Guyana Times Daily - April 10, 2015

Opposition Ram tries to muzzle Jagdeo

US President Barack Obama and Caricom leaders pose for an official photograph before their meeting in Kingston, Jamaica on Thursday. In the back row fourth from right is President Donald Ramotar

april 10, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Friday, April 10, 2015 – 09:00h-10:30h and Saturday, April 11, 2015 – 09:30h-11:00h

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

Friday, April 10, 2015 – 07:35h-09:05h and Saturday, April 11, 2015 – 08:35h-10:05h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on:

Friday, April 10 – 05:00h, 10:00h and 17:00h

Saturday, April 11 – 05:00h, 11:00h and 17:00h

WEATHER TODAY

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Low

Elections manoeuvres

Opposition Ram tries to muzzle Jagdeo

...with

frivolous, vexatious

Controversial political commentator cum accountant Christopher Ram has filed a private charge against former President Bharrat Jagdeo alleging that he breached the Representation of the People Act for remarks he made at a public meeting in Babu Jaan, Corentyne, Berbice early last month.

A summons was issued by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga of the Whim Magistrate’s Court for Jagdeo to answer to the charge.

The Guyana Times was told that the charge was filed Thursday morning by

Ram in his capacity as the informant in the Corentyne Magisterial District and reads:

“That on Sunday, March 8 Jagdeo made statements to the public at large at a public meeting held in Babu John, Corentyne… ”which can result in racial

or ethnic violence or hatred among the people” as set out in Section 139 D of the Representation of the People Act.

In his court papers, Ram states that Jagdeo said:

“The Opposition consistently shout about the racism of the PPP, but they practise racism. The Opposition beat drums at

claim – lawyer

six in the morning and say let us throw out those coolie people.”

Meanwhile, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos said he will be representing the former President at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on April 20 in relation to the charge.

Describing Ram as a known Government critic, De Santos said the holder of a British passport “seems to have an unnatural obsession with the former President”.

De Santos noted that he has examined the allegation and the section of the law under which the charge has been laid, and in his view, it is frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of the process of the court in which it has been filed.

Abuse of law

He further went on to state that it is a gross misinterpretation and colossal misuse and abuse of Section 139D of the Representation of the People Act, Chap1:02.

The Senior Counsel noted that while he will not speculate in relation to the motive which inspired the institution of the charge, he will, however, state that “it constitutes an abridgement of the constitutional right and freedom of my client to speak and express himself freely”.

De Santos further noted

that the unprecedented use of a criminal charge to muzzle speakers at public political events was an assault on the democratic right of political leaders to speak freely on matters of national interest as well as a violation of the democratic right of the citizenry to re-

ceive such information. He said that the case was nothing more than political sensationalisation and mischief.

However, the Attorneyat-Law has expressed faith and confidence that the matter will be speedily reviewed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

GRA, GDF net range of smuggled goods in Pomeroon

Joint operations by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard along the Pomeroon have nabbed a variety of contraband items including engine oil, soft drinks and salt.

The Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband has reported that the GRA, in collaboration with the Coast Guard, during the month of February 2015, launched joint exercises from the Army’s Floating Patrol Base located in the

Pomeroon River.

The Task Force has been assigned specific Terms of References which are all aimed at eliminating the smuggling of fuel and contraband as far as practicable. In its latest newsletter, the Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband stated that the GRA has reported that its Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) contributed $113,688,555 to the revenue of the country in 2014 as a result of 135 success-

ful interdictions of smuggled goods.

Sixty or 44.45 per cent of the interdictions resulted in the seizure of contraband goods while 23 or 17.04 per cent of the interdictions were as a result of the seizure of alcohol or alcoholic beverages. Those successful interdictions resulted from strategic and intelligenceled operations mounted by the GRA with support as required from other agencies of the Task Force.

In 2014, another member of the Task Force, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) also recorded a successful year in its interdiction of suspects and the seizure of illegal fuel. During 2014, 17 new charges were filed by the GEA compared with nine in 2013.This represented an increase in prosecution of 89 per cent. The seizure of illegal fuel by the GEA in 2014 increased by 29 per cent when compared with the quantity what was seized in 2013. In 2013, 2931 UK gallons of fuel were seized, while in 2014, 3785 UK gallons were seized.

Complainant: Christopher Ram

Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

ThURSdaY, apRiL 9, 2015

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

The facts on sugar

The issue of sugar and its survival in Guyana has once again been given much prominence on the campaign trail. This came as no surprise as it is well accepted that due to its historical importance to this country’s development and political struggles associated with the industry, sugar means a whole lot more to Guyanese.

No one wants to see the industry fail as thousands of workers depend on it for a daily living. Added to this, sugar was the bedrock of Guyana’s economic development, when most other industries were struggling. Voters are anxious to hear about the various parties’ position on the issue.

Only the PPP/C has given a clear and definitive position on the future of sugar, that is – that party will never allow the industry to fail, rather, it intends to do whatever is necessary to ensure it not only survives, but becomes highly successful again.

The main Opposition parties (now APNU+AFC) have been saying different things to different audiences. If one were to analyse their mutterings it would show clearly that they do not have a fixed policy position on the sugar industry.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy was on target in his response to Stanley Ming’s recent call to close the industry. The Minister labelled it as another “wild, vile and wicked attack” on the sugar industry and those who work for it.

We believe that the only persons who will support the call for closure of the sugar industry are those who are ignorant of the importance of sugar in the fabric of the development story of this country.

When APNU+AFC refused to provide vital support to GuySuCo by way of voting against the budgetary subventions last year, they showed that they really didn’t care about securing the future of the industry and more particularly the thousands who get employment from it.

The PPP/C Government on its part must be given some credit for supporting and facilitating the industry through its roughest times. It could be recalled that the sugar industry, as in the case of most other sectors, first had to recover from the destruction caused by the PNC. The policymakers here would concede that it was no easy task to rebuild a country that is broken beyond imagination.

Minister Ramsammy reminded us that the PNC inherited a sugar industry, which, in the 1960s, routinely produced greater than 300,000 tonnes of sugar. But this production efficiency began to deteriorate and production fell to a low of 131,999 tonnes by 1991.

Over the past years, the Government had to facilitate the industry’s response to global changes, including the Europeans’ betrayal of the sugar protocol and the falling sugar prices, which saw prices sometimes falling by 50 per cent.

When the PPP/C took the reins of power in 1992, it ended all efforts to privatise the industry. It also prevented closure of the Demerara Sugar Estates – one of the goals of the privatisation efforts.

Production increased from the 131,999 tonnes in 1991 to more than 300,000 tonnes by 2002. The Administration has commenced the process of mechanisation of the industry.

Over the years, the sugar industry has been beset by issues associated with managerial capacity, unpredictable weather, labour shortages, price cuts on the international market and other constraints, which have sometimes resulted in annual production levels being less than what was projected.

While the facts will prove that the PPP/C Government has made some of the right policy decisions in relation to the growth and development of the sugar industry, it must also take note of the criticisms that are being made in relation to the Skeldon Modernisation Plant.

It is crucial that the issues affecting the Plant, which is described as a key and critical facility for the overall improvement of the industry, be addressed forthwith. This is a critical element as part of a wider vision to restructure the sugar industry.

Climate change chic

Win or lose, should the AFC still get 12 seats?

Dear Editor, Pardon me for asking. Who is the dulaha (bridegroom) or dulahin (bride) in this APNU-AFC marriage? Most Guyanese cultural practices were observed in the AFC-APNU public Berbice wedding.

A columnist excused the Indian “wedding” guest attendance as small. He has become suddenly “educated” about Indians who stay home with their families at night. But the Opposition disconnect speaks volumes.

To win over 12 percent of the “chosen people”, well known to stay indoors cannot justify why the marriage was fixed as a night wedding. Everyone knows that night gives greater camouflage for graves to yawn open and let slip its evil. In the presence of a bigger gathering, the stronger the barricades go up. Outa sight right?

Conclusion of this political drama is simply clearer by who the hero has become by associative congruence with the past. Space will not permit me to clarify anything about the hero’s devoted brother Latchman’s nobility.

The focus is now on the PNC’s own version of “Brother Lutchman”, appointed as their referee. Either the referee will become his reality or he will reflect otherwise. Even a Cyclop with one eye is quite capable to see what lies ahead. Will the AFC get its 12 seats win or lose?

Despite the AFC’s lead-

ership acknowledged trepidation that such a marriage would make them “dead meat”, they still moved into total reverse - with complete abandon.

For “Brother Moses Nagamootoo” to keep insisting that the AFC’s is with “marriage” (his words) with the Ravana-like APNU, with its many heads, was a disconcerting political and flaunting thrust.

It was Brother Mo who insisted their “marriage will work, must work” unless they “Gimme Mo” or he goes. What wisdom can peddle their divorce options right during a New York honeymoon? Actually deny their origin?

Former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir once complained how a lost Moses led Jews to wander for 40 years in the desert. That he finally picked a spot for their homeland without any oil and with enemies all around has become a nightmare.

Where will Brother Mo go if they do not honour his “Gimme Mo Jo”? That Guyana has oil to be found soon very soon will be announced just after the election results. Since Moses and oil are without any historical nexus, what does it matter anyway?

What’s relevant looks like Ducky’s destiny would allow him to fly higher and squawk more about what’s flowing to the top. Just in case one may think it’s being unfair to the AFC, one can look at the wedding preparations.

First they went into secret courting contract negotiations. Second, just as the dulaha would normally go to the dulahin’s house with his bhariiat (wedding procession), the APNU bhariiat likewise departed from Georgetown all the way to Berbice.

Third, just as the Dulaha’s bhariiat is noisy, with blaring music reflecting a celebratory mood. So were the massive bussed in APNU wedding guests at Whim. The APNU folks had much to celebrate didn’t they?

These questions are most appropriate in light of the evidence. With no reason to, again, doubt brother Mo’s sincerity, or demean his masculinity, it’s common knowledge which spouse packs up and leaves.

One must note how the AFC’s Nigel Hughes was the perfect lucknee (chaperone). That “gifted” ultimating (Agricola!) African, became electrified with a new zeal to ensure, guide and rush dulahin into this trophy marriage of convenience.

Let’s see if Guyana’s “married” wannabe Montezuma remains a prince of Guyana as with Mexico’s Aztecs, succumbs similarly, or lives to forever regret his disconnect.

To democratically win the free and fair 2015 elections is the totality of all parties mission. It means all hands must be conscripted and unified for the final objective. Is the PPP/C up to the challenge, including

reaching out and mending fences?

Historically, the PPP/C has only rehabilitated three Black Guyanese who left. Both Jessie Burnham and Ulric Fingal rejoined and died as loyal PPP members. Brindley Benn who was the PPP most acidic critic for 24 years was quickly appointed High Commissioner to Canada by Dr Cheddi Jagan in 1992. Today, Benn’s son and grandchild are firmly in the PPP/C camp.

The PNC on the other hand has rehabilitated two prominent disgraced members. Both Mayor Hamilton Green and the late Margaret Ackmann had been expelled. All who were rehabilitated in both parties are Black Guyanese. Ralph Ramkarran is darker than all of them in pigmentation, isn’t he?

In Guyana’s future of youthfulness, the Ramkarran family legacy is a valuable PPP/C goldmine. Deng Xiaoping - who guided China to be a world power wisely advised that “it does not matter if the cat is black or white, as long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat”.

Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar’s “How many ages hence, Shall this our lofty scene be acted over, In states unborn and accents yet unknown!” can be most enlightening for those who do not want to fail.

Unity is strength best exemplified in a new reality.

Sultan Mohamed

A home with a garden of drought-tolerant plants is seen in Beverly Hills, California, April 8, 2015. California’s cities and towns would be required to cut their water usage by up to 35 per cent or face steep fines under proposed new rules released Tuesday, the state’s first-ever mandatory cutbacks in urban water use amid ongoing drought (Reuters/Lucy Nicholson)

Criticism of Elisabeth Harper not fair

Dear Editor,

Reference is made to Mike Persaud’s description of the PPP/C’s selection of Elisabeth Harper as “window dressing” published in another media. My response was not published.

The nature of our politics is ethnic-based. All the parties are ethnic in composition, though some try more than others (or I should say the PPP/C tries harder than the others) to broaden its national appeal and its ethnic composition and receives more cross ethnic support than the others.

Thus, regardless of who a party puts as its Prime Ministerial Candidate, the selectee will be considered as racial tokenism or window dressing. It has been this way since 1950 since the formation of the PPP.

But it is not objective commentary for Persaud to critique the PPP/C for engaging in window dressing (if indeed that is what it has done) and not critique the PNC for a similar selection of its PM candidate as window dressing – an Indian, Moses Nagamootoo.

The Opposition alliance is largely viewed as a reincarnation of the PNC. It should be noted that a PPP/C press release (April 7) pointed out that the party’s list reflects the ethnic composition of the nation and top on the list are credible African names including the respectable Clinton Urling.

Thus, many will not agree that Elisabeth Harper is mere window dressing. She is a highly respectable woman who has distinguished herself in the Foreign Service Sector.

Many voters feel there is irrefutable evidence of window dressing in the PNC. The PNC had an opportunity to select an Indian as its Presidential Candidate (Nagamootoo) or Hari Narayan (Ralph) Ramkarran as a consensus candidate.

Either one would have led an alliance to a landslide victory as my polls found. But the PNC (renamed APNU since 2011) insisted on having an African as its Presidential Candidate and

a window dresser as PM.

The party made it known that it has 41 per cent support from “Africans” and wants Moses to bring in the AFC’s 11 per cent from “Indians” to take it into Government.

Clearly, the PNC is not interested in “power sharing”, or cross racial appeal, or national unity, but only in using Indians to capture power. Most Indians are of the view that once the PNC comes into power it would dump the Indians (AFC) similar to what it did to the UF (Portuguese/Mixed/Chinese/ Amerindians during the 1960s).

Under the Burnham Constitution, the President controls power regardless of any agreement made between parties. Granger would have absolute power and can dismiss the PM at whim.

And the PNC is not willing to yield the Presidency to an Indian who could have led the alliance to victory and bring about racial unity. If the PNC is so interested in national unity, why would it not be willing to concede the Presidency to Indians like Ralph or Moses?

Had the PNC conceded the Presidency to Moses or Ralph, it would have shown it is not about window dressing but in pursuing genuine national racial unity. Analogously, it is noted that the PPP/C is willing to present a parliamentary list reflecting the demographics of the population and giving power to the population.

On the issue of window dressing, I should note that in December 2011, during negotiations for the selection of the Speaker, the PNC (APNU) opposed the sitting Speaker Ralph Ramkarran (proposed by the PPP/C) who was praised by the PNC for his objectivity, professionalism and integrity.

But the PNC insisted it wanted one of its own (African supporter) as Speaker. It was a case of “our time now”; we want an African – that is understandable, though not acceptable, given that the PPP/C lost its parliamentary majority.

The AFC proposed Nagamootoo as Speaker.

And the PNC rejected Moses saying “he is too Indian”. The PNC finally accepted Raphael Trottman because he is of the correct ethnicity. The same Moses who was rejected for his Indianness in 2011 is embraced today for his Indianness to enable the PNC to win power – is this not a case of tokenism or window dressing?

Clarissa Riehl, an Indian PNC Parliamentarian, was elected as Deputy Speaker prior to 2011. She was most qualified to succeed Ramkarran as Speaker. But she was not even considered as Speaker because she lacks the right ethnic qualification.

Given the preceding facts, why isn’t Persaud criticising the PNC (APNU) or alliance for window dressing and excluding Indians in critical leadership positions?

It is expected that commentators will have their party preference as Persaud is now supporting the PNC. But isn’t it too bold and crass to condemn one party’s action as tokenism while closing one’s eyes to a similar action of another party? Where is the balance and fair play?

Vishnu Bisram

Freddie Kissoon produces disgusting filth every day

Dear Editor, Sometimes, as an individual living in a country where double standards exist in staggering proportions, you wonder why some sickening things continue to happen and the majority of us are silent.

I try desperately not to respond to the despicable content contained in the columns and letters of Freddie Kissoon, because I do not want to lose my sanity and sense of purpose as a Guyanese who wants to use his time constructively.

However, I feel that at times it is necessary to respond to individuals who engage in the meanest and most vile (these are understatements) writings meant to destroy the characters and reputations of people who do not deserve this daily character assassination.

Freddie Kissoon has been engaging in this kind of behavior for quite a long time now, yet the people who cry foul when Government officials whom (their determination) are found wanting, enjoy the daily abuse that Freddie dishes out because it supports their agenda very well.

Kissoon again attacks the former President Barrat Jagdeo. In his column head-

lined, «I am not East Indian. I am Guyanese”, Kissson engages in a despicable attack on the former President with the following: «Bharrat Jagdeo is infusing the election campaign with ideological racism.»

Kissoon, in this same column, mentions that «but (Jagdeo is) the PPP/C’s main proponent of a race campaign». How much can one take?

Isn›t the former President an individual who deserves some respect?

Could Kissoon have said the same of Burnham without retaliation? He and every Guyanese know the answer.

However, Jagdeo does not respond because he is wiser than that. He knows that he does not have to do or say anything to Kissoon.

Kissoon›s own deceit and miasmic thoughts which are manifested in his writings will consume him. By insulting the former President, Kissoon is punching far above his weight.

He is an intellectual pigmy next to Jagdeo. Kissoon is no match for Jagdeo who has accomplished so much and has also won many international awards. His (Freddie) brother, Harold (“Lightweight”) was intellectually superior to Freddie.

This accusation that

Kissoon makes of the former President is the reason why the latter sued him and, therefore, both Kissoon and Kaieteur News should refrain from publishing this dangerous assumption.

The court case is on, so why is Kissoon trying to influence the learned judge by repeating this accusation that he makes against the former President? This is libelous, malicious and scandalous!

The former President mentioned that he has facts to support what he was saying. Why is Kissoon fabricating his information and twisting Jagdeo›s words to suit his evil purposes?

With an election campaign moving along feverishly, it was expected that politicians would get dirty, but Kissoon tops them all with his vindictive and malicious writings.

A script writer interested in finding a person who specializes in producing depraved, malicious and scandalous writings on a daily basis need not go far. We have many here in Guyana, but Kissoon beats them all because he produces this disgusting filth every day.

Talk of having a dubious distinction?

Rakesh Singh

264 animals impounded in March

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to report that a total 264 animals, comprising 36 horses, 81 cows, 107 goats, and 40 sheep were caught and impounded at the Police pounds in A, B, C and D Police Divisions during the month of March 2015.

The figure represents 35 animals less than for the previous month.

The Georgetown Unit

accounted for 46 cows, 73 goats and 25 sheep, while the Berbice Unit accounted for 36 horses, 35 cows, 34 goats and 15 sheep.

The Ministry continues its appeal to all cattle owners to ensure that their animals are properly controlled during their grazing period, thereby ensuring their safety from being involved in accidents that can result in their death, damages to vehicles, and

injuries to persons using the main roadways. Ministry of Home Affairs

Foundation

The parenting style that turns children into narcissists

By Eric roston

Rearing children to become adult narcissists seems easier today than at any other point in human history. Just give them a smartphone, a few social media accounts, and a trophy for participation.

Right?

It’s a reasonable presumption, but researchers at the University of Amsterdam took a more methodical approach to determine what kind of parenting yields narcissistic children –those who “feel superior to others, fantasise about personal success, and believe they deserve special treatment.” The team studied 565 children and 705 parents over two years and tested two hypotheses for what makes children narcissists: parental worship or a lack of parental warmth.

The results: Worshippers by a landslide.

Parents who “overvalue” their children by teaching them that they’re unique and extraordinary – which they all are, of course – encourage those children to have an inflated view of themselves and a less charitable view of others. The children grow up to expect the world will treat them the way their parents do. Which it inevitably doesn’t.

That’s particularly troubling because the study suggests that narcissism is growing more common.

“Narcissism scores have

been increasing over the past few decades among university students in the United States,” said Eddie Brummelman, lead author of the study, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and is the first to measure the emergence of narcissism among children aged seven to 12.

“Unfortunately, little is known about why narcissism seems to be on the rise

ments, such as “My child is more special than other children,” and children evaluate such lines as “I like to think about how incredibly nice I am.” Another section, the “Parental Over claiming Questionnaire,” asks parents to say how familiar their child is with various books and historical events, people, and places, such as D-Day, the Russian Passage, and Sherlock Holmes. Never heard of the

in the West.”

In an earlier study, “My Child Is God’s Gift to Humanity…,” the same research team used a questionnaire and scale to measure the distance between how much parents value their children and how the children objectively perform. They concluded, not surprisingly, that “overvalued children are not more intelligent than other children.”

They used the same questionnaire and scale in this new PNAS study. Parents are asked to rate state-

Russian Passage? That’s because it doesn’t exist. The list – which was adapted from Edward Hirsch’s The New First Dictionary of Cultural Literacy – includes fake items to suss out parents inclined to claim that their children know more than they possibly could.

The researchers also point to what may be the best parenting strategy for well-adjusted, non-narcissistic children: a combination of “parental warmth” and realism about children’s abilities. Self-esteem, they

write, may be the foil to narcissism, as it comes from being accepted by others and highly regarded, rather than imposing a vision of oneself on the world. “High self-esteem, unlike narcissism, predicts lower levels of anxiety and depression over time,” they write.

Unchecked, the authors posit, narcissistic people can “contribute to societal problems such as aggression and violence.” This supposition, which isn’t central to the otherwise interesting, family-focused research, has been the subject of an academic debate that has spilled into the popular press: Do millennials, raised on the Internet and social media, really make the ‘70s “Me Generation” look like ascetic monks? The debate pivots on the reliability of both a generation-old personality survey and the people it’s normally given to –college students at a handful of universities.

Society might indeed be getting more narcissistic. But it might just as easily be getting less so, encouraging a “Generation We” over “Generation Me,” writes Jeffrey Jensen Arnett of Clark University, as the Internet makes it easier for individuals to find and help each other.

While that debate continues, the value of this latest study is its attention to what parents are doing and how they might change course if they decide that they need to. (bloomberg.com)

The best age to start giving your children chores, according to science

By Micah aBraMs

If you needed a reason to establish a regimen of chores for your children beyond, “These rugs won’t vacuum themselves,” science has your back. Research shows that cleaning the house, taking out trash, washing windows or whatever else you might throw at the buggers instils a sense of mastery, self reliance, responsibility, empathy and respect for others –and the sooner you start, the better.

The study, which checked in with 84 children during preschool and then at ages 10, 15 and in their mid-20s, found that the ones who began chores at ages three and four were more likely to have good relationships,

achieve academic success and be self-sufficient than those who started as teens or had none at all. Even better for your lawn? According to Richard Rende, a developmental psychologist in Paradise Valley, Arizona, and coauthor of the forthcoming book Raising Can-Do Children, doing chores may actually be a better strategy for long-term positive social and academic outcomes than whatever extra-curricular activities your children are doing that make them too busy for chores. “Parents today want their children spending time on things that can bring them success, but ironically, we’ve stopped doing one thing that’s actually been a proven predictor of success – and that’s household chores,” he says. Actually getting them to do their chores is a much less scientific challenge, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

* It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it: Thanking your children for “being a helper” creates positive identity. Saying “Let’s do our chores” underscores cooperation. Complaining about your chores guarantees they will, too.

* Prioritise chore time: It should be seen as equal in importance to oboe practice or the amateur Audubon society picnic.

* Turn chores into a game: “Did you know the world record for bringing the trash and recycling to the curb is 48.7 seconds? Think you can beat that?”

* Focus on the family*: Whatever you have them doing, it should benefit everyone in the family and not just them (or you).

* Leave money out of it: Financially incentivizing children for being a helpful member of the family sends the wrong message. Children should get allowances, but that’s a whole different animal. (Yahoo! News)

Friday, april 10, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

APNU/AFC linked to blackmail of Harper

...over son’s private business

Prime Ministerial Candidate for the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Elisabeth Harper on Thursday said she was a victim of “extortion and blackmail” in a case involving her son who was sued over a private business deal. And she released emails with the extortioner threatening that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) are offering “me US$5 million to expose you and your son”. Harper’s son, Reagan Pollard, is currently facing a lawsuit for at least US$3 million. The money was allegedly loaned to him to invest in a mining operation, but this did not materialise. Harper, according to media reports, had stood as guarantor in the transaction. The money was reportedly transferred to Pollard’s account by United States-based investors and then agreed that the amount be converted to a loan for repayment by Pollard. The matter is currently before a local court.

In her statement, Harper said since she was appointed the PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, there have been attempts, tantamount to blackmail or political extortion, by a known individual, regarding a legal dispute between her 36-year-old son and his former business partners.

“My son is engaged in his own business enterprise. I am aware that he and his former business partners have been in court in Guyana since November 2014 to settle a dispute that has arisen.

I love my son dearly and am fully supportive of him. I also respect his business independence,” Harper said in a statement released by the PPP/C.

She said in view of the fact that the matter is being addressed by the court it is, therefore, sub-judice. “The several attempts of ex-

deal

tortion and blackmail directed at me regarding this case are disturbing. “I strongly reject any attempt to use my political appointment to resolve this matter extrajudicially or to influence the legal direction of the court case.”

Additionally, Harper released two emails one com-

ing from a “Guyana election” address. The subject of the email, which was addressed to her, states: “APNU/AFC is offering me US$ 5 MM to expose you and your son.... what say you?” In another email from another address, the writer states: “We have still not heard back from him. Should we proceed then Elisabeth? “I will wait for his response. But time is scarce. We don’t have too many options left. We will pull the trigger if we need to. We need our obligation satisfied ASAP.”

Since her selection as the Prime Ministerial Candidate, Harper, the former Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, has been derided by Opposition members for her lack of political experience. Moses Nagamootoo, the People’s National Congress (PNC)led APNU/AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, even derided her personal experience as an abused woman.

APNU to fulfil all promises

...even if Nagamootoo can’t deliver 11%

With the Opposition coalition’s rally in Whim, the home village of Moses Nagamootoo and Veerasammy Ramayya, clearly indicating that whatever support the Alliance For Change (AFC) might have previously secured in Berbice had evaporated, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) General Secretary Joseph Harmon said the APNU+AFC’s pact is not premised on the latter being able to deliver 11 per cent Indian votes at the upcoming elections.

He said too that the AFC’s guarantee of 12 seats in Parliament was also not tied to the 11 per cent votes in general, although Nagamootoo had boasted about the small party being able to deliver this to APNU for it to secure a majority at the May 11 polls. Harmon is thus indicating that even if the coalition loses the coming elections because the AFC was unable to supply the votes to give it the majority or even the plurality to secure the Presidency, the AFC will be receiving what the APNU promised. And it will be the job of the List Representative Dr Harold Lutchman to ensure that this promise is kept.

The AFC recently coalesced with APNU to contest the May 11 Regional and General Elections and has been promised 12 seats in the new Parliament, two Vice Presidential posts, 40 per cent of the Cabinet and also the Prime Ministerial position. Commentators from the People’s National Congress ( PNC), which is the overwhelmingly largest member of APNU, have said that this was a major “giveaway” by the PNC to a party that secured only seven seats at the last elections.

But speaking to this pub-

lication, in an invited comment on Tuesday, Harmon told the Guyana Times that the promise to the AFC was not premised on the 11 per cent votes. “It is based on an agreement between the two parties where they sat down and negotiated over a long period of time and that’s how they arrived at that,” Harmon related.

He said it was an agreement which the two political bodies would abide by at the end of the elections. The parties later selected Professor Lutchman as the leader of their List of Candidates and he will ensure that they abide by the agreement known as the Cummingsburg Accord.

In the construct of a new government, APNU will be allocated one Vice President while the AFC will be allowed two Vice Presidents, both of whom will be members of the Cabinet. In reflecting the thinking and commitment to and for future constitutional reform, it has been agreed that the Presidency will be reorganised with the President as Head of State, Head of Government, Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces and holding responsibility for the appointment of Constitutional Agencies and Commissions with the required and agreed democratic mechanisms of ‘consult and appoint’; Foreign Affairs, International Relations; and Non-Commercial Treaties.

The President will also delegate the responsibilities of Domestic Affairs and Chairing of the Cabinet to the Prime Minister.

Recommending Ministerial appointments and providing the organisational structures of Ministries for the approval of the President; appointment of Head of Agencies and NonConstitutional Commissions with the required and agreed

democratic mechanisms of ‘consult and appoint’, as well as Domestic Security will also be under the purview of the President.

The Parties further agreed that Cabinet positions will be allocated on a 60/40 split between APNU and the AFC respectively.

Both the Representative of the List and the Speaker of the House will be mutually selected by both parties from independent members of civil society. The coalition had said that the move was a historic one with a watershed political development for the country as the new electoral alliance moves to put Guyana on the correct path, where all Guyanese, regardless of ethnicity, can feel fully motivated to be proud of his or her nation and is afforded the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the society while successfully caring for themselves and family. It is said the discussions leading up to the Accord were not easy, as both parties had to give up some of their demands and overcome decades of prejudices for them to have arrived at the most significant and momentous point of national renewal. However, since many of the private agreements go against the strictures of the Constitution, if the coalition were to win the elections, it could be challenged in court unless it obtained agreement of the PPP/C in Parliament. In this scenario, the PPP/C would have a veto over the Cummingsburg Accord.

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon

APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper

friday, aPriL 10, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mechanic released on bail for alleged theft of minibus

Aman today appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with simple larceny.

Muneshwar Bisnauth, a 55-year-old mechanic, of Campbellville, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that on Friday April 3, he stole one Pitbull minibus valued at $4,700,000; proper-

ty of Dominique Jackson. Additionally, he stole one bottle of oil valued at $7000, one box of brake pads valued at $7,500 and an oil filter valued at $1400 all of which add up to a total value of $4,715,900.

The defence refuted these claims saying that Jackson had taken his minibus to Bisnauth to have several repairs done and owed him a sum in excess of $200,000. It was further

claimed that after he could not make these payments he returned with the minibus and told Bisnauth to remove the parts that he had installed and keep the vehicle until he was fully repaid.

The prosecutor stated that only the bus was recovered and made no objections to bail which was set at $100,000. The matter will return to Court One on April 15.

Unemployed mother gets bail for abusive language charge

Awoman was today brought before

Magistrate Judy Latchman facing charges of the use of abusive language.

Rehanna Ali, 35, of 40

Princes Street, Werk-enRust pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Friday, April 3 at the aforementioned address, she made use of abusive language against

the Virtual Complainant Collette Macullum which was in breach of the peace.

The defence attorney asked that his client be released on her own recognisance and pleaded for bail

on the grounds that Ali is an unemployed mother of one and she is not a flight risk. Bail was granted in the sum of $40,000 and the matter will return to Court One on April 15.

Jaundiced...

...Media monitoring

The Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) – supposedly

keeping an eye on the media during this elections period to prevent "incitement" and such like, rapped the "Guyana Times Newspaper for publishing an article that was inflammatory and a distortion of facts. The article ‘Granger pushes envelope on incitement’ referred to utterances by Granger at the PNC-led APNU/AFC rally at Linden”.

Just so the MMU wouldn't say your Eyewitness is distorting its position, he'll print their citation in full:

"In the article, it is alleged that the leader of the Opposition coalition political parties, APNU+AFC, told a large rally in Linden on Saturday, March 14, 2015 that it was the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) that had killed ex-soldier, Courtney Crum-Ewing.

“After carefully going through the article in its entirety, the Unit found three instances where Mr Granger was directly quoted by the newspaper. The first and second quotes are found in paragraph three and states as follows:

‘I feel hurt. I feel wounded…. Courtney was the first to fall’ and ‘He was killed because he had a bullhorn in his hand…was executing his constitutional rights and was silenced’.

“The third quote is found in paragraph four. The paragraph reads: ‘Granger said he was deeply hurt over Crum-Ewing’s murder and pointed fingers directly at the governing party for the man’s execution as he told the persons gathered that he was convinced Crum-Ewing’s death was the result of the actions of the ‘rulers of darkness’. [Emphasis ours].

“The Unit found in the above evidence that the reporter who wrote the article fallaciously construed the term ‘rulers of darkness’ allegedly used by Mr Granger to mean the PPP/C, because nowhere in the article is Mr Granger quoted as saying in direct language that the PPP/C killed Courtney Crum-Ewing."

First of all, the "rulers of darkness" reference (as reported by Stabroek News) was "You are here because the rulers of the power of darkness do not care about you. So, are you going to give these people five more years?”

So MMU...who are "these people" if not the PPP/C?? But even more directly, the Stabroek News continued:

"Pointing to the death of activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was executed in Diamond... (Granger told the crowd), “We wrestle against a dangerous PPP/C. We wrestle against the ‘Phantom Squad.’ Bharrat is back and the ‘Phantom Squad’ is back… Do not let any more brothers or sisters fall to the PPP/C Government”.

Finally, the Demerara Waves' headline on the rally was: "Granger points fingers at ruling party for Crum-Ewing's killing."

But the Guyana Times is the whipping boy and must be given an obligatory kick, no?

...and misogynic Granger

After Granger abused youthful female MP Africo Selman and relegated her to oblivion, she quit APNU in disgust. But very bravely in the face of physical threats, she revealed that Granger has a misogynic mindset on females that insists on keeping them "barefoot and pregnant".

She noted the same treatment being meted out to Vanessa Kissoon from Linden and warned her that she'll be forced out also.

And so said, so done! On Nomination Day there was no Vanessa Kissoon on the APNU/AFC lists....So imagine at the Youth Rally following the Lists hoopla, with Kissoon in the crowd, Granger had the chutzpah to declare:

“We ought to respect women, we ought to respect their capabilities because after all the country is nothing without the interventions of women.”

Respect?? Is Granger for real?? He should kiss Kissoon's feet for the work she's done for the PNC in Linden.

But then, to him Vanessa should be happy to serve him, no?? That's a woman's place, after all!!

...on debate

Granger's running from Ramotar on the promised debate. But like Max Schmeling, he'll find he can run...but he can't hide. Ramo's gonna knock him out!!

Muneshwar Bisnauth

PPP/C says APNU/AFC supporters ripping down campaign flags

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is complaining of the wanton destruction of its campaign flags and billboards allegedly by activists of the Opposition.

In a release, the Party said that on April 8, PPP/C Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) activists placed the Party’s flag on the utility poles along the West Coast Demerara Highway; however, around 17:00h, flags were ripped down and placed on the light poles along the Den Amstel Main Road. During this period, the Party said its activists were provocatively taunted and verbally abused by persons who identified

themselves as “Opposition supporters”.

Additionally, approximately four hours later that evening, it was discovered that more than 50 of the Party flags were taken down from the light poles and destroyed: some were thrown into the trench and others torn to pieces.

“The People’s Progressive Party/Civic Region Three Office condemns this reckless and provocative act. This behaviour and action was disgusting and against our Party’s democratic right. Moreover, this behaviour is an indication that the Opposition [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC coalition is well embedded

in their old ways of using threats and devious tactics to scare off our supporters.”

The PPP/C said it has advised its supporters in Region Three to remain calm despite this provocation.

“We are also calling on the relevant agencies to ensure that this reckless and undemocratic behaviour comes to an end. The PPP/C would continue its campaign in Region Three to ensure that our region continues to progress and never again would the people of Region Three have to live their lives in fear and threats. Those are days that we have overcome with democracy in 1992 and we will continue the struggle to safeguard and protect this democracy.”

68-year-old remanded on theft charge

A68-year-old resident of Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was remanded to prison on Thursday as charges of break and enter with theft were read to him at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Inshan Ally is accused of breaking into the business places of the Virtual Complainants (VCs) Rodlyn Austin and Forbes Christian of Croal Street, Georgetown.

The accused allegedly broke into Austin’s business between April 4-5 where it is alleged that he stole a gas stove valued $78,000, a gas bottle valued $11,000 and two coolers valued $18,000.

68 year old Inshan Ally asked Magistrate Judy Latchman to send him to jail

The report continued that he stole a generator worth $40,000 and two toolkits worth $45,000 from Christian’s business between April 2-3. In all, Ally allegedly removed a total of $567,200 worth in items from the businesses of the VCs. However, Police Prosecutor Renatta Bentham told the court that the prosecution has witnesses who observed the defendant around the businesses of the VCs and also observed him carrying the mentioned items near the businesses.

She continued that the defendant has no fixed place of abode and the offence is quite serious. The Prosecutor objected to bail. Nonetheless, this proved unnecessary as Ally was quite ready to go to jail. He pleaded guilty initially to the charge, stating that “I wan yuh lock me up or they gun kill me.” He was not clear on who wanted to kill him. Even so, Ally appeared knowledgeable of what he was asking the Magistrate as he pleaded with her for a small sentence for his guilty plea.

However, Ally’s explanation of what transpired on the day in question contradicted what is reported to have taken place as he stated that he was “glad fuh go to jail so I plead guilty.” Thus a not guilty plea was recorded on his behalf by Magistrate Judy Latchman. He is expected in court again on April 15.

Chain snatcher gets 24 months in jail

Achain snatcher was sentenced to 24 months in jail on Wednesday when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Michael Whyte pleaded guilty before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Wednesday when he was brought into Court Five to answer to the charge of theft with the use of personal violence.

Whyte told the court that he did rob the Virtual Complainant (VC) Volkoy Vischenlar, on April 5 on a gold chain valued $100,000. He is also charged with per-

sonal violence against the VC before and after snatching the chain.

The defendant told the court that he is 43 years old and resides at 177 Triumph, East Coast Demerara. He asked the Magistrate to be lenient with him as he has never had any problems with the law. Even so, he admitted that he had been imprisoned for a case of break and enter, from which he was released only a month ago.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne told the court that the VC was wearing a chain on Sunday, April 5 when the accused snatched it from

his neck from behind. The VC then turned around and looked at the defendant but received several cuffs causing him to fall.

The defendant then attempted to escape but he was stopped by bystanders. A search was conducted and the chain was found in his mouth.

Magistrate Azore listened to the defendant as he told his account of what happened and his plea. She informed the accused of the penalty he faces by admitting to the offence; however, Whyte maintained his guilt.

He was sentenced to the 24 months imprisonment.

One of the damaged billboards of the PPP/C

Efficiency in local trade transactions critical – Finance Minister

…as national committee on trade facilitation established

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh underscored the importance of Guyana becoming efficient facilitators in trade transactions to propelling the development of the country’s economy.

The Minister was at the time delivering the feature address during a simple ceremony on Thursday at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to mark

the commencement of a workshop aimed at sensitising stakeholders about the implementation of a national committee on trade facilitation, which was established immediately after.

The establishment of this committee is in part fulfilment of the agreement between Guyana and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The committee will be tasked with ensuring the smooth facilitation of trade procedures and identification of bottlenecks to trade and promotion of solutions.

According to Singh, all of the agencies involved in trade transactions in Guyana need to ensure all the transactions are processed in an efficient manner and that in doing so, no conflict is created with their

obligations to contribute to revenue collection and economical growth.

“The more efficient you are in processing trade transactions, the more such transactions will be executed… the more attractive Guyana will be for doing businesses…the more rapid will be the growth in our economy, the greater will be job creation, revenue generation and ultimately wealth and prosperity crea-

Guyana can ultimately earn more revenue from trade.

“Were importers and exporters able to process their transactions in a more efficient and timely manner, with greater ease and minimal bureaucratic frustration, then the frequency and volume of trade transactions would increase considerably.

“An importer or exporter should not have to go to

accurately completed to ensure a smoother transaction process.

Singh noted that it was unreasonable for the sector to demand speedy service if its business documents were not impeccable.

Moreover, he stated that Guyana needs to look beyond its domestic market to achieve accelerated economic growth, noting that the trade facilitation committee has a critical role in working

tion,” Singh explained.

Right balance

Therefore, he urged the agencies to work towards striking the right balance in trade transactions in order to be successful in achieving this without compromising the rigour in safety and security control measures.

The Minister further stressed on the importance of developing Guyana as an attractive and friendly nation for trading, where greater investment can be expended and where

an agency multiple times to lodge their application, to come back and check on it…make a hundred phone calls, collect back their forms, go somewhere else to pay and collect their receipt, go to somewhere else to collect their goods…time is money, and in that time, the production sector is losing resources, and indeed you are losing resources too,” Singh noted.

He also called on the Private Sector to play its role in ensuring all the applications prepared by exporters and importers are

towards achieving that.

The Minister said Guyana needed to take advantage of its geographical location to enhance its trade network and work towards building a bridge between the Caribbean and South American trade regions.

“We are convinced that Guyana is uniquely placed to take advantage of trade opportunities to capitalise economic growth…for us to do so, it is absolutely imperative for us to address the need for an efficient trade facilitation system.”

9 sugar workers injured

...as GuySuCo truck topples in Albion

Nine cane harvesters were injured following an accident at the Albion Estate backdam on Thursday.

Those admitted are Colin Vandam Moore, 23, of Lancaster, Corentyne; Goberdand VinKoya, 29, of Whim, Corentyne; Devendra Balkarran, 29, of Whim; Vicram Mangal, 34, of Port Mourant, Corentyne; Risham Seeram, 44, of Whim; Ramdass Mooklall, 48, of Port Mourant; Premnauth Rawana, 58, of Port Mourant; Fizal Ghanie, 41, of Port Mourant ; and Garfield Park Jr, 21, of Lancaster. The men appear to have escaped serious in-

jury and are likely to be discharged today.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran later on Thursday morning visited the men and interacted with their families.

Minister Ramsaran told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that a Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) truck was negotiating a steep incline in the backdam in Albion, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), when an accident occurred. The truck at the time was transporting 60 cane harvesters to work. Twenty-one of these were seen by medi-

cal professionals at the New Amsterdam Hospital, and nine were admitted with no life-threatening injuries, the Minister said. The condition of the patients was scheduled to be reviewed later in the day. Both officials recognised the efforts of the New Amsterdam Hospital and the staff to deal with the injured. The facility was wellequipped with adequate staff and medication to treat with the situation. They were initially taken to the Port Mourant Hospital, but later transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Private Sector Commission Chairman Ramesh Persaud, GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

A section of the crowd of participants in the workshop

Guyana hails nuclear pact between Iran, world powers

Guyana on Thursday said it welcomed the political framework agreement reached by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany and the Islamic Republic of Iran as a significant step towards a comprehensive joint plan of action to be achieved by June 2015, aimed at mutually agreeing limits on Iran’s nuclear programme.

The agreement also saw

Iran committing to remaining exclusively peaceful, in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. “We urge the parties to build on this achievement in the coming months towards a durable outcome that will contribute to reducing tensions and to promoting peace and stability in the region and the world. As a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Guyana reaffirms its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and to

the elimination of the threat posed by nuclear weapons,” the Guyana Government said in its statement.

Only on Thursday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei demanded that all sanctions on Iran be lifted at the same time as any final agreement with world powers on curbing Tehran’s nuclear programme is concluded. Khamenei, the Islamic Republic’s most powerful figure and has the last say on

all state matters, was making his first comments on the interim deal reached between Iran and the powers last week in the Swiss city of Lausanne.

He reiterated his faith in President Hassan Rouhani’s negotiating team. But in remarks apparently meant to keep hardline loyalists on his side, he warned about the “devilish” intentions of the United States, the Reuters news agency reported. “I neither support nor oppose the

EMPRETEC, Food & Drug Dept partnering on food safety

EMPRETEC Guyana has collaborated with the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department here to offer training to manufacturers and proprietors of food handling businesses to raise awareness on the importance of hygiene and food contamination.

At a media conference to announce the three-day training session at its Lama Avenue, Bel Air, Georgetown office, Programme Manager Corwin Hunte said in recognition of one of its mandates to build capacity among its clientele at the national level, EMPRETEC has developed a food safety curriculum for food handlers within the food processing and food service sectors.

According to him, the activity has been designed to support the access and distribution of safe food to citizens with multiplier effects on trade facilitation, poverty alleviation, and tourism.

“EMPRETEC has collaborated with food control authorities in ensuring that the curriculum is in compliance to best practices at the national and international levels,” Hunte told the group of journalists.

According to him, the objective of EMPRETEC Guyana is to support and advance entrepreneurship development by working directly with small and medium enterprises and providing access to a comprehensive and integrated range of services to enhance their participation in national development.

Further, EMPRETEC Guyana has been offering support for capacity building within the business sector through its internationally recognised certification courses: ISO certified Supply Chain Management Programme and Water Training Programme for

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), Hunte continued.

EMPRETEC is a United Nations’ programme established by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Investment and Enterprise Division to promote the creation of sustainable SMEs. In keeping with its mandate, EMPRETEC Guyana said it was pleased to introduce its food safety certificate programme.

“The training goes beyond simple enforcement of rules but provides a firm foundation on which to build food safety management systems. The programme will include three modules, which will be covered over three days.”

Moral and legal responsibility

Under the initiative, Hunte said, EMPRETEC has received the guidance of the regulatory body – the Food and Drug Department. The food safety certificate programme for food processing establishments will allow each entity, its operators and the public the comfort and reassurance of knowing that products being offered are of high quality.

EMPRETEC’s consultant on the workshop, Marilyn Grant elaborated on the training and noted that food safety and hygiene were very important when considering the potential effects of contaminated food.

“We see that it is absolutely necessary that all food handlers engaged in this activity must have an understanding of what food safety means,” she explained.

She said the food processing industry in Guyana was surveyed and it was found that it was the moral and legal responsibility of manufacturers and proprietors to ensure they have a workforce that is knowledgeable about hygiene and contamination.

“This is so because food

handlers themselves can unintentionally cause contamination of food which could affect a wide cross section of Guyana’s population. So it is important for manufacturers to provide training programme that are robust and can enhance procedure...”

Meanwhile, Food and Drug Department Director Marlon Cole said the Department has recognised

that the lack of education leads to detrimental situations. He said it has been observed that both consumers and food handlers are not very aware of the risks of preparing and serving food.

He said the organisation welcomed the initiative and the opportunity to partner with EMPRETEC and recognise its food handler certificate programme.

deal. Everything is in the details, it may be that the deceptive other side wants to restrict us in the details,” Khamenei said in a speech broadcast live on state television.

His stand on the lifting of sanctions matched earlier comments by Rouhani, who said Iran would only sign a final nuclear accord if all measures imposed over its disputed atomic work are lifted on the

same day. These include nuclear-related UN resolutions as well as US and EU nuclear-related economic sanctions. “All sanctions should be removed when the deal is signed. If the sanctions’ removal depends on other processes, then why did we start the negotiations?” Khamenei said.

However, the US said on Monday sanctions would have to be phased out gradually under the comprehensive nuclear pact. France also said on Tuesday that many differences, including on sanctions, needed to be overcome if a final agreement was to be reached.

The US and EU sanctions have choked off nearly 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of Iranian oil exports since early 2012, reducing its oil exports by 60 per cent to around one million barrels a day. The tentative accord was a step towards a settlement that would allay Western fears that Iran could build an atomic bomb, with economic sanctions on Tehran being lifted in return.

President Donald Ramotar

Officials of EMPRETEC and the Food and Drug Department on Wednesday

Friday, april 10, 2015

Harper disagrees with promotion of “torture cops”

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper said the decision to promote the two Policemen who were involved in the torture of then 15-year-old Twyon Thomas was a poor move.

Harper, during a live interview on a radio talk show programme, freely expressed her views about the situation, noting that such incidents should not happen again. In responding to a direct question regarding the impact of the promotion on the Force’s image, Harper said: “Clearly a negative one was created and one would want to hope that things like that are not happening in the future,” she asserted.

Policeman Narine Lall was promoted from Sergeant to Inspector while Mohanram Dolai was advanced from Constable to Corporal. In November 2009, the pair had appeared before the court charged with burning the genitals of Thomas

with the intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause him grievous bodily harm.

The case against them was subsequently dismissed after the witnesses failed to turn up. However, the Government later settled a civil lawsuit by paying the teenager approximately $6 million for the ordeal.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon had

said that Government was satisfied with the contention of the Police Service Commission (PSC) that the two Leonora Police Station ranks were dealt with according to the law.

“The PSC having satisfied itself that the matter had been concluded and all charges were cleared from the Police officers; they were no longer susceptible to disciplinary treatment.”

In a statement, the Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall said it was being falsely reported that “the Government “participated, authorised or concurred with these promotions”, but this claims were without any foundation.

The AG stated that the view of the Government, expressed through Dr Luncheon, “related to the procedure in respect of the promotions and was not a comment in respect of the merits or demerits of the (actual) promotions”.

This, the Minister said, meant that Government “was confined to the decision-making process and not the decision”.

Fire sweeps through Aranaputa Village, reportedly destroys farms

Aforest fire swept through Aranaputa Village in North Rupununi, reportedly destroying several farms.

The Guyana Times was told that the blaze began around 14:00h on Thursday. It was unclear how many persons were affected.

Sources from the nearby village of Annai described seeing a thick cloud of black smoke hovering over the trees of the Aranaputa valley from their location miles away. There is reportedly no fire service in the area, and the fire finally started to subside around 16:00h.

Security guard remanded to prison for illegal gun possession

A35-year-old Security Guard was remanded on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he denied having a gun and ammunitions in his possession.

Aldren Adonis, a resident of 291 Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in Court Five.

The charges read that the accused had a 9 mm pistol with five live rounds

of ammunition in his possession on April 6 while in Campbellville, Georgetown. He did not have a licence for carrying the firearm.

Prosecutor for the matter, Corporal Simone Payne told the court that Adonis was found by Police Officers who were in the area acting on information they received. The officers saw him with the gun before he saw them. However, when he did see the Police, he made a bid to escape. The defend-

ant was cautioned not to run and he surrendered himself with the loaded weapon. He was arrested and subsequently charged. Prosecutor Payne objected to bail, stating that the offence is quite a serious one and becoming too prevalent to warrant bail. This request was granted by Magistrate Azore.

Adonis was ordered to return to Court on Monday where his case will be heard in Court One.

A view of the black smoke over Aranaputa Village from Annai Village

Rice industry left for dead under PNC

– Ramsammy says PPP/C has transformed sector

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has criticised what he called the mismanagement of the rice industry by the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government two decades ago, while pointing to extraordinary success achieved by the current Administration in reviving the sector.

Ramsammy made the comments during a talk show on the National Communications Network (NCN) earlier this week. He said back in 1964, Guyana was able to achieve some 200,000 tonnes of rice, and, for the first time, was able to export 100,000 tonnes. That was during the reign of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government.

However there was a significant drop in this level of production, after the PNC took office, and according to Dr Ramsammy, Guyana did not reach 200,000 tonnes again in production until 1995, and indeed “we only reach 100,000 tonnes in export once between 1964 and 1992.

The Minister noted that the PNC had allowed the sector to become virtually dead, but since 1992, “rice has just parachuted upwards, and we now have a production of 635,000 tonnes last year, that is a number that just 10 years ago people said was impossible for Guyana, and so far for this crop of 2015, when we have so far harvested 25 per cent of the crop, if the production continues to the end of this first crop, we will produce more than 350,000 tonnes of rice, which is more in one crop than we did anytime in the period before 1992.”

Ramsammy related that just three months ago in January, some 45,000 tonnes of rice were exported, which is more in this first quarter than had been exported any time between 1964 and 1992, in a year, irrefutable evidence that the industry has flourished.

Overall, in 2014, he said, the country exported over 500,000 tonnes. Focusing on the Essequibo, Ramsammy said Guyana was producing more rice now than at any other time in history. Figures show that in 1990, “we were only cultivating about 30,000 acres, but now, we are cultivating in Essequibo (alone) around 38,000 hectares.”

More inclusive Minister Ramsammy detailed, after compiling the figures, there was growth of more than 100 per cent. He also mentioned that the success is more than numbers as before 1992, in Essequibo more than half of the rice produced was by one entity – Kayman Sankar Group of Companies, but today, 100 per cent of the production in Essequibo comes from thousands of farmers. This takes the success of rice into a new dimension where monop-

oly and exploitation were erased.

This important dimension is sometimes missed by the Opposition, he said, but challenged that “people take a step back and recognise that indeed before 1992, we had very few mills in the country, and that production was not there to support the mills”. He recalled that at this juncture, there was little to show in terms of infrastructure, but that today there are large mills and whether it is Essequibo, Regions Three, Four, Five or Six, there are mills that produce quality rice that could enter any market in the world.

He referred to the Venezuelan market which has enthused everyone, but noted that if this market was present in 1992, Guyana could not sell to Venezuela, because the quality of the mills that were present then could not have processed paddy to produce the rice which Venezuela buys.

Ramsammy rubbished the Opposition’s idea that Government should “step aside” and that rice is a private sector business.’

“Will the farmers invest in all of this?” Ramsammy questioned, noting that Government has a role to accommodate the growth of the industry. He said Government is prudent where the rice sector is concerned, as there have been calculated moves to ensure that quantity, quality and variety be amalgamated.

Since 1995 to now, the country has produced 14 new varieties of rice, paddy for Guyana, and recently, “we introduced GRDB 14, and in 300 acres, where it is now on farmers’ plots, including in Essequibo, and the average is between 55 and 60 bags per acre, GRDB 13 is the aromatic rice, and GRDB 12, 11, 10 are still very popular across Guyana.”

In sharp contrast, the Minister noted, before 1992, this was not possible. He recalled the Rustic (an extralong grain, high-quality locally developed rice variety) that was developed by an Indian scientist in Guyana, but this contribution under the then PNC Government was short-lived, as the PNC revoked his visa and sent him home.

Minister Ramsammy advised that when there was criticism from the Opposition of “high production but no markets, they ig-

nore the fact that last year we sold 501,000 tonnes and we had 33 countries” and, therefore, there is no validity to what is being peddled.

He further elaborated that people need to realise that rice is one of the most common commodities in the world, but many of these markets demand high quality rice, and this means that millers must ensure that they are sending the best quality of rice, or their reputation will be affected. This, he said, is what recently obtained with Alesie, having shipped substandard rice to Chile, and this had a huge negative impact, as it harmed Guyana’s reputation.

Dr Ramsammy highlighted that irrigation pumps, which during the dry season have to provide water and were built by the late Dr Cheddi Jagan in 1957 and 1964, were either disabled or mal-function-

ing during the tenure of the PNC.

Currently, Government is building a pump station at Lima, Essequibo Coast and even though a pump station was built at Three Friends, a new one is being budgeted for. The Minister added that not only the ‘pump inputs’ but also work on the main canal, linking the conservancy, had to be seriously worked on, as “this was almost non-functional, and all the head regulators were disabled”.

Under an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan, this Government replaced all of the head regulators, and has maintained the main canals, even as “those very maintenance activities are continuing to be an issue with the Opposition”.

Rice being readied for export

Obama unwraps US$20M energy initiative for Caribbean

United States

President Barack Obama on Thursday announced a US$20 million initiative aimed at mobilising Private and Public Sector investments in clean energy projects in the Caribbean during a meeting with Caricom leaders in Kingston, Jamaica before heading off to Panama for the Summit of the Americas.

During his second visit to the Caribbean, the US President turned his attention to the importance of reducing high energy costs and improving the energy sector, while fighting climate change.

During opening remarks before the start of the meeting held at the University

of West Indies’ Regional Headquarters Building, Kingston, Obama said the Region suffers from expensive, unreliable and carbonintensive energy. He added too that the Caribbean has the highest energy costs in the world. “This Region has some of the highest energy costs in the world. Caribbean countries are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and we have to act now. This is an example of large countries and small countries have to work together, because without collective action, we’re not going to be able to address these challenges,” he outlined.

Obama referred to the

summit held in Washington in January hosted by US Vice President Joe Biden. He also mentioned the launch of the US’s Caribbean Energy Security Initiative (CESI), which aims at helping the Region to move towards cleaner and more affordable energy.

“If we can lower those costs through the development of clean energy and increased energy efficiency we could unleash, I think, a whole host of additional investment and growth,” he said.

“I’m confident that given the commitment of the Caricom countries and the US commitment, that this is an issue in which we can make great strides over the

9 sugar workers...

Meanwhile, President Donald Ramotar, who is currently in Jamaica, said upon learning of the accident involving several sugar workers at Albion Sugar Estate, he immediately contacted GuySuCo management and was pleased that they had already put in place and committed all necessary resources to ensure quality care and treatment is provided.

“I am also in contact with the health sector to ensure that they are able to provide all health interventions necessary for the quick healing of any injury and ensure that those who may need specialist care are able to immediately access all care needed in the short and long term. At the same time,

short term and even greater strides over the long term,” he declared.

The President went on to point out that deepening the US’s and Caribbean’s cooperation in economic growth and further integrating the region, were some of the other areas that he was expecting to discuss. Furthermore, Obama mentioned that he anticipated talking about Governments being open and transparent, as well as upholding human rights laws for all citizens.

Another area of topical interest that he wanted to address in the meeting with the Region’s leaders is combating transnational crime through the US’s Caribbean Basin Security Initiative

page 10

I have also directed officials within my government, specifically in the health sector to assist in this regard,” Ramotar said in a statement.

He said he was aware that the Acting President, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and Ministers Leslie Ramsammy and Bheri Ramsaran have been at the hospital and they will work with GuySuCo and the health officials to ensure optimal care. “It is the hope of myself and Government that those injured make a speedy recovery and their families benefit from the established mechanisms of counselling and assistance in this difficult period. I will continue to monitor the situation while overseas on State

(CBSI). On the other hand, the President underscored the importance of youth development, stating the one thing he has been convinced of during his six and a half years in office, is that wherever the spirit, innovation and boldness of youths can be harnessed and channelled in a positive direction, any country can succeed and its future will be bright. “And that is true here in the Caribbean and throughout the Americas,” he stated.

Obama expressed his eagerness to build some concrete programmes that will give youths in the Caribbean the kind of education and training that will ultimately help to benefit not only their countries, but the world. During his visit in Jamaica, President Obama also spoke at a town hall meeting with young leaders at the University of the West Indies, where he committed nearly US$70 million to help young entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean develop their businesses through fellowships and incubators in the US. The Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative will provide 250 fellowships each year to enable participants from the United States and the Region to develop joint business and civil society initiatives.

business. Our comrades from the sugar industry, particularly our field workers, have been working diligently to keep production on pace with our target,” Ramotar said.

“We continue to be very grateful for the maximal effort being made by the sugar workers in our country. It is my hope that all stakeholders continue to support each other as we work together to overcome the challenges and threats to our industry from both local and international sources. In the meantime, we will ensure that all workers who were injured receive the best care available in our country and that they do not lose any benefits that workers are entitled to.”

More than 15 escape unhurt as minibus turns turtle

More than 15 persons on Thursday evening escaped unhurt as the Route 40 minibus they were travelling in, turned turtle at on Vlissengen Road in the vicinity of the Guyana Water Corporation (GWI), after it undertook several vehicles.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, the minibus bearing registration number BRR 6950 was still

However, Mark Ramotar, the driver of the car, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, related that the version given by the bus driver was inaccurate.

He noted that he was about to turn to enter Lama Avenue when the bus undertook his car.

Ramotar noted that Moonsammy missed the motor vehicle which was be-

on its top on the road, severely damaged while the passengers who managed to escape unhurt, were standing on the corner of the road.

According to Mahindra Moonsammy, driver of the minibus, he was travelling in the southern direction on the eastern carriage of the roadway, when the car, bearing licence plate PSS 9900 took a turn to enter Lama Avenue and it was while trying to avoid a collision, that he hit the curb and toppled on the roadway.

hind him, before slamming into his car. “He was undertaking all the time, and he just hit and flipped in the air and he toppled.”

According to eyewitnesses on the scene, the minibus driver is well known for speeding on the road as well as breaking the law by carrying more than the stipulated number of passengers. They noted that despite numerous reports to the Police, the bus was never impounded.

US President Barack Obama (centre left) speaks during a bilateral meeting with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at Jamaica House on April 9, in Kingston

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and President Donald Ramotar at the Caricom-USA Summit in Kingston, Jamaica

The upturned minibus on Vlissengen Road

Mark Ramotar (backing camera in black) and minibus driver Mahindra Moonsammy as they recount the events to the Police

Colin Moore one of the injured sugar workers being visited by a team headed by Acting President Samuel Hinds

PPP/C slams MMU

... for labelling Jagdeo’s Babu Jaan’s remarks “racially-divisive”

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has written to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) objecting to the decision to label a speech of Former President Bharrat Jagdeo at Babu Jaan on March 8 as “racially divisive…”

In a letter sent to the unit by the party’s Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha, the PPP said it regards the position adopted by the MMU as unfair and a gross misinterpretation of what was actually said.

“Was the speech of Comrade Jagdeo reviewed in its entirety, no reasonable mind could have arrived at such an interpretation. Comrade Jagdeo was simply reciting what was actually being peddled by other political parties and indeed, proceeded to condemn those statements and that type of political mobilisation

in strong terms. Indeed, he was condemning racism. He said, “Anybody from our party who uses that sort of language, we will kick them out. This is our approach”.

The PPP asked the MMU whether it is to assume that “you are encouraging political parties to use racism as part of their political campaign and strategy? We in the PPP have always and will continue to condemn racism whenever it rears its ugly head. That is precisely what Comrade Jagdeo did. It is mindboggling how you can interpret that to be “racially divisive”. It is the complete opposite.”

The party also said it noted the MMU’s “conspicuous omission to express a view on Kaieteur News’ very skewed and malicious twist of what Jagdeo said in an article a day after the event under the screaming headline, “PPP is a coolie people party – Jagdeo”.

“We also recognise that you failed to even respond,

more so, express a view on our complaints to you in relation to statements uttered by Veerasammy Ramayya from the APNU/AFC on television in Berbice. We note also that you have refused to comment on a complaint which we have lodged with the Commissioner of Police in relation to the Kaieteur News story. These omissions coupled with your misinterpretation of what was actually said by Jagdeo force us to question not only your objectivity but also your organisation’s professionalism and perhaps political bias,” the PPP said. In the circumstances, “we request a review of your decision at the earliest possible time and a retraction of what you published in relation thereto.”

Days after the furore over his remarks, Jagdeo had called a special news conference during which he stated that he was “proud” of raising the issue of race. He said that media entities were misguided in inferring that he was implying that the People’s Progressive Party is a race-oriented party.

At the event to commemorate the late Presidents Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, Berbice, Jagdeo had accused the Opposition of racism. “They did it in South Ruimveldt. I hope this doesn’t happen these elections because they did the last elections. We know

racism exists, we know they use that language to campaign but if we use it we are exacerbating it? “You should really go after the people who used it in a derogatory way, not me who is try-

ing to fight this… Now when I want to fight that you are saying it’s some evidence of some divisiveness… Jagdeo had said that the “mere fact we are talking about it here today gives hope that everybody will be vigilant on the campaign, that we don’t use that language. And you as well as me will keep your ears open also for the whisper campaign... From the last election to now I can bring maybe five persons who can say we have heard this in our homes or heard that, the drum beating people walking to their homes and saying and shouting this.”

Mahaicony man remanded for gun possession

Aresident of Catherine, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, was refused bail on Wednesday when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore after being charged for having in his possession guns without a licence.

The guns, a 45mm semiautomatic pistol and a six barrel revolver were found in the business place of the accused, Harrynarine Persaud on April 4 in Arau Landing, Wenamu River in the Essequibo Magisterial District. Three live rounds of .38 ammunition were also found at this location –all without a license of ownership.

Persaud, represented by his Attorney Adrian Thompson denied the charges. His attorney stated his inability to understand why only his client was charged for this offence when the business place hosts several employees and customers who were milling around the business place. Also, the Attorney stated that it seemed a giveaway to lay a firearm on an open table at the business for all

to see. He was adamant in making the court see these details as special reasons why bail should be granted. Attorney Thompson told the court that his client is a prominent businessman and resident of the Arau area. He has had no past problems with the law and no pending issues. Thompson said his client also has three children, the youngest being 17 years old.

However, Police Prosecutor Simone Payne told the court that the Police had acted on sound information that the items would be found at the business and it was. She stated that everyone at the business at the time was taken to the Police Station in the area and questioned profusely.

Police Prosecutor Payne told the court that it was the business owner, Persaud admitted to being the owner of the guns and ammunition found at his premises, thus his arrest and charges being laid. Also, Prosecutor Payne said that the advice

of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was sought on this issue and the decision taken to charge Persaud for the offences.

Magistrate Azore refused the defendant bail and ordered him to go to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court on June 15.

ExxonMobil optimistic about striking oil

Oil major ExxonMobil’s exploration activities in the Stabroek Block off Guyana’s Essequibo Coast are proceeding according to schedule, with results from current exploratory drilling expected soon.

The company’s massive rig dubbed the “Deep Water Champion” commenced operations more than a month ago on March 5. With the total area allotted to Exxon covering 26, 806 square kilometres, the company has a target depth of 1750 metres.

Country Manager Jeff Simmons of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited – the local arm of the company, said on Wednesday that the drilling was currently midway.

Simmons explained that it was expected that the team would conclude the initial stages of drilling shortly. At which time the project, valued some US$200 million, is expected to produce promising results.

The scope of operations spans a drillship, with approximately 200 crew and contractors; helicopter support flying out of Ogle International Airport a utility as well as a search-andrescue craft, which is always on standby; four support vessels and two shore bases – Georgetown and Trinidad, as well as a waste treatment facility at the John Fernandes Site at Houston, Greater Georgetown.

Further, Simmons said that the work has proceeded without any interference from Venezuela, which had initially raised some concerns about the rig’s operation in the Essequibo basin,

to which it has laid claim along with the entire county.

The company, which intends to pursue exploration activities over a 10year period, remains leery of a possible showdown with Venezuelan authorities, who had issued a warning for it not to proceed with the drilling, which was sanctioned by the Guyana Government.

Venezuela has repeatedly laid claim to the area to be explored, ignoring an 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award, which was declared as the full and final settlement of the boundary between the two South American nations. In October 2013, Research Vessel Teknik Perdana, which was surveying the seafloor for signs of oil on a Guyanese contract, was detained by Venezuelan authorities, who claimed the ship was in its water. The ship and crew were later released.

With Venezuela’s insistence on its position, Guyana is considering judicial settlement of the boundary.

Guyana has been receiving sustained international attention from huge companies, especially in the oil sector, particularly since the US Geological Survey said in 2000 that the Guyana-Suriname Basin has the second largest unexplored oil potential in the world after Greenland. ExxonMobil, the largest public traded international company in the world, is an industry giant that has the leading inventory of oil and gas projects, and the world’s largest refiner of petroleum products.

PPP/C Executive Secretary Zulfikar Mustapha

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo at Babu Jaan

friday, april 10, 2015|

Buried sperm whale...

Works Ministry to assess scent emanating from area

An unpleasant odour is now emanating from the area where the 42-foot sperm whale, which washed up on the Kitty foreshore last year, is now buried.

This is according to several reports received by the Guyana Times on Thursday.

The existence of the stench was also confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which disclosed that reports were made regarding the foul odour.

In December 2014, the whale was discovered dead on the shore near the Kitty Seawall after first being spotted by fisherman Bridgelall Tiwaree entangled in his net approximately four miles off the coast parallel to the Mahaicony River.

After its discovery, a decision was then made to bury the whale a short distance away from where it was beached, some 22 feet

Administration (NOAA); the Royal Ontario Museum (Canada); and experts from around the region had advised that the whale be buried in a remote area and the skeleton subsequently retrieved for educational purposes. That was the initial intention of the local authorities, however, the plan failed when the equipment procured was unable

bly intolerable for some.

Others have complained about driving pass the area and breathing in the horrendous odour.

When Guyana Times contacted Chief River and Sea Defence Officer of the Ministry of Public Works, Kevin Samad, he noted that EPA never confirmed if the stench was indeed from the whale. Samad ex-

under the earth.

However, this move was warned against by environmental experts, who had predicted the discharge of the unbearable stench, which they reportedly said could possibly affect the entire Georgetown for as long as two months.

In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

to lift the whale.

Approximately three excavators attempted to remove the whale, but when this proved to be difficult, the local authorities, reportedly based on the advice of the experts, resorted to the onsite burial.

But that move has now seemed to backfire, as the smell is becoming incredi-

plained that the Ministry is of the belief that the smell is not at all related to the buried whale but to the aftermath of the recent springtides.

Nonetheless, he disclosed that workers from the Ministry will soon be visiting the area to conduct an assessment of the situation.

Scrap metal dealer fined $10,000 for alleged theft at Bakewell

Ascrap iron dealer was brought before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday to face charges of simple larceny.

Christopher Singh, 32, pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which read that on Sunday, April 5 at North Road, Bourda, Georgetown, he stole one trolley worth $9500, property of Bakewell bakery.

The Prosecutor stated that on the day in question the defendant went to Bakewell (North Road outlet) where he stole the said trolley. Shortly after committing the offence, Singh was detained by the security guard of the establish-

ment and later then taken into custody by the Police and charged.

US completes review of Cuba’s status on terrorism list

United States President Barack Obama on Thursday said that the State Department had completed its review of whether to remove Cuba from its list of nations that sponsor terrorism, but he added that he had not yet received a final recommendation and was not ready to announce a decision.

“Our emphasis has been on the facts,” Obama said of considering Cuba’s removal from the State Department’s terrorism list, where it has remained for more than 30 years. “We want to make sure that given that this is a powerful tool to isolate those countries that genuinely do support terrorism, that when we make those designations, we’ve got strong evidence that, in fact, that’s the case.”

He added, “As circumstances change, then that list will change as well.”

Removing Cuba from the list would clear a major obstacle to the re-establishment of diplomatic relations, as the two former political enemies advance toward their closest ties in half a century. The review was ordered by Obama in December, when he and President Raúl Castro of Cuba agreed to restore diplomatic ties and move towards normal relations. The State Department looked at whether Cuba had engaged in terrorism activity in the last six months – the criteria for designating a country as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Speaking after a meeting with Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Obama said that the State Department’s determination was now going through an interagency review that has not yet been finished. The timing left open the possibility that he could announce a final decision at the Summit of the Americas opening in Panama on Friday, where he hopes to highlight momentum toward the diplomatic opening with Cuba. At the summit, any face-to-face

interactions Obama has with Castro – the first since the President announced the policy shift – will be scrutinised for their symbolic significance.

“There’s a process involved,” Obama said. “I won’t make a formal announcement today about what those recommendations are. I’ll wait until I’ve received them.”

Obama was attending a gathering of Caribbean leaders in Jamaica on his way to the summit in Panama. It will be Castro’s first time attending the Summit of the Americas, from which his country had been barred because of Cuba’s 1962 expulsion from the Organisation of American States at the United States’ behest. American officials have not ruled out the possibility of a one-on-one meeting between Obama and Castro. Cuba’s removal from the list would allow Obama and Castro to enter the summit

with a significant sign of progress to show for the months of behind-the-scenes negotiations between their governments that have followed the December announcement. It would also mark a crucial milestone in Obama’s effort to turn the page on a Cold Warera grudge. In meetings on Thursday, Caribbean leaders praised Obama for pursuing the normalisation of relations with the island nation, a move they said would be beneficial to the entire Region. PM Simpson Miller told the President: “You’re on the right side of history,” calling the opening “a bold and courageous move”.

Prime Minister Perry G Christie of The Bahamas, who was leading the Caribbean gathering, also singled out Obama’s shift in policy towards Cuba in his opening remarks, calling it “a pleasing and welcome development”.

Father of dead 4-month-old Kevon Critchlow gets bail

…

accused of

bakery

Speaking in his own defence, the man claimed that he did not know that he was committing an offence.

He said that on the day of the incident he saw the trolley on the road in front of the establishment and assumed that it was placed there for disposal after which he took it into his possession.

He further explained that after he proceeded to walk away with the item, he saw the security guard running behind and stopped after which he was detained without knowing the reason.

After considering all the facts presented, the Magistrate fined the man $10,000 and the matter was dismissed.

using abusive language and threatening language and behaviour

The father of dead fourmonth-old Kevon Critchlow was today before the the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court slapped with two charges of use of abusive language as well as threatening language and behaviour.

Kevin Critchlow, age 25, of 40 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charges which read that on March 23 at around 12:00h, he made use of abusive language as well as threatening language and behaviour against several nurses of the Plaisance Health Centre.

According to the prosecution, on the day in question – which was also the day of

the funeral for little Kevon Critchlow – the defendant rushed into the facility holding what appeared to be the baby’s coffin in one hand and a cutlass in the other.

It is alleged that he began to shout “Blood will be shed” and proceeded to fire several chops to a table before leaving.

The man’s defence Attorney Dexter Todd refuted these claims stating that the allegations being levied against his client are false. He claimed that on the day in question Critchlow was laying his infant son to rest and was nowhere in the vicinity of the health facility. He also stated that the man is in possession of a video of

the entire funeral procession and that several witnesses are willing to come forward to testify that Critchlow was in their presence at the time of the alleged incident. After listening to all the facts presented, the Magistrate granted Critchlow bail in the sum of $10,000 on each of the two charges. The man is expected to return to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on May 8.

Speaking to Guyana Times, Critchlow expressed his outrage at the charges, stating that he is the victim in this case and that at the time of the alleged incident he was in mourning and was in no state to even attempt such an act.

The defendant, Christopher Singh

A crowd of curious onlookers flocked around the dead mammal when it was discovered

Excavators attempting to remove the whale

Flashback: President Obama shakes the hand of Cuban President Raul Castro at a memorial for Nelson Mandela

Guyana among countries at historic Reparations Summit

Weeks after the Caricom Heads of Governments have cleared the way for several of its members to seek reparations for slavery from Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, Guyana is among the countries which have gathered in New York City for an historic Reparations Summit.

Scores of reparations advocates, Pan-Africanists and social justice activists from the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in New York for the summit which commenced on Thursday, and is expected to last until Sunday.

Guyana’s Reparations Committee Chairman, Dr Eric Phillips related that the Institute of Black World, an organisation based in the United States of America, in collaboration with the various reparations commissions, would be meeting to discuss the issue of reparations so that a solution can be reached.

“The Institute of Black World, along with Mr Ronald Durand, a Congressman in the United States, has agreed to meet with the various reparations com-

missions. The organisations which will be going to that conference in April are the Caribbean Reparations Commission, a delegation from Brazil because a group in that country is seeking

tions for slavery from Great Britain.

Among the participants are leaders of national reparations commissions, committees and task forces from 11 Caricom countries, led by Sir Hilary Beckles, Chairman of the Caribbean Community’s Reparations Commission and including Jamaican Professor Verene Shepherd.

Both will deliver feature addresses at the three-day summit being held across three of New York City’s five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Other keynote speakers include civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and Mireille Fanon, chair of the UN Working Group of Experts on Peoples of African

reparations too; there will be a delegation from the United States and the United Kingdom will be sending a delegation also so that extensive discussions on the matter can take place,” the Chairman related to this newspaper.

According to him, this will be the deciding factor on all future proceedings in Guyana seeking repara-

Descent and daughter of Frantz Fanon, the Black liberation theoretician from Martinique.

The purpose of the Summit is to advance discussion and debate around reparations issues and provide a platform for advocates from around the world to support and reinforce each other’s campaigns.

It is being hosted by

18-yr-old placed on $500,000 bail for perjury

An 18-year-old Berbicians was on Thursday placed on $500,000 bail when he appeared in a New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court to answer a charge of perjury.

Azam Shivgobin of Number 76 Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was not required to plea to the indictable charge which says that between December 6 and 17, 2012, he committed perjury in order to procure the conviction of Salim Bacchus for the offence of murder.

On Wednesday, Shivgobin told Justice Franklyn Holder in the Berbice Assizes that statements that he made to a Magistrate during the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the death of Police Detective, Constable

Jirbhan Dianand, also called “Justin” or “Bachan” were untrue.

Back then he had told the court that that he, along with his brother and the Bacchus along with Jirbhan Dianand were at a Chinese Restaurant at Corriverton opposite the National Insurance Scheme when the Police Office told Bacchus that he owes him $2.3 million.

He also said that Bacchus told them that they were going to Moleson Creek because he was going to pay the Police Officer. During the PI, Shivgobin had claimed that he was there when Bacchus went up to Policeman who was sitting in a car and he heard two gun shots.

However those statements he claimed under oath on Wednesday to be

untrue.

In the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, Defence Attorney Charrandass Persaud acting on behalf of Shivgobin told Magistrate Charlyn Artiga that the accused is not a flight risk and should be granted bail. He argued that the accused was on a charge before where bail was refused, but when it was granted he attended court regularly.

However, Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Phillip Sherriff objected to the granting of bail saying that the four offences are serious in nature and the accused may not attend court if granted his per-trial liberty.

Magistrate Artiga set bail at half a million dollars and ordered that Shivbobin return to court today when the matter comes up again.

the recently-established National African-American Reparations Commission (NAARC), which will be formally launched at the Summit. NAARC comprises some of the leading scholars, activists, attorneys and historians in Black America and follows closely on the establishment of a European Reparations Commission.

Caricom approval

The approval granted by Caricom means that the way has now been paved for the Caricom countries seeking reparations to dispatch their letters and reports to the relevant European countries to begin the process. This is expected to be done after the Summit concludes.

Should the countries refuse to accede to the requests made in the letters or to engage in dialogue, Caricom will then approach the International Court of Justice for intervention in the matter. Caricom is expected to dispatch the reports on behalf of the countries to Great Britain and France.

The Guyana Reparations Committee was established to seek compensation for the wrongs which were inflicted upon the indigenous people and Afro-Guyanese during enslavement by the Spanish, English and French. The Committee had been tasked with the preparation of a report via research on four key areas, to create a detailed historical narrative of indigenous genocide and African slavery, to create linkages from past discrimination to present-day inequality, to define and prove the nature of modern-day equality, and to denote policies adopted by the European countries to continue this process.

50 months for hire car driver who struck down

5-year-old

Twenty-nine-yearold Jageshwar Ragoobar, of Aurora Village, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was on Thursday sentenced to 50 months imprisonment for killing five-year-old Renel Roberts on the Good Hope Public Road.

Ragoobar made his appearance for the sentencing before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

Ragoobar was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after he was charged on November 19, 2014 for the August 24, 2014 collision.

Ragoobar was told by the court that there were several discrepancies and inconsistencies in his evidence and those of the witnesses he called on his behalf, but it was on the strength of the prosecution’s case, led by Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack, that his conviction was founded and not the weaknesses of his case.

Ragoobar had admitted in his evidence that he took a chance in overtaking Roberts and an excavator and a collision occurred during which the child was struck and tossed into the air.

Roberts and his grandfather Sydney Stephens were riding their bicycles on the Good Hope Public Road when both parties stopped and dismounted to pass an excavator which was on the western portion of the road. The grandfather in a recent interview with the Guyana Times said while he and his grandson stood waiting, the five-year-old boy was struck and both he and his bicycle were thrown in the air.

The child was picked by

persons at the scene and transported by the defendant to the Suddie Public Hospital. Five days after, Roberts succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Ragoobar’s Attorney, Latchmi Dindyal asked the Magistrate for some leniency, stating that Ragoobar was a first-time offender and the sole breadwinner of his family. She added that he always attended his court hearings, and he had never broken any other traffic laws.

The Magistrate said he considered those mitigating circumstances presented by the Attorney as well as the fact that the defendant rendered assistance to the deceased after the collision, but said the offence was a serious and prevalent one in light of the carnage on the roads recently, so a sentence should serve as a deterrent to not only the defendant but others in society, particularly given that the victim was so young. Scarce said he considered a condign punishment to be 50 months’ imprisonment.

Security Guard who exposed self to 82-year-old mother-in-law remanded

A60-year-old Security Guard was remanded on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when his reputed wife and neighbour complained of continuous provocation and abuse from him.

The defendant, Rocky Singh Sally was brought to Court Three on Thursday before Magistrate Judy Latchman where the charges were read to him and he was given an opportunity to answer them.

The charges stated that the defendant made use of threatening language to his reputed wife Badmattie Rahaman on April 5 at their residence at Lot 9 West Rumiveldt, Georgetown.

Also he is accused of unlawfully assaulting Betty Joseph on April 6 at the same place so as to cause her actual bodily harm.

This complainant told the court that she is 82 years old and the defendant has been a pain to her and her family from day one. She detailed that on Monday he pushed her hard into a door at their home which resulted in her arm getting hurt. She said that he had taken out his penis and asked her quite aggressively “if this was wa she wan.”

She sported a bandaged hand.

Rahaman also addressed the court. She stated that her husband does indeed behave in a boisterous manner sometimes, especially when he drinks. She stated that on Sunday he went to her place of work and let loose several expletives in front of her workmates. On Monday, this did not stop as her husband assaulted her mother and “cuss she up”.

The Virtual Complainant

(VC) continued that this happens mostly when her husband drinks, she mentioned that he had beaten her nephew quite badly while in Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. The defendant was unable to say anything to defend himself. He told the court that he has been together with Rahaman for 37 years where they produced five sons together. The defendant admitted to being in court last year when he had assaulted his wife.

Hearing all this, Magistrate Latchman was not lenient with the accused, stating that his actions were grave and quite serious in nature and with this there is no space for bail to be granted. He was remanded and ordered to return on April 17.

Renel Roberts

Guyana’s Reparations Committee Chairman, Dr Eric Phillips

Professor Verene Shepherd will address the reparations summit

The nine delegates competing for the title of Miss Linden Town Week Pageant 2015 slated for April 25, at Mackenzie Sports Club Ground were unveiled to the public over the weekend.

The delegates are going through rigorous training in preparing for competition

Akaleidoscope of colours adorned the Atlantic skies on Easter Monday, as thousands gathered on the Number 63 Beach on the Corentyne for the traditional kite-flying and family fun day. The signature activity on the beach – the Tourism Ministry and Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) kite-flying competition saw entries for the largest, smallest and most unusual kite. The event attracted a large crowd.

President Donald Ramotar stopped in at the popular Easter spot during his Easter outreach, and presented the trophies to the winners of the kite competition, noting that the creativity of Guyanese was

night. These include a fitness walk, community service and etiquette lessons. The delegates are being trained by Shellin Barker and Tamika Pellew.

One week before the pageant, there will be the intelligence segment aired live on NCN Channel 13 (Linden). On pageant

night, the delegates will compete in the talent, evening gown, introduction, swim wear and the final question.

Patrons will also be entertained by members of the Lichas Dance Company, Diana Chapman, Yoland Nedd, and others.

Tickets for the event cost $1000 in ad-

vance and can be collected at various locations in Linden. The event is coordinated by former Miss Guyana Universe contestant Lakota Mc Phoy, and is assisted by Karleen Barrow and Colwyn Abrams. The Miss Linden Town Week Pageant is promoted by VYBZ Entertainment Inc.

Meet the Delegates in the Miss Linden Town Week Pageant

unmatched.

The Head of State was warmly received by beachgoers, who greeted him with hugs and kisses, while others clamoured for photo opportunities.

A total of 14 persons participated in the competition – six in the Smallest Kite Category, two in the Largest Kite Category and six in the Most Unusual Category.

In the Smallest Kite Category, Felicity Smith was the winner with a kite measuring 0.6 cm x 0.6cm which depicted a Guyana Flag. She received a trophy and an Essequibo River tour for two as her prize.

In the Largest Kite Category, Keerat Tassim was the winner with a kite measuring 325 cm. He received a tro-

phy and a trip to Kaieteur as his prize; this may have also been the largest kite in the country.

In the Most Unusual Kite Category, Nandranie Kishun was the winner with a circular kite measuring 50 cm; she won a night for two at City Inn and a trophy.

The GTA Director, Indranauth Haralsingh, lauded the efforts of the team whose hard work made the occasion successful and thanked the patrons and participants for coming out and making the event a successful one.

He also recognised the efforts of the Number 63 Beach Committee and the Region Six Administration for their efforts to ensure that this year’s activity was safe, clean and fun.

Gtmemoirs will be hosting the inaugural ‘East Bank Comedy Jam’ on May 24 at Park Vue Hotel poolside, East Bank Demerara (EBD) in keeping with its mission of “Documenting the Life Experiences of Guyanese”.

The main objective of the event is to celebrate the contributions made to comedy by the late Guyanese Comedian Habeeb Khan. Slated to perform at the event are four of Guyana’s best young comedians who have been creating some stir here and abroad.

One of these people is a comedian and artiste while the other is a female comedian who knows her stuff as

a standup comic.

The other act has been in the comedy arena since he was a teenager and has blossomed into one of the finest in the industry and the last is said to be one of Guyana’s extinct creatures.

Emcee of the event is expected be Deejay Breeze from a popular sound system.

Apart from the acts, there will Fabian Gopaul who will be singing a few popular hits, originally sang by Guyanese singer Dave Martins.

The East Bank Comedy Jam not only aims to celebrate Guyanese comedy but also to encourage a greater appreciation of those practicing the artform and to

provide an occasion tailored to satisfy the entertainment needs of deprived villages along the East Bank of Demerara.

The official launch of the East Bank Comedy Jam is slated for Friday, April 24 at the Park Vue Hotel, Farm Village, EBD. Guyana’s own Kirk Jardine, commonly known as “Chow Pow” will be hosting the event.

Gtmemoirs was established on September 1, 2009, as a social media company which documents and publishes the life experiences of Guyanese.

Taking a closer look though, one would recognise that Gtmemoirs is a vibrant solutions provider, offering an array of services such as research and strategic planning, creative development, public relations, media plan-

The recently concluded weekend of activities to commemorate the Easter celebration in Bartica saw three young designers showcasing their talents at a fashion extravaganza held at the Bartica Community Centre ground, on Sunday evening.

This showcase of young talent re placed the Miss Bartica Regatta pag eant, which was cancelled due to the lack of financial support among oth er issues. There were three very talented designers who ensured that the audience was thrilled by every piece they had to showcase.

The show first saw designs by young Tiffany Sampson show casing her pieces un der the name ‘Sexy fan ny’. This small collection of 10 pieces began with a sassy short pants casual piece that opened the way for fabulous swimsuits, gents shirts and simply sexy cocktail dresses. This young teacher and mother of one had represented Bartica in the Guyana Fashion Week’s young designers’ compe tition and was a force to be reck oned with.

Taking the runway next were designs by former beau ty queen Joanne Lynch. Her all white pieces were simply mes merising, as she incorporated the intricate art of hand paintings on her outfits, blend ed with modern day designs while us ing cotton as her base fabric to cre ate these cool and comfortable pieces for all to wear,

from children to adult males and females. Her line was followed by “SKIN” – a collection by a very promising young man from Bartica. Dwight Beaton, who sees women’s bodies as that of Goddesses and says they should be treated the same way through fashion, vowed to make it even more beautiful. This line was nothing short of breathtaking, with pieces that can be seen on at the Grammy Awards or at any international red

Models for the presentation were all Barticians who strutted their stuff with much grace and elegance after just a few hours of training with model coach and Designer Paul Burnette. Also gracing the stage was Model International, Guyana, Ryan Washington who will be Guyana’s representative at Model International Pageant in Miami Florida

International Designer and Bartician by birth Sonia Noel had the honour of been the patron of this event. She also displayed her FIRST RESORT collection.

Noel , Elizabeth Moonsammy, Ervin Washington and Paul Burnette, another designer from the village, publicly pledged to ensure that these and other young designers from Bartica are given their rightful places and respect in the industry since they are all indeed forces to be reck-

ning and buying, as well as other interactive services.

Launched on June 1, 2014, www.gtmemoirs.com seeks to publish informative

stories about Guyana. These stories are highly engaging and socially driven about numerous issues experienced by all Guyanese.

With a growing audience of over two hundred thousand monthly readers, gtmemoirs has established itself as the fastest growing indigenous Guyanese community on the World Wide Web. Its mission is “To document Guyanese life experiences,” – this not only reflects our commitment to delivering content specifically targeted to Guyanese, but also content shaped by talented media professionals and enthused Guyanese of the same background.

Renowned Choreographer/ Model/Producer, Oral Welchman is in Guyana and will be offering a workshop to models dubbed “Putting your best foot forward” on April 18 and 19 at Red House, Kingston.

He will be joined by Launce Northe, a world famous male model. They plan to have a very interactive session during the two days. Models and aspiring models who are interested in attending the workshop are asked to contact Pamela Dillon of Simpli Royal on telephone numbers 665-4565 or 2252303. Each session will cost $2500.

Oral Welshman is a bone-fide dance artiste, choreographer with accomplished performances and teaching experience for over 20 years.

His journey began as a student of Choreography in Jamaica at the Ednamanly College; Martinique with Salako; and Guadeloupe with Linda Blue Dance Company. Welshman wears many hats, literally and figuratively. As a Principal Choreographer he has worked with the ‘Dancin’ Africa Company in Barbados as well as the National Football Season opening Choreographer.

As a Dancer and Choreographer, he has worked under Choreographer Ben Johnson from Italy for five years at the Almond Beach Resort. At the Plantain Garden Theatre he worked as a male dancer for over 15 years.

As a teacher, he has

schooled many students of varying ages in dance – the Barbados Dance Theatre for three years, Erdiston Primary School for five years and St George Primary School for three years. For the past four years he has been a dance coach and has guided many groups in their preparation for the Annual Community

Dancefest in Barbados.

For the past 12 years he has been the Production Manager and Creative Director for the Mother Daughter Talent Showcase in Barbados – an original show designed for the sole purpose of reinforcing the need to maintain and strengthen the bonds between mothers and daughters in this rapidly evolving society, where morals and family values among these two parties seem to be fading. He produced and choreographed the Karl Jackson International Hair show 2011 in Barbados, the Miss

Caribbean

Pageant which was also held in Barbados and has choreographed several international pageants; among them the Miss Caricom International in New York and Miss Tropical Paradise International New York and Jamaica to name a few.

Highlights of his career include the presentation of the iconic dance Emmerton that he created to the music of the legendary Mighty Gabby, (now Dr Carter) in the 1990s. Other memories include his participation as performer in the Commission for Pan-African Affairs, presentation by a untied Barbados Dance Association in the 1990s, also representing Barbados in several international dance performances which include Carifesta, Festag in Martinique, African Caribbean Pacific Festival (ACPF) (Santo Domingo) and was the only representative from Barbados at the South American Dance Festival.

Plus

Universe

Launce Northe

Chow Pow

Fabian Gopaul

Oral Welchman

Dwight Beaton with his show stopper piece

Torginol Paints golf tourney set for Saturday

The annual Torginol Paints 18-hole Medal Play Golf Tournament, sponsored by Continental Group of Companies, will tee off on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara.

According to Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) President David Mohamad, it is expected to be another keenly contested tournament that will feature several previous winners and emerging players.

According to Mohamad, the Continental Group continues to be a regular sponsor and members of the Club look forward to competing in Torginol tournaments.

“We are expecting 50- plus players this weekend. This is

great for us; it’s really good to see so many players are showing an interest in the sport,” he said.

Mohamed further disclosed that the ground, fairways and greens are all in excellent shape.

Meanwhile, Continental Group of Companies Marketing Manager Avalon Jagnandan expressed his delight at the sponsorship, adding that the company looked forward for another keenly competition.

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers, as well as for Best Net, Nearest-to-the-pin, and Best Gross.

Officials of Continental Group of Companies have been invited to present the prizes at the end of the Tournament.

Tee-off time is 12:30h and the presentation of prizes is fixed to

commence at 17:00h.

Last year’s winner was Shanella Webster, followed by Fazil Haniff, Kalyan Tiwari and Juliet Prince.

Mohanlall Dinanauth carted off the Best Gross prize, while the Nearest-to-the-pin award went to Brian Hackett.

Torginol Paints, with a factory at 9-12 Industrial Estate, Ruimveldt, and two main outlets at Regent and Hinck Streets and Regent and Alexander streets, Georgetown, manufactures a diversified range of paint and paintrelated products for every surface.

The products, branded under Torga and Arbo brands, have a wide range of decorative, industrial, commercial, furniture and other finishes.

Suarez’s double leads Barca to win Experience crucial to Windies fortunes, says Ramdin

Captain Denesh

Ramdin believes the experience of veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul and the senior bowlers, will be critical if West Indies are to seriously challenge England in the upcoming three-Test series.

The Windies face their old foes starting here Monday, attempting to reverse a trend that has seen them win just two Tests in 27 outings over the last 15 years.

Ramdin said Chanderpaul’s penchant for long innings in the middle order would be important in West Indies tallying big scores.

“His experience is second to none [especially with] all those matches he has played at international level,” the Trinidadian said.

“I’m sure he will go on to

get the most runs for West Indies as a Test player and I’m sure that’s his goal but with his experience in the middle order, batting all those balls, getting his hundred, 70s or whatever, [we need] guys to bat with him to get partnerships and get big totals so we have opportunities to win matches.

“The last time England were here, we won 1-0 in that series. It was a very hard fought series. Hopefully we can get good things going in this series again.”

After dominating England in the 1980s and early 1990s, West Indies have struggled in recent years.

They have suffered 17 defeats since the turn of the century and have lost all but one series – in 2009 when a shock innings win at Sabina Park handed them success

in the five-match series.

Ramdin said he as under no illusions about the size of the task, however, but believes that new ball bowlers like Jerome Taylor and Kemar Roach, along with frontline spinner Sulieman Benn, would be crucial in limiting England’s batting machine, especially in Caribbean conditions.

“It is going to be a tough grind. The series is going to be set up by big scores and that hour, hour-and-ahalf of aggressive bowling where you can pick up a couple wickets and a bowler can change a match for us so it can go either way but hopefully it can be on our side,” Ramdin noted.

“When you go away and play against the opposition, they put you in their conditions and exploit it quite

well so I can’t see why our bowlers can’t do it at home.”

Ramdin has also placed pressure on himself to perform. He averages a respectable 33 against the English and has hit two hundreds –including a career-best 166 at Kensington Oval during the 2009 series.

However, he struggled last year, averaging just under 23 from eight Tests but is looking to rebound.

“I have two half-centuries and a couple half centuries against the opposition so I’m looking forward to getting stuck in to their bowling attack,” Ramdin said.

“They have a good bowling attack, you can’t take that away from them but you just need to spend time out there. As a batter, once you spend time out there it becomes easier.” (CMC)

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were on target as La Liga leaders Barcelona won their ninth match in a row to stay in control of the title race.

Following heavy pressure, Messi curled Barcelona into the lead from the edge of the penalty area before the break.

Former Liverpool striker Suarez doubled the lead as he rifled the ball into the top corner from 18 yards.

The win was sealed by Marc Bartra’s close-range header before Suarez slotted in a close-range second.

Luis Enrique’s men have won 20 out of their last 21 matches in all competitions and remain four points ahead of second-placed Real - who beat Rayo Vallecano 2-0 later in the evening.

Barcelona, who face Paris St-Germain in the Champions League quarterfinal and play Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final, are chasing a treble.

But they will have to be

more clinical than they were against relegation-threatened Almeria, with a host of chances spurned during a dominant first half.

Messi’s brilliant curler from the right, his 33rd goal of the season, was all they had to show for a half in which they had 68% of possession.

Former Barcelona defender Sergi, who made more than 250 appearances for the Catalans, was taking charge of Almeria for the first time and their hopes of a shock result were effectively ended by Suarez.

The Uruguayan, who had been guilty of poor finishing in the opening half, cut inside on his left foot before drilling the ball into the top corner for Barcelona’s second.

By the time Bartra headed home the third from Xavi’s corner and Suarez converted Pedro’s pass, Almeria already knew the game was lost. (BBC Sport)

Continental Group of Companies Marketing Manager Avalon Jagnandan (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to LGC President David Mohamad

Luis Suarez

Shiv Chanderpaul

Denesh Ramdin

YELLOW PAGES

Friday, april 10, 2015

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Super Kings pull off thriller against Daredevils

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Chennai Super Kings’ best discipline backfired. Their famed blueprint - keeping wickets in hand to tuck into the final five overs - was foiled. With only 151 to get, Delhi Daredevils had the opportunity to fell a six-match losing streak to MS Dhoni’s men. But when aggression was required, they hid their best batsmen in the lower middle order. Those efforts to prevent the worst possible outcome only hastened its arrival as Daredevils lost by one run.

Albie Morkel was the only threat. He filled every Super Kings fan with a heady cocktail of dread and déjà vu. They have spent five years whistling for him. He was the source of probably their most famous win in IPL history. His allegiances are with Daredevils this season and struck an unbeaten 73 off 55 that indicated he could be more than just a handy source of nitrous when the finish line nears.

Ironically again, as well as he gave the Daredevils chase the spine it needed,

his finishing skills came up short. They needed six off the last ball. Morkel’s belt reached the cover boundary after an agonising bounce.

He had seen Ashish Nehra wreck the top orderone made up of Shreyas Iyer, who was making his IPL debut, Mayank Agarwal, who biffs but never persists and CM Gautam, who averages 18 and strikes at 108.

Nehra sent each one off with a kiss, and might as well have added another to one to the thinktank. But amid those setbacks, Morkel hung on and waited for the death. Another reason for the fans to worry. That’s usually how Super Kings win their games.

The only difference though is they try not to lose batsmen of the calibre of Yuvraj Singh and JP Duminy in the space of seven balls. Coming back from that eventually ended up being too much.

Super Kings had been 100 for 3 in the 13th over, with MS Dhoni lying in wait against a Daredevils side that spring cleaned of their iden-

tity but not of their nerves. The final flourish seemed academic, except it never came. Dhoni made only 30 off 27; his team made only 39 off the last five. They did have 150 on the board though, and the force of an MA Chidambaram crowd that hadn’t seen their IPL side play for nearly two years.

The only reason Daredevils came within one shot of victory was Morkel deviating from the Daredevils’ safety-first mindset.The decision to bowl was a clear indication. They were without Angelo Mathews, a forced absence, Zaheer Khan, for whom they shelled Rs 4 crores and Mohammed Shami, India’s top wickettaker at the World Cup.

So, the gentle seamup from Morkel kickstarted their season, there was a dropped catch in the second over and little-known Domnic Joseph was given the third. Despite sustaining two early wickets, Super

Kings had somehow raced to 59 at the end of the mandatory Powerplay. Cinderella wouldn’t have felt as jittery with one minute left to midnight.

But Nathan Coulter-Nile was Daredevils’ their fairy godmother. He harnessed the pace and bounce from the pitch to pack 14 dot balls and the invaluable wickets of Brendon McCullum and Raina in his four overs.

Daredevils needed his spell to calm them, and their two legspinners plotted a course reversal. Imran Tahir, who would sooner bowl lefthanded than play defensively, and Amit Mishra, the most productive spinner in seven years of IPL, tossed the ball up and turned it the wrong way enough times to leave the batsmen uncertain. They grabbed five wickets for 78 in 12 overs by taking the opposition head on. But the batsmen didn’t follow that example. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Chennai Super Kings innings (20 overs maximum)

DR Smith c Coulter-Nile b Imran Tahir 34

BB McCullum c Yuvraj Singh b Coulter-Nile 4

SK Raina b Coulter-Nile 4

F du Plessis c Iyer b Duminy 32

RA Jadeja st †Gautam b Mishra 17

MS Dhoni*† c Agarwal b Coulter-Nile 30

DJ Bravo lbw b Domnic Joseph 1

R Ashwin not out 12

MM Sharma not out 2

Extras (b 1, lb 10, w 2, nb 1) 14

Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 150

Did not bat: IC Pandey, A Nehra

Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-38, 3-71, 4-100, 5-117, 6-120, 7-148.

Delhi Daredevils Bowling: JA Morkel 3-0-28-0, NM CoulterNile 4-030-3, Domnic Joseph 3-0-18-1, Imran Tahir 4-0-27-1, A Mishra 4-0-21-1, JP Duminy 2-0-15-1.

Delhi Daredevils innings (target: 151 runs from 20 overs)

MA Agarwal c †Dhoni b Nehra 15

CM Gautam† c Bravo b Nehra 4

JA Morkel not out 73

SS Iyer c du Plessis b Nehra 7

KM Jadhav c Jadeja b Sharma 20 Yuvraj Singh c Pandey b Bravo 9

JP Duminy* b Pandey 5 NM Coulter-Nile b Ashwin 5 A Mishra run out (†Dhoni/ Nehra) 4 Imran Tahir c Raina b Bravo 2 Domnic Joseph not out 0 Extras (w 5) 5

Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) 149 Fall of wickets 1-15, 2-20, 3-39, 4-87, 5-99, 6-106, 7-123, 8-129, 9-137.

Chennai Super Kings Bowling: A Nehra 4-0-25-3, MM Sharma 4-0-33-1, IC Pandey 4-0-30-1, R Ashwin 4-0-25-1, DJ Bravo 4-0-36-2.

Arsenal are still playing catch-up to Chelsea but the infrom Gunners will be ready to pounce if the leaders suffer from some end of season yips, manager Arsene Wenger said on Thursday.

Arsenal are riding high in the Premier League and have shot up to second with 63 points from 31 matches after last weekend’s 4-1 victory against Liverpool.

Table-topping Chelsea still boast a seven-point and a game in hand advantage over the Gunners, but Wenger hopes his side can

maintain an impressive run of form that has seen them win 10 of their last 11 league matches.

“We still have many challenges until the end of the season,” Wenger told a news conference.

“It is interesting that we are in good form, and it’s interesting that we have a good team dynamic. Hopefully we can maintain that until the end of the season.

“We look behind us and people are chasing us, in front of us there’s quite a big distance with Chelsea

but we work very hard to reduce that.

“Then we will see where we stand.”

Arsenal travel to 19thplaced Burnley on Saturday and will welcome back midfielders Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby after injury.

“Burnley is a tough test for everybody,” Wenger said.

“You shouldn’t look at the table because they started slowly but recently they played very well against all the big teams in the league.”

Olivier Giroud has scored in each of his last

six league appearances and Wenger believes the French striker has finally adapted to the Premier League after joining from Ligue 1 side Montpellier in 2012.

“He is playing his best football since he arrived in England,” Wenger said. “The target of everybody when you wake up in the morning is to be better than the day before.

“If you are not capable of thinking like that then you are in the wrong job. He has accepted that and he has the right focus everyday to improve.”

(Reuters)

CAR RenTAlS

Albie Morkel almost pulled off a Chennai miracle

Alpha United ready for Suriname

– funding still a problem

Alpha “The Hammer”

United Football Club

President Odinga Lumumba believes that his team will rise to the occasion against Suriname in the Caribbean Football Union (GFU) Club Championships on April 15 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence despite their losing track record to the Dutch side.

“I think we are little more organised. We are a real strong team; the lack of playing time was a problem in the Kashif tournament –don’t get confused with the loss,” Lumumba stressed.

Lumumba, who admitted that his team “play like mess”, is of the strong belief that Alpha United will move

forward in the tournament.

“After this, there is another round; we always make it to the CONCACAF leg, so this is good competition. Alpha playing football is Guyana so it gives you the sense of Guyanese football,” the Club President said.

Meanwhile, Lumumba, who revealed that Alpha United is $3 million short to host both Suriname and Trinidad, cited funding as a major problem for sport in Guyana.

“The biggest problem in Guyana is the support and we don’t get it and I don’t know why sport doesn’t get the support.

“We are giving young people an option and these businessmen must realise that’s what we are doing,” Lumumba opined.

He declared that Alpha United will find a way to host the tournament in spite of the lack of support from corporate Guyana.

“Alpha has to find a way; we have the capacity to find a way… we don’t stoop; we don’t beg; that’s why we are the hammer,” Lumumba noted.

The Suriname team is expected in Guyana on Monday, while the Trinidad team is expected on April 14 for their clash with Alpha on April 17. (Treiston Joseph)

IAAF presidency: Sergey Bubka launches manifesto

Sergey Bubka has launched his manifesto for election to the International Association of Athletics Federations presidency, pledging to provide the most thorough athletics review ever.

Six-time world champion pole vaulter Bubka, 51, will run against Sebastian Coe to succeed Lamine Diack in August.

The Ukrainian has proposed holding more athletics events in public spaces.

“We have an opportunity to go closer to the public. This can be on squares, in streets, in shopping malls,” he said.

“I remember competing in these types of competitions when I was an athlete and they are very attractive.”

The proposed examination of “every significant element of our sport” would focus mainly on restructuring the global events calendar and the federations’

rules and by-laws. Bubka also said that he was pleased with how the World AntiDoping Agency had approached claims of widespread drug use among Russian athletes.

But he added: “Cheaters will be punished. And we must protect and highlight clean athletes. We need to study how we can legally strengthen sanctions - it will need a very deep study.”

Other aspects of Bubka’s manifesto include:

* using more technology, such as biometric chips and cameras

* a focus on youth and creating more school-level competitions

* creating a position of IAAF chief executive officer to help share the workload of the general secretary

* promoting mixed gender competitions

Lord Coe, 58, who oversaw London’s hosting of the 2012 Olympics, has also made the athletics calendar, youth engagement, anti-doping and public competitions central to his bid for the presidency. (BBC Sport)

Trainer: Manny Pacquiao motivated by Floyd Mayweather’s past issues

Manny Pacquiao’s trainer says his boxer is especially motivated to beat Floyd Mayweather because of Mayweather’s history of domestic violence.

“Manny is really against domestic violence,” Freddie Roach told USA Today on Tuesday. “It is a big issue maybe in the Philippines for him and being a congressman he can control some of

that stuff. That is a big plus for me that Manny does not like the guy, I think the killer instinct is going to come back a lot faster.”

Pacquiao and Mayweather are scheduled to fight on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Mayweather has a checkered past that includes multiple brushes with the law. He was incarcerated in Las Vegas for two months

in 2012 for a misdemeanor domestic battery case, in which Mayweather engaged in a hair-pulling, arm-twisting attack on his former girlfriend, Josie Harris, while two of their three children watched.

“It is really hard to say these things in public, but I know (Mayweather) is a bad guy,” Roach told USA Today.

“(I see the fight as) good

against evil, yes. I have even thought about bringing a couple of the metro cops from Vegas in to tell Manny how many times (Mayweather) has been arrested and how bad of a guy he is, but I decided I can’t go that far. He already doesn’t like him; I think we are OK.

“For the first time in my life with Manny Pacquiao, this is the first fighter he hasn’t liked. I can tell.” (ESPN)

masters 2015: Rory mcilroy & tiger Woods top augusta bill

World number one Rory McIlroy will be hunting down history as well as his first Green Jacket when he steps out on to the first tee at Augusta National on Thursday.

Northern Irishman McIlroy has only one top-10 finish in six previous visits to the Masters, but begins as clear favourite as he seeks to become only the sixth man to win all four majors.

The return of four-time champion Tiger Woods after the collapse in form that led him to take an indefinite break from the game had already heightened expectations around a tournament that needs little hyping.

Reigning champion Bubba Watson is also seeking a third title in four years, but McIlroy - whose campaign begins in a group with Phil Mickelson and Ryan Moore at 15:41 BST - believes he has both the experience and form to prevail.

“My mind wanders to winning this tournament and thinking what it would be like and what it would mean,” said the 25-yearold.

“You come to Augusta National, and it’s such an intimidating place the first time that you get here.

“I may have shown it a little bit too much respect at times, instead of playing my normal game and playing the way I usually do.

“I’m more experienced now. I think I’m better equipped now to handle if things don’t go quite the right way.

“All the work I’ve done gearing up for this week has been good.”

Woods, who is chasing a 15th major seven years after his last, goes off three hours after McIlroy in a group containing fellow American Jimmy Walker and Wales’ Jamie Donaldson.

The 39-year-old has been on a sustained charm offensive since arriving in Georgia, insisting his game is in shape to compete even if his form over the past few years would sug-

gest otherwise.

Since the start of 2014 the former world number one has bagged only one top-50 finish on tour. Woods has slipped to 111 in the rankings after struggling badly with his short game.

“People would never understand how much work I put into it to come back and do this again, it was sun up to sun down,” he said.

“Competing is still the same. I’m trying to beat everybody out there. That hasn’t changed. I’ve got four Green Jackets, I want five.”

The lure of the Masters - the first major of the year - combines genuine tradition and carefully constructed myth in equal measure. With its rolling fairways, viciously fast greens and banks of azaleas and pine trees, it is the most iconic of sporting theatres.

“You’re in awe of the place,” said Watson, paired with Justin Rose and Gunn Yang.

“This is what I consider the best golf course in the world.

“To have the Green Jacket twice wrapped around me - I still can’t believe it. I can’t put it into words how special it is and crazy it is that I have two trophies at my house.” (BBC Sport)

Odinga Lumumba

Sergey Bubka

Tiger Woods

NSC Easter swimming camp concludes today

With newfound basic knowledge of the fundamentals of the sport of swimming, dozens of young Guyanese will today graduate from the National Sports Commission’s annual Easter swimming camp at the Colgrain Pool on Camp Street.

The programme, which attracted 50 boys and girls from Georgetown and neighbouring areas, catered for youths who had no prior experience in a swimming pool.

Youths between the ages of 6 and 11 attended the two-week course, which was conducted by Cuban coach Isabel Maria Cousa Fals and three local instructors.

The youngsters were divided into two groups, which were further sub-divided into smaller groups to facilitate quality supervision.

Director of Sport, Neil Kumar, who has always been an advocate for young persons joining the swimming fraternity and learning a critical life skill, pointed out that the Sports

Commission, and by extension, the Government, remained committed to the development of the sport.

He spoke of the Administration’s investment in the National Aquatic Centre, noting that the facility at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, would be utilised in the event the current programme outgrows the Colgrain Pool on Camp Street.

Sessions were conducted in the mornings from 09:30h to 11:30h, with the two groups allotted one hour each.

Upon completion of the programme today, the participants will be presented with certificates, and those who impress the coaches will be recommended to join the six-week camp, starting in August at the same venue.

Tredwell laments lack of stronger opposition in tour game

Off-spinner James Tredwell has lamented the quality of opposition in England’s first two-day warmup match which ended Tuesday but says the tourists made the most of the outing in preparation for next week’s first Test.

England faced a St Kitts and Nevis Invitational XI short on real quality, with the likes of Leeward Islands first class playes Shane Jeffers, Steve Liburd and Sherwin Peters included.

Most of the side, however, lacked extensive experience at first class level.

Playing at Warner Park, the hosts were dismissed

for 55 in their first innings and were struggling at 76 for seven in their second innings when play was called off.

The visitors meanwhile, piled up 379 for six declared in their first innings, with captain Alistair Cook stroking a hundred.

“We’d have liked a sterner contest but you play the cards you are dealt and get on with it,” Tredwell said.

“A little bit of a sterner contest would have been handy, but it’s time in the middle for us.”

He added: “You don’t necessarily want to start the tour with a long day in the dirt early on either.”

England clash with

West Indies in the first Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua starting next Monday.

The drawn two-day encounter will be one of two tour games in preparation for that contest, with a second two-day game scheduled to start on Wednesday at Warner Park against the same opponents.

With the Test in mind, England has asked to bowl the entire first day regardless to who wins the toss.

Tredwell said the aim in the second game would be to give both their bowlers and batsmen a full day in the field.

“The chat about Wednesday was that we would try and bowl for a full day to get the 90 overs in our legs, two or three spells for the bowlers, and bat on the last day for a long time,” Tredwell added.

“If we spend the whole day in the field it’s probably more important than anything else. It’s really about time in the middle and miles in the legs.”

The Antigua Test will be followed by contests in Grenada and Barbados. (CMC)

Kallicharran commences GCB Youth Programme

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) commenced its contract with former West Indian batsman Alvin Kallicharran, with training sessions at the Wales Community Centre Ground on Thursday.

Kallicharran was able to observe the players during the first and second days of the opening round of the GCB/Raj Singh Insurance Broker Under-19 Inter-County Three-Day Competition.

On Day One, he was at the Wales Community Centre Ground for the match between Berbice and a select Under-17 squad, and on Day Two, the Everest Cricket Club Ground for the match between Essequibo and Demerara.

Prior to the start of play on each day, the former West Indian batsman had discussions with the teams and their management.

He spoke about self-concept, batting technique, and mental strength. His advice and teaching were well-re-

ceived by all.

In addition, during the course of the days, he engaged individual players in discussions based on his observations.

Kallicharran emphasised the need for positive self-

players will be able to naturally apply themselves to the technical aspects of the game.

“At the end of the day while practice makes perfect, the input of the players during physical training,

concept while noting the importance of positivity in the approach to the game.

Further, Kallicharran also underscored the importance of players being technically sound, as such

Spirited Essequibo fall...

However, the tone of that session was quickly changed when both Parsotam and Williams were dismissed.

A Persaud removed Parsotam for 59, an innings that spanned 105 balls with 10 boundaries, and Albert accounted for Williams for 10 at 117-4.

S Persaud and Captain Travis Drakes then did well to weather a testing period under overcast conditions before a sharp shower sent the players back indoors half an hour before the scheduled tea session.

Upon resumption, the pair batted relentlessly. However, the hosts finally ended a fifth-wicket partnership of 44 when Hubbard (11) tempted Drakes into a big heave, offering a simple catch at short mid-on.

Keanu Harry (2) was trapped leg before wicket to A Persaud at 169-6.

Akinie Adams joined S Persaud, who continued to drove and cut convincingly, but after hitting a compact 46, he was cleaned up by pacer Rutherford.

Two balls later, Rutherford also cleaned up

net practice and other preparation approaches, must be transferred to productivity in matches which requires great mental application,” the legendary batsman stated.

Looknauth Khinkoo (0) to leave the Essequibians at 206-8.

Daniel Basdeo claimed the wicket of Adams for 17, while Hubbard wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Neiland Cadogan for 13. Jadewnel Hartman was left unbeaten on six. In the other first-round game between Berbice and Guyana Under-17 at the Wales Community Centre Ground, Berbice won by 10 wickets. Scores in the match: Under-17s – 94 and 121; Berbice – 214 and 2 without loss).

Neil Kumar

James Tredwell

from back page

Alvin Kallicharran (centre) with Demerara and Essequibo teams at Everest

Alvin Kallicharran in discussion with players at the Everest Cricket Club Ground

Spirited Essequibo fall short in first innings by 35 runs

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Essequibo produced a spirited batting display, but fell short of Demerara’s first innings total by 35 runs when the second day’s play in the first round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-19 Inter-County Three-Day Tournament ended on Thursday at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Essequibo were bowled out for 226, 10 minutes before the scheduled cut-off time, replying to Demerara’s first innings of 261.

Parmesh Parsotam stroked an attractive halfcentury, while Nathan Persaud and Sachin Persaud both stroked entertaining innings to frustrate the hosts for almost the entire day.

Fast bowler Sherfane

Rutherford led the way with 3-45, while left-arm spinner Akshaya Persaud (248) and off-spinner Malcolm Hubbard (2-13) were the best bowlers on show.

Vivian Albert and Daniel Basdeo also chipped in with a wicket apiece. Resuming on one without loss, Essequibo lost Satesh Latchana when he was un-

fortunately run out for nine at 19-1.

Fellow overnight batsman N Persaud and Parsotam came together and were particularly watchful.

Lucky Dollar supports Soft Shoe Tournament

The inaugural Busta Soft Shoe Football Tournament continues to receive corporate support, even before its kick-off on Thursday evening.

The new and innovative concept, even before a ball was kicked, attracted the benevolence of Lucky Dollar who came on board with an undisclosed sum on Wednesday. Representatives of the

Regent Street, Georgetown store said their donation was indicative of their support for the Petra Organisation, which is the coordinating body for the Tournament, as well as the new format being played in Guyana for the first time.

Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, who was on hand to receive the entity’s contribution, thanked the busi-

ness establishment for partnering for the development of football.

He said corporate support was vital for the growth of the sport, noting that Lucky Dollar was placing its finances into a worthy venture.

Twenty-four teams are vying for top honours in the inaugural tournament, with the champion team guaranteed $600,000.

The pair frustrated the Demerara bowlers, and took the total to 71 before Persaud was removed by Rutherford on the stroke of lunch for 31.

By the interval, Essequibo were 72-2, with Parsotam on 25 and David Williams on one.

After having dug in on a benign surface for most

of the opening session, Parsotam opened up immediately in the post-lunch session. He completed his 50 with his ninth four off just 88 balls.

GDA presents winners of international tourney with prizes

The winners of the inaugural Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA) International Tournament received their prizes on Wednesday evening at a simple handingover ceremony.

Guyanese club Rage pocketed the US$5000 firstplace prize, while second place went to Specialist along with the US$2500 prize money. Spartan Gladiators finished third and took home US$1500,

while Dream Team ended in fourth for US$1000.

Kanhai Samaroo was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, despite his team finishing outside of the top four. Samaroo won a maximum of 18 games during his time of the table.

GDA President Faye Joseph highlighted that the success of the tournament was a “dream come true”. Joseph also noted that next year’s edition will be

better and pleaded with corporate Guyana to support the game.

“I think we’ve shown that dominoes is more than just a past-time game and can be played at a big stage and could be lucrative. We wish that corporate entities support us next year,” Joseph said.

Teams came all the way from the USA, Canada and several Caribbean territories to make up the 13-country Tournament.

Sachin Persaud on the drive during his knock

Parmesh Parsotam

Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca (second right) receives Lucky Dollar’s sponsorship from representatives of the store on Wednesday

GDA President Fay Joseph hands over the winner’s trophy and US$5000 to a representative of Rage Domino team while other members look on