Guyana Times Daily - January 20, 2015

President ready with election date

In keeping with his promise, President Donald Ramotar is likely to announce a date for General and Regional Elections at any moment now, as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gets ready to launch its campaign.

Should an announcement be made now by the President, the date for elections will likely be around late April or early May. (See stories on pages 2, 17)

tuesday, JaNuaRy 20, 2015 | guyaNatimesgy.com

Imminent Elections...

PPP/C gears up for 'battle'

By Gomatie GanGadin

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Clement Rohee on Monday disclosed

that the Party has been “oiling its machinery “for elections and is entering full elections mode.

This disclosure was made during the party’s weekly press conference at Freedom House. He noted that the party members are getting ready to venture out across the ten administrative regions in coming weeks as its election campaign takes shape. Rohee related that the PPP/C members have been meeting with citizens since before the Christmas season and they are encouraged by what has been achieved thus far.

Encouraged

“The PPP/C is encouraged by the show of support it has been receiving from party members, supporters, well wishers from the wider community during several outreaches conducted by the

party before the Christmas season. The PPP/C will soon recommence its countrywide programme with a series of bottom house meetings as well as community walkabouts. Party leaders will fan out into the coastal and hinterland regions in the coming weeks. The party is well underway in its preparations for these elections. Already we have started to mobilize our volunteers and activate our elections machinery. We have never been afraid of elections”, Rohee stated.

He also disclosed that supporters have pledged their continued support to the Party and indicated that they remain committed to ensuring a victory for the Party whenever elections are called. “The mood of the people which we met was one of optimism. It is encouraging signs that the PPP/C will win a comfort-

able majority if the votes when the elections are held thereby being in a better position to continue with its developmental agenda without hindrance by the Opposition”, he added.

The General Secretary who also serves as the Minister of Home Affairs told media operatives that on the issue of the prorogation of Parliament, the citizens were informed and have indicated to the party that they support the decision which was taken by President Donald Ramotar.

Not threatened

Meanwhile, Rohee says that his party is not threatened in any way by the Alliance For Change (AFC) Party since the minority opposition party will lose tremendous support at the upcoming general elections. Rohee made the comments when he was asked why his party consistently attacks the AFC instead of A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and whether the PPP/C feels threatened by the Khemraj Ramjattanled group. Rohee however, noted that the party does not feel threatened since the AFC had peddled lies and misrepresented itself in the 2011 General Elections. As such, he added that the AFC’s voters in the 2011 Elections have indicated to the PPP/C members that this was a decision they have since regretted and will be giving the PPP/C their votes in the upcoming elections. He noted too that the party allows itself to be used and abused by the A Partnership for National Unity and the supporters have taken note of this.

Used and abused by APNU

“The AFC joined with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to shoot down major developmental projects such as the modern airport, the Amaila Hydro Project, the Specialty Hospital; among others not to mention projects that would have created thousands of jobs for our young people. Most of the communities visited by the party’s leaders are of the strong opinion that those who voted for the AFC during the 2011 Elections have regretted this decision especially in the light in which that party allows itself to be used and manipulated by the APNU”, Rohee expressed.

He was at the time responding to a question posed by a reporter as to whether the Government was threatened by the AFC since repeated statements are made by the PPP/C in the media about the opposition party’s support base. He was asked whether the PPP/C believes that the AFC will again receive votes from his party’s stronghold as it had done in 2011.

To this the General Secretary added that persons especially in Berbice where the PPP/C strong-

hold lies and where most of persons are employed in the sugar industry, have related to the PPP/C’s leaders that they had taken a chance with the AFC in the 2011 Elections since they had promised the sugar workers a 16 per cent increase in salaries.

Failed to live up

He noted that the AFC has since failed to live up to this promise made and as such, the populace particularly in those two areas has indicated that they will not give the party their votes again this time around.

“Further, the AFC led a campaign of lies and false hopes in 2011. Misrepresenting the facts and making unrealistic promises to the people. Guyanese will no longer be fooled by these power

crazed politicians”, Rohee said. According to the General Secretary, this response has not been coming just from Berbice but has also been echoed from all the meetings which were held across the country in all of the ten administrative regions.

He expressed confidence that the ruling party will regain its majority when Election Day comes. This statement comes on the heels of the AFC trying to sell a partnership with the PNC/ APNU coalition to Berbicians at a public meeting held over the weekend. At the meeting, the Berbicians were told that Moses Nagamootoo who hails from Whim, Corentyne, Berbice will be the Presidential Candidate for the party. According to many, this seemed like a move aimed at garnering the support of the Berbice populace for the party at the upcoming elections. Nagamootoo had told the disappointedly small gathering that the ruling party’s support has fallen from 57 per cent in 1992, 53 percent in 1997, 48 per cent in 2011 and now only 35 per cent of the electorate wants them in power and if they wanted change then an AFC/ PNC/ APNU coalition was necessary.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

AFC Leader

Khemraj Ramjattan

AFC Presidential Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

Parika

BRIDGE OPENINGS

FERRY SCHEDULE

WEATHER TODAY

January 19, 2015

Govt slashes Guyoil fuel prices by 30%

...pressure on other suppliers to follow suit

As of Monday evening, consumers in Guyana began buying gasoline from some Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) fuel stations at $695 per gallon, which represents a decrease of $300 or 30 per cent from its former price.

The price for fuel has been dropping around the world since last June, with the latest price of fuel in Venezuela being recorded at US$39.19 per barrel, the lowest in almost half a decade.

The announcement of Guyana’s price drop was made by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh at an emergency press conference on Monday when he also announced similar reductions in the prices for diesel and kerosene oil.

He said that diesel would be retailed at $694 per gallon, from a high of $985 per gallon. With respect to kerosene oil, the price was lowered to $496 per gallon which represents a 42 per cent decrease from its previous price. Dr Singh said that the new price structure, which should take effect at all Guyoil- branded fuel stations from Monday, was decided after a meeting with the management of the stateowned fuel company.

“I am advised that these prices to be charged at the pump are the lowest since early 2009, almost six years ago … it is anticipated that by Wednesday all Guyoil branded petrol stations and dealers would have implemented these prices,” said Dr Singh.

According to the Minister, he is hopeful that the other oil companies and transport services operators will now look at adjusting their prices so that the common man can benefit from the reduction in fuel costs.

When asked why only now the Government was looking to decrease the price of fuel at the state-owned Guyoil, Dr Singh explained that it was never within the Government’s policy to decrease prices sporadically since it would make the market volatile. “Not in the custom of adjust -

ing prices sporadically … up and down every week. I believe myself it would be irresponsible to adjust the price up or down at the first sight of a drop or increase,” he said.

But while, the price for fuel has been slashed, the tax levied on the import of both diesel and gasoline has been increased to the maximum that is 50 per cent and 45 per cent

respectively.

PSC hails move

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), in a release, said that the reduction was “timely” on the part of Government.

The Commission had appealed for an adjustment in local prices at the pump as world market prices plunged. It said it

was grateful that its appeal was heard.

It was also noted that this move would provide a significant boost to industry, especially the manufacturers, coming at a time when the effects of weak commodity prices are impacting the economy.

“The Private Sector Commission is hopeful that the reduction in fuel prices will be passed on to the average consumer in the form of lower costs for transportation and other goods and services,” it added.

The price of Venezuelan crude oil and its derivatives dropped below US$40 per barrel, the Oil Ministry said Friday, marking the lowest level since the 2008 financial crisis. Stateowned Guyoil imports almost most of its fuel from Venezuela.

For 2014 alone, global oil prices have dropped a whopping 45 per cent –50 per cent, which would make for the highest annual decline since 2008.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

We are less than a month away from observing another Republic Day - our 45th. In the grand order of the international system, we fall in with so many other colonies of the several empires that were given their “freedom” after the second “Great War”. And like these fledgling republics, the “independence” was much more a myth than reality.

So as we launch into celebrating another Republic Day, there are a few home truths we should face.

The major one is to reflect how much we have been affected by the Cold War that broke out between the US and the USSR after WWII. It was Churchill who coined the term “Iron Curtain”, which he claimed had fallen between the two competing superpowers. And it was Churchill, who, as Prime Minister of Britain, had removed the PPP of Dr Cheddi Jagan from office in 1953, lest Guyana - then British Guiana - slide behind the curtain into the USSR’s ambit.

For the Republic WICB Directors destroying Caribbean cricket

But Cuba actually made the decision to become allies with the USSR in 1960 that foreshadowed the fate of Guyana. As far back as 1823, US President James Monroe had articulated the “doctrine” which bears his name, and which declared that “European powers” should keep their hands the countries in the Western Hemisphere.

Thus, when Cuba under Fidel Castro made its fateful decision, it was not only bucking the tenets that guided the Cold War, but those which went back to the US’s earliest assertion of its continental power vis a vis the Europeans.

The Cuban episode exemplified the effect of America’s domestic policy on its foreign policy - something that is oft ignored by our political elite. Castro had wrenched Cuba from the dictatorship of Batista - but in the words of an American President on another Latin American dictator, Batista might have been a “son of a bitch, but he was an American son of a bitch”. US President John F Kennedy had just been elected and was widely perceived as a “bleeding heart liberal” - who might be “soft on communism”.

Kennedy wanted to prove his domestic critics wrong and had no compunctions in authorising a CIA sponsored raid by Cuban exiles to overthrow the newly declared socialist Government of Fidel Castro.

When that “Bay of Pigs” invasion was ignominiously routed, Kennedy was humiliated domestically and made it his special project to destroy the Cuban Revolution, as well as to “prevent another Cuba” in the Western Hemisphere.

And it was here that Guyana came into the picture. Desperately seeing markets for its expanding rice industry, Dr Jagan signed a contract with Cuba and in the eyes of the US was providing succour to its enemy.

The events leading to the downfall and ouster of the PPP Government and the installation of the PNC-UF coalition into Government is too well known to bear repetition. The point is that “independence” in 1966 and gaining “Republican” status in 1970 should always be accompanied by an asterisk.

But it is never too late to rectify past mistakes - once they are identified and acknowledged. From the statements and the promise that President Ramotar has made, it is clear that before Republic Day, the date for the next general elections would have been set.

Since its return to office via “free and fair” elections in 1992, the PPP/C Government has made a Herculean effort to remove Guyana from the neo-colonial relations practiced by the PNC because of the debts owed for foisting them into office.

After removing the debt albatross from the neck of Guyana, our standard of living has been rising inexorably. Guyanese should not fritter away once again, the opportunity for our nation to hold its head high in the comity of nations and live out the true meaning of what it is to be a Republic. Citizens should beware of those parties that are still pawns of foreign powers.

Dear Editor,

After reading with interest the comments and opinions of various distinguished West Indian personalities on the subject of the governance woes of the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB), I feel obliged to add my views.

Apparently the recent withdrawal of the players from the Indian cricket tour along with the unethical reversal of WICB’s agreement not to victimize those players proved to be the final straw that broke the back of even the “diehard” always forgiving –“tortured “ West Indian Cricket populace.

Enough is Enough, it quite understandably seems, for, in spite of all the explanations from the WICB, their action reeks of malice.

Tony Cozier, Tony Becca, Pat Rousseau, Charles Wilkins and Dr Ralph Gonsalves among others have severely criticized the Dave Cameron led administration, or rather mal-administration, for destroying West Indies vricket. The President himself seemed to be the target for his attitude of continued arrogance and lofty insolence.

Mr Cozier and the others have all made serious, constructive contri-

butions which in my view should have been made some years ago when the “WICB private club” was initiated by then President of WICB Dr Julian Hunte, and payment of “Directors fees”/salaries was instituted, with the lawlessness of perks for votes.

The supposed annual cricket development disbursements were carefully utilized as inducements for favours from directors of Territorial Boards since (in Guyana) no monitoring of the funds was done and consequently no development of cricketers or cricket ensued.

The Berbice Cricket Board, the East Coast Cricket Board and the Georgetown Cricket Association have been organizing their cricket and producing cricketers for the past five or six years without a penny from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) which is the recipient of all funds disbursed by the WICB.

An investigation of the East Bank Demerara, West Demerara and Essequibo Cricket Boards would easily highlight that no development has happened within those areas. So where have the development funds been utilized?

President Cameron and his Directors, which in-

clude Guyanese, must explain.

President Cameron promoted his “private club” to a higher level by giving to the Directors of the WICB private ownership of the so called Regional Professional/Franchise Cricket for the four-day and 50-over versions.

The Directors are being paid US $45,000 per territory per month to run the Franchise as their own private businesses. It is amazing that the WICB would pay individuals to run a franchise, which certainly is not the case with the T/20 Tournament, where the owners paid for their franchise.

Checks at the Court Registry show that the WICB Directors and their associates own the GCB by changing the previously illegally-registered DEB essentials to the present Cricket Guy Inc.

Why have they been allowed to get away with this farce, whilst the following level of inefficiency and lawlessness continues:

1. The Cricket Academy has been improperly set up, with no territorial satellite stations and therefore cannot serve the current needs of our cricketers/cricket.

2. There is still no school cricket relationship between the WICB and the

territorial authorities, despite years of promise.

3. Our youth cricket programme is still in a mess with the youngsters being denied the opportunity to play enough competitive cricket.

(a) The 2014 Regional U-15 Cricket Tournament was reduced from a twoday to a one-day affair.

(b) The 2014 Regional U-19 Cricket Tournament saw six (6) team being divided into two zones with the winner of each zone playing off in the final.

(c) There is no youth cricket tournament for women.

4. Ladies cricket does not benefit from any domestic tournaments in the various territories and the Regional Ladies Tournament is a lackluster, poorly-organized appeasement.

5. The promotion and organization of the Professional League/ Regional Tournaments have been poorly initiated, badly structured and improperly implemented, with the respective Territorial Directors running the Tournament with WICB funds while they earn the dividends (profits), all in an atmosphere of secrecy with the public being kept in dark.

The Guyana Fire Service has been assisting the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) in trimming trees in the city. On Sunday, a crew removed some of the arboreal behemoth menacing some electrical wires near St Stanislaus College in Brickdam (Carl Croker photo)

The British High Commissioner believes his country is still a colonial power

Dear Editor,

I have seen the reports in the Sunday papers on the reaction of the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) to the statement by Caricom Ministers criticising the blatant interference and the mis-leading and untruthful remarks made by the British High Commissioner in Guyana in relation to prorogation of the Parliament and democracy.

I was immediately reminded of the old saying, “History tends to repeat itself, first as a tragedy and second as a farce”. I also reminded myself that this is the problem with the GTUC.

It does not exist to represent workers but to support foreign interests. In 1953 when the Constitution was suspended the British also disbanded the GTUC that was a genuine organisation for workers. They replaced it with pliant leadership to support the British actions in the then British Guiana.

The GTUC was one of the organisations that supported the suspension of the Constitution. They stood on the side of our former masters.

Today, they are doing the same thing, now criticising the statement by Caricom Foreign Ministers, who were

defending the integrity of the country, its right to selfdetermination.

This was a defence not only of Guyana, but the region. They were defending an important principle in International relations.

They are on solid grounds because President Donald Ramotar’s action was legal and constitutional. It cannot therefore be undemocratic or unconstitutional.

Indeed, prorogation came from the British model of Parliamentary democracy. It is in all of the Constitution of the Commonwealth countries and have been used by other countries up to recent-

Freedom of expression is constantly abused

Dear Editor, Guyana is perhaps one country where freedom of expression is constantly abused despite utterances to the contrary by a bunch of people opposed to the Government.

How can we conclude that there is no freedom of expression when Kaieteur News on a daily basis personally attacks the President, Ministers of the Government and other prominent persons through its columnist Freddie Kissoon and Dem Boys Seh column?

These people do not need a Freedom of Information Act to spread their bile since

their arrogance and disrespect for authority has become a daily ritual in the Kaieteur News.

They use guarantee of freedom under the Constitution to malign, slander, incite, spread hate and promote open rebellion, well aware that all freedom have limitations under the law.

Kissoon, et al should know that such freedom, notwithstanding freedom of movement is no license to trespass, freedom of assembly is no license to riot, loot, burn and rape, freedom of expression is no license for obscenity, and freedom of press is no license to slan-

der, very evident in the Kaieteur News.

Nothing is wrong with exposing immorality and corruption, but castigating the President and Government Ministers not supported by facts borders on contempt and should not be tolerated by any decent minded citizen.

Could Kissoon and his cohorts express such language during the Burnham dictatorship? We all know what happened to Dr Walter Rodney for his excessive use of language, such as the Midas touch.

D Singh

Pope’s message of peace relevant in today’s world

Dear Editor, I followed with interest Pope Francis recent visit to Asia. I was highly impressed with the message of peace and reconciliation by the Pope which is so relevant in today’s world in which there is so much tension and conflict.

His visit to Sri Lanka and the Phillipines generated extraordinary mass appeal and seemed to have resonated with Catholics and people generally, in particular his call for greater concern for underprivileged children and for the poor and needy.

According to media re-

ports, over six million people attended papal mass in Manila which is a record number for any Pope. Tens of thousands of people lined the route to get a glimpse of the Pope as he made his way to and from the airport in Manila.

Pope Francis will certainly go down in history as someone who has championed the cause of the ordinary people and as someone who never lost the common touch.

It was so refreshing to see the Pope driving in an open air vehicle and using an ordinary transportation mode.

His simplicity, humility and pro-poor stance has connected with people all across the globe.

His call for a new global human order which put people ahead of profits is most timely and relevant in contemporary society in which the income gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider and where nearly half of the world’s population is condemned to a life of poverty because of the capitalist mode of production and distribution.

Hydar Ally

ly. Canada, under the Harper Administration prorogued Parliament without a peep from the British. Another form of double standard and “monkey knowing what limb to jump on”.

The sad thing is not just that the British High Commissioner seems to still

believe that his country is a colonial power. It is the fact that an organisation in Guyana, like the GTUC, will continue to support the colonial behaviour of a British High Commissioner.

This action by the GTUC leaders tells the story of why this organisation is rotting from its head; why it is los-

ing all relevance and creditability among workers.

The GTUC needs to be democratised. Only then can it speak for workers of our country. Shame on the colonial minded leaders of the GTUC.

Roger Constance

6. The continued disbursement of development funds to Territorial Boards when there is no proper development programme nor monitoring of funds disbursed lacks of any serious accountability and smacks of corruption.

7. The recruitment of a highly paid “Cricket Supremo” who seems too lazy to visit the various Territorial Bodies – particularly Guyana (as far as I know), where there has been ongoing cricket turbulence for the past five years, and where eight of the 13-member GCB Executives, accused the minority (5) of :

(a) Administrative lawlessness

(b) Financial improprieties and

(c) Fraudulent elections among other misdemeanors.

As a result of this action, one of the eight executives was burnt to the face with acid after a stormy Executive Meeting. The allegations were then properly documented and circulated widely to all including the International Cricket Council (ICC), WICB Territorial Boards, Caricom, the media, the Guyana Government, Opposition Parties, etc, but despite every effort not a single voice of concern was offered.

All cries fell on deaf ears, and although they constituted the majority of the GCB Executives, the WICB only recognized their five friends. Friendship took precedence over principle. All it required was for the WICB to mount an impartial investigation but no one seemed to care, until after two years when the Government of Guyana eventually intervened.

I make the point to illustrate the fact that a sixwheeled coach (like the WICB) could never function properly and effectively if three, two or even one of its wheels is broken. It is necessary to keep all of its wheel functional.

We must be our brother’s keeper; insularity and greed must be eradicated from our cricket. With the spiteful withdrawal of cricket from Guyana by

the WICB, Dominica and Barbados gleefully accepted the games totally unmindful of the harm it was doing to the people of Guyana and the young cricketers particularly, unless and until we could call a spade a spade as Dr Gonslaves recently told media personalities, cricket cannot prosper.

One must be able to look the other in the eye and tell him or her when he or she is wrong.

As I said before the major woes of our cricket began within the reign of Dr Hunte but was taken to a greater height of insolence and inefficiency by a group of power-drunk Directors who do not even understand their role, in the activity and the responsibility of developing West Indies cricket.

Dr Gonslaves surprisingly seemed not to have noticed the problems during his countryman Dr Hunte’s reign being so close to his dear friend.

It might also have missed Mr Cozier’s notice at other times when he was in the broadcasting booth communicating on cricket. Nonetheless, I whole-heartedly agree with and accept their expressions of concern and strongly feel that the players are not wholly to be blamed for the Indian Tour withdrawal.

The WICB must take the blame as they have displayed a high level of irresponsibility and a callous attitude towards the Caribbean people. They manage players from the U-15 level to the Test level and therefore the players are ultimately what the

WICB produces.

Their handling of the entire matter of the Indian Tour is akin to bullyism, which is unheard of in any modern, decent arena of treatment to persons by a parent body.

I unequivocally submit and support the call for President Cameron and his entire Board of Directors to resign immediately, or be dismissed and ostracized by the entire Caribbean people. Alternatively they could proceed “where the WICB was incooporated” and practice their vengeance management there. After all it is time for us to take back our cricket from this incompetent group of Directors who are just as culpable as their leader, whom they blindly support.

After they are removed I recommend that the leaders of the Six Territories along with Caricom representatives come together and appoint an interim body to oversee the restructuring and reorganizing of the WICB and the territorial boards.

After all since we have decided to rebuild our on-field West Indies cricket team we, should also rebuild our inefficient cricket administration at the same time thereby making a fresh start.

Our cricket is experiencing its worst-ever period. Only the media, the players and the Caribbean people as a whole could save our beloved game from the present inept WICB.

Claude Raphael Former Director WICB

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims during a meeting with youths at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila January 18 (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco)

Page Foundation

Co-parenting amicably with your ex can give your children stability and close relationships with both parents, but it’s rarely easy. Putting aside relationship issues to coparent agreeably can be fraught with stress. Despite the many challenges, though, it is possible to develop a cordial working relationship with your ex for the sake of your children. With these tips, you can remain calm, stay consistent, and avoid

past the painful history you may have with your ex and overcome any built-up resentment. Making shared decisions, interacting with each another at drop-offs, or just speaking to a person you’d rather forget all about can seem like impossible tasks. But while it’s true that co-parenting isn’t an easy solution, it is the best way to ensure your children’s needs are met and they are able to retain close relationships with both parents.

responsible co-parent is to always put your children’s needs ahead of your own.

Co-parenting tips for divorced parents: Setting hurt and anger aside The key to co-parenting is to focus on your children – and your children only. Yes, this can be very difficult. It means that your own emotions – any anger, resentment, or hurt – must take a back seat to the needs of your children. Admittedly, setting aside such strong feelings may be the hardest part of learning to work cooperatively with your ex, but it’s also perhaps the most vital.

or resolve conflict with your ex and make joint custody work.

Co-parenting after a separation or divorce

Joint custody arrangements, especially after an acrimonious split, can be exhausting and infuriating. It can be extremely difficult to get

It may be helpful to start thinking of your relationship with your ex as a completely new one – one that is entirely about the well-being of your children, and not about either of you. Your marriage may be over, but your family is not; doing what is best for your children is your most important priority. The first step to being a mature,

Co-parenting is not about your feelings, or those of your exspouse, but rather about your child’s happiness, stability, and future wellbeing.

Separating feelings from behaviour

It’s okay to be hurt and angry, but your feelings don’t have to dictate your behaviour. Instead, let what’s best for your children – you working cooperatively with the other parent –motivate your actions.

Get your feelings out somewhere else. Never vent to your child. Friends, therapists, or even a loving pet can all make good listeners when you need to get negative feelings off your chest. Exercise can also be a healthy outlet for letting off steam.

Stay child-focused. If you feel angry or resentful, try to remember why you need to act with purpose and grace: your child’s best interests are at stake. If your anger feels overwhelming, looking at a photograph of your child may help you calm down.

Use your body. Consciously putting your shoulders down, breathing evenly and deeply, and standing erect can keep you distracted from your anger, and can have a relaxing effect.

Children in the middle

You may never completely lose all of your resentment or bitterness about your break up, but what you can do is compartmentalise those feelings and remind yourself that they are your issues, not your child’s. Resolve to keep your issues with your ex away from your children. Never use children as messengers. When you have your child tell the other parent something for you, it puts him or her in the center of your conflict. The goal is to keep your child out of your relationship issues, so call or email your ex yourself. (helpguide.org)

Preparing children for independence and adulthood brings many challenges for parents – teaching teens to drive, negotiating later curfews, researching colleges, discussing tough topics, to name just a few.

Among these hurdles is helping teens start manag-

And keep in mind that the decisions made in the teen years about things like alcohol, drugs, healthy eating, exercise, sex, and smoking can have long-term consequences — even if teens feel invincible. Becoming more invested in their own health care lets teens learn more about and understand

ing their own health care. It can be hard to let go – after all, mom and dad have been handling the doctors’ appointments, prescriptions, immunisations, and countless other medical concerns since their children were born.

But it’s important to guide teens toward taking on this responsibility. After all, parents won’t always be around to manage their children’s health care – and in most cases, once their children become adults, legally they won’t be allowed to.

the potential outcomes of choices they make now.

At what age are teens able to start taking some control? It can vary: factors like a teen’s maturity level, health issues, and ability to keep track of the details all play a role, as does a parent’s willingness to relinquish control.

So, how can parents start handing over the reins? It can begin by talking about medical topics in age-appropriate ways with their children; for instance, discussing medications they take and why, or teaching children with chronic conditions ways to help care for their medical equipment. Maybe your teenage son or daughter is ready to handle filling and refilling his or her own prescriptions.

It’s important for moms and dads to let their adolescents have some private time to talk with the health care provider. During puberty and the teen years, children are likely to have questions or issues that they’re not comfortable discussing with a parent in the room. (But be assured that a doctor who feels that a patient who might be at risk for selfharm or harming another will alert a parent.)

If you think your child might need additional help with teen issues, consider having your son or daughter meet with an adolescent medicine specialist. These doctors not only are well-versed in the care of teens’ physical health problems, but also have additional training in helping their patients deal with risky behaviours and mental health concerns.

It’s also wise to talk about health insurance and medical records to older teens. All will have to know how to navigate the insurance system and keep track of their records. (Kidshealth)

Banks DIH profits down by $270M

…Reis cites “contraction in global spending”

By Vahnu Manikchand

Beverage giant Banks

DIH has recorded a $270M decrease in profits for 2014, Chairman of the group, Clifford Reis has said.

Reis, in his company’s 2014 financial report noted that because of the financial situation, fears and uncertainty have pervaded the economic and social fabric of countries while the corresponding contraction in spending at the level of individual consumers has affected the company. Nevertheless, Reis explained that despite these challenges, it was “… as a result of prudent decision-making and the implementation of cost saving measures and strict financial controls, we have produced a result which even down on the previous year’s results, can be considered as acceptable.”

Banks DIH posted a profit before tax of $3.473 billion and profit after tax of $2.265 billion. This represents a reduction when compared to the profit after tax in 2013

of $2.538 billion. According to the Chairman, the Group recorded an operational profit before tax of $4.971 billion while the profit after tax paid to shareholders was $2.660 billion.

The Net Asset Value per share was increased from $21.55 to $23.20, that is, an eight per cent increase. Whilst, the company has maintained the dividend payment of $0.64 per share with the overall cost being $640.0 million, the chairman stated. Reis pointed out that throughout 2014, Banks DIH maintained its policy to replace and/or upgrade its production capacity through the installation of a state-of the art manufacturing plant and other machinery that enhanced its competencies that will ensure competitive advantage regarding the conversion of raw materials into quality fresh, finished products. Additionally, the company managed to complete the brewery and cellars modernization programme and also commissioned the palletiser/depalletiser along with a new pasteuriser for the

GMSA hails cut in fuel prices

The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association has applauded the decision of Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh to lower the price of fuel products.

Dr. Singh announced that with effect from midnight, on January 20, fuel prices at GuyOil will be $695 per gallon for gasoline compared to $995 previously, a 30% reduction. Diesel will be $694 per gallon compared to $985 previously, a 30% reduction as well, and Kerosene will be sold at $496 per gallon as compared to $850 a gallon currently, a 42% reduction.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Communications Network studio, Minister Singh said the prices are the lowest locally since May 2009, a period of almost six years. The excise tax has been increased to 50%, diesel to 45% and 0% for kerosene.

It is anticipated that all GuyOil Stations would be offering the new revised prices by Wednesday January 21, 2015. The minister expressed his wish that other oil companies and their retailers would adjust their prices in a similar fashion.

The providers of public transportation were also urged to consider passing on the reduction in prices to their customers, immediately. Since government does not control the prices charge by transportation providers, that is mini bus or speed-

boat operators, the minister noted that, despite debates from some quarters about regulating these prices, government is content to let the market function as it should and on occasion use “moral suasion” to persuade them to keep or reduce prices to an affordable level.

Meanwhile, in its statement the GMSA said it had been calling on Government to put mechanisms in place that will lower the production costs for the manufacturing sector. “The bold move to lower these costs following today’s announcement is indicative that Government has been listening to our concerns and has taken appropriate measures to address our needs. To this end the GMSA is grateful for this timely intervention.” According to the manufacturing body one of the most common problems faced by the manufacturing sector of Guyana is the high cost of energy to power large and small scale manufacturing operations.

“However, with the lowering of fuel prices, the manufacturing sector is now in a position to compensate for the heavy cost of the energy with the savings incurred by the reduction of fuel cost. The GMSA looks forward to continued Government support via initiates such as the one now taken to reduce the cost of fuel to the manufacturing sector and public,” the GMSA said.

Beer Plant. The restaurant production capacity was enhanced, as the company was able to secure more equipment. Reis further mentioned that the distribution and warehousing capacity were improved with the acquisition of more trucks and forklifts.

workshop, the completion of Cr?me Select Ice-Cream outlet and further replacement of trucks and forklifts,” the Chairman noted.

He posited that going forward this year, the company’s will be focusing on improving the quality of its

“In the new financial year, major capital expenditure will focus on the acquisition and installation of a new Trisco biscuit oven, an on-line blow moulder for the Water Plant, the construction of a new vehicle

products from the raw material stage through the manufacturing process, to storage and distribution. This, he said, will be possible as a result of the capital investment programme which will enable this objective to be achieved by the

standardization of key processes. “Aware of the continuing challenging global macro economic conditions as well as the economic and social uncertainties which confront us at this time, we clearly recognize the challenge ahead of us to deliver growth and sustainability. Our success will be dependent on our ability to connect with consumers by providing a variety of options to meet their various lifestyles and the ability of our sales and marketing teams to execute customer satisfaction efficiently every day,” the Chairman assured.

Banks DIH have also managed to achieve Stage One of the re-certification of the Food Safety System Certification, which means that the company’s products were in compliance with those strict standards.

“As a corporate entity we have a continuing commitment ti contribute to sustainable economic development while improving the quality of life of our workforce and their families as well as our communities and society at large. In this regard, we are committed to supporting environmental sustainability by complying with all applicable statuto-

ry and other requirements,” Reis added. He went onto say that his company will also be continuing its efforts to strengthen its community relations/partnerships by upholding its corporate responsibility to its suppliers, employees, customers, government bodies, trade unions and shareholders.

On the other hand, the Board of Directors of Banks DIH has declared a first and second interim dividend of $0.17 per share and a final dividend of $0.30 per share unit with the overall cost being $640.0 million. In addition, the dividends received and paid to Banks Holdings Ltd in Barbados for the year were $31.0 million and $128.1 million respectively. These were based on investments made with each other. Meanwhile, the company continues to strengthen its capital base. From profits of $2.265 billion, a dividend payment proposed is $640.0 billion leaving the amount of $1.625 billion transferred to Retained Earnings. This brings the total Shareholders’ Equity to $23.202 billion compared to $21.549 billion in 2013, representing an increase of eight per cent.

Chairman of Banks DIH Group Clifford Reis

“Too much texting bad for your spine” – Guyana-born surgeon

..says study shows that texting causes back, neck pain

By IndrawattIe natram

Guyana-born Spinal

Surgeon Kenneth K Hansraj is advising smartphone users to be careful while texting, saying that this practice leads to spinal problems such as back pain.

During his study, the New York-based spinal and orthopaedic surgeon Dr Hansraj said he discovered most persons sending text messages via smartphones have incorrect posture and this could lead to serious spinal disorders.

“Simple texting on smartphone can exert nearly 23 kg of pressure on your spine depending on the angle at which you are texting, an alarming research has revealed,” the 53-year-old doctor noted.

Dr Hansraj, who is the Chief of Spine Surgery for New York Spine Surgery and Rehabilitation Centre, said when he released his study on November 16, 2014, everyone was shocked at what damage the simple action of texting could cause your

spine. He said his study attracted attention from almost all global news (print and television) outlets.

During an interview with Guyana Times, the spinal surgeon, who has conducted hundreds of spinal surgeries across the world, said billions of people are using cellphones, essentially with poor posture. The ardent doctor said the purpose of his study was to assess the forces in-

crementally experienced by the cervical spine as the head is tilted forward, into worsening posture. A model of the cervical spine was created with a finite element assessment package. The force exerted was then calculated.

The pressure experienced by the spine dramatically increases when flexing the head forward at varying degrees.

The doctor said an adult head weighs 10-12 pounds in the neutral position. As the head tilts forward, the force upon by the neck surges to 27 pounds at 15 degrees, 40 pounds at 30 degrees, 49 pounds at 45 degrees and 60 pounds at 60 degrees. At 90 degrees, the model prediction was not reliable.

People use mobile devices for roughly two to four hours a day, meaning our necks stay bent for 700 to 1400 hours in a given year. “High school students are even worse as they may hit 5000 hours before they graduate,” Hansraj added. While it is nearly impossible to avoid the technologies that cause these issues, individuals should make an

effort to look at their phones with a neutral spine and to avoid spending hours each day hunched over, the spine specialist said.

People should stop holding their phones by their waists and surgeons should help minimise post-surgery complications by keeping patient behaviours in mind, Hansraj concluded. He is, therefore, advising particularly the young generation to maintain correct posture while texting to avoid possible surgery in the future.

Dr Hansraj was raised in Ocean View, Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara. He attended Ocean View Government School and then Queen’s College before he left Guyana at the age of 12. His parents were the late Anjanie Hansraj and Augustus Hansraj. He graduated from medical school in 1987 and began his studies in spinal surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in 1995.

Anyone who wants to get in contact with him can get him on www.DrKen.us or via his Facebook account –Kenneth Hansraj.

Essequibo armed robbery suspects get $400,000 bail

Two men, including a miner, were on Monday granted $400,000 bail each when they appeared at the Charity Magistrate’s Court charged with robbery under arms.

Thirty-six-year-old Naiem Mohamed, a miner of Vilvoorden, Essequibo Coast, and Deoraj Dindyal, 25, of Middlesex, a neighbouring village, made their first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

According to a Police report, on January 16, at Fairfield village on the Essequibo Coast, the defendants allegedly robbed Shewnanan Gopaul, aka Jai, of $580,000 cash, a Canter truck key, one NIS card, one Bank Book and two Identification Cards.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was read to them. They were represented by Attorney Lacthmin Dindyal, who said that his clients had permanent residences and were not flight risks. He argued that his clients should be granted bail.

Prosecutor Khemraj Ramsewack, however, objected to bail, citing the prevalence of the matter. The Magistrate granted the duo $400,000 bail each. They are expected to return to court on February, 12, for trial.

Eyew tness Destabilisation...

...from outside

Encouraged by their foreign sponsors, the local fifth columnists are creeping out of the woodwork to get rid of the PPP/C Government. Once again. The salvo by the departing British Ambassador’s only the latest in a long anti-PPP/C war of attrition.

The big question, of course, is why?? And sadly it’s not much different from 1953 when the British threw out one PPP Government and a decade later, the US came in with their CIA and did the dirty on another. The problem is the PPP/C insists on trying to do what’s best for Guyana!

Think of it. Back in 1953 when “Britannia ruled the waves”, their Colonial office rushed in troops and threw out the PPP just because they dared to TALK radical!! No High Commissioner then - the GOVERNOR GENERAL could “do what he want with you”! That’s right.

Guyanese had just been so magnanimously given the franchise after 400 years of slavery and indentureship and they figured they dare talk back to their betters??! Gad!! It’s a good thing their leaders weren’t horsewhipped!

Ten years later, even after they told the US that Burnham was a “racist and a demagogue” and that Jagan’s socialist bark was worse than his bite, they went along with the Americans to stir up riots that ousted the PPP and installed Burnham.

Hey! The British lion had lost some its teeth and after JFK promised British PM Macmillan some goodies at Birch Grove in 1963, the British were more than willing to rig the elections to oust the PPP and install the PNC - in coalition with the UF.

Now lots of folks during the PPP’s 28-year sojourn in the political wilderness said that Jagan should’ve “finessed” the US and “played along” with them. Looking at the declassified files now...it’s clear that even if Jagan had been willing to offer the US his firstborn (Joey, named after Joseph Stalin), it wouldn’t have mattered a whit. And it’s rather clear right now that for whatever reason the PPP/C’s still not the party of choice for the US and their junior (VERY junior!!) partner, the Brits. Latin America’s too left??

So now we have USAID funding the International Republican Institute (IRI) - proud sponsors of regime change from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe (with all the intermediate letters taken care of - Honduras...Egypt...Libya etc, etc..)and running around the country spreading that good, old time democratic feeling through LEAD.

Time for some more feral blasts??

...from inside

As usual, the destabilisers from “outside” aren’t lacking in local support. Was there ever a colony conquered without local Quislings?? It’s not a “race thing” in case you think we have a genetic defect, the Quislings were white! While there was the PNC back in the day, it has worked hard to maintain continuity in betrayal of national interests. But that’s to be expected, no??

It’s the newer, later ones we should worry about: the zeal of the convert’s always a thing to behold. Take the AFC, for instance, which boasted in 2006 of their “American Connections”.

Now we know because of their “carrying news” and their Big Dick Morris poll, that was no urban myth. We can expect them to continue with their provocations a la Linden and Agricola. But expect some wild action from folks like the Blue Caps and some such.

They wouldn’t want to get left off the runaway gravy train: the IRI money voted by Congress gotta be spent this year.

And do you now understand why Ramon Gaskin’s now calling for storming the Bastille over by OP??

...from within

But ambition can be a bitch. Take the AFC that confessed it’s just “scouting talent” in the “coalition talks” with the PNC/ APNU. Maybe they’ll recruit the three APNU MPs who pocketed $30 million EACH from the PPP/C - for promising to sink the No-Confidence Vote??

Dr Kenneth Hansraj

4 suicides rock Region 2 within 19 days

By IndrawattIe natram

Residents along the Essequibo Coast,

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have expressed grave concerns over the number of suicides recorded so far for 2015.

Since the year has begun, four persons have committed suicide, with two cases occurring on Sunday.

The first, Leroy Cornelius, 23, of Lima Sea Dam, Essequibo, was discovered hanging from a poultry pen at the back of his sister’s yard. Cornelius, a miner, was reportedly frustrated over the fact that his employer owed him a sum of money.

Reports indicated that he

attended church on Sunday morning and disappeared sometime after returning home. Thereafter, relatives did not see him and upon checking, his body was discovered.

Also on Sunday, Rovindra Lall, a Form Five Business student of Abram Zuil Secondary School, succumbed at the Suddie Public Hospital after consuming a poisonous substance two weeks ago. It was reported that Lall, who was described as a quiet individual, was having personal issues.

On January 7, Tinka Ramsamooj, 88, of Golden Fleece, was discovered hanging from her bathroom rafter. Ramsamooj, a re-migrant, was reportedly frustrated with life. Her entire family

is said to be residing in New York and the elderly woman was living with her sister at the time of her death.

On New Year’s Day, Edward Junior Joseph, a father of two from Golden Fleece, also succumbed at the Suddie Public Hospital after consuming a poisonous substance on Christmas Day. The man was reportedly having domestic issues.

Essequibians are calling on the Health Ministry and various religious and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) to intervene in efforts to curb to the scourge.

A World Health Organisation (WHO) report had listed Guyana as the country with the highest rate

of suicide in the world – four times the global average. With a population of about 750,000, Guyana had an ageadjusted rate of just over 44 per 100,000 people based on 2012 data. For males alone, it was nearly 71 per 100,000. In raw numbers, there were about 200 per year and 500 attempts, according to local health authorities.

WHO said suicide was the fifth leading cause of death globally among those aged 3049 in 2012, and was the second leading cause of death in the 15-29 age group.

Overall, it is estimated that during 2012 for each adult who died of suicide, there were over 20 others who attempted suicide.

National Intelligence Centre crucial in these times – Dr Luncheon

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon has justified the establishment of the National Intelligence Centre (NIC) by explaining that it is an unavoidable compromise in the protection of national interest in a modern society.

Speaking on the ‘Political Scope’ programme on the National Communications Network on Sunday, Dr. Luncheon said, “I do believe it is an element of trust, between the citizens and its government that is put on the table here.” He said that, “One has to concede that in protecting national interest, in the pursuit of national security, indeed there will be instances where issues like safeguarding rights, protecting rights, (and) invasion of privacy, these issues will be compromised.”

Dr. Luncheon, who is also Secretary of the Defence Board, noted that if done as prescribed, and if there are checks and balances that the citizenry respect and rely on, then like in most modern societies, agencies such as the NIC are recognised as “a necessary accompaniment of the enjoyment of the trappings of a modern society”.

“You cannot get the benefits of a secure state and national interest being protected indeed, in locking ourselves up in a cocoon of constitutional rights and guarantees,” he opined. He noted that the issue therefore begs the question about the common good,

Son

of the pursuit of matters from a national interest perspective. He noted that the administration is cognisant of

ming analysis and recommendation on interventions based on those recommendations, all over the world such agen-

the new threats that have to be responded to, which were not within the mandate of the other disciplined services, recognise that it would have been inappropriate to thrust them in the existing structures, hence the movement to establish the NIC, he said.

Dr. Luncheon pointed out that if the Government of Guyana wanted to be recognised and be treated as a state party whose national interest must be respected, it means that the Government has the responsibility of so doing and ensuring its protection. “You have to be out there 24 hours a day, and all over the world the convention of agencies dedicated to the acquisition of information, the program-

cies exist,” he noted.

Dr. Luncheon noted that over the years, the PPPC Administration has established a government that has presented itself as the basis for enduring trust between the citizens and its government. He thinks that it is in that context that citizens, where ever, should keep examining the question of an invasion of their privacy. He said that it is probably inappropriate to select isolate concerns about trust when dealing with national security issues, when there is a bigger picture. “As your administration addresses issues in a trustworthy way, not only national interest but the entirety of engagement with the

accused of killing sickly father remanded

Fifety-three-year-old Ali Mohammad of Lot 38 Providence, East Bank Demerara was refused bail after being arraigned on the capital offence of murder.

The unemployed defendant appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The charge alleged that on January 13, at Providence, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Mohammad Surayman. He was not required to plea since the matter is indictable.

The court heard that the

Police have not completed their investigations and that the deceased was the defendant’s father.

The facts read that on the day in question, the defendant’s sister (no name given) called him to give Surayman his medication. Mohammad armed himself with a wood and dealt several lashed to his sister. She ran out of the house seeking refuge.

The defendant then entered the room where his ailing father was and dealt him several blows to the head.

Surayman was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre then to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

The lawyer for the accused told the court that his client is of unsound mind requested that he be confined so that a psychiatric examination can be conducted to determine whether his client is fit to stand trial.

Mohammad was remanded to prison and is expected to make his next court appearance on February 27.

people and leaders … that should be the picture that is taken into context.”

He added that this is where the administration stands in the context of its ‘comprehensive address of this issue of trust’. “I want to believe that this administration, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) has earned over the years the trust of the Guyanese people to adhere to the constitution, the rule of law and indeed to have made a primary responsibility of retaining the confidence of the Guyanese people that we are doing the right thing, and making available

the information on the right things.”

Dr. Luncheon noted that even if it comes to examining the issue of national security, it is on the background of an enabling environment, one that clearly establishes this as a trustworthy administration and encourages the citizens to concede that which is evidenced in the other realms is more than likely to be applied in this particular one. The NIC was set up by Government intended not to replicate, displace or undermine the existing disciplined sources involved in similar national security, but in a

comprehensive way, and particularly in a consistent way, garner national security information, in a changing modern world.

The Cabinet Secretary also explained that national security is a never ending cycle that has to be attended to, at every second of every hour, of every day. “We have to respond to national security interest, equally important we have also to acquire information to help us to identify what those interests are, what the threat is to those interests, and what would be the best way of defending them”.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon

Dead: Robindra Lall

Dead: Edward Junior Joseph

Guyana among countries with lowest cost of living

Guyana has been listed as one of the countries with the lowest cost of living, according to a survey done by Numbeo.com

The map shows the difference in living costs around the world using figures from the world’s largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide. The Consumer Price Index, used to determine the difference in the living costs between countries takes into account the prices of grocer -

ies, transportation, restaurants and utilities.

The CPI in the infographic is a relative indicator of a country’s living costs compared to New York. So, for instance, if a country has a CPI of 70, on average it enjoys 30% cheaper living costs compared to New York. The Consumer Price Index takes into account the cost of groceries, transportation, restaurants and utilities, each containing a number of variables. The cost of groceries, for instance, is made up of the price for meat, bread, rice, eggs, fruits, vegetables and alcohol. The transportation cost includes one-way tickets, monthly passes, taxi fares, petrol prices as well as the prices of a Volkswagen Golf. The

Expensive people got cheap talk

Old people seh talk is cheap. And Guyana got plenty of that. Both de talkin and de cheapness. People does talk de talk and then can’t walk de walk.

One paper man talk big and bold in he own paper that he gon publish all Guvament ads fuh free. De very next day he change he talk when he realise is whah really he talk de day before. He couldn’ta walk de walk. Up to this day.

A hotel man not got big talk that he can put US$8 million in to another hotel. When de same man had a chance to put de money into the hotel, he bad talk de hotel and ain’t talk a word bout money.

He hadda long time to walk de walk, but he choose to talk a different talk now to collect de US$8 million from he lawyer friend. Like he fuhget this lawyer friend is a man who can mek money disappear altogether. Just talk to de Feathers people and dem people who does send money from New York fuh de KFC party.

De hotel man don’t even talk bout spendin money to fix de bathroom door, de faucet and de door locks in de hotel whah he own right now. So when he talk bout puttin money in another hotel, every body know it musbe be just talk. And de fact that de hotel man name begin wid “ROB” is serious talk.

Nagga Man does talk that he supposed to be de Prezzi, and he seh Cheddi talk that same talk before he dead. But every body know that was only sheer Nagga Man talk, because only he hear that talk.

Women also known fuh cheap talk, and a women seh in a press conference de other day that she gon stop tekkin pay if de Guvament MPs stop tekkin pay first. But this is a woman (and she husband) who used to collect Sight Global money and never talk a word.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! De most expensive people does give de cheapest talk!

restaurant costs comprise of prices for meals in expensive, mid-range and inexpensive restaurants, as well as the prices for coffee products,

alcohol and water in restaurants. The utilities costs are determined by the prices for electricity, heating, water and Internet, among the few.

The data was collected by Numbeo, the world’s largest database of usercontributed data on costs and prices around the world.

Search for missing plane called off

The search for the Air Services Limited (ASL) plane that disappeared with two crewmembers onboard near Mahdia was called off on Monday according to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

After 23 days, the Britten Norman Islander aircraft has not been sighted despite 22 reports from persons claiming to have seen the aircraft after it took off from the Mahdia Airstrip, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) on December 28.

Over the last weekend, another search team, including Captain Gerry Gouveia, continued recovery efforts; however, once again, there was no sign of the aircraft.

Over 230 hours were flown by the helicopters and fixed winged aircraft in the search mission over the Blackwater Creek basin; North Fork; Konawaruk River; Ebini; Eagle; Mowasi; Glendor Mountains; and Kurungiku Mountain Range, including “Toucan Face”, “Twin Towers”, and Toucan Valley.

The helicopters conducted multiple flights over the Black Water Creek and North Fork areas, including locations where damaged trees and crows were observed.

In a release, the GCAA stated that ground searches complemented the aerial searches after day three and intensified thereafter, with seven ground search parties totalling 47 persons from the Guyana Forestry Commission; St Cuthbert’s Mission, Mahdia and Chenapau; 20 Guyana Defence Force Special Forces Officers, family members of the missing pi-

lot Captain Nicky Persaud, and volunteers.

Approximately 20 insertions and extractions of ground search parties were done at nine landing areas to trek along the treacherous and densely forested terrain. Areas where images were captured by the Canadian Twin Otter plane with equipment that pinpointed large metallic objects were also combed.

All leads

Over the past three weeks, the search for the missing aircraft and its occupants engaged diverse and substantial resources, including, personnel, aircraft, and specialised equipment, and all leads have been exhausted without success.

As a result, Public Works Minister Robeson Benn, in collaboration with the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), has taken a decision to bring the search operation to an end.

The Guyana Times understands that a few of the Guyana Defence Force ranks were flown out of the

area on Sunday and the remainder was expected to travel out on Monday.

Although the search has been aborted, this publication understands that ASL, along with the relatives of the missing pilot, Nicky Persaud and cargo loader, David Bisnauth, will continue to search for the men and the aircraft.

The Guyana Times understands that the 23-day search was costly, and the final figure could run close to $20 million (that figure will be released when confirmed). Expenses included accommodation for ground staff, fuel, and food.

On Sunday, December 28, 2014, the Timehri Control Tower lost communication with the Britten Norman Islander that was flying between Mahdia and Karisparu.

Based on records, the aircraft took off from Mahdia about 11:42h on a routine local cargo flight. Its last known position was marked by “Spot Tracker” at 11:44h.

Moments after the aircraft was reported missing, two ASL Cessna 208 Caravans within the area commenced a search and were later joined by three Belle helicopters. After the first few days with no success, Surinamese aviation experts, as well as those from the United States Mission Coordination Centre, were contacted.

The Surinamese and the Canadians also joined the search and rescue mission with high-tech detectors.

In 2008, a Beechcraft King Aircraft went missing with three onboard during a survey mission over the Guyana jungle. It was never found.

Mother of gang-raped teen fears for son’s safety

The family of the 18-year-old teenager gang-raped by a group of young men fears that he may be in further danger, given the number of strange people that visit him on a daily basis.

The teenager remains in serious but stable condition in the male ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was admitted in an unconscious state. He has regained consciousness but remains mute – a consequence of the trauma he has endured it is believed. The teenager is making every effort to speak, but according to medical staff, he is still too deeply traumatised.

Speaking with the Guyana Times from the hospital on Monday, his mother stated that she was fearful that someone might want to harm him to prevent him from giving a statement to the Police. The father of the main suspect had approached the woman at the hospital to settle the matter.

The Police are presently awaiting the young man’s full recovery as they continue their investigations into the rape allegation.

However, the worried mother related that hospital staff members were concerned about the strange people who have visited the teenager, and said she planned to meet with the Commander of Police D Division (West Demerara) to seek protection for her son while he remained at the medical facility.

First, she noted that she has to meet with the hospital administration to discuss the possibility of having a guard at her son’s bedside or close by. The main suspect, said to be the teen’s best friend, was reportedly arrested twice by the Police, but was subsequently released after the 72-hour detention period expired.

The suspect reportedly refuted the allegation after he was arrested, but despite his denial, his father reportedly offered the parents of the victim an undisclosed sum of money to settle the matter.

Improvement

Nevertheless, the teen’s mother was pleased to say that her son’s condition has improved and while he was

still not speaking, she was optimistic that he would soon. She said he was being fed through tubes by the hospital staff. “When we try to feed he, he does fight up and want open he mouth to talk … so the nurses think is best they feed he, but we does look on…”, the mother stated.

The teenager, who hails from the West Bank of Demerara, left home on Old Year’s Night to attend a party at a private home, which was organised by his best friend. After the party, he alleged that he was taken to his friend’s home where he was sodomised by at least 10 men. After the ordeal, he claimed that his friend’s uncle threatened to shoot him, but he managed to escape and went to his sister’s home where he related his story. He was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was examined by doctors. It was confirmed that he was raped by several men. He was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Craig resident remanded for trafficking in narcotics charge

Basdail Livan of Lot 105 Second Street, Craig, East Bank Demerara was remanded to prison after being arraigned on a trafficking in narcotics charge.

The woman appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday. It was alleged that on January 15 at Craig, East Bank Demerara, she had in her possession 33 grams of cannabis for the purpose of

trafficking.

The woman pleaded not guilty and said nothing further in her defence.

The court heard that on the day in question, at around 22:00h, the Police were on patrol duty when they received information alleging that the defendant sells the illegal drug. They went to her home, told the defendant of the information received and asked to conduct a search.

While conducting the search, they found a quanti-

ty of leaves, seeds and stems which were suspected to be cannabis. She was showed the drug and admitted to owning it. She was told of the offence, arrested and charged.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Vishnu Hunte objected to bail stating special reasons must be advanced by the defence. The defendant was refused bail and the matter was transferred to the Provident Magistrates’ Court for January 23.

Nicky Persaud, the pilot of the missing plane

tuesday, JaNuaRy 20, 2015 | guyaNatimesgy.com

Citizens Bank increases revenue, sees reduction in profit

Citizens Bank Guyana Inc has recorded an increase in its revenues for 2014, however its profit after tax saw a reduction when compared the amount from the previous year. According to Chairman of Banks DIH Clifford Reis, the bank’s revenue increased by seven per cent or $207.0 million; that is, from $3.010 billion in 2013 to $3.217 billion last year. These figures were disclosed in his recent annual report presentation.

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

The Chairman went on to say in the report that the Bank’s loan assets have increased by 22 per cent over the previous year from $23.7 billion to $28.9 billion. On the other hand, the records

show that customers’ deposits declined from $34.2 billion to $33.2 billion by $1.0 billion. Additionally, earnings per share are now $16.63 while net interest income reflects an increase from $2.15 billion in 2013 to $2.37 billion in 2014.

In the report, the Chairman remarked that the 2014 financial year was a challenging one but prudent decision-making, along with strict financial controls has yielded an “acceptable” result. “Even though the economic data suggests that the global financial situation may be recovering in some areas, uncertainty and fear have now taken their place on the agenda of the legitimate concerns, which are affecting economic results across the globe and locally,” Reis outlined.

He stressed that this apprehension continues to fill the economic and social fabric of countries, whose corresponding contraction in consumers spending is affecting the financial results of companies such as the bank.

Citizens Bank Inc will be hosting its annual general meeting today. In the meanwhile, the construction of the Bank’s state-of-theart headquarters at Camp Street, Georgetown, is picking up pace since its commencement in 2013. Last year, this was high on the agenda of the bank.

The Bank’s Managing Director Eton Chester had stated last year that Guyana’s economy would grow, thereby having a positive impact on commercial banks, with Citizens Bank being no exception.

“Intense competition among commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions, excess liquidity in the banking system and declining interest rates are expected to continue in fiscal 2014,” he added.

Chester had anticipated that the 2014 financial year would bring new challenges as well as new opportunities, but noted that Citizens Bank had already devised mechanisms to cope with the challenges.

PPP/C pushing for public vetting of elections day staff

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is reported to have agreed to allow all of their elections personnel undergo background checks but the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is pushing to have public vetting done on all those involved in the process.

According to Home Affairs Minister and General Secretary of the PPP/C, Clement Rohee, the party’s leaders met with the Chairman of GECOM, Dr Steve Surujbally during the last week where the matter of having identity checks and creation of folios for elections day staff were extensively discussed and agreed upon by both parties.

It was expressed by the PPP/C General Secretary that background checks are necessary for the personnel involved in such a matter of national impor-

tance. He noted that the GECOM Chairman has expressed his agreement with this and will be soon implemented it.

“In the past folios which included pictures of every voter next to their names and were in the possession of the presiding officer and had to be shared among all of the polling agents at the polling stations. The PPP/ C’s position is that every party’s polling agent must

have their own individual folio. This GECOM has assured will be implemented”, Rohee said.

However, Rohee noted that the party would like to have this process done through public vetting which is practiced by the Guyana Defense Force during recruitment, where the pictures and names of the persons will be published and members from the public, who may have contentious information about the person, can come forward and make those known to the relevant personnel so that any necessary action can be taken.

When contacted for a comment on this matter, Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission, Keith Lowenfield related that as far as the matter was concerned, discussions were still being held and as such, no pronouncements can be made at this time.

Women Across Differences in dire financial straits

– lack of funding “prorogues” programme for teenage mothers

B y D evina S amaroo

Women Across Differences (WAD) Coordinator

Clonel Samuels has disclosed that financial difficulties resulted in the shelving last year of the successful capacity-building “Comprehensive Empowerment Programme to Reduce Unplanned Pregnancies Among Adolescent Mothers”.

Since its inception in 2008, the programme has enabled the reintegration of 269 teenage mothers back into society. Young mothers were able to go back to the formal school system: some went to the Guyana Technical Institute and other to the Carnegie School of Home Economics.

However, last year, the programme was stalled, denying over 80 girls who were referred to WAD from the Georgetown Public Hospital, an opportunity to better themselves.

According to Samuels during an interview with the Guyana Times , throughout the years, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) had sponsored the programme; therefore, financing was not a problem.

However, the UNFPA’s mandate had changed, leaving WAD unable to continue the programme.

Samuels explained that the group would usually provide a travelling allowance and a snack to the participants who would gather at its Queenstown Office to attend the developmental

classes offered as a part of the programme. “We would give them like a $500 for travelling allowance, but sometimes they would walk and come, because they would use that money to buy some loose milk or some sugar. When they would show up, they would tell you how they struggled

have space for 20 babies, we barely have two cradles and a mattress. We will need a room for the babies and maybe someone to look at the babies, and we will need to pay that person. We may also need a room for counselling, because it gets very emotional in here and we don’t want to have

deserved.

“I think, some people don’t understand. They have no understanding. They think these girls are ‘hot’ and you know … they don’t actually listen to their stories to understand how and why these girls ended up in this situation.”

She noted that WAD

some cases involve incest or rape and usually the organisation, in collaboration with other organisations, would assist with the court matters.

On that note, Samuels pointed out that the programme was in high demand as it makes a significant difference in the lives

to get something to eat.”

She also highlighted that the teenage mothers would usually come to the programme with their babies; therefore, WAD would provide baby cradles and a mattress for the children while the classes were in session.

Changes needed

Samuels stated that in order for the programme to become more viable, a lot of changes needed to be made.

“We don’t have resources for these things: for example, let’s say we have 20 babies here; we don’t

to counsel these teenagers in front of everyone. We would need a private setting. We will need a bed, because a few times before, someone (a pregnant teenager) took ill and we had to lay her down on the mattress until she got better.”

“No understanding”

Furthermore, Samuels indicated that a possible contributing factor as to why this programme has not been able to receive the required funding is because society usually perceives teenage mothers as “bad” children who got what they

even had to dismiss some of the instructors, because they failed to comprehend the background of the young girls in attendance. Moreover, Samuels explained that usually, the teenage mothers come from unstable families and were caught in a vicious cycle.

“If we don’t make a change to end it here with them, chances are their children will grow up and the cycle will continue as they will find themselves in the same or similar situation.”

Additionally, the Coordinator noted that

of many, but the lack of resources posed a great challenge.

“It’s sad, we received so many referrals and it’s sad to know that we can’t help these girls because if you really get to understand them, you will be inspired by their stories. Many of these girls were able to turn their entire lives around and better their lives … the continuity of this programme is critical and we know we cannot do it alone,” she stressed.

Aside from the massive funding needed, various groups would need to

contribute to keep the programme alive. Samuels acknowledged that there were individuals who sometimes would “sponsor a child”— bearing the expenses to take that child through school.

However, she said that it was not enough as the group received numerous referrals from the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Child Care Protection Agency, health clinics among other organisations every year.

WAD has invested in the lives of teenage mothers to boost their self esteem, provide personal developmental training and other life skills to ensure they have well-rounded lives.

Upon completion of the programme, the mothers are given certificates of participation.

Family planning

Of those who graduated from the programme, 90 per cent have joined family planning programmes and continue to receive information to assist them with their development; 90 per cent have also recorded no second or third pregnancy, with 40 per cent successfully wrote between two to eight subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, and three adolescent mothers are currently attending the University of Guyana.

Several are gainfully employed with the Private Sector while others are self-employed.

Dr Steve Surujbally

Participants of the “Comprehensive Empowerment Programme for the Reduction of Unplanned Pregnancies” (UNFPA Guyana photo)

School welfare programme to be strengthened – Manickchand

Amid increasing violence at public schools, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said the Ministry would strengthen its welfare programme in schools across the country.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Manickchand said more welfare officers would be trained by high-level officials from across the Caribbean, noting that a team of 13 supporting masters are currently in the country undergoing training.

Manickchand noted that since the initiative was the first of its kind, they may not be able to pull off everything on time and as expected, but would work towards perfection when addressing welfare matters within the schools.

“Again, we will not be able to provide all the services and respond to all the welfare cases as expected. We have to find other ways of having the country band together to address the issues of inter-personal violence, of stranger violence, of resolving issues violently, so we really need everybody on board, the Church, the Mandir, the Mosque, the NGOs, the schools and even the parents in the home,” Manickchand said.

In addition, the Minister noted that of the 13 persons lending their assistance to train the welfare officers, eight were attached to the Education Ministry while the other five were

placed to work within the Social Services Ministry. She underscored that the trainers had specific training on young people so local officers would be empowered to deal with issues affecting youths.

No plans to improve security in schools

When asked about measures to be put in place to strengthen the security system within the schools, Manickchand said there were no plans to do so. “You know it will be very hard

to provide security personnel to all of our thousands of schools in Guyana. It will be extremely expensive and so we will have to make some hard choices about perhaps which schools will need it most, but no, there are no great plans to increase the amount of security personnel in the schools across the country on a nationwide scale,” the Minister noted.

Literacy remains top of agenda

The Minister also pointed out that although the Ministry had many important issues to deal with to boost the education sector, literacy remained on the top of the agenda.

“Literacy is an unfolding issue that we are addressing; part of it was to make sure that our children have all the resources like text books and work books and so on. We have started implementing the plans that we have rolled out, in fact one of the major developments is that parents will now be able to go into schools and get updated reports about their child’s performance, especially in literacy as this remains on the top of our agenda,” she added.

Moreover, Manickchand added that this new system would help children to learn faster and also keep parents upto-date with their child’s performance and reading quality.

National Upstream Oil and Gas Policy to be launched on Wednesday

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry will be launching the National Upstream Oil and Gas Policy on Wednesday morning at a National Stakeholders Forum at the Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown.

The Policy was developed by the Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission with technical assistance from the Governance and Natural Resources Advisory Services Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Work on the Policy started in 2012. Both the Private and Public Sectors were consulted on the document. The Policy was finalised and approved in the third quarter of 2014.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud, and representatives of the Commonwealth Secretariat will be in attendance.

In a release, the Ministry said Guyana was currently a prime target for petroleum exploration. The country’s offshore Guyana Basin and, to a lesser extent, its inland

Takutu Basin are currently attracting a great deal of interest from petroleum exploration companies.

The vision of the Policy is a strong, vibrant, and sustainable Private Sectordriven oil and gas industry, which will contribute significantly to Guyana’s socio-economic development. The policy document represents Guyana’s first attempt at setting out specific policy objectives and implementation measures for the exploration and potential development of upstream oil and gas resources found here.

Accused walks free, no concrete evidence given

The man accused of lacing SSS Tonic with cocaine that killed four people, was released after there were no evidence offered against him.

Thirty-four-year-old Deon Layne, a miner of Lot HH Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday.

It is alleged that on May 2, 2014 at Lot 22 Kokerite Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 252 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

During his first appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Layne pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The facts of the case read that on the day in question, at around 21:00h, the defendant went to the home of Candacy McGarrell’s niece who was visiting from the United States of America (USA). The defendant gave her some bottles of SSS Tonic to take for the mother of his child who resides in Philadelphia, USA.

The court heard that the woman left Guyana without the tonic, stating that

she did not know who had to collect the tonic when she arrived at the JFK International Airport.

The five occupants of the home later ingested the laced tonic. Six-year-old, Jahaquel Blair; his parents, 42-year-old Alex Blair and Simone Pryce, 36; and their neighbour, 36-year-old Natasha George died at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The post-mortem examination report revealed that the four died as a result of consuming the tonic which contained liquefied cocaine. Twelveyear-old Jamal Waterman

tuesday, JaNuaRy 20, 2015 | guyaNatimesgy.com

58 T&HD staff undergo VIA screening

Some 58 women attached to the Transport and Harbours Department underwent Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) screening for cervical cancer when a medical team from the Georgetown Public Hospital visited the agency last week.

The outreach was in keeping with the hospital’s announcement earlier in the month that in observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it would collaborate with the Health Ministry to host several outreach programmes in an effort to encourage women to get screened for cervical cancer.

Medex of the VIA Clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Lorlene Ramsundar, disclosed that the 58 women represented a 100 per cent turnout for the organisation. She revealed that upon examination, five women required treatment and as such, they were treated using Cryotherapy.

Cryotherapy destroys abnormal tissue on the cervix by freezing it. During

this procedure, liquid carbon dioxide, which is very cold, circulates through a probe placed next to the abnormal tissue. This freezes the tissue for two to three minutes. It may be allowed to thaw and then be refrozen for another two to three minutes. A single freeze treatment for five minutes may also be used.

On January 27, the team will host another outreach at the Prisons and then head to Lifeline Ministries on January 28. Recently, the Medex had emphasised that getting screened can save women’s lives and noted that from 2009 to present, the VIA Clinic has detected numerous cervical cancer cases, most of which were successfully treated. She had highlighted that more and more women were recognising the importance of getting themselves tested, but stated that more education programmes on television and radio would be useful for women who may not know the importance of getting a VIA test done.

Duo remanded for conspiracy

Aduo was refused bail after the prosecution’s objection took precedence over their Attorney’s bail application as it related to the charges of conspiracy.

Twenty-nine-yearold Jermaine Bristol and 53-year-old Barbara Jacobs appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Monday morning.

The first charge alleged that on November 17, 2014, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, they conspired with Anthony Bristol and others to traffic narcotics. The coaccused denied the charges against them.

They also denied the other allegation which read that between August 1 and October 21, 2014, at Stabroek Market, they conspired with Anthony Bristol and others to traffic narcotics.

was the only survivor.

Magistrate Latchman informed the prosecution that there was no concrete evidence against the defendant since the bottle was a sealed one that appeared not to be tampered with. This information was gathered from the evidence given by McGarrell and Waterman who testified in this matter. While walking out of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Layne told the court that the bible is his tool, and he did not take a lawyer but preferred to battle this case himself since he knew that he was an innocent man.

Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru explained that Wilton Sinclair, an American citizen left Guyana on November 17, 2014 and was intercepted by authorities at the John F Kennedy (JFK) International airport after they discovered that he had cocaine concealed in rum.

As a result, an investigation was launched in the US.

When the footage at CJIA was reviewed, the duo was seen operating in a “manner contrary to duty.”

The Prosecutor said they were both taken in for questioning and Bristol admitted that he was paid twice to pass the cocaine in rum.

According to Prosecutor

Mangru, Bristol said that he paid Jacobs to do the same but when questioned, the woman admitted to passing two duty-free bags but denied knowing they contained cocaine. The duo was later charged.

Attorney Gordon Gilhuys represented Bristol and Attorney Folio Richards defended Jacobs in their court appearance. Gilhuys told the court that his client has a permanent residence at Lot 2034 Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown, and has never had any brushes with the law. The Attorney added that his client had to be taken to the hospital for a medical since it was reported that the Police had assaulted his client.

Attorney Richards told the court that her client also has a fixed place of abode at Lot 200 Prospect, East Bank Demerara. The court heard that she has been a City Constable for the past 20 years. The defence lawyer further added that her client has no prior antecedent with any court and is not a flight risk since she willingly handed over her passport to the Police.

Bail was objected to by Prosecutor Mangru who said that although reasons were advanced by the defence lawyers, none were special as prescribed in the Anti-Narcotics Act.

The Chief Magistrate ordered the Prosecution to investigate the allegations into the alleged beating and refused bail for the duo. The case will be called again on January 26 for report.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Cocaine-laced SSS Tonic case:

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud

Haiti President says new cabinet to be sworn in Monday

Haiti’s President Michel Martelly has announced the formation of a new Government amid renewed protests calling for his resignation.

On his Facebook page, the President listed 18 Ministers and 16 Secretaries of State to be sworn in on Monday. He kept several current Cabinet members in their posts and appointed some of his allies to key positions.

His announcement comes after the dissolution of Parliament last Tuesday and weeks of political uncertainty.

Following anti-government demonstrations in the capital Port-au-Prince on Friday, President Martelly told demonstrators he had reached a deal with the Opposition to form a consensus Government within 48 hours.

On Sunday, he published on his Facebook page (in French) the full list of Ministers and Secretaries of State who are to deliver their oath of office on Monday. Among them are members of the current Cabinet, including the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Public Works, Health, Tourism and Education.

Dominica puts stay on visas for Haitian nationals

The Dominica Government Monday announced a stay on visas for Haitian nationals entering the country as it seeks to tighten its immigration policy.

National Security and Immigration Minister Rayburn Blackmoore said the move which came into effect this month, was not a ban and that there were challenges within the immigration system that had to be addressed.

“This is a country that welcomes everybody, but our relation with other friendly countries is critical to our national security, it is critical to our development as a country.

“What I have been able to do as of January is to put a stay so to speak on the issuing of visas for Haitian nationals, not a ban. There

are challenges to the system that have to be dealt with and to make sure we have a system in place where the security of the state is not compromised, secondly that persons, because of their circumstances are not abuse,” he said.

Haiti belongs to the 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping, but unlike other member countries, its nationals require a visa to enter countries within the grouping.

Blackmoore, speaking on a radio programme on the state-owned DBS radio, said Dominica does not have a human trafficking problem, even though he had been asked by some nationals what the Roosevelt Skerrit Government is doing about the situation. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

The list also shows the appointment of several of his allies to key positions, such as new Planning Minister Yves Germain Joseph and Secretary of State for Public Security Carel Alexandre.

Last week a US-brokered deal to extend the life of Parliament and call new elections failed when parts of the Opposition refused to approve it. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Man wanted in TT for murdering two former lovers

Police are looking for a man with two broken legs wanted for murdering two former lovers. His latest victim is 20-year-old Salma Chadee of La Paille Village, Caroni, whose relatives are now emotionally distraught and living in fear for their own lives. According to Police, Chadee was at her home with the suspect and other family members around 21:30h on Saturday, when the two began arguing he accused her of being unfaithful.

The suspect, who broke his legs in a car accident recently, shot Chadee repeatedly, then escaped in a waiting car. There were conflicting reports about the driver of the car. Police said it was an unknown man, while relatives claim it

was a man close to the victim. The man was yesterday evening assisting Police with their

investigations.

On May 8, 2014, the suspect who lived at Maculay Village, Claxton Bay allegedly murdered his estranged wife

Coffee farmers in Jamaica back in the fields as prices soar

Residents of Ythanside, a small farming community in Portland, now have something to celebrate despite their many challenges, such as lack of water, poor roads and high unemployment.

This is because many farmers who had abandoned their lands when coffee prices dipped significantly a few years ago are now rushing to replant the crop, as the prices have started soaring.

For years the residents’ main source of income was derived from farming coffee at nearby Shirley Castle, which is in close proximity to the Blue Mountain, an area known to produce some of the best coffee in the world.

However, when the price moved from J$3500 to J$1500 per box many farmers gave up cultivation, resulting in a greater demand for the product and an in-

crease in the price.

“Now coffee is coming back, the factory buying it from us for all J$7000 per box, so everybody is planting it again,” farmer Raymond Shirley told the Jamaica Observer North East.

“Now, none ah it can’t stay a bush again because of how much it in demand,” explained another farmer, Eric Hinds. The coffee farmers say it is quite unusual for the price to double in one year as up to last year they were still being paid J$3000 per box.

They are, however, remaining optimistic that as Jamaican coffee remains in high demand in other countries the prices will also remain favourable for them.

Already scores of farmers they say are planting several acres of coffee but the crops are not expected to mature before the next three years. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Bahamas Govt forced to take over troubled bank loans, says PM

Prime Minister of the The Bahamas Perry Christie said his Administration did not want to create an entity to take over bad commercial loans from Bank of The Bahamas. He said he was forced to do so “by policy”.

Addressing the House of Assembly in response to a debate contribution by Free National Movement (FNM) Member of Parliament (PM) Richard Lightbourn, Christie said the Government was “obliged by policy to protect the bank and take US$100 million of the accounts”. On October 31, 2014, the Government announced

that it had created a wholly-owned Government entity called Bahamas Resolve Ltd to take ownership of US$100 million in non-performing commercial loans issued by Bank of The Bahamas. The bad debt had already wrecked the bank’s capital levels and represented a potential threat to its stability.

In exchange for the debt, Resolve issued US$100 million in Government-backed security bonds to Bank of The Bahamas. The bonds were backed by a letter of comfort.

The bailout – a term the Government disputes – was

noted by international ratings agencies as well as multilateral lending agencies. “We didn’t want to do it. We were obliged to do it. And having done it, we are making it work. But we are not involved at all in that process,” he said.

“We created a board of directors and we hired an accounting firm (Deloitte & Touche). They run it, every day, all day – their decisions. That’s how it ought to be done. No political interference, no political determination.” (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Sherlene Charles after accusing her as well of being unfaithful. Charles, 37, a kitchen assistant at the Royal Hotel, San Fernando, was shot three times while liming with her children and sisters at their Stoney Hill, St Madeleine home. After shooting Charles, the suspect turned his gun on her 17-year-old daughter, Kimberly Mahangoo, shooting her three times. Mahangoo survived.

The suspect escaped after he ran through some bushes at the back of his victims’ home. The shooting came three days after the suspect severely chopped and threatened to kill Charles for ending their relationship in December 2013. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Jewish centre bombing: Argentine Prosecutor Nisman found dead

An Argentine Federal Prosecutor who accused President

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner last week of a coverup has been found shot dead at his home in the capital, Buenos Aires.

Alberto Nisman was investigating the 1994 bombing of a Jewish centre in Buenos Aires in which 85 people died.

On Wednesday, he accused the President of involvement in a plot to cover up Iran’s alleged role in the bombing.

The President’s spokesman dismissed the allegations as “ridiculous”. Nisman, 51, was found dead by his mother in the bathroom of his home.

Investigating Prosecutor Viviane Fein said he had been shot once. She said an autopsy was underway and its results would be made public later on Monday.

Ms Fein ruled out burglary as a motive. “It [the apartment] was in perfect condition, there was no mess, nothing was missing,” she said. She also said that no suicide note had been found in the flat.

Earlier, the Security Ministry released a statement saying that Nisman’s bodyguards had raised the alarm after he failed to answer their phone calls on Sunday.

Concerned about his welfare, they fetched Nisman’s mother and tried to enter his apartment, the statement said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Jamaican Govt receives J$350M grant for public sector transformation

The Jamaican Government has received grant funding of J$350 million (£1.9 million) from the United Kingdom (UK) to support the implementation of the Government’s Strategic Public Sector Transformation Project.

To be administered by the World Bank, the funds are being provided through the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID).

The project, which is being implemented by the Finance and Planning Ministry, aims to strengthen public resource

management and support selected Public Sector institutions in facilitating a more enabling environment for Private Sector growth. The grant agreement was signed last Thursday at the National Heroes Circle offices of the Finance and Planning Ministry. The signatories were portfolio Minister, Dr Peter Phillips; British High Commissioner to Jamaica, David Fitton; and Acting Country Representative, World Bank, Kathy Lalazarian. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Haitian President Michel Martelly published the names of the new cabinet on his Facebook page

Prime Minister Perry Christie

Murdered: Salma Chadee

Alberto Nisman

Around the world Battles rage on Ukraine front line

Dozens of people have been killed or wounded as fighting escalates along the front line in eastern Ukraine and the battle for Donetsk airport continues.

Artillery fire was reported in several areas of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions and a hospital in Donetsk city was hit, reports said.

Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian rebels both said they controlled the airport.

As Russia warned Ukraine not to make a strategic mistake, Kiev said more Russian troops had crossed the border.

Russia has repeatedly denied claims that its regular forces are in eastern Ukraine, but has admitted that a number of “volunteers” are fighting alongside the rebels.

The surge of violence began last week as the fight for control of the airport intensified. Government forces fought back after rebels said they had finally seized the new terminal building having besieged Government forces for months.

The rebel military command said its forces had halted a Government offensive at the strategically important Putylivskiy bridge

between the airport and the city. The bridge was destroyed in the fighting.

Buildings in the centre of Donetsk have been badly damaged and there are reports that a hospital has been hit. Eight civilians have been killed and many more wounded in recent days, local authorities say.

Meanwhile the rebels accuse Government forces of shelling civilians in rebelheld Horlivka, a town north of the airport. Nine civilians were killed there and 44 wounded by a bomb dropped by a Ukrainian plane, said Eduard Basurin at the rebel “Defence Ministry”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Kenyan Police tear-gas protesting children

KTributes, protests mark Martin Luther King Jr Day

Tributes to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr were held around the United States on Monday as protests over the treatment of minorities by law enforcement were set to roll on across the country.

Observers of Martin Luther King Jr Day, a federal holiday first celebrated in 1986, have this year linked it to the message voiced in recent months during demonstrations over Police brutality.

Marches and rallies were planned for Monday in major cities, such as Dallas and

New York, where the family of Eric Garner, who died after being placed in a Police chokehold, was set to visit the Brooklyn street where two uniformed officers were ambushed in December by a gunman claiming to avenge Garner’s death.

Decisions by grand juries not to indict officers in the deaths of Garner and Michael Brown, an unarmed black man shot dead by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, touched off months of protests across the country, with the rallying cry, “Black lives matter”.

That sentiment resounded even at traditional events honouring King that were under way elsewhere, including a King commemoration at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the slain civil rights leader once preached.

“We all need to remember him this day because we still don’t have complete freedom,” said Kelly Pongee, 50, of Jonesboro, Georgia, who was among hundreds of people who waited for hours to attend the service. (Excerpt from Reuters)

AirAsia crash not due to terrorism – investigators

Indonesian investigators said the crash of AirAsia QZ8501 was not likely due to terrorism, in their first remarks since analysing the cockpit voice recorder.

Transport safety committee investigator Andreas Hananto told the BBC that there were also indications that the plane encountered bad weather.

The plane is thought to have gone down on December 28 when it encountered difficulties from an approaching storm.

tal found so far to 53.

Hananto told BBC Indonesian that investigators had listened to the entire two-hour recording, and found that there was “no threatening voice on board”.

The recording appeared to indicate that the pilot was too busy attempting to regain control of the aircraft to send a distress signal, he said.

Some of the parameters retrieved from the flight data recorder seemed to indicate that the plane had encountered bad weather.

had on the plane’s engines, Hananto added. Investigators have only transcribed half of the cockpit voice recording and that would require more analysis as well.

Search teams managed to find the cockpit voice recorder and the flight data recorder last week. The fuselage of the plane, believed to hold most of the bodies, has also been located and search teams are now working out how to retrieve it.

enyan Police have fired tear gas at children protesting against the seizure of their school playground by a property developer.

Around 100 primary school children and a small group of activists pushed over a newly built wall that separated playing fields and the school buildings, close to the capital Nairobi’s main domestic airport on Monday.

Around 40 armed Police accompanied by dogs dispersed the protesters by firing tear gas canisters, an AFP news agency photographer at the scene said.

He said that the children had returned to school for their first day of classes for the new year to find that

Macharia Njeru, Chairman of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, said the incident would be investigated.

“Teargassing children is inexcusable,” he said.

Well-known local activist Boniface Mwangi said a “school playground is a necessity, not a privilege”.

Monday was the first school day since the wall was built during the holidays. Speaking to Al Jazeera from Nairobi, Mwangi said that he witnessed the incident.

Dozens of children were caught in choking clouds of tear gas before being forced to shelter on a pedestrian bridge over the main road to escape the noxious fumes.

they could not gain access to the school playground.

“They decided to go around the playground, which has a very big fence ... They found developers had put up new gates surrounding the playground.”

“The children were peaceful and all they wanted was access to their playground during break time. The children walked peaceful to the gate that has been set up by the grabber and police responded with tear gas. A few of them were injured,” he said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

All 162 people onboard the flight from Surabaya to Singapore perished. Two more bodies were recovered on Monday, bringing the to-

More analysis was needed from the rest of the 1200 parameters to determine the exact weather conditions and the impact the weather

The authorities are expected to issue a preliminary report on the crash on January 28. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China calls Snowden’s stealth jet hack accusations ‘groundless’

China dismissed accusations it stole F-35 stealth fighter plans as groundless on Monday, after documents leaked by former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden on a cyber attack were published by a German magazine.

The Pentagon has previously acknowledged that hackers had targeted sensitive data for defence programmes such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but stopped short of publicly blaming China for the F-35 breach.

Defence experts say that China’s homegrown stealth jets had design elements resembling the F-35.

lished a cache of Snowden documents, including a top secret US government presentation that said China stole “many terabytes” of

that has been used to launch groundless accusations against China is completely unjustified,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters.

Former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden, who is in Moscow, is seen on a giant screen during a live video conference for an interview as part of Amnesty International’s annual Write for Rights campaign

The Pentagon and the jet’s builder, Lockheed Martin Corp, had said no classified information was taken during the cyber intrusion.

German magazine Der Spiegel on Saturday pub-

data on the F-35 programme, including radar designs and engine schematics.

“The so-called evidence

Hong said the “complex nature” of cyber attacks makes it difficult to pinpoint the relevant attacker, adding that China wanted to work with other countries to prevent hacking.

“According to the materials presented by the relevant person, some countries themselves have disgraceful records on cyber security,” Hong added. Snowden’s 2013 revelations of the broad reach of the National Security Agency (NSA) spying programme sparked international outrage.

Lockheed Martin is producing the F-35 for the US military and allies in a US$399 billion project, the world’s most expensive weapons programme.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Artillery fire was reported in several areas of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions and a hospital in Donetsk city was hit

The children attempted to remove an illegally erected gate around their playground [AFP]

PUBLIC OPINION

What do you think about the decision to omit

Pollard

and Bravo from the WI squad for the World Cup?

Pauline Morgan

“I don’t feel anyway bad, that’s all. I don’t really mind, it doesn’t affect me. I love cricket. I love cricket and it’s all about the game and how it’s played, ya know.”

Stephen Gangaden

“It’s stupidness, it’s bare stupidness. They supposed to be playing because they’re the main players. As a fan, I don’t even want to watch it anymore.”

Simone Paris

“Looking at two key players, why would you want to omit two key players heading to the World Cup? Therefore, the team is already preparing to fail at the World Cup. I don’t support that. That’s what I see: Pollard is a strong hitter; Bravo support us with batting and bowling. Those two players are critical for the team heading to a World Cup. You already see what happened yesterday (Sunday) in that game. ”

Satrohan Austin

“I think – I gonna tell you exactly what I think – I think it’s bare stupidness because look at what happen yesterday (Sunday, January 18)), that was a devastating defeat. I can’t believe, when I see the runs I can’t believe. From the time I see the runs I know West Indies lose; because that’s the kind of confidence I have in them. Now with the two of them coming out, then it’s best they come out of the World Cup one time too. ”

Dhanesh Prashad

“Well, I think the exclusion of Pollard was the right decision. If you look at his statistics for the West Indies for the past few years, it’s very poor and inconsistent. Pollard is what I call a monetary player…according to how much you pay him, that’s how he will perform and with that attitude, West Indies cricket will never elevate. Bravo, on the other hand, is a hardworking performer. So it’s 50/50 for me. I agree with them dropping Pollard, but Bravo should have been given a chance.”

Jomo Cooper

“I don’t think it’s a wise idea for them to be out of the team. I think them not being there would be a great loss for the West Indies cricket knowing that we going into the World Cup and knowing that they are not there. It’s a great loss for us, because, if you look at it, they are the two guys that make people in the Caribbean looking at the West Indies cricket.”

Marilyn Reynolds

“I think it’s preposterous. They shouldn’t do that because they’re good players. I mean, you know, they might make a one and two mistake, which in cricket is a luck and chance game nuh, but I think they does do their best and they shouldn’t do that. They should have played.”

Nikesha Stephen “I don’t think it’s appropriate, but they got to know what they doing. I mean if they are lapsing in some kind of way and they have their faults in that way, then they should just focus in that particular area and build their strength up and re-enter. I don’t agree with the decisions they’ve made but I guess all of us don’t always agree with the decisions, right?”

Travis Montooth

“We know they’re good players and I think we need them. That’s basically it. I don’t know why they were omitted and such, but if that’s the decision, then we can’t exactly judge that because I am sure the reason is legitimate but as cricket fans, although I’m not a huge fan, those huge cricket fans will be disappointed and some even may be extremely upset.”

Imran Ramnauth

“I personally think it’s going to hurt the West Indies team in the future, real bad. It’s really going to hurt them, because they’re two good men, allrounders and they should have not done that, so in the future it’s going to hurt them real bad.”

Carlene Withe

“I don’t follow cricket much, but I know Bravo is a good player, so I don’t know why he ain’t deh in, so I guess a lot of cricket fans disappointed because they usually look forward to seeing those people play, you know.”

Colvin Wong

“In my point of view, it’s sad. When I heard about it, it was disappointing, because they are two good players in the West Indies team and they shouldn’t do that to them.”

Karran Francis

“Well, I think Pollard deserve to be out the team, because he is not consistent and I think Bravo should be in, because he is can bat and bowl and because he is consistent.”

Caricom Secretariat hosts statistics workshop in Kingstown

In its continuing quest to train personnel and boost the profile of statistics in the region, the Caricom Secretariat will host a Training Workshop on Merchandise Trade Statistics in Kingstown, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Statisticians from across the region will gather in Kingstown from January 26-February 5, 2015, for the workshop that is funded under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF)- Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) Economic Integration Programme.

The sessions target persons in charge of data processing, data dissemination, and data analysis of Merchandise Trade Statistics. Core objectives of the workshop are: enabling

harmonisation of the technical assistance in place across Member States on the Eurotrace Software by status updates; sharing good practices on the use of Eurotrace in trade data processing and its maintenance; and training in the trade dissemination and trade indices modules of the Eurotrace Software and presenting and identifying best practices for quality improvement of Merchandise Trade Statistics. Among the main topics that will be covered during the workshop are: “The maintenance of the data processing system”; “Eurotrace domain – Conversion to SQL Server”; “Web Comext – Installation and management”; “Mirror Statistics”; and “IMTS (International Merchandise Trade

Statistics) recommendations”. The method of training will consist of a mix of lecture sequences, peer learning and practical sessions. At the end of the workshop, participants should be able to accurately maintain the data processing system, produce trade indices and make accurate analysis of the results, and establish a work-plan toward International Merchandise Trade Statistics recommendations for the harmonisation and improvement of trade statistics. They should also be able to convert their MS ACCESS Eurotrace Domain in SQL Server; and install, configure and use Web Comext for extraction and for Mirror Statistics exercises with trading partners.

Guyanese musicians call for more local support

Some may argue that Guyana’s music industry is severely underdeveloped while others contend that Guyana does not even have an industry.

A group of companies and individuals that make money by creating and selling music is the definition of the phrase music industry.

According to Drew Thoven, Director of local music studio Kindred, efforts are being made to develop an industry and while the attempts are commendable, for aspiring musicians, they just are not enough.

Undoubtedly, as seen on the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Jingle and Song Competition, and at school and other local concerts, there are truly talented people in Guyana.

But quite often, their tal-

ent goes unnoticed because there is no initiative or strategy in place to foster their ability to enhance and promote their music, especially as it relates to creating a livelihood.

An aspiring musician, Richard Nero, from Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) expressed, his disappointment that producing music in Guyana was merely

a hobby for the talented.

“You have to remember, Guyana is small and immigration is high in our country. People who want to pursue music as their career; they go to other countries to do so. So, people would most likely do it as a hobby instead of a job.”

Nevertheless, he believes development in Guyana’s music scene is possible, just not profitable because most locals do not support their own music.

This point was reiterated by many other local musicians.

Neil Ramdial, vocalist of the Project X Band, described Guyanese as “foreign minded”. He explained that even if the foreign music was distasteful, Guyanese would still shower the artistes with great appreciation and show their support for the music.

“We support other artistes and do not support our own talent, which in some cases, our talent is better. And I think if we get this support, from all stakeholders, then we can see great development in our industry.”

National pride

Renowned Guyanese artiste Terry Gajraj stated that

if Guyanese want to start making money from their music, then serious changes need to be made as it relates to the music they support, or more so, do not support.

“They need to be playing more Guyanese music and deemphasising Trini, Jamaican and other foreign music. We need to learn from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, etc and do what they do. They play their own music instead of music from other countries, thereby also creating employment for their own and encouraging creativity and national pride.”

Former GT&T Jingle and Song Competition Contestant Jenell Pierre also believes that more local music should be played on the airways.

Diversity

Of course, this is not to say that Guyanese musicians never get local support, but support as it relates to musical diversity is lacking.

Gavin Mendonca, a rock enthusiast who is a member of the Feed the Flames Band and Radio Announcer for Rock n’ Roll, said that Chutney and Soca were the mainstream

music of Guyana, creating a niche for musicians who specialised in other genres.

“I’ve only been in the music industry for five years and as a rock musician in Guyana, it’s a completely different scene.”

He called for all musicians to work together, regardless of their preferred genre of music to create a solid platform for

local music.

Mendonca suggested initiatives such as an official National Music Chart and annual awards for different categories.

“We need to promote more Guyanese music on local airwaves. Guyana has fallen victim to American culture. Should Guyanese television and radio stations put more emphasis on local talent, it would give the industry a boost by creating an audience, thus creating a market.”

Joshua Premdas, a guitarist, suggested that restaurants and different entertainment complexes host mini shows featuring local bands with the aim of promoting local music and creating an audience.

In addition to support, musicians are calling for stringent copyright laws to protect their music.

“Artistes need to make money too,” Pierre opined.

Food systems of the future need to be smarter, more efficient

Increasing competition for natural resource and emerging resource bottlenecks mean that global agriculture can no longer operate using a “business as usual” approach – the input-intensive agricultural development model used for the past 40 years is no longer sustainable, and a “paradigm shift” in food production is needed.

This was the key message of a speech delivered today by FAO DirectorGeneral José Graziano da Silva at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture taking place this week in Berlin as part of Green Week observances here.

The topic of the forum this year is The Growing Demand for Food, Raw Materials and Energy: Opportunities for Agriculture, Challenges for Food Security? “Business as usual would mean a huge and simultaneous increase in the need for food, energy and water in the next decades: 60 per-

cent more food, 50 percent more energy and 40 percent more water by 2050,” Graziano da Silva said during his remarks.

FAO estimates point to the need to increase food production by 60 percent by 2050 to feed a population that will top the 9 billion mark. To address the challenge of feeding more people while using less land, water and energy, concerted efforts and investments are needed to support a widespread, globe-spanning transition to sustainable farming systems and land management practices, according to FAO’s Director-General.

Climate change and increasing competition between food and non-food agricultural products such as bioenergy have made the challenges of feeding the future more complex, said Graziano da Silva. “But it is important not to forget that biofuel emerged with strength as an alternative energy source because of the need to miti-

gate fossil fuel production and greenhouse gases – and that need has not changed,” he added.

The FAO head argued for a more pragmatic approach to the issue.

“We need to move from the food versus fuel debate to a food and fuel debate. There is no question: food comes first,” he said, adding: “But biofuels should not be simply seen as a threat or as a magical solution. Like anything else, they can do good or bad.”

Evidence shows that when developed responsibly, sustainable biofuel production systems can offer an additional source of income for poor farmers. The FAO DirectorGeneral noted that thanks to experience gained in recent years and new biofuel production technologies, countries today are better positioned to evaluate the opportunities and risks of biofuel production and to use it when it pays off socially, environmentally and economically.

Imminent elections:

APNU claims ready to face electorate

With Government announcing that the setting a date for General and Elections is “imminent”, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – the majority Opposition grouping – has begun readying its troops for the campaign.

Already the coalition members have begun to fan out across the country, holding bottom-house as well public meetings with supporters and party groups. Over the weekend, APNU Leader David Granger led a team to Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo), where they visited several villages, promising residents a “better life” if the coalition took over the reins of power.

Speaking at a news conference last week, Basil Williams, APNU Executive Member and Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the major partner of the coalition, made it clear that his party was ready for General and Regional Elections “a long time now” .

APNU Executive Member Basil Williams

“We were ready since there was the threat of a snap election,” Williams said when questioned by the Guyana Times at a press conference on Friday. Williams explained that APNU’s groups across the country have been activated and were currently campaigning in their respective regions. In Georgetown, there have been several walkabouts over the past weeks by the APNU, he said.

Brahma Kumaris organisation honours founder

HHe also stressed that in order to avoid conflicts with food production, mandatory biofuel policies must be flexible and “need to be adjusted according to the reality, the ongoing balance of production, and stocks of the different products used.” Speaking more generally on the contributions a shift to sustainable agriculture can make, he said the world’s food systems must achieve much greater efficiencies in their use of natural resources, in particular water, energy and land – including reducing food waste. And they must do much more to protect, conserve and restore natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem functions. FAO recently put in place five key, strategic objectives to focus and guide its work. They include making agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable, and enabling a shift to efficient agricultural and food systems.

indus around the world on Sunday celebrated the life of a man they say was the epitome of peace, and whose mission was to transform the world with his simple character.

In Guyana, the Brahma

lished a spiritual organisation called Om Mandali. Originally a follower of the Vaishnavite Vallabhacharya sect and member of the exogamous Bhaiband community, he was said to have had 12 gurus but started preaching or conducting his own satsangs which, by 1936, had attracted around 300 people from his community, many of them being wealthy.

At the High Street Kingston office Sunday evening, Brother Mark Chan, who chaired the program said people are generally live with the desire of finding peace.

Of all the feelings, one would like to experience peace”, Chan told the room filled with Hindu brothers and sisters and special invitees. He said the founder of the organisation, during his numerous “visions”, found that “the world was heading for trouble”, and wanted to do eve-

Kumaris hosted its day of remembrance at the Brahma Kumaris spiritual organisation at High Street Kingston Georgetown, honoring the life and work of Lekhraj Khubchand Kripalani affectionately called Prajapita Brahma and Brahma Baba.

Originally from Hyderabad, Sindh the founder of the Brahma Kumaris, was born December 15, 1876. He became extremely wealthy from a jeweler in Calcutta. In his fifties, Kripalani reportedly had visions and retired from his job, returning to Hyderabad in Sindh and turning to spirituality.

In 1932, Lekhraj estab-

rything in his power to help. It was from that desire that the organisation was founded. The BKWS teaches a form of meditation that focuses on identity as souls. They believe that all souls are intrinsically good and that god is the source of all goodness. The organisation teaches to transcend labels associated with the body, such as race, nationality, religion, and gender, and aspires to establish a global culture based on what they call “soul-consciousness. The movement has distinguished itself from its Hindu roots and sees itself as a vehicle for spiritual teaching rather than as a religion.

Participants at the service Sunday evening

Jenell Pierre

Gavin Mendonca

Terry Gajraj

Jumo Primo

Founder of the Brahama Kumaris Lekhraj Khubchand Kripalani

ARIES (March 21April 19)

You will be solicited by a charitable or benevolent organization. Rise to the occasion and give back to those who are down on their luck.

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

A significant change is apparent. Consider making a move if it will bring you greater career opportunities or incentives. Clear your mind and focus on increasing your cash flow.

Your decisions will be easy if you follow your heart and intuition. Positive and exciting results will occur if you invest more time in travel or your education.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

An unexpected financial gain will come to you through a loan repayment or windfall. If you’re persistent, you can implement a profitable deal, once you eliminate a roadblock.

Love is moving in a positive direction. Don’t get hung up on minor mishaps. Put your energy into a meaningful relationship, and don’t obsess about what others do or say.

Be relentless. You can best your adversaries if you use a unique strategy. Your headlong advancement will be hard to beat and even more difficult to stop.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

An opportunity to launch a gangbusters idea will bring financial rewards. Expect to face a trying time at home. If you keep your emotions in check, you will ride out the storm.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Before you head off in a new direction, make sure you have all your facts and figures in place. It will be hard to change course once you have started your journey.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Some deceitful deals will be offered to you. Make sure everything you are involved in is on the straight and narrow. Extra cash will come your way through an unexpected gift, investment or win.

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

If the standard approach isn’t getting you what you want, try something out of the ordinary. You will make a good impression on someone able to influence your chances of success.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Maintain your momentum and don’t wait for others or give them a chance to catch up. You will get what you want as long as you are diligent and refuse to be sidetracked.

There is something secretive going on behind the scenes. You should dig deep and examine the circumstances carefully. Don’t depend on secondhand information.

GEMINI

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

dilbert

arCHie

Captain Rayad Emrit’s incisive maiden regional one-day fivewicket haul proved the difference, as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force beat Jamaica Franchise by 17 runs to win their second straight game in the NAGICO Super50 here Sunday.

The 33-year-old seamer finished with five for 56 to help reduce Jamaica to 215 all out off 49.1 overs, crippling their pursuit of 233 for victory at Queen’s Park Oval.

Opener Nkrumah Bonner stroked 51 at the top of the order, Dave Bernard Jr got 40 and Andre McCarthy, 37, while John Campbell hit 26.

Seamer Kevon Cooper chipped in with three for 34 to support Emrit.

Earlier, T&T were guided to 232 all out off 49.3 overs by Darren Bravo’s 55, with support coming from his West Indies teammate Kieron Pollard with 41.

Dwayne Bravo, the discarded Windies one-day skipper, scored 34 and wicketkeeper Steven Katwaroo stroked 31.

Fast bowler Derval Green claimed three for 65 while left-arm spinner Nikita Miller (2-18), speedster Marquino Mindley (2-36) and seamer Dave Bernard (2-48), all finished with two wickets apiece.

Emrit, Bravo hand TT convincing win SCOREBOARD

The victory followed on from Friday’s five-wicket victory over West Indies Under-19s.

Sent in, Red Force lost the attacking Evin Lewis cheaply for five in the fourth over with the score on eight and required Darren Bravo’s half-century to provide stability.

He hit eight fours and a six off 82 deliveries, adding 34 for the second wicket with opener Nicholas Sookdeosingh (19) and 31 for the third wicket with Jason Mohammed (6).

Miller struck, prising out Sookdeosingh and Mohammed while Darren Bravo fell to leg-spinner

Damion Jacobs to leave Red Force on 105 for four in the 26th over, but the experienced Dwayne Bravo and Pollard came together in a positive 58-run, fifth wicket partnership to steady the innings.

Bravo faced 59 balls and counted five fours while Pollard struck three fours and two sixes in an up tempo knock that required just 44 balls.

However, once Dwayne Bravo was lbw to Bernard in the 39th over, the last six wickets crashed for 69 runs.

Jamaica then seemed favourites for the win when Bonner and Campbell put on 45 for the first wicket

but Emrit struck three telling blows – two in the first over of his spell – to reduce the visitors to 118 for five in the 31st over.

He first had Campbell caught at the wicket prodding forward to the second ball and two deliveries later, had captain Tamar Lambert taken at slip by Dwayne Bravo without scoring.

Bonner and Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood (14) added 43 for the third wicket to defy the Trinidadians until Emrit struck again in his sixth over, claiming Blackwood bowled off the inside edge in the 21st over.

Three wickets tumbled for 30 runs until McCarthy and Bernard posted 48 for the sixth wicket to prop up the innings and once again leave the game an open affair.

Bernard’s knock included two fours and two sixes and required 50 deliveries while McCarthy hit three fours off 64 balls.

T&T Red Force

E Lewis b D Green 5

N Sookdeosingh b N Miller 19

Darren Bravo c J Blackwood

b D Jacobs 55

J Mohammed c N Bonner

b N Miller 6

Dwayne Bravo LBW

D Bernard Jr 34

K Pollard c and b D Green 41

K Cooper c N Bonner

b D Green 5

S Katwaroo+ c H Miller

b D Bernard Jr 31

R Emrit* LBW M Mindley 8

S Narine b M Mindley 3

R Rampaul not out 2

Total: All Out (49.3 Overs) 232

Extras: (1nb 19w 3lb 0b 0pen)23

Fall of Wickets: 1-8, 2-42, 3-73, 4-105, 5-163, 6-170, 7-188, 8-223, 9-227, 10-232.

Jamaica Bowling: M Mindley

10-0-36-2, D Green 100-65-3, N Miller 10-4-182, D Jacobs 10-0-62-1, D Bernard Jr 9.3-0-48-2. Jamaica (Target; 233)

However,

Bernard was still there at the start of the final over with Jamaica needing 18 to win but was bowled off the first ball by Dwayne Bravo, as he looked to improvise. (Windies Cricket)

N Bonner c S Katwaroo b J Mohammed 51 J Campbell c S Katwaroo b R Emrit 26 T Lambert c Dwayne Bravo

b R Emrit 0 J Blackwood b R Emrit 14 A McCarthy c S Katwaroo b K Cooper 37 H Miller+ LBW K Cooper 4 D Bernard Jr b Dwayne Bravo 40 N Miller* b K Cooper 4

(5nb

Fall of Wickets: 1-45, 2-45, 3-88, 4-111, 5-1183, 6-164, 7-170, 8-176, 9-211, 10-215. T&T Red Force Bowling: Dwayne Bravo 7.1-0-30-1, R Rampaul 7-0-40-0, R Emrit

Warner fined over Rohit spat

David Warner has defended his use of the words “speak English” during an on-field squabble with Rohit Sharma during Sunday’s ODI at the MCG, but has been fined 50% of his match fee over the incident. Warner admitted during a radio interview on Monday morning that he was in the wrong by engaging with Rohit.

The incident occurred at the end of the 23rd over of India’s innings, when India took an overthrow and the Australians showed their displeasure, seemingly believing the ball had ricocheted off Rohit’s legs. Replays suggested that was not necessarily the case, but during the crossover at the end of the over the umpire had to step in to hose down a verbal stoush between Warner and Rohit.

“On the cricket etiquette

side of things when you throw a ball to the keeper and it hits a player you don’t run,” Warner said on Sky Sports Radio on Monday. “A few of the boys said something to him and when I went over to say something he sort of said something in their language and I said ‘speak English’, because if you’re going to say something for me to understand theoretically, I cannot speak Hindi.

“So I did the polite thing and asked him to speak English, therefore he did, and I can’t repeat what he said. I thought I was okay by asking him to speak English and I’m going to say it a couple of times if he keeps saying it in Hindi. I got slapped on the wrist yesterday by the ICC, I shouldn’t have engaged him and should have went to the other side to my fielding position, but I didn’t.

David Warner

“The guys behind the wicket said it hit him. I walked in because I presumed it hit him as well. I was in the wrong. What he was saying to me I asked him to speak English. I got in trouble for engaging the player, which technically you’re not allowed to do that now … You’re not supposed

to walk at the player. It was between overs and I should have walked around to my fielding position.”

Australia’s coach Darren Lehmann said his side would always “teeter pretty close to” the line of acceptability, but he admitted the Warner-Rohit incident was not a good look for the game. Lehmann said Australia supported Warner’s aggressive style but would work with him to ensure his behaviour was within acceptable standards.

“It’s not a great look,” Lehmann said. “The ICC have done something about it. At the end of the day we have to work better at those situations and get better as a group ... Davey said he’s been fined 50%, so we’ll deal with that and move on. It’s not an ideal scenario, but we’ve got to make sure we’re playing the cricket we want

to play without crossing the line.

“David’s an aggressive character and we support that. It’s just making sure he does the right things on the ground, and he knows that more than most. We’ll work with him with that. We’ve just got to be mindful of the game of cricket, it’s an important entertainment spectacle for people around the world. We’ve got to make sure we play hard but fair, and don’t cross the line.”

The incident led to a wide range of criticism, including an editorial in the Sydney Morning Herald that slammed Warner’s actions and cricket’s lack of leadership in dealing with sledging.

“Warner has confirmed he used the words, but says he did so politely,” the newspaper said. “His intentions certainly did not look po-

lite. Warner deserves to be roundly condemned. Remarks such as these have no place on the cricket field or anywhere else.

“[F]ines are no deterrent to poor behaviour if that behaviour helps a side dominate its opponent. That is not good enough. Effective deterrence is needed here. Whatever measures are adopted in response to unacceptable sledging should be designed to stamp the practice out.”

The stoush marred Australia’s four-wicket win at the MCG, where there were also serious concerns about Australia’s shoddy over-rate during India’s innings. Stand-in captain George Bailey was suspended for the next match against England in Hobart on Friday after Australia’s bowling effort went 26 minutes over time. (Cricinfo)

McCarthy top edged a cut behind off Cooper to set off a slide where the last five wickets fell for 51 runs.

Rayad Emrit celebrates with his teammates

Charles ton leads Windward Islands to win

West Indies batsman Johnson Charles stroked a career-best hundred to help Windward Islands Volcanoes beat Barbados Pride by 55 runs and eliminate the defending champions from the NAGICO Super50 here Monday.

Playing at Shaw Park, the Windwards rattled up an imposing 374 for six off 50 overs, with the right-handed opener Charles blasting 177 off 124 deliveries – the highest ever score in the tournament's history.

Sunil Ambris and Shane Shillingford both stroked 45 down the order while opener Devon Smith chimed in with 37 and Keddy Lesporis, 31. Seamer Javon Searles led for Barbados with three for 60 as the entire attack suffered at the hands of Charles’ onslaught.

In reply, captain Kevin Stoute hammered a cameo top score of 82 at the top of the order and though Shamarh Brooks (61) and Shai Hope (58) chipped in with half-centuries, the order was simply too tall for the Barbadians.

They finished on 319 all out off 49 overs as left-arm pacer Delorn Johnson with four for 63 and off-spinner Shane Shillingford, with two for 62, undermined the innings.

The defeat left Barbados without a win for the competition after their first match against Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners was rained out without a ball bowled, and they lost their second match to Guyana last Saturday.

Opting to bat first, Charles and Smith posted a hasty 98 off 67 balls for the first wicket to hand their side the early initiative.

Charles smashed 12 fours and 11 sixes as he pounded the Barbados attack while Smith faced 29 balls and counted six fours and a six.

Charles raised his halfcentury off 37 balls with his third six – a hoist over long on off left-armer Ryan Hinds – as the Windwards headed towards the 100-run mark.

When Smith drove Searles to Hope at deep cov-

Reifer

Raymon Reifer described as “top drawer” his unbeaten innings of 84 which helped the Guyana Jaguars edge past the Barbados Pride in Saturday’s crucial Nagico Super50 Group A clash on Saturday.

The performance and victory was extra special for Reifer, a native of Barbados, given the opposition was from his home island.

“It motivated me a bit more,” Reifer told WICB Media after the game. But he added that, “at the

er to fall in the 12th over, Charles continued his rampage in several other crucial partnerships.

He added 46 for the second wicket with Miles Bascombe (12), another 82 for the fourth wicket with Lesporis and 47 for the fifth wicket with Ambris.

Charles reached his hundred off 75 balls with a streaky single to third man, and needed only another 33 deliveries for his 150.

He eventually holed out to deep mid-wicket off Stoute’s medium pace in the 41st over but Shillingford and Ambris combined in a 62-run, sixth wicket stand to inflict more misery on the Barbadians.

Shillingford, especially, was severe, lashing two fours and four sixes off 28 balls as the Volcanoes gathered 90 runs from the last ten overs.

Stoute and Kraigg Brathwaite, who made 38,

two setbacks in successive overs, when Brathwaite was lbw to Shillingford in the 14th over and Kirk Edwards was bowled by off-spinner Liam Sebastien in the following over for one.

Stumbling at 99 for two, Barbados recovered through a 47-run stand between Stoute and Brooks, whose knock comprised 59 balls and four sixes.

Once Stoute hit a return catch to left-arm spinner Alston Bobb at the end of the 24th over, Brooks and Hope picked up the slack with a valiant 87-run fourth wicket partnership.

Hope’s innings was busy, consuming only 49 balls and containing four fours and a six, and Barbados prospered at 233 for three because of his enterprise.

Brooks eventually skied seamer Mervin Mathew to long on in the 36th over and his dismissal triggered a slide which saw Pride lose

SCOREBOARD

Windward Islands Volcanoes

J Charles c S Brooks

b K Stoute 177

D Smith c S Hope b J Searles 37

M Bascombe LBW J Searles 12

A Fletcher+ c F Edwards

b J Warrican 6

K Lesporis b A Nurse 32

S Ambris not out 45

S Shillingford c K Brathwaite

b J Searles 45

M Matthews not out 6

Total: 6 wickets (50 Overs) 374

Extras: (2nb 12w 0lb 0b 0pen) 14

Did not Bat: L Sebastien*,

A Bobb, D Johnson. Fall of Wickets: 1-98, 2-144, 3-162, 4-244, 5-291, 6-353.

Barbados Pride Bowling: F Edwards 6-0-48-0, A Nurse

6-0-45-1, R Hinds 10-0-83-0, J Warrican 10-1-65-1, J Searles

9-0-60-3, K Brathwaite 2-011-0, K Stoute 7-0-62-1. Barbados Pride (Target; 375)

then handed Barbados a great start to pave the way for a fascinating duel.

The right-handed Stoute slammed six fours and three sixes off 71 balls while Brathwaite faced 39 balls and counted two fours and a six. However, Pride suffered

K Brathwaite

LBW S Shillingford 38

K Stoute* c and b A Bobb 82

K Edwards b L Sebastien 1

S Brooks c K Lesporis

b M Matthews 61

S Hope c D Smith b J Charles 58

A Nurse c L Sebastien

b D Johnson 10

S Dowrich+ b S Shillingford 3

R Hinds LBW D Johnson 9

J Searles LBW D Johnson 22

J Warrican b D Johnson 0

F Edwards not out 16

Total: All Out (49 Overs) 319

Extras: (0nb 11w 8lb 0b 0pen) 19

Fall of Wickets: 1-96, 2-99, 3-146, 4-233, 5-258, 6-265, 7-266, 8-297, 9-297, 10-319.

Windward Islands Volcanoes: D Johnson 9-0-63-4, M Matthews 9-0-54-1, S Shillingford 100-62-2, L Sebastien 100-55-1, A Bobb 8-0-551, J Charles 3-0-22-1.

four wickets for 33 runs in the space of 30 balls.

Languishing at 266 for seven in the 41st, there would be no way back for Barbados as Johnson finished off the innings with aplomb, taking the last three wickets to fall. (Windies Cricket)

end of the day, it’s franchise cricket, so whichever team I play for I’m going to come and play my hardest, be it Barbados, Guyana, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, I gonna come and put my best foot forward.”

Reifer also noted of his match-winning effort: “You have to be able to do these things if you want to play for West Indies because you can’t go out there at this level, not performing and expect to win games, so you have to practise it from

Breaking down the stats of 2nd ODI between SA and WI

Stats highlights from an incredible day in Johannesburg, where AB de Villiers smashed the record for the fastest ODI ton.

31 Balls in which AB de Villiers got to his hundred, a world record. The previous record was held by Corey Anderson who scored a 36-ball hundred against West Indies in Queenstown in 2014.

16 Balls in which De Villiers got to his fifty, another world record. The previous record was held by Sanath Jayasuriya, who scored 50 of 17 balls against Pakistan in 1996.

16 Number of sixes hit by De Villiers, equaling the world record for the most sixes in an ODI innings, by Rohit Sharma during his innings of 209 against Australia in 2013.

17.2 The partnership run rate during the 192-run stand, off 67 balls, between Amla and de Villiers. This is the highest run rate for a 100plus partnership against any Test playing nation.

2 Number of times that de Villiers has scored a hundred after coming in to bat after the 30th over. He came in to bat in the 39th over in this

game. The previous occasion was when he scored a century after coming in to bat in the 33rd over against India, in 2010. Since recorded history, de Villiers is the only batsman to score a century after coming in to bat after the 30th over, and he has done it twice.

40 Minutes in which De Villiers got to his hundred. He needed only 19 minutes to reach his fifty.

339 De Villiers’ strike rate during his innings of 149, which is the highest strike rate for a 50-plus knock and the first time that a batsman has made a 100-plus score at a 300-plus strike rate.

163 Runs scored by South Africa in the last ten overs of their innings, the most by any team since 2001, prior to which complete ball-by-ball data is not available.

730 Aggregate runs scored in this match, 439 by South Africa and 291 by West Indies. This is the third-most runs scored in any ODI. The record for the most runs in an ODI was also created at the same venue, Johannesburg, in the famous game between Australia and South Africa in 2006.

95 Runs conceded by Jerome Taylor, the most ever by a West Indian bowler. Jason Holder conceded 91 runs, the second most ever. No West Indian bowler had previously conceded 90 runs in an ODI.

1 Number of previous instances where two bowlers have conceded 90-plus runs in an ODI innings, before Taylor and Holder in this game. Zimbabwe’s Brian Vitori and Elton Chigumbura conceded 105 and 92 runs respectively in an ODI against New Zealand in 2012.

17 Dwayne Smith’s economy rate in this match, the worst for any bowler who has bowled at least four overs in an ODI innings. Smith returned figures of 0 for 68 from his four overs.

3 Number of batsmen who scored centuries, Hashim Amla (153), Rilee Rossouw (128) and de Villiers (149). This is the first instance of three batsman scoring hundreds in the same innings in an ODI.

439 The total score posted by South Africa, the second highest in ODIs. The record is 443, by Sri Lanka against Netherlands in 2006. (Cricinfo)

Mirallas’s missed penalty costs Everton crucial win

Kevin Mirallas’s missed penalty proved costly for Everton as they were held by West Brom, leaving the Toffees winless in their last six league games.

Everton were awarded a spot-kick after Joleon Lescott handled but Mirallas, who took it instead of regular taker Leighton Baines, struck the post.

Mirallas was then withdrawn at half-time by Everton boss Roberto Martinez.

West Brom had few chances at Goodison Park but hung on and are unbeaten since Tony Pulis took over as head coach.

Everton were in contention for a Champions League place at this stage last season, but following this result they look more likely to be involved in a relegation battle in the remainder of this campaign.

The Merseyside club are now 17 points off Manchester United in fourth and only four points above the Premier

comfort.

League relegation zone.

Martinez conceded before the game that Everton must show they can satisfy the ambitions of Belgium international Mirallas before he commits to a new contract.

However, it was the 27-year-old winger’s penalty miss which proved so costly here after he elected to take the spot-kick rather than Baines, even though the Everton left-back boasts a conversion rate of 15 out of 16 kicks taken.

here.”

Speaking of the experience of playing in Guyana, Reifer, the lone non-national in the Jaguars’ squad said:

“It was a bit hard at first going to Guyana because the wickets are a lot different compared to Barbados. There is a lot more spin and stuff, so it challenged me to get a lot better at spin and I’m glad for the experience. I’m gonna continue working hard be it Guyana, wherever I play and gain a lot of experience.”

(Windies Cricket)

West Brom, organised and disciplined since Pulis took over at the start of the year following the sacking of Alan Irvine, were intent on packing men behind the ball which meant Everton were restricted to shooting opportunities from distance in the first half.

Mirallas, so impressive in Everton’s dramatic FA Cup exit on penalties at West Ham last week, came in for the suspended Aiden McGeady and he struck a 25-yard effort straight at visiting goalkeeper Ben Foster early on.

An attacking foray from Baines won a free-kick in a dangerous position for the Toffees before the half-hour mark but Foster anticipated Mirallas’s curling effort to claim the ball with relative

Despite dominating possession, Everton struggled to break down West Brom’s defence. However, they were awarded a penalty shortly before half-time when the ball bounced off striker Romelu Lukaku’s chest and struck the hand of West Brom defender Lescott.

Mirallas stepped up to take the spot-kick, and saw his low effort strike the outside of the post. Martinez then withdrew Mirallas at the interval and sent on Bryan Oviedo.

West Brom showed greater ambition in the second half with the movement of striker Saido Berahino giving the Everton defence plenty to think about, although Toffees goalkeeper Joel Robles did not really have a save of note to make.

An intricate Everton passing move with 15 minutes left presented Lukaku with a chance inside the box, but he lost his footing at the crucial moment and sent his shot past the post.

West Brom saw out the remainder of the game to clinch a deserved point which lifted them above Aston Villa on goal difference and into 14th spot with 22 points.

Raymon Reifer

Kevin Mirallas unable to hit from the penalty spot

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I wanted Miller to go in – de Villiers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nadal, Federer bag wins at Australian Open

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rafael Nadal

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

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

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

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

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

wAnTed

AB de Villiers during his bruising attack on the Windies bowlers

“Skip, be fit” school programme launched by Banks DIH

Banks DIH and the Education Ministry will team up to bring a new initiative to secondary schools across Guyana, “Skip, be fit” Secondary School Programme, which was launched on Monday at Banks DIH Thirst Park office, Greater Georgetown.

The programme, which was conceived one year ago and successfully administered in Region 10 (Upper

Injured

Demerara-Berbice), will make its way into schools across Guyana, according to Chief Executive Officer of the Education Ministry, Olato Sam.

Sam also expressed gratitude to Banks DIH for being the major sponsor of the programme.

“All of these things (the “Skip, be fit” programme) complement the education process. We started it last year in Region 10 and that

“Six

was the impetus to take it nationally and we must thank Banks,” Sam stated.

Banks DIH Sales and Marketing Manager Carlton Joao was elated to be part of the initiative.

“Banks remains committed to the health of our consumers and programmes or concepts that promote health in communities are those that we support and that is why Coca Cola has come on -

Heads”

Rajiv Ivan never expressed displeasure in playing for his club

Dear Editor, The management of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) would like to express its profound disgust and shock at an article appearing in another section of the media under the headline, “Confusion or dictatorship in our cricket?”

The article quotes me in my capacity as Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RHTY&SC, saying that I would not release Rajiv Ivan as he had requested.

board as the main sponsor of this programme.

“We cannot undervalue programmes such as these and what the type of interaction does and we must congratulate the Ministry of Education on this effort,” Joao stated at the launching.

The programme will go hand-in-hand with the Physical Education programme for Mashramani. (Treiston Joseph)

out for six weeks – Atwell to now fight Mullings

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Guyanese Clive “The Punisher” Atwell has been slotted in as a replacement for fellow countryman Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis to face Jamaican Sakima Mullings on the “Caribbean Collision” boxing card next month.

Information reaching this publication revealed that Lewis suffered a hairline fracture to the right shoulder while sparring in preparation for the fight.

The Guyana Boxing Board of Control’s (GBBC) Matchmaker, Eion Jardine, said he is extremely disappointed with this new development, especially given the hype that surrounds the fight.

Rumours have surfaced that Lewis had sparred at the weekend with “two white boys”, who are visiting

Guyana and it was during that session that he picked up the injury.

It is understood that these persons are estimated to be at the middleweight equivalent in boxing compared to Lewis, who is a welterweight.

However, Blake, in an invited comment on Monday, debunked those claims, pointing out that Lewis had been complaining about the shoulder pain for about a week now, and upon a medical check it was revealed that the boxer had sustained

really training hard for this fight. He would be up as early as four o’clock in the morning running and getting himself in shape and he was always on time for training and so on…he was very committed to having this fight happen and it’s just disappointing for him and for boxing that he’s now injured,” Blake said.

Blake added that the injury would have been picked up during sparring, but denied that Lewis sparring partners were visitors to the gym, but actual boxers who

a hairline fracture to the right shoulder.

“This is a big blow for “Six Heads” because he was

train at the facility. Meanwhile, Lewis said the injury has come as a “big disappointment” for him,

noting that he indeed picked up the injury during sparring, adding that he first felt the pain “about 10 days ago.” He also did not confirm nor deny having sparring sessions with the “white boys.”

Lewis, 44, is set to be out of action for the next six weeks, as recommended by the Boxing Board’s doctor, Max Hanoman. Lewis and Mullings, 32, were slated to fight for Mullings’ WBC CABOFE Welterweight belt on February 21 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

However, Lewis’ injury has now forced the Boxing Board to find a replacement, which they have in the form of Atwell. According to Jardine, Atwell has agreed to the terms and conditions of the fight and the two will now vie for the vacant CABOFE Junior Welterweight belt.

Dubbed “Caribbean

The article is full of falsehoods, personal opinions and libellous statements and the management of the RHTY&SC and myself, in my personal capacity, would be taking legal action.

The simple fact of the matter is Mr Ivan requested a transfer to an unknown club. The letter would be discussed at the Club management level very shortly and he would be duly informed of the decision.

I never told Mr Ivan that I would not be releasing him. The only time that I had spoken to him since his request for transfer was on January 12, when he called me. In a 30-second conversation, I informed Mr Ivan that I had no update on his request and would inform him of the decision when it was made.

On January 13, I received a phone call from the reporter who wrote the story, a person whom I considered a friend. The conversation was private, as he never told me that he was calling in his capacity as a journalist.

In the presence of my family, I told the reporter that I would not be discussing anything about Mr Ivan’s request for release.

But the reporter seemed to be quite interested in the cricketing career of Mr Ivan for reasons best known to him.

Mr Ivan has never expressed his displeasure at playing for this Club. In fact, on numerous occasions in my office, Mr Ivan was full of praises for me and the RHTY&SC for our

Collision”, the card will feature five fights, starting with a clash between debutants Travis Fraser of Guyana and Charwin Estwick of Barbados in a Junior Middleweight sixrounder.

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

role in his career. In my official capacity, I have done everything possible to make the players comfortable in the Club. I have never used my position to affect any player’s career and every person who deals with me would know that. It is, therefore, unbelievable that the reporter can accuse me of refusing to release Mr Ivan. It is simply shocking that the reporter can put into his article a private conversation that occurred between the two of us in late October 2014. One is left to wonder if there are any morals left in this world.

The reporter has called my office and my home on countless occasions seeking my assistance in numerous matters and I wonder if he would like to see these private requests in the media. What is the relevance of a private conversation between two friends in a newspaper article?

I have been involved in the management of cricket for over 25 years and my record of achievements is well-known. I would not allow the likes of this reporter to affect my desire to achieve even more.

The RHTY&SC’s Constitution clearly states that all members must solve problems internally and not bring the Club into dispute. Mr Ivan has never made an attempt to have the matter resolved internally, but instead headed to the press.

The Club’s Disciplinary Committee comprises three distinguished members who would take the necessary action they see fit.

The RHTY&SC and I personally would sever all relationship with this reporter in the future, as we would only be dealing with professionals and people who do not have personal axes to grind.

I personally expect a full apology. In the meantime, our lawyer has been instructed to take the necessary action.

Hilbert Foster Secretary/CEO

RHTY&SC

Richmond.

The last time these two met, DeClou suffered a broken jaw and has not entered the ring since. The other fight is a female showdown between Lorissa Rivas of the United States against Guyanese veteran Sharon Warde.

The action will start at 20:00h at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and admission to the venue is $3,000 (Ringside) and $1500 (Stands).

Banks DIH Sales and Marketing Manager Carlton Joao (extreme left) and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Genevieve Blackman (second right) display their agreement for the school programme

Eion Jardine

Sakima Mullings

Sebert Blake

JP Morgan Tournament of Champions... Fernandes ousted by Egypt’s El-Defrawy Bowen helps Rockers steal 40-32 win over Jammers

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Guyana’s leading squash player

Nicolette Fernandes has been knocked out of the JP Morgan Tournament of Champions, following a loss at the hands of Egypt’s Kanzy Emad El-Defrawy at the Grand Central Terminal in the United States.

Fernandes, the world number 21, entered the second round of qualifying by virtue of being among eight players to draw the bye in the first round, but her campaign in the tournament was short-lived as ElDefrawy, with a world ranking of 66, worked her way to a 3-1 success.

The encounter, which lasted just under an hour –

51 minutes to be precise –commenced with Fernandes, the only Caribbean and South American player in the competition, drawing first blood with a comfortable 11-6 victory.

It would prove Fernandes’ only set win, as the 20-yearold El-Defrawy regrouped to stun the 31-year-old Guyanese. El-Defrawy completely dominated the second set, winning 11-2, before Fernandes spirited effort fell short in the third set as she lost 11-13.

El-Defrawy closed out the game with a dominant display in the fourth set, cruising to an 11-1 win.

The tournament was Fernandes’ first this season, and despite the defeat, the athlete, who was out of ac-

tion for a considerable period of time in 2009 when she picked up a knee injury and was ranked 249, will be determined to bounce back and improve her current ranking.

A number of tournaments are lined up in the coming months, and Fernandes would no doubt be looking to capitalise and prove to the world that her defeat to ElDefrawy was just a case of having a bad day.

Meanwhile, Nicol David of Malaysia remains the world number one, a position she has held since 2005. She currently has 29,125 points, with Raneem El Welly of Egypt in a distant second position on 18,185 points. David has won the World Championships a record eight times.

Ricks and Sari to pedal off cycling season

After a prolonged break, cyclists will jump on the saddles on Saturday to usher in the 2015 season, which is set to commence with the annual Ricks and Sari Agro Industries 11-race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park.

Action will roll off at 09:00h when the BMX riders take centre stage, before the seniors swing into action in the Veterans, Open and Mountain Bike categories.

Speaking to this publication recently, the longserving sport administrator and former national cyclist Hassan Mohamed indicated his desire to match or even surpass the achievements of the past year, when he was able to pull off a whopping 42 events.

These included 19 11race programmes on the in-

Hassan Mohamed

ner circuit of the National Park and 23 along the country’s roadways, touching the Corentyne in Berbice, the Demerara thoroughfare, Linden in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) and the Essequibo Coast. Mohamed is the organis-

Accurate shooting by guard Michael Bowen helped Smithfield Rockers score a come-frombehind win in the opening game of the second annual Anamanyah Memorial Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Area H Ground in Rose Hall Town. Bowen swished four 3-pointers to help his team to a 40-32 win over Rose

Hall Jammers. With less than four minutes remaining in the game and the Rockers down by five points, Bowen started to show his magic by dropping two daggers from beyond the arc to erase a fivepoint deficit and give his team their first lead since the first half.

Rockers would open the gap to eventually win the

game by eight points.

The competition is being played on a round-robin basis in two groups with the four top teams moving on to the semi-final stage.

The competition continues on Sunday when Ithaca Hardliners will benefit from home court advantage against Fyrish Black Sharks. (Andrew Carmichael)

GTTA to host fitness test

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) will be hosting its first fitness test of 2015 on February 8 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The fitness test will be for all future senior, junior, cadet and mini-cadet national players as the Association aims to have the fittest of players represent Guyana.

Technical Director of the Association, Linden Johnson highlighted that the association will be using the beep

er of Saturday’s event.

“I can assure you it will be another hectic year for cycling, so I’m encouraging the cyclists to be fully prepared. The season will pedal off on January 24, and it will pick up momentum in the weeks to follow,” Mohamed said.

Mohamed has been in the forefront in promoting cycling in Guyana, with his unmatched programme of activities being a strong indicator of his contribution to the sport.

His impact on the sport has also not gone unnoticed as he has won the National Sport Commission’s Coachof-the-Year award on numerous occasions, and a few years ago, he was recognised by the International Olympic Committee for his sterling contribution to sport as an administrator.

(Avenash Ramzan)

B cB will not...

Based on the Cricket Administration Act 2014 (Schedule 1, Section 7), the “elections to the Executive Committee of the GCB in respect of the first elections shall be held in accordance with Section 17 on the date appointed in writing by the Minister acting in consultation with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)”.

Part VII, Section 17 of the Act states that “the Minister, after meaningful consultation with the WICB, shall be responsible for the appointment of a Cricket Ombudsman, who shall be responsible for the verification of the Register of Clubs and for performing the functions of Returning Officer for the first elections of the membership of the GCB”.

This law was assent-

ed to by President Donald Ramotar in August after the “Cricket Bill” was passes in Parliament on June 20.

The BCB and the GCB have been at loggerheads ever since the AGM and elections on July 10, 2011.

The BCB had pulled out of those elections, citing financial mismanagement among other irregularities by the GCB.

However, then Vice President David Black went against the BCB’s decision and voted along with the nine other delegates from the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB).

test in order to know their players’ conditioning before the season really starts.

“We have always used it, but now we looking to use it a bit earlier in order to know how to work with the players, because sometimes the game would be there, but the fitness was lacking a bit,” Johnson explained. The beep test is a form of shuttle running and is world renowned for testing the level of fitness for all types of athletes.

Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Further, in 2013, the GCB AGM and elections were held with only Essequibo’s nine delegates participating. The BCB did not participate, while the Demerara Cricket Board was (DCB) restrained from operating.

According to the GCB Constitution, no less than two boards can conduct the elections and 14 of the 27 delegates are needed to convene a meeting and elections.

Some of the action during the close game

Nicolette Fernandes

Linden Johnson

Jaguars lose thriller to CCC WICB/NAGICO Super50 tournament…

The Combined Campuses & Colleges

Marooners pulled off a sensational one-wicket victory over the Guyana Jaguars with Christopher Powell hitting a boundary off the penultimate ball of the match to take his side home.

Set a small target of 172 runs, the Marooners struggled in their chase, consistently losing wickets along

the way. Paul Palmer kept up the inning with a patient knock of 32 from 94 balls but once he went, the Marooners slipped back into trouble.

With a tense finish in sight, Ravmon and Christopher Powell took the Marooners to within touching distance of victory. Powell hit an aggressive 31 from 30 balls but it would be Christopher that turned out

to be the hero.

With the Marooners needing 11 runs from the last over, Ryan Austin edged a boundary and then scrambled to Christopher Powell on strike. Raymon Reifer could not hold his nerves, delivering three wides during the last six balls of the match. With CCC needing three runs from two balls to win, Powell slammed the penultimate ball straight

of long-on that beat the fielder's dive.

Earlier, the Guyana Jaguars limped to 171/9 from their 50 overs. The Marooners bowled tightly and the batsmen were slow out of the starting blocks. The innings only picked up when Veerasammy Permaul (29*) and Anthony Bramble (20) met nearing the end of the innings.

Berbice will not be part of GCB elections

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Newly-elected President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Anil Beharry confirmed on Monday that his Board will not attend the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

The decision was made by the Board during its first statutory meeting on Sunday, according to Beharry.

The GCB elections for office bearers are billed for Sunday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion.

“Based on the Cricket Administration Act, the Berbice Cricket Board will not attend the Guyana

BCB President Anil BeharryAttorney General Anil Nandlall

Cricket Board Annual General Meeting, or in any way, participate in the upcoming elections of the Guyana Cricket Board,” Beharry pointed out. He indicated that the BCB was willing and ready

to participate in any GCB elections that were properly conducted, but would not defy the laws of the land.

On Saturday, Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall told Guyana Times

Sport that any decision by the GCB to proceed with elections as recently announced would be illegal if they were held outside of the procedures laid down in the Cricket Administration Act.

In addition, Nandlall said if the GCB officials acted in any manner contrary to the provisions of that Act, their actions and, consequently, those elections would be “illegal, unlawful, null and void, and of no effect”.

Cricket Administration Act

The provisions contained in the Act are clear and empower only the Sport Minister, following consultations with specified bodies and entities, to set the date for the first elections of core cricketing boards and institutions.

SCOREBOARD

5-99, 6-113,

8-166,

At the top of the order, Royston Crandon top scored for the Jaguars with 39 while West Indies batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul made a patient 33 but fell to a frustrating shot that only managed to make height and reach the non-striker's end.

Ravmon Powell was the most impressive CCC bowler while also being the pick, taking 3-20. Two of his three wickets came from his first two balls of his first spell. He didn't get the hatrick but bowled solidly throughout the innings. (Windies Cricket)

Andrew “Six Heads” LewisClive “The Punisher” Atwell

The Combined Campuses & Colleges Marooners pulled off a sensational one-wicket victory over the Guyana Jaguars with Christopher Powell hitting a boundary off the penultimate ball