford and Stewart worthy of MVP consideration for their leadership contri-

ble with Panthers Ulrica Sutherland, each with five goals, going into the final day of play.

Apart from these four outstanding players, Panthers Aliyah Gordon has been one of the most exciting players to watch with her unmatched pace and dribbling skills.

Old Fort’s Jason Clarke and Phoenix Omar Hopkinson are well ahead of the rest of the field in the Men’s second division competition with seven goals each to their credit.

Kadecia Baird aiming for fantastic 2016 season –

expects to return to form

By TreisTon Joseph

The great Aristotle once said that “it is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light” and while many may have forgotten about her, Guyana’s lone medalist in World Junior Championship history, Kadecia Baird is back and ready to take on the challenges of the 2016 season.

Riddled with injuries and some down moments in her 2015 season while being unable to compete was one of the hardest situations the 20 year old has had to deal with in her athletic career thus far but credited Coach Shaun Dietz for helping her through the tough period.

“Well I have been dealing with a lot of injuries in 2015; I pulled my hamstring at conference… I was dealing with knee problems and a lot of minor stuff. It took me quite a while to get back healthy so I decided to sit out for the 2015 season,” Baird explained of her struggles during her 2015 season.

“It affected me a whole lot, I was at rock bottom, that’s when I decided to go back home to train and go to school in New York. Being With Coach Shaun Dietz has made me a lot stronger mentally because I enjoy working with him,” Baird told Guyana Times Sport in an exclusive interview.

With her injuries in the past, Baird has the confidence that she will return to even better form than she was during her 2012-13 sea-

sons that saw her capturing silver at the World Junior Championships and Gold at the CAC Championships respectively.

“Well coming back to New York and working with my high school Coach Shaun Dietz has made the process a lot better and easier for me…of course I believe that I will be back on top, training is going very well and with Shaun Dietz as my coach anything is possible… we make a dream team as athlete and coach,” Baird noted.

With 2015 almost over and 2016 quickly approaching, Baird revealed her goals for the upcoming season, “my goals are to stay healthy and have a greats season, once I’m healthy I know I will accomplish a lot.

“I’m really just trying to get into the best shape possible but the Olympics is one of our biggest goals right now,” Baird mentioned.

Meanwhile, with Guyana still clamoring for that first track and field medal at the Olympics, Baird believes that she once day can achieve such a feat.

“I do feel like I have the potential to do that for my country, I’m not saying it will be easy but if I have support from the Guyanese public it will make the journey easier for me but I don’t feel pressured because in the end I’m also doing it for myself,” Baird stated.

Speaking of support from Guyana, Baird highlighted that Guyana needs to show more concern for their athletes and was positive that she will become an Olympic

athlete even if there is limited support from her homeland.

“I will reach that level regardless, the support usually comes when the athletes are doing well and winning for Guyana, when an athlete is down people never take the time to check and see how the athlete is progressing or doing and I think that is wrong. We need the support and the positivity with everything we deal with in sports,” Baird quipped.

Nevertheless, the Carifta gold medalist hopes to thrill Guyanese on home soil during the 2016 year once she is provided with the opportunity.

“I would love to compete on local soil, I’m looking forward to that when we have the trials next year… if I have a chance to do it before the trials, I definitely will,” Baird expressed.

However, as Baird prepares for yet another season, maybe the most important part of this interview is Baird’s hunger for more success.

“I view myself right now at this moment as being very positive and humbled in this sport… I’ve accomplished a lot already and I’m still hungry to accomplish a lot more.

“I’m going to continue to stay hungry and motive while staying humble to achieve my goals,” Baird stressed.

Jean de la Bruyere, a French philosopher once said “Out of difficulties grow miracles.” Baird has already faced her difficulties.

master-class leaves Hurricanes on the back foot

By raJiv BisnauTh

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes were staging a gutsy fight-back to avoid an innings defeat on Sunday as they ended day three of their second-round West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-Day game against the Guyana Jaguars on 215-3 in their second innings, still needing another 119 to force their hosts to bat again.

Forced to follow on after making 85 the first time round, the Hurricanes face a mammoth task to save the match at the Providence National Stadium with one day still left to play.

Daron Cruickshank and Nkrumah Bonner crafted second innings half-centuries, with Bonner and Orlando Peters set to re-

sume today on 58 and 25 respectively.

Cruickshank (57); Sherwin Peters (39) and Shane Jeffers (31) were the batsmen dismissed in the Hurricanes second innings.

Earlier, Gudakesh Motie bowled the Guyana Jaguars into a formidable position, picking up a sixwicket haul to force the Hurricanes to follow-on before striking in the final session to end a promising innings from Cruickshank.

The inexperienced campaigner took his first fivewicket haul to force the Hurricanes to follow-on on 334 runs.

Despite Motie’s 6-20, the visitors proved architects of their own downfall when they were skittled out during the first session, in reply to the Jaguars’ total of 419-9.

The Hurricanes, resuming at 48-4, were fac-

ing an uphill battle just to compile a decent first innings score. Faced with a first innings deficit of 371 runs, they managed to add just 37 to their total.

Fast bowler Ronsford Beaton (2-29) made the early inroads, removing both overnight batsmen Sherwin Peters and Steve Liburd.

The tall seamer had Liburd (23) caught at the wicket by Anthony Bramble and then clean bowled Peters for 28.

Motie then got into the act, with a classical exhibition of left-arm spin bowling that left the visitors bemused.

He first trapped Rahkeem Cornwall leg before wicket for seven, before removing Jacques Taylor and Gavin Tonge without scoring, to complete his five-wicket haul. The 20-year-old then wrapped up the innings

with the wicket of Jaison Peters for 11, after bowling 13.2 overs.

Motie’s super effort overshadowed that of Christopher Barnwell, who began the Hurricanes’ misery late on day two, with figures of 2-5 off six overs.

Batting a second time, openers Jeffers and Peters then handed the Hurricanes a steady start, posting 50 for the first wicket before Jeffers was bowled by Beaton for 31.

Peters and Cruickshank joined forces together and crafted a second-wicket stand of 65 runs before they were separated just before the tea interval when Peters was hit plump in front to Barnwell for a 102-ball 39.

However, the righthanded Cruickshank remained steady, carving out his half-century, facing 111 balls and striking

nine boundaries.

The final session saw the dismissal of Cruickshank before Bonner and Orlando Peters came together and ensured no further trouble, with the Jamaican registering his ninth half-century from 94 balls, with eight boundaries and one six. Play resumes from 09:30h, and admission to the venue is free. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

Panthers newcomer Atteya Ally tries to find a way around a packed Old Fort defense

Holly Holm lands a devastating kick to knock Rousey unconscious. (Getty Images)

Kristian Jeffrey and his crew take a lap of honour to celebrate his sterling performances