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Issue No. 2409

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, February 19, 2015

PRICE

AFC/APNU coalition pact

AFC leaders betray core values, principles – former GS Page 3

...massive internal conflicts; more resignations expected

Teenage girl stabbed 52 times by ex-lover

Page 13

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

1 dead, 1 injured after P2 South Road vulcanising shop shooting Rodney CoI

Donald Rodney trashes P7 Gregory Smith’s book on assassination Media sign code of conduct for elections P8 coverage

Man excretes 60 cocaine P9 pellets

Two University of Guyana medical students cool down with water coconuts at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown as things heat up on campus (Carl Croker photo)

Sacked sugar Edward Fredericks, workers back CCH, passes on on the job Page 16

Page 15

US Embassy holds P10 workshop on sexual harassment for soldiers

2 news

ThurSday, february 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Passengers stranded as 1 dead, 1 injured after South Sabanto’s engine fails Road vulcanising shop shooting

T

The MV Sabanto experienced engine trouble early Wednesday morning

S

everal passengers who utilised the ferry service early Wednesday morning were inconvenienced after the engine attached to the Sabanto ferry failed, leav-

ing them stranded.

The boat left the Good Hope, Supenaam Stelling around 06:00h for Parika and the engine developed a problem 10 minutes after departure. Over 10 ve-

hicles were reportedly on the boat at the time of the incident.

The Malali boat is said to be in operation plying the route.

he owner of a popular vulcanising shop located on South Road, Georgetown is now dead after a shootout that occurred around 23:00h on Wednesday at his business place.

The man identified as Randolph Singh, 41, was reportedly hit in the chest and other parts of the body several times when a gunman on a motorcycle drove by the shop and opened fire indiscriminately. Singh was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival, according to reports.

An employee of the vulcanising shop, 32-year-

Persons at the scene of the shooting

old Delbert Mohamed, was also injured in the shooting. He was shot to his right arm.

When the Guyana

Times visited the scene of the drive-by shooting, Police were already there conducting their investigation.

The Lions Club of Corriverton, Berbice on Wednesday made a donation of a quantity of footwear to the Kingston Nursery School. In photo is the President of the Club, Linden Murray, handing over the donation to the headteacher of the school

Mother jailed for assaulting man found in compromising position with her daughter

A

mother of five was on Tuesday jailed for six months after she was found guilty of unlawfully wounding a young man whom she said she saw in her yard with her daughter in a compromising position.

Shurlin De-Cunha, 44, of Brothers Village East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Sisters Magistrate’s Court and pleaded guilty to the charge which said that on June 15, at Brothers Village, she unlawfully wounding Devaj Persaud.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sheriff told the court that Persaud and the defendant were known to each other and were on speaking terms. He said the defendant indicated that she did not accept Persaud being involved in a relationship with her daughter.

On June 6, the defendant left her home to conduct business in the Upper Berbice River, where she spent several days. However, she returned home unexpectedly and found the Virtual

Complainant Persaud in her yard under her house.

He was in a compromising position with her daughter, and she went up to him and rebuked him about entering her yard without her permission. The court was told that De-Cunha insisted that Persaud leave her yard.

According to the Prosecutor, Persaud then begun to speak to De-Cunha in a rude manner and refused to leave the defendant’s yard. He said the Virtual Complainant then picked up a stick and approached the defendant in a threatening manner. DeCunha took the stick away from him and dealt him several lashes and then threw away the stick and gave him a punch in the region of his right eye.

Magistrate IsaacsMarcus asked De-Cunha how much time she thought she should be given in jail, to which she replied, “I can’t say how long I should spend in prison… “I think I should pay a fine.” The Magistrate then sentenced the defendant to six months in prison.

news

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thursday, february 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 19 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, February 20 -- 05:00h-06:30h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 19 – 16:50h-18:20h and Friday, February 20 – 05:05h-06:35h

FERRY SCHEDULE Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings at 06:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning, with light rain showers in the afternoon.

Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High tide: 04:49h and 17:09h reaching maximum heights of 2.85 metres and 2.94 metres respectively.

AFC/APNU coalition pact

AFC leaders betray core values, principles – former GS ...massive internal conflicts; more resignations expected

By Michael Younge

T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) has undermined its own core values and principles which appealed to thousands of Guyanese who were not willing to continue to give their support to the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) or the ruling People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) at the polls again.

The party has also destroyed the foundation

Low tide: 10:42h and 23:05h reaching minimum heights of 0.34 metre and 0.28 metre respectively.

Former AFC General Secretary, Sixtus Edwards

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which set it apart as a third force and choice for young people who wanted “real positive change” and “a new political culture” which would see those with murky hands and vendettas removed from the country’s governance structures in the future.

These are sentiments expressed by former General Secretary and Executive Member of the AFC, Sixtus Edwards during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Times on Wednesday.

Edwards who tendered his resignation earlier this month, explained that he felt betrayed by the party which he helped build pillar by pillar after its formation back in 2006. He admitted that while he said he resigned for “personal reasons”, many National

Executive Members and others who were familiar with the internal politics of the party know that there was more to his decision to depart the AFC. “The reason why I left the party is because of the people within there are not keeping with their core values”, he said sternly. He explained that back in 2006 when the AFC was formed, the party Executives and members swore that they would remain neutral offering hope to those who were willing to leave their homes in the PPP/C and PNC to join a journey to heal and change Guyana.

“We should have remained neutral…and for the people,” Edwards said passionately during the interview alleging that the AFC has now been watered down to an alliance of hate and vengeance against the PPP/C. “There is nothing there for our youths.

They have in no way kept those principles and values which we laboured for alive. You eating back your words by joining the APNU and I do not want to be in an organisation like that”, he declared. Asked whether he was sure he made the right decision when he left the party, Edwards responded in the positive.

Losing electoral support

Meanwhile, Edwards, who has been with the AFC for over ten years now, believes that the party will lose massive electoral support. “The middle ground is gone…” he advised. He also put this newspaper on notice that lots of people have already walked away from the AFC and are continuing to do so. Asked to clarify, Edwards said that he had reason to believe that more Executives were planning to resign over the coming weeks because the party was not adhering to its Constitution of core values.

“There are lots of coverups taking place. Everyone wants family, sister, and brother to be in the party and hold positions. Lots of

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

corruption, cronyism and nepotism are taking place”, he insisted.

“A lot of people more will leave….”

For the first time, Edwards alleged that there was widespread fixing and tampering with the process to elect internal leaders for the AFC. “At the last conference…people were not voting…there were no nominations….for the people to hold post of Chairman, Vice Chairman….General Secretary”, he alleged.

Asked again to clarify his statement, Edwards said “There were no nominations…the people were told that the party had already sorted this aspect of the conference out”. “ninety per cent of the people wanted to vote me back in as GS, but there was no real nominations….” he reiterated.

Questioned why the party members attending the conference did not object to this undemocratic practice, the former General Secretary said “[that] they (Executive) had already worked out the thing…it happened before.”

“I built this party. I spent ten years…I was the man who was there when everybody had left the party and to see it reaching to level, it hurts,” he claimed. He denied that he never raised his concerns with the Executive before.

“These concerns have been shared many times, year after year.”

Edwards also confirmed that no one from the Executive reached out to him following his resignation or even placed a call to him despite his sterling contributions to the AFC and his ability to galvanise large amounts of support from all the regions.

“They never called me, nobody called…. There is nobody in the AFC that has more support than me… whether Indo Guyanese or ... the Afro-Guyanese I brought to the AFC. No ody that has made more sacrifices than me”, he said. He plans on moving on from here and vows to continue to struggle for the development of Guyanese at different levels.

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015

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

Editorial

Cheddi Jagan and coalitions

D

uring the colonial era, the Georgetown Club was the bastion of class and race privilege. It was rather appropriate then, that the People's National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) chose to conduct their negotiations for a coalition to oust the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government there.

It was where the British Governor and the Central Intelligence (CIA), over Daiquiris back in 1964 arranged the coalition between the PNC and the United Force (UF) to remove the PPP. The time might have changed, but not the theme.

Moses Nagamootoo, who stormed out of the PPP/C when he was rejected as that party's Presidential Candidate has now accepted to play second fiddle to David Granger, leader of the PNC, in their announced coalition.

His leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, had sworn in front of their Berbician supporters that he would only enter a coalition with the PNC if the AFC were conceded the Presidential Candidacy.

Their easy concession to accept the largely ceremonial role of the Prime Ministership must have pleased the AFC negotiators because at least it was not the brusque rejection of Nagamootoo by Granger on the Speakership. Nagamootoo had been deemed "too PPP". One wonders what else Nagamootoo conceded to gain this meaningless crumb.

Nagamootoo is fond of quoting Dr Cheddi Jagan on any number of subjects and, not surprisingly, has done so approvingly on the coalition. But he would do well to remember that Dr Jagan was never interested in "positions" per se, but only in relation to executing programmes that formed the basis of all his negotiations with other parties.

It was Burnham who was consumed with "position, pelf and power" rather that the greater good and Nagamootoo should rather have quoted this disciple of Machiavelli than Dr Jagan.

It is rather poignant that Dr Jagan was the one who asked his colleague from the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) Ashton Chase to step aside for Burnham who was returning to Guyana as a newly minted lawyer, to be Chairman of the about-to-be-formed PPP. Burnham spent the next five years plotting and manoeuvring to oust Jagan as leader.

Granger could not have possibly overcome his distaste and suspicions of Nagamootoo's crass ambitiousness and pursuit of power. Granger has studied Burnham, his hero, well. It is therefore extremely unlikely that he would delegate the promised powers to Nagamootoo knowing that they would only be used to wrest power from him. Granger, of course, has the ready-made excuse that he would be violating the Constitution to delegate any powers to an underling.

But we do not have to go back to 1977 when Dr Jagan proposed a National Front Government as a coalition for Guyana. In that phase, the ideological climate made the leftdominated basis for negotiations a moot point. In the lead up to the 1992 election, the Opposition parties including the PPP and WPA had joined with three other parties to form the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) to agitate for "free and fair elections".

When they sought to form an electoral coalition, in view of the disparate array of ideological orientations of the parties, the threshold issue was to hammering out a common programme.

Only then did they discuss who would be the leader.

Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan, on the other hand, insisted that the question of leadership was paramount on their agenda. They followed the path of Burnham rather than the path of Jagan.

The second crucial difference in the coalition vision of Dr Jagan was that while he saw race as important, he never made it "fundamental", as Nagamootoo and Ramjattan have done.

Jagan knew that ultimately, we have to form a united Guyanese nation and that the racial bogeyman must be rejected.

The AFC/PNC coalition was born on the cancer of race and will die because of it.

Students of Bishop’s High proudly display ash on their foreheads at a special Ash Wednesday service held at the St George’s Cathedral (Carl Croker photo)

The coalition is the end of AFC

Dear Editor, I released an earlier statement highly critical of the leadership of AFC for misleading their supporters in the period leading up to the agreement with APNU to form a coalition.

I noticed that an online news entity misread or misunderstood my statement and has reported that I think that the coalition has improved its chances of winning. I never said so and I categorically do not believe that.

I issued a statement of my disappointment that these leaders of AFC lied so blatantly to people. In the press statement, I stated clearly that my disappointment is that they lied, and not that they believe this coalition improved their chances.

I am not disappointed because I believed that they have improved their chances to win an election - but that they lied so easily and effort-

lessly.

I do not believe that they have improved their chances. I, in fact, believe that the AFC is dead by betraying the very people it now has to deliver to APNU. I believe that Nagamootoo said it is 11 percent of the voters.

They may believe that this gives them a chance of tasting power and wielding power. That is all they are interested in. But their supporters will punish them for this betrayal and now they have no place to run.

May 11 is judgment day and the AFC will find an unforgiving people when they get to the gates. People will not forget that they lied.

People will not forget that they stated unambiguously that they will win and do not need to become part of the PNC-led grouping.

People will not forget that they voted with APNU almost 100 per cent of the time.

People will not forget that

they joined APNU in creating mayhem on the streets in Linden and Agricola.

People will not forget that they joined with APNU to cut almost $90 billion or US$45 milion from the National Budget. People will not forget that they blocked cheaper electricity by halting the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.

I am convinced that long before May 11, the AFC will discover that of the many stupid things they have done and of the many deceitful things they have done, this is the most disastrous of them all. The coalition is the end of AFC, period.

Thus, far from believing the nonsense that they and their accolades will promote - I do not believe that this was the best thing for them.

They made a judgment that wounded them beyond recovery.

The online media house clutched at straws to spin

this story to create a little piece of good news for the AFC. The truth is that the walls are crashing down on the AFC, in every corner of Guyana.

Nagamootoo and Ramjattan and the AFC leaders will live to reflect on what a disaster they created because their hunger for power did not allow them to see clearly. Their international backers will find that this was a huge mistake.

I never believed that the AFC have a chance alone or by becoming a part of APNU, period. That they believe that dissolving into APNU improves their chance of winning is not the source of my disappointment.

I never had any illusion about their poor judgments.

I was disappointed that they lied so barefacedly.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy Agriculture Minister

Observing International Women’s Day in Guyana Dear Editor, The US-based Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness organization (CADVA) and Caribbean One Billion Rising are coming together for International Women’s Day in Guyana, beginning with a Women Speaker Series – Sister to Sister Circle on March 8 There will also be luncheon to be held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. March 9, and an Artistic Presentation of music, spoken words

and drama honoring several local women with a Red Revolution Gala at the National Cultural Centre, honouring women under the theme: “Let the Women Speak: The Revolution Unveiled.”

Participants are from various demographics, including the US. CADVA’s joins One Billion Rising across the Caribbean with “Risings for the Revolution” theme which has already begun with the Y3K group from Guyana

who performed in the New York City Uprising event on February 7.

CADVA continues to reach across our Caribbean and American demographics to ensure this message of hope, empowerment and prevention remains a central focus. A special tribute to the late Dr Faith Harding will be held.

Details of all events, including locations and times for guests are posted on the CADVA website at www. cadva.org on the events

page.

CADVA is a US based non-profit organization focusing on advocacy against domestic and other forms of violence by grass roots community efforts, partnering and involvement throughout the Caribbean Region and the Diaspora.

Dianne Madray is the representative for Caribbean One Billion Rising as well as CADVA’s COO and Programme Director.

The CADVA Team

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, february 19, 2015

5

Your future lies in your hands

Dear Editor, Come May 11, your future lies in your hands It is no secret that for the past two congresses, PNC leader David Granger was elected from very questionable voting procedures. Vincent Alexander and co were the first set of victims and the latter saw Aubrey Norton, Sharma Solomon, Vanessa Kissoon (Kissoon being allegedly slapped at Congress Place by Granger’s lieutenant General Secretary Oscar Clark falling victims).

A gunman was even used to prevent scrutiny of voting procedure at Congress Place, yet David Granger wants us to believe that he has truly broken from his past, when as a senior aide to late PNC dictator Forbes Burnham, he was planted into the Army for political indoctrination of ranks.

From there, the nation witnessed massive rigging of elections but Granger has neither apologized or even acknowledge what occurred under his watch. This is the man the AFC leadership wants Guyanese to trust.

From the most progressive regional economy in the 1960s under the first PPP Government, Guyana was reduced to the second poorest in this part of the world under the PNC by the time democracy was restored and free and fair elections could be held

again in 1992.

This occurred when the then United Force party under Peter D'Aguiar decided to enter into a coalition with Burnham and the PNC. Some say today it is Deja vu but that will ultimately depend on you.

History has shown that D’Aguiar and his party were eventually ejected from their government positions by the PNC as it cemented its grip on power through undemocratic means. He would go on to rue his decision to join with the PNC but it was too late.

Fast forward to 2015 and our nation finds itself in a similar situation. Burnham’s protégé, David Granger is now leader of the PNC and the AFC, under Moses Nagamootoo who himself was never unanimously supported by his party has decided to enter into a coalition to unseat the PPP/C Government.

Again, our economy is considered one of the most progressive in this party of the world, recording some of the highest growth rates in recent years. Historic achievements have been made in almost every sector.

Access to education and passes are at their highest levels while dropout rates are at their lowest. Unemployment is at its lowest levels while several projects which will create thousands of additional jobs in the next few years will

result in an increased competition for labor.

Access to housing, potable water, electricity, health care both primary and secondary are at their highest level in our history. Infrastructure development has never been higher.

The road to these achievements by the PPP/C was never an easy one. How could it have been when our nation had an opposition which publicly stated their intention of making the country ungovernable?

How could the path to development be an easy and straightforward one when our nation and government endured a campaign of ‘slow fire, mo fire’? The scars still remain, some seen but most unseen.

A walk down Regent Street would confirm this, with the shell of the burnt out building which was formerly the headquarters of the RPA. Those judging our achievements and continued challenges in certain areas conveniently forget that the deadliest crime wave in our history had a direct political hand guiding it.

Many who could have fled did so, taking with them the monies they would have ordinarily invested here. Overseas businesses who were being encouraged to come, stayed away. How could this not have affected our development?

But the PPP/C stuck to the

task and absorbed the blows, while at the same time pushing forward its agenda of development for all.

Then came the aftermath of the 2011 elections, where the combined majority enjoyed a slim one-seat majority in the National Assembly.

As we come to the closure of this current Parliament it is now fitting to ask any citizen to name a handful of things, just a handful that the AFC/ APNU alliance did during their one-seat majority to benefit Guyanese citizens, particularly the working class?

Many of the Opposition supporters today rehash the AFC’s 2011 campaign slogan of “change” which incidentally they copied from the initial Barack Obama campaign, but what they are not telling us is exactly the kind of change they are supporting.

What credentials does the AFC/APNU have from the current parliament that would make an average Guyanese citizen vote for them?

With fuel prices at their highest and the need to rehabilitate the GPL networks to provide a more reliable and cheaper service to citizens critical, the AFC/APNU cut crucial funding for these projects, knowing that the alterative was a 22 per cent tariff hike on the very sugar workers or public servants they claimed to be concerned about.

My means of living and life are now in grave danger Dear Editor, It is now clear to me that my means of living and my life are now in grave danger, and I am positive that it all has to do with the numerous articles I have written in the press and my TV programme entitled, “Commentary”, which seeks to expose the lies and deceptive statements made by the AFC, a party I joined in 2005.

But was expelled because the outspoken manner in which I have dealt with certain issues such as corruption, cronyism and mismanagement of donations and party funds.

Over the week-end, the RVC High School, a school which I have been operating for a number of years, became the target of a break-and-enter for the fourth time and important records were stolen in addition to canteen items.

But what was alarming and amounted to a serious threat, is that on two occasions there was chalk written messages on my desk which demanded thatI should get out of New Amsterdam.

These break-ins began as soon as I began my TV programme, and I realized that these cannot be isolated events. Then, I stopped the programme from July 2014 and until now there was no repetition of such break-ins.

However, I began the programe two weeks ago and once again the school has been targeted. Is this another coincidence?

The matter was reported to the New Amsterdam Central Police Station and Police visited the crime scene

and took relevant information and promised a thorough investigation.

I wish to make it clear that when I embarked on this political journey, it was for the good of my country and I am totally committed to what I believe in and will never compromise with evil.

I read Gandhi’s autobiography entitled, “My experi-

ments with truth”, when I was just 12 years old but I could never forget two things he said: “I have nothing new to teach the world, truth and non-violence are as old as the mountains’ and ‘non-co-operation with evil is a sacred duty.”

I do firmly believe in what Dr Martin Luther King preached his whole life. He

said that if there is nothing worth dying for, then there is nothing worth living for. I am willing to die for what I believe in. I will continue my journey until the end.

Haseef Yusuf AFC Councillor Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne)

It was President Donald Ramotar who stepped in to prevent such an outcome, it was he who finally established a minimum wage and new work hours to stop the exploitation of workers.

Today, some persons gleefully reveal that they are no longer required to work on Saturdays because of this move and if they do, they have to be paid extra. It gives them more time to spend with their families or to focus on themselves.

This is what a working class President does. It was the opposition which unapologetically cut empowerment projects through the Amerindian Development Funds for hinterland communities across our nation and then sent their supporters to verbally abuse and attack those Amerindians who came out to protest the actions of the PNC = APNU/AFC. It is the Opposition which pretends to be concerned about jobs, cheaper energy and private sector development, yet it was they who torpedoed the Amalia Falls Hydro Project.

Thankfully, President Donald Ramotar has now confirmed that his Government will be pushing forward with the project later this year during his next term in office.

It is the Opposition which claims to be concerned about corruption but steadfastly refused to support the AntiMoney Laundering legislation despite numerous concessions by the PPP/C Government and the continued threat of this nation being financially blacklisted thereby putting our economy and people under numerous hardships.

Why would you not want to

make it easier and more transparent to track money from questionable sources if you are accusing Government officials of pocketing kickbacks etc?

Who are you trying to protect by his stubborn refusal?

The PPP/C in the next term will ensure this is one of the pieces of legislation passed immediately.

Clearly, challenges still remain but the plans to address the issues of our people have already been put forward to the public by the PPP/C. We know how to get there but that will ultimately rest with you, the voter. You will have to decide exactly what kind of change you are supporting. Whether a cosmetic change or progressive change, real change.

You will have to decide if you will entrust your future with those who when they enjoyed a one seat majority in the national assembly, opposed all the development and empowerment projects for you, your children, your family, your community, your region, your country or the people who have been fighting for your continued development.

Sure you may not have not gotten all you desired, you may have disliked a particular individual in authority, may not have gotten you road done on time etc. but that is not a reason to withhold support for an entire movement which has been working tirelessly in the best interest of this nation and ultimately in your interest.

Come May 11 the future of this country rests in your hand. Think wisely before you vote.

Romel Roopnarine Letters continue on page 17

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thursday, february 19, 2015

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Strategies for hard times in parenting (Continued from Tuesday)

By Sandra Flear

Release the feelings

Stress releases in dependable ways. Our children know this. They go for several episodes of stress release in the course of every day!

The way they release their bad feelings is to laugh long and hard, to cry, to have a tantrum, and to do “scared crying,” which is mostly trembling and perspiring in the middle of great protest.

Although most people aren’t aware of this yet, when you offer attentive, caring support while your child has a deep cry or a tantrum, your child can actually release the tight, upset feelings that make life hard. When you’ve listened all the way through, the problem resolves in their mind, and they feel close to you, and hopeful that life will be good today.

We parents release the hurt feelings we carry – the worries, the irritations, the deep misgivings we have about our goodness or the goodness of our children – in the same way. Here’s how you can build emotional support, so you can become less vulnerable to stress, and enjoy your children more fully.

•Ask another adult to listen to you. Then, listen in return. Usually, when we talk to others, they have opinions, advice, or stresses of their own, similar to ours. They want to release upsets too, so they interrupt with their opinions or similar tales that have disturbed them. For dependable stress release, it’s a good idea to take turns, so that each per-

son has 10 or 20 minutes to talk without interruption or advice. When you’re the listener, offer 100 per cent of your attention, respect, and warmth. Ask the same from them. Over time, a Listening Partnership like this becomes a safe place to cry, to laugh, to think, and to shed hurt feelings. The emotional burdens of parenting begin to lift.

• Phone a friend.

Sometimes, the sound of a friend’s voice on the phone is enough to help you out of the worst of your feelings.

You can set up a “rescue plan” that involves an agreement between you and one friend or several that it’s OK to call for five minutes of listening time when things get hard. The simple chance to let someone know how hard it is and how hard you are trying can help break the isolation you feel.

Sometimes you’ll curse.

Sometimes you’ll cry.

Sometimes you’ll laugh. Sometimes you’ll step into the laundry room, close the door, and stomp and pound on the wall. It will help!

•Let your feelings show. It takes a lot of energy to keep our upset feelings from spilling out. We tend to become either impulsive or remote as we try hard to keep the emotional lid on. Seeing us like this is hard on our children. So letting feelings show creates

real relief! It’s best if you can let feelings show with another adult, so you’re not depending on your children to comfort you, or aiming your upset at them. If you do find yourself crying in the presence of your children, go ahead. Just don’t voice the details of how you feel. “I just need a good cry,” or, “I’m getting my feelings out. I’ll help you in a little while,” are good ways to explain what’s going on to your children. Keep the negative details for your ‘lis-

and we were able to feel how much love we have to give.

Stopping and putting our minds on one of those memories can help change our feelings. Sometimes, pulling up a good memory will bring us to tears, because the contrast with our feelings at the present moment is so great. Those are useful, healing tears. Relax and let them come.

tening partner’.

He or she will understand.

• Remember someone you love. So much of the hardship of parenting comes from feeling alone in the world. But most of us have memories of brief moments, or even days and weeks when life was good, we felt close to someone,

You can involve your children in the plans, too. Identify a time of the day or a particular situation that often drives you over the edge, then, stop hoping it won’t happen today. Plan that it will happen. Plan how you’ll handle it!

• Ask for help.

Exchange help.

For in-

Head off stress before it builds

This strategy involves some planning.

stance, when you know that grocery shopping with your twins brings all three of you to a breakdown, ask for help. Ask another mother to shop for you, while you take care of her child, or ask a sister or brother or neighbour to shop for you twice a month, in exchange for a home-cooked dish you like to make. It might work well for both you and the person you’ve asked.

• Use available resources. Ask around. Your church or temple may have an organised outreach programme for families with young children.

There may be a Family Resource Centre nearby, or a local YMCA or YWCA that provides exercise, childcare, and family activities that help parents build supportive relationships. There is most likely a Parental Stress Hotline in your community, and if not, there are national hotlines available. These are there for you. You don’t have to be tearing your hair out to call! Make your first call during a quiet moment, when you’re NOT stressed, just to introduce yourself, and see who’s on the other end. That person is likely to be a parent who wants nothing more than to support you in a moment of need. So “practice” getting in touch with someone before you need to.

Then, when you feel things heating up, call before you’re ready to blow.

We don’t feel ashamed to call a tow truck when we have a dead battery.

We don’t feel ashamed because we can’t cut our own hair nicely. We don’t feel ashamed to need a doctor or midwife to insure a safe birth for our children. There are some jobs that do require help from others. Parenting is one of them.

• Give each child special time. It’s amazing how much stress can be avoided when your child can feel in her bones that she’s special.

Letting your child play the way she like to play, with your attention and warmth, is what builds her sense that she is loved. Even five or 10 minutes of your undivided attention can make a big difference in your child’s behaviour! Set the timer, and tell her you’ll play whatever she wants to play for the amount of time you’ve decided on. Don’t give her any direction at all unless she’s doing something dangerous. Give your child the chance to be in charge, and in exchange, you’ll get to see what she loves to do. Special Time helps diffuse the power struggles that drain the fun out of family life. And Special Time will allow you to see how smart and unique your child is.

• Set up regular breaks for yourself. This is hard to do when life is so full and parenting is so demanding. But it’s essential to our sense that we are in charge of our lives. When we don’t feel in charge, we often wind up blaming our children, which creates more stress in the long run! So figure out how you can be good to yourself.

Are there things you can do every day or every week that let you take care of yourself? A warm bath after the children are asleep?

Twenty minutes of reading before they wake up? A walk at noon on your lunch break at work? Turning off your phone during the afternoons, to reduce multitasking? Talking with your best friend one evening a week by phone? Listening to music? A short nap every afternoon?

We highly recommend setting up a Listening Partnership, so that you and a friend can take turns listening to each other, with appreciation and understanding, and without any pressure to solve anything.

However stressed we may become, we are good parents. We love our children with all we’ve got. We are trying our hardest. And we deserve good support.

Experiment every which way with building support for your parenting. You and the others you build support with will benefit greatly, as will your children. (handinhand-

parenting.org)

news

7

thursday, febrUARY 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Rodney CoI

Donald Rodney trashes Gregory Smith’s book on assassination

T

he brother of slain political activist Dr Walter Rodney has returned to the stand to give evidence in the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that was established to determine who killed the historian in 1980.

Donald Rodney first took the stand in January when he spoke about joining his brother’s work with the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). Dr Walter Rodney was the cofounder of the WPA. The witness said that he had acted as a liaison between his brother and then Sergeant of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Gregory Smith, who the political activist had enlisted to make walkie-talkie devices.

Smith was implicated as the one who implanted explosives in a walkie-talkie before handing it over on the night of June 13, 1980. That said device minutes later exploded while in the lap of Dr Rodney who was with Donald in a car.

On Wednesday, Donald’s further evidence in chief was led by his attorney, Trinidadian Keith Scotland, during which he was shown the book Smith and his sister wrote. The book, “Assassination Cry of a Failed Revolution – The Truth About Dr Walter Rodney’s Death” contained photos of the alleged killer and the witness had identified him as the

same person who handed him the walkie-talkie” device that he delivered to his brother.

Falsified accounts

The Attorney highlighted certain excerpts from the book and questioned the witness on its authenticity. Donald denied most, if not all, of certain events that were described in the book, especially Smith’s account of the events that occurred on the night of Dr Rodney’s death. Specifically, he denied having any knowledge of the device, which he collected from Smith and subsequently handed to his older brother, containing any explosives.

He refuted passages of the book that state he, his brother and Smith had discussions about detonators on that fateful night – June 13, 1980 or any other time. The witness was asked and replied that during the seven or so times he met Smith prior to the incident, he never heard the two men talking about explosives or even arms and ammunition as mentioned in the book.

Donald further went on to deny that the walkie talkie and subversive literature that was reportedly found in his house after Dr Rodney’s death were evidence of any plans to attack any Government agencies. He noted that there were some papers at his house that

Donald Rodney returned to the stand on Wednesday

he was working on for the University of Guyana and not for any illegal activities as was claimed by the Police back then.

During Wednesday’s session, the witness further told the Court that he became involved in his brother’s work and life around 1979, because he was trying to protect his brother from being harmed since there were many threats against him.

He specifically recalled in that same year, the then Prime Minister Linden Forbes Burnham had cautioned the WPA to “make their wills” and had named only Walter Rodney in his speech. Another instance when his older brother was threatened, Donald

Sooba predicts Mash Day chaos over vending spots

C

ity Hall’s Social D e v e l o p m e n t Committee has reportedly issued some 100 permits for vending spots on Mash Day, despite the insistence of the Acting Town Clerk that this falls under her purview.

Carol Sooba at a press conference on Wednesday said this will result in massive chaos on Mashramani day. “It’s intended to cause chaos on mash day and that’s something I wouldn’t want. None of us here I think would want chaos on mash day.”

She explained that those in possession of a receipt with the Mayor’s stamp are likely to experience difficulty when they proceed to set up their stands on Mash Day since someone else may have an “official” receipt for the same spot.

Sooba said those in possession of a receipt from the Mayor will either be removed or forced to pay on the spot.

“The official receipts from the treasury department are the only receipts and only persons who will be allowed to vend or do whatever they paid for their spots... the national police will be working in close collaboration with city constabulary from mash evening to the closing of Mash” On that note, the acting Town Clerk warned the public against collecting and/or paying for vending permits from the Social Development Committee’s office, which is headed by the Deputy Mayor Patrice Green.

“What happened, the Deputy Mayor and the Mayor and some of their councilors want to manipulate the sale of the spots, they had a clerk

Town Clerk Carol Sooba displaying the illegal receipt from the Social Development Committee with the Mayor’s stamp

Audrey Redwar who is assigned to the Deputy Mayor to divert people to their building and issue spots to the people and Redwar signed at the bottom of those documents,” Sooba explained, noting that it is completely erroneous.

But according to Sooba, despite her warnings, approximately 100 spots were already distributed under the Social Development Committee’s office.

She maintained that the procedure is illegal and stringent actions will be taken against those responsible for manipulating the public.

She said that the matter is currently being engaged with the Commissioner of Police (AG) Seelall Persaud.

“We would not allow a few persons which includes the Mayor, Deputy Mayor…and other councilors in collusion with them to hijack the revenues of this council which they

had done previous years.”

Meanwhile, the Town Clerk reiterated that the sale of mashramani vending spots is the Town Clerk’s responsibility as it is a revenue earning activity.“She (Deputy Mayor) is the Social Development Chairman but I don’t know with her being Social Development Chairman has to do with a revenue earning activity.”

The Minister of Local Government had also pointed out that the Mashramani season is an economic event, which means the Town Clerk’s Office has the authority to oversee the implementation of the permits.

It was noted that since the Town Clerk’s Office took over the responsibility in 2012, more revenue was earned.

For the years 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the revenues generated were $1.3M, $6.5M, $6.5M, $4.7M and $3.6M respectively.

said, was when it was said that “Walter would be sent to the Olympics”.

Threats

The witness added the Guyana Prison Service had performed a song in the Guyana Music Festival that year entitled “Run Rodney Run” and there were several posters on lantern posts along Hadfield Street with the same words on them.

Therefore, Donald said, he felt the need to act as a “shield” between Dr Rodney and Smith at the time when the former GDF rank was building a walkie-talkie for the social activist. He further told the Commission that while he did not know a lot about Smith at the time, he was still suspicious of him since he was not a WPA member.

“I believe that in the circumstances of the threats,

that someone who is not Walter’s immediate family or in political circle could be a potential danger,” he noted.

Donald explained to the Commission that he thought by being at his brother’s side all the time, he would deter those with intentions of harming the political activist or if such an attempt was made, he would be the one to take the full blunt of it. He added that Dr Rodney was a “significant” individual and was his brother so he felt the need to protect him from imminent harm.

Earlier in his evidence, Donald offered the Commission a more detailed account of the night his brother was killed. He noted that after he collect an object from Gregory Smith that was in a brown paper bag, he was given certain instructions to follow in order to get the device to start communicating.

The witness told the Commission that after he collected the object, Smith asked him to synchronise their watches to say 20:00h – at the time it was 19:50h. Donald further stated that he went back to the car and drove towards Hadfield Street and parked about 20 yards away from the (Camp Street jail) on John Street. He noted that they waited a while but cannot recall how long for the light on the device to show but it never did.

He recalled his older brother was saying something about Smith and he was looking out the window when he felt a vibration followed by a

loud thunderous sound. “At the same time that I heard the loud thunder, I felt my body being pushed out the car against the car door,” he recounted. The witness said that he realised that the sound came from Walter’s side of the car and so he rushed north on John Street towards Dr Omawale’s house, where he confronted either Andaiye or Karen De Souza.

“I told them that something terrible had happened in my car and that it was at John and Hadfield Streets and that Walter was in the car and that he needed help and they should go to help him,” the witness disclosed.

He added that he was later informed that his brother had died, something he was always fearful would happen.

Donald revealed to the Commission that he sustained lacerations to his throat, tongue, and had a puncture wounds with embedded fragments in his left side, arm, face and eye. He also had a puncture wound on his right elbow and injuries to his ear.

However, his long-term injuries included impaired hearing in his left ear and his left eye was also damaged while three of his fingers on his right hand had nerve damage.

The Inquiry will continue today with the Commissioners visiting the site where Dr Rodney was killed. They will also be going to other areas in Georgetown that were frequently mentioned throughout the Inquiry.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Media sign code of conduct for elections coverage

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o ensure balance and fair coverage during the upcoming General and Regional Elections, news agencies across Guyana on Wednesday signed onto the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Code of Conduct.

Owners and editors of all media houses pledged to practice journalistic integrity and professionalism while covering the upcoming elections.

It was stated that the 2015 Code of Conduct is a re-drafting of the renewed and unselfish endorsement of media operatives in the upcoming elections.

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally commended media operatives for participating in the training sessions which subsequently led to the signing.

However, he also used the opportunity to allude to published articles which he felt were unethical and should not have been published.

“In a certain newspaper there was a story about an elderly man who suffered a heart attack following news of the APNU/AFC coalition, that cannot be tolerated!

We will not tolerate that!”

Dr Surujbally said media operatives should be reminded that they are above the “political frame,” noting

too that they should hold fast to the truth. Alluding to the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU), he said it has maintained a smooth track record due to its ability to promote peace during elec-

In addition to the signing of the Code of Conduct, members of the MMU were revealed to the press.

However, these individuals are still to undergo training in this capacity

have made over the years.

She explained that in the past, the atmosphere was so tense during elections time that it was impossible to have persons from the various media entities sitting in

Eyew tness Revisionism...

W

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally along with Media Consultant, Dr Paloma Mohamed and heads of the various media houses who signed onto the Code of Conduct

tions.

“Media monitoring made elections a success in the past and this did not change in 2011. With you (media operatives) doing your jobs, you in turn make ours easier,” he said.

However, Dr Surujbally warned that if any media practitioner or entity defies the conditions within the Code of Conduct, GECOM will not hesitate to act accordingly. “If anyone gets out of line, we will not take it sitting down,” he emphasised.

but GECOM said the various media houses will be informed in no more than a week of the commencement of monitoring.

All of the persons appointed to serve as part of the MMU, Dr Surujbally disclosed, are holders of degrees from the University of Guyana, mainly in the field of Communication. Some are also experienced in the field of journalism.

Meanwhile, Media Consultant, Dr Paloma Mohamed lauded the transformation media operatives

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally sitting in the presence of the MMU members

the same room, much less having mature discussions.

This year, Dr Mohamed said the MMU is showing high concerns over what happens on online and cable media as well.

Further, the safety of media operatives was also addressed. “During the immediate post elections period members of the media have to be careful. Safety of journalists, editors and owners are high on our agenda,” Mohamed said.

She pointed out too that the definition of “hate speech” has been extended beyond racial discrimination in light of “recent character assassinations” published in the media.

The reestablishment of the MMU is a collaborative effort of the European Union (EU), the Canadian High Commission and GECOM.

...on Rodney's death

ell, now we've heard it all. Roopnarine and Kwayana spirited away Gregory Smith from Guyana and arranged to have him evade efforts to bring him back to justice! So says Holland Gordon Yearwood aka "Nigerian" at the Rodney COI. According to Nigerian, who says he knew Rodney from his activism in Linden - Rodney was trying to get the lowdown on detonators to build bombs.

This, of course, was always the PNC line - literally even hours before the man's face was even blown to smithereens. We all know, hopefully, that the PNC had printed handbills on Rodney's death even before it occurred. But the PNC's claim didn't make sense then and Nigerian's makes less sense now. No one would say that Rodney was a stupid fella - and this is what he's being accused of now.

Now it's quite possible that Rodney might've explored the option of using direct attacks on Burnham's state apparatus. During the time he'd spent in Tanzania and Africa prior to returning home, he encountered scores of revolutionaries who were involved in armed revolt.

It's possible that Rodney could've shown detonators to Nigerian. But that is not the question, is it?

If he was detonating a bomb why would he do it in his lap?? That's the question. Even if he were a suicide bomber (ahead of his time!) trying to blow up the Georgetown jail - wouldn't he have driven his car closer to the jail??

Now some've said Rodney was using the "walkie talkie" to trigger a bomb remotely. But in this case he would've had to place the bomb somewhere nearby within range of the walkie talkie, no?? Even the PNC has never suggested this latter theory. It would've been so easy for them to even plant a bomb to verify it.

But the most incredible claim by Nigerian was that the WPA spirited Gregory Smith out of the country! So what do we make of all the independently verified statements by outsiders like Gerry Gouveia that Smith was placed aboard a GDF aircraft at Kwakwani?? Why would the PNC go to all the trouble of denying that Gregory Smith was a member of the GDF??

If Smith were a rogue GDF personnel who was secretly actually helping Rodney to build bombs and not a double agent embedded in the WPA to assassinate him, wouldn't the PNC have attempted to bring him back to Guyana to clear their name?

Nigerian's testimony raises more questions than answers. But it clearly demonstrates that the PNC with Granger at its helm still has quite a few tricks up its sleeve.

And we'll see more of them as the campaign unfolds.

Nagamootoo and Ramjattan squealing??

...on AFC's "Indian" credential

When Burnham split from the PPP in 1955 to further his own ambitions, youngsters might be surprised to know that most of the "Indian leaders" in the party went with Burnham!! Some of them (like Latchmansingh) had been "big time" trade unionists - in sugar to boot - while others like Jai Narine Singh were from the East Indian Association. But when they went to the polls two years later it was Cheddi Jagan who came out on top.

And both leaders went into oblivion...even after the latter denounced Burnham and formed his own party!!

(His grandson has just launched his own party that will face the same fate.) And this is the fate that awaits Ramjattan and Nagamootoo. They'll be consigned to the dustbins of history - merely as Guyanese footnotes to illustrate Barnum's dictum that "a fool is born every minute"!

And this has nothing to do with neither of the wankers ever standing up for "Indians"... But that they could fall for the promises of Granger!!

...at UG

The students at UG are belatedly realising that their lecturers' protests have nothing to do with their struggle and everything to do with feathering their own nests.

Not all lessons are taught in the classroom!

news

9

thursday, february 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Man excretes 60 UG VC vows not to cocaine pellets buckle under pressure … denies resignation reports

UG Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi

U

niversity of Guyana (UG) Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi is denying claims that he will resign due to the ongoing industrial action that continues to plague the Turkeyen Campus.

According to a source close to the Vice Chancellor, he has already written his resignation and has been awaiting the opportune time to submit it to the Council. But when contacted by the Guyana Times, Dr Opadeyi said he would not buckle under pressure. “That is not true and I have no intentions of doing so,” the Vice Chancellor said.

Since his appointment to the post in December 2012, the Nigerian-born Professor, who is a naturalised citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, has been bombarded with criticism over his stewardship of the nation’s premier tertiary institution.

With the industrial action entering its fourth week with no sign of an amicable solution in sight, the University of Guyana Senior Staff

Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) are now renewing their calls for Dr Opadeyi to step down owing to his failure to attend to their complaints.

Since the commencement of the second semester of the Academic Year 2014/15, the worker unions have been protesting for a 60 per cent increase in their wages and salaries among other benefits; a demand the Administration, under the stewardship of Dr Opadeyi, said it was not willing to meet. In a prior interview, the Vice Chancellor told the Guyana Times that the University could go bankrupt if it was forced to pay the 60 per cent salary increase across the board that is being demanded.

Unions, they will not accept anything below 40 per cent.

But Professor Opadeyi is insisting that any attempt to meet the 60 per cent increase at this time in the University’s history would have a debilitating and crippling impact on its financial health. While he remained unwilling to buckle under the pressure, Dr Opadeyi said that the UG Council and Administration would have to make the final decision on the way forward if the situation persisted.

Bankrupting UG

“It’s not for me to buckle, the Council and Administration will have to decide. The University has no money to pay the 60 per cent increase. This could bankrupt the University. I

He explained that much of the financial resources of the University is being spent on planned projects and ventures aimed at physical and academic upliftment.

“Over my two years at the University, I have reduced the deficit from $800 million to now $48 million.

What this means is that over $700 million that was using for the deficit is now being used to upgrade the University and to pay debts that occurred long before I came here,” he pointed out.

Dr Opadeyi reasoned that 76 per cent of UG’s income was used to pay salaries and of the remaining 24 per cent, payment for security and electricity was made.

“You barely have monies to pay for paper or to buy ink,” he noted.

The University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus that is currently plagued by industrial action

He had explained that the University did not have money to pay the increase or to pay more than it has already offered the two unions.

He had made the statement shortly after the Unions rejected a 25 per cent incremental increase offered by the University over a threeyear period. According to the

will not be part of any plan to bankrupt the University,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor said too that he would not jeopardise the massive reforms, upgrades and other initiatives planned for the tertiary institution in order to meet the demands of the Unions.

He maintained his position that if he could get lecturers to spend nine hours per week engaged in actual teaching, the University’s expenses could be reduced by $100 million a year.

T

wo days after he admitted swallowing cocaine pellets, Stephon James Watson, 28, formerly of Patentia, West Bank Demerara, has excreted a total of 60 pellets amounting to 680 grams of cocaine at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

A Police source stated that the young man remained a patient at the hospital as it is suspected that more pellets might be in his intestines. An x-ray will be done to determine whether there are any.

At the time of his arrest, the young man, who is the founder of Watson Furniture and Building Services, was about to board a LIAT L1 512 Flight to Antigua and Barbuda.

Police also confirmed that he was a frequent flyer and that would have been his fourth visit to the Caribbean island.

On Monday afternoon, after his interception at the Ogle International Airport, Watson confessed to ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch that he swallowed several cocaine pellets.

According to information received, Watson was seen acting in a suspicious manner thus drawing the attention of Police ranks who were nearby. As the Police ranks approached him, he started to sweat profusely.

He was questioned, but initially denied carrying any drugs. The Police then threatened to arrest him and it was then he reportedly admitted to swallowing the pellets.

He was immediately

Stephon James Watson

taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was placed under guard and given laxatives to excrete the pellets.

Only recently, Njela Fublar, of Frento Drive, Bermuda was arrested at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport after admitting to swallowing a number of pellets packed with cocaine. She later excreted 68 pellets amounting to 551 grams of the illegal substance.

The 23-year-old woman was about to board a Caribbean Airlines flight, BW524, heading to the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport when she was seen acting in a suspicious manner. Fublar was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was given a laxative to excrete the pellets. She was later sentenced to serve four years in prison and fined $1,480,700.

10 news

thursDAY, february 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

US Embassy holds workshop on sexual harassment for soldiers T

he United States, through its local Embassy and the Florida National Guard, has hosted a sexual harassment workshop with ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

In a statement, the Embassy said last week its Security Cooperation Office,

Captain Melissa Schuster of the Florida National Guard, the first female officer in the entity to ever lead such an event in all of Caricom. She was assisted by Captain Anfernette Heyligar of the local army.

Captain Heyligar is a recent graduate of a United States Army Gender Based

ics and share ideas on how to address them in a professional manner. The Florida National Guard team introduced their own lessons learnt from SHARP incidents and in return, the GDF did the same. The teams discussed the similarities and differences in the incidents and learnt tips

(SPP).

Members of the Florida National Guard have had several opportunities to share in SPP events such as Military Police Civil Disturbance, Non Commissioned Officer Leadership, Emergency Centre Operation Visit, and Tactical Life Saver SMEE. The Florida National Guard

and techniques to prevent and respond to future incidents of sexual harassment and assault.

This event has set the stage for future SHARP events in Guyana. The US Embassy’s Bilateral Affairs Officer is planning a seniorlevel seminar on SHARP in 2016 in Guyana.

The event last week is part of a longstanding relationship between the Army and the Florida National Guard through the State Partnership Programme

plans to conduct nine more events this year.

Earlier this year, this newspaper had reported that many officials indicate that victims of sexual harassment in the workplace refrain from reporting such incidents as they fear losing their jobs and/or being victimised. Sometimes, some are unaware that they are being sexually harassed, because, quite often, these acts are considered a joke or treated as a mistake.

Rarely reports are made on such issues because of the sensitivity of the issue and the reputations that can be ruined as a result. In 2008, the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) conducted a survey to address this issue.

Their study on 500 respondents reveal that 54 per cent had experienced some form of workplace sexual harassment, of which 27 per cent experienced harassment by their colleague and 17 per cent by their superior. Sixty-six per cent were not aware of any policies in the company that addressed these issues.

Seventynine per cent were women, while 21 per cent were men. Twelve per cent had received threats of termination if they did not comply with the requests of sexual harassers.

Here in Guyana, Chairperson of the Women and Gender Equality Commission, Indra Chandarpal encouraged victims to come forward to the Commission to make a report. If situations worsened, she explained, victims sometimes left their jobs, but rarely did they take the matter to court.

She further noted that there were other avenues which can be explored before the matter was taken to court; for example, addressing the issue at the workplace beforehand. Meanwhile, Help and Shelter representative Danuta Radzik explained that most times, victims did not know what their options were in such situations.

Participants of the Security Cooperation Class

along with representatives from the Florida National Guard, conducted a subject matter expert exchange on Sexual Harassment Assault and Response Prevention (SHARP) with the GDF. The exchange took place at the GDF Coast Guard Base at Ruimveldt from February 10 to 12. The event covered a myriad of topics, including International Humanitarian Law, Sexual Harassment Prevention, and Human Rights.

The event was led by

Violence Seminar and was instrumental in the success of this event as she is the Commander of the GDF Health and Welfare Unit.

The Embassy said that the “highly successful” event was scenario-driven in order to allow both enlisted ranks and officers to exchange best practices of dealing with sexual harassment and assault prevention.

Professional approach

All GDF personnel were able to discuss tough top-

A story got five sides A ny story yuh hear pun de road does have plenty sides, and these days a lotta sides of a lotta different stories been gettin into public knowledge. Old people seh a story does have at least five sides – one side, de other side, de inside, de outside and de truth.

Accordin to de Tax man, he done tell he side of de story bout de man who so greedy that he want not one but two Lexus, albeit wid de help of two old people, plus a wuk man fuh de Tax man. That is one side of de story.

On de other hand, de Lexus man seh he never beg fuh any settlement and he never was guilty of any ting.

Yet since de case call up he runnin and he even send de two old people outta de country a couple of times.

Plus de other day he turn up to de Police fuh another matter and start to bawl in a voice that sound like one of dem Sharma who dotish like he father pun TV, and who resign and crawl back fuh he lil party wuk.

That is de other side of de story.

But de whole of Guyana know that de Lexus man had simply want a break from de Tax man and de Tax man alone couldn’ta give he a break. After all de Tax man gettin on in years too and dem breaks hard to come nowadays. That is de inside of de story.

So it had to be that some body got de Lexus man back, and it ain’t Adumb alone. Some body seh that is some body who does always watch de Lexus man back, especially when he back into some kinda trouble, which is a lot. That is de outside of de story.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, word is out that de Lexus man is simply a crook who gon soon end up jumpin around in a orange jump suit eatin banana. And that is de truth of de story.

Cops disciplined for accepting bribes to “duck” gun case at Kurupung

A

lmost one week after two Police ranks were implicated in corrupt practices at Kurupung Police Station, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has concluded its investigation which saw them being charged departmentally.

Other disciplinary action is expected to be taken once the inquiry is completed.

The Police in a statement said that the file was sent to the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority, retired Justice Cecil Kennard for his input with respect to the criminal aspects.

Speaking with the Guyana Times on Wednesday, Kennard disclosed that he has not seen the file and only knew of the issue after reading about it in the newspapers. “I am not sure if the file reach my office, but I am sure that it has not reached my desk,” Kennard stated.

He also stated that his role was limited in such issues and it was more a job for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali Hack to make recommendations after perusing the file.

On January 12 last,

it was reported that the two ranks stationed at Kurupung arrested a few men for possession of an unlicensed shotgun and nine cartridges, but struck a deal and subsequently released the men. The matter was reported to senior ranks of the Police Force and a probe was launched while the men were placed under close arrest.

Members of the OPR visited the area and upon completion of their investigation, recommended that the ranks be charged departmentally, which meant that they would not appear in a court of law but rather sanctions would be handed down at the level of the Police Force.

Prior to this incident, another group of Policemen were implicated in an alleged extortion racket in the Kurupung area. It was reported that the Police ranks collected $600,000 from several employees of Belgian Mining Firm following a drug raid at the mining camp which led to the discovery of a quantity of marijuana. The ranks, including a Lance Corporal, were placed under close arrest as the OPR conduct its investigations.

thursDAY, February 19, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

AFC /APNU coalition fallout

AFC ECD supporters outraged, threaten poll boycott

Opposition Leader David Granger

By Michael Younge

F

eelings of outrage, disappointment and shock ran through various quarters of the Alliance For Change (AFC) East Coast Demerara (ECD) constituency following the party’s decision to enter into a coalition agreement with the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Several AFC groups and activists interviewed by the Guyana Times on Wednesday claimed that they were never consulted or given the opportunity to vent how they felt about ei-

ther the decision to enter coalition talks or to coalesce with APNU. In fact, scores are claiming that the party held little or no consultations with its grassroots support base or those who have given the AFC the support at the ballot boxes that led to it increasing its parliamentary strength after the 2011 polls.

Fifty-two-year-old Shaline Baksh of Coldingen, East Coast Demerara explained that she was almost certain that even after discussions, the AFC would have stood its ground and gone to the polls alone.

For her, the party that she joined since 2006 after being

fed-up with the PPP/C was no longer her home.

“I liked the AFC, because they were different.

They were not like the PNC or PPP. I wanted change, but now I feel like Mr Moses (Nagamootoo) and Khemraj did their own thing without asking us what we wanted,” she said.

Baksh said that she was leaving the AFC as she was unwilling to give her vote to an alliance with the PNC or APNU because of her experiences with both in the past.

Additionally, a cane harvester from AFC’s traditional Enmore-Foulis constituency made it clear that he and his family were unwilling to vote the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) out to make way for David Granger.

“If it was Moses…yes, but now I feel them chaps sell us out. They promised us that they would never join forces with deh PNC or APNU. Moses promise we in de sugar field that he gon wuk for AFC to become Government and be better than de PPP,” the 43-year-old man alleged.

Another woman who chose to be identified only

by Savatri said that she felt betrayed and was forced to

admit that the PPP/C was right when it alleged that a vote for one is a vote for both. “Me did hear Ramotar and Jagdeo say dah, but me did thought that they were bluffing people to keep us in de PPP. How Moses gon do dah? He know dem people do not care bout us, dem only want we vote and I not voting deh PPP out for dead,” she said strongly.

Others who spoke under the condition of ano-

I don’t trust the PNC or Granger. I not vex that dem collate. I vex that they didn’t join deh PPP. I don’t think I voting for no APNU Government”, a 32-year-old hairdresser from Annandale said.

Supporting coalition

Meanwhile, many residents in Buxton said that they were open to supporting the coalition led by Granger, they did not appreciate the

APNU/AFC Prime Minister-designate Moses Nagamootoo

nymity with this newspaper claimed that the deal which was hurriedly put together to save shame, was done only so that the AFC could get positions and power in Government.

“I don’t care bout power. I trusted the AFC ‘cause

running mate chosen.

Desire Williams from Buxton argued that while they wanted APNU in Government, they did not want to empower the AFC to the point where the APNU appeared weak.

Mark Thomas, who is an-

other resident from the community and an avid supporter of the AFC, admitted that he was shocked when he heard that the AFC agreed to merge. “I went through nuff things in my village and people use to tell me I sell out.

Nuff me friends done calling me and telling me how I mustn’t talk to them about deh AFC again … And I did feel that deh AFC did becoming popular in Buxton...

Yes..” Thomas said.

Two others who were very shy and represented two other core AFC groups at Mahaica and Mahaicony said that supporters there were confused as just a few weeks ago, some leaders from the AFC said that they had not joined with APNU. “Is confusion all around.

Moses dem really mek a decision. Them man nah talk to nobody and just meet in a fancy place and decide for we. Nuff people ain’t voting back for them,” a 27-year old social worker said.

On Saturday, the AFC chose to form a coalition with APNU after signing the Cummingsburg Accord to contest the May 11, 2015 elections. The party since its launch has promised it would never coalesce with the PNC or APNU.

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Guyana on alert as Measles spreads in Americas T

he Health Ministry has intensified efforts to prevent the reintroduction of Measles in Guyana following the outbreak of the infectious disease in the United States of America and other parts of the world.

In a statement, the Ministry said indigenous Measles and Rubella were eliminated from Guyana and the Region of the Americas in 2002 and 2009 respectively, but remained endemic in some World Health Organisation (WHO) regions. “These outbreaks, occurring since 2013, pose a threat to the Caribbean subregion, including Guyana,” the release added.

According to the Ministry, immunisation coverage nationally over the last five years is reportedly above 97 per cent, but varies across the Regions and is lower in rural and remote areas of Guyana, where there are small pockets of vulnerable persons, including children and adults.

“With this background, the Ministry would like to advise all travellers into Guyana with a fever with rash along with a cough or running nose or pink/red eye to please contact a doctor or the nearest health centre within your community immediately.”

Additionally, the Ministry said persons who reside in Guyana, especially children, who may have been in contact with a traveller with these symptoms were also requested to seek immediate medical attention. “We encourage visitors with the above symptoms to: avoid extensive travel around the country while ill and avoid close contact with especially young children (under five) in the household during the first seven days of the appearance of a rash.”

Get vaccinated

The Ministry said too that good hand hygiene (washing and sanitising); cough etiquette (cover cough); and early medical treatment can reduce the risk of Measles and other infection. In addition, all persons who have not received two doses of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella Vaccines (MMR) should visit the nearest health centre to be vaccinated.

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) recently said that recent Measles outbreaks in the United States and Brazil suggested that immunisation rates in some areas have dropped below levels needed to prevent the spread of cases imported into the Americas.

A baby infected with Measles

“Thanks to high levels of immunisation, the Americas have been on track for more than a decade to be formally declared free of Measles,” said Dr Cuauhtemoc Ruiz, head of PAHO/WHO’s immunisation programme.

“Maintaining high levels of vaccine coverage is key to preventing and halting outbreaks and to protect our populations from the constant threat of imported cases.”

Measles had been considered eliminated from the Americas since 2002, as a result of the absence of endemic transmission of the disease.

An international verification committee had been compiling evidence to support a formal declaration of the Region as Measles-free. This would have made the Americas the world’s first region to eliminate Measles, in line with

its similar achievements in eliminating smallpox in the 1970s and polio in the 1990s.

Currently, the Region is on track to be certified as free of Rubella.

All these achievements had been the result of the Region’s success in achieving high levels of immunisation, through routine immunisation programmes and mass vaccination campaigns such as the annual Vaccination Week in the Americas, which PAHO/ WHO has spearheaded for

the past 13 years.

Now, Measles elimination “is facing major challenges, with several ongoing importations of Measles in some countries”, PAHO/ WHO said in an epidemiological alert distributed last Tuesday to member countries across the Region.

The alert urges countries to strengthen Measles surveillance activities and to “take appropriate measures to protect residents in the Americas against Measles and Rubella”.

Gaps in immunisation

The PAHO/WHO alert reports a total of 147 confirmed Measles cases in four countries of the Americas this year, up to February 8.

Of that total, 121 cases were in the United States, linked primarily to an outbreak that began at Disneyland in California last December.

A single case in Mexico was also tied to that outbreak.

Of the remaining cases, 21 were in Brazil and four were

in Canada.

The cases in Brazil are part of a larger outbreak that began in early 2013, which has sickened more than 700 people in 31 municipalities. Between 2003 and 2014, the Americas registered a total of 5077 imported Measles cases, most of them in 2011 (1369).

“Countries in the Americas have reported cases imported from other regions every year during the past decade, but until recently, they did not lead to significant outbreaks,” said Ruiz. “The current outbreaks point to gaps in immunisation that could allow Measles and other vaccinepreventable diseases to take hold again and begin spreading in our hemisphere.”

The Measles vaccine has been used for more than 50 years and has proven to be safe and effective. Globally, the Measles vaccine prevented an estimated 15.6 million deaths between 2000 and 2013.

Presidential term limit motion:

Speaker, AG respond to motion, but no date set for hearing

Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman

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inister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, who are listed as the defendants in the case challenging the constitutionality of the two-term limit imposed on Presidents in Guyana, have both responded to the motion filed by West Ruimveldt resident Cedric Richardson.

According to legal advocate Emily Dodson, who along with Attorneys Shawn Allicock, Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, and Coleen Sparman, is representing Richardson, the two officials, during the course of last week, filed their respective applications to the court.

Dodson related that the

Attorney General would be representing his own interests in the matter while the Speaker has appointed Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde as his legal representation. She dismissed reports that the matter was withdrawn, reassuring that all preparations were being made to move forward with the case. She, however, noted that a date for the hearing of the matter has not been set by the acting Chief Justice, Ian Chang and it was not yet clear when this would be done.

On Monday, February 2, Richardson, 50, of Lot 4 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, filed a motion in the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the limit which was imposed on Guyanese

Presidents since 2001. The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Attorney General had eight days to file a response to the motion. Justice Chang will, upon perusal of the document, then set a date for hearing of the matter.

In his writ, Richardson claims that Act No 17 of 2001, passed by a twothird majority of members of the National Assembly that altered Article 90 of the Constitution, “curtails and restricts the sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect the person of former President (Bharrat) Jagdeo as the Executive President of Guyana”.

Richardson contends that the Act diminishes and reduces the level of democracy enjoyed by the electorate prior to the alteration and, therefore, required for its legal validity, the holding of a referendum of the people for such alteration. Guyana’s Constitution, upon passing of the Act, states that a person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for re-election only once.

The Constitution further states that a person who acceded to the presidency after 2000 and served therein for a single occasion for not less than such a period as may be determined by the National Assembly is eligible for election as President only once.

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Teenage girl stabbed 52 times by ex-lover

By Bhisham Mohamed

A

teenager is now battling for her life after she was stabbed at least 52 times by a man with whom she shared a commonlaw relationship for the past six years.

The stabbing incident reportedly occurred in the wee hours of Sunday after a Valentine’s Day party at his sister’s home in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Aszeema Ali, 19, of Lot 21 First Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown was due to undergo a surgery on Wednesday at the Woodlands Hospital, Carmichael Street, Georgetown. The suspect, Ryan Singh, went into hiding since the incident.

According to information received, the teenager was at home on Valentine’s evening with nothing to do thus she contacted one of the sus-

pect’s cousins who invited her to a party. At that time she was aware that the party was being held at her former boyfriend’s house. The two reportedly separated a few weeks ago.

The teenager reportedly left her home and went to the party which ended after

The suspect, Ryan Singh

Corentyne women jailed for assaulting friend’s mother

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Corentyne woman was on Tuesday jailed for one month for assaulting her alleged girlfriend’s mother.

Babita Isaacs, also called “Buff” of Albion, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm. On January 21, it is alleged that Isaacs assaulted Shamiroon Abrahim, the mother of a teenager – with whom she is reportedly involved – as she exited the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus informed the defendant that the act carries a maximum penality of 18 months imprisonment and then asked her how much time she wanted to be sentenced to. Isaacs responded by saying two months. The Magistrate then imposed a one-month sentence on Isaacs.

Earlier, the defendant had expressed regret over the incident. She told the court that Abrahim made certain accusation against her. “Your worship, she [Shaimoon Abrahim] scandal me name. She say me deh with she daughter and how me nah want she daughter married wan boy.

Me get wan passion, and me go and hit she, and scrape she pon she neck and I cuff she in she back,” she told the court.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sherriff told the court that on the day in question the two women left the New Amsterdam Hospital, where there was some amount of “hard talk-

ing” between them.

Unhappy in marriage

Abrahim had gone to the hospital where her daughter was a patient. He told the court that the young woman had consumed a poisonous liquid hours after marrying a much older man. Isaacs also went to the hospital to visit the very patient.

Sherriff continued by saying that as Abrahim was about to join a bus, the defendant dealt her several slaps and cuffs about her body.

Guyana Times had reported on January 23 that an 18-year-girl Corentyne girl had ingested a poisonous substance one day after her wedding.

The teenager, Nalisa Singh fled the home at Number 68 Village and later confided in her female friend that she was trying to end her life, because she did not want to live with a husband who she thought was too old for her.

According to Singh, the marriage was arranged by her mother and she was never given a chance to get to know her future husband.

“I ain’t like the man I married,” she said.

She said after Sunday’s wedding which was done according to Hindu rites, she was made to sleep with her new husband. She added that it was not until the morning of Monday that she was told her husband, Abokraim Rahim, was not 35 years old as she was led to believe, but was 40 years old and had two children, one of whom was older that she was.

02:00h on Sunday morning.

After the party, the suspect reportedly lured Ali into his room and forced himself on her, but at that time she told him that the relationship was over and she was seeing someone else.

A brother of the injured woman told the Guyana Times that based on the statement his sister gave the Police the man got angry and dealt her one blow to her face. She reportedly fell to the ground as blood oozed from her nostrils.

As she bled, Singh reportedly pulled out a knife and started to stab her to the body. She managed to raise an alarm and the suspect’s sister came to her rescue. “From what she tell the Police, the sister (Rosie) take she in her room, but Ryan get in the room and continue stabbing she … he stab she to her abdomen, back, chin, face, neck, head and other parts of the body.”

The injured woman at the Woodlands Hospital

The suspect’s brother-inlaw reportedly intervened and shoved him off the teenager. Ali was rushed to the Woodlands Hospital by the suspect’s father who allegedly told nurses that the injured woman was his niece and lodged an undisclosed

sum of money for her to be treated. The teenager was left at the medical facility.

The relatives of the injured woman said that they became aware of the stabbing incident at 05:30h on Sunday by a neighbour who advised them to visit

the Woodlands Hospital. As they arrived, they realised the extent of injuries the young woman sustained.

The Police were summoned and a statement was taken from the woman who was bleeding about her body. Doctors then confirmed that she was stabbed 52 times. The family of the suspect has since contacted the family of Ali and offered to offset the expenses of the surgery in exchange for criminal charges being dropped against Singh.

However, the family, the brother stated, would not dance to that tune and would pursue the matter to the fullest. The Guyana Times understands that the teenager was 13 when she got into the relationship with the man who was 22 at that time.

The Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect who they believe has been in contact with his family after the stabbing incident.

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at the

ay as st

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APNU’s “Elec Tech and Check” programme targets young voters A

Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has been working to ensure young people are registered to vote in the upcoming elections as the Claims and Objections period comes to a close.

Head of the Guyana Youth and Students Movement (GYSM), the youth arm of the Peoples National Congress, Ryan Belgrave said this is being done through the “Elec Tech and Check” programme over the past week.

He explained to Guyana Times on Wednesday via a telephone interview that this program saw activities being held at the Seawall within the vicinity of the 1823 Monument on Sunday and at the City Mall on Saturday.

“This campaign is where we ensure young people are given a chance to get registered and for those who are unable to make it to the areas where they have been registered, we allow them the opportunity to check for their names on the computer. This is for them to be sure their names are on the voters’ list,” Belgrave said.

Belgrave could not give details of other upcoming events planned for youths.

He explained in light of the recent coalition between the APNU and the Alliance for Change (AFC), additional arrangements are being

made to include the AFC’s youth arm in the youth outreaches. “If you had asked me last week, I could have given you some exact dates but we are presently making some changes,” Belgrave said.

Nonetheless, he revealed that group intends to participate in the Mashramani float parade, with the ‘after Mash wash down’, to be held at Congress place Sophia.

Additionally, GYSM intends to continue its countrywide outreaches which are aimed at giving young

APNU youths and Executive member Basil Williams at the Seawall on Sunday night

people an avenue of expression.

Belgrave said his youth arm hosted several out-

reaches where party leader, David Granger and other ex-

ecutives met youths and listened to their concerns.

Sacked sugar workers back on the job

T

he 15 sugar workers, who were said to have been unjustly dismissed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), have been reinstated to their respective posts at the La Bonne Intention Estate.

The decision to reinstate the workers was taken following the completion of an investigation which was conducted by GuySuCo with support from the Guyana Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU).

A source close to the investigation explained that in the absence of the workers, the parties ventured into the fields on Tuesday where they examined and took samples from the are-

as in which it was reported that the inadequate application of fertiliser on cane was used.

Subsequent to the visit, GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Raj Singh called a meeting and reportedly informed the 15 workers that they have been reinstated.

They are expected to report to duty from Monday.

When contacted by Guyana Times, GAWU’s President Komal Chand confirmed that the sugar workers will report to duty on Republic Day. But Chand said that “GAWU will not be taking this at face value” since it was not formally informed. However, the un-

ion, the embattled workers and GuySuCo’s executives were scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the terms of resumption.

The initial dismissal had sparked protest actions with more than 380 sugar workers from the Enmore and La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara (ECD) sugar estates downing their tools last week.

The workers had protested against what they had deemed the wrongful dismissal of the 15 workers for the inadequate application of fertiliser on canes from since July 2014, despite the supplies were issued.

The leaders of the different gangs had signed a

Memorandum of Agreement or Terms of Resumption with GuySuCo last Tuesday for work to resume on all of the estates, after the Corporation had stated that it would not have engaged in discussions on the matter unless the workers had resumed work.

In a statement responding to the reports given by the sugar workers, GuySuCo had said that the workers were summarily dismissed for inadequate application of fertiliser, intended for 10 weeks-old cane plants, at Felicity Fields 49, 49A, 52 and 53, a section of the LBI cultivation, on July 24-25, 2014, noting too that prior to the

dismissal of the 15 workers, three junior staff and one senior were earlier dismissed on September 19 and September 26, 2014, for allowing these workers to have fertiliser inadequately applied to the cane plants.

The Corporation had noted that it spends more than $2 billion annually to import fertiliser and finds it totally unacceptable that fertiliser that is intended to nurture the cane plants could not be applied to them in the stipulated amount, noting too that this could have been the contributing factor for the East Demerara Estate experiencing low cane yields and stunted cane growth.

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PYO launches Mash Camp

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nity among all Guyanese was the theme that was peddled by the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) as it launched its 2015 Mash Camp on Tuesday evening.

Members from across Guyana congregated at Freedom House to participate in the launch that has now paved the way for a number of activities that will usher in the National Mashramani Costume and Float Parade to mark Guyana’s 45th Republic Anniversary.

PYO Chairman and Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali encouraged those that were present to work together to achieve a common goal, noting that the future belongs to the young generation. On this note, he challenged the PYO members to convince Guyanese that their future lies with the People’s Progressive

Party/Civic (PPP/C).

He said that issues such as job creation and education are of particular importance to youths, noting that they should use the opportunity to speak to their friends and families about what is good for the country’s future.

Alluding to the Mash Camp, Minister Ali said it will be used in promoting the vision of the PPP/C for the young generation, pointing out that the party has a “young vision and a young mission.”

To assure of this vision, Minister Ali pointed to the number of advances that the PPP/C Administration has made in the Health, Housing and Education Sectors.

Meanwhile, PPP/C General Secretary, Clement Rohee said that the Mash Camp will help create energy and creativity for the Administration’s campaign. He urged the

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali as he addressed PYO members on the importance of their partisanship in spreading the word of the PPP/C

young people to pay keen attention to the messages of the leaders involved in the PPP/C, “whether it’s on social media, the tele-

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill waving and dancing as the recently crowned King of Soca, Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’ Primo entertains the crowd

vision, in the newspaper, or on the radio.” He said that they should be agents of the party.

“It is not just a place for entertainment but also a place for ideas and to the build spirit of togetherness as we march forward to ensure that the PPP/C returns to power,” Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill added.

The organisation, which has a membership base that spreads across the country, said that Republic Day and Mashramani are significant events in Guyana, which enable Guyanese to reflect on the country’s rich history, which led to the development of a unique, free and democratic state.

“These events also play an integral role in cementing Guyana’s cultural identity as a melting pot of culture within the Caribbean, South America and the wider world. Our youths will use Mashramani as the stage to celebrate all of the achievements that have been made as far as socio-economic development and cultural transformation are concerned,” PYO said.

As it joins thousands of Guyanese in celebrating Mashramani under the theme “One People, One Culture, One Celebration,” PYO said it will be demonstrating the power to resist those who are bent on fractionalising and dividing Guyana.

Edward Fredericks, CCH, passes on

A

distinguished son of the soil, Paul Edward Fredericks, more affectionately known as “Eddie”, passed away at the Woodlands Hospital, Georgetown on Wednesday evening after a brief illness.

He was born on January 15, 1929.

According to family members, Fredericks was feeling unwell and was taken to the hospital where he eventually passed on.

He was a devoted Roman Catholic and an avid member of the Catholic community in Guyana. Family members said he participated in brief Ash Wednesday observances while in hospital.

He was an attorney by training and was honoured by the Government of Guyana with the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) for Excellence of Service in Private Sector Management.

Fredericks was also honoured with the Royal Order of the Polar Star and the Order of Oranje Nassau for his service as the Honorary

Edward Fredericks

Consul to the Netherlands for 22 years and to Sweden for 17 years, respectively.

From 1946 to 1960, he worked in the public service and served as Assistant District Commissioner in Berbice and Essequibo, and was later a Labour Officer with the Ministry of Labour.

He also served as Company Secretary and Director on numerous boards in Guyana.

New $9.1M health centre commissioned at Wakapao

5 homeless after fire guts home

Delon and Angela Ramalho with their three children stand in what remains of their home at Miss Phoebe Port Mourant

A

family of five of Miss Phoebe Port Mourant is now holes after fire unknown origin completely

destroyed their two-storied wooden home Wednesday morning.

The fire, which report-

edly started approximately 09:00hrs ripped through the building within minutes destroying everything the Ramalho Family said they toiled for fifteen years to build.

A grocery shop they operated at the front of the house was also destroyed.

According to Angela Ramalho 34, she was in the kitchen preparing lunch when she heard a crackling sound from the upper flat.

“I went up the steps, I just see plenty smoke in the corner ,when me try to go in the house is a lot a fire just blazing from inside; I run downstairs and start scream for help”.

She added that neighbours rushed to assist but the fire was too intense that by the time the fire service arrived, the building was completely gutted. In tears, the woman said there was no way she could have saved anything. “We had some savings and all were destroyed…I don’t know what will happen now I don’t even

know where we will sleep tonight, all my children have is their school clothes that they had on”.

Romalho further stated, that after her husband leaves for work at 05:00h and the children ( 1 girl and two boys) ages 12,10 and 7 respectively leave for school no one goes back upstairs until later in the evening.

She concluded that electrical appliance was in use or left on.

Meanwhile, Delon Ramalho – Cane Harvester said when he returned home from work he saw his entire life savings in rubbles.

Meanwhile, several residents raised concerns about an electrical wire that would usually spark. They noted that several complaints were made to the Guyana Power and Light but it was never checked.

The Ramalho family is pleading for assistance from any organisation, civil society or person.They can be contacted on Telephone # 336-6524.

The Yarashrima Health Centre

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he Region Two ( P o m e r o o n S u p e n a a m ) Administration has commissioned a spanking new $9.1 million health centre at Yarashrima-Wakapao in the Lower Pomeroon River.

The health centre will assist in the delivery of healthcare services within the district.

The building was constructed by contractor Boodraj under the region’s capital works programme 2014.

Commissioning the project on behalf of the Administration was Region Two Vice Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, who said that the health centre was further testimony of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP\C) Administration’s commitment to deliver quality health care to Amerindians and remote areas.

He was addressing a large gathering at the community centre in Wakapao over the weekend. Samaroo said that the

PPP Government had invested huge sums of money to equip the interior areas’ health centres with necessary equipment to fight against malaria.

Samaroo told the residents that several health centres and health posts were rehabilitated across Region Two in an effort to improve health centre for residents.

Yarashrima-Wakapao Toshao Lloyd Pereria thanked the Region Two Administration for the centre and said that it would assist residents in the community. Pereria also said that the area has its own community health worker who would usually conduct house to house visit. Drugs are also provided to the centre on a timely manner and medical outreaches are also conducted frequently, the Toshao noted.

Residents were in loud praise of the Region Two Administration for the centre.

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6 charged for drunk driving as Police intensify campaign tor vehicle PNN 5512 on the Madewini Public Road, EBD and was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He appeared at the Providence Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay a fine.

On January 12, Persaud was stopped and tested with a breathalyser while driving motor vehicle PRR 8104

A

Steve Persaud

s the Police intensify their campaign against drunk driving, six defaulters were recently charged and placed before the courts.

The six offenders are from villages on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, Linden and Georgetown. Five of the six persons were fined $7500 and an arrest warrant was issued for the last.

Those who made court appearances were Raymond Baksh of Lot 2699 Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Steve Persaud of Lot 5 Sarah Johanna, EBD; Aeron Harry of Lot 13 Section C Christianburg, Linden; Rovin Singh of Lot 134 Barr Street, Kitty, Georgetown and Benito Lochinavard of Lot 82 Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara. Leroy Bagenot of Lot 182 Kuru Kururu, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway was the man charged who failed to make a court appearance.

The Police stated that on January 31, Baksh was stopped while driving mo-

Rovin Singh

on the Moblissa Public Road, EBD. He was charged and appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7500. Harry also tested above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol.

He was at the time driving motor vehicle PLL 3422 on Republic Avenue, Linden. He also pleaded guilty when he made his appearance at the Linden Magistrate’s Court where he was fined.

The Police also said that on January 8, Singh was also

driving under the influence and was found to be above the legal alcohol consumption limit.

He was driving motor car PRR 9865 on the Ogle Public Road, ECD. He appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty.

And Lochinavard was stopped and tested with a breathalyser also on January 8, while driving motor car GNN 5005 on the Ogle Public Road. He was subsequently charged and appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty and was fined.

The wanted man, Bagenot was charged to appear at the Linden Magistrate’s Court but failed to do so; hence, a summons was issued. On February 2, he was driving motor vehicle GPP 1382 on the Amelia’s Ward Public Road, Linden when he was tested and found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol.

Benito Lochinavard

Aeron Harry

Raymond Baksh

Leroy Bagenot

IDB seeking projects from Caribbean countries

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) launched the 2015 Call for Proposals of the Initiative for the Promotion of Regional Public Goods in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), which supports projects aimed at resolving shared challenges and seizing opportunities for development through regional cooperation.

In 2015, the Initiative will provide up to US$7 million in grants to finance regional public goods (RPGs) that are produced collectively by a minimum of three IDB borrowing-member countries.

Even though the Initiative is open to the promotion of RPGs in any development area covered by the IDB, alignment

with the IDB’s operational priorities is a selection criterion.

The other two selection criteria are the value added of a regional (vs national) approach to addressing a development challenge or opportunity, and the prospects of sustaining the benefits of regional collective action beyond the support of the Initiative.

The Initiative is the Bank’s most prominent grant instrument to support intra-regional cooperation and the collective design of development solutions in LAC. Demand for its resources has intensified in tandem with the increasing importance of multi or bilateral South-South Cooperation (SSC) in the development agenda of most LAC countries.

The interest in SSC among the Bank´s borrowing members is a reflection of the fact that the Region is a source of innovative development solutions that can be shared and replicated throughout LAC and in other parts of the developing world. Since 2004, the RPG Initiative has financed 114 projects, investing a total of more than US$90 million.

Information regarding the 2015 Call for Proposals can be accessed here. All proposals must be presented in accordance with the Call for Proposals Guidelines and must be submitted online before 11:59 pm (US Eastern Standard Time) on April 9th, 2015.

Shivraatri in India, New York and Guyana Dear Editor, Guyanese Hindus in New York and in Guyana observed the auspicious festival of Shivraatri on Tuesday evening while in India, the festival was observed on Monday evening. I was fortunate to observe aspects of the festival twice –in India and made flight back to New York to doubly celebrate the festival, and the flight to Guyana to also celebrate it here as well – a triple celebration at three different locations.

The Shivratri celebrations are almost the same everywhere with minor differences in the structure and stress of rituals and discourse – designed to make one feel closer to God's realization.

But the brilliance of the temples distinguish the celebrations in Guyana and in New York from that in India where temples were magnificently decorated like end of year celebrations in New York or in Guyana.

Also, in India, Shivratri is a public holiday, whereas in Guyana, it is not accorded similar recognition. In Mauritius, Shivratri is also a public holiday. Guyana and New York are no comparisons in terms of numbers of people who crowded the temples to make offerings. In New York, there were long lines to make offerings but in India, the lines were endless and service was from morning till next morning.

Shivratri is one of the most important festivals of Hinduism glorifying Lord Shiva, who is known as the Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Protector and Preserver), and Shiva.

Shivratri is really a night celebration in which devotees keep vigil all night singing praises to Lord Shiva.

Although I did not celebrate Shivratri

in the night, I worshipped at several temples on the evening before and one can feel the cosmic energy obtained from worshiping in India or in Guyana and New York.

In New York, Caribbean Hindus joined the rest of the world in observing the auspicious festival of Shivratri on the evening of February 17, the annual day set aside for the exclusive worshiping of Lord Shiva. The significance of Shivratri is a deliverance to all from death.

According to the pundits, it is observed every year on the 13th day (Triodasi) of the dark half (Krishna Paksh or vad) of the month of Phalgun or Magh (February/March). This is not to suggest that Lord Shiva is worshipped only on this day.

Lord Shiva can be worshipped on any day. But an auspicious day has been set aside annually for the exclusive worshipping of Lord Shiva, the fountain of all cosmic energy and power and the consort of Goddess Parvati (Mother of the Universe) and father of Lord Ganesh (who showers knowledge upon devotees).

Lord Shiva's abode is on Mount Kailash in north India bordering China with his consort Parvati and his children Ganesh and Skanda and his vehicle the bull, called nandi.

The festival obtains its name from the word rath which means night; so Shivraatri is observed in the evening but puja is also performed in the morning when it is more convenient for worshipers who cant stay up all night.

Elaborate puja (prayer and rituals) ceremonies were conducted in temples and at the homes of devout Hindus throughout the New York metropolitan area where it has been

icy cold for the last month with enless amounts of snow.

In New York, several mandirs conducted religious discourses from the Ramayana in the evenings preceding the celebration of Shivraatri. Some of them also conducted Shiv Purana kathas which concluded on Shivraatri.

According to Hindu teachings, Shiva is the lord of all things in the universe, including its originator. He is usually seated on full blown lotus and dressed with a piece of tiger skin (projecting power) around his waist.

He has five mouths and three eyes and is decorated with various jewels with each having a symbolic meaning. The three eyes represent the sun, moon and fire.

There lies a crescent moon in his jatah or hair; the holy Ganges river flow from the top knot of the jatah.

Shiva's body is smeared with bhasma or ash and his neck is blue appearing so after he drank the ocean of poison to save the universe. He saved the universe from extinction with his tremendous act of self-abnegation when he consumed an ocean of poison destined to destroy the world.

In New York, thousands visited the temples during Sunday and Monday nights to propitiate the Lord.

In Delhi, where I visited several temples, there were long lines of processions to enter the temple on early Monday. The Hanuman Mandir in downtown Connaught area was brightly lit and beautifully decorated with flowers with an endless stream of people entering the temple.

The temples and the streets were beautifully decorated where I traveled in Delhi. The scenes were that of a Diwali celebration – beautiful lights, balloons, and streamers – decorations

not seen in New York for Shivratri.

One other difference is in New York, as people prayed, kirtan groups sang devotional songs, the pandits delivered a discourse on Lord Shiva. In India, there were no similar discourses. But prasad weer much the same though I did not see much offerings of mohanbhog like as done in New York or in Guyana.

As in Guyana and New York, in India, Shiva was worshiped through the medium of ritualistic poojas, meditation, singing, and chanting of verses from the scriptures. People made offerings themselves with the pandits chanting mantras from the holy books.

In India, there was similar offerings but because of the throngs of people, pandits conducted prayers for several people simultaneously. In New York and India, bliss, piousness and peace pervaded as one can hear the pandit chanted verses. People performed non-stop offering of dhar and aartee. Incense burned continuously.

Fire glowed eternally in the havan kund as devotees made offerings of samagri and other paraphernalia. The long lines of worshipers offered jaal including water from the Holy Ganges on the Shiva Lingam in India. But in New York, few had Ganga jal but used milk and regular water.

In India, alcohol consumption is prohibited (except in hotels) for religious festivals. People fast just like in New York and in Guyana. Almost every Hindu goes to the mandirs on Shivratri with throngs of people in the streets going shopping for items.

Temples are packed and there is a lot of pushing and shoving to get inside the temple; getting inside the inner sanctum of where the murthis are positioned was almost impossible

and was blocked off. Murthis made of marble adorn the temples in Delhi.

Ditto in New York where worshippers can actually touch the murthis, an act virtually impossible in India.

Beautifully decorated Murthis of Lord Shiva are on display everywhere almost in every street except in Muslim neighborhoods. Multi-colored electronic flights flash in front of every mandir and streets are well lit comparable to Diwali in Guyana.

Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer of evil and as the dis-speller of fears. He is worshipped to ward off dangers and evils assailing mankind. Devotees pray with utmost reverence (bhakti) to the lord and see God in everything around them. They attempt to reach the pinnacle of divinity through meditation and concentration on Lord Shiva. Through bhakti, one learn to conquer evil qualities such as laziness, restlessness and lust which hinder human progress.

The lord bestows auspicious things in abundance on devotees who pray with sincerity and makes the devotees immortal; they chant Om Namah Shivaaya. According to Hindu scriptures, anyone who fasts on Shivratri and keeps awake all night prostrating on the feet of the Lord would gain salvation.

Thus, many Hindus fast. The day is so auspicious that Lord Shiva sheds grace on anyone who even accidentally and unintentionally utters or listens to his name.

But contemplation of Lord Shiva is most fruitful and one begets true shakti from the lord. Worshipers of Shiva gain longevity of life, success, and prosperity in all fields.

Vishnu Bisram

18 news

thursday, february 19, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

GECOM creating “reservoir” Thousands observe Ash Wednesday of qualified polling day staff T

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield addresses members of the media at the press briefing

C

hief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield has confirmed that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is currently hiring and training polling day staff for the effective conduct of the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at Cara Lodge, Lowenfield said some 1623 more persons are needed to make up the complement of staff. He told reporters that the intent was to hire 12,000 persons to man the more than 2200 polling stations across the country. “We must have a reservoir of polling day staff,” Lowenfield noted, explaining that substitutes would also be hired should the need arise.

According to him, these staff, most of whom have already started to undergo training, will also be involved in ‘mock polls’ to ensure accuracy on May 11.

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally has explained that sufficiently

qualified persons were being hired for the varying posts, putting to rest concerns as to their qualifications. Lowenfield stated that the body is working with tertiary educational institutions to employ students who may be interested.

Meanwhile, as the Claims and Objections Period winds down, those who are yet to make clarifications and ensure that they are on the list must do so before closure on Sunday, February 22. According to him, the conclusion of this process will lead to the compilation of the Revised List of Electors, which should be available on or by March 10.

“Once completed, this will be posted for 21 days,” he informed, noting that this would give stakeholders a second opportunity for review.

There have been 3200 new registrants and 3000 requests for transfers during this latest round of the Claims and Objections Period. As of now, there is a total of 567,125 reg-

istered voters as against the 492,123 in 2011. This represents about 75,000 new registrants. GECOM has emphasised that the Scrutineers of the political parties have been actively participating in the process.

The GECOM officials spoke of efforts to sanitise the list of the deceased and migrants without fresh House-to-House registration, which is quite costly.

Dr Surujbally told reporters the use of death announcements in the broadcast and print media was being explored as a useful method.

He admitted that the law did not provide the simplest means of removing such names from the list.

Deputy Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud explained that there were enough systems in place to ensure that no one else could vote for a deceased person.

Mechanisms that were embraced by political parties, added Surujbally.

Meanwhile, some 38,000 national identification cards remained uncollected from as far back as 2008. These are not all voters’ cards, since some are for those who are below the eligible voting age who qualify for an ID card. The non-collection of these would not affect a person’s ability to vote either, because there are folios containing pictures and bio-data of registrants at each polling station.

Neesa Gopaul trial

Repeated blunt trauma to head cause of death – PM

A

s the trial into the death of 16-year-old Neesa Lalita Gopaul continues in the High Court, State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh on Wednesday took the stand and testified on the post mortem examination he had conducted on the teen’s remains.

Dr Singh told the court that he performed the examination on October 6, 2010 and found the cause of death to be multiple blunt trauma to the head. The post mortem report, which was previously tendered as evidence in the trial, was shown to the pathologist and he subsequently went through his findings in detail.

He told the court that about 50 per cent of Gopaul’s head was gone and the remaining part was already in the process of decomposition.

This he noted made facial recognition even more difficult.

He further disclosed that the external post mortem examination revealed that there was no hair but it was during the cross examination that he disclosed that there was no sign of any brain in the skull.

Several bones and parts of the teen’s scalp were broken or missing, he added. Under cross examination Dr Singh was asked to explain the different types of fractures. In addition, he informed the court that during the examination,

Dead 16-year-old Neesa Lalita Gopaul

he found that Gopaul’s hymen was ruptured.

The pathologist explained the rupture of the hymen that he observed was in the “10 o’clock position”. However he pointed out that the rupture was an old one, which indicated that the teen was sexually active.

During the trial, evidence was given to reflect that Gopaul was being sexually abused by her mother’s boyfriend, Jarvis Small called “Barry”, who is indicted along with her mother Bibi Shareema Gopaul for her murder.

The teen had made two reports at the station against the man but subsequently withdrew them. However lawyers representing Small tried to lead evidence to show that the teen had a boyfriend hence she was probably sexu-

ally involved with him and not their client. When the teen’s grandfather took the stand on Tuesday, he was asked under cross examination whether the teenager had a boyfriend and he denied having any such knowledge.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Stephen Greaves, of the Police Forensic Laboratory at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, also took the stand on Wednesday.

He told the court that he witnessed the post mortem examination of Neesa Gopaul during which he was given samples for DNA testing.

Greaves recalled that he took the samples back to the lab where he stored them in the refrigerator and on a later date travelled to Barbados with the samples for DNA testing to be done. Under cross examination by the defence attorney, the officer revealed that he collected the DNA report.

However, the attorney was unable to complete cross examination and as such when he resumes today, it is likely that the court will hear about the findings of the DNA test.

Additionally, the Barbadian forensic analyst, Lorraine Alleyne, who conducted the DNA test on the sample, is expected to testify via audio/video link today.

housands of Guyanese across Guyana on February 18 observed “Ash Wednesday,” the first day of the traditional 40 days of fasting within the Christian community.

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent, which prepares Catholics for Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which redemption can be attained.

During this period, persons use the time to reflect on their lives and give up vice, paving the way for them to

A Priest placing ashes on a believer’s forehead at the St George’s Cathedral

the church to remind people that they must live right-

A section of the congregation at the St George’s Cathedral that gathered for midday Ash Wednesday Mass.

focus more on God. This is a practice that has been occurring every year for over 2000 years.

The ashes are made sacramental by the blessing of

eously.

Several observers of Lent told Guyana Times that fasting is done by many Christians to prepare them for Easter. It was stated

that during this report spiritual discipline is practiced.

During his lifetime, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation by Satan. It is on this basis that Lent was originated to mirror the acts of Jesus Christ in preparation for Easter.

The website Christianity.com detailed that the ash used on Ash Wednesday “represents the idea that people came from ash, and to ash they will return — a reminder of Christians’ mortality.”

However, the symbol has a dark history as it has been used to burn away sins. The website detailed that in the early days of the church; only Christians who had committed grave sins were marked with ash.

Barama Buckhall compound partially destroyed by fire

H

alf of the Barama Company Limited located at Buckhall in Region Two (SupenaamPomeroon), is without power after two of the timber company’s powerhouses went up in flames.

The incident occurred around 02:00h Wednesday.

According to information reaching the Guyana Times, the buildings which usually supply the company com-

pound with power went up in flames. No one knows what started the fire; however, it is believed that one of the power generators malfunctioned resulting into huge flames.

Workers were alerted to the incident after the power supply to their houses went down. The flames from one power house erupted and quickly spread to the other, reducing everything to ash-

es. No one was hurt during the fire, although the gensets containing power appliances were burnt to ashes.

Workers are thanking God for their survival. One worker said things could have been worse if the flames had spread to the nearby camp houses.

This newspaper tried to contact the management of the Barama Company, but to no avail.

Bel Air man gets $10,000 bail for threatening behaviour

B

h a r o t n a u t h Mohindranauth of 13 Bel Air Village, Georgetown, was released on $10,000 bail on Wednesday after he was charged for threatening the Virtual Complainant (VC) Alana Butcher.

On Wednesday, Mohindranauth was brought before Magistrate Annette Singh in Court 11 of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to face a charge of threatening behaviour.

The court heard that the defendant, who is a minibus driver by profession, is known for consuming alcohol before coming home to “cuss up.” The charge read that the defendant on January 25 was “cussing up”

the neighbour when he went and got a cutlass and brandished it in front of the VC, threatening to chop her up.

The VC lodged a complaint at the Prashad Nagar Police Outpost and the defendant was subsequently arrested.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge, however, he told the court that he does not have a cutlass and thus did not brandish one towards the complainant. He added that he has a chopper.

This indicated his disagreement with the charge that was filed against him, thus his plea was changed to not guilty.

Police Prosecutor Adoni Inniss stated that the prosecution had no objections

Bharotnauth Mohindranauth pleaded not guilty but did not agree with the charge of threatening behaviour

to bail being granted. Thus, the Magistrate placed Mohindranauth on $10,000 bail. His trial is scheduled to commence on March 16 in the same court.

tuesday, February 17, 2015

19

GTTA/NSC Mashramani table tennis tournament...

Ninvalle wins mini-cadet title

By Treiston Joseph

T

he National Sports Commission (NSC) annual Mashramani table tennis competition got off to an amazing start with some of the top names performing well over the weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Organised by the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), the tournament over the weekend was geared for the juniors.

Up and coming star Kaysan Ninvalle won the boys’ 11 years and under event defeating Isaiah Layne easily in three straight sets

Kaysan Ninvalle

Elishaba Johnson

Chelsea Edghill

Priscilla Greaves

at 11-4, 11-5 and 11-2.

Selena Jackman also played her way to victory

in the girls’ 13 years and under round-robin playoff by defeating all of her foes.

Thuraia Thomas finished second and Chelsea Hutson finished third.

Deandre Gordon defeated Brad Reynolds in the novices’ final in three straight sets at 12-10, 12-10 and 11-8 to end a thrilling contest.

Meanwhile, top star Chelsea Edghill battled her way to the final of the girls’ 18 years and under on Sunday and will face off with the versatile Priscilla

Anamayah Memorial Basketball Tournament...

Jammers send Knights packing with 54-49 win

R

Part of the action during the game

ose Hall Jammers secured a rare win over Canje Knights to book a semi-final place in the second annual Anamayah Memorial Basketball Tournament, with a 54-49

win at the Area H Ground in Rose Hall, Corentyne on Sunday.

Led by Kevon Emanuel with 10 points, the Knights took a 22-5 lead at the end of the first quarter, but had it

reduced to 34-21 by the end of the first half.

In the latter stages of the second quarter, Kevin Deolall found his rhythm and helped to bring the Jammers into the game af-

ter they were down by 21 points at one stage.

Deolall had a gamehigh 11 points, while Kevin Wiggins and Mickel Lewis had nine points apiece as they came from behind to win the game.

Steve Roopnarine, known for his accurate shooting from beyond the 3-point, line could not deliver when the Knights called on him ending with just 10 points.

The loss means that the Knights have been knocked out of the competition.

The win for the Jammers sets up a semi-final date with defending champions New Amsterdam Warriors in March.

The competition continues on Sunday when Fyrish Black Sharks meet Hopetown Basketball Club.

The game will be played at the Fyrish Basketball Court, which should give the Black Sharks a slight hometown advantage.

The winner of that encounter will take on Smithfield Rockers in the other semi-final.

The tournament is being organised by Vibert Garnette. At stake in the competition are cash and other incentives for the winning and runner-up teams.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Greaves.

Kyle Edghill was also in top form and will now battle Alec Hopkinson in the final of the boys’ 18 years and under category and both players looked capable of winning.

The ever-improving Elishaba Johnson is also looking in good form and topped Edghill to make it to the boys’ 21 years and under final to face Stefan Corlette in what is set to be an exciting final come Sunday.

Kristie Lopes will battle for the girls’ 15 years and under title when she faces Jackman, who can prove to be a tough opponent despite the age difference.

Action is set for Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall where the men’s and women’s singles will be played along with the finals of the junior competition.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, February 19, 2015

Shakib, Mortaza spoil Afghanistan’s debut A

fghanistan’s World Cup debut was the story of the day in Canberra but Mashrafe Mortaza’s Bangladesh won by 105 runs to assuage worries of an early meltdown at the hands of the newcomers.

Bangladesh stuttered to 267 all out and only reached that score through a 15-over blaze from Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Then it was turn of Mashrafe to sink Afghanistan to 3-3 in the third over. Recovery took Afghanistan a long time, long enough to push the asking rate well out of reach.

Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 162 but would have taken plenty of positives from their first outing.

Those, though, would be restricted to their bowling effort. Their 268-run chase didn’t go to plan. Mashrafe removed Javed Ahmadi at the end of the first over, the batsman’s attempt to work the ball into the legside causing him to pop a simple return catch off the leading edge. The other opener, Afsar Zazai, fell next ball, trapped leg-before. It became 3 for 3 when Asghar Stanikzai edged Mashrafe to first slip where

W

Darren Sammy

Bangladesh players celebrate after their 105-run victory over Afghanistan

Mahmudullah grabbed it after a bit of a fumble.

Samiullah Shenwari, who had been removed from the bowling attack after seven balls for transgressing into the danger area twice, led the recovery with the bat. He struck the team’s first boundary, a crash through the covers off Mortaza. Nawroz Mangal helped him pull the team out of trouble, adding 62 for the fourth wicket. The required rate, though, was on the rise and the pressure led to the wicket of Mangal, who holed out at deep squareleg. Rubel took the catch

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh innings (50 overs maximum) Anamul Haque lbw b Mirwais Ashraf 29 Tamim Iqbal c †Afsar Zazai b Mirwais Ashraf 19 Soumya Sarkar lbw b Shapoor Zadran 28 Mahmudullah c †Afsar Zazai b Shapoor Zadran 23 Shakib Al Hasan b Hamid Hassan 63 Mushfiqur Rahim† c Samiullah Shenwari b Mohammad Nabi 71 Sabbir Rahman b Hamid Hassan 3 Mashrafe Mortaza* b Aftab Alam 14 Mominul Haque run out (†Afsar Zazai) 3 Rubel Hossain not out 0 Taskin Ahmed b Aftab Alam 1 Extras: (b 3, lb 4, w 6) 13 Total: (all out; 50 overs) 267 Fall of wickets 1-47, 2-52, 3-102, 4-119, 5-233, 6-241, 7-247, 8-263, 9-263, 10-267.

Afghanistan Bowling: Hamid Hassan 10-0-610-2, Shapoor Zadran 7-1-20-2, Aftab Alam 9-0-55-2, Irwais Ashraf 9-3-32-2, Mohammad Nabi 9-058-1, Javed Ahmadi 4.5-0-32-0, Samiullah Shenwari 1.1-0-2-0.

Afghanistan innings (target: 268 runs from 50 overs)

Sammy apologises for swearing

Javed Ahmadi c & 1 b Mashrafe Mortaza Afsar Zazai† lbw b Rubel Hossain 1 Nawroz Mangal c Rubel Hossain b Mahmudullah 27 Asghar Stanikzai c Mahmudullah b Mashrafe 1 Mortaza

Samiullah Shenwari run out (Sabbir Rahman/†Mushfiqur Rahim) 42 Mohammad Nabi* c Soumya Sarkar b Mashrafe Mortaza 44 Najibullah Zadran lbw b Shakib Al Hasan 17 Mirwais Ashraf c Sabbir Rahman b Shakib Al Hasan 10 Aftab Alam run out (Soumya Sarkar/†Mushfiqur Rahim) 14 Hamid Hassan c Anamul Haque b Taskin Ahmed

0 Shapoor Zadran not out 2 Extras : (lb 1, w 2) 3 Total:(all out; 42.5 overs) 162 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-2, 3-3, 4-65, 5-78, 6-136, 7-136, 8-154, 9-154, 10-162.

Bangladesh Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 9-220-3, Rubel Hossain 6-027-1, Taskin Ahmed 7-0-23-1, Shakib Al Hasan 8.50-43-2, Mahmudullah 8-1-31-1, Soumya Sarkar 3-0-13-0, Sabbir Rahman 1-0-4-0.

but hurt his leg in the tumble. Shenwari was then run out in the 26th over when Sabbir’s pick-up and throw from the leg-side boundary found him some way short of the crease.

Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran added 58 runs for the sixth wicket before Najubullah fell leg-before to Shakib in the 37th over. Mashrafe then picked up his third wicket, dismissing Nabi for 44 off 43. From seven down, the Afghanistan tail struck a few blows before the innings came to an end in the 43rd over.

It was apt that the first Afghanistan player known to the wider world, Hamid Hassan, bowled his country’s first delivery in the World Cup. Hassan, decked with warrior-like facepaint, and Shapoor Zadran kept the Bangladesh openers quiet for 14 overs, before Mirwais Ashraf picked up both Tamim Iqbal and Anamul Haque in the space of two overs. The opening pair batted circumspectly and did well to avoid giving away early wickets.

Tamim, though, grew restless, and went hard at Ashraf, surviving a caughtbehind appeal when he appeared to edge the ball and a close run-out after a mixup with Anamul. The latter took his own time until Ashraf trapped him leg-before with a superb inducker.

Ashraf bowled a superb first spell, and Bangladesh were under his spell until Soumya Sarkar hammered 15 off his ninth over to spoil his figures. He had given away only 17 from his first eight overs. Soumya and Mahmudullah added 50 patient runs for the third wicket before the pair fell in Shapoor’s second spell.

The fourth wicket, at

the start of the 30th over, brought together Mushfiqur and Shakib at a crucial stage, when more wickets could have left them vulnerable to the sort of collapse that haunted them in 2014.

The team’s most successful batting partnership took control almost instantly, picking up singles and doubles regularly before plundering 48 runs in the batting Powerplay. The pair moved to their respective fifties and had begun launching into the Afghanistan attack when Shakib fell in the 45th over, having made 63 off 51 balls, with six fours and a pulled six over deep square-leg. The fifth-wicket pair had added 114 runs in 15.3 overs.

Bangladesh immediately lost their way, as Sabbir Rahman struggled through his 2.1-over stay, keeping Mushfiqur at the non-striker’s end. Mushfiqur struck a four as soon as he got back on strike, but fell soon after for a 56-ball 71, slogging one down deep midwicket’s throat in the 48th over.

Mashrafe struck three fours towards the end, but even then Bangladesh had only made 73 in their last ten overs while losing their last six wickets.

Having bowled with discipline for the first 29.1 overs of the Bangladesh innings, Afghanistan gave away too many four balls during the Shakib-Mushfiqur partnership. They seemed to tire in the field as well, conceding overthrows and letting balls go through their legs.

Afghanistan also failed to use a referral in the 41st over, when Aftab Alam had an lbw appeal turned down. Replays suggested the ball was going on to hit the stumps, and had hit Mushfiqur’s front pad before his bat. (Cricinfo)

est Indies allrounder Darren Sammy on Monday apologised publicly for swearing while batting in the opening ICC Cricket World Cup Pool B match against Ireland at Saxton Oval.

The highly-respected former captain made a careerbest 89 to haul the West Indies out of trouble. He hit nine fours and four sixes to record the highest score by a number seven batsman in a Cricket World Cup match.

Sammy came to the crease with the West Indies tottering at 87 for five and added a record 154 for the sixth wicket with Lendl Simmons, who made 102 in late innings onslaught.

“In the heat of the moment I said something to admonish myself after playing what I felt was a loose shot. It was picked up by the stump mics and I want to

apologise for that remark,” Sammy said.

“I know there are a lot of people out, there watching the game and see us as heroes and ambassadors and it’s my duty to always be on top of our game. I especially apologise to the little children who watch the game and who are learning as they grow.”

The incident occurred during the 34th over and was picked up by stump microphones.

Sammy was charged by the International Cricket Council under its Code of Conduct for using “language or a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during an International match”, and fined 30 per cent of his match fee.

Ireland seamer John Mooney was also slapped with a 30 per cent fine for swearing during the game.

(Windies Cricket)

Clarke set for return against Bangladesh

A

ustralia captain Michael Clarke will return from injury in Saturday’s World Cup match against Bangladesh.

Clarke had surgery on his hamstring less than two months ago and was set a deadline of this weekend if he was to take any part in the World Cup. He has come through two warm-up matches, scoring 98 runs, and coach Darren Lehman confirmed the news.

Clarke 33, will replace George Bailey, who led Australia to victory over England last week.

He suffered two injuries to his left hamstring in 2014 before tearing his right hamstring while fielding in the first Test against

Michael Clarke

India on 13 December.

He even went so far as to suggest that the injury may have ended his career.

But, by 24 December, he stated his desire to be fit for the World Cup and returned to action in grade cricket on 31 January. (BBC Sport)

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safa Powell was forced to withdraw from the Athlone Institute of Technology Grand Prix after suffering

a groin injury while warming up.

Powell was among several world-class athletes set to compete at the meet,

including Carmelita Jeter and Mutaz Essa Barshim.

However, the Jamaican was unable to take his place at the starting blocks.

“It was very unfortunate that I injured my groin in the warm-up and couldn’t race but these things happen in the sport,” Powell said afterwards. He added that he plans to return next year to race at the meet.

The meet was to be Powell’s second appearance indoors this season.

He had raced at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in New York earlier this month and finished second in the final in a time of 6.52, which at the time was the fourth fastest time in the world this year. The race was won by American Trell Kimmons in 6.51s.

(Digicel Sportsmax)

Kim Collins continues to roll back the clock V

eteran Kittitian sprinter Kim Collins continued to roll back the years, setting a world-leading time and equaling the Central American and Caribbean Games record in winning the 60 metres at the Pedro’s Cup meeting here Tuesday.

At two months shy of age 39, the enduring athlete produced a sensational run, clocking a personal best 6.47 seconds, to snatch the event in style at the Atlas Arena.

American Mike Rodgers was second in a season-best 6.52 seconds with Great Britain’s Richard Kilty also clocking a season-best of 6.54 seconds.

Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Barbuda was fifth in 6.59.

Collins ran well within

Kim Collins

himself in the heats, clocking 6.66 seconds but exploded in the final to repel his challengers.

The CAC mark of 6.47 was set by Jamaican Lerone

Clarke three years ago.

Collins is a former World 100 metres champion, having won the title in Paris, 12 years ago. (CMC)

Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony to have season ending surgery

N

ew York Knicks leading scorer Carmelo Anthony will have season-ending surgery on his left knee, the last-placed NBA team said on Wednesday.

The eight-time All-Star forward will have a patella-tendon debridement and repair to remove damaged and dead tissue that has been bothering him since the second game of the season, the Knicks said in a statement.

Anthony, whose recovery is expected to take from four to six months, will miss New York’s final 29 games.

Playing his first season of a five-year, $124 million contract, Anthony was averaging 24.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 40 games.

Anthony has been in and out of the Knicks lineup due to his knee, although he suited up and

Carmelo Anthony

played in Sunday’s AllStar Game on his home court at Madison Square Garden.

Knicks president Phil Jackson said the team had cleared Anthony to play in the All-Star Game.

“We know it was type of surgery that is corrective, and he could play on

it,” Jackson said. “He could tweak it as he has a number of times this year. It causes discomfort and inability to play at times.

We felt comfortable with him playing in the All-Star Game.”

The Knicks (10-43) have gone 0-13 this season when Anthony sits out. (Reuters)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, February 19, 2015

Leonora Synthetic Track to possibly open on March 27

PMCC congratulates quartet on Berbice U-15 selection

The Leonora Synthetic Track

I

nformation reaching Guyana Times Sports indicates that the Sport Ministry, the National Sports Commission and the Athletics Association of Guyana is planning a grand opening for the Leonora Synthetic Track on March 27.

While reliable sources have confirmed the date to

be true, neither the Sport Ministry nor the Sports Commission has confirmed the date.

However, it was also revealed that the AAG will receive 30 minutes to put on a short programme for the attendees at the track.

In addition, the event is also expected to be an evening affair under the newly

installed lights of the track.

With the limited time allotted, it was noted by sources within the AAG, that the Association planned to showcase its athletes set to run at Carifta over the shorter distances.

Calls to AAG President Aubrey Hutson to clarify the information proved futile.

RHTY&SC Busta Champion of Champions...

RHT Gizmos & Gadgets, West Berbice, ACC and Tucber Park through to semi-finals

T

he 11th edition of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Busta Champion of Champions 40-Over Cricket Tournament finally bowled off on Sunday after several delays due to bad weather.

Four teams – Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets; West Berbice;

Gudakesh Motie

Albion Community Centre (ACC); and Tucber Park (formerly Bermine) advanced to the semi-finals after recording victories in the opening rounds.

The highlights of the opening rounds were a brilliant century from Berbice senior opening batsman Kandasammy Surujnarine for Albion and a five-wicket haul from Tucber Park left-arm spinner Troy Mickle.

At the Area H Ground, RHT Gizmos & Gadgets defeated Upper Corentyne by 60 runs. Batting first, the home team rattled up 170 in 38.4 overs, with former national Under-19 player Leroy Bristol topscoring with 48.

He received support from Vihal Crandon who struck 45 (5x4, 1x6) and national player Delbert Hicks – 31, while Keon Sinclair chipped in with 20 not out.

Bowling for Upper Corentyne, O Khemraj took 4-40 and D Latchman 2-37. In response, Upper Corentyne were bowled out for 110 in 33.5 overs, with only D Chatterpaul (32) and I Ingram (31) offering any resistance.

Veteran pacer Sherwin Murray (2-24), off-spinner Troy Mathieson (217) and left-arm spinner

Balchan Baldeo

Leroy Bristol (2-17) were the best bowlers.

In the other game, Tucber Park easily defeated Young Warriors by seven wickets at Cumberland Ground.

Young Warriors batting first after winning the toss were dismissed for 124 in 38.1 overs with only skipper Ishwar Singh, 65 (8x4, 1x6), and Alex Algu, 26, reaching double figures.

Left-arm spinner Troy Mickle 5-15 was the main destructive force. Eugene La Fleur (2-17) and

From left: Leg-spinner Antonio Kempadoo, wicketkeeper/batsman Brendon Mangal and fast bowler Cheddi Budhoo pose with their complete sets of gear and bag that were donated by the sponsors. Missing is fast bowler Haifa Walters

N

ot since 2007 when Manoj Looknauth was selected to the Berbice Under-15 team has the Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) seen any of their youth players being granted such privileges, until this year when four of them were selected to the Berbice team to compete in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-15 tournament.

Following the hosting of two practice matches organised by the Berbice Cricket Board, leg-spinner Antonio Kempadoo, wicketkeeper/ opening batsman Brendon Mangal and fast bowlers Cheddi Budhoo and Haifa Walters were named in the Ancient County squad.

For such an achieve-

Joemal La Fleur (2-18) were also among the wickets for Tucber Park.

In reply, Tucber Park raced to victory, ending on 127-3 in 28 overs. Former national Under-19 player Anthony D’Andrade with 43 not out, Hakeem Hinds (30) and Devon Clements (20) not out batted well for the visitors.

M e a n w h i l e , Kandasammy Surujnarine stroked 112 off 116 balls and Balchan Baldeo, 70 (73 balls) for an opening partnership of 165 off 30 overs to inspire Albion Community Centre to 216-3 off 40 overs.

At the Port Mourant Ground against the home team, Surujnarine blasted 13 boundaries, while national player Jonathan Foo chipped in with 20.

Port Mourant in reply were dismissed for 216 in 39.2 overs. Rajiv Ivan topscored with 56 while

ment, the management and executives of PMCC, led by the hardworking President, Vicram Seubarran, has seen it fit to extend heartfelt congratulations to the quartet, while reminding them that this was just the beginning of their journey towards achieving great things in the sport.

“We believe that the engaging of the players in training sessions on a monthly basis has resulted in the aforementioned four players being given a chance to showcase their talent in a Guyana Cricket Board competition, doing so with pride for Berbice. We do know that when they go out there, they will be good ambassadors not only for Berbice but PMCC as well,

Kandasammy Surujnarine

Yogendra Harrinarine (38) and Troy Gonsalves (16) were the supporting batsmen.

Gudakesh Motie bowled brilliantly to end with 5-36 while Foo claimed 3-36.

At the Blairmont Ground, the home team suffered defeat at the hands of West Berbice.

Batting first, West

as we have always indicated discipline as our watchword to all our players, irrespective of age and status,” Seubarran said.

He said the Corentynebased club, which produced such players as Rohan Kanhai, Mahendra and Vishal Nagamootoo, Andre Percival and Homchand Pooran, has seen an influx of new members on a weekly basis.

Meanwhile, Seubarran also took time to express heartfelt thanks to Bhola Ramsundar of New York, Singh’s Sporting Goods Store of the Regent Multiplex Mall and Sudesh Ramgoolam of New York for their generosity in donating cricketing gear to the four players.

Berbice reached 136 all out in 33 overs with Arthley Bailey and Steffon Adams both scoring 20.

Off-spinner Shameer Baksh (3-22) and left-arm spinner Waqar Hussain (3-30) were the main destroyers for Blairmont.

Needing to score 137 in 37 overs to register an upset victory, Blairmont were bowled out for 116 in 33 overs, with Javed Karim (23) and Nick Ramsaroop (25) being the principal scorers. Kellon Carmichael (3-28); Keon Fraser (2-20); and Raun Johnson (2-27) were the best bowlers for West Berbice.

The semi-finals will be played on Saturday with West Berbice facing RHT Gizmos & Gadgets at the Area H Ground, while Albion Community Centre and Tucber Park will clash at the Rose Hall Canje Ground.

23 KMTC releases dates for 2015 race meets guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, February 19, 2015

Gumdac Doubles winners rewarded T

T

The top performers of the Gumdac Tournament pose with their trophies

op performers of the third annual Gumdac Open Doubles Badminton Tournament were recently presented with their prizes at the conclusion of the event at the Queen’s College Badminton Courts.

The presentation was done by Gumdac’s head, Darrell Carpenay, who was instrumental in ensuring the Tournament was held

for another year.

Guyana’s top two male players, Narayan Ramdhani and Nicholas Ali, won the Open Men’s Doubles for the third year in a row, while siblings Narayan Ramdhani and Priyanna Ramdhani combined to win the Open Mixed Doubles.

In the Men’s Doubles, Jonathon Mangra and Avinash Oditt took second

spot, followed by Gokarn Ramdhani and George Melville – third and Deodat Etwaroo and Raymond Khalil – fourth.

In the Mixed Doubles, Nicholas Ali and Siya Persaud teamed up to take second spot, with the combination of Jonathon Mangra and Abosaide Cadogan settling for third.

President of the Guyana Badminton Association

BCCI sponsors retired teachers programme in Berbice

T

he Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) handed over a cheque totaling GY $95,000 for sponsorship of the Annual Tribute to Retired Teachers Programme on the eastern and western sides of the Bridge.

Over the years the BBCI has supported the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s Tribute to Retired Teachers Programme since it is aimed at honouring

retired teachers who have made valuable, unselfish and tremendous contributions to society especially molding the minds of our children and young students The Company will continue to sponsor other events subjected to the availability of funds at that time and is looking at a wider cross section of sports and other charitable, non – charitable, Government,

Non – Government and inclusive of Entertainments such as horse racing, cricket, boxing, car racing, international cricket ect.

Caption: Mrs Bibi F Alli, Administrative Assistant, BBCI handing over cheque valuing GY $95,000 (ninety five thousand Guyana dollars) to Mr Hilbert Foster, Secretary / CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club. Saved as sponsorship

EBDCA/Goodwood 40-over quarter-finals on this weekend

T

he East Bank Demerara Cricket A s s o c i a t i o n (EBDCA)/Goodwood Racing Service sponsored 40-over competition will continue this weekend with quarterfinal action.

Fourteen teams started the tournament in 2014, but it was stalled due to the inclement weather.

The competition finally resumed last Saturday with Sandpiper Sports Club winning on walkover

from Combined United Sports Club at the Laluni Ground. On Sunday at the same venue, Ruimveldt Sports Club won easily over Nandy Park to book a spot in the final eight.

The first quarter-final is on Saturday and will be contested between Ruimveldt Sports Club and Laluni Sports Club at the Laluni Ground from 10:00h, while the following day, North Soesdyke Sports Club will take on

Sandpipers Sports Club, also at the Laluni Ground, from 10:00h.

The race for another semi-final spot will put together Bayrock Sports Club and Uprising Sports Club at the Bayrock Ground, also from 10:00h.

There are other 2014 competitions to be completed in the first quarter of 2015, before the commencement of the 2015 season for teams affiliated to the EBDCA.

(GBA) and national coach Gokarn Ramdhani expressed gratitude to Gumdac for once again sponsoring the activity, which was the first on the GBA calendar for 2015.

Ramdhani said he was impressed with the level of competitiveness displayed by the pairs during the Tournament, noting that it augurs well for the development of the game.

he Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) on Wednesday released the dates for the Club’s horse racing meets for 2015.

Information originating from the Club indicated that five race meets are confirmed to be staged during the year with the first being the Phagwah horserace meet, slated for March 8.

The others are the preIndependence meet, set for May 17; the Emancipation meet scheduled for August 2, there is a meet confirmed for October 4 and the traditional Boxing Day horse race meet.

Meanwhile, the deadline for registration for the Phagwah horse-race meet is March 1 and, according to KMTC President Cecil Kennard, no late entries will be accepted.

Horse owners can register their animals with Roopnarine Matadial on 325-3192; Ivan Dipnarine on 331-0316; Cecil Kennard on 226-1399, 225-4818 or 623-7609; Isabella Beaton on 693-7812; Dennis

Cecil Kennard

Deroop on 609-9143; or Compton Sancho on 6900569.

Competitors will be vying for over $6 million, which will be available in cash, trophies and other attractive prizes. The feature race will be the A1 and Lower Class over a distance of seven furlongs.

The top prize is $700,000, while the secondplace finisher will receive half that amount. Horses that place third and fourth will receive $175,000 and $87,000 respectively.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

Courts Guyana on board with “Caribbean Collision”

By Treiston Joseph

C

ourts Guyana Inc has gone full out to ensure that the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) pulls off a successful showcase when it hosts the “Caribbean Collision” boxing card on Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

At a simple handing-over ceremony on Wednesday, Courts Guyana contributed a whopping $400,000 to ensure the success of the event that will see Guyana’s Clive Atwell battling Jamaica’s powerhouse Sakima Mullings in the feature event on the night’s card.

GBBC President Peter Abdool is confident that the card will be exciting especially the bout with Mullings and Atwell.

“Courts has been with us all the time for the last

Courts Managing Director Clyde De Haas (second right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GBBC President Peter Abdool in the presence of Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings

four years and this support for this tremendous card

is great, it’s going to be a great fight between two of

the premier Caribbean boxers,” Abdool stated.

In addition, Abdool urged the public to come

out early for the start of the bout, since the Atwell vs Mullings bout might take place as the first fight on the card, due to the Jamaican camp’s early flight on Sunday.

Courts Managing Director Clyde De Haas was happy to be on board with the event. “We see it fit as a corporate citizen that we help with sports and in this case, with boxing and hope that it helps with the development of boxing … I hope it’s a help to the GBBC who have been consistent with the sport and its development,” De Haas said.

Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings noted that the company was interested in the development of sports as well as boxing, stating that he hoped the sponsorship went a far way.

The event is set to begin from 20:00h.

Jamaica’s about turn gives Cameron huge boost I

ncumbent West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President, Dave Cameron, had his re-election chances significantly boosted when his home territory, the Jamaica Cricket Association, made an about-turn and decided to throw their support behind him, in next month presidential elections.

JCA directors had earlier this month voted 10-6 to support Cameron’s challenger, Barbados

Cricket Association president Joel Garner.

The move sparked dissent among the wider membership who on Tuesday voted unanimously at their annual general meeting to strike down the original decision and have the JCA support the Jamaican Cameron.

While Cameron was given the opportunity to make his case to the JCA for re-election ahead of the initial directors’ vote, Garner could not because

of a hiccup in telecommunications, the Jamaica Observer reported.

However, outspoken JCA director Wayne Lewis said the fact Garner had not made a presentation was now “irrelevant”, as the membership had spoken strongly.

“We still never got the opportunity to hear from Garner. But the members spoke, you could feel it in the room that they didn’t care too much about that because they knew ex-

Upcoming World Cup matches (with Guyana time) Today: 9th Match, Pool A - New Zealand v England, 21:00h Friday: 10th Match, Pool B- West Indies v Pakistan, 18:00h Friday: 11th Match, Pool A - Australia

v Bangladesh, 23:00h Saturday: 12th Match, Pool A Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, 18:00h

Dave Cameron and Emmanuel Nanthan

actly who they wanted to support,” Lewis told the Jamaica Observer.

“The wider constituents supported the Jamaican so the fact that they didn’t hear from

Garner became irrelevant to them because they knew that [initial] decision was an unjust decision and they wanted to make the wrong right.”

The development is

a huge blow to Garner’s chances of toppling Cameron at the March 7th Annual General Meeting of the WICB here.

While the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board have backed the legendary former West Indies fast bowler, the Windward Islands, Leeward Islands and Guyana have all indicated their support for Cameron.

In recent months, Cameron came under fire for his handling of the aborted tour of India and the subsequent impasse between the players, the WICB and players union, WIPA. The WICB could also face a US$42 million lawsuit in coming months if the Indian Cricket Board follows through on their promise to seek damages arising from the abandoned tour. (CMC)

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