Brazilian
Chinese
In light of the recent plight of TravelSpan, which forced the airline to cancel several flights, inconveniencing hundred of passengers, the airline is asking the travelling public for their forgiveness, as it resumes operations.
Chief Executive Officer of the airlines Nohar Singh stated that words of apologies alone will not suffice, especially since a lot of customers were looking for specific departure times, which it could not have given.
Singh added that he never expected Vision Airlines to experience extensive mechanicals, which resulted in such a horrible experience for approximately two weeks.
“What started as an engine failure on July 15, catapulted to extensive delays, especially when Vision’s second aircraft also experienced mechanical problem,” he said. Singh went on to say that matters started to get worst when on one occasion an airport handler ran a loader into the cargo door and then bad weather with lightning strike affected the AC, causing further delays.
To assess the problem, the mechanics took close to three hours. In such an instant, if a spare part is required, and the part is at the JFK Airport, it will take at least two to four hours to make the arrangement to secure it.
“If the part is from a different state, then it can take at least 8-12 hours. Installation of the part can be another two hours, then an additional one hour for paperwork to be signed off, before the mechanics can declare the AC safe for operations.”
The CEO further explained that once the airline would have got the goahead, the official had to request permission from the terminal to seek approval for a departure slot, which can take up to an hour.
In addition, once a departure slot from the terminal was secured, approval
had to be sought from US customs for landing rights slots for the return flight; hence, only then a departure time is posted.
During the abovementioned lapses, the airlines looked for an alternative aircraft which sometimes are not available due to the time.
“We at TravelSpan have put together a customer
care package for each customer and is discussing with Vision Air to add a compensation portion from the airline. Once completed, we will be contacting each passenger that was affected by the extensive delays. In the meantime, we are processing refunds and outof-pocket expenses such as taxi fares and hotel,” Singh said.
However, he admitted that there are areas they could have handled better during the delayed flights.
The CEO and the board remain committed to providing the best service to its customers, noting that the airline has completed over 70 flights, and with the exception of nine encountering mechanical problems, all the other flights were of great passenger satisfaction.
He recalled that from December 2013 to August 2014, over 15,000 passen-
gers were flown from New York into Guyana with an estimated financial contribution of US$1500 by each passenger that spends monies while in Guyana. The service also created employment for Guyanese citizens. More importantly, he added, the fares became more affordable.
Meanwhile, he thanked customers for their understanding as well as the handling companies, travel partners, airport staff and operators, his staff, management and flight attendants who have worked endless hours to ensure a full recover.
Singh reiterated that for the past 19 years, the company has maintained an excellent track record for service and consistency, noting that management and staff are committed to working and growing to improve in all areas to make it one of choice.
Attorney Roopnarine Satram of the Satram & Satram law firm has written Capitol News Editor Enrico Woolford, demanding that he retract statements in a story on the newscast suggesting that his client, Forestry Commissioner James Singh has rented his Ogle, East Coast Demerara property to Bai Shan Lin International Forest Development Inc.
Attorney Satram in his letter said Singh has indicated that his property is not rented nor was it ever rented to Bai Shan Lin International Forest Development Inc or anyone operating in the forest sector.
“In or around the month of April, 2013, Mr James Singh advertised his said property for sale or rent in several issues of the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper. Several persons responded to the said advertisement and the property was eventually rented to and still is rented to a person who is not operating in the forestry sector.
“We are instructed by
our said client to call upon you, as we hereby do, to retract your statements made on the 22nd day of August, 2014, suggesting that our client, the Commissioner of Forests, has rented his property to Bai Shan Lin International Forest Development Inc and to issue an unqualified apology to our client.
“These false and malicious statements were calculated to cause and have indeed caused our client irreparable damage, both in his professional and personal life. The said publication was intended to convey to the public that our client has a corrupt relationship with Bai Shan Lin from which he derives financial benefits to condone the alleged illegalities being committed by Bai Shan Lin and reported in the press.” Satram in a letter to Woolford, said the statements in the story are libellous, and should be withdrawn within three days, or he will advise his client of the options open to him and will act on his further instructions.
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, August 24 from 14:30h-16:00h
The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sunday, August 24 from 16:10h-17:40h
BY TAJERAM MOHABIR
More than five months after the first case of the Chikungunya virus was confirmed in East Canje, Berbice, hundreds of persons have reported experiencing symptoms of the viral infection.
But amid these reports, on closer examination of the state of a few communities, some residents appear to be contributing to the virus, and recognising the rapid increase in Chikungunyalike symptoms in patients, some private doctors have been fleecing patients seeking treatment.
Guyana Times on Tuesday paid a visit to the New Amsterdam Hospital, Region Six to investigate the situation.
It was a bright but generally quiet morning, with residents of the bustling town of New Amsterdam going about their business when a car pulled up at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.
The door opens but no one comes out, and at first thought, it appears as though something gravely serious has happened to the person who has been brought for medical attention.
Then a man emerged from the back seat of the vehicle, limping and grimacing in pain, and within seconds, a porter who appeared pushing a wheelchair, took him in for medical attention.
The patient with anguish in his face, told Guyana Times that his name is “George” as he took his seat, joining 19 others suspected to have the Chikungunya vi-
rus awaiting treatment.
According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by the bite
and may become a cause of chronic pain and disability.”
On a daily basis, senior hospital officials told this publication that scores of persons suspected to have the virus visit to seek medical attention.
The symptoms of the virus are similar to the seasonal influenza and dengue fever.
Joining George a few minutes after he has been admitted is a mother who sits quietly, not too far from him in pain, as her infant cries. The young mother claimed that her daughter has also been affected by the virus.
“Is four days now. It start with the pain in meh foot and headache with hot, hot fever an I see rash start come out on me skin and is same ting with me daugh-
of infected mosquitoes such as Aedes Aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
“It can cause high fever, join and muscle pain, and headache. Chikungunya does not often result in death, but the joint pain may last for months or years
ter,” the mother said.
With 20 minutes, three more persons were admitted, Guyana Times observed during the brief visit to the hospital on Monday.
In Berbice, while medical officials attached to
Government institutions say only a fraction of those who claim to have contracted the virus are indeed victims, their colleagues in private practice are contending otherwise.
One private doctor, who requested anonymity, told this publication that on average, he sees about 21 patients per day.
Skullduggery
And aside from the pain and anguish, some doctors are being accused of rubbing salt in the wound of patients by trying to gain a quick buck through skullduggery. PAHO had warned that there is no specific treatment for Chikungunya infection, nor any vaccine to prevent it, pointing out that pending the development of a new vaccine, the only effective means of prevention is to protect individuals against mosquito bites.
Editor: Tajeram Mohabir
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
Over the last month, there has been much heat, but little light, generated by the Kaieteur News over the Chinese company Bai Shan Lin's investment in our forestry sector. The company has been accused of a host of negative activities ranging from being a poor corporate citizen to flagrantly violating the terms and conditions of their contracts that were supposed to be in compliance with the laws of Guyana.
The attacks on Bai Shan Lin are only the latest, albeit the most sustained, on Chinese investments in general in Guyana. Once again it raises the unanswered question as to whether the attacks may have other motives than the claimed "rape of our country". Since 2001, prompted by its huge accumulation of foreign reserves (now totalling almost US$4 trillion), China embarked on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a strategy to reduce domestic pressures on its currency.
Today, if investments from Hong Kong are included, China stands only behind the USA as a source of FDI - and the largest to the developing world. One question for China's critics in Guyana, therefore, is if they do not want Chinese investment, whether in fact there are alternative sources waiting to develop Guyana's vaunted "potential".
Another question is whether Chinese investment is more exploitive than that from other countries. Forestry is as good an industry to look into the issue as any, because of the sustained interest generated globally and locally by its role in containing global warming through the sequestration of carbon. There are numerous organisations that are focused on monitoring use of the world's forests and data on comparative usage are not difficult to come by.
From these reports we discover that China is not only the world’s largest manufacturer of forest products, but also among the five countries with the largest forest area in the world. China has made forestry investments in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, but only in Asia has there been a significant investment in value- added downstream manufacturing.
Especially in Africa, there has been the tendency to concentrate in the exporting of logs. And like all other FDIs, while some Chinese companies will comply with good corporate social responsibilities, there will always be some that will attempt to skirt the rules in the pursuit of profits.
Countries such as Guyana that accept the need to attract FDIs then, will have to be diligent in crafting local laws that secure its interest in sustainable development and to enforce such laws. Because Guyana has been a pioneer in the utilisation of its forest resources in the fight against global warming and climate change, its legal framework, and monitoring, reporting and verification capabilities are quite advanced. The REDD-based agreement with Norway concerning overall deforestation rates, for instance, utilises such MRV mechanisms to offer quite precise annual reports on the gross amount of forests harvested.
The possibility that Chinese companies may be violating local laws cannot be summarily dismissed but on the other hand, that stricture must also apply to the responses of the designated monitoring body, the Guyana Forestry Commission. Rather than persist in making sensationalist claims and allegations, those that feel that the laws of Guyana are being violated can possibly refer to the aforementioned international groups.
For instance, the Forest Governance Learning Group (FGLG) worked with groups having similar concerns in Africa to create the China-Africa Forest Governance Learning Platform. The latter shares information of forestry matters that have the inputs and hopefully the confidence of all shareholders.
Finally, in responding to similar claims from other jurisdictions China has promulgated a raft of regulations for its companies overseas, such as the "Guide on Sustainable Overseas Forests Management and Utilisation by Chinese Enterprises". These can also be utilised to approach the Chinese government to rein in its companies through control over the financial incentives offered to them.
But for sure we cannot allow the witch-hunting that is playing out in the media.
In another age and clime
In a place held sacred and divine, On the battlefield of Kurukshetra The Great War to commence.
Soldiers in expert military formations Famous heroes with resolute determination, Arjuna, peerless among archers, beheld in the enemies’ line
A sight most troubling to his mind.
Saw his Guru, kinsmen and elders in the enemies’ ranks His heart in despair and sorrow sank, Famed Gandiva bow from his hand fell
As if in witness to deep anguish felt.
In the arena of decisiveness and blazing action Arjuna overwhelmed in melancholy and sad reflection. To Bhagwan Shri Krishna, charioteer and dear friend He uttered reasons this unwanted war to condemn.
No victory worthy, no duty compelling When there is slaughter of relatives and friends, Only ruin and sin can accrue If he must wage this war in truth.
And so mighty Arjuna, scorcher of foes With opportunity so rare and splendid, To slay oppressors cruel and wicked Decided not to fight.
But his sorrow and despair he could not put to flight Could fathom no relief in sight,
From this sudden unbearable plight. In the very depths of utter despair and losing all composure Arjuna lifted up his heart to Govinda, In supplication and complete surrender.
To the Universal Teacher a disciple seeking guidance Imploring his fears and doubts be put to silence, The shackles be broken of his illusions His path to action clear in all situations.
Arjuna’s de sperate cry for freedom Became Govinda’s opportunity for man’s deliverance, Through knowledge absolute, imperishable, purifying and clear
To dispel dense darkness of ignorance and fear, Ever clouding man’s intelligence Root cause of suffering and miserable existence.
A clarion call to man
When held captive to Maya’s command, At the crossroads of life no clear path to discern When the whole bottom seems to have fallen from his life, Then seeking release from chains forged with his own hands
Like Arjuna, must he turn to Govinda.
And as clear as day it will be seen That man is only defeated, When life’s battles he quits And happiness can be found only within himself.
Submitted by, Cecil Ramkirath, New Jersey, USA
Dear Editor,
Solid waste management has become a major environmental concern in the city of Georgetown, which is one of the fastest-growing towns in Guyana. Georgetown’s Mayor and City Council (M&CC) with its limited resources, incompetent technical know-how and inadequate policy framework is facing an uphill task to keep the city clean at an acceptable level.
In order to keep the neighbourhoods clean at the local level, residents have organised on a self-help basis with private garbage collectors. Community-based collection of solid waste in the capital city is supposed to be in operation, but it’s clearly visible that nothing is being done by the Council which is to provide waste-col-
lection services from house-to-house and transport the waste to the nearest municipal bins or demountable containers.
In the absence of bins or containers, they transport the waste to nearby open waste collection points. These community-based initiatives will help out only for a while, to clean small and manageable household trash cans.
It’s a dirty scene everywhere you look, mountains of garbage and a sickening stench to the city, due to non-removal of waste from secondary waste-collection points like bins and containers.
Moreover, faulty design of bins and containers rarely placed will not make it possible to discharge the waste directly. What is the purpose of the Mayor and his subordinates?
In order to solve this problem, it is high time to introduce better concepts which facilitate solid waste to be discharged directly into loads that are to be carried by bigger motorized trucks or by other means to distant landfill sites.
A transfer station may also serve as materials recovery facility. We strongly believe that in order to improve the cleanliness of the city, there is an urgent need to introduce fast, efficient and effective measures which will always keep Georgetown clean, instead of a onetime thing.
Georgetown is our capital city and it’s disgraceful that it’s so filthy and horrid.
Sincerely, R Persaud
Dear Editor, Please allow me some space in order to correct and clarify some misunderstandings on the part ofAbel Seetaram, Chairman, Alliance For Change (AFC), RMC – Region 5, as expressed in his letter entitled, “The Prime Minister and the political circus in Berbice”.
Yes, I have been in Berbice, helping to draw attention to the need for every Guyanese to take note of the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) issued by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), in preparation for likely national elections which might be held in the second half of January 2015, following the recent submission of a “No- Confidence” motion to the National Assembly, by the AFC.
It is important that all political parties, and all Guyanese, work together to ensure that there is a clean and complete Official List of Electors (OLE).
We of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have already published our concerns about the astonishing increase in the number of potential voters listed on the PLE 2014, compared to the OLE 2011, and have pointed to some extremely suspicious, apparent errors.
I do recall someone calling in on a live television programme, with questions somewhat like those related by Seetaram in his newspaper article – evidently, my responses were not understood!
I did, and continue to, maintain that there was, and has been, noticeable improvements in the general standard of living in our country during the 1957-to1964 period, and from 1992 to the present and, also, that the 1964-to-1992 period was characterised by an inflation rate of about 1000, whilst wages and salaries were increased only by about onethird of that.
Wages and salary earners, particularly civil servants, were, in 1992, worse off than they were in 1964. The main difference has been Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPP/C’s adherence to financial discipline (a balanced budget), a discipline which is often painted as harsh, but which paradoxically brings the brighter day, particularly to the smaller man, particu-
larly wage and salary earners. As I have said in the Budget 2014 Debate, Berbicians became much better off when the Berbice Bridge replaced the aged and ailing Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) steamers. The problem with the tolls of the Berbice Bridge is the negligible tolls of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which evolved from its particular history.
Each day, the need for a new, or additional, Demerara Bridge becomes more evident, and it is being addressed – it could and would be built in good time, but with cost-covering tolls similar to those at Berbice. Otherwise, a new Demerara Bridge would have to await receipt of another grant or very concessionary loan, and the bridge would take in the order of four years to be built.
Yes, we of this PPP/C Government are plugging monies every year into the sugar industry, just as we continued, from 1992, the People’s National Congress (PNC)-support to bauxite, which began soon after 1976. And in this regard, we ought to count the G$3 billion electricity-subsidy this year, for electricity in the bauxite communities.
Even whilst supporting bauxite and sugar, we are urging, and working for, a re-fashioning of our old, traditional economic activities, longing for the day when they can sustainably pay their way and no longer have to call on the national treasury.
I did refer to NOKIA as an example from which we could learn, with its rapid rise and, then, being overtaken by others, and, eventually, its decline. This is the story of life, of all economic activities, of all companies, of all human communities – we have to manage this life cycle as it is manifested.
Time is required for people and for communities to refashion and transform themselves – we owe it to them, for, indeed, we all benefited during their glory days. The world is ever changing, and the diamond in the crown today eventually loses its shine.
This PPP/C Government did not abandon our bauxite companies and communities,
nor would we abandon our sugar companies and communities – we will continue to work for their disciplined transformation to profitability and prosperity.
On the question of race and political preferences, I repeated my position, which is that we should take account of the fact that our different peoples (races) arrived here with their different, complete cultures, respectively – religions, social practices and attitudes – and, further, had different historical experiences in this land.
It should not be a surprise that as formal sociopolitical organisations arose in Guyana, that our people would cluster around views and attitudes that would overlap with race. Cheddi was aware of this, and endeavoured consciously and continuously to position the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the PPP and the PPP/C as parties for all Guyanese, and with a leadership that reflected all the segments of Guyana. Who will refute this?
As Cheddi espoused, and we believe, we face two challenges – becoming one people, and materially building our Guyana; and as we work at the latter, we will be resolving the former. The ethnic overlap with voting, will not disappear with anyone or with any party waving a magic wand.
We of the PPP/C, believe that this will happen gradually, as we hold together, work together, making common experiences as we build our country materially. Trust will thus be built, and as trust is built, we will be coming together from our various starting points and, one day, unheralded and without fanfare, our earnest, honest feelings on the important questions on which political clustering presently turn, will no longer be an overlap with race.
These are the sentiments that I tried to express – Mr Seetaram and others may have heard and understood differently – I thank you all for this opportunity to correct and clarify the misunderstanding.
Sincerely,
Samuel Hinds Prime Minister
Dear Editor,
An opinion poll conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) in July revealed lack of support for the AFC’s no confidence motion and PPP’s threat of a snap poll.
Voters do not think any party will get a majority in new elections and urge the parties to compromise to break the current parliamentary impasse in the interest of national development. People expressed deep frustration with all three political parties.
The poll also finds: significant disenchantment with the government whose rating trails President Donald Ramotar. Opposition Leader David Granger’s approval rating is almost at par with Ramotar but Granger trails Carl Greenidge as a “parliamentary debater”.
Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali, Priya Manickchand, and Ashnie Singh are viewed as the most effective Ministers, as well as the leading parliamentary debaters on the government’s side. Greenidge, Moses Nagamootoo, and Rupert Roopnarine are rated as the leading debaters on the opposition side.
The findings are obtained from 580 voters yielding a demographically representative sample (43% Indians, 31% Africans, 16% Mixed, 9% Amerindians, and 1% other races) of the population. The survey was conducted at random by several interviewers.
It was coordinated by Vishnu Bisram, a pollster, newspaper columnist, political scientist, and an educator in NY. The results of the findings were analyzed at a 95 per cent significance level; it has a sampling error of plus or minus four percentage points.
Asked if they are satisfied with the performance of the government, 37% said yes with 42% saying no and 21% not offering a response. In contrast, President Ramotar’s approval rating was 41% and disapproval rating 39% with 20% not offering a rating (no response).
Asked if they approve
of the performance of Opposition Leader David Granger, 37% said yes, 40% no and 23% not sure. Asked if they approve of the AFC’s no confidence motion, 59% said no, 18% said yes and 23% not sure.
Asked if they think President Ramotar should call snap elections in light of the threat of no-confidence vote, 26% approve, 49% are opposed and 25% are not sure. Most people do not think a new election will significantly alter the parliamentary outcome. Asked if they think the AFC should join with PNC-APNU in pre election coalition against the PPP, 37% said yes, 52% no and 11% not sure.
Asked who they would rate as the most effective minister, Anil Nandlall (A.G & Legal Affairs) leads) with 16%, followed by Irfaan Ali (Housing, Tourism) 14%, Priya Manickchand (Education) 13%, Dr. Frank Anthony (Sports & Culture) 11%, Dr. Ashni Singh (Finance) 10%, Dr. N.K Gopaul (Labour) 4%, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy (Agriculture) 3%, with the others trailing way behind.
Asked who they would rate as the most impressive debater in Parliament
on “the government’s side”, Nandlall and Gail Texeira tie for the lead at 15%, Irfaan Ali 13%, Priya Manickchand (12%), Dr. Ashni Singh 8%, Sam Hinds 5%, Juan Edgill (3%) and the others trailing way behind.
Asked who they would rate as the most impressive debater on the Opposition’s side, Carl Greenidge leads with 17%, followed by Moses Nagamootoo with 15%, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine (11%), Khemraj Ramjattan 9%, David Granger 6%, Basil Williams (3%), Joe Harmon 2%, and the others trailing behind.
Asked if an election were called now, how they would vote, 45% said PPP, 39% PNC (APNU), 5% AFC, 2% JFAP and others, and 9% saying they were undecided.
Submitted by, Vishnu Bisram
Anu Dev
pressures we’re faced with – pressure from our elders, our teachers, and society in general.
lecture at school warning you to stay away from drugs, sex and wild partying – the trifec ta of doom, we’ve been warned. But there has not been enough discussion about all the other
Of course, it’s important to remind everyone-especially adolescents with their young, impressionable minds--that peer pressure is very, very real. I mean, you spend so much time with your friends and lots of kids prefer to fit in instead of being the odd duck out. So naturally your peers can exert an enormous amount of influence over you. And that influence can be either positive or negative, depending on who you choose to hang out with.
But I want to speak a little about the pressure society puts on us all. Though we live in a world that supposedly hails individualism and free thinking, there’re always retorts
ties of the family. We’ve come a long way from when women were confined to the household; women have successful careers and are earning the big bucks.
But I wonder if most people will be as accepting of a “househusband’’ as they are of a “housewife.’’ I don’t see why they should have a problem though –men are just as capable of cooking, cleaning and taking care of children.
But even at the school level, there’s this pressure on boys to be cool and “manly.’’ Maybe that’s one of the reasons girls keep out-performing boys in school? While the boys have to find time for cricket and other sports and keeping up the façade of being “too cool to study,’’ it’s fine for girls to prop open a textbook, sit in a corner to study and get
like “man up!” and “you hit like a girl” thrown around all the time.
Now don’t get me wrong, I know a lot of the time those words are thrown around in light fun, without malicious intent, so I’m not about to pull out my soapbox and bullhorn and start denouncing the next person to tell a guy to “man up”. But still, words can have a lasting impact.
Everyone’s wired differently. A guy shouldn’t be any less of a man if he’s not into stereotypically “manly’’ things. And a woman shouldn’t be less of a woman if she’s not into all of those stereotypically “womanly’’ things.
Men are still pressured to be the main breadwinners of the household, to shoulder the responsibili-
all wound up over wanting to do well for exams.
Boys seem to have to use that time to keep up with the latest video games and generally do other “boy things.’’
But boys and all of us have to take the time to think about the type of person we want to be today, five years from now, and even 10 years from now. Is it worth spending so much time to “fit in’’ if you become someone that even you can’t recognise?
Take a quiet moment to think about whether the things you do, or the things you want to do are things that you truly want or whether it’s what everybody else is doing. Don’t be afraid to flow against the tide, to be your own person, to captain your own destiny.
BY VAHNU MANICKCHAND
Acting
Police Commissioner
Seelall Persaud says the community projects being executed by the Guyana Police Force are proving beneficial as the crime rates in those areas are on the decline.
Speaking with the media, Persaud noted that while it is too early to evaluate and assess the overall projects, it is now clear that those who were previously idle and liming are now channelling their energies towards these projects.
He pointed out that the Impact Albouystown Project has seen a reduction of crime in neighbouring communities.
Persaud said that the rate of serious crimes last year had increased from 2012 and for this year, there was an increase in serious crimes up to the month of March.
The Police Commissioner proudly stated that as of current, the serious- crimes rate has decreased by nine per cent when compared to last year. Additionally, Persaud mentioned that there are a lot of positives coming out of these engagements.
“In Albouystown, for example, there were cosmetology courses, people have been trained and are now operating beauty salons; there was training in cooking as well. I think all those persons are now certified now by Carnegie and they are working to supply res-
taurants and snackettes”.
He added that “There are persons who were limers and are now involved in block making. We have provided markets and provided some materials for them so they are actually earning by conventional means”.
The Commissioner said the Force is also working on the youth by building facilities for them so that they can direct their energies to constructive activities such as sports. He noted that the with Albouystown Project, they are currently working on improving the playfield on Independence Boulevard and have plans in store to develop the playfield in St Steven’s Street.
Development of playfield
The Police are also targeting youths in Agricola and have started working on developing the playfield there.
Meanwhile, Persaud disclosed that businesses and professionals also came forward to assist and have even sponsored the academic costs for quite a few students in Albouystown.
“They came on and say listen, we would like to do this for the children whose parents are taxed with providing uniforms, books and whatever else they may need for school,” he said.
The commissioner added that a lot is happening in terms of community development, disclosing that the police are also providing computer training for residents.
He mentioned that the Police Force is working along with a company in New York that provides them with computers to help with the training and will also be paying an Information Technology teacher to conduct these training sessions.
In addition, the Police Commissioner stated that the police have contributed to two feeding programmes in Albouystown; one with the Islamic Centre and the other by a church.
According to Persaud on West Demerara, the commander there, ‘D’
Division Commander Ian Amsterdam, has a different strategy in place to boost community development.
“He is pulling on board all the people that were doing youth work, whether religious or otherwise, and they meet monthly and try to boost what individually they are doing,” Persaud noted.
Over the past few months, the Police Force has been engaged in a number of activities as they seek to regain the confidence of the public while at the same time strengthening their relationship with citizens.
ABrazilian national was on Friday evening beaten and robbed of a quantity of cash and raw gold at his business place located a few miles from Bartica, Region Seven.
Raimunda Bandeira Barra of Sand Hills, Cuyuni River, had to be taken to the Bartica Hospital where he was treated for several bodily injuries as a result of the beating he received from the four bandits.
News reaching <<Guyana Times>> revealed that Barra would operate his business place from 06:00h to 21:00h on a daily basis. During the nights, he and his business partner, a woman, would stay in the small shop.
He would normally keep the sales on him, but on the night in question, he hid the money and the gold between two Banks Beer cases in a section of the shop. At about 23:00h, the man reportedly heard a banging on the front door of the shop and went to the back door and called out to his neighbour.
The man reportedly told investigators that the four men forced their way by breaking the front door and striking him to the head. They then proceed to tie him and the woman, who was in the shop at the time.
While in the shop, they demanded money and gold, but Barra was reluctant to comply and was dealt sev-
eral blows to the head. Two of the men reportedly ransacked the shop and found $140,000 and 27 pennyweight of raw gold.
After finding the money and gold, they went back to the man and demanded more from him, and after claiming that he did not have, he was again struck to the body. The ordeal lasted for at least five minutes after which the men made good their escape. The victim was taken to the Bartica Hospital where he was treated and sent away.
The matter was reported and the Police have since launched an investigation. No one has been arrested thus far.
...of the PNC
We all know we have a drug problem in Guyana. More specifically a “drug transshipment” problem. The Americans squeezed the largest producer of cocaine in the world - Colombia - and like a balloon, the drugs pop out into every country in the vicinity of Colombia. And while most Guyanese may think we’re some island floating in the Caribbean, we’re actually smack in South America with our southern, unguarded border 600 miles into the continent.
Meaning drugs gonna flow into our country on their way to the US of A. Now, you’d think that great country would’ve wised up to this reality and work with us to plug this hole, wouldn’t you? We’re not even gonna spit in the wind to suggest the US should reduce its insatiable appetite for cocaine. Part of why that country’s so great is you don’t mess around with infringing on the American right to the “pursuit of happiness”. And cocaine is the happiness drug, ain’t it?
Cynics may say their lassitude is due more to the guaranteed “right to make profits”...but we’ll let that be also. We’re going to stick to what’s going down in Guyana. After waiting more than two decades as our transshipment hub grew, the US finally decided to establish a DEA presence here. Better late than never, no? In conjunction with our CANU, we may now breathe a bit easier, you’d think?
“Absolutely not!” if you go by David Granger, the recently re-rigged leader of the PNC, even as he watched CANU burn “billions” of dollars of interdicted drugs. The only way the fight against drugs will be won here is if President Ramotar gets personally involved in the battle.
Well!!! We know that Pressie has got himself into “fighting shape” - but we thought that was for the fight on the upcoming hustings, not in the drug war!
But the comment betrays the nature of the PNC in general and David Granger in particular. The PNC has always practised “big man” politics. The leader should straddle his party and the Government like a colossus. But we know where this inevitably leads to, don’t we?? Not only does this guarantee collapse of the country like in the days of maximum-leader regime of the PNC - but it guarantees that no other leader gets the opportunity to show their leadership potential.
All Guyana must reject Granger and this type of thinking and cleave to the democratic politics of the PPP/C and Prezzie.
Just when we thought we were safe from the inanities of Laloo “Suspenders” Ram - after he was given the bum’s rush by the StabberNews, up he pops up like a fetid fart. The man keeps biting and scratching to be recognised as “somebody”. He’s now on a blog site that’s regurgitated by (who else?) the Muckraker. Birds of a feather stick together - and evidently, so do losers.
The world of bookkeeping wasn’t enough for Suspenders. In his 70s (?) he entered law school with kids young enough to be his grandchildren. Believed being a lawyer would give him respectability. Didn’t. Then tried joining the Opposition bandwagon. They wouldn’t have him since he didn’t offer much beyond his ego and his unbridled passion for publicity.
Well after being ignored by all and sundry - save the bottom-feeding Muckraker KN - Suspenders oozed out with one of his patented stinky hatchet jobs. Jumping into the Muckraker instigated “forest fire”, Ram blamed it all on Jagdeo, cussed out the Chartered Accountants body and hissed, “the parliamentary bodies are paralysed by their own mediocrity”!
Won’t somebody give this guy a ribbon, and make him disappear?
The Muckraker offered a “correction” to its headline, “Integrity Commission’s call for the declaration of assets should be ignored – Former Auditor General (Goolsarran)”. But insisted it was correct “once the article is read”.
So what’s to correct, wankers??
Born on February 13, 2000, Abhimanyu Dev was the number four student at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) of 2009, at the tender age of nine.
He needed permission from the Education Ministry to enter Leonora Primary in the Third Grade at the age of five plus. Entering Queen’s, he chose the science stream in the Third Form and said he enjoyed playing cricket and spending time with his friends the most.
At the age of 14, he decided to write 17 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) -- conscious of the fact, he said, that his sister Guyana Times columnist Anu Dev, had topped the Caribbean overall and in Science in 2011. Guyana Times (GTimes) did not notice any boys from Queen’s in the top 52 students achieving 11 Grade Ones and above. Since the top NGSA boys routinely choose Queens, we asked Abhi -- via the email since he is vacationing in New York -- about why boys underperform at CSEC.
GTimes: In your view, do you think the school curriculum and teaching methods have a role to play in boys’ underperformance?
Abhimanyu Dev: I think that the curricula for each field are adequate for their respective streams, for both genders. It covers what needs to be covered and I don’t think it’s a factor in boys’ underperformance. What may be a problem; however, is the method of teaching adopted by most of the high schools. Typically,
teaching is done with the students sitting quietly in the classroom, reading, writing and listening to ultimately focus on their work. While this sounds good on paper, this system is impossible to work on most children, and more specifically, on boys. At this age, boys are in a mindset of restlessness, willing to rebel against the generation gap (and so against their teachers). Girls, on the other hand (for the most part), are content to quietly focus solely on their work, maturing faster than boys and using the discipline that was cultivated during puberty to work with the system.
For whatever reason, no boy wants to look like a “nerd”. At least from personal experience, after some hours of pure text and tests, the attention of boys tends to waver, focusing on things that seem more important or exciting to them. This is only
natural; this is how we are socialised at this age. However, at the higher levels, this aforementioned system works fine on both genders, as both boys and girls would have matured enough to develop concentration and discipline to focus on what is really important: the schoolwork. This can be noted at the CAPE [Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination] examination level, where boys not only match the performance of girls but sometimes outperform them
GTimes: Boys generally shy away from debates and presentations, preferring to be engaged more in sport. What strategy did QC utilise to get their involvement in the former activities?
Abhimanyu Dev: Queen’s College has a number of clubs that are open to both genders. For example, the debate club, which is quite active, consists of
mostly girls and only a few boys. So yes, boys definitely shy away from such activities that require just displaying intellectual depth.
However, even though we heard about past great debaters like Walter Rodney, QC did not utilise any strategy to attempt to specifically involve boys in these activities. Istead, they left it to a voluntary choice to the student
GTimes: Is the poor performance of boys a result of poor role models in the school system? Do you think that a lack of presence of male teachers in the school system is contributing to the problem?
Abhimanyu Dev: The problem isn’t the sex of the teachers; it is the competence
of the teachers, regardless of their gender. At least personally, I was able to identify more with certain subjects that had competent teachers that cared not only about their students, but about their subject. For example, Miss Samantha Liverpool who made Information Technology a subject that students looked forward to, and Miss Fazia Baksh, who transformed the tedious (in my opinion) subject of Geography to an exciting one. There were quite a number of male teachers in the school system actually, none of whom could have been viewed as role models in the slightest, as well as a number of female teachers. It doesn’t matter if the student
or teacher is male or female, once the teacher is passionate about both the subject and his/her students, then the subject itself is made enjoyable to all.
GTimes: Tell us a little about your preparation for exams
Abhimanyu Dev: Other than the teaching in school, I relied on the textbooks and a few online courses. My father attempted to go through the syllabi with me as he’d done with my sister, but in his opinion I “resisted”. I checked with him on areas I had doubts about.
Ideally, the best way to prepare yourself for these examinations is to work every past paper that is attainable for each subject and to carefully stick to the syllabi. In some cases, external lessons may be helpful, if teaching at school may be inadequate. For example, the only lesson I went to was Miss Candida Williams’ lessons for Spanish, which proved to be enormously helpful as Spanish is one of my weaker subjects.
All in all, my personal preparations for the CSEC examinations were never enough, as I basically took the exam for granted, through heavy procrastination, earning me nine Grade Ones and eight Grade Twos, instead of the coveted 17 ones. The biggest part of preparation for any examination is discipline -- where I lagged.
Acane harvester was on Saturday morning found hanging from a mango tree in his backyard at Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.
The body of Sookdeo Sukhram, 45, of Lot 664 8th Street, Brother Dam MetenMeer-Zorg WCD, was found at about 05:30h by neighbours who in turn contacted his siblings.
While details remain sketchy about the reason the man may have committed the act, his relatives admitted that he was going through rough times in life.
His wife reportedly passed away about a year ago and he has since taken another woman to live with him but ever since, they have had a rocky relationship.
The couple according to reports had regular arguments resulting in the woman whose name was given as ‘Sharon’ leaving the house.
She would subsequently return after a few days.
This might have frustrated the cane harvester to the point where he ended
his life.
Parshram Sukhram, brother of the dead man told the Guyana Times that he was at home when he received the news that his brother was hanging from a branch of a mango tree.
He said that he immediately rushed to the house where he saw his brother’s motionless body with a piece of rope tied around the neck. He explained that they telephoned the police who cut the body from the tree.
The grieving brother said that he was not sure why the man took his own life. He claimed that he saw his brother on Friday evening and he was in a jolly mood.
Sukhram said that his brother spoke with him for a while but at no time did he hint that he was going to take his own life. Sukhram admitted that after his brother became disturbed, he started to drink a lot.
He further stated that the dead man might have had a fight the woman on Friday evening.
“We hear after de argument, he left the house and went and drink… it had to be after he come home he kill he self”, the man stated.
Jasoda Bharat, the eldest sister of the dead man was in tears when this newspaper arrived at the scene.
She said that even though her brother had problems, he never confided in her.
The man leaves to mourn a step-daughter and nine other siblings. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The man’s body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post- mortem examination.
Satiricus never failed to be surprised at how insensitive people can get. Here it was the Pee an' See party had worked for over 50 years to create its image. And now the Integrity Committee expected then to just blow it away in a day?? Who the hell did they think they were? Didn't they know that in the end all a party could count on was their reputation? Lose that and everything gone fuh channa.
He could only imagine the entry in secret diary of GreenBridge:
Dear Diary, Ah tell yuh...ah suh mad, ah gon talk to you today in me old New Amsterdam fashon. Dese people really full ah schupidness. Dey want we fuh file we "integrity" papers!
Integrity?? What de arse is duh? We in the Pee an' See spit pon "integrity"!! We party born without integrity; we live without integrity and we gon damn well die without integrity! But dey ain't foolin' no body! Dey mean fuh embarrass we. Deh want we fuh be just like dat Jedi Jagon.
Dear Diary, I is a Berbician, but I gon tell yuh something. De Foundah Leadah was dam right fuh laaf at Jedi Jagon fuh being full of integrity! Look wha' integrity get he...28 years running around like a lil boy, while we ruling the country. De Foundah Leadah form de Pee an' See after he show de British he had no integrity when he sell out Jagon and de PPPCEE. Dat was how we party born. We get plenty money from de 'mericans and de British.
We party refuse fuh get any integrity when we rig election every five years fuh de 28 years. We had no integrity when we use we army people fuh kill RodKnee. We had no integrity when we mash up sugar and rice just fuh teach Jagon supporters a lesson. De lesson was dat integrity is fuh losers. And we gon win by any means necessary.
And Dear Diary, Leh me tell yuh something else. Ah cyaan tell everybody but Ah gat guh hand it to GrainJa. Because nowadays, we ain't get de chance fuh rig de national elections, de man prove to de world day we still ain't got integrity. Last time he rig me out from de leadership and dis year he rig out North-Ton.
Now when yuh can rig yuh own people, yuh full of something else other than integrity. Suh we ain't need GhoulSerum advice not to listen to de Integrity Commission. Integrity?? Is scampishness fuh we till we die!!!
GTimes: Your sister was a top student; did she give you any advice and coaching?
Abhimanyu Dev: My sister coached me both indirectly and directly. From her monumental success, I was motivated to write 17 subjects in one go. It wasn’t only a case of sibling rivalry, I was given big shoes to fill and I wanted to do my best to full them. As a past student of Queen’s College, and one who experienced the stress of CSEC, my sister gave me critical advice and coached me in one of her stronger subjects, Additional Mathematics.
GTimes: At nine you were one of the country’s top NGSA students. How did this impact your overall approach to high school?
Abhimanyu Dev: After some time in high school,
NGSA results were forgotten among students, including me. However, going into high school, I’m sure I took most of the new subjects for granted and there was some degree of arrogance towards them. This, along with me being surrounded by brilliant people who took their work extremely seriously, I was never the “top student” throughout my entire life at Queen’s College GTimes: What are your long- term career goals?
Abhimanyu Dev: Though I’ve been in the science stream so far, I have switched to Law in pursuit of being a Corporate Lawyer. My eventual goal is to have a PhD in this field, which may entail studies in England GTimes: Who and what would you credit your success to?
Abhimanyu Dev:
Though I personally am not pleased with my performance, I’d attribute this success first to Mother Saraswati, for assisting me in the path of knowledge. Mainly, I’d credit this success to my parents and sister, who gave me the strength and motivation to do what I did. Secondly, to my friends who all went through the same stress that I did, but we went through it together GTimes: Final thoughts?
Abhimanyu Dev: There is a lesson to be learnt in everything, and the CSEC examinations were no exception. Natural intelligence only counts for about 10 per cent of the test. The rest is up to your ability to rise to the occasion and put in total concentration to achieve your goals, whatever they may be. Knowledge may come, but wisdom will linger.
BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM
Local Government and Regional Development
Minister Norman Whittaker has urged Region Two residents to utilise Anna Regina Town Weekend activities as a vehicle to strengthen social cohesion and unity as the event opened on Friday.
The activity which is in its second year is being held under the Theme, “Together we achieve; together we celebrate”.
Minister Whittaker, speaking at the opening ceremony, underscored the importance of the event and the need for all opportunities to form linkages and do business to be maximised.
He urged the Anna Regina Town Week Planning Committee to use some of the finances earned from the activities to fund
beneficial projects within the township of Anna Regina.
“The Government of Guyana is happy to join with you to celebrate the annual event of Anna Regina Town Day. The town has indeed achieved a lot; I bring you greetings from the PPP [People’s Progressive Party] for a successful celebration of the town’s 24th anniversary.”
Minister Whittaker also urged residents to develop the ability to put their ethnic and political differences aside.
“We need to come together, put aside all differences and examine the progress of the Anna Regina Town,” Whittaker said.
He said Anna Regina has shown tremendous progress over the years.
“The town’s achievements should not only be
BY JoMo PAul
Cognisant of the need for footwear in several of Guyana’s “underserved” communities, the Come Alive Network (CANI) on Saturday hosted a footwear drive in Albouyston, which saw over 400 children benefiting from brand new footwear as they prepare for the new school year.
CANI Executive Director and Founder Ryan Hoppie told Guyana Times that the group which was formed in 2012, saw the initiative as a way of helping families in poor communities to send their children to school; thus, reducing the strain on parents to adequately prepare their children for each school term.’
The shoes drive was facilitated under a project entitled “2014 Shoes – Help Them Walk To Their Own Shoes.”
Hoppie said the initiative was birthed after several of CANI’s volunteers found out that in most cases, children in the community had all the other prerequisites for school, except a proper pair of shoes.
He related that the project was influenced by an initiative with another organisation, which did a stationery drive in several interior communities.
“I mean, if you look around, they have new bags, new books, new uniforms and all these things, but they don’t have proper footwear and that was something we saw as important… many of them have no shoes,” Hoppie said.
He further explained that Albouystown is not their only stop in this venture as the group intends to take their footwear drive to several other impoverished communities in Guyana, ranging from Enmore, Charity, Berbice and Linden.
The Executive Director said: “We want to be able to reach young people, students… not just in Georgetown; we know a lot of community projects happen in Georgetown, so we want to break out [of] that and reach other parts of our country as well.”
He credited the success of the drive to corporate Guyana and a software development firm in Florida. He said after the project was proposed, the firm got wind of it and decided to come on board. Hoppie pointed out that the firm “gave us really a big kick start”. Hoppie intends to make the drive an annual initiative, and is hoping next year to raise some 2015 pairs of shoes.
measured alone in physical achievements… it must be measured in the extension of social services and quality of standard of living of the people,” Whittaker posited.
Meanwhile, Interim Management Committee
Chairman Toolsie Narine said the activity was held with the aim of showcasing the town, which was established 24 years ago.
Narine, giving an overview, said Anna Regina was established in August 1990. He said the IMC was set up in October 12, 2012 with 16 members, with the aim of promoting the town, noting that the Town Day was one way in doing so.
The Town Day, he said has managed to build strong partnerships with private entities. He said with the help of the National
Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), all drains were cleared and the Anna Regina Centre Ground over the years has received maintenance work.
He noted that there has been significant improvement in the removal of garbage in the town and called on the business community to invest more towards the enhancement of Anna Regina.
Greetings were extended by private companies such as ANSA McAL, Banks DIH, Digicel and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T).
Awards were presented to persons living within the township including sport personalities, Ronsford Beaton and Natan Persaud (Cricket) and Keona George (Athletics).
An award for the oldest female was given to Seekumarie Naipaul while Wilfred Barton took the one for the oldest male.
Isahak Basir was awarded for his outstanding contribution to the region, while and Chutney singer Haresh Singh was also rec-
ognised for his contribution. The programme featured several cultural items. Also in attendance was Minister with the Agriculture Ministry
Georgetown acting Town Clerk Carl Sooba and Region Two Town Clerk Diane Chritchlow.
SunDAY, AuguSt 24, 2014 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com
Amother of one per-
ished in the wee hours of Saturday morning following a boat collision about 50 metres away from River’s View, Essequibo River. The collision occurred about 03:40h.
The dead woman was identified as Nicole Mayers, 20, of River’s View, Essequibo River.
Based on reports reaching Guyana Times, both captains were unlicensed and investigators are still to as-
certain the reason for travelling on the river while visibility was poor.
One of the boats was travelling from Parika, East Bank Essequibo, loaded with agricultural products and was captained by “Cherokee”, while the other had four passengers, including the Captain, Cello Cameron.
According to information received, the now dead woman and the other occupants of the boat were partying in
Bartica, but left before dawn to head home. It was while driving along the river that the Captain collided with the “greens” boat. The boat was extensively damaged and sank almost immediately.
As a result of the impact, the four persons received injuries, with Mayers receiving the most. According to reports, a part of the boat went into the woman’s eye, reportedly killing her on the spot.
The other two women and the captain were rescued and taken to the Bartica Hospital where they were treated.
They were subsequently taken to the Bartica Police Station and were interrogated. Both captains were taken into Police custody and are assisting with the investigation.
A few days ago, two men were rescued after the boat in which they were travelling capsized in the Essequibo River.
Two days earlier, fiveyear-old Beesham Munilall and Jose Henriqu Salvao De Souza, 66, met their demise after the boat they were in crashed into a rock in the vicinity of the Dukwari River, Cuyuni.
The body of De Souza was discovered a few hours later, but that of the five-year- old was fished out of the river on Tuesday evening.
Awaitress attached to the Delicious Chinese Restaurant on D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, was on Saturday evening shot dead during a robbery at the establishment. The incident occurred about 19:15h.
Dead is Debbie Blackman, 48, of Critchlow Circle, TucVille, Georgetown. She was shot once to her neck by one of the two robbers who posed as customers.
According to information received, no one else was in the restaurant since a young woman had left seconds prior to the shooting incident.
According to reports, the two young men walked into the restaurant and ordered a chicken fried rice and waited until it was prepared.
As the woman brought out the food, one of the men pulled out a gun and pointed it at Blackman who attempted to run. The gunman pulled the trigger, hitting the woman once to her neck. She subsequently fell to the ground while the men made good
their escape. Guyana Times could not confirm if any money was stolen, but was made to understand that after the woman was shot, the Chinese national locked the door, thus preventing the gunmen to get to them.
It was after a while that the Chinese nationals contacted the Police, but by the time they arrived at the scene, the woman was dead. Relatives of Blackman who were at the scene thought that if the woman had been rushed to the hospital, the possibility exists that she might have been alive.
When Guyana Times arrived at the location, the shutters to the restaurant were down and investigators were conducting investigations.
Investigators are reviewing the surveillance footage at the restaurant with the aim of indentifying the gunmen. The woman had been working at the establishment for the past 14 years. She leaves to mourn five daughters.
An unidentified man who was shot multiple times about the body in what seems to be a failed execution attempt is now a patient in critical condition at the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital.
According to reports, the man was outside a popular bar at the corner of Sixth and Light Streets, Alberttown, socialising with a few friends when the shooting occurred.
While there, they reportedly noticed a suspicious vehicle heading in their direction forcing the now injured man to pull out his weapon. His drinking buddies followed suit.
Several shots were exchanged between the two parties, which resulted in the man being shot about his body several times.
After the gunshots stopped, the injured man was picked up from the side of the roadway and rush to the medical facility where he was admitted for treatment.
When Guyana Times visited the hospital, the man’s friends were reluctant to di-
vulge any information about the incident, not even releasing his name.
Nevertheless, one of the men identified the shooters as “Robbie and Bai Bai”. He explained that it might have been an attempted robbery, but people in the area thought otherwise, given the way the shooting was done.
However, an eyewitness related a different version of the shooting. He said he was driving in the area at the same time when he heard the rapid gunfire.
The eyewitness said on looking back, he saw the group of men exchanging gunfire with the men from inside a car.
“All I hear is thump thump thump thump, when I look back, I see them man running for cover behind the vehicle,” said the eyewitness.
Meanwhile,the Police were seen scouring the area for spent shells. Many of the persons gathered at the scene were reluctant to divulge any information.
Police are investigating the incident.
As an agriculturebased nation, we are still overwhelmingly dependent on sugar and rice. We all know that GuySuCo is plagued with challenges: poor worker turnout; sometimes questionable management decisions; strikes; the ill-fated Skeldon factory; inclement weather; global prices, and so on.
Irrespective of these challenges, it is impractical to simply allow GuySuCo to fold when there is nothing to replace it. The last thing we need as a nation is to add thousands of people to the ranks of the unemployed.
We need reform in the entire structure and greater communication with the workers. If we create clear avenues of communication through which we can get complaints, grouses, and new ideas, we can avert all kinds of potential problems.
GuySuCo now has a new Chairman in the person of Shaikh Baksh. The former Minister has his detractors, of course. But this is a man who is noted for his handson approach to any portfolio in which he is made to serve. And this is a vital element.
Shaikh Baksh can provide a different kind of leadership, and it may work if he surrounds himself with the right team. There are some really good Estate Managers around, and they could be put to good service in the reformation of GuySuCo.
And while this is being undertaken, we must attend to other agricultural products that promise great national income and profitability. Our fruits, for instance, are a precious resource.
Peppers, coconut, herbs, and fruits like cherries, mangoes, plums, and so on can find important places in global consumerism if they are grown in quantities, processed efficiently, and marketed aggressively.
I know for a fact that bottled hot peppers from Guyana disappear quickly from the shelves in places like New York and Toronto. Guyanese cherries have been declared by nutritional scientists to be an excellent natural source of vitamin C. The juice of the pommegranet (or “anar”, as we call it) is also in great demand in North America and Western Europe.
We also know that hy-
droponic farming is becoming progressively more popular as an income-generating and subsistence activity, especially in Regions Five and Six.
This type of farming requires little space, is not labour intensive and the start-up is relative cheap. This form of agricultural activity could be expanded by buying these hydroponic produce in bulk from selfcreated community groups, then marketing becomes both easy and profitable.
These can then be sold locally and/or processed and canned for the global market. In addition, one of the potential by-products could be propane gas for cooking.
The problem, of course, is that we do not have enough processing plants. It would be a good idea to engage international partners and other potential investors to come on board for this kind of post-agriculture production project. The problem with this, however, is that no one is going to invest if we cannot assure dependable power that would not destroy power-sensitive machinery.
A company like the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) could offer an excellent template for this. How does DDL do it? I am confident that DDL will be willing to share their expertise and offer advice. But we must be willing to ask and to learn.
One realises that there are “problems”; but our ideas here can resolve these. Back in the day, we had agricultural activity in almost every school. But that was labour intensive and took up much land space. Each school could have as many as 10 of these hydroponic sheds. Schools now pay their own way for needed equipment. Everyone gains. Same for every police station in the country.
In Western Europe and North America alone, there are enormous markets for anything that is “organic” or “natural”. Our post-production activity can ensure organic integrity. UGBC has one of the best plant pathologists in Guyana.
Our fish are of various species and naturally tasty. We could use our rivers and fresh water “trenches” to good purpose. The island of Grand Manan in New Brunswick, Canada, grows salmon in cages. We could use the technology and modify it in a fit-for-purpose way which takes into consideration variables like salinity/
alkalinity, land mass, and climate.
At UGBC we grew tilapia as student projects and as research activity. Let us export this to the community as an economic activity for individuals, groups, and as a nation. The Government can blaze a new trail here. But it takes coordination and communication.
Someone told me that we have more cattle in Guyana than people. This can be so very profitable for our nation. If we have the vision and show our people what is possible, then what seems impossible suddenly becomes brightly promising.
AProject document between the Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was signed on Friday, aimed at mainstreaming biodiversity practices in Guyana’s goldmining sector.
The document was signed by Natural Resources and Environment Ministry
Permanent Secretary Joslyn Mackenzie and Guyana’s UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, who witnessed the signing, pointed out that the agreement reiterated the country’s commitment towards biodiversity regulations.
He explained that among the expectations is to integrate biodiversity in the mining school programme to help miners understand the regulatory framework and what is required of them in their day-to-day activities.
The Minister stated that Government continues to be concerned about the impact of mining on biodiversity and has taken note and has been acting accordingly to minimise the harm posed.
He pointed out also that while Government seeks to protect the country’s biodi-
versity, it must also ensure that mining activities are not reduced in the process, recognising that mining remains one of the drivers of deforestation.
The US$803,653 agreement is a three-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility and collaborates with Guyana’s
work towards the formulation of a similar project for the mining and forestry sectors.
It will receive parallel funding from other agencies, including the Natural Resources Ministry; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).
The agreement will enable the monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations and codes of practice. It will also enhance the capacity of mining and miners so that activities will be favourable to biodiversity, while at the same time, strengthen the EPA’s role in oversight of mining practices and increased satellite tracking, among others. It will as well, help to ensure that Guyana honours its international commitments.
Musa said it was important that not only Guyana, but all other countries where there are mining activities, ensure that biodiversity is not destroyed in the process.
She expressed the hope that Guyana would take advantage of the new technology which exists and says work will continue to ensure that biodiversity is protected.
“The sad reality is that if we don’t protect it now, when we are finished mining we will be left with nothing,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie pointed out that signing the agreement marks a significant milestone as part of the Ministry’s strategic priorities. He noted that work with the UNDP saw the completion of a strategic plan of which one of the mainstreams is biodiversity in the mining sector. Work had been ongoing with the UNDP to have the project finalised which saw its final approval at the global environment facility,
Further, Dr Indarjit Ramdass, head of the EPA, supports the project which would help in the monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations and codes of practice.
The statements made by Alisha Barker in sections of the media over the last few days are damning and have sunk another nail deep into the coffin of the PNCR. It is hard now for the party to hold itself out as an advocate for justice, law and order and due process, given Barker’s account of what really transpired at the PNCR’s 18th Biennial Congress, which ended in controversy.
It should be noted that PNCR Leader David Granger distanced himself from the incident that occurred in the bosom of the party, denying that he had any significant knowledge of the details of the shooting, which was clearly underreported in sections of the media.
Instead of addressing what really occurred at the Congress, the party spent much of its time attacking those leaders who wanted to create change and better the overall administrative and political agenda of the party.
Maybe some in the PNCR were suffering from a bout of selective amnesia, or maybe there was a deliberate and patient attempt being made to ensure that the details of the shooting were kept under wraps and far removed from any significant media limelight.
Therefore, it is not surprising when Barker expressed disappointment over how the police investigated the matter, as she opined that Granger would not have wanted the man to be convicted for the shooting. Also not surprising is the woman’s confession that leading up to the case, she was basically threatened and warned not to attend court.
The PNCR and its PR advisers must be ashamed now. The fact that the woman is alleging that she was threatened and a gun pointed to her face should be sufficient grounds for the party to issue a condemnation of such behaviour publicly, regardless of the consequences of its admission.
No twist by the party will undo the damage caused by the woman’s confession that no one was willing to accompany her to report the matter or offer counselling after the unfortunate incident. Additionally, Barker’s confession has exposed the brutish nature of the PNCR and its double standards.
It preaches about maintaining law and order and supporting justice in the country, while bashing the PPP/C for its shortcomings, but fails miserably to arrest an internal conflict and resolve it by taking the appropriate steps to ensure that justice prevails.
It is expected that over the next few days, the PNCR will attack Barker and she will be further threatened and marginalised by those who support Granger. She should not expect her elitist leader to reach out to her if he did not seize the opportunity to so do when the conflict started.
This sort of politics must never be condoned and must be condemned by all right-thinking Guyanese who crave justice. Granger must say who is probing the Congress woes, which will cost his party down the line. Maybe, he has quietly established a Commission of Inquiry into the matter and appointed commissioners.
He must say publicly who will be sanctioned and why, when the probe is completed. For a man who prides himself on advising the Government about its alleged ignorance on dealing with matters of security, it is an indictment of his image and that of the PNCR that its own internal security mechanisms in place were not sufficient to handle an incident of this sort.
Perhaps the most damning of all of Barker’s statements was, “Now it is hard for me to support a party that does not support its grass roots”. Surely, the PNCR Leader does not still hold the misguided view that he is a grass roots man and in touch with the mood of his constituents.
There is still time and confession is indeed good for the soul; Granger knows what he must do. The PNC appears to be headed six feet under!
Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO)
General Secretary Hugh Riley said the upcoming State of The Industry Conference (SOTIC) billed for the US Virgin Islands (USVI) on September 17-19 will include discussions on the barriers to travel within the Caribbean.
Riley, during an interview with reporters on Thursday, shared plans for the upcoming conference.
He said while there are many barriers to travel for persons coming into the Caribbean, the hurdles faced by citizens of Caribbean nations are dumbfounding.
And this, the conference hopes to address. “The barriers are many,” he said, adding: “There are barriers to travel specifically within the Caribbean that we are going
to deal with. This obsession with checking and re-checking our own people at the airport is worrying.”
Discussions on intra-regional travel hurdles will focus on taxes and costs, regulatory matters, security issues, economic conditions and cost of regional travel, among others.
Representatives of the International Air Transport, Caribbean Airlines and the International Civil Aviation Organisation will address the conference on the very engaging issue.
Under the theme:
“Realising the Vision: Positioning Caribbean Tourism for Major Change”, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) will this year host its annual State of the Industry Conference (SOTIC) in the USVI.
He said the Caribbean continues to see an increase in arrivals to the Caribbean; and this could be a result of the conference, he posited, saying that the Caribbean has hit the 25-million mark.
Riley said the annual event is the leading Tourism Conference in the Caribbean and will see the participation of international speakers addressing some of the major challenges faced by countries in the tourism sector.
The Secretary General said the conference, since its inception in 1989, has seen tremendous success in changing the tourism industry in the Caribbean.
He noted that while challenges continue to form part of the daily activities of the organisation, the conference seeks to bring together per-
sons who understand these challenges and can provide solutions to them.
“One thing is for sure, some of the challenges we have are going to be with us maybe forever, there’s always going to be the need to
look at new technology and to find what new best practices are.”
SOTIC is the Caribbean’s leading tourism conference where Caribbean tourism practitioners, policy-makers and strategic partners from the public and private sectors, academics and travel professionals, at the highest levels, gather to discuss issues, identify solutions and generally develop courses of action that will benefit the tourism industry in the Caribbean. There are 250350 registrants.
Speakers of international and regional acclaim will
provide best- case practices and winning strategies on a wide range of topics that are critical to the growth of Caribbean tourism, all with a view to the development of a sustainable tourism industry that will position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year- round, warm weather destination.
Youth from several CTO member countries will also make their contributions to the discussions at a Youth Congress, one of the various vehicles through which the CTO encourages the best and brightest to consider tourism as a career.
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s 19th instalment of Naya Zamana, one of Guyana’s most awaited dance and theatrical productions, will be staged at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on August 30 at 20:00h.
This year’s production, described as a theatrical extravaganza, is called “A Royal Twist”. The story covers two eras and, as the name suggests, will be replete with fabulous dances, resplendent costumes, magnificent sets and intense drama.
Director and Choreographer of the production, Dr Vindhya Persaud, has been working long hours with the 70-member cast to achieve the perfect visuals for her story, an original one which she has penned.
According to Dr Persaud, this year’s production has allowed her to let her imagination run riot in crafting a script which conjures up the splendour and romance of a bygone era, as well as the drama of present day.
With numerous dance styles being featured, a talented cast, majestic sets and costumes and the inclusion of the E-Networks band, which features musicians from India and Guyana, the production is bound to sparkle in every way. Costumes and sets have been designed
by Trishala Persaud.
Playing the lead roles are Dr Indhira Harry as the actress turned Director; Riya Patel, US-based choreographer and dancer Noman Ahmad as the debonair Sid Sharma; Zahrah Alli as the famous Mughal dancer Anarkali; Ravi as Prince Saleem and Nazim Hussain as Emperor Akbar.
Recent winner of the E-Networks Emerging Voices Competition, Vishale Sukram, makes her debut at the National Cultural Centre in this production. The show is a must see.
Tickets cost $3500, $3000 and $2000 and are on sale at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Kendra, Red Mango, E-Networks (Camp Street and West Coast Demerara), Bhagwans, the Murti Shop and the National Cultural Centre or patrons can call 227-6181 or 219-1900 for more information.
Naya Zamana fans are encouraged to get their tickets early to avoid being disappointed as the show is sold out in advance of show night every year.
To win exciting door prizes for this production, persons are asked to retain their ticket stubs. The Sabha wishes to thank Digicel, E-Networks and NTN for their support of the production, which showcases Guyanese talent.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has said while Government is prepared to invest in the future of youths, they have to be the architects of their own destiny.
He issued the charge while addressing a 2014 graduating class of the Port Mourant Training Centre when the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in collaboration with the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) training centre, Port Mourant, recently hosted its second graduation exercise for its evening class students.
The students graduated from six different courses: Basic Fitting and Machining, Electrical Instillation 1, Motor Vehicle Servicing and Repairs, Refrigeration, Welding and Fabrication and Supervisory Management respectively.
Delivering the feature address to the graduands, Minister Nandlall drew attention to the importance that Government places on education for all, more so the youth.
According to the Minister, “Every year if you look at our annual budget, you would see that the singular, largest budgetary allocation goes towards education. When you look at our budget totally, you will see that almost a third of that budget is directed to the social sector of our country”.
He said the reason
Government injects so much finance in this direction is because of the importance of developing the “human capital”.
Minister Nandlall articulated that: “No society has ever advanced; no country has ever been built without investments made in the people of that country or that society, in terms of training them, educating them, in terms of equipping them to take charge of the developmental trajectory of that country or society”.
Countries such as Japan, Malaysia and Singapore that are limited in their natural resources have, according to Minister Nandlall, in recognition of their drawbacks “made the decision that they must invest in their human capital and they already have and today these are some of the leading economies in the world. That is the philosophy and
ideology that guide this Government when it invests in young people.”
He referred to Guyana’s colonial background of poverty and how through education, citizens have managed to extricate themselves from the cycle of poverty and will continue to do so through the younger generation.
The sky’s the limit
“Therefore as you graduate, please recognise that it is only the beginning of what is a path, a journey that will only take you upwards and in aiming upwards let only the sky be your limit. I don’t want to see you confine your future to the skills that you have acquired today, let these skills be the foundation upon which you would build your future,” the Minister urged.
He told the graduating class that the training they have received is for skills which are in demand in Guyana and abroad. Mention was made of the construction boom that is currently taking place in Guyana and the scarcity of skilled labour to satisfy the demands which are out there.
“Therefore, there is an eminent need for the skills you have acquired, but as I said and maintained most resolutely, I don’t want that to be the place where you stop,” the Attorney General reiterated.
According to Minister Nandlall, “we have a coun-
try to build; you would have read in the newspapers the furore which erupted when the Chinese, the persons who are constructing the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown employed Chinese labour, when we were building the stadium, the contractor requested that as a condition of the contract he must have Indian labour. The Chinese company that built the Convention Centre, they requested that they be allowed to employ Chinese labour”.
He explained that it is not that these companies are discriminating against Guyanese; it is because of the fact that there is a shortage of skilled labour and coupled with that shortage is the indiscipline which exists in the labour force that has allowed this to happen.
Nandlall observed that the “world will not operate at your speed, you have to operate at the world’s speed, and therefore, as you embark on your professional pursuits in relation to what you plan for yourself, just be cognisant of the fact that you are entering a very exciting and challenging world where if you are not equipped, then you will be eliminated in the competition”.
In keeping with the Government’s goal to ensure 90,000 families receive laptops, the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Secretariat distributed 61 laptops to residents of Strathspey, East Coast Demerara, on Thursday.
Bagmattie Deokarran, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the Government for the implementation of the initiative and said that, “It will come into good use for my children, especially my 14- yearold son.”
Another recipient said she has never had a computer and was very happy to receive one.
“I never know about
computers, but I guess you never too old to learn. My grandson will use the computer and I also plan on using it to learn.”
Allan De Elly, another recipient, said he was overjoyed to be the recipient of a free laptop and added that it is a much-needed tool for his three school-aged children. He believes the OLPF initiative is of significant assistance to Guyanese citizens, especially to the less fortune families.
“I feel proud about the OLPF initiative and happy to have received the computer and it will be of great benefit to my grandson,” Gangadai Harold said.
continued on page 18
BY UTAMA BELL
While the recent announcement of increased tolls at the Mackenzie-Wismar bridge in Linden has received mixed reactions from motor vehicular operators and residents alike, Linden Interim-Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Orrin Gordon said the cash strapped municipality had “no choice” but to increase the fares.
Gordon made the announcement last week that effective September 1, the fares for motor vehicles will increase as a decision was taken at the level of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) and the bridge committee.
He said the tolls had remained the same for approximately 20 years and cars along with Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) vehicles will be excluded under the increase until it is
reviewed at the end of the year.
Gordon added that the Council is trying to keep the increase at a minimum. He said it has realised that the majority of cars which utilize the bridge operate within the Linden community, so the increase is pending. He further stated that consideration will be given to BMGGI vehicles, since the company has “done a good job” at paying tolls, when compared to its predecessors.
In explaining the municipality’s current circumstance, Gordon said the Council’s financial situation is a dire one. He said its recent budget was not approved and a requested subsidy of $33M was also refused. Gordon added that he believes the municipality is being penalized for a situation which is basically not its fault.
The Linden Town Council municipality has reported experiencing se-
rious financial woes over the years, but the IMC Chairman said it has been managing despite challenges.
Recently, the Council could not have afforded to pay its workers their July salaries. While that has since been taken care of, Gordon said it has to come up with alternative ways to garner funds so that workers can receive their salaries for the remainder of the year.
The increase in bridge tolls, he noted, is just another alternative.
Gordon explained that the Mackenzie-Wismar bridge is governed by an Act. The Linden M&TC receives a percentage of funds garnered from tolls, which is shared with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). The IMC Chairman said due to the fact that the Council cannot afford the upkeep and maintenance of the bridge,
Any treatment is directed primarily at relieving the symptoms, including the joint pain using anti-pyretics, optimal analgesics and fluids.
Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Vishwanauth Mahadeo was at pains to emphasise PAHO’s warning.
“There are a lot of doctors who are going around telling people that they have a vaccine.... There is no authorise vaccine for Chikungunya,” he said, contending that doctors who administer injection to cure the Chikungunya virus are fooling the patients.
“Our people are being exploited. We have received reports where private doctors are charging persons up to $30,000 for one injection, and when they go, they are told that they have to get two. Patients who get the injection come to us after and report that the pain gets worst.”
Many persons seek private medical attention as they are impatient with the slow Government-run health institutions.
Yvette McPherson told Guyana Times that she has been a victim of a private doctor who is part of the scam.
The young lady related that she had spent three days in bed in intense pain after her joints refused to work.
“My fingers were numb and I could not lift a cup or open a bottle. My entire body was sore from pain and I grew weak,” said McPherson, comparing the experience to labour pain.
“I visited a private doctor who administered a diclofenac injection, 20 packs of Advil along with Panadol,”she said, noting that it costs her $3,500 but the next day, the pain and fever worsened.
Medication
But McPherson said she persisted, and continued to take the medication which also included saline, multivitamins, antibiotics and steroids.
“I felt better but a few days after the pain was still in my body, especially in my ankle. I visited a second doctor and the treatment cost me $17,500.”
Two weeks after, they young lady said she is still feeling pain in her joints. Many others have told similar stories.
Since the detection of the first Chikungunya case in Berbice, to date, some 31 cases have been confirmed and
it shares the responsibility.
The Mackenzie-Wismar bridge has been subjected to constant repairs over the years, which is carried out to its wooden decking.
“Act 51:04 basically says that the income from the bridge should come to the municipality. Now, for years Town Council has been making noises, indicating that the Chairman,
yours truly, has been blocking all efforts for them to retake the bridge...my reason for standing firmly against that position is because when the time comes to repair the bridge that is where the difficulty lies.
An important facility such as the bridge, we can’t play around with it. Therefore, it is important that we recognise that we are incapa-
ble of managing that facility. Therefore we leave it to those who can manage it and the resources would flow to us by way of profits.
Some persons who utilize the bridge, however, stated that the increase may not benefit the Council or the community, while others stated that they had no problem with the slight increases.
OLPF officials distribute laptops to Strathspey residents
In addition to the distribution at Strathspey, OLPF expects to distribute more laptops at Non-Pariel and Coldingen on the East Coast of Demerara on September 4.
On August 13, 300 residents at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara, received
of mesh that mosquitoes can’t pass through could help. And if you have plant pots, they should be put under a shaded area,” he said, noting that the body becomes immune to the virus one a person becomes infected.
from page 3
hundreds of samples have been sent to Trinidad and Tobago for testing.
The Health Ministry in a bid to control the spread of the virus has been mobilising the Vector Control Department to intensify fogging to rid the Aedes Aegypti mosquitos, which have been carry the virus.
Vector Control Services Director, Dr Reyaud Rahman said the department has been responding to calls of mosquito nuisance and has found an infestation in some residential communities in Berbice.
“What we found is that there are plenty of breathing grounds… People have tires and other receptacles on their yards, which has been collecting water and helping the mosquitoes to breathe.”
Dr Rahman said some residents are contributing to the spread of the virus as they are not keeping their surroundings clean.
“Fogging only gets rid of the adult mosquito but we need to get rid of the breather sites,” Dr Rahman noted.
He is urging residents to bury cans, bottles and other containers that can collect water and insisted that reservoirs should be covered at all times.
“A simple zinc or a piece
Fogging reportedly wears off after four days, and Dr Rahman stressed that everyone should make a concerted effort to prevent the spread of the virus once a person becomes infected.
“They need rest and should be kept under a net so that he vector cannot bite them and take the virus to other family members.”
Hundreds of persons on the East Coast of Demerara and Georgetown have complained of experiencing symptoms of the virus. In some villages and areas, the surroundings are ideal for the breeding of the Aedes Aegypti mosquitos.
According to reports, two cases have been confirmed in Georgetown. These persons would have become infected after the Aedes Aegypti mosquitos bit an infected person before biting them. The most effective way to deal with the virus, Dr Rahman said is for residents to keep their surrounding clean and to sleep in nets.
In East Canje where most of the Chikungunya cases were detected, the surroundings in about 20 per cent of the yards there were conductive breathing ground for the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, our Berbice Correspondent Andrew Carmichael reported.
He also pointed out that in
laptops and on August 8, 80 residents of Good Faith and Champagne, Mahaicony, Region Five became beneficiaries. Residents of Mora Point, Region Five also received 80 laptops on August 17.
The OLPF programme, an initiative of former
the Corentyne, where a number of cases have been confirmed, many drains are littered with plastic containers and coconut shells while others were clogged.
According to Dr Rahman, out-houses are also popular breathing grounds for the mosquitos carry the virus, and advised infected persons to drink a lot of water, noting that Chikungunya is a viral illness which would have to run its course.
Meanwhile, many residents are contending that it is their responsibility to keep their yards clean, the Government must keep the parapets and drains clean.
Residents and officials of Linden have expressed similar sentiments, noting that there are a number of areas in the mining town that are breathing ground for the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
Concerned
Region 10 Regional Health Officer Maurice Butters is among those who have expressed concerns, noting that some drains and canals have not been cleared for some time now.
“We’ve found that there’s an increase in mosquitoes. At certain time of the day now you can find a lot of mosquitoes. What is being done? Nothing! They started by fogging. That was not effective because the machine was too small and it was not continuous. There’s much more needed to be done,” he told Guyana Times
Thus publication was told that the Linden Mayor and Town Council depends on the National Drainage and
President Bharrat Jagdeo, aims at bridging the Information Communication Technology (ICT) gap in Guyana, and ensuring that less fortunate citizens are able to enjoy the benefits of having access to a computer in the comfort of their homes.
Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to get the job done since it does not have the equipment to do so.
But Butters said the NDIA focuses mainly on the clearing of parapets, contending that the regional authorities should be adequately resources to tackle the problem.
Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon said the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has begun the second cleaning and clearing activity for the year in Linden. The first was done in March.
A doctor at the Linden Hospital Complex who requested anonymity said of some 25 persons who have been tested for the virus thus far, three appeared to be positive.
One woman, who gave her name as “Silvia”, complained of feeling unwell, with pain in the joints and roasting fever, but noted it went away after one week of treatment.
Only a few days ago, there have been reports of the virus reaching the Essequibo Coast, but officials there told Guyana Times that the information is inaccurate.
According to a PAHO report dated August 14, the total number of suspected cases in the Caribbean stood at 580,526 with 5,272 confirmed and 37 deaths.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Tuesday called for a meeting of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to discuss a coordinated response to the public health threats posed by the Ebola and Chikungunya viruses.
Hamzah Eastman
clocked one hour, 15 minutes, 46 seconds to win the feature 35 lap School Boys and Invitational race of the third annual Malta Supreme 11race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday.
Eastman shrugged off the challenge of Robin Persaud and Marlon Williams in a heated three-way sprint at the finish. Persaud ended second and Williams third, followed by Paul DeNobrega, Jamal John and Mario King in that order. A total of 27
riders started the race.
The victory was Eastman’s second of the 2014 season.
Other winners of the day included Ammo Gomes (1214 Boys and Girls), Linden
Blackman (Veterans O-50), Ralph Williams (Veterans U-50), Monty Parris (Veterans O-60), Stephano Husbands (Juveniles), Keon Thomas (Mountain Bikes), Sherwin Sampson (BMX
West Indies batsman Dwayne Smith has signed a two-year deal with Sydney Sixers for the upcoming Big Bash League in December.
“I’m going to come and give it my best and hopefully we can see plenty of sixes when it is my turn to play for the Sixers,” Smith said. Smith will head into the tournament in sublime form in Twenty20 matches, having played several match-winning innings for two of his teams in recent months.
Smith was the second highest run-scorer in the 2014 Indian Premier League, scoring 566 runs for Chennai Super Kings with five half-centuries.
He carried that form over to Barbados Tridents in the Caribbean Premier League, making 353 runs with two hundreds and a fifty at an average of 44.12. Smith also top-scored with
59 in the rain-affected final against Guyana Amazon Warriors, as Tridents clinched the title with an eight-run victory according to the D/L method.
“Dwayne is a power-
ful exciting stroke-maker at the top of the order,” Trevor Bayliss, the Sixers coach, said. “He also bowls some handy medium pace and his fielding is top class.” (Cricinfo)
Boys 6-9 and 9-12), Thuran Garbarran (BMX Boys 1214) and Adrian Sharma (BMX Boys Open).
Saturday’s event was organised by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed
as part of the 38th annual Teach Them Young cycling camp, and was witnessed by Banks DIH Limited’s NonAlcoholic Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie.
Meanwhile, the riders
will be in action again today at the National Park for the United Bikers Shop cycling programme, set to pedal off at 08:30h.
other
Meten-Meer-Zorg West Cricket Club recently received a donation of cricket equipment from former member Gamal Hamid, who now resides in Toronto, Canada. The simple presentation
took place last Sunday during a cricket match which was played at the club’s home ground. The club received two SF cricket bats, three pairs batting gloves, two pairs batting pads and one gear bag.
Executive Member, Troy Khan, said that the club welcomes the timely donation and promised that the club would account for the gear and make full use of them. He also complimented Hamid for his kind gesture.
The inaugural Ansa McAl Trading/Stag Beer West Side 5-aside football tournament got off to an exciting start at
the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac on Friday last. With a large crowd in attendance, Stewartville Gunners, Woodcrest,
Vergenoegen All-Stars and New Road Eagles were victorious in their games which marked the first time a tournament of such nature
is being held on the West Demerara.
In the first encounter, Kwame Hyman scored two goals in the opening minute (30 seconds and 56 seconds) along with an own goal in the 19th minute to see Stewartville Gunners defeating Woodcrest 3-0.
The night’s second game was decided on a lone goal, which came off the booth of Orlanzo Henry in the
first minute, that saw Vergenoegen All-Stars edging Shattaville Pacesetters.
New Road Eagles, through Paul Rodney’s eighth minute goal, upset a star-studded Tuschen UpTop Youths 1-0 that featured the likes of Devon Millington and John ‘Brown Boy’ Waldron.
Meanwhile, in what was by far the evening’s most entertaining clash, Woodcrest
rebounded from an early deficit on the night to beat Shattaville Pacesetters 4-2. The tournament will continue on August 27, 29 and 31, along with September 3, 5 and the grand final on September 7. The tournament winner will pocket $200,000; while second through fourth places will go home with $100,000, $75,000 and $25,000 respectively.
the British Virgin Islands in July.
Ifill, who has already been accepted to the college and in receipt of her visa, also had to apologise to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) for her participation in the unsanctioned Inter Guiana Games (IGG) basketball tournament that concluded earlier in August.
National basketball player Ginelle Ifill has received a full scholarship from Odessa College in Texas valued US$42,500.
The scholarship will last for 30 months and the 6’4” Centre will be able to hone
her skills in a modernised environment that will go a far way in taking her game to a new level.
Ifill is a lanky Centre and is adept at rebounding the basketball. She was noticed by scouts at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in
In addition to Ifill’s knack to rebound the ball, the Centre is also able to finish quite efficiently at the rim.
However, Ifill’s worth ethic and urgency in the way she plays will be the main ingredients that might just get her into brighter lights at the college. (Treiston Joseph)
In giving the camp report, football coach Colin Bowery said that this is the first year that the camp went for more than four weeks. He also noted that the camp was the largest in terms of participation in the 22 years existence of the Heart of Oak Masters Teach Them Young football camp.
“During the camp they were taught the basics of football; on the field and the laws of the game,” Bowery said. He added that the one week extension this year is likely to do well for football in Berbice. “The camp has a long-term goal of producing not only good footballers, but good citizens.”
Topics that were covered included Diet, Etiquette, HIV, Healthy Home Practices and basic skills needed in the classroom.
Over the years the camp has been the starting ground for scores of footballers, who went on to represent Berbice and Guyana. The camp was held at the All Saints Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road and at the Prisons Officers Club.
In brief remarks to the participants Prison Officer Loraine Braithwaite told the youths to remember the skills learnt and to continue to be disciplined. “When you do so you will be rewarded. Remember football is a game
that you must have discipline.”
Coordinator of the programme, Neil ‘Grizzle’ Humphrey, in thanking those who supported this year’s camp, singled out Kurt Alphonso, Keith Humphrey and Sean Semple, whom he said supplied some of the footwear and other articles which was distributed.
In giving a charge to the happy campers, football administrator Joseph Simon advocated the need for more females to get involved in football. “Academic scholarships are being offered to females involved in football,” he said.
Three-fourths of the way through this first ODI, the match seemed to be over as a contest. But just when the spectators at Hambantota might have resigned themselves to watch the game drag itself to a stultifying finish, Pakistan staged one of those incredible revivals that sprinkle 50-over cricket with a dash of magic. The protagonists in this drama were Sohaib Maqsood and Fawad Alam, who added 147 runs for the sixth wicket, in 117 balls, to bring Pakistan back from
the dead and drag them over the line with one ball left to play, after all manner of final-over drama. It was only the second time in the last three years that Pakistan had successfully chased a 250-plus target.
In a match shortened to 45 overs a side following a shower that began six overs into the game and lasted just under an hour, Sri Lanka had set Pakistan 275 to win. They had recovered from 75 from 4 in the 18th over, thanks to Angelo Mathews, who made his highest ODI score and put on 116
Sri Lanka innings (45 overs maximum)
WU Tharanga c †Umar
Akmal b Wahab Riaz 18
TM Dilshan lbw b Mohammad Irfan 6
KC Sangakkara† c Ahmed Shehzad b Mohammad Hafeez 25
DPMD Jayawardene run out
(†Umar Akmal) 63
LD Chandimal c Wahab Riaz b Mohammad Irfan 6
AD Mathews* b Wahab Riaz 89
NLTC Perera b Wahab Riaz 13
SMA Priyanjan not out 39
KMDN Kulasekara not out 3
Extras (lb-3, w-10) 13
Total (7 wickets; 45 overs) 275
Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Dilshan, 4.2 ov), 2-55 (Tharanga, 12.3 ov), 3-55 (Sangakkara, 13.2 ov), 4-75 (Chandimal, 17.4 ov), 5-191 (Jayawardene, 37.5 ov), 6-228 (Perera, 41.2 ov), 7-247 (Mathews, 43.1 ov)Bowling: Mohammad Irfan 9-0-48-2 (3-w), Junaid Khan 9-1-75-0 (5-w), Wahab Riaz 9-0-50-3, Mohammad Hafeez 8-0-321 (1-w), Shahid Afridi 9-057-0, Fawad Alam 1-0-10-0
Pakistan innings (target: 275 runs from 45 overs)
Ahmed Shehzad b Perera 49
Mohammad Hafeez lbw b Mathews 21
Younis Khan c Kulasekara b Mathews 3
Umar Akmal† c Malinga b Perera 15
Misbah-ul-Haq* c †Sangakkara b Herath 13 Fawad Alam c Priyanjan b Malinga 62 Sohaib Maqsood not out 89 Shahid Afridi not out 14
Extras (b-4, w-7) 11
Total (6 wickets; 44.5 overs) 277 Fall of wickets 1-39 (Mohammad Hafeez, 8.2 ov), 2-47 (Younis Khan, 10.6 ov), 3-79 (Umar Akmal, 15.3 ov), 4-94 (Ahmed Shehzad, 19.2 ov), 5-106 (Misbahul-Haq, 22.3 ov), 6-253 (Fawad Alam, 41.6 ov)
Bowling: SL Malinga 9-0-601 (2-w), KMDN Kulasekara 8.5-0-56-0, AD Mathews 9-048-2 (1-w), NLTC Perera 7-043-2, HMRKB Herath 9-0-491, TM Dilshan 2-0-17-0
for the fifth wicket with Mahela Jayawardene, and thanks to an unbeaten 15-ball 39 from Ashan Priyanjan, who had thrown Pakistan’s pace bowlers off their line with his movement around the crease.
Having sent Sri Lanka in and had them in trouble, with his trio of leftarm seamers exploiting the bounce and overcast conditions, Misbah-ulHaq had seen the game slip alarmingly from Pakistan’s grasp. His own tactics had played some part in this momentum shift - he brought spin on from both ends and spread his fields almost as soon as the JayawardeneMathews partnership had begun - and Sri Lanka had taken full toll, scoring 60 runs from their last five overs and 105 from the last 10.
Halfway through the chase, Pakistan had lost even more momentum and were sinking without a trace. Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan and Umar Akmal had perished trying to boost a sluggish scoring rate, and Ahmed Shehzad, who had looked good without quite getting beyond third gear, got a good ball from Thisara Perera, which nipped in off the track and bowled him through the gate. When Misbah-ul-Haq gloved an attempted sweep to the keeper, at the exact halfway point of the allotted 45 overs, Pakistan needed 169 runs at 7.5 an over.
(Cricinfo)
The day has arrived and owners will know the truth with regards the worth of the animals that they have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars behind.
Those questions will be answered today when business conglomerate Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club stages the eighth edition of the Guyana Cup horse race meet.
More than one hundred horses have registered for the event, which has at stake in excess of $25 million in cash prizes.
Nine races are carded for the day with the feature being the C1 and Lower. A total of $7.5 million will be up for grabs in that race. The winning purse is a whopping $4 million and the Guyana Cup trophy, compliments of Banks DIH Limited. The race will go a distance of 1800 metres.
The field is led by twotime Guyana Cup defending champion Elle’s Vision and includes the in-form Treacle, C.P., Got Even, the unpredictable Grande De Roja, Swing Easy and Run Nana Run. The improving Red and Lovely and Jack Is My Style along with Money In Return, Bridal Stone Corner and newly imported Church House, Perfect Wind Storm and Princess She Not will fill the starting gates for the main event.
In the co-feature 1,600 meters event for Three-yearold horses, born and bred in Guyana and the West Indies, the organisers have put up a hefty $2 million as the first prize and a trophy. Unsettled is expected to lead a star studded field that includes Royal Empire, Quiet Dancer, Settling Jet, Shooting Star and Release the Beast.
Other races on the day’s card are the Two-year-old West Indies bred horses, which will race over a distance of 1000 metres for a first prize of $1.5 million. The Two-year-old West Indies bred horses are expected to continue their tussle to determine the best among Storm Bird, It’s My Choice, Keep on Swinging, Atlantic Storm, Settling Star, Midnight Blue and Danger in the Park.
The E Class and Lower 1400 metre event has a first prize of $800,000 and the G1 and Lower $600,000. That race will be over a distance of 1200 metres. In the line-up will be the likes of Princess Alisha, Home Bush Baby, Right To Rule, It’s My Turn, Fresh Again, Battle Hymn, Bride Stone Corner, Mission King, Settle In Seattle and Marathon Man.
There will also be a Twoyear-old event for Guyana bred horses over a distance of 1000 metres. The top prize in that race is $600,000. Among the favourites are Storm
Bird, It’s My Choice, Keep on Swinging, Atlantic Storm, Settling Star, Midnight Blue and Danger in the Park.
The H and Lower 1000 metres race guarantees the winning horse a purse of $450,000, while the I and Lower race also goes the same distance with the winner receiving $350,000. It is not expected to be an easy gallop in the I and Lower race with the likes of I Want Revenge, Royal Cash, Party Time, Savion, Mary Ann, I Will Get Another and Easy To Win set to battle over 1000 metres.
The J and Lower race will be 1200 metres with the winner getting $250,000. In contention will be Lady Secret, The Road Is Mine, Smarty Light, Swift Away, Natasha, Ghost Zapper, Golden Star and Affinity.
Incentives will also be available for the top Jockey, the runner-up, the top stable and champion trainer.
Race time is 13:00h.
Plans for a successful month-long Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) are moving swiftly ahead.
On Wednesday last, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited handed over a sponsorship cheque valued $135,000 for the Diamond Jubilee Essay Competition, which is opened to youths between ages 14 and 25.
Chairman of the BCB Special Events Committee, Hilbert Foster, hailed the support of the bank, which he described as a true friend of Berbice cricket. Foster noted that all plans are in place for a successful month of activities and also disclosed that several special guests have stated that they would be returning home for the launching on August 31.
First Vice-President of the BCB and acting President Anil Beharry expressed gratitude to Republic Bank for its continued investment into the BCB and stated that the month of celebration for the historic anniversary would be memorable. The BCB, Beharry said, strongly believes in recognising its heroes and several of them would be honoured during the month.
Branch Manager of Republic Bank New Amsterdam Branch, Randolph Sears, expressed the bank’s delight at being associated with the BCB’s milestone. He stated that the Berbice Board was well respected for outstanding management and for getting things done properly.
The bank, Sears stated,
over the years has invested heavily in education, culture and sport as part of its corporate responsibility.
The topic for the essay competition is “BCB75 years of progress. Why I am proud to be a Berbice Cricket Fan” and the essay must be between 500-700 words. The winner of the essay would receive $50,000 and a trophy, the first runner-up $30,000 and the second runner-up $20,000. The deadline for submission of the essay has been extended to September 10 and the drop off locations are the BCB Office at Dr Cheddi Jagan Street, New Amsterdam, DTV8 Office at Main Street, New Amsterdam or the RHTY&SC Office at the Area “H” Ground.
After successful legs in Georgetown and Essequibo, the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Camps will now head to the East Coast of Demerara and Berbice this week, targeting the development of young cricketers in those areas.
Sessions were held at the Banks DIH ground at Thirst Park and at the Imam Bacchus ground in Essequibo last week with over 100 young, aspiring cricketers being tutored on the fundamentals of the game.
According to Coordinator of the camps, Colin Stuart, there has been an overwhelming response to the programme, which is the first such to be held in Guyana, and targets schools that would have done well at the preliminary zone competitions earlier this year.
At Thirst Park, schools from Georgetown, East Bank and West Demerara were targeted, while students from schools on the Essequibo Coast were the focus of the sessions at the Imam Bacchus ground.
Stuart, who is also the Territorial Development Officer of the Guyana Cricket Board, told this publication that the East
The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) has declared that it was never in receipt of any official correspondent from the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) about the sanctioning of Dwayne Roberts and Shane Webster.
“We are not aware of those suspensions from any official source and as such the General Council of the LABA on Friday night was forced to ignore the reported sanctions,” Secretary of LABA Joe Chapman noted in a press release.
However, plans are on stream to host the Victory Valley Royals eight-team knockout championship slated for later this month at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court as all members of the various clubs are eligible to play.
Chapman, who revealed that the tournament has been approved by the GABF,
also noted that LABA will deal with the sanctioning of the players when the time arrives.
The clubs slated to contest the Victory Valley Royals eight-team knockout basketball champions are the hosts Victory Valley Royals, Kings, Amelia’s Ward Jets, Wismar Pistons, Block 22 Flames, Bankers Trust Falcons, Half Mile Bulls, and Retrieve Raiders.
The Teach Them Young table tennis training camp at the National Gymnasium had to be postponed due to a Level One and coaching programme currently underway.
While the Level One coaching programme will conclude on Monday, a Level Two table tennis coaching course will bounce off on the heels of the Level One, therefore pushing the Teach Them Young programme a bit further into the month.
However, Secretary of
the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and national Coach, Linden Johnson, told Guyana Times Sport that no definite date for the resumption of the camp is set at the moment.
Johnson added that a date after August 26 will be on the cards since both coaching courses will be concluded by that date. The Teach Them Young programme has drawn over 30 new table tennis players to the game willing to learn the intricacies of the sport.
Coast sessions will run from Monday to Thursday at the Enmore Community Centre, starting at 09:00h each day.
Schools from East Coast and a few from Georgetown will be engaged in the sessions, which will be conducted by Coaches Esaun Crandon, Bevan Butts, Jamal Hinckson and Dhanpaul.
Sessions for schools in the Ancient County of Berbice will take place
from Tuesday to Friday under the expert guidance of Coaches Michael Hyles, Julian Moore, Winston Smith, Andre Percival and Albert Smith. The Albion Community Centre was the intended venue, but due to an activity being hosted there a new venue will have to be sought.
Stuart, a former West Indies fast bowler, said the camps will touch approxi-
mately 300 students, who are being exposed to the basics of the game from an early age, as well as information gathering on the game.
At the launch of the camps last week, Manager of the Scotiabank Robb Street branch Brian Hackett stated that the bank was happy to aid in the dissemination of cricket knowledge to the beginners. Hackett explained that since its inauguration
in 2001, Kiddy cricket has made noteworthy progress, being played in at least 13 territories in the Caribbean. The Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Camps are a collaborative of several partners, including the Guyana Cricket Board, West Indies Cricket Board, Ministry of Education and Allied Arts Department, Ministry of Sport and the Guyana Teachers’ Union.
