Guyana Times Daily - July 7, 2015

Cop crushed to death in EBD accident Granger calls

Newly-crowned Miss Jamzone Guyana Cardella Hamilton and first runner-up in

tuesday, july 7, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man dies after car rams into horse

… several others injured; some critical

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

Afather of five was on Sunday morning killed after the car in which he was travelling slammed into a horse along the Liliendaal Railway Embankment, Greater Georgetown and then into another vehicle which was proceeding in the opposite direction.

The accident which occurred at about 01:45h also left two other persons injured. The dead man has been identified as Shawn McPherson, 33, of Lot 10 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD) while the driver of the car he was travelling in, Shabeer Mohamed, 23, of Lot 53 Goedverwagting, ECD, is listed as critical at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

A third person, Jason (only name given) who was the backseat passenger, received a broken leg and is said to be in a stable condition.

According to information received, the three men were heading to Georgetown in a silver grey Toyota Carina 212 motorcar and in the vicinity of the Caricom Secretariat, when the driver slammed into a horse which caused him to lose control of the vehicle. Their vehicle then collided with another car travelling in the opposite direction. McPherson, who was the front seat passenger, received the blunt of the impact and from reports received; he succumbed to his injuries on the spot.

Other vehicles which were passing at the time of the accident assisted Mohamed and Jason out of the vehicle and rushed them to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were admitted.

Hospital officials confirmed that while Jason suffered a broken leg, a diagnostic test could not have been conducted on Mohamed due to the alcohol level in his system. McPherson on the other hand, was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical institution. At the home of the dead man, his brother, Kwesi McPherson told Guyana Times that he leant of the accident at about 05:30h when he received a telephone call from a friend. After he heard of the accident, he went to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he saw Mohamed and Jason. Mohamed, he stated, was not responding while Jason’s foot was in a cast.

While he was not prevue to all the information surrounding the accident, he told the Guyana Times that his brother and the two others would normally hang out together. He stated that his brother and the two others were on the East Coast partying when they made a decision to drive to Georgetown to get something to eat. He stated that it was on their journey to town that the driver, who might have been

heavily intoxicated, hit a horse and subsequently a car which was heading in the opposite direction. His brother, who is a construction worker died on the spot, he added.

He last saw his brother alive on Saturday evening. He described his brother as an easy going person who had a lot of potential. He stated that his five children are now left without a father. He leaves to mourn his five children, mother, siblings and other relatives.

When Guyana Times visited the home of Mohamed, his sister-in-law confirmed that he was in a critical state and that he was not responding. She disclosed that the family is praying for the best. She could not confirm when Mohamed would have left the house but noted that her brotherin-law was partying earlier in the Plaisance area along with Jason but was not sure at what point in time McPherson joined them. She explained that the family received the news about the accident at about 02:30h and immediately rushed to the hospital. She stated that when they initially got the news of the accident, they were told that at least two persons were dead thus creating some panic in the house.

It was until they arrived at the hospital that they saw Mohamed lying on the bed and doctors were attending to him. In addition, they leant that McPherson had passed away. The Police have launched an investigation into the accident. The driver of the other car is being questioned by Police. He would have sustained minor injuries and is being treated at the Georgetown Hospital.

Chinese Creek murder stemmed from triangular love affair

A29-year-old

Pomeroon resident is expected to be charged for the murder of his boss, Antonio Rodriguez Da Silva who was stuck to the head during a confrontation after he found out that his reputed wife was allegedly cheating on him with the young man.

The incident took place at Chinese Creek, Puruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Saturday evening. Delaun Charles was arrested on Sunday afternoon by a team of Police ranks who travelled up to the area to investigate the matter. According to information received, Charles also sustained a chop

wound to his shoulder and was treated at the Bartica Regional Hospital. He was subsequently handed over to the Police.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that Charles was employed with Da Silva, 47, of 524 South Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown for some time now, but allegedly only recently began a relationship with the man’s reputed wife unknown to him.

However, on Saturday evening, another miner reportedly informed Da Silva of the relationship which sent him into a rage.

As a result, Da Silva and Charles had a heated argument about 18:00h during

Suspect in Nandy Park murder nabbed at bus park

One of the three suspects wanted for the murder of Travis Rudder who was gunned down at his Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home was arrested on Sunday evening as he was about to board a minibus at the East Bank Demerara minibus park, in Stabroek, Georgetown.

Orpheus Johnson, age 27, of Lot 13 First Street, Craig, EBD was reportedly spotted by a Police rank in plain clothes who confronted him. During the confrontation, the Police rank informed him that he was wanted for the murder committed on Rudder, the attempted murder of the mother of Rudder’s child as well as the attempted murder of Rudder’s 18-monthold son.

As such, the officer called for backup and a search was conducted on his person where an unlicensed 9mm Beretta Pistol with 18 matching rounds of ammunition were discovered. It is believed that the same calibre of bullet was used to kill Rudder. Apart from

the murder charge that is supposed to be instituted against Johnson, he was also wanted for a number of armed robberies.

Johnson, who was accused of the 2009 murder of Brendon Charles, was freed in October 2013 in the High Court by Justice James Bovell-Drakes after a nocase submission was upheld in his favour.

Justice Bovell-Drakes set Johnson free after his Attorney Latchmie Rahamat made a no-case submission on his behalf, stating that there was an insufficiency of evidence by the prosecution after State Counsel Natasha Backer closed her case. It was alleged that between April 7 and April 8, 2009, at Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara, Johnson murdered Brendon Charles, whose body was discovered in a yard several streets away from his Lot 914 Fourth Field, Kaneville home.

Johnson was 21 when the charge was first read to him.

However, the Police are on the hunt for his two other accomplices in the murder of Rudder and they are hopeful that during interrogation, he will reveal their whereabouts. One is said to be another freed murder accused.

Murder accused Travis Rudder, age 26, of Lot 130 Lindley’s Avenue, Nandy Park, EBD, was gunned down on the morning of June 21 after several gunmen opened fire on him and his family while they were asleep. His 18-month-old son, Travic Rudder, and 31-yearold girlfriend Mawanza Gill, of Lot 149 Regent Street, Georgetown were also injured during the executionstyle killing.

It was reported that Rudder, Gill and their son were in one of the rooms in the house while his mother and his younger brother were in another when several men with 9mm pistols with extended magazines opened fire through the bedroom window. Based on reports, Rudder was shot several times while his girlfriend was shot about seven times to her legs and the baby was shot five times. The Police have since recovered 26 9mm warheads from the scene.

After the shooting, the men fled the scene in a white car after which Gill started to shout for help. After a few minutes, a neighbour ran to her rescue but due to her injuries, he was unable to move her but took the baby and sped off to the Georgetown Public Hospital where the baby underwent emergency surgery. Gill was later collected by an ambulance and taken to the medical facility.

Both the baby and his mother have been discharged from the hospital. Police are continuing their investigations.

Bagotville cultural group unveils plans for Emancipation observances

Twhich the mining camp owner collected a chopper and dealt one blow to Charles. Charles started to bleed and in retaliation, he reportedly collected a piece of wood and struck Da Silva to his head, causing him to fall to the ground where he died.

Hospital officials confirmed that Da Silva’s body bore no chop wounds but a laceration to the head. The murder weapon was retrieved as Police continue the investigation into the matter.

Charles, however, is expected to be brought to Georgetown where he will be read the murder charge at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

he Bagotville Cultural Circle in preparation for Emancipation 2015 will be hosting nine days of cultural activities leading up to the grand holiday.

The group has planned several activities commencing July 24 and ending on August 1 , Emancipation Day. All activities will be held at the Bagotville Community Centre on the West Bank of Demerara.

Some of these activities include a Joint African Parade from Vreed-en-Hoop to the Bagotville Community Centre Ground, a family fun day, metemgee competition, a spelling bee competition, distribution of school supplies to children of the communities, African fash-

ion show, a night of spiritual singing and folk dancing, a cultural night and many other activities that will be fun for the entire family

On July 25, a symposium will be held at the centre with speakers including Attorneys-at-Law Nigel Hughes and Onasis Granville and African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) Director Eric Phillips. Interested persons can contact the Vice Chairman of the organisation, Kinisani Adams on 664-8684.

This year marks the 176th Emancipation anniversary in Guyana. Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, as it was earlier called, marks the abolition of slavery in 1834. With

the fall of slavery, there was a radical change in colonial life. By 1838, the overall emancipation had come into action.

Many former slaves swiftly departed the British plantations. Some of them shifted to villages and towns with a feeling that field labour was inconsistent and degrading given their newfound freedom, whereas others accumulated their resources and purchased abandoned estates to create village societies. Others departed for the hinterland as pork-knockers.

Emancipation also led to the importation of new ethnic groups – the Portuguese, Chinese and East Indians, into British Guyana as indentured labourers.

Dead: Shawn McPherson

Murder accused Orpheus Johnson

Slain: Travis Rudder

tuesday, july 7, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, July 7 – 09:00h-11:00h and Wednesday, July 8 – 10:00h-11:30h

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

Tuesday, July 7 – 08:15h-09:45h and Wednesday, July 8 – 09:10h-10:40h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers can be expected throughout the morning, with heavy rain showers in the late afternoon. Thundery showers are expected to give way to clear skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 3.12 metres per second.

High Tide: 08:27h and 20:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.59 metres and 2.52 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:58h and 14:27 reaching minimum heights of 0.65 metre and 0.64 metre respectively.

Cop crushed to death in EBD accident

Ayoung rank of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was tragically killed on Monday morning after his head was crushed by a sand truck at the Providence Access Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is Constable 22349 Edison Williams, 19, of Lot 32 Public Road, Number 53 Village, Corentyne, Berbice. He was stationed at the Brickdam Police Station. The incident occurred around 09:45h. According to information reaching Guyana Times, the young officer was at the Providence Access Road offloading and setting up barricades for a Hits and Jam event that was happening a short distance away when the incident happened. He was not in uniform at the time.

According to reports, Constable Williams was carrying a barricade when the truck, bearing registration number GLL 8197, drove by, heading further up the

at the time, the driver and a porter. They were taking a load of sand to a construction site.

The worker told this newspaper that he did not know how the accident occurred, noting that it all

access road. It was reported that the barricade became hooked onto the external rear-view mirror on the right hand side of the vehicle unbeknownst to the driver. Williams was eventually dragged to the ground. The officer then ended up under the truck and was run over by the back wheel. Reports indicated that there were two occupants in the truck

happened so quickly. “I can’t really say what happen … it just happen so fast and like I still can’t catch me self till now,” the distraught young man related.

When Guyana Times visited the scene, the body had already been removed and investigators were examining the scene. Construction workers who were working a short distance away from

where the accident occurred related to this publication that the driver failed to adhere to signals given by the Police, who were telling him to stop. However, they maintained that the fairly young driver was not speeding, but was driving at a moderate pace.

Distraught

In a release from the Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Police Force, it was stated that Williams was “putting down road barriers along the Providence Access Road, EBD, for an activity today when he was struck down and run over by a motor canter, the driver of which had failed to comply with signals to reduce speed”.

The Police further disclosed that the injured officer was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Guyana Times was informed that the 19-year-old Constable only joined the Police Force about a year ago. He was the youngest of three sons and was residing with his grand-

mother, with whom he grew up. Williams’ cousin, Julita Joseph, told this newspaper that they received a call Monday morning from an officer at Brickdam Police Station who informed them of Williams’ tragic demise.

“We didn’t believe him, but then my mother called the Station (Brickdam) and they confirmed it … right now we trying to hold it together, but my grandmother is in a state of shock and distraught. She mine he from small, he mother living in the island (St Lucia),” Joseph said.

She recalled that they last saw Williams about a week ago when he came to visit and last heard from him on Saturday. “We call he Saturday and he tell we he gone call back the night, but he never did and look what happen now,” she cried.

The woman described the 19-year-old as a quiet and happy individual who never got into trouble. The driver of the Foden 3335 model truck has been taken into custody to assist with the investigation. The truck was impounded.

Dead: Constable Edison Williams

The scene where the accident occurred

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

End Cuba Embargo

Ron Paul is an American physician, Republican Congressman and a two-time candidate for that party's Presidential candidacy. With President Obama supporting legislation for the removal the US embargo on trade with Cuba – blocked however by the Republicancontrolled Congress – Paul's opinion piece from yesterday offers an instructive review.

"Last week we saw an encouraging sign that the 50 year cold war between the US and Cuba was finally coming to an end. President Obama announced on Wednesday that the US and Cuba would restore full diplomatic relations and that embassies could be re-opened in each country by the end of the month.

For this achievement, which was resisted by vested interests in the US, Obama should be praised. However we shouldn’t be too optimistic about truly establishing normal relations until we understand how relations became so abnormal in the first place. The destruction of relations between the two countries was preceded by US intervention on behalf of a hated Cuban dictator, Fulgencio Batista, which had turned the Cuban people against the United States and set the stage for the emergence of Fidel Castro.

In 1944, after Batista’s first term as president of Cuba, he emigrated to the United States. When his campaign to return to office in 1952 looked lost, he led a military coup, seized power, and declared himself president. The US government quickly recognised his military junta as the legitimate government of Cuba and began propping him up. Much of the Cuban economy was in the hands of well-connected US companies, and the US government exerted its influence to their financial benefit.

The Cuban dictatorship was helped along by US assistance. The secret police was trained by the United States and was used to brutally suppress any political opposition. Almost all US aid to Cuba was in the form of military equipment used brutally against the Cuban people. The US was seen as the force behind Batista’s dictatorship.

As John F. Kennedy said while campaigning for the presidency in 1960:

'Fulgencio Batista murdered 20,000 Cubans in seven years … and he turned Democratic Cuba into a complete police state — destroying every individual liberty. Yet our aid to his regime, and the ineptness of our policies, enabled Batista to invoke the name of the United States in support of his reign of terror.'

"US intervention in Cuban affairs really got a boost when Batista was overthrown by the young revolutionary Fidel Castro. As Stephen Kinzer writes in the excellent book, “The Brothers,” Castro’s rise to power was not immediately condemned by the US. When Castro traveled to the US shortly after taking power, he met with Vice President Richard Nixon, who found that Castro “has those indefinable qualities which make him a leader of men.” But Nixon worried that the US might not be able “to orient him in the right direction.” Nixon was concerned that Castro sounded too much like Indonesian president Sukarno, who urged countries to join a non-aligned movement to resist both superpower camps at the time. The US could not tolerate the non-aligned movement and pushed a zero-sum game in global politics.

When Washington realized it could not control Castro, it embargoed the island and began launching plots to overthrow and even kill him. US policy likely was responsible for Castro turning to the Soviet Union in the first place.

This US intervention in Cuba’s internal affairs continues to this day. Even under Obama several US plots to overthrow the regime have been exposed. So while opening an embassy in Havana is a positive step, this embassy must be used to help promote truly normal relations with Cuba. That means an end to the embargo, an end to the travel ban, and an end to US interference in Cuba’s internal affairs. A more free and prosperous Cuba will not emerge as long as US interventionism continues to turn Cubans against the United States."

Fighting old demons

Dear Editor, I had previously suggested that the solution to gaining control of Guyana’s national sovereignty may reside in our demarche at attempting to fight our old demons.

Maybe the answer lies in overcoming the possibility of history repeating itself by educating the people, so that they themselves may partake in the strategic orientation of the country.

A people who doesn’t know its own history is prone to repeating the past. Whereas the reference to Guyana’s history might make some people uncomfortable to the extent of labelling it futile rhetoric, it remains the mould that shaped Guyanese politics and shouldn’t be ignored nor rewritten. Casting history aside has caused many young Guyanese to become misinformed if not uninformed at all, although the role that actors play in the development of Guyana is entwined in the events which marked our country for the past 49 years. How can one elect a government without a record, a history, and why would one choose to ignore the historical record of a government it elects? I haven’t

thrown this problematic to the reader with the intention of questioning the legitimacy of any government but rather, I wish to shed light on the important role that historical knowledge plays in the electoral process of a country. Whether it is for an ideological cause or enhanced development, foreign, human rights, social or economic policies a party has promoted in a country, electors would remember that party’s historical record. A party campaigning for national elections with the intention of governing a country will add to its record a strategic plan for the future. One cannot be unravelled from the other.

But the 2015 elections have been the reflection of a young Guyanese generation seemingly reluctant to evoke history because it is primarily believed to be one of ethnic cleavage. What many fail to see is that our history, however nasty it may seem, has never been Guyanese only and we were never the sole perpetrators of our own fate. Because of this we have steered clear many times over to give ourselves and the country we uphold the proper analysis it deserves.

We have overlooked our own importance in ensuring that national sovereignty is secured and we have surrendered our contribution in deciding what place Guyana holds on the international scene. What the last elections would have proven is not that Guyana is an ethnically divided society, but rather that it is undermined by an ethnically divided electorate. The APNU/AFC coalition is in itself a vivid indication of ethnic division in the electoral base, and crusading for “Unity” and “healing the nation” is quite contradictory to its deliberate refusal of acknowledging history.

For how can one heal and unite a people who are plagued by historical demise if inspecting the cause for today’s troubles is met by reticence? How can there be “unity” if the fundamental wrongs were not corrected? If history is the foundation of any country’s future, then what future will a Guyanese society build if it refutes its own history, and what future will it build if it refuses as a nation –a single entity –to address the past mistakes and injustices which still remain buried in the foun-

dation of our structures of governance? Can an emerging country without making amends with its own history succeed in building a future and securing its rightful place in international affairs?

History cannot be corrected, but the future of the Guyanese electorate depends on how much we are willing to understand and concede that which to date still profoundly harms us, so that we may finally be able to turn the page and break those barriers which we ourselves have erected in the past, with and without the help of those who claimed to be our friends. Should we choose to dismiss the importance of acknowledging our own history, we would find ourselves whether willfully or not abandoning our future to the obscure powers lurking in the shadows of our route to development.

Subsequently, until we have learnt from our past experiences as a young nation, the only wrong thing about Guyanese history would be its repudiation by the Guyanese people.

De Sá

Response to Vishnu Bisram’s letter published July 3, 2015

Dear Editor,

In response to the letter from Vishnu Bisram published on July 3, 2015, I am writing about abuses in Guyana. I also read another article from one of the other newspapers about East Indians having the highest rate of suicide in Guyana and here is why.

I am only interested to elaborate on this topic in or-

der to help people to understand what is taking place in the country. To begin with, there is need for a mentality shift, because many people believe that they can do whatever they feel to others despite that this is morally wrong. The culture of a country has to respect women and children and protect them so that people can be proud from where they come

from. There are elements of a general culture we have developed such as men believing that women should bear sons for them or risk being abused. Other beliefs discriminate against women of darker complexions and disregard the rights of children. Abusive men are often backed by other members of the community who believe

in corporal punishment. What help is available for such a person when this happens? Many are left isolated to deal with all the pain and suffering alone. Religious teaching has no place in a self-seeking materialistic society in Guyana, where people compete among themselves.

The Hits and Jams Water World, Providence, East Bank Demerara, was quite the beach scene on Sunday (Carl Croker photo)

When bad habits persist

Dear Editor,

As we are aware, from 1964 to 1992 Guyana sank below Haiti, deprived of an economy as we witnessed a broken country with an equally broken infrastructure, a place where foreign investors dared not tread. Exports were down with no real income earning as the State failed. It was the worst of times for Guyanese. Caused by the one party State ran by the People's National Congress (PNC). They hung on to power as they strangled those with the means to remove them. There were no free and fair elections to put the corrupt regime out of office.

In 2015, Guyana is being saddled by the same PNC which haven’t changed their old dictatorial habits. The country is presently in a PNC lockdown, where everything is being reshaped and remodeled to suit narrow party objectives.

This three-pronged attack starts with placing a tight lid on a recount of the

votes cast at the last elections which would have most likely resulted in the PNC’s loss. Evidence shows that Granger has openly advertised the position for a Chief Justice which means that the present Chief Justice is going to be sent into retirement and a new, supposedly independent replacement would be sourced. Not that the present Chief Justice is incompetent, far from it.

Preliminary reports indicate that the new Justice will be a handpicked old PNC stalwart coming from a sister Caricom State. He would see to it that all PPP/C court matters are disregarded – a paid piper, a henchman to carry out the PNC’s dirty work.

The second phase of attack is bound up in that court case challenging the term limit of the President. It’s still ongoing and would be presented before the new Chief Justice who will most likely rule this law null and void, paving the way for a Granger’s lifelong presidency and a PNC

one-party state.

Then, Granger would pilot a bill reducing the past President's emoluments. Most journalists believe that this is an idiotic piece of legislation by the Granger-led administration, but what they fail to see is a party that is hell bent on humiliating the PPP/C and reducing it to nothingness. The PPP/C and its great influence in and out of office pose a threat, hence a plan to stifle its members.

This well thought-out plan intends to reduce the capacity of the Opposition, relegating it into a forgotten past.

Some may say that the PNC has learnt from its mistakes. However, there is evidence that old habits have remained and it is undeniably clear that Guyana is in for bitter days. One wonders if Britain and the US are taking note of this their handiwork on display.

Yours,

Neil Adams

Response to Vishnu...

Men are so skilled in abusive language and have mastered the art of being perceived as victims, earning the support of family members and trapping the abused woman. Guyana’s society is always comparing people: who is physically attractive and who is ugly, who is poor and who is rich, who is worth something and who is not worth anything. This kind of attitude makes the poor helpless and unable to turn to anyone for help. Guyanese people tend to be too often judgemental and this is also a reason why the rate of suicide is so high. When men are molesting women in high daylight, it shows that they are not inclined to honour God and their fellow people.

Leaders should expose these perils that have marked our culture for decades so as to reshape the minds of people. People should be taught to respect women who are the strength of the family and respect sisters because they defend the family.

Shri Krishna said in the Gita, Ch 3, 12 that he

who enjoys benefits bestowed on them, without offering anything in return is a thief. We need to create good role models for our young people. People should understand that a man’s life doesn’t consist of an abundance of things, but in bringing

Response to Robin Persaud’s letter on Mr Parvatan and the GuySuCo CoI

Dear Editor, I wish to respond to a letter published in the Guyana Times on July 4 by Robin Persaud, on the subject at caption.

Robin Persaud in elucidating the achievements of Vibert Parvatan, appointed Chairman of the GuySuCo Commission of Inquiry (CoI) tasked with examining the affairs of the company and make recommendations to revive a viable industry, claimed that his experience amply qualified him for the assignment despite my reservations on his suitability, and that I should be encouraging and supporting members of the CoI instead of personally attacking them in their difficult task.

I wish to disclaim any such intention as clearly indicated by the contents of my letter, since I only intended to identify the limitations and shortcomings of the ability of the elected Chairman to head this CoI.

The Terms of Reference of the CoI as set out by the Minister of Agriculture states that there is only one way forward for the

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healing to others.

To help with abuses the Government should set up hotlines for victims of abuse to discuss their problems in confidence with professionals available to provide advice.

I also encourage all women and children that

the only way of safety in this world is to pray to God, whether Hindu, Christian or Muslim, and donate a few dollars for God’s work so that they may be sustained.

Yours truly, Stan Law

Corporation and that is to develop a 15-year plan to return it to profitability. Therefore, the Commission must develop a mechanism to achieve this objective regardless of if it could indeed be accomplished, given the intractable challenges facing the industry. It was never in dispute that Mr Parvatan worked with GuySuCo as an Assistant Field Manager and Field Manager, but that during his period of employment he was not a member of its management board where development and management strategies and management policies were formulated by its Chairman Harold Davis Sr for execution. Mr Parvatan was at the periphery of the organisation and knew little of inner workings.

During his tenure as Junior Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture under the PNC, Mr Persaud claims that Mr Parvatan had expanded and defined functions for agriculture but sugar cane was not a crop he was involved with for major development since that was under the responsibility of GuySuCo, then completely under the Management of Mr Davis Sr who reported directly to President Burnham and his successor. Mr Parvatan was not only Executive Director with the Laparkan Group of Companies (LGC) but was also directly responsible for the

Management of Fogarty's Store Ltd. where his office was located until his retirement. The LGC has been in decline over the years as is evident by the whittling of its services and closure of many of its offices in New York as well as at its facilities on Lombard Street. Locally, Fogarty's, a flagship store, went into a free fall during his management and when he left many of its departments were bare of essential inventory required for sale. Many of the CoI members appear to have handsome experience with the sugar industry and this will be a valuable asset to the Commission. However, what appears to be lacking is a Chairman with the experience, knowledge and skills to elicit the answers necessary to bring GuySuCo back to profitability, to ensure its longterm environmental and economic sustainability. Mr Parvatan does have an impressive CV but he lacks insight to the complex problems facing the sugar industry. His trackrecord for the past 25 years speaks of poor managerial skills unlikely to resurrect the failed industry, considering the current political and economic environment. Evidence of this will appear within three months of his management.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

Page Foundation

Make your children responsible for their actions

BY JIM FAY

Ajoke hit the Internet recently. The problem is that it is not a joke. It’s a serious concern to all those who work with today’s youth. A high school staff met to design the perfect recording for their telephone answering machine. The staff looked at several possibilities and finally agreed on the following:

* To lie about why your child is absent – Press 1

* To make excuses for why your child did not do his work – Press 2

* To complain about what we do – Press 3

* To swear at staff members – Press 4

* To ask why you didn’t get information that was already enclosed in your newsletter and several flyers mailed to you – Press 5

* If you want us to raise your child – Press 6

* If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone – Press 7

* To request another teacher for the third time this year – Press 8

* To complain about bus transportation – Press 9

* To demand that your child get a higher grade –Press 0

If you realise this is the real world and your child must be accountable/responsible for his/her own behaviour, class work, and homework, and that it’s not the teacher’s fault for your child’s lack of effort, hang up and have a great day.

I have consulted in many schools and know how overloaded teachers are today. I have witnessed the fact that teachers don’t have enough spare time during the day to eat or go to the bathroom, let alone to do all the things society asks of them. This being true, why do you suppose a staff would spend its time fantasizing about this kind of thing?

Sad to say, the teachers are recognising a national epidemic. It’s the “Jet-Powered TurboAttack Helicopter Parent Model” epidemic. It rears its ugly head in all communities, but is especially excessive and out of control in the more affluent communities where parents have the financial resources and power to intimidate schools and community agencies. If this is not you, just read on for the enjoyment.

Many of today’s parents are obsessed with the desire to create a perfect image for their children. This perfect image, or perfect life, is one in which their children never have to face struggle, inconvenience, discomfort, or disappointment. It is a

life in which the child can be launched into adulthood with the best of credentials. These children look great on paper. Their high school and college diplomas show high grades even if they were not earned. They lead a life where their mistakes are swept under the table. I

have often heard these parents say, “It’s a competitive world out there and I want my children to have every advantage. What they do when they are young should not hold them back later.”

These parents, in their zeal to protect their young, swoop down like jet-pow-

ered, attack helicopters on any person or agency who might hold their children accountable for their actions. Armed with verbal smart bombs, they are quick to blast away at anyone who sets high standards for behaviour, morality, or achievement.

Declaring their child a victim is a favourite tactical manoeuvre designed to send school personnel diving into the trenches for protection. Teachers and school administrators become worn down by this constant barrage. As they give in to parental demands that their children not be held accountable, standards are eroded and teachers gradually think, “What’s the use?”

It is horribly disappointing to watch children learn to blame others for their lack of success instead of becoming people who reach goals through effort and determination.

All this has caused me to look back 30 years ago to the time when we first wrote about Helicopter Parents. I now realise that those parents were relatively harmless compared to the mod-

ern-day version. I daily hear about the “turbo jet-powered models” designed for deadly attack. Some of these parents are not satisfied with protection, but even prefer to destroy the infrastructure of the very agencies that are dedicated to helping their children grow into educated, moral human beings.

Now you tell me. Is it possible for children who have never had to stand on their own two feet, never had to be responsible for their own actions, or never had to face and solve the smaller problems of childhood, to have the tools to face the rigors of adult life in America? We all know the answer to that. Can the young adult who gets that perfect job perform well enough to keep that job if his grades from school were the result of teacher intimidation instead of vigorous study? The company who hires this person won’t be easily intimidated by parental pressure in the face of substandard performance.

A perfect image and perfect school transcript are poor substitutes for character and the attitude that achievement comes through struggle and perseverance.

I have worked with many parents who have fallen into this trap. They all love their children. They all want the best for them. They talk about how they don’t want their children to struggle like they did. They are prone to rush to blame others for any lack of achievement on their children’s part. These parents are willing to hold others responsible for their children’s actions. However, they are often willing to change their parenting style once they see the crippling effects of this parenting style. Many of these parents have said to me, “I now realise that even if I succeed in creating a perfect life for my child, there is little chance that he/she can maintain it without my help.”

Your child can rise to the top

One very astute father once said to me, “Jim, I’ve got it. There is a huge group of trophy children growing up today who won’t have the character and resilience to compete in the labour market. If my kid grows up knowing how to get what he wants through struggle and character, he will be the one with the true advantage. He will stand head and shoulders above the others because he has the tools to create his own perfect life. Now that I have learned that I can discipline my child without losing his love, I have the courage to abandon my old crippling parenting style. The Love and Logic approach to raising my child will give all of us the tools it takes to make this happen.” (loveandlogic.com)

Granger calls highlevel meeting to craft crime strategy

Amid the escalation of crime here, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Brigadier Retired David Granger has summoned his top security officials and Prime Minister for a major meeting this morning at his office.

According to a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, as his first order of business, on his return from the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting, President Granger will convene the high-level security meeting to craft a crime fighting strategy in light of the recent uptick in violent crimes. The meeting, the statement said, will com-

mence at 09:00h today at the Ministry of the Presidency and will include Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud and Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips.

Meanwhile, Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Anil Nandlall, has pointed out that the current A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government has failed to tackle the societal scourge of crime, which has taken a significant and worrisome spike since its assumption to office.

In an invited comment to Guyana Times, Nandlall who was also Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister under the previous Administration, explained that the APNU+AFC coalition had campaigned heavily on the platform of crime and security, promising to make Guyana a safe place for its citizens.

“I am sure that the fact many of them (coalition members) are trained security personnel, including the President. Unfortunately, they have failed abysmally in tackling crime and we are witnessing an uncontrollable crime situation,” he stated.

According to Nandlall, the one area that the new Government arguably has immense expertise in is crime and security, and yet the country is experiencing disastrous consequences with a rise of violent crimes.

He went on to outline that

with the nation up in arms in the rise of killings and robberies of recent, the only significant response from the new Government is the enforcement of having all bars closed at 02:00h. “Unfortunately, the nation is unaware of the causal connection between the spike in those crimes and the closing of bars at 2 am. Indeed, most of these crimes are committed in broad daylight and way before 2 am,” the former Attorney General mentioned.

Ramjattan in a recent interview with a local newspaper had assured that he will do whatever it takes to reduce the high crime rate, arguing that the 02:00h deadline is the best place to start.

He explained that drinking at late hours “does a lot of harm and tends to lead to a lot of things”.

The Public Security Minister explained that drinking has a direct impact on domestic violence and other violent crimes. Since Ramjattan was sworn in as Public Security Minister, there has been an upsurge in murders, robbery under arms and other crimes. Guyana Times observed that most of the crime is perpetuated in broad day light and most of them cannot be controlled. The police revealed that most of the murders are disorderly and some domestic related.

Over the past weekend, even with the 02:00h curfew being enforced, there were incidents that resulted in the deaths of three persons and several others injured. On Friday night, around 20:20h, four armed men entered a house at Bush Lot, Corentyne, Berbice, and held up the occupants – Valerie Williams, Rose Raphael, Bibi December

and Shameer December. They manage to take away some $100,000 cash and a quantity of jewellery. However, as they were leaving the yard, they shot 18-year-old Dorwin Lord, who was entering the premises, in his face. Lord has since been hospitalised.

A few hours later, just after midnight around 00:55h, the body of Charles Caesar, 40, of Line Path, Skeldon, was found on the foreshore at Number 66 Village, Corentyne, with a suspected gunshot injury. He succumbed at the Skeldon Hospital while being treated.

Then around 18:00h on Saturday, Brazilian National Antonio Rodriguez Da Silva, 57, of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, was involved in an argument with another man at Chinese Creek, Puruni, during which he was chopped about his body and succumbed to the injuries he received. Moving along a few hours later into Sunday, a 48-year-old businessman, Ganesh Ramlall, of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, was confronted in his yard by gunmen around 00:30h shortly after returning home. The man had gone to use the outdoor washroom when he was attacked and shot about this body and to his head. Ramlall was pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Going into Monday, Caricom Day, two persons lost their lives in separate accidents. Around 01:45h, Shawn McPherson of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was travelling in a car along the Railway Embankment at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, when the vehicle in which he was travelling struck a horse, causing the driver to lose control and collide with an oncoming motor vehicle. McPherson was pronounced dead on arrival while several other persons received injuries and are receiving medi-

cal attention.

In the other accident, a 19-year-old Police Officer was crush to death by a truck at the Providence Access Road, East Bank Demerara. Constable Edison Williams was carrying a barricade when it reportedly hooked on a passing truck, dragging him to the ground. He ended up under the truck and his head was crushed by the truck’s back wheel.

Police Officer heads to Italy for training on assets recovery

Asenior Guyana Police Force (GPF) officer has been sent to Italy to undergo training in assets recovery, Minister of State Joseph Harmon revealed recently.

Italy is providing the training through the Caricom Secretariat. The training programme is dubbed “illicit economy and financial flows investigations and Assets recovery”.

The programme is scheduled to run from the July 6-17 in Rome Italy, and will be fully funded by the Italian Government. Guyana will be represented at that forum by Superintendant Hugh Denhert. The programme will offer a wide range of training on mechanisms on how the illicit economy works and the ways in which one can go about recovering assets which belong to the State beyond borders extra jurisdictionally. It will be held at the Police training centre for 11 days of intense activities.

Meanwhile, Harmon said that Government has been overwhelmed by the response from foreign entities and Guyanese living abroad, who have volunteered their service without pay to come to work. He said Professor Clive Thomas, who heads the Unit has been in contact with a number of international agen-

cies, and at the appropriate time, will make statements in that regard.

In early June, Government had disclosed that it was establishing a State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) to look into the issue of State assets that have been siphoned off, both locally and abroad, by various persons and bodies. The plan was to link with international agencies in order to establish international best practices.

Minister Harmon had said then that the Unit will be a multiagency one, independent and free from political intervention. Eminent Economist, Professor Clive Thomas, roughly calculated that some $300 billion were siphoned off per year, a figure that was upped to $500

billion by a major external financial body. According to Harmon, even if just a fraction of say “10 per cent or 20 per cent of what was taken over the years is recovered, it will be substantial and it will do a lot of good to the state of the country and its economy”.

The Minister noted that this kind of recovery attempt is a work in progress that will unfold more in weeks to come. His goal at the time was to provide some answers that Guyanese are looking for in this area. He cautioned against ‘hurry’, noting that “these things take time and it may appear as though nothing is being accomplished”.

The bottom line, the Minister said, is that it must be accepted that people who are culpable where the nation’s assets are concerned “will not get away with it”.

He elaborated that when the Recovery Unit is conducting its work, it will do so with various recommendations that will be taken up by the Government. He said too that the Unit will be vested with broad powers and will not be vulnerable to political strictures.

In fact, the Minister emphasised that the body will report directly to the National Assembly, and not Ministers per se.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Brigadier Retired David Granger

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

GDF Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

La Jalousie murder Family blasts Police, Ramjattan for tardy response

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

Relatives of murdered businessman, Ganesh Ramlall are up in arms against the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for what they described as their lethargic response, which resulted in four killers escaping from the scene on bicycles early Sunday morning.

And they again slam Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan for not being able to devise any concrete strategy to deal with the upsurge in crime. Ramjattan has come under severe criticism for his handling of the crime situation so far and his recent enforcement of a 02:00h curfew for drinking bars.

Forty-eight-year-old Ramlall, owner of Regent Street Multiplex Mall and of Lot C La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, was shot at least seven times about his body including his head, in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Information received revealed that the businessman returned home around 00:30h, and went to use the external washroom when he was attacked by gunmen. After realising there were gunmen in the yard, he immediately rushed out the washroom, heading to the backdoor of the house and yelled out to his wife, 18-year-old daughter and niece who were upstairs. It was while alerting his family that thieves were in the yard that he was reportedly gunned down.

When Guyana Times visited the home on Monday, relatives and friends kept pouring in to offer their condolences to the grieving family. Speaking with this publication, relatives gathered at the family’s home,

vented their anger at the fact that the Police were unreachable on Sunday morning. They disclosed that a relative from Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, had to transport a bus of Police Officers all the way to the crime scene. One relative told this publication that there needs to be a stronger Police Force to “serve and protect” Guyanese, noting that it is almost every day someone is being killed. The woman noted that there needs to be better facilities in place and officers need to be fully equipped in order to effectively police the country. She highlighted that one such system that needs to be fixed is the emergency response line.

“They (Ramlall’s wife, daughter and niece) called 911 so many times and there were no answers. It wasn’t just them, all the neighbours were trying to get the police but no one got on to the Police station. They had to call a relative from till in Herstelling to bring Police and we have Police stations that are less than five minutes away from us,” the relative stated.

The women went on to say that it was after they took Ramlall to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead, and after they had returned home that two Police Officers from a nearby station arrived. “Only two of them showed up, suppose there was a troop (of bandits) here, what would they have done? The two just showed up casually asking “where is he (Ramlall)… that was almost an hour after they (Police) come,” the upset relative recalled.

The relative further explained that even after the perpetrators had escaped and neighbours had come out, they were still trying the contact the Police but there was no response. She added that someone had to even go pick up the officers from one of the stations.

The woman continued lambasting the 02:00h curfew that was recently enforced by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, noting that the Minister, as well as the GPF, should focus on effectively and efficiently managing the security of the country’s citizens.

“I am challenging the Police Force and the Government to put better things in place. It’s not about curfew, it not about whether people are drunk or not, or if they smoke because if they are home early or not, they still get killed. That (curfew) doesn’t stop anyone from breaking and entering into your house. What can stop or help the cause is efficient service which we don’t have! Had the Police been there when we called, had they answered their phones when we called and not sleep as though they are being paid to sleep, then they probably could have caught

the perpetrators,” the woman pointed out.

She further underscored the need for street lights in the area, noting that the family had to invest their money to get a street light. Meanwhile, Guyana Times spoke to some of the victim’s neighbours regarding the incident. One man related that he was awakened by screams coming from the Ramlall’s house calling for help. He added that immediately after he heard several gunshots and the screams stopped. The man recalled secretively peeping out into his neighbour’s yard, where he saw a man armed with a “big” gun standing on the outside next to the empty lot that is located on the right hand side of Ramlall’s house, while at the same time two others were scaling the fence from the inside. He stated that the three men then walked in westerly, where there is a turn in the road, and subsequently jumped into a Primo motor car that was waiting further up the road. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the West Coast village. The father of one was described by all as a gem. He had only last week attended the graduation of his daughter at Queens College after completing her CAPE examinations. Ramlall was a noted philanthropist, a staunch Hindu and was a benefactor of the village Mandir, which is located a block from his home. He worked his way up from owning stalls in Stabroek Market to becoming a mall owner and being one of the country’s largest importers of clothing from Cuar?ao and Panama. The small village of La Jalousie is mostly populated by relatives of Ramlall.

Eyew tness Innovations...

...in crime fighting?

Well, Ganesh Ramlall heeded Ramjattan's directive and returned home before 2 am. Heck, he must've even listened to Cinderella's godmother since he left a BBQ "sport" at the stroke of midnight. But that didn't save his life from the criminals, did it? Yet Ramjattan’s biggest "innovation" to confront the tsunami of crime drowning the nation, is to close bars and other drinking spots at 2 am!!

Now listen. This Eyewitness isn't saying that there shouldn't be closing times for bars. In every country in the world these are standard. The country already has this law on the books. And while we're on it, shouldn't he be telling the Police to clamp down on loud music that's making Guyanese walk around like zombies the next day? Imagine neighbours of Seeta's Bar in Kitty being grateful that they can now start sleeping at 2 am!

No...what this Eyewitness is teed off about is that Ramjattan seriously thinks his 2am clubbing curfew will cut down crime. Was this guy dropped on his head as a baby? But since he's clearly challenged in his new job ("moutar different from guitar") we'll offer him some gratuitous advice. That's free...no "gratuity"! First and foremost, establish benchmarks for police response times to reported crimes.

These are Standard Operating Practices in modern police practice. Once again, the police were unresponsive to the calls of citizens under attack. Den Amstel Police Station is less than five minutes away from Ramlall's house. And we're not talking about driving at "screeching tires" pace. Den Amstel Police Station has police cars. Find out where they were when the calls came in. Were police roadblocks thrown up at the Harbour Bridge or towards Parika?

How about police ranks literally being IN the communities. THIS is community policing....not to have some hand-picked jerks strutting around the communities like fowl cocks. Farm out routine police clerical tasks to hired civilian clerks...this'll free ups cops to be on the beat. Every community has its "known characters" and their hangouts. "Known", that is, to everyone in the community but the police. BECAUSE THE POLICE AREN’T IN THE COMMUNITY!!

Work on getting that forensic lab up and running. We hear about all these highly skilled men who retired from the Disciplined Forces in their forties – after their twenty years’ service. Why not post a couple of them to oversee that department rather than at OP, where they have nothing to do but worry about dealing with "undisciplined" civilians. But then again, all of this might be over the head of Ramjattan, who can only focus on closing bars at 2am.

Just because HE has a problem???

...from Venezuela on Border?

Right off the plane from the Caricom meet, Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge announced that the Venezuelans representing President Maduro, promised that before this week is out, they'll "facilitate a resolution to the problem." Really? Now since this statement was made just after an hour of flying, we can safely assume that Greenidge wasn't jet lagged.

But if, because of diplomatic niceties, he couldn't scream "Beware a Trojan Horse!!!" this Eyewitness isn't so constrained. Hey...he recognises that to a certain extent, Guyana's being played by "larger" forces. But the reality is that for Venezuelans of whatever positioning on the ideological spectrum, our Essequibo – and all it promises, is "theirs"...and wuz robbed of it.

So while Maduro might be the friendliest leader since Simon Bolivar, the best he's going to propose is "joint development" – as has been their mantra since 1970. Or alternately, giving them our Point Playa Atlantic beachfront – which gives them the same maritime rights as Decree 1787.

Forewarned is forearmed!

...on tinting...or abuse?

Another thing that Ramjattan can do without much ado, is to order the removal of ALL tint from ALL vehicles. Especially official vehicles.

What do they have to hide in this "age of transparency"?

Dead: Ganesh Ramlall

Cummingsburg Accord violations

Dr Lutchman nixed; BurchSmith appointed referee

…confab in works to save APNU+AFC coalition

Attorney-at-law, Ronald Burch-Smith, replacing Dr Harold Lutchman, has been appointed chairman of a sixmember committee overseeing the implementation of the Cummingsburg Accord between the Alliance For Change and A Partnership for National Unity (AFC/ APNU) and despite some glaring breaches in the pact, the lawyer said that he has not received any complaint on the issue of violation of the agreement. At the same time, Minister of the Presidency Joseph Harmon announced a “Coalition Building Forum” in the works.

Professor Harold Lutchman, who was appointed with great fanfare as the coalition’s Representative of the List of candidates, was explicitly designated as also playing the role as referee of the pre-election pact. This was in addition to ensuring that the sharing out Ministries and Parliamentary seats in a 60:40 ratio between APNU and AFC was kept. However senior coalition sources said that it was Burch-Smith who has been handling those issues and it appears that Prof Lutchman has been shunted aside.

After the elections, as violations of the accord committed by APNU against the AFC accumulated, Professor Lutchman maintained that his task had been just to present the list to GECOM. It would appear that Prof Lutchman’s reputation and professional integrity were used to assure AFC supporters that their suspicions of being outmanoeuvred by APNU were being addressed. Some of those assurances were that AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo would not be a figurehead Prime Minister but would be given substantive powers of chairing the Cabinet and being responsible for “governance”.

However, after the coalition was installed into office, President Granger begun chairing cabinet meetings, claiming that the constitution demanded that only he exercise this power. However at the announcement of the Accord, when asked about this stipulation of the Accord he had affirmed that the constitution allowed him to delegate his powers. And that he would.

Ralph Ramkarran, who had been very positive about the coalition entrance on the political scene, however had said that the Cummingsburg Accord, which brought the parties together, has been blatantly disrespected and

if it not addressed quickly and appropriately, the parties can expect to lose the support of its electoral support, particularly the AFC .He noted that the explanation which has been put forth by the President that the Constitution will have to be amended in order for the Cummingsburg Accord to be followed was inaccurate.

Contacted for a comment, Burch-Smith indeed admitted to this publication that as Chairman of the Committee, no complaint had reached him on the issue of violations of the agreement. He was however quick to point out that there was a confidentiality clause in the new Agreement and as such, he could not disclose too much of the proceedings at this time.

Six-party committee

Speaking to the Guyana Times recently David Patterson, General Secretary of the AFC had had been the first to reveal that there was a hitherto unannounced six member inter-party committee established – comprising General Secretary of the APNU, Joseph Harmon; Basil Williams, Nigel Hughes, Dominic Gaskin and himself, and meetings are held as necessary. At the time he averred that no issue of violation has ever been addressed by the two parties. Contradictorily, however, he added that meetings were also being facilitated to ensure that the tenets of the Cummingsburg Accord were implemented accordingly. He did not make it clear what these meetings would discuss if no complaints of violations were lodged.

To this end, Patterson revealed then that BurchSmith was the chairman of the committee who was tasked with the responsibility of ironing out any issue which cannot be settled between the two parties and which is a matter of con-

cern. He also claimed that no such complaints have reached Burch- Smith since the coalition came into power.

This would have meant that no one from the AFC has made any complaints of violations of the Cummingsburg Accord, with reference of powers of Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan as had been asserted in the media. However, in contradistinction, President David Granger had admitted that there were violations but claimed that the coalition was presently working on a review of the document. Granger had said that to persist with some of the stipulations of the Accord

would be unconstitutional and as such, he will be awaiting later constitutional reform so that the agreement can be followed. “To the extent that some things are in collision with the Constitution they will await constitutional change…we cannot be expected to do unconstitutional things,” Granger told reporters.

Coalition building confab Minister of State and General Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Joseph Harmon also weighed in later. To wit that the claims made by former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran and several other entities that the

coalition with the Alliance For Change (AFC) was on the verge of falling apart,

could be nothing further from the truth, dubbing them as “ridiculous.”

Minister Harmon then made a new assertion that Cabinet is chaired by the President and upon direction of the President; part of the Cabinet meeting is chaired by the Prime Minister. In fact, half of the meeting on Tuesday was chaired by the Prime Minister and whatever decision is taken when either of them are chairing, it is the final one,” Harmon said. Harmon however disclosed that Cabinet has decided to host a “Coalition Building” Forum which will see several issues discussed, in an effort to strengthen the coalition.

Professor Harold Lutchman

Attorney Ronald Burch-Smith

Ivelaw Griffith in running for UG VC

… several others expressing interest– Roopnaraine

President of the Fort Valley State University in middle Georgia, USA, Guyanese born Dr Ivelaw Griffith has expressed his interest in serving the more than 8000 students of the University of Guyana (UG) as its Vice Chancellor, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has confirmed.

And while Griffith, a renowned expert on Caribbean security issues including drug trafficking and the impact it has on countries in the Region, will be a great choice for the crumbling university, his appointment, like the many others, will have to take a procedural basis. Dr Roopnaraine, in an invited comment on Monday told Guyana Times that Griffith is among a few renowned scholars who have indicated their interest in serving the university at that level.

He said, while they have expressed an interest however, none of those individuals have yet applied, particularly because the University has not yet advertised a vacancy for the post which is currently be-

ing occupied by Nigerian Professor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi. The University he said will be advertising the vacancy.

A Political Scientist, Dr Griffith served earlier as Professor of Political Science and Provost and senior Vice President at York College of The City University of New York. His notable achievements there in-

clude growing the full-time faculty by 30 per cent over four years, re-organising the academic division into three schools, and enhancing the research and scholarly climate by creating a Provost Lecture Series and a companion Distinguished Scholars Lecture Series, recognising and rewarding research and scholarship, and establishing an Undergraduate Student Research Programme.

Before becoming York’s Provost in 2007, Dr Griffith was Professor of Political Science and Budget Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida International University (FIU), Dean of the Honours College at FIU, and Provost at Radford University in Virginia. Griffith holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences, with distinction in political science, from the University of Guyana, a Master of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from Long Island University, New York, and both a Master of Philosophy and a doctorate in political science from The City University of New York Graduate School.

He also graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Education’s programme in educational leadership. Deeply committed to the intellectual enterprise, Dr Griffith is a specialist on Caribbean security, drugs, and crime. He has published seven books and more than 50 articles in various scholarly journals. The research for the highly acclaimed Drugs and Security in the Caribbean: Sovereignty Under Siege, published by Penn State Press, was funded by the MacArthur Foundation. His eighth book Challenged Sovereignty, will be published by the University of Illinois Press.

Griffith also serves on the editorial board of the journal Defence and Security Studies Review. Should he be appointed Vice Chancellor of the University here, Griffith would take the rein at

a time when the country’s premier tertiary institution is in shambles.

Current Vice Chancellor, Dr Opadeyi, whose contract comes to an end in October, has been at loggerhead with the Senior Staff Association at the University. The issue which erupted earli-

er this year saw the staff members staging a massive protest over improved working conditions and increased salaries, among other things. After over five weeks of sit-ins by staff, including lecturers, the Administration headed by Opadeyi finally signed a pact with the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU), meeting most of the demands.

However, in late June, UGSSA President, Dr Melissa Ifill along with other senior staff signed a petition, expressing a no confidence in the VC, expressing that he had failed to honour the pact that was signed between the parties. Opadeyi later filed a $10 million lawsuit against Ifill, claiming that the contents of the petition are a “defamation of my character”. He has been at the University’s helm since 2012.

Mercury contamination still a major challenge for Guyana – new study

Arecently released study conducted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has shown that Guyana still faces a challenge in reducing the use of mercury in smallscale gold mining related activities and dealing with the effects of such.

The WWF released a new report collating all available data on small-scale gold mining related mercury contamination across the Guianas.

According to the WWF, the report shows that, without any doubt, mercury derived from gold mining activities is already present throughout much of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana and is not restricted to areas close to mining zones.

“It is already posing a considerable risk to communities from direct and indirect exposure, especially through consumption of contaminated fish. Mercury is very persistent in nature and the effects of the current mercury use will continue to be felt into the next century and, since a minimum of 80 tonnes is being used and lost into the environment in the Guianas each year, without swift and decisive actions, this sad legacy will only get worse,” the organisation said.

A perusal of the report which was released by the WWF showed that Guyana’s premier mining area, Mahdia, in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was the most affected in terms of the content of the mercury in streams and rivers nearby.

Samples taken from ac-

tive and historically mined areas had a mean mercury concentration of 0.229 which is above The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment quality guidelines with a range from 0.029 to 1.2. An earlier study focused on the smaller Potaro River found mercy concentrations ranging from 0.068 to 0.321 within the tributaries affected by mining activities.

Similar results were obtained from a study that undertook extensive sampling of sediments from the Mazaruni River, a major tributary of the Essequibo that is also significantly affected by mining as well as a stretch of the Essequibo itself.

These results indicate that mercury contamination is widespread in Guyana with mean concentrations consistently above safe guidelines for aquatic life. Worryingly, mercury concentrations are of concern not only in areas affected by historical or active mining in Guyana but also in seemingly pristine areas.

The Government, through the Natural Resources Ministry, had signed onto the Minamata Convention on mercury in 2013; an international pact to control mercury emissions and gradually phase out its use.

Prior to the signing, local small miners had been nervous about plans to ban the dangerous chemical, stating that there is no immediate and cheaper way to recover gold for its ore.

However, Government had actively been encourag-

ing miners to reduce their use of mercury, which poses long-term health and environmental risks. Former Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud had posited that the Government did not see the ban having any impact on the mining sector, highlighting that it can only lead to positive benefits for the economy.

Transitioning

Persaud said the Ministry has started a programme of transitioning, pointing out that several mining operations have transitioned to mercury-free mining. He added that as part of the convention, there will be no new mercury mining but countries that are already engaged in such will be given 20 years after the convention comes into practice to stop producing mercury.

Persaud, who signed the convention in Japan last week, had stated that Guyana had said that it would need financial and technical assistance to achieve compliance. The Government of Japan has pledged its support to Guyana in phasingout the use of mercury. It is planning to provide US$2 billion in financial assistance to fight mercury pollution. Between 2013 and 2022, Guyana will impose restrictions against mercury importation and mercury in mining. This approach has been supported by the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association, while discussions were held with Amerindian and riverine communities.

Renowned US-based Guyanese, Dr Ivelaw Griffith is interested in becoming the next Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

“Disunity”

in Caricom could derail Sir Ron’s chances to be Commonwealth SG

After Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government failed to agree on a single candidate to nominate for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General, at least one regional leader is warning it could cost the Region.

The post is rotated between Commonwealth regions and the Caribbean region next in line. But Grenadian Prime Minister Keith Mitchell said disunity in Caricom may jeopardise this practice.

Antigua and Barbuda has nominated Sir Ronald Sanders, while Trinidad and Tobago has nominated Dr Bhoe Tewari. Dominica has nominated Baroness Patricia Scotland. “I think we are making a serious mistake with having three candidates and we put out their names early; we didn’t even attempt to talk to each other privately – three names! And I thought that was a bad approach and I’m not sure we will benefit from it,” said Prime Minister Mitchell.

The Grenadian Prime Minister, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting in Barbados, gave his public backing to Antigua and Barbuda’s nominee Ronald Sanders and bemoaned the lack of unity. “I think it’s a mistake, and those who did it must know that. I certainly spoke out about it and I’m not afraid to say so, because I think it was the wrong approach, and it may result in us not getting that candidate for the post of Secretary General. We may have missed the boat,” said Mitchell.

Caricom Chairman and Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart admitted the issue was carded for the summit but did not come up because of a packed schedule and the visit of several

international delegations. He however said a group including himself, the Bahamian Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Belize was formed to tackle the issue. “The bureau will take certain steps and make certain recommendations. This issue is a very important issue for us,” Stuart said. The Caricom Chairman said if the Caribbean misses out, it could take another 40 years before the position rotates back around to the Region.“Really, what we are being called upon to do now is to make a decision that will have implications for the next 40 years, and therefore, that decision cannot be made lightly, but at the same time, even as we speak, time is passing by therefore we have to afford some urgency to it,” said Stuart.

“In an ideal world, we should not be in this situation, but we are in it and if you are in a hole the sensible thing to do is to stop digging.” Commonwealth Heads of Government are due to elect a new Secretary General at the Heads of Government Meeting in Malta from November 2729. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who ahead of the meeting, accepted that it was unlikely that a unified

Essequibo teen passes away after ingesting gramoxone

After battling for her life for approximately 16 days, 18-yearold Nazeema Raffek of Jib on the Essequibo Coast, in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) succumbed on Sunday after ingesting a large quantity of the herbicide gramoxone on June 22. The teen, who was dis-

covered by her parents, was rushed to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital after the incident and was hospitalised until her passing on Sunday. The teenager reportedly ingested the poisonous substance after she learnt that her boyfriend was in love with another woman.

decision would be reached, said in no case will he withdraw the nomination for Sir Ron. “Under no cir-

cumstances will we withdraw the nomination of Sir Ron Sanders because he is the fore-runner candidate. He is not trailing behind any other, he has the most pledges … he will remain in the race because he is the best prospect of getting that job,” Browne said. The Prime Minister also told regional media that he did not consider Dominica’s nominee to be a Caribbean candidate.

“Baroness Scotland is actually an active member of the British Privy Council and therefore is not a Caribbean candidate,” Browne said.

“We have three (candidates) and we’re hoping by the time we get to Malta we’ll have one”.

Drunken man falls overboard while urinating in river, drowns

Thirty-two-yearold Rawle Boyan of Friendship Canal, Lower Pomeroon River, in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) lost his life tragically on Saturday after he toppled in the Pomeroon River while urinating.

According to information reaching Guyana Times Boyan along with his friends and his brother, visited Charity and was consuming alcohol. On his way home to Friendship, Boyan who was in the company of his brother, got the urge to urinate and proceeded to stand in the boat to do so. Reports indicate that the man lost his balance and toppled into the river and drowned.

After falling overboard, an intense search was launched by relatives and his body was retrieved late Saturday night. The body was later taken to Charity and transported to the Charity Mortuary.

Boyan is unmarried and is said to be living with his parents. Only recently on June 23, Orton Benjamin,47, also lost his life while in the Liberty area. Benjamin was transporting his wife to the Liberty Primary School when his boat was hit by a Coast Guard vessel. Benjamin went missing after the mishap and after almost four days of intense searches, his body was recovered.

Sir Ronald Sanders is one of three nominees of the Caribbean

Caracas decree!

Venezuela promises to resolve controversy

…but protests Guyana’s “fierce” response

After weeks of backand-forth exchanges between Guyana and Venezuela, the Nicolás Maduro Administration has reportedly agreed to forge an “amicable resolution” with Guyana on the border controversy in the near future, a high-ranking Government official has disclosed.

According to the official, who spoke to Guyana Times under the condition of anonymity, the promise was extracted from the Venezuelan Vice President Jorge Arreaza when Caricom Chairman, Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, led a delegation from the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting to meet with the Vice President and delegation in Barbados on Friday evening. During the Barbados meeting, the Chairman led talks with the Vice President, who reportedly committed to “maintaining peace and tranquillity in the Region”.

The official further added that Arreaza told the Caricom delegation that the Number 1787 Decree issued by Venezuela was done “in error” and was being “blown out of proportion and was being too aggressively pursued by Guyana”. However, during the talks, Arreaza committed on behalf of the Maduro Government to “forge a solution in about a day or two”.

However, on Saturday morning, as the Heads of Government prepared to wrap up the four-day meeting, a letter from Maduro reportedly arrived, in which he expressed his displeasure at the approach which has been undertaken by Guyana, noting that ExxonMobil was encroaching on its territory. A senior diplomat told this newspaper that Guyana must be wary of any proposal by Venezuela for “joint development” of the Essequibo as part of its resolution of the controversy as was proposed in 1970 or for them to get our Point Playa Atlantic beachfront – which gives them the same maritime rights as Decree 1787.

Meanwhile, at the end of their summit, the Heads of Government called upon Venezuela, in the spirit of friendship and cooperation, to withdraw those elements of Decree 1787 insofar as they apply to the territory and maritime space of Caricom States. In that context, Heads of Government reaffirmed the

inviolability of international treaties, agreements, awards and legal instruments and made particular reference to those international legally binding instruments that establish international boundaries, calling for adherence to accepted principles of international law in relation to the delineation and delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf in the region. “Caricom states do not accept any unilateral proclamation which is inconsistent with international law.”

They emphasised that Caricom states have legitimate territorial and maritime entitlements that conform to international law and that must be respected. However, to date, Maduro has not recalled the decree nor has he made any announcements or statements in relation to the promise which was given to the Caricom delegation on Friday evening. The source, however, advised that Maduro was slated to address his National Assembly sometime this week on the matter. He has cancelled doing so two times already; and as such, all eyes will be on his next statement and action.

Venezuela, Guyana and other Caricom countries are also members of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). Additionally, Guyana is an original signatory to the Treaty of Chaguaramas that established Caricom.

Stuart, the Barbados Prime Minister, alluded to the delicate nature of the negotiations during his post-meeting press conference. “Caricom stands firmly behind Guyana . . . Caricom also has a good relationship with Venezuela and we are not about to try to disrupt the relationship or to

pollute it in any way by anything that we as a community say or do. At the same time, we have to insist that Venezuela play by the rules and there is no evidence to us that Venezuela is not so committed,” he said. “What one has to aim for as the differences continue is a cooling of tempers whenever they flare up. We do not think that there can be any compromise so far as Guyana’s territorial border is concerned,” the Caricom Chairman added, while maintaining that scope exists for an amicable resolution.

Maduro in May issued the decree claiming most, if not all, of Guyana’s territorial waters off the Essequibo Coast. This came in the face of the Venezuelan President’s annoyance over oil exploration concessions granted by Guyana to US company ExxonMobil. The decree was issued exactly one week after the company reported a significant oil find in the Stabroek Block, and covers the area where the exploration activities were being conducted. Since the issuing of the decree, Guyana has received the support of several countries and international organisations.

Ramjattan acting unlawfully to order closure of bars – Nandlall

...says responsibility rests with Finance Minister

Former Attorney General, Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall is cautioning Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan that he was stepping out of his remit to order the closure of bars since that responsibility rest with the Finance Minister.

Ramjattan has ordered that all bars be closed by 02:00h every day, enforcing the Intoxicating Liquor Licences Act and the Licensed Premises Act as part of his strategy to contain rampant crime across the country. Nandlall, who is also an executive member of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), said that he wished not to concern himself with the merits or demerits of the decision, but to comment on the legality of the Public Security Ministry addressing this issue. Nandlall pointed out that the granting of licences for the sale of intoxicating liquor and for the regulation of such sale, and the control of licensed premises, are largely governed by the Intoxicating Liquor Licences Act and the Licensed Premises Act. He noted that most of these licences were granted by the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority. “The opening and closing hours of those licensed premises are fixed by law in the legislation. There is reference in both Acts to a “Minister”. However, “Minister” is not defined. But it is beyond doubt that these Acts are administered by the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority. The subject minister of the Guyana Revenue Authority is the Minister of Finance not the Minister of Public Security, hitherto Minister of Home Affairs,” Nandlall reasoned.

He said that out of an abundance of caution, he also examined the gazetted responsibilities of Minister Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security and the administration of the Intoxicating Liquor Licences Act and the Licensed Premises Act were not among his gazetted responsibilities. “So from

whence is Mr Ramjattan deriving his authority to impose this curfew. The curfew itself seems to be in contravention of the hours of opening and closing which are fixed by the law. As far as I am aware, these have not been changed by way of any amendment, regulation or order issued by the relevant subject minister. So it would appear that not only is Mr Ramjattan acting ultra vires his authority, but he may be violating the relevant law,” Nandlall contended.

However, Ramjattan was quoted in another section of the media saying that “this is an indivisible Government and you can’t divide it up and say because the portfolio minister is the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, in relation to GRA, Ramjattan must be silent...”.

“It is shocking that such a bizarre statement can emanate from a lawyer. The fact is that both the Constitution and several pieces of legislation, deliberately and specifically, assign and divide particular responsibilities to and among different subject ministers.” Nandlall said that if one was to follow Ramjattan’s logic, ”we can witness one day Mr Ramjattan arrogating onto himself responsibilities which by law are to be performed by the Minister of Education, the Attorney General, and worst yet, the President”. He said that such functional trespass would be in contraven-

tion of those specific legislation and, therefore, would be ultra vires and indeed illegal, was lost upon Ramjattan. “Unwittingly, Ramjattan has demonstrated absolutely no regard for his President ‘s assignment of specific responsibilities to named ministers and a publication to this effect in the Official Gazette.”

Speaking to media operatives last Friday, Ramjattan disclosed that the curfew was already being implemented.“Right now they are doing their exercises; a lot of the people are asking to close up at 2:00am…,” he admitted. Nonetheless, Ramjattan admitted that numerous businesses were still pleading with him to reconsider the curfew. “I am getting a number of the bar and liquor restaurants already lobbying me, but I will not, in any way, try to retract on that … I want all of them, every night, they should be closed…,” he maintained. This move by the Ministry has caused a ruckus within the local entertainment industry with local promoters, nightclub proprietors and other key stakeholders in complete uproar over the situation. According to media reports, stakeholders are arguing that the imposition of the curfew will not help solve the crime situation. However, Ramjattan is insisting that the Government must go ahead with this measure. “We must go ahead with that because drinking has a direct relationship to violence, domestic violence and most of the women’s organisations that I have spoken to have indicated that ‘yes, Mr Ramjattan, go ahead with that’,” he explained, noting that late drinking can also lead to unwise spending of money, traffic offences and severely impact one’s work ethic. “If you drink too late, you can’t get up early to go to work and when you do get up, you are not working as efficiently as you ought to,” the Minister reasoned.

Caricom Heads call on Hugh Wooding to accept Guyanese students

The Caricom Heads of Government have issued a call on the Hugh Wooding Law School’s Council of Legal Education, located in Trinidad and Tobago to extend the arrangement between that institution and the University of Guyana (UG) for the automatic entry of the top 25 students of the legal education programme.

At the 36th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting which was held in Barbados from July 2-4, the matter was discussed and it was decided by the Heads that the Hugh Wooding Law School (WLS) would be asked to, in effect, extend the arrangement which was previously in place for the students this year.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, at the 35th Heads of Government Meeting last year in The Bahamas, the Heads had agreed to establish a committee to undertake the review on the provision of

legal education in the Region with regard to the increased need for legal services in the Caribbean. A review of the system was last undertaken more than 40 years ago. However, this report has not been completed, and as such, the call was made for the school to accept the Guyanese students until this is accomplished.

In the meantime, students have expressed hope for a more stable and secure arrangement, noting that it is very difficult being in a situation where uncertainty on the future of their studies exists. In addition, they have noted that the programme is highly competitive and lots of persons are forced to end their law studies at the LLB level at the University of Guyana since only 25 places are usually offered and the entrance examination at the HWLS is extremely difficult to pass to qualify for placement.

Last year, days after the Council for Legal Education

had stated that it will not be guaranteeing any of the 25 places usually offered to Guyanese students at the end of the degree programme at the Turkeyen Campus of the University of Guyana (UG), then Chairman of the Caribbean body, Dr Ralph Gonsalves had written to the Council on the impasse. In his letter, Dr Gonsalves had requested the Council to facilitate the students until a review of the system was done and a suitable solution found. However, Chairman of the Council, Jacqueline SamuelsBrown had at the time explained that the placement issue was not one that was of pure bias but one of space and accommodation for the students who stay on campus.

Samuels-Brown had said that UWI had, in the past, released statements alluding to changes in teaching methodologies, teaching content and the poor conditions of the facilities afforded to students as well

as the overcrowded nature of the law school. In light of this, she noted that the school had initiated precautionary safety measures before facilitating students and it was on this ground that the decision was taken to accept the students only if space was available.

Samuels-Brown had noted that the Council was facing a monumental task in finding accommodation and facilities for students, as the law school was built to accommodate some 200 students, but is facilitating approximately 400 students. However, Guyanese students have cried discrimination, explaining that the issue was not one of space as was being peddled by the School since six Trinidadian students were placed in the Guyanese class after the academic year had commenced.

As part of a longstanding agreement between the Council and UG, every year, 25 automatic places are reserved for UG students at the

Hugh Wooding Law School. The Council, however, had taken the decision that UG’s 2014 batch would not be guaranteed places. It was understood by this publication that the original agreement had initially expired in November 2012, but, at the request of the Government of Guyana, it was extended until 2013. Negotiations were scheduled to take place to facilitate the 2014 batch of students. However, this discussion never took place until the matter arose some months ago. But though provisions have been made for 2014, current UG law students remain concerned over the future relationship between UG and the Hugh Wooding Law School. Minister Nandlall had assured some time ago that a longterm solution will be instituted to prevent future limbo. As it stands, talks are being held on the possibility of Guyana establishing its own law school here.

President David Granger

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

UG student crowned Miss Jamzone Guyana

Twenty-four-year-old Cardella Hamilton who hails from the Ancient County of Berbice was on Sunday evening crowned Miss Jamzone Guyana 2015 at the Hits and Jams Water World, Providence, East Bank Demerara when the local leg of the pageant was held. The announcement of the final results did not go

There was a heated confrontation between the chief judge of the pageant, Gordon Mosley, and James and her entourage who accused the panel of judges of cheating, claiming that the winner of the pageant was known from the inception.

Nevertheless, the situation returned to normal since the judges’ decision was final. Coming in as first

down well with certain sections of the crowd that were rooting for the other delegates particularly, Treasure James who did not place.

Alberttown fire

runner-up in the pageant was 23-year-old Radiante Frank, a decision which also did not go down well with the audience given

that the delegate stumbled during the question-andanswer segment.

Hamilton, a University of Guyana student in the field of Public Management, carted off US$1000 and Frank took home US$500, along with other prizes including trips to Arrow Point Nature Resort.

The new queen will represent Guyana at the international pageant slated for August at the same venue where she will be competing with delegates from the Caribbean and North America for the title of Miss Jamzone Intentional.

Hamilton also copped the prizes for Body Beautiful as well as the People’s Choice Award, while Frank won the Best Country Dress, Best Evening Gown and Best Smile prizes. The Country Dress and Evening Gown were designed by Mwanza Glen.

The Best Fantasy Swimwear prize was awarded to James, and depicted the true pearl of Guyana,

complete with a scarf that represented the land of many waters. The pieces were designed by Jason Sherlon.

The pageant got underway just after 18:00h with the six delegates showcasing their country wear outfits which represented the area they were from. It was a showcase of creativity that definitely set the tone for the rest of the evening. This was followed by each girl introducing herself while marketing a tourist destination.

The next segment took the audience by storm as the delegates paraded in their fantasy swimwear designed by some of the best designers in Guyana who drew inspiration from nature, bird watching, wine, the scarlet macaw and illuminists.

This was followed by the actual swimwear competition. The delegates’ beautiful two-piece pink and gold suits with matching highheel shoes were designed by

Michelle Cole.

After the ladies left some members of the audience spell-bound, a 15-minute intermission was taken to facilitate the delegates getting into their evening gowns for the segment that showcased their elegance and grace.

Taking the stage first after the break was contestant number one, Carlene Waithe who sported a navy blue fitted gown with sequins designed by Francois. She was followed by Frank who looked gorgeous in blue gown designed by Mwanza Glen after which Eksi Edwards stepped out in a stunning gold gown with a tail designed by Randy Madray.

Many thought that the gown worn by Onica Rose, who was up next, needed a touch of class but, she displayed it with grace. The gown was designed by Lisa Saul. James, contestant number five, appeared on stage in one of her own designs – a navy blue gown

with silver and matching accessories. Then, Hamilton wowed the patrons with a turquoise gown designed by Olympia Small-Sonoram.

The next segment was the final-question round and the delegates looked nervous as they prepared. There were six questions which were not previewed by the delegates who had to randomly select a number between one and six and answer the question attached to that number, which was asked by Chief Judge Gordon Mosley.

All of the questions were based on tourism in Guyana and while some delegates answered the question, some were yet to answer theirs. The queen was selected based on the highest accumulated score from the preliminary and final competitions.

The other judges for the pageant were Indranauth Haralsingh, Anastasia Standford, Rawle Small and Roshini Boodhoo.

Family blames slothful Fire Service for devastation

The Khan family who lost all of their personal belongings as well as their home in a fire suspected to be of electrical origin which ravaged the upper flat of a two-storey wooden and concrete building in Fourth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown in the wee hours of Sunday, is now laying the blame at the feet of the Guyana Fire Service, noting that the disaster could have been averted.

The fire, which started about 02:30h, reportedly originated in the front of the four-bedroom home and engulfed the entire flat within a few minutes.

At the time of the fire, there were three young men in the house. According to sources, the young men –the sons of the homeowner and his cousin – were awakened by the smoke and had no time to salvage any household items. The owner of the house and his wife, along with their daughter, were in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) when the house went up in

flames.

According to a family friend, Wendell Jeffrey, who spoke to Guyana Times on Monday, the fire started in the living room at around 02:00h and Yaniv, one of the sons noticed it. Jeffrey said that he then alerted the other two persons in the house – another brother and a cousin and they immediately called the Alberttown

Fire Station since the elders were away.

The man disclosed that the Alberttown Fire Station, which is immediately next door, failed to respond, citing the lack of a driver.

“The Alberttown Fire Station is at the side of the Khan’s home, literally! They could lean through their window and touch the fence of the fire station. When

they called the fire station, about two or three minutes into the fire, they were told by the officer on duty that there was no driver for the fire engine. The officer told them that the designated driver called in sick about 07:00 pm the night before (Saturday). No replacement for him was at the station at 02:00 am the following morning (Sunday),” the

man expressed.

He noted that not only was there no driver for the fire tender but the fire hydrant that is in front of the Khan’s home, is covered by a 40 foot container, belonging to a construction site next to the Khan’s residence.

According to Jeffrey, after being told that there was no driver available, the distraught family then proceeded to summon a fire tender from Central Fire Station located downtown Georgetown, next door to the Stabroek Market.

“It took that tender about 20 minutes to get to the scene of the fire. By then the top flat of the house (mostly wooden), was entirely engulfed in flames. When I got to the scene about 02:40 am, there was only one fire tender there and the house was still burning. I tried to ascertain why there was such a limited amount of activity and effort to extinguish the flames. I was told that they were conserving water,” the close friend related.

Jeffrey said that about

03:00h, another fire tender arrived from the Campbellville Fire Station with a water pump which was used to increase the water pressure and the fire was eventually subdued.

“At around 06:00 am Sunday morning, some embers flamed up and again, the fire tender from Campbellville and their water pump had to be called, which suggests that there was still no driver for the fire tender at the Albertown Fire Station, just next door to the Khan’s home,” he disclosed. This, Jeffrey said, was unacceptable since a quick response by the Fire Service could have resulted in a portion of the building being saved. The family was unable to save anything from the burning building and are now dependent on relatives for their survival and daily upkeep. Persons desirous of helping the family can do so by contacting Mr or Mrs Khan on telephone numbers 695-5411 or Wendell Jeffrey on 6479007.

This picture shows the proximity of the Khan’s residence to the Alberttown Fire Station. The family is blaming the GFS’s tardiness for the magnitude of their loss

The six delegates of the Miss Jamzone Guyana Pageant 2015

Cardella Hamilton is crowned by Miss Jamzone International 2014 Soyini Fraser

Pope Francis draws millions in tour of Ecuador

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in the Ecuadorean port city of Guayaquil on Monday to greet Pope Francis. The Pope waved to the crowds from his custom car ahead of an open-air mass in the city’s Samanes Park.

He arrived in Ecuador on Sunday for the first leg of his three-country trip to Latin America, which will also take him to Bolivia and Paraguay. It is his second visit to the region since becoming pontiff in 2013.

City officials said a million visitors had travelled to Guayaquil to see the Pope.

Looking relaxed, Pope Francis smiled as the crowds in Guayaquil cheered him and snapped selfies.

Before his procession he visited the city’s Divine Mercy shrine, where he reacted with good humour to

nearly being poked in the eye by a young boy. He spent a minute praying at the shrine and told the crowd he would pray for them.

A Vatican official estimated that half a million

Americans poisoned by pesticide on Caribbean vacation remain paralysed

Three members of a Delaware family who were poisoned by pesticide while vacationing in the United States Virgin Islands four months ago remain in serious condition and are unlikely to recover fully, doctors say.

Stephen Esmond, 49; his wife, Dr Theresa Devine, 48; and their teenage sons, Ryan and Sean, were overcome by fumes from methyl bromide, a highly toxic odourless pesticide, while staying in a luxury rental villa at the Sirenusa resort on the island of St John.

Although banned for residential use in 1984, the substance had been sprayed in an apartment adjacent to the family’s to eradicate indoor bugs, according to the Virgin Islands Daily News.

Describing the poison used by pest control company Terminix as “a toxin to the neuro systems,” Governor Kenneth Mapp said “it has affected this family horribly,” People magazine reported on Friday.

The devastating effects of methyl bromide on the family’s nervous systems have varied. Ryan, 14, is paralysed from the neck down, has no control of the movement of his limbs or body, but is aware of what has happened.

His brother Sean, 16, is “in and out of a coma,” is without sensation in his limbs and cannot move his body.

The boys’ father Steve, a school Principal, is suffering severe paralysis and “must be strapped in to even sit,” according to Mapp.

“For all intents and purposes, the doctors do not expect any significant recovery from their present condition,” Mapp said.

Dr Devine, a Dentist, has made the most improvement in her recovery and her condition is described as “good.”

The Esmonds were found by paramedics on March 20, two days after the condo beneath theirs had been sprayed with the pesticide, and were airlifted to a US hospital. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

people had lined the streets of the Ecuadorean capital, Quito, on Sunday, to see the Pope. Many also gathered in front of the Vatican Embassy in Quito, where he stayed the night.

in 2013

He joined them for a prayer and, according to some of those present, said: “I am going to give you a blessing so that you go home and rest and let the neighbours get some sleep.” (Excerpt

Fidel Castro congratulates Greek PM on referendum result

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro on Monday congratulated Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras for his “brilliant political victory” in the country’s referendum, which saw voters deliver a resounding ‘No’ to more austerity.

Castro wrote to Tsipras saying he had “closely followed this victory” on Venezuelan TV station Tele Sur, according to a statement from the Tsipras office.

The letter from the 88-year-old, released to the media, described Greece as a country well-known to Cubans for its history and famed contributions to “the most complex of all human

activities, art and political science”.

Castro wrote that Greece has “the admiration of the Latin American and Caribbean peoples” for the way in which it “defends its identity and its culture against external aggression”.

He signed off by wishing “the greatest success” to his “esteemed colleague” Tsipras. Several South American leaders on Monday hailed the Greek referendum result, including current Cuban President Raul Castro – Fidel Castro’s brother – and his Argentine and Bolivian counterparts Cristina Kirchner and Evo Morales. (Jamaica Observer)

Opposition wrong

on claims that general election date is illegal, says Trinidad PM

Claims by Trinidad and Tobago Opposition Leader, Dr Keith Rowley that the 2015 General Election date of September 7 is illegal have been dismissed as misleading and inaccurate, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on Friday.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s office said a letter was sent to then acting President Raziah Ahmed, on June 15, indicating Monday, September 7, 2015 as the date to be fixed for the General Election. The Office of the President re-

sponded by letter dated June 17, confirming the date for the General Election, and that Nomination Day would be Monday, August 17, 2015.

The acting President also indicated that the Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission would be immediately requested to prepare the Writs of Election.

The OPM release stated: “It is highly inappropriate for anyone to attempt to create and propagate this kind of misinformation, especially when time-honoured processes have been followed. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

St Kitts PM tells his colleagues to focus on eliminating AIDS in the Region

St Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris is urging policymakers and practitioners in the Region to find the formula for scaling up investments in treating and preventing HIV/AIDS.

This, he emphasised, required targeting the marginalised populations and those most at risk of the HIV infection; securing long term supplies of affordable first, second and third line antiretroviral treatment; providing accurate and up to date epidemiological data for the Region and disseminating it in a timely manner to shape policy.

He was speaking at the Caribbean launch of the UNAIDS-Lancet Commission report, Defeating AIDS-Advancing Global Health last Friday, during the Caricom Heads of Government summit.

The Caricom head with responsibility for HIV and health called on all partners to work toward to goal of making the Caribbean the first Region to end the AIDS epidemic.

“As we grasp the opportunities that beckon us in the post 2015 development era, the Caribbean has to focus the conversation on what the various sectors and partners can do to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030,” he said.

The St Kitts and Nevis leader contended that the focus should be on populations at higher risks, especially girls and young women, men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers, emphasising equality in treatment and prevention and eliminating HIV related stigma and discrimination which fan the flames of the disease. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Caricom letting UN take lead in resolving Haiti-Dominican Republic matter

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has pledged not to ease the pressure on The Dominican Republic in response to the country’s immigration crackdown.

But it will only be doing so through diplomatic channels, while allowing the United Nations to take the lead in attempting to resolve the matter that has left thousands of undocumented people of Haitian descent, who were born in The Dominican Republic, stateless.

The declaration was made over the weekend by Chairman of the community, Barbados’ Prime Minister Freundel Stuart who stated: “We cannot condone behaviour that, in our view, enshrines barbarity into the constitutional practices of The Dominican Republic.”

“As a community, as

a movement, we have to be careful that we do not race ahead of the Haitian Government itself because they are on the spot, they know the realities... and we, therefore, have to be guided by them,” he said during the press conference held at the end of the Caricom Heads of Government meeting in Barbados during which leaders met with Haitian President Michel Martelly.

“We therefore decided to invoke the assistance of the United Nations, particularly its human rights agencies, and to exert additional pressure through the Organisation of American States and, at the Caricom level, of course, to continue our diplomatic efforts to bring this very difficult matter under some sort of control.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Pope Francis was making his second visit to Latin America since becoming Pontiff

Steve Esmond, his wife, Theresa Devine, and their two teenage sons are being treated at hospitals in the US (Photo CBS News)

Hundreds of Haitians participate in a march organised by sugarcane workers in Santo Domingo to protest against the risk of deportation from The Dominican Republic (Photo: The Guardian)

Germany, France press Greece to make credible proposals

France and Germany told Greece to come up with serious proposals in order to restart financial aid talks, raising pressure on Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras to compromise a day after his country voted overwhelmingly against more austerity.

After a meeting in Paris, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande said Athens must move quickly if it wants to secure a cash-for-reform deal with international creditors and avoid crashing out of the euro.

Raising the stakes on the Greek leader ahead of a euro-zone summit on Tuesday, the European Central Bank decided to keep a tight grip on funding to Greek banks, which have been closed for more than a week to avoid a massive outflow of money that could lead to their collapse.

The ECB also decided to raise the amount of col-

lateral Greek banks must post for any loans. The move doesn’t affect the lenders right away, but it was a warning shot by the ECB to Greek banks that their fate lies in its hands.

And a German Finance Ministry official dismissed the idea that Berlin would be willing to concede some debt relief to Athens, a position that Tsipras’ Government has long sought. Still, in a sign that

Zimbabwe elephants flown to China

At least 20 elephants from Zimbabwe have arrived in China after being flown there from the capital, Harare.

They were sold for around US$40,000 each after their controversial capture last year.

The sale has raised money to help run the Hwange National Park and also slows the growth of the elephant herd, Zimbabwean officials say.

There are concerns elsewhere in Africa that poaching may lead to elephants becoming endangered.

The capture of the animals was criticised by the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force (ZCTF) last year.

In a statement it said that the elephants would be “sentenced to a life of inhuman treatment”.

ZCTF Chairman Johnny Rodrigues added that the transported elephants were

between two-and-a-half and five years old – not old enough to be weaned.

The elephants are due to be taken to the Chimelong Safari Park in Guangzhou, southern China, which is home to 20,000 rare animals, according to its website.

Zimbabwe’s

Environment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere defended the sale to Bloomberg news agency, saying that “there is nothing irregular with this export, this is part of elephant conservation”.

There have been concerns that Zimbabwe’s growing elephant population was threatening the vegetation in the Hwange National Park and damaging the crops of nearby human settlements.

The authorities have said that exporting the animals is a better than a cull. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Around the World

Burundi Coup General threatens force to oust President

ABurundian general who backed a failed coup in May has threatened to launch an armed uprising after President Pierre Nkurunziza refused to bow to Opposition and international demands to abandon his bid for a third term.

Athens is keen to seek a new deal, Greece’s combative Finance Minister, Yanis Varoufakis, resigned, apparently under pressure from other eurozone Finance Ministers who did not want him as a negotiating partner.

Tsipras had earlier promised Merkel that Greece would bring a proposal for a deal to an emergency summit of eurozone leaders today, a Greek official said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

General Leonard Ngendakumana, a deputy to the leader of the aborted coup, accused Nkurunziza of dragging the central African country back into civil war, comments that have alarmed a region with a long history of ethnic conflict.

“The next [step] is to organise ourselves just to resist, to make Pierre Nkurunziza understand that he must leave and then that we are prepared to do it by force, by organising a military force,” Ngendakumana told Kenya’s KTN television, adding that coup leader General Godefroid Niyombare was still in Burundi.

In an effort to ease tensions, African leaders have called for the July 15 Burundi presidential polls to be delayed to July 30 [AP]

The Government told the Reuters news agency that any such move would be confronted.

“Anybody threatening the security of Burundi, either inside or outside, will meet the full force of our defence and security forces,” Presidential Spokesman Gervais Abayeho said.

Ngendakumana said Burundi’s Government wanted “to engage the region in that civil war, based on ethnic [issues]”.

PM Modi discusses terrorism, trade with

India and Uzbekistan on Monday discussed Afghanistan and the “rising threat of extremism and terrorism in the extended neighbourhood” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, on his first stop on his Central Asian tour.

Modi, who held restricted and delegational talks with Karimov, said both nations agreed to intensity security cooperation and exchanges and also defence and cyber

security cooperation.

In his media statement following the talks, Modi said both sides discussed steps to implement the contract signed earlier for supply of uranium from Uzbekistan.

Both leaders also discussed initiatives to enhance connectivity.

Modi said he briefed Karimov about the International North South Transport Corridor and proposed that Uzbekistan become a member.

Fresh protests in Armenia over energy price increase

Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered in a central square in the Armenian capital to continue protests over energy price hikes after Police cleared a key artery they had blocked for weeks.

Riot Police earlier on Monday detained dozens of protesters and dismantled a barricade of dumpsters they had built across an avenue close to the presidential palace in Yerevan, the AFP news agency reported.

Valery Osipyan, a senior Police official, urged the protesters to disperse peacefully. When they refused to obey the order, riot Police moved in, detaining 46 people to cries of “Shame” from the protesters.

The demonstrators were later released, an Interior Ministry Spokesman told AFP.

About 1500 protesters are gathered at Yerevan’s central Liberty Square, where a small group of demonstrators had already been maintaining a vigil, vowing to keep up pressure on the Government until their demands are met.

“You are free to gather here. But we warn that we will not allow marches on Yerevan streets,” Osipyan told the crowd.

Protesters in the impoverished former Soviet state have been demonstrating since June 19 to demand a 16-per cent hike in electricity tariffs be scrapped.

In an attempt to appease the protesters, President Serzh Sarkisian last month announced that the Government would temporarily “bear the burden” of the higher prices. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The General’s interview was recorded on Sunday in an undisclosed location outside Burundi before Monday’s meeting in Tanzania of east African states, plus South Africa, who are seeking to end the crisis.

“I sought his support for India joining the Ashgabat Agreement” – a transport corridor that would link Central Asia to the seaports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

He also said both countries will also seek to work in the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Modi said his five-nation tour of Central Asia reflects India’s resolve to start a new era in ties with the Central Asian republics.

He said his visit to

At the meeting in the capital Dar es Salaam, the nations called for the July 15 Burundi presidential election to be delayed to July 30, to allow mediation between opposing factions.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan underlines its importance for India, “not just in the context of this region, but also more broadly in Asia”.

“I share President Karimov’s desire to raise the level of our economic engagement. I conveyed to him that there is a strong interest in Indian business to invest in Uzbekistan. I have urged him to make the process and the policies for Indian investments here smoother. President responded positively to my suggestion,” he said. (Excerpt from Times of India)

Missile and arms embargo dispute holding up Iran deal

Adispute over United Nations sanctions on Iran’s ballistic missile programme, as well as a broader arms embargo, is said to be among the main issues holding up a nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers, a day before their latest self-imposed deadline.

“The Iranians want the ballistic missile sanctions lifted. They say there is no reason to connect it with the nuclear issue, a view that is difficult to accept,” one Western official told the Reuters news agency on Monday. “There’s no appetite for that on our part.”

Iranian and other Western officials confirmed the view as the Foreign Ministers of the six powers – Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the US – gathered in Vienna to

try to strike a deal with Iran by Tuesday night.

“The Western side insists that not only should it [ballistic missiles] remain under sanctions, but that Iran should suspend its programme as well,” an Iranian official said.

“But Iran is insisting on its rights and says all the sanctions, including on the ballistic missiles, should be lifted when the UN sanctions are lifted.”

Separately, a senior Iranian official speaking on condition of anonymity told reporters in the Austrian capital that Tehran wanted a UN arms embargo terminated as well.

The West wants to keep the arms embargo in place and a senior Western diplomat said a removal was “out of the question”.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras

Zimbabwe says it has too many elephants - unlike in some other African countries

VOX POPULI PUBLIC OPINION I SAY...

What do you think about the 2am curfew which has been imposed?

Mellessa Sookdeo

“Actually, I really don't have a problem with it, since I don't usually be out that late, but it would have a negative effect for both the business sector and people who usually party after 2:00am. Installing a curfew really won't stop crime. Instead people will have more house parties and street limes and hence this would really affect other people.”

Lamont Parker

“In my view, it has cons and pros ... the cons are regular workers’ salaries are going to be decreased, the Government would receive less tax and people would have more idle time. The pros are we are going to see less imbibing and young people would be in bed earlier and they would be able to work the next day. I think the main thing is to comply with the law, because it is alleged that a law is presently for clubs to be close at 2:00 am.

Glen Savoy

“Honestly, I think it's nonsense.... There's not even much entertainment here in Guyana except for the few sports bars we have and Palm Court. Giving the public a 02:00 am curfew wouldn’t help reduce crime rate either. I don't even know what more to say, except that I'm against the curfew, and the Constitution should be updated to probably 04:00 am.”

to keep young people off the streets late at nights.”

Regional conference on development of education being planned

Caribbean leaders have endorsed a three-day meeting to discuss the development of education in the Region.

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell said the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Sir Hilary Beckles had made a major presentation to regional leaders on education during their annual summit that ended in Barbados over the weekend.

“We talking about leveraging our knowledge regionally and internationally, and not in just one area,” he said, adding that his regional colleagues “were extremely impressed”.

“It was very stimulating

and all the heads will tell you and in fact when he was finished, all the heads said it was one of the most stimulating presentations they have heard.

“He (Sir Hilary) has presented a proposal and wanted the heads to endorse a three-day meeting, headed by the UWI, supported by the Caricom Secretariat and of course regional heads where they will be bringing all the players at the table to talk about the development of education in the Region and the role of the university in advancing that”.

Mitchell said the meeting would also be attended by sporting organisations because the UWI Vice Chancellor outlined how

“education can help develop our sporting activities in the region and we need a lot of help as you know in cricket…” No date has yet been given for the meeting, but Mitchell said that Sir Hilary wanted a commitment from the Region to “ensure that we could invest much more in education.

“When you look at the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), we hardly spending any money on research. Even the University of the West Indies was hardly doing any research in the Region as a whole,” Mitchell said, adding that Sir Hilary wanted a commitment from regional governments in that vision he was talking about. (CMV)

Sherod Duncan

“There seems to be some contention whether the prerogative of a "curfew" falls within the scope of the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority under the Intoxicating Liquor Licences Act and the Licensed Premises Act or within the discretion of the Minister of Public Security out of the necessity of bringing control to the crime spiral. Within the latter context, the "curfew" may be welcomed so long as it is legal.”

Brian Gomes

“I actually think it's a good idea, but 02:00 am is too early. In Aruba, it’s either 3 or 3:30, can't remember. But then what you'll find is a lot of 'underground' parties popping up. Parties will also start earlier, so people will still drink and get drunk, just a lot earlier than usual.”

Keeona McKay

“To be honest, I don't go out that often and when I do my curfew is 01:30. However, I do think it's a caveman way of handling the crime rate in Guyana. People will lose their jobs and businesses will not profit as much. If you wanna put a curfew, it should be reasonable time.”

Christopher Martin France

“I don't like it and that's not because I want to party. I don't like it, because it's rash and not clearly thought out. Before you implement a curfew, one should thoroughly investigate the current crime trends in order to firmly establish a correlation between the surge in crimes and partying and also to provide some sort of projection of the results that we can expect.

Also, I'd like to hear what the plans are as far as combating crimes unrelated to partying. I'd hate to think that this curfew is expected to be the ultimate solution to crime in this country.”

Sean Major

“In regards to the 02:00 am curfew, some may laugh about it but it's really a sad state that clearly was not thought through thoroughly by those who, we, the people, trusted to make sensible decisions on our behalf. The ripple effect this will have on our nation is only being skimmed slightly from the top now. But it will not only affect the simple bartender who depends on the extra tips to run his/her home, but also carry through on a more larger scale...!”

Jairo Rodrigues

“Anybody can get drunk before 02:00 am and cause accidents, etc. It’s an old law now enforced. It needs to come with strategic planning. I understand they are trying to curb alcoholism and lawlessness, but persons will still do their own thing. What is needed is alcohol control/sale and consumption law; that is raising the age limit to drink and club and enforcing it, and closely monitor the sale of alcohol.”

Shivon Andrews

“I think it's good; it has always been a part of the law, but never effectively enforced and all like in my area, the noise nuisance and the street congestion and the gun toting and the booming cars vibrating my flooring would definitely be minimised.”

Travis Bowen

“Lame. Nobody wants to go home at that time especially on a weekend after having a good time. Usually that's when things get better. So yeah....lame. But if this stunt is being pulled for security purposes, then bars and clubs should be strict about their security and who they let into their establishment. Security searches must be taken seriously and if that's not enough, then these establishment owners should hire even more security to ensure the public of their safety and freedom to have a good time.”

Richard Pitman

“I think it infringes on people's right to a social life. I don't think it was a properly thought-out "crime fighting" strategy. There was no link to partying after 02:00 am and crime. Even if the law says that nightclubs should be closed at 02:00 am, which has not been the case in years so you can't spontaneously decide to enforce this law. Also, there should be consultation with stakeholders before politicians implement their magical fix to any problem. I hardly go out to parties, but based on what I see on television promotion of different theme parties is how many make a living...”

Samuel Boodhu

“I think it’s a good thing

Ian DeFreitas “Personally, I don't mind the curfew. Gives the authorities more control on the late sporting, gun violence and crime around the city.”

tuesday, july 7, 2015 |

Caribbean inherited huge debt from colonial masters

Caribbean ‘lighting path’ to sustainable future – UN SG

Caricom Reparations Commission (CRC) Chairman, Sir Hilary Beckles said Caribbean nations were still fighting to keep their heads above the water following the effect of inherited debt from colonialism.

Beckles was at the time in discussion with regional leaders during the 36th Caricom Heads of Government meeting in Barbados last Saturday.

The discussion surrounded the economic status of the Caribbean nations and the massive debt they were facing. Beckles told the forum that Caribbean nations when they entered the nation-building process after colonialism, also inherited the debt which was passed on.

“Many of these nations started the journey into nation-building with an inherited colonial debt and a propensity to carry that debt,” Beckles told the leaders, continuing that Caribbean Governments have over the past 50 years been “cleaning up the colonial mess”. “Let’s assume that we have been cleaning up this mess, many of our Governments have spent enormous amount of money on health, education and infrastructure, just to turn these colonies into living spaces,” Beckles commented. He said when the colonies were inherited after independence, they were not suitable for living a “civil democratic life”.

Beckles noted that the Caricom Reparations Commission, in its 10-point plan, was seeking the elimination of external debt.

He noted that Caribbean Governments that emerged from slavery and colonialism inherited the massive crisis of community poverty and institutional unpreparedness for development.

The pressure of development has driven these Governments to carry the burden of public employment and social policies designed to confront colonial legacies. This process has resulted in states accumulating unsustainable levels of public debt that now constitute their fiscal entrapment.

This debt cycle properly belongs to the imperial Governments who have made no sustained attempt to deal with debilitating colonial legacies. Support for the payment of domestic debt and cancellation of international debt are necessary reparatory actions.

“And that is one of the issues that we have framed in there as a process of reparatory justice,” he said. According to Beckles, globalisation has become a “double edged sword”. “On one hand, it speaks about openness and oneness and level playing field, but the fact is when you look at the politics and economics of globalisation, they are going in different directions. It is about rich nations versus poor nations, about powerful nations and weak nations...”

Realistic validity

He said the Reparations Commission was fighting to bring realistic validity to the meaning and politics of equality, noting that “this is something that we have to

win”. “This is why we have this conflict between the political rhetoric of globalisation and the economic realities of it which is a transfer of resources from the weak nations into the economically sustainable nations and the debt is also part of that process.”

He said developed countries speak all the time about the importance of equity and equality, but the fact of the matter was that the powerful nations did not believe in such. “We need to look at those external shots and the internal improvisions to ascertain what are the forces that are holding the potentials of the Caribbean Region on the inside”.

Launched in July 2013, the Caricom Reparations Commission had sent a number of demands to the former European slave trade nations. These demands include those countries providing diplomatic help to persuade countries, such as

Ghana and Ethiopia, to offer citizenship to the children of people from the Caribbean who “return” to Africa; devising a developmental strategy to help improve the lives of poor communities in the Caribbean still devastated by the aftereffects of slavery, supporting cultural exchanges between the Caribbean and West Africa to help Caribbean people of African descent rebuild their sense of history and identity and supporting literacy drives designed to improve education levels that are still dire in many Caribbean communities.

The economies of Caricom member states reportedly total close to US$78 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which would place the Region at 65th in the world if it were a single country. Reports are that the Region cannot claim much in the way of economics. However, after having suffered over 400 years of slavery and colonialism at the hands of European powers, its demands for reparations possess enormous moral authority.

The Transatlantic Slave Trade brought over 10 million captured Africans to work as chattel slaves in sugar and cotton plantations throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. It was the largest forced migration in human history. Today, Caricom nations have a population of 16 million, and the Diaspora in the United States, Canada and Europe is about four to five million people.

CCCC launches its 1st competition

The newly-established Champion of Champions Calypso Competition (CCCC) will be hosting its first competition in a matter of months.

The CCCC Committee officially launched the competition a few days ago at Duke Lodge in Kingston, Georgetown. The committee consists of Coordinator Patrick Triumph, Secretary Daria Barrow, Public Relations Officer Basil

Bradshaw and Cecil Simple.

The competition comes at a time when Guyanese are pulling away from the art form and the organisers hope to rejuvenate citizens’ love for calypso. According to a release, the Committee’s aim “is to return the art form to what it used to be in the days of yore, when hundreds of followers flocked the various venues to give of their support while having fun in return, needless to mention the

crescendo of interest around the country back then at calypso competition time”.

In order for Guyanese to regain their appreciation for the art form, the organisers are planning a grand competition with very “high standards”. The organisers hope to have a brand new motor car as the first prize, a trip for two as the second prize, a motorcycle and a refrigerator for the third and fourth prizes along with consola-

tion prizes for participants who worked hard.

Persons desirous of entering this competition can make contact with the following organisers: Cecil Simple on 691-8191, Basil Bradshaw on 692- 3342 and Daria Barrow- 592649-8849 for further information concerning the Champion of Champions Calypso Competition slated for Friday, July 24 at the National Park, Georgetown.

This is a year for global action, with international community in the final stretch of preparing a transformative post-2015 agenda for sustainable development that will be agreed in New York in September, United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon declared in Bridgetown, where, two decades ago, the Barbados Programme of Action was adopted to tackle vulnerabilities facing small islands.

“I want to salute Caribbean countries for taking on ambitious renewable energy targets. By 2020, for example, Barbados will be one of the world’s top five leading users of solar energy on a per capita basis. You are lighting the path to the future,”

Secretary-General Ban Kimoon said during a high-level symposium focused on sustainable development in the Caribbean.

This meeting was among the UN chief’s first stops in Barbados, where later today he is expected to make opening remarks to the 2015 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Summit, and where tomorrow, he will, among others, hold an interactive dialogue at the University of the West Indies. “Twenty years ago, this very building was the site of the First Global Conference on Small Island Developing States that adopted the Barbados Programme of Action – the first compact between this group and the international community,” he noticed. For small island developing States, Mr. Ban added, this space is “hallowed ground.”

Encouraged by the presence of so many leaders of governments, regional and international organisations, the private sector, academia, and civil society, the Secretary-General highlighted the “continuing Caribbean commitment to put our world on a safer, more sustainable and equitable pathway,” a few days from the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. “As leaders of some of the most vulnerable countries in the world, you don’t need to be told that our planet is at grave risk. You are on the climate frontlines. You see it every day,” he continued. Convinced that sustainable development and climate change are “two sides of the same coin,” the UN top official went on to say that this generation could be the first to end global poverty, and the last to prevent the worst impacts of global warming “before it is too late.”

To get there, he underlined, the international community must make sure that the proposed sustainable development goals (SDGs) are “focused, financed and followed up – with real targets, real money and a real determination to achieve them.”

Considering these goals as a sort of a “to-do list for people and the planet”, Mr. Ban emphasized that it will take partnerships to make that happen. In that regard, he said, the Third International Conference on Small Islands

Developing States in Samoa last year laid a pathway for collective action and success within the post-2015 development agenda.

But, as the world prepares for a new sustainability framework and the sustainable development goals, a number of critical partnership areas must be strengthened, in particular the need for capacity building; financing; access to technology; and improved data collection and statistics. Member States also must continue working together to link the global agenda to regional agendas and to deepen regional integration and to address the “unique needs and vulnerabilities” of small island developing states and middleincome countries, such as the debt challenge.

“And we need to keep forging the way forward towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient development pathway that will benefit both people and the planet,” the SecretaryGeneral underlined. He gave the assurance that, through the Green Climate Fund, and in working with world leaders, he will continue to insist that small islands and least developed countries are top funding priorities.

“My main message to you is to remain fully engaged and keep working with us to strengthen our partnership during this vital year for humanity. Together, we can build a better, more sustainable world, for all.” Later, in an address to an event on ending violence against women, the Secretary-General said the Caribbean has among the highest rates of sexual assault in the world. Three Caribbean countries are in the global top ten for recorded rapes.

Moreover, he noted that in the eastern Caribbean, UNICEF estimates that child sexual abuse rates are between 20 and 45 per cent –meaning at least one in five precious children are affected. Most are girls who have no choice but to live close to their attacker. “They desperately need our help. Too many women are afraid to seek help. One study showed that up to two thirds of all victims suffer without ever reporting the crime. I am outraged by this. Shame belongs to the perpetrators – not the victims. We have to change mindsets – especially among men,” declared the UN chief.

In that light, he said he was proud to be the first man to sign onto the UN’s HeForShecampaign, and he invited more men to take the HeForShe pledge. “I encourage you to join UNICEF’s End Violence global campaign. And every day, I count on all of you to work for true equality.” In the margins of the 36th meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in Barbados, the Secretary-General met with Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Maxine McClean, of Barbados, a country he congratulated for its upcoming leadership of Caricom.

The organising committee for the Champion of Champions Calypso Competition (CCCC)

Caricom Reparations Commission (CRC) Chairman, Sir Hilary Beckles

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Your intuition will come in handy. You will be able to make wise choices in the blink of an eye. Romance is in the stars, providing a boost to your personal life.

A political or charitable organization will benefit from your expertise. The experience will enhance your resume and provide you with valuable connections that will lead to a higher profile.

Don’t go out on a limb for someone you just met. You may end up in a compromising position if you become involved in something you didn’t anticipate or approve of.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

AQUARIUS

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

You will get along with everyone, but your easygoing nature will make others think they can take advantage of you. Don’t get coerced into taking on someone else’s responsibilities.

Joint ventures will not work in your favor. Resist the urge to criticize or correct your peers, or you will end up looking very bad.

A healthy attitude should be your goal. Some minor adjustments to your routine will have a positive impact on your emotional well-being. You know what is best for you, so take action.

Enjoy spending time with a loved one. A romantic getaway will bring you closer. If you are unattached, make an effort to attend social functions geared toward singles.

Difficulty with authority figures will surface if you have not kept your records in order. Investment, tax and legal documents should be brought up to date.

Someone will want to spend more time with you. Don’t lead anyone on. It’s best to be honest. An old quarrel will be resolved if you make a point to clear the air. With some digging, you will discover more about your family history. Someone from your past will shed light on an issue that confused you. Younger family members will ask for advice.

Having too many projects on the boil will tire and confuse you. Stick to what you know best and dedicate the time and focus necessary to make it a success.

Your heightened emotional state will cause you to overreact. Make sure you understand what’s being said before you respond with a remark you may later regret.

GEMINI

Peanuts

Calvin and hobbes

dilbert

arChie

Women’s World Cup final… USA thump Japan to win 3rd title

Carli Lloyd scored an incredible 13-minute hat-trick as the United States thrashed Japan to win their third Women’s World Cup title.

In a repeat of the 2011 final, which Japan won on penalties, the Nadeshiko could not live with their stronger and quicker opponents, who went 4-0 up when Lloyd scored an astonishing third from the halfway line.

The American midfielder put the 1991 and 1999 champions two goals up within five minutes in a stunning start to the match.

Lauren Holiday volleyed in after Azusa Iwashimizu’s woeful header and Lloyd then caused pandemonium among the huge contingent of US supporters inside BC Place when she lobbed Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

The 2011 winners retaliated thanks to a Yuki Ogimi strike and a Julie Johnston own goal, but Tobin Heath made it 5-2 before 60 minutes had elapsed and despite further pressure, English coach Jill Ellis’s USA side held on.

The majority of the 53,341 fans inside BC Place erupted in joyous celebration at the final whistle before Confederation of African football (Caf) presi-

FIFA official banned for 7 years

Adent Issa Hayatou, standing in at the final for Fifa president Sepp Blatter, presented the World Cup trophy to former captain Christie Rampone and veteran striker Abby Wambach.

Chants of “U-S-A” reverberated around the ground when they lifted trophy.

The pulsating finale to an entertaining tournament was the highest-scoring final in the tournament’s history, and matched the highest scoring men’s final, when Brazil defeated Sweden by the same scoreline in 1958.

Japan, who made it to the final after beating England courtesy of Laura Bassett’s own goal, were outclassed from the start and could not cope with the USA’s setpieces.

But they also suffered from a familiar foe as Lloyd

added to the two goals she scored against Japan in the 2012 Olympic final between the two teams.

Her third-minute opener was the quickest goal in a Women’s World Cup final as she latched onto Megan Rapinoe’s perfectly directed corner. The 32-year-old added another after Japan failed to clear a free-kick.

It got worse for Norio Sasaki’s side when Iwashimizu gifted Holiday a goal when her clearance header merely looped up in the air and the USA midfielder took advantage.

Lloyd’s wonder goal, which completed a first Women’s World Cup final hat-trick and made her the tournament’s joint top scorer along with Germany’s Celia Sasic, appeared to have ended the game as a contest.

Such was the manner of Iwashimizu’s display that the Japan defender she was withdrawn after 33 minutes to be replaced by former captain Homare Sawa, who was competing in her sixth World Cup.

Although former Chelsea forward Ogimi turned and fired in before the break and Johnston’s second-half own goal gave Japan hope, Heath took advantage from more poor Japanese defending to score the USA’s fifth.

Japan were determined not to give up as substitute Mana Iwabuchi caused problems for the US defence. But they could find no way past a resolute US side, who became the first team to win the Women’s World Cup for a third time.

Fifa official who assessed the bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups has been banned from all football-related activity for seven years.

Football’s world governing body said Harold MayneNicholls, 54, has been suspended by its ethics committee.

It said more information would be given when the “decision becomes effective”.

Mayne-Nicholls plans to appeal against the sanction - and has questioned why it was announced before he had been through the appeals process.

Former Chilean Football Association president Mayne-Nicholls was one of five senior officials Fifa said last year were being investigated.

He had admitted speaking to officials from Qatar’s bid about possible work placements for three relatives at the country’s Aspire youth academy.

The ethics committee felt those conversations provided “cause enough to doubt the integrity of the inspection process and your evaluations”, according to leaked emails between a committee member and MayneNicholls.

Mayne-Nicholls chaired Fifa’s bid evaluation group for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively.

In his 2010 report to Fifa, Mayne-Nicholls - who had

been considering standing in this year’s Fifa presidential election - expressed serious concerns about conditions in Qatar, where summer temperatures can reach 50C.

Mayne-Nicholls was one of several senior Fifa officials to call for an independent report into the award process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to be published in full.

In December, Fifa decided to publish a “legally appropriate” version of the report, written by American lawyer Michael Garcia, who later resigned, citing a lack of leadership.

Swiss authorities have already begun a criminal investigation into how the 2018 and 2022 World Cups were allocated.

Meanwhile, nine senior Fifa officials are facing separate investigations of corruption, with US prosecutors alleging they accepted bribes and kickbacks estimated at more than $150m (£100m) over a 24-year period. (BBC Sport)

Murray beats Ivo Karlovic to reach Wimbledon last eight

Britain’s Andy Murray overcame the big serving of 6ft 11in Ivo Karlovic to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the eighth year in a row. The 2013 champion, seeded third, won 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 5-7 6-4 in three hours and three minutes on Centre Court.

Murray, 28, let the third set slip with a loose service game, but a Hawk-Eye challenge on a line call helped earn him the key break in the fourth.

He goes on to face unseeded Canadian Vasek Pospisil in the last eight.

There was no mystery surrounding the threat posed by 36-year-old Karlovic, who went into the match with a tournament-

leading 136 aces and added another 29 to his total.

It took 62 winners, among them numerous flashing passes and a succession of winning lobs, for Murray to prevail.

“I came up with some good lobs and passing

shots. I just needed to keep him low,” Murray told BBC Sport.

“It was an incredibly difficult match. It was mentally tiring. Maybe not as tiring physically due to the points being so quick.

“You’ve always got to be

ready to take your chances. It’s about getting the balance right and getting through. It wasn’t going to be the best tennis, it was about getting through.”

The Scot had won all five of his previous matches against Karlovic and was prepared for the barrage of aces, but could not always contain his frustration as the Croat repeatedly snuffed out chances with towering serves.

From 12 break points, Murray converted twice, the crucial second coming at 3-3 in the fourth set after Hawk-Eye judged a Karlovic volley to have drifted two millimetres wide.

Murray had earlier come through a tense 56-minute opening set in which five

break points and six set points disappeared before he was able to edge the tiebreak.

He looked well set when he finally claimed his first break of serve early in the second set thanks to two terrific returns, and moved two sets up after an hour and a half’s play.

Murray fended off a break point early in the third when he sent a Karlovic forehand back past the Croat into the open court, roaring in delight, but his hopes of a straightset win were derailed after two break points slipped by.

With a second tie-break looming, Murray broke a string when serving at 3030 and moments later was smashing his new racquet in frustration after two er-

rors handed Karlovic the set.

With opportunities fleeting, the Centre Court crowd groaned as one when the Briton missed an attempted backhand pass at 30-30 early in the fourth. In the end, Murray’s ability to return the Karlovic serve proved the difference as a lunging backhand drew the error at 3-3, 30-30, and the Croat then slid a backhand volley so narrowly wide that it needed HawkEye to confirm the error.

There was one more chance for Karlovic but he could only blaze a forehand wide at break point in the following game, and Murray leapt in celebration when he closed out a hard-fought win just after the three-hour mark.

USA are the first nation to win three Women’s World Cups - they also won in 1991 and 1999

Andy Murray

Harold Mayne-Nicholls

Younis, Masood tons put Pakistan ahead

CONCACAF details rebuilding plans after FIFA bribery scandal

Shan Masood and Younis Khan came together at 13 for 2 in a chase of 377, and responded with the highest fourthinnings partnership ever for Pakistan, leaving the visitors 147 runs adrift of achieving the highest suc-

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka 1st innings 278 Pakistan 1st innings 215 Sri Lanka 2nd innings 313 Pakistan 2nd innings (target: 377 runs)

Shan Masood not out 114

Ahmed Shehzad b Lakma 0 Azhar Ali c †Chandimal

b Prasad 5

Younis Khan not out 101

Extras:(lb 6, w 1, nb 3) 10

Total:(2 wickets; 63 overs) 230

To bat: Misbah-ul-Haq*, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed†, Ehsan Adil, Yasir Shah, Rahat Ali, Imran Khan

Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-13

Bowling: KTGD Prasad

13-2-42-1, RAS Lakmal

12-2-34-1, N Pradeep

10-2-32-0, AD Mathews 6-115-0, PHT Kaushal 20-1-92-0, J Mubarak 2-0-9-0.

cessful chase ever in Sri Lanka.

The duo had to contend with a charged up threeman pace attack running in with a new ball. Masood had to overcome considerable nerves in general in his first Test outside the UAE, and discomfort against the short ball in particular.

Their ally was the pitch, having slowed down enough for the ball to lose nearly all its threat along with its shine.

Their pressure release was the inexperienced offspinner Tharindu Kaushal,

who went for 92 in 20 wicketless overs.

The first ball of Pakistan’s innings had summed up the task that lay ahead, when Dhammika Prasad squared up Masood with a ripper. Suranga Lakmal bettered that testing first over, beating Ahmed Shehzad with one that moved away and then uprooting his off stump with one that came in. Misfortune added to Pakistan’s worries when Azhar Ali nicked behind down the leg side off Prasad in trying to whip a wide one.

The scoreline of 13 for 2 would not have helped Masood’s jittery beginning, but the arrival of Younis did. Younis was eager to move across and solidly got behind the line of deliveries. He was also keen to look for the single. Slowly, Masood started to find some confidence. He was still not comfortable against the shorter lengths but moved forward to drill a few drives down the ground when the seamers overpitched.

The introduction of Kaushal in the 14th over changed the situation. The offspinner could not control his lengths, and repeatedly served up short balls and full tosses. Masood stepped out to lift him for fours, Younis pulled powerfully. By tea, Kaushal had conceded 43 from seven overs and the partnership had grown to 86 in 22.

Younis had been in no trouble till tea; he became almost imperious after the break. He started jumping across and thumping the fast bowlers on the up through the covers. He whipped Prasad through midwicket and cover-drove him for successive fours to

march past fifty. Masood had settled down, and though he was still getting beaten on the cut, he was also working the ball into gaps.

With his fast bowlers flagging, and his offspinner leaking runs, Angelo Mathews tried himself, and almost broke through. Sri Lanka reviewed for leg-before against Masood, on 79, but with replays inconclu-

had stretched Sri Lanka’s lead to 376, even as Imran Khan picked up his maiden five-for with the second new ball.The overnight pair of Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal had furthered their rebuilding act to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position, adding 50 runs more to extend their sixth-wicket partnership to 117. The lead was nearing 350 when Imran finally got

sive about whether there was an inside edge, the third umpire had to go with the on-field call.

Sri Lanka’s spread-out fields helped Masood and Younis to keep rotating the strike. Masood reached his maiden Test hundred stepping out and lifting Kaushal for a straight six. Younis never allowed the offspinner to settle, trying the reverse sweep now and then, and made it 30 Test centuries with a swept four in the last over of the day. He also became the first man to make five fourth-innings hundreds.

In the morning, Mathews’ fifth Test century

reward for his accuracy in the 16th over of the day, Chandimal going leg-before for 67. Prasad bagged a king pair, feathering one to the keeper.

Imran, who had bowled lucklessly in the first innings, wrapped up proceedings to herald lunch, when Mathews chased a wide one on 122, and became the fourth successive man to be caught by Sarfraz Ahmed. By then, he had left Pakistan the task of mounting the second-highest successful chase in Asia to win the series. Masood and Younis’ 217-run partnership seems to have put Pakistan firmly on that path. (Cricinfo)

McIlroy sustains major ankle injury in build-up to Open

World number one and defending champion Rory McIlroy is a doubt for the Open after totally rupturing an ankle ligament playing football with friends.

The 2015 Open begins in nine days’ time at St Andrews in Scotland.

McIlroy, 26, wrote on Instagram: “Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends.

“Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started.”

A spokesman for the Northern Irishman, who will have further scans on his ankle over the next 48

hours, said he has not ruled himself out of the Open.

But Dr Peter Larkins, a former Olympic steeplechaser who now provides insight into Aussie Rules injuries for television, said the recovery time for a ruptured ankle ligament could be up to 12 weeks.

“It’s six weeks wearing a moon boot and six weeks of physio,” he told BBC Sport.

“Could he play at the Open? It’s a tricky one. It depends how much pain he can tolerate. If the ankle is very loose and badly swollen, I can’t imagine him walking around for miles for four rounds.

“The swelling can ease in a week with plenty of therapy, but that won’t

Rory McIlroy

leave much time for practice.”

Scottish golfer Richie Ramsay tweeted that he suffered a similar injury, which resulted in a lengthy recovery period.

“I had a full tear of liga-

ments in my ankle not long ago. It takes a lot longer than you think to heal,” he said.

“Three months until I played, and even then getting my foot to work the right way was tough.”

McIlroy, who has won four majors, was set to play in the Scottish Open this week, but will definitely miss that event.

He could also miss the chance to defend his US PGA Championship title in mid-August.

McIlroy has had a mixed season so far, finishing fourth at the Masters in April, and joint ninth at last month’s US Open. Both tournaments were won by Jordan Spieth. (BBC Sport)

Plunged into crisis by a second FIFA bribery scandal in four years, CONCACAF wants to pass sweeping new leadership rules to help rebuild.

The North and Central American and Caribbean governing body published anti-corruption proposals Monday after its past two presidents and general secretaries were implicated in an American federal investigation of racketeering in international footall.

CONCACAF’s president since 2012, Jeffrey Webb of the Cayman Islands, and an executive committee colleague Eduardo Li of Costa Rica are fighting extradition to the United States from prison cells in Zurich where they were arrested in May.

Its top administrator, Enrique Sanz, is suspended from all footall duty by FIFA and CONCACAF after being linked to arranging bribes for Webb from the rights-holding sports marketing agency where he used to work.

“From a crisis standpoint, this is a pretty big crisis,” CONCACAF legal adviser Sam Gandhi said. “We have to solve our own problems and we need to show we are a leader.”

The reform proposals include: Imposing term limits on CONCACAF presidents and executive committee members; appointing independent outsiders to the policy-making executive panel executive committee; publishing salaries and expenses of top officials.

“The whole world has acknowledged that independent board members are important to avoid conflicts of interest,” Gandhi said of an idea FIFA refused to enact in its own reform process two years ago.

CONCACAF also wants to run background checks on potential commercial partners, hire a compliance officer and run a whistleblower hotline.

The detailed plans for “systemic organizational change” were published Monday, one day before CONCACAF’s Gold Cup tournament kicks off in the United States

“We are going to be able to put on a great event and going to be able to pay prize money,” Gandhi, a partner with law firm Sidley Austin, said in a telephone interview. “We have had no restrictions on our operations.”

Still, CONCACAF’s marquee competition was named in a stunning 164page indictment published in May by the U.S. Department of Justice.

It alleged widespread

corruption over 24 years in the award of broadcast rights for international football events.

Gold Cup rights through 2021 are held by the Traffic Sports USA Inc agency, whose president Aaron Davidson is one of 14 football and marketing officials named in the indictment. The company has made a guilty plea to wire fraud conspiracy.

Webb and Li are also among those 14 indicted in the widening American federal investigation, as was former CONCACAF president Jack Warner, a longtime FIFA vice president, who is resisting extradition from his native Trinidad and Tobago. Two of Warner’s sons already made guilty pleas.

Warner’s former righthand man at CONCACAF, American Chuck Blazer also had his guilty plea unsealed in May.

Between them, they ran CONCACAF for more than two decades until Blazer turned whistleblower in 2011 to implicate Warner and then-FIFA presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam of Qatar in a vote-buying plot.

CONCACAF’s reputation was battered and within a year Webb was elected and Sanz hired on a joint pledge to clean house and restore its standing.

Instead, American federal agencies allege that Webb was already seeking and getting bribes from Sanz’s former employer Traffic Sports.

Monday’s reform document was accepted Saturday at a CONCACAF executive meeting after being drafted by Gandhi and an emergency panel formed by the leaders of the Canada, Mexico and U.S. football federations.

Changes must be approved at a congress of the full 41-nation CONCACAF membership, likely within a year.

“We and, more importantly, the ExCo (executive committee) realize we need to do the right thing to right the ship otherwise there will not be a confederation,” Gandhi said. (Digicel Sportsmax)

Younis Khan flays the ball through the leg side

Jeffrey Webb

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Williams beats venus to r each last eight Wimbledon

Serena Williams beat her elder sister Venus in a Grand Slam match for the first time in six years to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals.

The world number one came through 6-4 6-3 in one hour and eight minutes on Centre Court.

Serena, two years younger at 33, has now won 15 of the American siblings’ 26 professional contests.

She remains on course to complete the third leg of a possible calendar Grand Slam.

Her last defeat at one of the four majors came at the All England Club 12 months ago, and her sister could not end a run that has taken in victories at the US, Australian and French Opens.

“It’s never easy to play someone you love and care about,” said the world number one. “You just play for the competition and enjoy the moment.”

Illness and injury have hampered Venus since her last Wimbledon title in 2008, but with five Wimbledon singles crowns apiece, the fourth round was still an early stage for such a heavyweight encounter.

“It definitely doesn’t get any easier,” Serena said after their sixth Wimbledon meeting.

“I thought, ‘I’m 33 and she’s 35, I don’t know how many more moments like this you’re going to have’.”

Venus said: “We’ve played a lot of years and we’ve tried to be entertaining.

“We won’t be playing forever, but clearly we’re playing at a very high level now. When that moment is over, it will be over. It’s not now.”

There was reason to believe for Venus, who won their most recent match in Montreal last summer and has worked her way back up to 16th in the world rankings.

However Serena powered through the first eight points to take an early grip of the match and went on to dominate in the key areas of serve, return and winners.

Venus showed why she

remains a real threat in the early stages of both sets, coming back to level at 2-2 in the first and taking a 3-2 lead on serve in the second. It was the more consistent power at the opposite end of the court that held sway, though, and Serena dropped just five points on serve in the second set, while hitting 22 winners to six.

A double fault saw Venus drop serve at 3-3 and her younger sister raced through the next game with a 121mph ace, before ending the contest with a break to love.

“I think I served well,” added Serena.

“I didn’t hit huge serves but I was really consistent. She was playing really well but in the end I was able to come through.”

Williams wins feature...

Williams had earlier in the day claimed top honours in the Points Race, outgunning Alanzo Greaves and Paul DeNobrega, and also won the Category 1-3 event, leaving Anthony and Greaves to settle for second and third respectively.

Keomo Logan started the day with a victory in the 12-14 Juveniles race, winning ahead of David Sampson and Brighton John, while Leal, Jamal John and Mario King

were 1-2-3 in the Junior/ Category Four.

Greaves won the Win and Out ahead of Holder and Inniss, while Keon Thomas crossed the line ahead of Seon Budhan and Ozia McUally in the Mountain Bike race.

In the Veterans races, Kennard Lovell prevailed over his opponents in the Over-50, while Warren McKay was the leading rider in the Under-50.

Jonathon Jagdeo con-

tinued his fine form this season with victory in the BMX 12-14 ahead of Acelia Hodge and Thuran Garbarran, while Marica Dick won the lone race for females.

The day’s activity was organised by the Brian Allen-led Roraima Bikers Club (RBC). Executives of the Club, along with top officials of Namilco, were on hand to witness the races and later assist in the presentation of prizes.

Da

Serena and Venus Williams have played each other on 26 occasions since 1998

Geron Williams receives his prize from Namilco Finance Controller Fitzroy McLeod

Opening night tips off with blowouts

By TreisTon Joseph

The first night of ac-

tion in the National School Basketball Festival (NSBF) tipped off with a number of teams displaying their scoring prowess with large margins of victory on Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

In Under-14 action, Mackenzie High School out of Linden topped St Rose’s High School of Georgetown 30-16 to get the ball rolling.

Yonnick Tappin scored a game-high 14 points for Mackenzie, while pulling down eight rebounds to help the Linden side pull off the win.

In female action, Kwakwani Secondary School routed Marian Academy 28-8 to grab their first victory in the national tournament.

Kenesha Leacock was the game’s lead scorer with 13 points and four steals in a solid all-round effort.

Meanwhile, in Under-19 action, the winners of the first NSBF championships, St Rose’s High destroyed

Wismar Secondary out of Linden with a 35-22 win.

Nathan Saul continued his scoring ways from the regional conferences with a game-high 12 points, while Anferenee Jervis was good in the post with 10 points and eight rebounds.

The closest game of the evening was between Mackenzie High School and

Digicel Nationwide School Football

JC Chandisingh Secondary School in Under-19 action with the latter winning the clash 41-37.

Osafo Profit played well to record the first doubledouble of the NSBF leg with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Daniel Anthony was the leading scorer for the losing side with a double-double as well, scoring 13 points and

Tournament… Waramadong moving through the rounds

Football giants Waramadong

Secondary survived a thriller to move to the Zone Seven regional fial of the fifth annual Digicel School Football Tournament when they got past Bartica 3-Mile Secondary 3-2 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw on Monday at the Bartica Community Centre Ground.

The three-time national finalists were given an early scare on the waterlogged field when in the 7th minute, Malik Durant went past the opposing goalkeeper, Reese Gomez, but the ball stopped in a pool of water just before the goal line. Durant tried desperately to get the ball out, but could not before the goalkeeper recovered his ground and held on to the ball.

Three minutes later, Waramadong scored as midfielder Aston Ward took a long shot at the goal that bounced into the back of the net. Ward scored again in the 25th minute as Waramadong employed a 4-5-1 formation, with Deon Rodrigues being the only forward.

Seven minutes into the second half, Ward was replaced, a move which 3-Mile relished as their first goal came seven minutes after from Durant.

Waramadong then went on the defensive, but with

seven minutes left in the game, Durant netted the equaliser, sending the large crowd into a frenzy. The game was decided from the penalty spot. Waramadong will now take on Bartica Secondary in the regional final on Wednesday at the same venue. Meanwhile, GuySuCo Training Centre Port Mourant inflicted a 6-0 whipping on Skeldon High School at the Bernham Park on Monday to qualify for a quarterfinal spot in Zone Six.

Led by doubles from Jamal Butts and Nicholas Persaud, GuySuCo Training Centre ensured Skeldon High had no chance. Butts scored in the 33rd and

42nd minute of play while Persaud scored in the 35th and 36th minute.

Steiner Pexeux scored in the 44th minute and Kumar Persaud put in the final goal in the 61st minute.

GuySuCo will now take on Berbice High on Thursday at the Skeldon Community Centre.

Meanwhile action in Zone Six continues today with Berbice Educational Institute doing battle with New Amsterdam Technical Institute in a second-round game.

Across in Region Nine, Annai Secondary got the better of St Ignatius Secondary 2-0 to qualify for the regional final against Parmakatoi.

Lucrative Guyana Cup set for August 16

The annual Guyana Cup horse race meet this year has a mammoth $30 million plus sponsorship package. The event is set for Sunday, August 16 at the Port Mourant Turf Club.

Lower. A total of $7.5 million will be up for grabs in that race. The race will be contested over a distance of nine furlongs.

10 rebounds, while Tyrese Mitchell chipped in with 12 points.

In the only Under-16 game of the evening, New Amsterdam Multilateral gained a walkover against Plaisance Secondary School. Action in the tournament will continue throughout the course of the week at the said venue.

Organised by business conglomerate Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables which has establishments at Bush Lot and Chester Village, West Coast Berbice; East Bank Demerara and Georgetown, Guyana Cup 2015 horse race meet is being held in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club.

Organisers have recently released a provisional programme with 10 races carded for the day.

The feature race is for animals classified A1 and

Other races listed on the provisional programme are: the Three-year-old race for West Indies bred horses; Two-year-old race for West Indies horses, E1 and Lower, Four-year-old for West Indies bred animals, G1 and Lower, H1 and Lower, Two-year-old race for Guyana bred horses, I1 and Lower, and J1 and Lower.

The top Jockey, the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be rewarded for their performances.

The coordinator is Nasrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohammed Jr. The event will be launched shortly.

West Indies still seeking the fast track to success

It is a puzzle that has gone unsolved for a couple of decades. Attempts to crack it involve mainly, but not only, the quality of pitches.

At their meeting in Barbados last weekend, WICB directors charged the cricket committee to have another go at coming up with suggestions of how "to prioritise the development of fast bowlers in the region and for the West Indies team, recognising that the majority of the overs in regional tournaments are bowled by spinners and is impacting negatively on the production of fast bowlers for the West Indies team".

As it considers its fresh mandate, the committeeon which Courtney Walsh and Joel Garner are the only members from the glorious past of fast bowling dominance - is presumably familiar with what prompted the directors' renewed concern. Comparisons with the '70s and '80s, when Garner and Walsh were just two among many pre-eminent fast bowlers who devastated West Indies' opponents everywhere, are clearly unwarranted. No team in history possessed such a proliferation, none is ever likely to do so again.

The record since Walsh, the last in that revered lineage, retired in 2001 is enlightening. Of the top 10 wicket-takers in the inau-

gural Professional Cricket League (PCL) last season, seven were spinners. The count was eight of 10 in the three previous years and all but one of 10 in 2011. In that time, it hasn't been unusual for a spinner to be handed the new ball.

It has become a familiar scenario, diminishing the stocks of what, from the earliest days, was an essential element in West Indies' strength. Learie Constantine, George Francis, Herman Griffith, George John and Manny Martindale were the pre-war pioneers. Wes Hall and Charlie Griffith followed, before the numerically formidable attack, initially assembled by Clive Lloyd, arrived to underpin 15 years of impregnability.

Since Walsh decided that, at 37, after 132 Tests and a record 519 wickets, his body was no longer fit enough for the game at the highest level, West Indies Test teams have included 18 new fast bowlers. Only three have taken more than 100 wicketsFidel Edwards (165), Jerome Taylor (122) and Kemar Roach (120). Only Roach, at 27.83, and Jermaine Lawson, at 29.64, have averaged less than 30 runs a wicket. Such names as Dwight Washington and Brandon Bess have been long since forgotten by all but diligent statisticians identifying one-Test wonders.

Nor have the spinners

dominating the regional game since capably filled the breach. The left-arm skyscraper Sulieman Benn heads the list with 87 wickets from 26 Tests; Shane Shillingford (70 from 16 Tests) and Devendra Bishoo (50 from 13) are the only others with more than 25 wickets or 10 Tests. None averages less than 30 runs a wicket, three are over 50. Such statistics go a long way to accounting for West Indies' rapid drop from top of the world to near the base. No wonder the WICB continues to be worried.

The views of Michael Holding and Andy Roberts, two of the commanders in Lloyd's army of fast men; Ian Bishop, an outstanding successor; and Wes Hall, the spearhead of an earlier generation, are enlightening. Holding, now a widely admired media analyst, fittingly points out that young men with all the physical attributes for bowling fast are turned off by the slow, low pitches presently found on most grounds in the Caribbean. "Not all the surfaces we had to bowl on coming through regional cricket were pacy and bouncy, but most gave you a chance," he recalls. "No longer. I can imagine the reaction of an ambitious young quickie today when he sees his captain call on an offspinner to open the bowling. I know what mine would have been." (Cricinfo)

Anferenee Jervis of St Rose’s hits an easy floater in traffic

Some of the action between Waramadong Secondary and Bartica 3-Mile

Bowlers shine as Berbice top Demerara by 7 wickets to retain title

Led by a disciplined effort from their bowlers, Berbice easily disposed of hosts Demerara by seven wickets to retain the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) senior Female Inter-County 50-Over Tournament title which concluded on Sunday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground.

Berbice opted to field after winning the toss, and Natasha Jandoo (3-10) was the best bowler on show. She, however, got useful support

from Stefanie Rodney (2-9); Sabrina Munroe (2-11); and Plaffiana Millington (1-12), to help Berbice bundle out their opponents for a paltry 67 in 41.2 overs.

Kavita Yadram (15) was the lone Demerara batter to have reached double figures.

In reply, Katana Mentore and Melanie Henry set Berbice on course with an opening stand of 22 before Mentore was run out for four. Henry soon followed, given out caught and bowled off Hassena Mohamed for

13 (1x4) after she shared in a second-wicket stand of 26 with Grimmond who went soon after for 13 (1x4).

Gangoo, who was named player of the match, smashed three fours in an unbeaten 13 to see her team home, ending on 68-3 in 21.4 overs; Campbell was on four. Mohamed took 1-13.

After the game, Berbice Coach Andre Percival lauded his team for the fighting effort shown, adding that his team played with great passion and determination.

CM Drayton wins Caricom rapid chess tournament

Candidate Master (CM) Anthony Drayton played undefeated to win the Caricom one-day rapid chess tournament on Sunday last at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

Drayton, the highest Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE)-rated player locally with rating points of 1947, was unstoppable, securing seven points from seven games. Drayton’s toughest challenge came against Loris

Nathoo, Alexander Duncan and Errol Tiwari, but he was still able to secure wins with his end-game knowledge and experience.

Chino Chung ended second with five points after he suffered losses to Drayton and Tiwari, while Nathoo end on four and half points to secure the final podium position. Alexander Duncan and Errol Tiwari ended on four points apiece.

In the junior category, St Stanislaus College’s Joshua Gopaul got the better of Davion Mars and Roberto

Neto to secure the top podium position. Gopaul and Mars finished on four points apiece, but got the win on the progressive score tiebreaker. Neto finished on three and a half points.

The tournament was organised by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF). The GCF would like to thank the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and the National Sports Commission for the use of the National Resource Centre for the hosting of its first tournament in 2015.

Pacesetters to host concert on July 11

– other activities planned for remainder of year

Guyana’s number one ranked club, the Trinity Grid Holding Pacesetters will be hosting a concert on July 11 at the Tutorial High School.

The concert dubbed “Ballers in Concert” will be geared towards raising funds for the Club in its pursuit to remain on top.

However, the Club also has a number of other activities planned for the remainder of the year which include a club social, a visit

to Joshua House, exchange trip to Linden, painting of pedestrian crossings at schools, exchange visit to Berbice, annual Christmas party and a stay in school campaign.

The Club recently finished second to the Dynas Ravens in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) “King of the Hard Court” tournament in the open category, but will be aiming to bounce back from the defeat.

race meet

– registration closes July 26

The Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) has released a provisional programme for its annual Emancipation Day horse race meet slated for August 2 at the Club’s facility at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to KMTC Honorary President Cecil Kennard, preparations for the event have already begun, as it is one of the major activities of the Turf Club.

Seven races are carded for the day, and jockeys, stables and horse owners have until July 26 to register to

participate in the event.

The day’s programme will be highlighted by the feature A and Lower race, which will carry a winning purse of $1 million over seven furlongs. The runner-up in this race will receive half that amount.

The E and Lower winner will pocket $500,000, while the winner of the G1 and Lower will collect $320,000.

Other races carded for the day are the K1 and Lower W/A, Two-year-old Guyana bred, H and Lower, and Three-year-old West

Indies Maiden, and J1 and Lower. The races will be run under the rule book of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

Registration closes on July 26, and according to Kennard, no late entries will be accepted.

More information on the meet can be had from Roopnarine Matadial (3253192); Ivan Dipnarine (3310316); Justice Cecil Kennard (623-7609, 225-4818, 2261399); Isabella Beaton (6937812); Dennis DeRoop (6099143) or Compton Sancho (690-0569).

The winning Berbice team with GCB officials

Category winners Anthony Drayton and Joshua Gopaul (seated), with the other top performers of the tournament

Patriots win their 3rd game behind a sturdy bowling perfromance

Asecond consecutive superb bowling performance from the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots saw them register their third win

of the 2015 Hero Caribbean Premier League season and consolidate their position at third in the league table, while the Barbados

SCOREBOARD

Barbados Tridents innings

(20 overs maximum)

DR Smith b Shamsi 20

EMDY Munaweera b Shahid Afridi 18

SD Hope† c Brathwaite

b Shamsi 5

JO Holder c Cottrell b Shamsi 17

KA Pollard* c Brathwaite

b Shahid Afridi 49

JL Carter b Shamsi 0 RJ Peterson run out (Brathwaite/Cottrell) 7

ND Stewart c Cottrell

b Shahid Afridi 0

AR Nurse not out 0

RR Emrit not out 6

Extras: (lb 6, w 7) 13

Total: (8 wickets; 20 overs) 135

Did not bat: R Rampaul

Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-49, 3-70, 4-75, 5-76, 6-101, 7-117, 8-129

Bowling: Sohail Tanvir

4-0-10-0, SS Cottrell 4-042-0, CR Brathwaite 4-033-0, Shahid Afridi 4-0-343, T Shamsi 4-0-10-4. St Kitts and Nevis Patriots innings (target: 136 runs from 20 overs)

MJ Guptill run out (Nurse/†Hope) 45 E Lewis c Pollard b Smith 10 MN Samuels* not out 71 CR Brathwaite not out 5

Extras: (lb 2, w 6) 8

Total: (2 wickets; 17.1 overs) 139

To bat: DC Thomas, Shahid Afridi, SO Dowrich†, TA Willett, Sohail Tanvir, SS Cottrell, T Shamsi

Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-111 Bowling: JO Holder 2-0-25-0, R Rampaul 3-0-21-0, DR Smith 1-0-12-1, EMDY Munaweera

1-0-14-0, RR Emrit 3-0-20-0, KA Pollard 4-0-14-0, RJ Peterson 2-0-9-0, AR Nurse 1.1-0-22-0.

have now lost two in a row.

Tabraiz Shamsi followed his 4-23 against Jamaica Tallawahs with an even more impressive 4-10 as the Patriots restricted the Tridents to just 135-8 from their 20 overs, a target that the Patriots chased in 17.1 overs for the loss of only two wickets with Marlon Samuels scoring 71 not out off 54 balls.

Chinaman bowler Shamsi dismissed Dwayne Smith, Shai Hope, Jason Holder and Jonathan Carter in a superb four over spell that tore the heart from the Tridents’ innings. His most recent eight overs in the CPL have reaped 8-33 - it is safe to say a star has been born.

Shamsi was assisted well by Shahid Afridi who also followed his strong performance against the Tallawahs of 2-10 with 3-34.

The Tridents have Kieron Pollard to thank that they posted as many as they did. Pollard’s 33-ball 49, which helped the table-

toppers blitz 47 from their last 18 balls was the only score of more than 20 in the innings.

The Patriots lost Evin Lewis for just 10 in the third over of their innings but never once looked as if they would be troubled chasing what was certainly a below-par total. Given the Patriots success with their

spin bowlers it was surprising that Robin Peterson was not introduced into the attack until the fifteenth over.

Martin Guptill and Samuels played sensible innings lined with moments of panache to carry the Patriots to a deeply impressive eight wicket victory in front of a passionate home crowd.

As the pitches continue to wear the Patriots will be hopeful that spin-duo Shamsi and Afridi can continue to set up similar victories. The Patriots are back in action on Wednesday against the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The Tridents play next on Saturday in the heavy-weight clash against the Tallawahs. (CPL.com)

Namilco/RBC’s ‘Wheat Up’ Classic… Williams wins feature 30-lap event

Guyana’s lone pro rider Geron Williams turned in a dominant performance on Sunday, winning three races, including the main event, when the 12th annual Caricom Day Wheat Up cycling race was held around the Seawall Bandstand in Kingston, Georgetown. Williams crowned an excellent day in the saddle, carting off top honours in the feature 30-lap Wheat Up Classic, copping the $30,000 cash prize and a trophy, as well as a one-year supply of Wheat Up, compliments of the sponsor, National Milling Company (Namilco).

The fast-rising Michael Anthony took second spot, followed by Raul Leal, Akeem Wilkinson, Christopher Holder and Silvio Inniss. The top six finishers all received cash incentives.

The top performers share a moment with officials of Namilco and the RBC

Tridents

Tabraiz Shamsi celebrates the wicket of Jason Holder to the dismay of Tridents Captain Kieron Pollard in the background