Guyana Times Daily - January 23, 2015

2

NEWS

friday, JaNUary 23, 2015 | gUyaNatimesgy.com

Govt never promised Region 10 Channel 13 – Teixeira

By Devina Samaroo

Amid the controversy surrounding the granting of a broadcasting licence for Channel 13 to Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Presidential Adviser Gail Teixeira pointed out that the August 21, 2012 agreement between the Region and Central Government never stipulated that specific channel for the district.

According to sections of the media, Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon said “the agreement specifically stated that in 14 days the Channel 13 transmitter along with the station and some other things would be handed over”.

Solomon accused the Government of violating the agreement as he called on Government and the parlia-

mentary Opposition to “take note”.

In an invited comment, Teixeira made it clear that there was never any promise to deliver Channel 13. “There was nothing in the

agreement that said they will get any particular channel,” she explained.

Teixeira also pointed out that since the signing of the agreement, the Region 10 Chairman took years before he actually submitted an application to the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA).

GNBA Chairman Bibi Shaddick said the Authority received the application and it was forwarded to the National Management Frequency Unit (NMFU) who then advised that Channel 13 was no longer available.

In a GNBA correspondence, dated December 17, 2014, the Region’s request for a television licence was acknowledged, and it was stated that while Channel 13 was unavailable, another frequency would be made available.

Solomon has since registered his disappointment at not being able to acquire Channel 13. “Region 10 wishes to strongly express its dissatisfaction in the

handling of this matter,” he said.

Solomon stated that he would be preparing two responses to the GNBA’s letter that informed the Council of the unavailability of Channel 13, noting that one was a direct reply, and the other was for President Donald Ramotar and would be copied to Opposition Leader David Granger and Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader Khemraj Ramjattan.

Solomon pointed out that the Region had signalled its interest in taking the television station back from the state, as part of the August 21, 2012 agreement.

“Channel 13 was originally assigned to Green Construction … now in the possession of the Government of Guyana, under the management of NCN … to be returned to

the people of Region 10, as agreed in the August 2012 agreement. This agreement said that the dish and transmitter would be handed over to the Region within 14 days of signing, which should have been no later than September 14, 2012,” Solomon had stated.

However, Teixeira was adamant that Channel 13 was never promised.

The August 21, 2012 agreement was initialled by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Solomon after a month-long protest in Linden in 2012.

The agreement made provisions for the Region to apply for a broadcasting licence and for the Government to facilitate the granting of that licence in keeping with the law, as well as the handing over of a dish and transmitter.

Political lightweights ready to rumble

By Devina Samaroo

The smaller political parties here are beginning to emerge ahead of the upcoming General and Regional Elections slated for May 11. And though not possessing of the financial might and organisational structure of the three main parties, they are quietly exuding confidence as election fever heats up.

Rising from the ashes about a month ago, the United Republican Party (URP) of Vishnu Bandhu started campaigning some

two weeks ago, the founder said, with “bottom-house” meetings with representatives from various groups and religious organisations. Bandhu, who seeks to bring “spirituality” to the political atmosphere, explained that these meetings have been successful for the most part.

“Depends on what happens in these meetings, we will enter into rallies. But I can tell you that the meetings, since we started, there was no negative response,” he said.

On that note, Bandhu is optimistic the party will “score very big” in the upcoming elections, asserting that the URP will be winning votes from People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) strongholds. “I think we will do better than the PPP/C and APNU because these people, they are really fed up of what is happening. They are so tired of the present situation. I think we will make history in this election,” he said.

The United Force (TUF), according to Leader Marissa Nadir, has long hit the campaign road. “As it is, we are

already in the field. We just need to increase the frequency in being out there,” she said.

Nadir explained that TUF opted to utilise a more “intimate approach” during the campaign period, partially because of insufficient funding for massive rallies, but, mostly because the party considers an intimate approach more effective. “We prefer to keep it at a level where there is more interaction with the people … we are meeting persons one-onone,” she said.

Nadir asserted that this

strategy actually allowed party members to listen to the people’s general concerns, their complaints, recommendations, suggestions and questions, rather than party members presenting speeches in front of a massive crowd.

Back in November last year, Nadir, whose father was the long-time leader of TUF before becoming a PPP/C Member of Parliament, had told this newspaper in an interview that contrary to popular belief, the TUF was not “dead”. She said then that the party was currently on the frontline seeking to regain what had seemingly been destroyed.

“Persons think that TUF is non-existent now, but it is not,” she said. “I can assure persons that TUF still exists. The executive still remains the same. We accept that we have had challenges and have had to regroup, but we have maintained contact and presence with our supporters, not only in Georgetown, but throughout the country and we are working to get these people back together.”

Leader of the Justice For

All Party (JFAP), Jaipaul Sharma explained that since his resignation as an MP in the APNU coalition, he has been going out into the field to meet with citizens to listen to their concerns. “It’s not about going on a platform and saying to vote for me,” Sharma said, adding that those actions should not be termed “campaigning."

He explained that, to his knowledge, campaigning as it relates to public advertisement cannot begin until the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) publishes an official list of elec-

tors or until after the Claims and Objections Period. He also maintained that parameters on the code of conduct needed to be set before political parties can actually begin “campaigning”. Sharma said he was baffled by the ruling party’s announcement that it would commence its campaign. “This is totally wrong because they have an advantage to know beforehand the date for elections,” he said. Sharma argued that “campaigning” cannot begin if Parliament has not been dissolved. “How can you start campaigning if the Parliament is not dissolved? If there are still Members of Parliament and they are still getting paid?” he questioned. Nonetheless, the JFAP Leader said he was ready for the race to begin.

On Tuesday, President Donald Ramotar declared May 11 the date for Guyana’s first snap election. The announcement of the date for General and Regional Elections is in keeping with his promise to do so within the first quarter of 2015 after he took a decision to prorogue the life of the 10th Parliament last November.

Presidential Adviser Gail Teixeira

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon

Vishnu Bandhu

Marissa Nadir

Jaipaul Sharma

between 23 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:33h and 18:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.79 metres and 2.83 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:06h and 12:25h reaching minimum heights of 0.34 metre and 0.43 metre respectively.

The above-normal high tide is in effect until Monday, January 26, 2015. Residents of coastal, ow-lying and riverine areas are advised to take necessary precautions against possible flooding

AFC/PNC/APNU coalition talks: Leader or nothing! – Ramjattan

By Michael younge

The Alliance For Change (AFC) on Thursday made it absolutely clear that it would abandon any proposal to coalesce with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) if the party did not emerge from ongoing talks as the leader of the pre-electoral alliance.

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan when questioned by this newspaper during the party’s weekly media encounter insisted that the alliance “must” be led by his party.

Ramjattan made this point again despite APNU Chairman David Granger strongly rejecting such a possibility. Granger has insisted that his coalition deserved to be at the core and helm of any alliance arrangement with the AFC because it commanded more political support when compared to the minority Opposition party.

At the 2011 General and Regional Elections, APNU received 139,678 votes (26 seats in the National Assembly); the AFC 35,333 (seven seats); and the governing People’s Progressive Party Civic 166,340 (32 seats).

“As I have publicly stated it [the pre-electoral alliance] must be led by the Alliance For Change,” the AFC reiterated on Thursday.

When asked whether the AFC saw its support dwindling at the upcoming elections because a large portion of its support base did not trust nor wanted to be associated with the People's National Congress (PNC)/APNU style of politics, Ramjattan boldly responded in the negative.

A seemingly uncomfortable Ramjattan tried hard to explain that there would be no reduction of

support because the AFC would lead the coalition and its own policies would lay the foundation for the work of the APNU/AFC Government after the next polls. “That is the conditionality, the AFC must lead it,” he said.

Trust?

Quizzed further, Ramjattan denied that his allegation that the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had given $30 million bribes to three Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) who were not from the AFC

– and so had to be from APNU – would have any bearing on the ongoing talks. “It has no relevance,” he said, while denying that he had outrightly identified the MPs as those of APNU. He did this when it was clear to all and sundry that there were only two Opposition parliamentary parties in the 65-seat Legislature.

Seeking to soften both the tone and impact that Ramjattan’s statement could possibly have on the health of the ongoing secret talks ahead of the May 11, 2015 elections, AFC

General Secretary David Patterson quickly stated that the party would avoid speculating on the outcome of the negotiations.

Again downplaying Ramjattan’s hardliner position, Patterson said: “I have told them personally, that is my General Secretary counterpart, that I am the official spokesperson and my official word is what he should be hearing.”

Patterson also said that the level of trust between the two parties was “high” despite the fact that his party had forced APNU to sign an agreement of secrecy as a prerequisite to talks. Questioned whether any aspect of the agreement and proposals would be made public, the General Secretary said, “They will be, in time…due course.” He had maintained that the party was sticking with the deadline it set for arriving at a basic consensus as to the way forward for the talks.

“We have already given ourselves till the end of this month (January),” he told the journalists gathered. He declined to divulge any further information on the secret talks which are being held despite growing public sentiment that the talks are farcical and being done genuinely.

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan ThURSdaY, jaNUaRY 22, 2015

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Election smokescreens

Guyana continues to prove time and time again, that it has a strange political culture that is never constant but always changing given the mood and agenda of its key political actors. Whether this change is good or bad depends on the outcome of the issues that are affected by our very dynamic political culture.

President Ramotar announced May 11 as the day when Guyanese would be given the opportunity to once again vote for a party of their choice after three years of political stalemate and a dysfunctional Parliament which was marred by deadlock.

The President considered the uneasiness that was taking place in the society following his prorogation of Parliament and repeated commitment to call elections in light of the campaign being waged by his political opponents.

Though not agreeing at all with the sentiments expressed by the Opposition political parties and the diplomatic corps, as well as civil society groups, he took note of their concerns before choosing to cut his term short by one and a half years.

One would have thought that the Opposition would have welcomed the President’s announcement and the fact that he kept his word. One would have thought that the Opposition parties would have celebrated the President’s announcement that he would be inviting local, regional and international observers for the elections. One would have expected the political Opposition parties to demonstrate maturity by urging Guyanese to exercise their franchise in a free and democratic manner in keeping with the spirit of the President’s announcement.

But none of these expectations were met and the political culture here saw the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) making a fresh wave of accusations against the President which seeks to undermine his word and integrity.

These would-be coalition partners are now trying to cast doubt in the minds of Guyanese that he will dissolve Parliament, even though they know that he has until February 11 constitutionally to do so.

They are now alleging that Ramotar’s Government is abusing State resources without establishing any evidence to this effect. Were the AFC and APNU interested in reducing Government’s access to State resources before elections, they could have used their one-seat majority to pass legislation in the 10th Parliament.

The Opposition has started their campaign by throwing accusations at the President for the date chosen, which clashes with some Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations.

These parties have done so when they know that ample arrangements could be put in place by both GECOM and the Government to ensure that there are no disruptions in this process. But it would appear that now that the President has set a date, there is reluctance on the part of the local political Opposition to get on with the elections.

Both the APNU and AFC are reported in the media as saying that they are financially sound and ready to compete any elections to remove the PPP/C at a moment’s notice. Therefore they must not pay lip service to this stance, but must look to the wider issues like convincing voters that they can be trusted to continue the unprecedented progress started by the PPP/C.

They must select their Presidential and Prime Ministerial Candidates soon so that the public can have enough time to vet them. They must look at their lists and present their plans to the country’s populace.

Creating smokescreens, diversions and manufactured red-herrings will not convince the large amount of Guyanese who voted for the PPP/C to remain in office during the 2011 elections that they must rethink their position.

In fact, by announcing May 11 as the elections date, the President and his party can now work briskly to achieve their goal of securing another majority and continuing the uninterrupted progress Guyana has enjoyed since the PPP/C rose to power in 1992.

Support for Guyana holding elections

Dear Editor,

New York and Trinidadbased Guyanese I spoke with are very supportive of President Donald Ramotar’s announcement of a date for holding election in accordance with the Constitution to resolve the disagreement between the ruling and Opposition parties over the issue of the prorogation of Parliament.

In Trinidad, Guyanese I met last weekend expressed hope the President would call an election, but they expressed fear whether the election would be peaceful, given the behavior of opponents in earlier elections.

No one expressed any opposition to the holding of an election in New York or in Trinidad to resolve the current Parliamentary impasse, in which the combined Opposition has one seat more than the ruling party and is preventing the Government from enacting and implementing its programme.

Guyanese Americans feel the announcement of a date for the election will put an end to the idle unsubstantiated chatter about the intention of the PPP/C Government. They hope the election commission would hold another democratic election and that the parties would cooperate to produce a free and fair election.

The overseas Guyanese have been anxiously awaiting a date for the election since the President prorogued Parliament on November 10 and has not been able to re-convene Parliament because of opposition refusal to compromise

over a no confidence motion. Guyanese Americans praise the PPP/C for holding democratic elections since 1992 when the Party was catapulted into office after it was dethroned in 1964 through an electoral conspiracy hatched by the US and Britain.

The PNC, which was sponsored by the US and Britain and came to power in a coalition Government in December 1964, rigged every election thereafter denying the people the right to choose a Government.

Overseas based Guyanese have credited the PPP/C for restoration and institutionalization of democracy and the progress the country has made since 1992 rebuilding infrastructure and turning around the economy.

Most Guyanese I spoke with feel the PPP/C should have called an election ever since the Opposition cut the budget in April 2012 to get back its parliamentary majority, especially that the PNC-AFC alliance had blocked pieces of legislation to facilitate development.

A small minority feels the President should have dissolved the Assembly last November and head for elections, since the Opposition was determined to pass a No-Confidence Motion to bring down the Government.

The overseas-based Guyanese would have preferred that the President announces the election much later, so it will not impact on celebrations and the economy especially that the business community complained of having poor sales during

Christmas.

But in light of Opposition demands for a date and complaints to foreign diplomats and international bodies to pressure President Ramotar to announce a date soonest, overseas-based Guyanese welcome the President’s announcement. They feel this election would be hotly contested with a close result.

Guyanese-Americans express hope and call for the political parties to take measures to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and transparent election. They also call on the parties to accept the outcome of the elections.

They feel the parties should make an agreement to accept the will of the electorate. They also welcome the announcement by the President to invite international observers from UNASUR, CARICOM, Commonwealth, OAS and the United Nations.

They feel the Carter Centre should also be invited to observe the election and that foreign troops should be invited as in past elections to guarantee a peaceful election since trouble makers (in past elections) are known to engage in violence to intimidate voters preventing them from casting ballots.

New York-based supporters of all three parties are upbeat about their electoral prospects and they hope for a clear verdict as opposed to the one in November 2011 that produced a hung assembly in which the PPP/C got 32 seats and the combined Opposition 33 seats.

The fraudulent Burnham Constitution allows the single party with the most seats

to form a Government. The last Parliament has failed to enact meaningful legislation and there was a logjam over passage of bills.

The overseas Guyanese feel another hung Parliament will lead to more of the same that occurred over the last three years –Parliamentary logjam and economic stagnation. Most of those this writer spoke with say a hung Parliament has failed Guyana.

They want a decisive verdict from voters giving a mandate to the winning party to engage in effective governance. Guyanese are generally gloomy about the state of their former homeland and of the economy under a hung Parliament during which time nothing constructive gets done. They feel a clear verdict to one party will allow the Government to enact legislation to that would promote development and not be stymied by an opposition majority in Parliament.

They hope the parties will not re-engage in violence for power as happened in every election since 1957 especially when the PNC was defeated. They hope the election will result in political stability to continue with development programs.

The issues overseas Guyanese are concerned about are: regular supplies of electricity, a modern airport, corruption, anti-money laundering and rising crime. Elections are welcomed. The parties should behave responsibly for a peaceful campaign.

Vishnu Bisram

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 rocket blasts off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, January 20, 2015. The unmanned rocket blasted off with a next-generation communications satellite. Picture taken using long exposure, looking over the campus of Florida Institute of Technologies (Reuters)

Guyana does not have a good history in coalition politics

Dear Editor,

Now that a date for national and regional elections has been announced by President Donald Ramotar, an important Opposition political plank has been demolished, namely that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is afraid of the electorate and wanted to prolong its political life by unconstitutional means.

The announcement of May 11 as election date now paves the way for all interested political parties to try and convince the electorate why they should be given the mandate to govern.

In our post-colonial history, only three political parties had the opportunity to govern. These were the PPP/C, the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the United Force (UF), the latter as a junior coalition partner following the elections of 1964.

That coalition lasted for a mere three years until the UF was unceremoniously booted out from the coalition Government, but not before the PNC had taken full control of the state machinery, which included the Elections Commission.

Guyana does not have a good history when it comes to coalition politics. As mentioned earlier, the first coalition Government involving the PNC and the UF ended in an abysmal failure even though the coalition succeeded in the removal of the PPP from office in 1964 in what a former British Prime Minister dubbed “a fiddled constitutional arrangement”.

Earlier attempts to form a coalition Government between the PPP and the PNC during the early 1960s failed after Burnham refused to agree on parity terms in Cabinet offered by the PPP and opted instead to align himself with foreign vested interests and local reactionary elements to destabilize the PPP Government.

After the PNC rigged itself to power in successive national and regional elections, there were attempts to form a broad national front Government with an agreed programme initiated by the PPP.

This attempt once again failed after the PNC dismissed the PPP as a “minority” party even though the whole of Guyana knew differently.

The obsession with power by the PNC knew no bounds. Apart from the blatant disregard for the fundamental rights of the Guyanese peo-

ple to elect a Government of their choice, the regime embarked on a reign of terror in which several Guyanese were harassed, victimized, jailed and in some cases murdered as the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry so painfully revealed.

Indeed, some of the very players who once held key and strategic positions during that repressive period are once again in the political spotlight.

Interestingly, the PNC/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), under the leadership of former military strongman David Granger, is currently in “secret talks” with the Alliance for Change (AFC) aimed at a pre-election alliance.

It is interesting to see how these secret talks will play out, especially given the possible nomination of Moses Nagamootoo as the AFC Presidential Candidate.

Would the APNU play second fiddle to the AFC, which apart from being the new kid on the block, is lacking in seniority and mass appeal. If past political experience is anything to go by, any coalition with the PNC is doomed to failure. It is the AFC that runs the risk of being the biggest loser since it has no real political constituency on which it can fall back in a highly likely situation of political misfortune.

This leaves the PPP/C as the only political party that has political stability and a configuration with a strong “Civic” component that has endured time.

The PPP/C formula has remained unchanged since the restoration of democracy on October 5, 1992. The PNC, by contrast has experimented with several combinations and permutations, changing from PNC to PNCR [People’s National Congress Reform] then to PNCR1G, [PNCR ONE GUYANA], which eventually morphed into APNU.

The Guyanese electorate is on the look out to see how the current engagement between the APNU and the AFC will play out. It would take more than the magical powers of Houdini to convince the Guyanese electorate that coalition politics would fare any better this time around especially in an environment characterized by lack of trust and hegemonic tendencies on the part of the PNC.

Hydar Ally

GFC is only official source for forest statistics on Guyana

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is once again compelled to respond to another recent letter by Janette Bulkan riddled with false accusations and misinformation.

GFC asserts that it is the only official source for forest statistics relevant to Guyana. This includes leases issued, production and export data amongst others. Information not sourced from GFC’s approved documents is simply misinformation and/or a futile attempt at calculated distortion of facts.

It is also important for the public, inclusive of Janette Bulkan, to note that Guyana’s forestry sector has been subjected to many thorough recent comprehensive audits over the last three years by professional independent auditors who were contracted by the Kingdom of Norway; not Guyana.

These audits focused on GFC’s management, administrative, operational and other systems and procedures amongst other areas.

The public reports of these audits show clearly that the GFC has transparent, appropriate, robust and functioning systems in place.

Specifically, these highly qualified and professional independent auditors did not find any evidence to support the farfetched and inaccurate claims being made repeatedly by Janette Bulkan about Bai Shan Lin having control over 1.45 M ha of state forest.

For clarity, the GFC restates the undisputed and well publicized fact that BSL has legal access to 627,072 ha_as shown below:

344,849 ha as State Forest Exploratory Permits (SFEP’s): (Sherwood Forests Inc, Bai Shan Lin International Forest Industry Development Co Ltd.) - an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA); a Forest Inventory (FI), and a Business Plan have to be submitted to the satisfaction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and GFC before a Timber Sales Agreement (TSA) is granted which allows for full scale harvesting in accordance with GFC guidelines is approved.

274,053 ha_as Timber Sales Agreement - Joint Venture AgreementsWAICO; Puruni Wood Products Inc; Kwebanna Wood Products; and Haimorakabra Logging

Company Inc - ha_as 8,170 ha as State Forest Permissions

GFC has made copies of this documentation publicly available. Janette Bulkan is also invited to visit the GFC to peruse same.

Janette Bulkan’s assertion that these JV’s are probably illegal is also baseless. For clarity again, GFC repeats what has been publicized numerous times:

GFC Board of Directors as part of its work plan holds regular meetings with stakeholder groups across the country.

At these meetings, one of the major stakeholder concerns was the inadequate capacity of concessionaires (mainly locals) to beneficially occupy areas and produce sufficient quantities of logs/ lumber for the local construction industry, as well as for the local added value manufacturers, and for export.

The main constraints documented by these logging companies were a lack of appropriate machinery/ equipment, and adequate financing.

The Concessionaires themselves proposed two short term measures to address this, namely: GFC to allow joint venture arrangements after the requisite due diligence was done, and GFC was satisfied that the JV had merit; and GFC to allow companies that lacked adequate and/or appropriate machinery to rent same from third parties in a structured and properly monitored/regulated manner.

Based on these requests by the sector; the need to improve log/lumber/added value production, and generate additional employment opportunities, and being assured by the GFC that its monitoring systems would ensure that the allowable harvest levels would not be exceeded, the GFC Board approved both requests.

GFC has since facilitated both requests in accordance with the legislation

and a very transparent and organized procedure. For example, it was collaboratively agreed (stakeholders/GFC/ GFC Board) that the procedure for the review of joint venture requests would be as follows:

A request to enter into a joint venture arrangement needs to be made by the company/individual that has legal access to state forest. A thorough background assessment would be done on the company that is seeking to joint venture with the one that has the legal access to the forested land.

This assessment would be used to guide the GFC in making its recommendations to the GFC Board Technical Sub-Committee

The GFC Technical SubCommittee after their review would submit a recommendation to the GFC Board of Directors.

The GFC Board then makes its recommendation as to whether to approve/ disapprove the joint venture. This is in keeping with Section 16 of the Forests Act 2009. BSL has entered into approved JV’s following this process, contrary to the unmerited claims by Janette Bulkan.

With respect to in country processing and added value manufacture of forest products, it is true that Bai Shan Lin has been very tardy in meeting their obliga-

tions and GFC/GoG is urging them to accelerate this phase of operations.

But the same applies to most local and foreign companies, many of whom have been in existence for decades before the advent of Bai Shan Lin.

Nevertheless, as stated, the GFC has impressed upon Bai Shan Lin and all other foreign and local companies, the need to accelerate meeting their stated commitments re the manufacture of added value forest products.

GFC would again appeal to stakeholders, especially those who choose to discuss issues in the public media, to verify the facts before publicizing erroneous information.

GFC once again invites Janette Bulkan and any other interested person(s) to visit the GFC, and the forest/logging operations to verify that GFC and Guyana are practicing sustainable forest management on the ground, in a very transparent and collaborative manner with our direct and indirect stakeholders.

There would be no constructive output if persons continue to misuse the public media to rehash misconceptions in pursuit of agendas not helpful to the sector.

James Singh Commissioner of Forests

Police continuing traffic enforcement efforts

Dear Editors, As the Guyana Police Force continues with its traffic enforcement efforts in order to maintain road safety, a number of cases have been made against motorists for breaching the traffic laws during the period January 11 to 17.

These include speeding (284), driving under the influence (20), breach of condition of Road Service

Licence (44), careless driving (4), dangerous driving (11), failure to wear seat belt (31), and prohibition of the use of hand held mobile phone (19), Unto January 20, there have been 5 road fatalities compared to 9 for the corresponding period last year.

Ivelaw Whittaker Police Public Relations and Press Officer

Page Foundation

Is your child struggling with school? 7 simple ways you can help

BY ADINA SOCLOF

Many times children will perform well in school and then slowly parents will notice a drop off in their grades. That is what happened with Kelly Freiman. Her son, Mikey, 11 enjoyed going to school. He didn’t love reading but was doing well in all his other subjects. As his 6th grade year progressed his grades moved from A’s and B’s to some C’s and one D. Kelly was concerned. She tried taking away his privileges if he didn’t do his homework and setting up incentive programs. Nothing seemed to work. She felt if he just put in more effort he would be able to do well. It is difficult to motivate children to learn. It is one of the toughest challenges, parents and educators have. Parents have a vested interest in their child’s school performance. If their child fails they think they have failed as parents. They also feel it is a direct reflection on their parenting abilities. They blame themselves and confront their child in anger. A child then feels the pressure of having disappointed their parents. Besides their difficulties in school they are also dealing with the emotions of dragging their parents down. This causes children to feel even more discouraged and further compromises their academic career.

Many times parents will say to their child, “If you just try harder, you can do better.” It is difficult for children to listen to this type of vague directive. Many times children have problems with school and they don’t know how to even begin to improve their grades. They become embarrassed by their limitations. They will resort to clowning around or acting tough to cover their insecuri-

to help you manage:

Stay calm

Recognise that you are not solely responsible for your child’s academic success. When your child comes home with a bad grade, get objective. Tell yourself, “My son came home with a “D.” That is too bad. What is he missing that he needs help with? What can I help him do so that he can succeed and take

at a difficult task. Children who are praised for putting in effort are more likely to keep trying when they encounter setbacks. They know they have control over their ability to learn. Children who are told they are smart have a harder time with school. They give up when they have to complete assignments that leave them feeling “not-sosmart”

tion to learn. It is important to periodically say, “I hope you know I love you no matter what your grades are.”

Try to place the responsibility for his schoolwork back on your child where it belongs.

Try saying, “I am sure you are disappointed with your grade. Let me know if I can help you or support you in anyway.”

make good choices in life even about school. I have faith that you can turn yourself around. I will always be here if you need some suggestions.”

Keep your relationships positive

The best thing you can do for your children is to maintain a loving relationship with them. Children who feel loved unconditionally will more likely do well in school. Don’t let your child feel that

ties. This behaviour can anger parents and teachers and distract them from focusing on the underlying academic issues.

There are many ways we can help our children when they are struggling in school. Here are seven simple steps

responsibility for his work?”

“You are so smart!”

Don’t praise your child for his intelligence, saying things like, “You are the brightest kid I know!” Instead make sure to praise him for working hard and for persevering

Don’t get mad

Instead of reacting to your child’s poor grade with anger respond with kindness and understanding. If you respond in frustration to your child’s less than perfect schoolwork, you actually decrease your child’s motiva-

Avoid power struggles

When we engage in power struggles with our children all learning stops. Children cannot learn when they are upset. We need to avoid the downward spiral into conflict. We can say, “I will always love you. I want you to

your approval is based on his grades. It is a recipe for disaster. Instead of wasting your energy on managing your child’s schoolwork develop ways to spend quality time with your child. It is a better use of time.

Talk to teachers

Set up a meeting to talk to your son’s teachers. Make sure to set a positive tone to the meeting. Start the conversation in a non-confrontational way: “I have been noticing a decline in Sara’s grades, have you noticed anything? Is there anything I can do at home to help him? What is your opinion of her academic performance?”

Get tested

Children sometimes will lag behind their peers because of subtle learning differences. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. There are standardised tests that can help pinpoint deficits in learning. In Mikey’s case, Kelly spoke to his teachers. They acknowledged that 6th grade can be more challenging for children, even children who have always done well. Kelly spoke to Mikey calmly and he confided that he was having a hard time understanding the written work. He was too embarrassed to ask for assistance. His teachers were made aware of this and set up a system where Mikey could get some extra help. Kelly reported that his grades this semester have improved overall. (parentingsimply.com)

FUCOP fallout:

GECOM slams inertia on campaign financing measures

Years after it had tabled a legislation to tighten campaign financing here, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has made no moves to see this initiative completed.

And at a time when there are renewed accusations of that party and its senior partner – A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) – being funded by a shady, Glenn Lall – created group ahead of the upcoming elections, Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr Steve Surujbally says it would seem that Guyana’s political players have no interest in the issue.

Financial experts have suggested that the major reason why APNU and AFC had opposed the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill in Parliament, was because their trail of funding from questionable sources.

Guyana Times was told by several businessmen that they were forced by Lall to join the Funding a United Committee for Opposition Presidency (FUCOP). Through the group Lall alleg-

edly pumps tens of millions annually to the opposition. This includes newspaper advertisements, free columns in the Kaieteur News and other benefits.

Since 2009, the Organisation of American States (OAS) has insisted on Guyana to introduce campaign financing laws. These laws are not intended just to capture the quantum of funding to political parties, but also the nature of the source of the funding.

While the AFC and APNU had given lip service to the introduction of such laws – one of which was ironically introduced since 2011 by the AFC – they have studiously avoided making the law operational.

Gail Teixeira of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had said previously that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) had downplayed the proposal by the OAS for a model regarding campaign financing for the 2011 elections.

Teixeira had said then that the party said it was not necessary for the elections of that year. It was in that

same year APNU announced ahead of the 2011 elections that it had secured some US$6M campaign funds, but failed to disclose from where the money was secured.

The AFC has also been accused previously of being financed from questionable sources. Questions were raised as to how the party was able to secure the services of US-based political consultant Dick Morris for the AFC’s 2006 elections campaign, whose fees would have run into the tens of millions.

"Wasn't us" – AFC

On Thursday when asked about the lapse in them not pushing through the legislation even when the combined opposition held the majority in Parliament, the AFC blamed Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall for them not doing so.

General Secretary David Patterson said that the party had always been concerned about campaign financing. “The question of campaign financing is something I must admit that we have always wanted to table…we have a draft and things like that but circumstances have overtak-

en us on that,” Patterson explained.

He did not detail what those circumstances were that led to the AFC missing out on the opportunity to address this formidable issue.

But his Leader Khemraj Ramjattan blamed the AG for them not moving past a draft which he claimed they had conceptualised to table in Parliament.

He alleged the AFC’s draft Campaign Financing legislation needed more input from the draftsmen in the AG's Chambers. “We pleaded with the AG to have the draftsmen help us and he

6 injured in East Coast smash-up

Six persons were injured on Thursday in an accident as the road carnage continues into the new year.

Around 20:15h, a Route 44 bus bearing registration number BRR 2862 and an orange Rav4 collided on the Lusignan Public Road, East Coast Demerara, resulting in injuries to five minibus passengers and a bystander.

The minibus was allegedly speeding along the roadway when the Rav4, which was travelling in the opposite direction, attempted to turn into a street and the two collided.

According to onlookers, the bus driver had seemingly stepped on the accelerator to get past the junction before the Rav4 turned into the street, ignoring the fact that the driver of the SUV had already indicated he would be turning.

As a result, the two vehicles crashed together and ended up in the corner of the road, striking a female pedestrian.

Witnesses related that the Police and the ambulance responded promptly and cooperated to rush the victims to the Georgetown Public Hospital, and control the flow of traffic after the accident.

According to a Police officer on the scene, the two drivers have been taken into custody at the Vigilance Police Station. Meanwhile, the Guyana Times spoke to one of the injured persons. Twenty-

nine-year-old Trevon Bouyea, of 317 Melanie Damishana, ECD, was a passenger in the bus at the time of the accident.

“It’s the bus at fault, because he was speeding, these people always speeding.”

Bouyea related that along the journey, the bus driver was constantly overtaking vehicles and driving recklessly on the road.

“When the Rav4 was going to turn in, he was going to slow down, but I don’t know what happen, it was probably too late and the bus end up and turn to one side and everybody was screaming and the two vehicles end up in the corner.”

Bouyea suffered lacerations about his body.

said no,” Ramjattan reported to the press conference.

He then alleged that the AG had also told them that even if the AFC tabled and went ahead with the legislation as a Bill, President Donald Ramotar would not assent to it. “And so we didn’t kill ourselves, we started other things”, he reported.

APNU’s General Secretary Joseph Harmon is already on record saying that persons who financially support political parties request their identities to be guarded in the event the party that they support loses. “In a country like ours, there may be some sort of recrimination if you support a party that doesn’t win,” he said.

Harmon concluded that while the policy is good, to have such practice in Guyana would create difficulties. He stated that APNU always prepares financial statements at the end of its campaigns, but decides it best not to publish them because of potential problems.

His leader David Granger was even more blunt saying that he will not discuss matters involving campaign financing and also dismissed claims that his coalition was being in-part funded by Lall or the newly established FUCOP.

Dr Surujbally in a recent interview with the Guyana Times explained that while GECOM has been pushing for campaign finance legislation there is only so much the body can do. He noted that the responsibility of passing the legislation lies in the hands of the National Assembly and they have taken no direct stance on the issue.

“Which political party is going to tell you where they got their money from?” questioned Dr Surujbally. It was explained that the reluctance on the part of the political parties may be because their donors are not willing to come to the public spotlight.

He maintained that given the imminence of general elections, other things may be worthy of pursuing other than this issue which would bear no fruit given that Parliament is currently prorogued.

It was however explained that GECOM has been working with other electoral bodies to see how their respective legislations are modeled and possibly draft on for Guyana to adopt.

GECOM’s Legal Officer Wanita Barker explained to the Guyana Times that the existing legislation governing the campaign financing is “really of no value.”

According to the Legal officer, the current law is antiquated and in dire need of being amended given that it stipulates each party is expected to expend no more that G$25,000 on a single candidate.

She also explained that it does not say when campaigning for elections should start so to ask for parties to submit financial records for any campaigning period would a complicated task. According to Barker, the enforcement has to be detailed.

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

Trevon Bouyea, one of the injured passengers at the Georgetown Public Hospital

Seaman remanded for trafficking in narcotics

Aseaman was refused bail after being arraigned on a trafficking in narcotics charge.

Alex Macy of Lot 60 Middle Road, Skeleton, Berbice appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It was alleged that on January 20, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, he had in his possession 12.25 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Frederick Ross

The defendant was not required to plea since the charge was indictable.

The facts of the case read that on the day in question at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the defendant was about to board a Dynamic Airways flight to the United States of America when ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit saw him acting in a suspicious manner.

They decided to conduct a search on the two suitcases he had in his possession. While conducting the

search, they noticed two ‘Bob Marley’ designed bags which grew their suspicion more.

When they opened the bags, they found the drugs in one of them. The defendant was told of the offence, arrested and charged.

There were no objections to bail, however the court was informed that investigations into the matter have not yet concluded.

The matter will be called again on February 9.

Eyew tness Cavilling...

...at the elections announcement

There’s no truer statement ever made than this - “you can’t please everyone”. So when the naysayers are coming out of the woodwork, you just have to “do the right thing”. And so it’s been with President Ramotar after he announced the date of the elections.

The President just did what’s been demanded by the Opposition for months - but from the reaction of the nattering nabobs of negativity - you’d think he’d just signed their death warrants.

And that’s the point, ain’t it? He just might have! They know they’ve reached the end of the road - the people will only be fooled for so long. And with ruination staring them in the face, they’ve decided to jump up and down with a whole new set of “objections”.

Take the one about the election date of May 11 falling on a Monday that exams are scheduled in the schools, normally converted to elections polling stations. The next available Monday that doesn’t have examinations is June 15. So does the Opposition want to delay the elections by another month?? We bet if Prezzie had proposed that, the same Opposition would’ve been crying bloody murder!!

There’s now the weeping and wailing about Prezzie not dissolving Parliament BEFORE announcing the elections date. Is there any law specifying that this must be so?? Nope. All Prezzie has to do is dissolve Parliament three months before the elections. So he has time!! What’s the problem?? None!

But this won’t stop the Opposition from kvetching! And in this “Opposition”, we of course include the GHRA, TUC, TI and all the other alphabet soup groups floating around in the Opposition sewage.

And then before you could say “Red, white and blue”, out came the “ABC” Embassies (America, Britain and Canada) with their sly dig at the President’s announcement. Congratulations and all that, old chap, “BUT!!” And with that threesome, there’s always a “but”, isn’t there?

In the English language, “but” is called the “eraser word” - for the simple reason that it wipes out all that precedes it.

So forget that the Government scheduled elections... they must now jump over some other hoops that will be set. Like “adherence to timely and standardised procedures for the electoral process”.

Now, what the heck is this kind of cockamamie suggestion?? Guyana has an independent and autonomous elections commission - GECOM - so shouldn’t the ABC’s be directing their suggestions/instructions to that organisation??

But we know why, don’t we?? Nowadays you can’t just order “regime change” like in the 50s and 60s. The targeted Government must be shown to be “anti-democratic”, no?? The cavilling has an end game!!

...on incumbent advantage

You can always tell the Johnny-come-lately to the political game. They’re so fixated on scoring political points (mostly “cheap”, of course), they don’t take time to understand the niceties of historical realities. Take the AFC, its leader with the jaundiced view, Ramjattan, and his attack on the President - about using “state resources” during the upcoming campaign.

From the beginning of democratic governance - and elections for the same - the claim about the “advantages” of incumbent Governments competing for office has been raised. But that’s to be expected.

Since the ship of state can’t be allowed to drift without a captain and crew for the months of the campaign, the incumbent Head of State and his Cabinet will have to use state resources in taking care of their official tasks - even as they “do the political”.

It’s a fine line which is beyond Ramjattan’s grasp. For instance, in the US, even for overtly defined “political” events, the US President and his staff just have to pay for the seats occupied on Air Force One.

Which is a pittance compared to the the US$56,800 PER HOUR that it costs to run that beauty!!

And that’s according to their Federal Elections Commission!

GECOM seeks funding to revive MMU

…political parties welcome move

By Gomatie GanGadin

ears after the disband-

Yment of the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) by the Government of Guyana after the 2011 elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is currently seeking funding to resuscitate the body for the upcoming General Elections, slated to be held on May 11.

A source told Guyana Times that the Commission recently held talks with several international development partners to secure funds to have the Unit up and functioning for the election period.

However, the Commission is reportedly still awaiting word on whether the request would be facilitated. It is believed that GECOM is hoping that the unit will be on-stream in the run-up to elections to monitor media practices during the campaign.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee, in a telephone interview with the Guyana Times, related that his Party held talks with GECOM last week at which the matter was discussed, but no decision was taken at that time.

As such, he noted that the Party would not be making a statement on the issue until it receives a definitive answer from the Commission.

“The matter was discussed at a meeting last Monday and they [the Commission] promised that once a decision was taken, it would be transmitted to us via a letter. So we are awaiting that.

"We would like to go through the terms of reference, the guidelines and what the Monitoring Unit is about and once we have done that, we will then make a comment on the matter,” Rohee said.

In support of GECOM’s move, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) General Secretary Joseph Harmon noted that the Party has always had concerns with the media, and

more so at this time of national concern, and as such, would welcome the resuscitation of the MMU.

“The Monitoring Unit has always been a matter of concern for us, because we believe that … there has been significant abuse of the media and the state media in particular and so we are happy for the re-introduction of that Unit,” he said.

Recommendations

Harmon, however, went on to state that while the Unit has always carried out its mandate, its recommendations made at the end of the period were never acted upon and this was a matter which should be addressed if the Unit was resuscitated.

“We hope that whatever the Unit finds, that we can get some action out of it. The problem we have had in the past is that the Unit would

has made recommendations, but the media owners never paid attention to it.

"So what we had was a Unit which was established for fairness, but no heed is paid to that. We hope that the recommendations of that unit are recommendations which can be acted upon,” the APNU General Secretary said.

Meanwhile, Alliance For Change (AFC) General

Secretary David Patterson told this publication that the party had held talks with the Commission in November of last year, and it was expressed by the party at that time that the MMU should be resuscitated for elections.

“We met last year and we had a list of recommendations and demands and one of the recommendations was for the resuscitation of the MMU, but at that time the Commission indicated to us that they were trying to acquire funds for it. We are hoping that they get the funding. I think the ABC countries (America, Britain and Canada) would be providing the funding, but we would very much welcome such a move from the Commission,” Patterson said.

He too noted that he hoped the recommendations made by the Unit would be acted upon if it was indeed resuscitated.

The Unit’s objectives include monitoring of the media and reporting on breaches of the principles enshrined in the Media Code of Conduct and norms associated with international best practices in journalism, and encourages equity, balance and fairness in news reporting. It also promotes the raising of professional standards in the media.

Western powers welcome announcement of polls

...commit to ensuring free, peaceful elections

The major Western powers on Thursday said they welcomed President Donald Ramotar’s announcement that General and Regional Elections would be held on May 11.

Noting that elections are a critical first step toward the return of a fully functioning Parliament, the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom said they had noted the great strides made by Guyana during the 2011 General and Regional Elections.

The ABC countries said the Organisation of American States (OAS) Electoral Mission Final Report, which referenced the Mission with observers from 14 countries, applauded significant efforts made by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to execute an overall inclusive and clean electoral process.

The report mentioned the “high level" of training and dedication exhibited by GECOM staff in the polling centres.

“These views were also endorsed by the Commonwealth observation

team. The report noted areas of improvement to make subsequent elections more efficient and fair.

"We hope Guyana considers these recommendations, including: improving mechanisms that guarantee more equitable access to media and political financing, adherence to timely and standardised procedures for the electoral process, improving communications with all stakeholders in particular GECOM, and strengthening

the promotion of gender balanced participation throughout the electoral process.

“We are hopeful that the upcoming electoral process will allow the Guyanese people to debate the important issues that are facing the country. We are committed to working with GECOM, all political parties, and civil society to support free, fair and peaceful elections."

European Union On Wednesday, the European Union (EU) issued a similar statement saying that the announcement of early General Elections as well as Regional Elections is the commencement of the process of the renewal of local and national democratic institutions.

The EU encouraged all parties to pursue dialogue and inclusiveness in order to guarantee peace and stability before, during and after the elections.

“The EU will remain a steadfast partner of Guyana and will continue to support its development efforts and regional role,” the statement added.

Labourer accused of stealing from employer remanded

A44-year-old labourer was remanded to prison by Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond after being charged with larceny. The man made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It is alleged that the defendant stole a quantity of his employer’s clothing and shoes.

Sheik Mohammed Mustapha pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on January 18 in Georgetown, he stole three pairs of the Virtual Complainant (VC) Jeanette Smith’s shoes valued $65,000 and a quantity of her clothing valued $15,000.

Police Prosecutor Renetta Bentham did not give facts for the case but she opposed bail citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence. The Prosecutor said that Mustapha has no fixed place of abode and the articles were not recovered.

Prosecutor Bentham also said that the accused provided the Police with three different addresses; one of which belonged to the VC.

Meanwhile, Mustapha said that he had been living in the woman’s house since she was his employee. Bail was refused and the case will be called again on January 30.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

Canadian High Commissioner Dr Nicole Giles

Sheik Mohammed Mustapha

Sol joins Guyoil in fuel price cuts

...pressure mounts on others to follow suit

Just two days after Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh announced that all Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) fuel stations will reduce their prices by 30 per cent, Sol Petroleum Guyana also slashed their prices at all Shell service stations with effect from 14:00h on Thursday.

Sol Country Manager Orlando Boxill confirmed

this with Guyana Times, noting that it would be impractical if they allowed their prices to remain the same. “It’s a very competitive market and we will do what we can to stay there on it,”he said. The price for fuel has been dipping on the international scale, and after months of maintaining a stable cost for fuel in Guyana, the Government decided to

decrease the prices, hoping private companies will do the same.

All consumers of Shell gas stations can now enjoy a 30 per cent reduction in gasoline prices and a 28 per cent reduction in diesel.

A representative from Rubis gas station confirmed that their company will soon follow suit with the reduction, so as to remain at a competitive level with the other fuel suppliers.

As of now, gasoline and diesel are being sold at Rubis gas stations at $219.9 and $216.9 per litre respectively.

Shell service station prices for gasoline, diesel and kerosene were down from $219.9 to $154.9, $217 to $156.9 and $212 to $172 per litre respectively.

The prices at Guyoil are $695 per gallon for gasoline, $694 per gallon for diesel and $496 per gallon for kerosene which is equivalent to $152.9 per litre for gasoline, $152.7 per litre for diesel and $109 per litre for kero-

Green Jah get whah he want, and still ain’t like it

Old people does seh some people belly does full, but dem eye ever does never be full. One set of people like that is dem politicians, especially dem ones in Parliament. To eat $1.7M every time it got Parliament, it must mean that dem MPs eye never full even when dem belly full.

Rum Jhaat eye does never full whenever he deh pun Station Street. Same with he rum pardna Nagga Man. De two of dem eyes and throats does mek any large look like a quarter.

On de other hand, Lalloo eye does full quick, but he pants never full. And Freedie de man kisser home library always full, but he eyes used to be full goin into U-Gee Library and he hands used to be full comin out.

That is why he miss U-Gee so much, but he does wanna mek people tink is because he lose he wuk. De problem wid Freedie and books is that he eyes does full wid dem, but never he head. And Freedie only got one head, which ain’t good at all.

Well, every body had thought Green Jah and Rum Jhaat eye woulda be full when de Prezzi finally announce de elections. After, that is whah dem had want fuh so long. Or so dem used to tell de whole of Guyana.

Problem is, dem never tek old people advice that yuh mustn’t ask fuh some ting too much, because yuh might very well get it, and when yuh get it, yuh ain’t gon like it. So said, so done. Now that dem get elections dem ain’t want it.

Even Lin de Con Man and Mookormack ain’t want it. A big consultant fuh a lil party seh is friken dem friken, but de consultant can’t seh that in public, especially since Rum Jhaat and Green Jah wanna do every ting between de sheets.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And when two people deh between de sheets, dem does got to tek whah dem get!

sene.

Private drivers were very much appreciative for the low prices at Shell and Guyoil gas stations.

When Guyana Times visited a few of the service branches in Georgetown where the fuel prices were reduced, the drivers noted that the Government should have done this long before, especially so the public could have benefited during the Christmas season.

“Obviously anybody would like be thankful for this, it will be a real ease on

people pocket. So naturally I think the other gas stations will have to lower their prices too. But I am happy they doing this. I just hope the low price last long,” a young man who serviced up at Guyoil told this publication.

On the other hand, a visit to a Rubis gas station to get comments from drivers who use their service proved futile since there were none there at the time.

Moreover, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) had noted that the move to drop the prices would provide a significant boost to

the industry, especially manufacturers, coming at a time when the effects of weak commodity prices are impacting the economy.

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

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

The Guyoil Gas Station on Regent Street, Georgetown filled with vehicles

A Shell Gas Station on Regent Street, Georgetown slowly picking up business

A lone driver at a Rubis Gas Station

Elections date fallout: Education Minister was involved in decision; alternate arrangements in place for exams

BY ERICA WILLIAMS

Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Thursday said that the Opposition has been calling for a new elections date because of their unpreparedness for the polls.

Speaking with the Guyana Times, the Minister said she is baffled as to “what the uproar is about" as it relates to the setting of elections date,

“It’s only in this country you see this nonsense being perpetuated, in other countries people eat, sleep and go about their daily lives at elections time. Maybe the Opposition isn’t ready for elections so they want a new date or maybe people want more time to study, I don’t know,” she said.

Manikchand’s comments come in wake of calls bys Leader of the Opposition and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger on Wednesday for the President to reconsider the May 11 elections date. He also felt the President made a mistake in the selection of a date and was adamant that there is still time remaining to select a new date.

Granger expressed concern that the date coincides with Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). However, Manickchand assured that students who will be writing examinations during that time period will not be affected. “I see it as my sole duty to ensure that students are not disadvantaged during the period of elections,” she said.

She said the Ministry

is in consultations with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and other stakeholders to discuss and derive a suitable plan in the best interest of the candidates.

The Ministry said more details on this matter will be revealed as it finalises its plans for the sitting of examination.

After President Donald Ramotar announced the date for elections on Tuesday following the prorogation of Parliament on November 10, 2014, concerns of its clash with examinations had arisen after it was realised that examination for certain subjects will be held on that same day across the region.

A copy of the CSEC timetable obtained by Guyana Times, subjects scheduled to be written on that day include Agricultural Science (Double and Single Awards); Theatre Arts; Electrical and Electronic Technology (Technical); and Food and Nutrition Paper Two.

CAPE subjects scheduled to be written on that day are Geometrical and Mechanical Engineering Drawing Unit

One – Paper Two; History Unit One – Paper Two; Art and Design Examinations to begin for Unit One, Papers Two and Three, and Unit Two, Papers One and Two; and Communication Studies Paper Two.

Should the Government accept Granger’s concerns then the next available Monday would be June 15. This is because elections are generally held on Mondays and for the entire month on May and early June examinations would still be in progress.

As previously reported by this newspaper, the concern was made known on social media by political observers and students alike who questioned whether or not the Education Ministry was consulted before a date was set.

The Education Minister was part of the Cabinet meeting that decided on the date of the elections. Added controversy regarding the date for elections included venues for Polling Stations because of the recent request put forth by the Peoples’ Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The party had requested that GECOM desist from using private venues as Polling Stations.

There is some confusion in the Opposition ranks as to when the President is allowed to name an elections date.

Executive Member of APNU Basil Williams had completely different political views on the matter.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall is adamant that the President has up to February 11 to dissolve Parliament, but Williams said an elections date cannot be named without the dissolution of Parliament.

Woman attempts suicide day after wedding

An 18-year-girl of Corentyne, Berbice, ingested a poisonous substance on Monday one day after her wedding.

The teenager, Nalisa Singh, of Corriverton, told a close female friend on Monday that she had ingested the poison. She was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

According to Singh, the marriage was arranged by her mother and she was never given a chance to get to know her future husband. “I ain’t like the man I married,” she said. She said after Sunday’s wedding which was done according to Hindu rites, she

was made to sleep with her new husband. She added that it was not until the morning of Monday that she was told her husband, Abokraim Rahim, was not 35 years old as she was led to believe, but was 40 years old and had two children, one of whom was older that her.

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

The teenager’s mother, Shrioon Ibrahim, said she was unaware that her daughter disliked her spouse and was questioning why she made no

UG students affected by planned UGSSA strike action

The University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) said it will be terribly devastated by the planned protest action by the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the UG Workers’ Union (UGWU)

President of the UGSS Joshua Griffith, in a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Thursday said the student body has already organised a meeting to be held on January 26, to address the issue.

The UGSSA and the UGWU have threatened that if their demands of a 60 per cent salary increase is not confirmed by the University’s Administration, they will be engaged in industrial action which will affect the resumption of classes at the tertiary institution.

Griffith told this publication that the UGSS has also met with the two unions who have indicated that they were willing to work around any system that could see the recommencement of classes. However, as it is, the situation remains the same.

In a worded statement issued on Wednesday evening, the two unions said they were disappointed that after meeting with the University’s Administration; they were unable to come to a mutual agreement over their demands.

mention of her dislike before.

Rahim, of Number 68 Village, Corentyne, made all of the arrangements with Ibrahim for the wedding ceremony which took place at Number 68 Village.

Singh was released from the New Amsterdam Hospital on Thursday after her condition improved.

In another twist, her mother and a female have been charged for allegedly fighting outside the New Amsterdam Hospital on Thursday.

They are expected to be placed before the court today. It is rumoured that the teen’s mother is concerned over the relationship between her daughter and her female friend.

AKaneville, East Bank

Demerara man is in serious condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being shot to his face and back in a driveby shooting around 22:00h on Wednesday evening.

Twenty-seven-year-old Colin Headley was rushed to the medical institution in a bloodied state as a result of three gunshot wounds to the body.

According to reports received, Headley was stand-

“The executives of the unions wish to advise the public and the UG staff and students that the formal response of the VC [Vice Chancellor] received on January 20 to our demands submitted on January 19 is woefully inadequate, takes matters no closer to a solution and has therefore been rejected,” the two bodies declared.

During an emergency meeting on Monday, staff members publicly demanded, among other things, a 60 per cent increase in salary from the University.

They threatened that if this is not finalised before the end of February, strike action will take effect.

The unions said they had met with the University’s VC, Dr Jacob Opadeyi and his Administration the following day. However, according to them, there has not been any success.

The unions were especially peeved over information allegedly relayed to an online news blog by the Professor [Dr Opadeyi], where he disclosed that things had fallen into place.

“Contrary to the statement attributed to the Vice Chancellor in an online news outlet no concrete salaries and benefits proposal to any category of worker was offered by the Vice Chancellor in response to their demand for a 60 per cent salary increase payable from March 2015.”

Apart from the 60 per cent salary increase, staff members have also been clamouring for a 200 per cent increase in their travelling allowance, a better medical scheme, increases in allowances for books and other materials, duty-free concessions and yearly research grants.

However the union confirmed that there has not been any resolution to the issues.

On salary increases, the VC made absolutely no offer

of any percentage in his letter.

He merely stated that negotiation has to wait “until the University Administration has completed its work on how the increase will be funded. For the VC to create the impression in his interview that an increase is somewhere around the corner is a deliberate attempt to deceive.

We repeat: the VC has made no offer to pay any increase to UG workers. There is absolutely no mention of these issues in the VC’s written reply,” the two unions said.

Concerns were also mounted over the “imposed” workload policy, a system through which teaching staff must adhere.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Dr Opadeyi had said that there were some misconceptions about the policy. According to him, they believed the policy was approved by the council. “It was presented to council for information, following that we are going to have consultations with all stakeholders and after that, we will make the necessary changes and then present it.”

He said the council was at the time working towards reaching the demands of the unions.

ing along the main access road in the village when a vehicle pulled up and discharged several rounds at him. At least three bullets hit Headley and he fell to the ground.

The vehicle, which was reportedly carrying at least three occupants at the time, immediately left the scene. A friend with whom Headley was standing raised an alarm and residents ran to his rescue. He was rushed to the

Diamond Diagnostic Centre and subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention. The Police were contacted and a road block was reportedly established with the aim of apprehending the suspects. However, they proved elusive.

Hospital sources said the injured man’s condition was being monitored. Attempts to make contact with his relatives proved futile.

UGSS President Joshua Griffith

UG’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Citizens Bank Headquarters to open by year-end

The new state-of-theart Citizens Bank headquarters, located on the corner of Camp Street and South Road, Georgetown is expected to be completed in December.

The announcement was made by Banks DIH Chairman Clifford Reis, at the Bank’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday at Georgetown Club, Camp Street.

“I would say it’s about 40 per cent completed because the hardest thing was the foundation,” Reis subsequently told the Guyana Times . According to him, the contracting firm is working earnestly to meet the deadline.

However, during his address at the AGM, Reis pledged to take proactive measures to ensure the Bank meets the ever expanding financial needs of its customers.

He noted that the Bank will continue to manage its loans, investment portfolios and expenses with the key priorities surrounding

robust risk management, improved operational efficiencies and enhanced corporate governance to ensure sustainable results. Additionally, the Bank will continue to work on improving its customer service.

“In 2015, we intend to continue to improve our human resources management capability so as to ensure that our commit-

ted employees remain well equipped to provide a quality customer service experience for our clients.”

Last year, Banks DIH demonstrated its commitment and confidence in the local economy with the investment of the Crème Select Ice-cream Parlour and a Citizens Bank Branch in New Amsterdam.

“Citizens Bank remains committed to playing a piv-

otal role in the continuing development of our banking sector and the country as a whole and though the fiscal year 2015 will bring many challenges, it is our firm belief that our strategies for growth will enable us to achieve another successful year,” Reis stated.

Citizens Bank is a 51 per cent owned subsidiary of Banks DIH.

7700 people were infected with HIV in 2013

National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) Programme Manager, Dr Shanti Singh has disclosed that approximately 7700 persons in Guyana were infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in 2013.

The disclosure was made on Thursday at Moray House, during a panel discussion on HIV/AIDS, organised by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD).

Dr Singh explained that the figure was generated using a software that the United Nations Programme of AIDS (UNAIDS) provided to countries across the world to calculate the prevalence of HIV.

The figure represents 1.4 per cent of the country’s population in 2013. Additionally, according to the statistical report, 5.5 per cent of the 7700 were commercial sex workers while another 4.8 per cent were men who had sex with men.

However, Dr Singh pointed out that the initially, Guyana’s transgender statistics showed a prevalence of 8.9 per cent.

“That has become a really prioritised population that we’re working with, so with a prevalence of 8.9 per cent, that’s close to 9 per cent, we have also started revisiting our strategies in terms of how we address this specific population and to understand the transgender population which has a

much higher prevalence.”

Additionally, she said records show that children are often left behind in this regard. “More children are being infected with HIV but they are not on antiretroviral (ARVs) drugs… (although) the survival rates of children are lower than adults.”

On that note, she said much work needs to be done to ensure children are not neglected. “We will be relooking at our paediatric programme and our adolescent programmes…so over the next year, we will aim to provide supportive supervision and mentoring to make sure they provide ARVs and appropriate management for these children,” she said.

Director of the National Care and Treatment Centre, Dr Ruth Ramos noted that access to treatment and testing has increased over the years. Nevertheless, she asserted that more needs to

be done. “Our greatest challenge is the adherence to medication and keeping people on care.”

Dr Ramos explained that many people ignore the risks they face simply because they look and feel well. She said too there are still a significant number of mother-to-child transmissions which they are aiming to decrease.

With evaluations being conducted on an annual basis, a statistical report highlighting the country’s 2014 status will be revealed in May.

Soesdyke man wanted for fraud

Wanted: Johnny Ramjit

The Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for a Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara man for questioning in relation to fraud alle-

Elderly man remanded for forgery

– falsified an Office of the President stamp

A71-year-old man was remanded to prison after the prosecution successfully opposed bail as it related to the charge of forgery brought against the defendant.

Frederick Ross, a Technical Officer of Government Compound, Friendship, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court’s before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday.

The charge alleged that between March 15 and April 4 2014, at Friendship, East Coast Demerara, he conspired with persons to forge a stamp from the Office of the President, presenting it on a letter dated November 3, 2014 with the intent to defraud Everne Singh also known as “Velma”.

gations.

According to a release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer Ivelaw Whittaker, the Police are investigating a case of obtaining money by false pretence and are seeking Johnny Ramjit’s assistance.

The 27-year-old Ramjit is of East Indian descent and his last known address is Lot 16 Soesdyke, EBD.

The Police are asking persons with information that may lead to the arrest of Ramjit to contact them on telephone numbers: 2256411, 226-9941, 227-1149, 226-7065, 911 or at the nearest Police Station.

All information will be treated with strict confidence, the Police advised.

There were no facts read in court, however, the defendant claimed that Magistrate Suanna Lovell had ruled on this matter already.

Ross was remanded to prison until January 26. The case was transferred to the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court.

Duo remanded for stealing wood

Aduo was remanded to prison after being arraigned on a simple larceny charge.

Fifty-two-year-old Danguan Sukhu and 34-year-old Ramraj Persaud appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

The allegation read that between December 5 and

Mechanic

for robbery

Nineteen-year-old

Rayan Hilliman of Campbellville, Georgetown, was remanded to prison after being arraigned on a robbery charge.

The young man who is a mechanic by profession, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday.

It was alleged that on June 13, 2013, at North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, he robbed Derek Halley of a BlackBerry cellphone worth $53,000, a Nokia cellphone worth $25,000, $200,000 in cash and some keys, all of which totalled $277,000 in value.

It was also heard that on that same day, either before or after the ordeal, he made use of personal violence to Halley. The unrepresented defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Police Prosecutor Denero

December 7, 2014, at Omai, Essequibo River, they stole 450,000 BM Greenheart lumber from Bharrat Nandlall, which totalled a sum of $900,000. No facts were read nor were there any objections to bail being granted by Police Prosecutor Michael Grant. They were placed on $60,000 bail each and the matter will be called again on February 6.

Rayan Hilliman

Jones objected to bail citing the gravity of the offence, the penalty that the charge attracts, the fact that personal violence was used and the fact that the offence took place since 2013, stressing that the defendant may be a flight risk. The defendant was remanded to prison until February 29.

The Citizens Bank Headquarters construction in progress

Frederick Ross

Director of NAPS Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony

Guyana on track to meet MDGs

… but maternal health seen as main hurdle

BY JOMO PAUL

At the end of 2015, Guyana could be one of the countries that has achieved the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but this will require persistent hard work and successful implementation of several projects.

This is according to Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh who told Guyana Times in an exclusive interview on Monday that Guyana is on track to meeting the goals set out in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) charter concerning the MDGs.

He explained that Guyana has made “tremendous progress towards achieving all of the goals… but there’s one particular goal which poses some peculiar challenges, that is MDG 5,” which speaks to the improvement of maternal health.

Resources Nevertheless, he pointed out that because this goal has been so elusive, an “acceleratory framework” was put in place late last year and with its successful implementation, the goal should be easier to attain.

“This framework has put us on a trajectory that will see us achieving that MDG. Otherwise, I would say we are very much on course to achieving the full range of the goals,” Dr Singh said.

He said that while the achievement of some of the goals thus far has not come

without challenges, he is maintaining that resources be diverted into areas that need them.

Dr Singh noted that while the goals are attainable, it is important for them to be sustained, hence the need for resources to be diverted.

According to the UNDP website, Guyana has maintained steady progress towards achieving the MDGs over the years.

It noted that “Guyana has advanced in its efforts to reduce hunger, increase access to social services and benefits, improve enrolment in and completion of primary education, increase empowerment of women and achieve environmental sustainability. However, the pace of progress may be insufficient to achieve some of the targets for 2015.”

Political climate

The report said that the challenges facing Guyana in its quest to achieve the MDGs are significant; hence “the prospects of achieving all the Millennium Development targets will be vastly improved with the resumption of sustained economic growth and its effects on household income, revenue generation and public expenditure outlays.

Improved data systems will also improve the capacity to measure progress in future years.”

It was also noted that a broader political and civil climate will remain critical in creating a condusive envi-

ronment to encourage greater capital investment in the country and slow down the outward migration of critical professional and technical skills.

With respect to MDG one

which refers to the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty, the report says that Guyana has made good progress towards eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.

The country has met the target of halving the proportion of people who suffer from hunger, and has improved its performance in reducing poverty and increasing employment.

Poverty

It was noted that the proportion of the population living in extreme poverty has declined from 28.7 per cent in 1993 to 18.6 per cent in 2006. This was further reduced to around 17 per cent in 2010.

While there is no available statistics on the present rate, it is believed that given Guyana has achieved four years of growth over four

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that were established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000, following the adoption of the United Nations Millennium Declaration. All 189 United Nations member states at the time (there are 193 currently), and at least 23 international organisations, committed to help achieve the following Millennium Development Goals by 2015:

1. To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

2. To achieve universal primary education

3. To promote gender equality and empower women

4. To reduce child mortality

5. To improve maternal health

6. To combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases

7. To ensure environmental sustainability

8. To develop a global partnership for development

Fire destroys house after Police bike explodes

Ahouse

caught on fire after a motor cycle belonging to the Guyana Police Force, which was under the house, exploded on Thursday morning. The inci-

dent occurred sometime around 10:30h.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, a Police patrol rank took his bike to the vulcanising shop after it developed a leakage. Witnesses told

this newspaper that the motor cycle was parked under the wooden house and the Police rank was draining the fuel from the gas tank when it caught on fire.

The rank reportedly sustained minor burns to his face and hands; as such he was taken to seek medical attention.

Mechanics from the vulcanising shop which is located next door to the house that was burnt, would usually use the yard for storage and repair works. The owner of the partially damaged house, Harold Pereira, was not at home at the time of the fire.

The elderly man, who lives alone had reportedly given permission to the mechanics next door to use the bottom of his one storey cottage since it provided some level of security for when he is not at home.

Fire tenders responded promptly to the fire and were able to save the house from being completely burnt, however most of Pereira‘s belongings were damaged by the water.

While at the scene, the elderly man, who is said to be in his early 70s, rushed home from work to assess the damage. The man was in shocked after seeing the state of his home but was thankful that it was not gutted by the fire.

per cent since 2010, it is more than likely that extreme poverty would be now around 13 per cent.

It was also noted that Guyana has made excellent progress towards achieving universal primary education. The country is on track to meet the education target, ensuring that by 2015, children everywhere – boys and girls alike – will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling.

Women

With respect to promoting gender equality and empowering women, the UNDP said that Guyana has made very good progress towards promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.

“The country met the target of eliminating gender disparity in primary and secondary education, and strives towards parity at the tertiary level. Employment of women is targeted for improvement and female political representation in Parliament has substantially increased,” the UNDP website stated.

It also said that Guyana is making very good progress towards reducing child mortality.

“The country has already met the target of reducing the under-five mortality rate by two-thirds by 2015 and aims to further improve its record of reducing child mortality.”

The other goals which included, maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases and

ensuring environmental sustainability all received favourable reviews according to the website.

“Guyana recorded overall steady progress in fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. The country shows signs of beginning to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS and is projected to meet the target of achieving universal access to treatment for HIV/ AIDS for all those who need it.

"There is positive news for malaria control as well, with prevalence rates confirming that the country has succeeded in meeting the target of reducing the incidence of the disease.”

Global partnership With regards to developing a global partnership for development, the report noted that the overarching emphasis on developing global partnerships was born out of the recognition that for countries like Guyana to sustainably achieve the rest of the goals, an international environment which is conducive to their attainment must be sought and sustained.

It said these improvements have expanded the fiscal space available to the Government to carry out social and other investments towards the MDGs. The country remains at moderate risk of debt distress and is vulnerable to external shocks.

In view of this, Government is very proactive in maintaining long-term debt sustainability.

Inmate found dead in Police lock-ups

Aman who was arrested for simple larceny was found dead hanging in the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, Thursday evening.

In a release police said about 19:30h Thursday Tiffon Peters, 22 years, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who was in police custody at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost, was found hanging in the lock-ups from his shirt which he had stripped into a cloth-rope and tied to the metal grill work of the lock-ups.

Peters, the release stated was in the lock-ups with another prisoner who was awakened by gasp-

ing sounds and alerted the police after seeing him hanging. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Peters had been taken into custody at about 1430h on Wednesday following investigations into a report of simple larceny of $25,000 committed on Dhanwattie Singh of Houston, East Bank Demerara, which had occurred at Vlissengen Road and Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. He had been charged for court today. The Police Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting investigations into the incident.

Gunmen storm GNIC rob Clerk, guard of cash, gun

Armed bandits on Thursday stole a $600,000 payroll from GNIC as well as a .32 pistol from one of the company’s guard during a mid-afternoon at their Lombard Street headquarters.

Police said in a release that about 15:35h Thursday, Clerk Darren Bryan and Security Guard Oslen Clarke who are attached to the GNIC, Lombard Street, Georgetown, were attacked and robbed in the GNIC compound by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

According to the police investigations have revealed that Darren Bryan was in possession of salaries for workers and was being escorted by Oslen Clarke to the payment area when the two perpetrators entered the compound and held them at gunpoint.

Clarke was shot to his left foot and his service .32 revolver and rounds taken away and Darren Bryan was assaulted and a bag with $600,000 taken away by the men who escaped on a motor cycle.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

located on South Road, Bourda, Georgetown,

Investigators talking to the mechanic that was working on the bike before it exploded

Antigua: Young man makes history as first Red Cross President

An Antigua and Barbuda national has become the first person under the age of 30 to be elected President of the Red Cross during the more than 150-year history of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Michael Joseph is the man who will run the affairs of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society for the next four years after he was elected to head the executive body.

Michael Joseph is the

who will run the affairs of the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Society for the next four years

The President and eight other international members previously served as youth advisors where he was tasked representing the Emeritus region, from Canada through South America, on the governing board.

He said while in that role he recognised many countries spoke about youth leadership but did not encourage, enforce or advocate what they speak.

Argentine President convinced Prosecutor's death not suicide

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner says she is convinced the death of top Argentine Prosecutor Alberto Nisman was not suicide.

Nisman, 51, was found shot dead in his apartment on Sunday. The Prosecutor probing his death said it appeared to be suicide.

But in a letter published on Thursday, Fernandez

cast doubt on that theory. Nisman had been investigating the 1994 deadly bombing of a Jewish centre.

Eighty-five people died in the bombing in Buenos Aires. It was Argentina’s worst terrorist attack. Days prior to his death, Nisman had accused Fernandez and Foreign Minister Hector Timerman of involvement in a plot to cover up Iran’s alleged role in the 1994 bomb-

ing on the seven-storey Amia Community Centre. He died just hours before he was due to give details of his allegations to a congressional committee. Nisman based his allegations on intercepted conversations which seem to suggest Argentine intelligence officers tried to whitewash the Iranian suspects in the 1994 bombing. (Excerpt from

“For the first time in almost 152 years, someone under 30 has a say at the large high level decisions that determine where funding goes, what sort of position the Red Cross takes as it sits around the discussion table with the United Nations and all these international partners. Antigua now has a voice that speaks youthfully at these forums,” Joseph said in an interview.

Joseph has been a member of the organisation since his final year at the Five Island Primary School, in 1999. He enrolled as a volunteer and worked his way through the ranks to the highest post.

“One of the things we came up with, we realised we’ve given adults the opportunity to resolve these issues, be the leaders. We’ve said to them that we are the future but the time has come for us to say we are the present… we’ve stopped the talking and are now more involved,” Joseph said. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Politically motivated armed gang in Haiti threatens attack on Govt targets, Police

Haitian Police authorities said on Tuesday that a politically motivated armed group in the northern part of Haiti has vowed to attack Government targets, while the Caribbean country’s leader strives to solve a political impasse marked by a series of anti-government street protests.

The Haitian Police Chief in the northern region, Monès Auguste, said that the Police are tracking an armed gang that openly revealed their intent to use their weapons against the Administration of President Martelly they wish to overthrow.

“They blocked last week the road near the town of Milot and chanted slogans hostile to the Government, as they dispossessed passengers of their belongings,” Police Commissioner Auguste told HCNN on Tuesday.

“They were in possession of Uzi and 9mm pistols and they said they would block the road until Martelly has resigned,” said Auguste.

Haitian Police clashed with a dozen of members of the armed gang during a crackdown, in their stronghold near the northern town

of Milot last Thursday that resulted in one killed and one wounded on the side of the armed individuals.

“When we conducted the operation on Thursday, they shot at us and we returned fire and one gang man was killed and another one wounded,” said Auguste explaining that the wounded was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Auguste said thePpolice are now tracking the armed individuals, who are on the run, but they still represent a risk for the population because they carry weapons.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Jamaican Govt to explore developing pharmaceuticals from fish waste

The Government of Jamaica is looking to partner with Japan to explore the development of pharmaceutical items from fish trimmings.

Minister of State for Agriculture, Labour, and Social Security Luther Buchanan made the disclosure Wednesday while speaking at a seminar looking at 20 years of cooperation between Japan and CARICOM, at the Medallion Hall Hotel in St Andrew.

Fish trimmings refer to the waste from the processing of fish and include cuttings, heads, spines, and guts. They can be used in the manufacture of health food supplements and cosmetics.

“As part of the value-added components to the fishing industry, where we gut fish daily, and trimmings are thrown by and large to waste, we see partnership from Japan, to explore

if there are pharmaceutical benefits to be derived from the hundreds of kilograms of trimmings in the fishing industry,” Buchanan said.

The fisheries industry has contributed some 0.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product to the economy, and also accounts for eight per cent of all agricultural exports, State Minister Buchanan said. He said the Government, as part of its growth strat-

egy, is pursuing initiatives aimed at developing the sector and increasing the production of both marine and aquaculture fisheries.

“The fishing industry is an important (sector), but there is room for vast improvement to meet both local consumption demands, and to expand the export sector,” Buchanan outlined, while expressing confidence that the sector will grow.

(Jamaica Observer)

British Govt gives urgent attention to stranded man’s case

The British High Commission in Jamaica has asked United Kingdom Immigration authorities to give urgent attention to the case of Lloyd Bogle, the 64-year-old Jamaican who has been living in England for more than 50 years and who, because of his immigration status, is now stranded here after a two-week visit.

“We are aware of the case. I was sorry to read about Mr Bogle’s situation today,” British High Commissioner David Fitton told the Jamaica Observer yesterday after seeing the newspaper’s front page story.

“I have asked colleagues in UK Visas and Immigration to review the

case urgently. I cannot really comment any further on an individual case for reasons of privacy,” Fitton added.

Bogle, who left Jamaica in 1957 when he was seven years old, arrived in the island on September 29, 2014 on a two-week visit to see the land of his birth, given that he had not travelled since going to England.

However, when he got to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on October 13 last year to take a return flight to England, he was told by Immigration officials that they could not allow him to leave.

“I got the shock of my life when I was turned back and told by authorities that I would have to have a

visa to leave the country,” Bogle told the Observer on Monday.

He admitted that he never applied for British citizenship during all his years in England and that he travelled to Jamaica on a Jamaican passport that he applied for and received shortly before his trip.

“Since I migrated at age seven I have never travelled and never had any intention to. It was after I retired I decided to take a trip to Jamaica to see what the country was like,” Bogle said.

“I knew no one in Jamaica; it was the first time I was travelling since I was seven,” said Bogle, who was close to tears. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Drone carrying drugs crashes near US-Mexico border

Adrone carrying more than six pounds (2.7kg) of methamphetamine has crashed near Mexico’s border with the US. Mexican police in Tijuana say they were alerted to an unidentified object in a car park of a shopping centre.

“The drone had packages taped to it and was cov -

ered with plastic bags containing the drug known as crystal”, the local Police Chief said.

Authorities are investigating where the flight originated, who controlled it and where it was bound for.

Police say it is not the first time a drone has been used for smuggling drugs

across the border. In April, US authorities in South Carolina found a drone outside a prison fence which had been carrying mobile phones, marijuana and tobacco. Other attempts to smuggle drugs have included catapults and ultralight aircraft. (BBC News)

man

The six-propeller drone crashed in a car park

Minister of, Labour, and Social Security Luther Buchanan (left) talks with Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Yasuo Takase, at a seminar on Wednesday at the Medallion Hall Hotel in St Andrew

Around the world

India, US trying to get nuclear deal over line during Obama trip

India and the United States were trying to narrow differences on nuclear trade on Thursday ahead of President Barack Obama’s visit, but New Delhi ruled out a change in its liability law that has choked off US investment.

Nuclear commerce worth billions of dollars was meant to be the centerpiece of a new strategic relationship between the United States and India, allowing New Delhi access to nuclear technology and fuel without giving up its weapons programme.

But the 2010 Indian nuclear liability law that makes equipment suppliers ultimately responsible for an accident has held back firms including GE-Hitachi, Toshiba’s Westinghouse Electric Company and France’s Areva from proceeding with the construction of reactors.

On Thursday, ne-

Falling

gotiators from the two Governments met for a second day in London to hammer out an accord that Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hope to announce during talks set for Sunday. It followed talks in Vienna and New Delhi.

“Even as we speak our negotiators are working together in a collaborative manner in London. It is the third time they are meeting in approximately 45 days, you can see the element of effort that is going into the nuclear issue,” foreign ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin told reporters.

India has offered to set up an insurance pool to indemnify companies which have won the right to construct reactors in the country against liability in the case of a nuclear accident, as a way around the law. (Excerpt from Reuters)

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets delegations after addressing the 69th United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York, September 27

Ebola cases show "turning point"

There has been a “turning point” in the Ebola crisis, with cases falling in the three affected countries, World Health Organisation (WHO) officials say.

Just eight cases were detected in Liberia in the last week down from a peak of 500-a-week in September. Guinea and Sierra Leone have also seen falls. The WHO said the figures were the “most promising” since the outbreak started.

in weekly cases: Cases in Liberia stand at eight-perweek down from a peak of 509, cases in Guinea stand at 20 per week down from a peak of 292 and cases in Sierra Leone stand at 117-per-week down from a peak of 748.

There are now some days in Liberia where no cases are reported at all.

Dr Christopher Dye, the Director of Strategy in the Office of the Director General, told the BBC News website: “The incidence is pretty clearly going down in all three countries now.

Record number of rhinos killed by poachers in South Africa in 2014

The number of rhinos killed in South Africa last year jumped by a fifth, marking a new record for poaching, driven by Asian demand for rhino horn which is more valuable by weight than gold.

A total of 1215 rhinos were killed in 2014, statistics published by the Environment Ministry on Thursday showed, in what environmentalists said was now a “do or die situation”.

The number of rhinos

killed by poachers – 827 of which were in the country’s famous Kruger national park in 2014 – has risen rapidly in the last decade.

Just 13 were killed in 2007, but demand from a growing affluent middle class in Asia has seen new records broken every year, with 1004 killed in 2013. In Vietnam, ground horn sold as rhino horn wine is erroneously viewed to have health benefits and is seen as a status symbol. (The Guardian)

Egypt launches probe after Tutankhamun’s beard glued back on

The blue and gold braided beard on the burial mask of pharaoh Tutankhamun has been hastily glued back on after it was damaged, museum officials say.

quickly to put the mask back on display, conservators say.

The UN human rights chief has called on Myanmar to condemn a Buddhist nationalist monk for calling a UN special envoy a “bitch” and a “whore”.

UN human rights chief

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said Ashin Wirathu’s comments amounted to “incitement to hatred”. The comments related to South Korean envoy Yanghee Lee, who was

But it continues to urge caution, and to highlight the need to find those who had contact with Ebola patients. The largest outbreak of Ebola in human history has infected 21,724 people and killed 8641 – largely in just three countries, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

“Each of the last three weeks has been the most promising we’ve seen so far, the message is reductions in all places. “I would have identified the turning point as the beginning of the decline, first in Liberia and then later in Sierra Leone and Guinea.”(Excerpt from BBC News)

All are now showing falls

UN condemns Myanmar Monk’s "sexist" comments

in Myanmar last week to address the plight of its Muslim minority. Wirathu spent almost a decade in jail for inciting anti-Muslim violence. The monk is a leader of the 969 movement, which says Myanmar should remain a Buddhist country and calls for restrictions and boycotts on Muslims. Zeid called the language “sexist” and “insult-

ing”. “I call on religious and political leaders in Myanmar to unequivocally condemn all forms of incitement to hatred including this abhorrent public personal attack,” Zeid said in a statement.

‘Systematic discrimination’

Since the end of military rule in Myanmar, also known as Burma, in 2011, Buddhist nationalism,

largely led by monks including Wirathu, has been energised.

In 2012, scores of people died and thousands were left homeless after violence broke out between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine state, mostly from the Rohingya minority. Anti-Muslim violence has flared several times since then. (Excerpt from BBC News)

But conservators at the Egypt museum in Cairo gave differing accounts of the exact circumstances. It is not clear whether the mask was damaged during cleaning or if the beard was removed because it was loose.

The 3000-year-old artefact, with other relics from the boy king’s tomb, is among Cairo’s biggest attractions. An inquiry is under way into what happened to one of the country’s greatest treasures.

Instead of being taken to a conservation lab, the repair was performed

One of the museum conservators said quick-drying glue was used to re-attach the beard to the famed mask. A second one who was present at the time of the repair said the glue had dried on the mask and that a colleague used a spatula to remove it, leaving scratches.

The director of the Egypt Museum, Mahmoud Al Hawagi, confirmed to the BBC that a translucent adhesive material had appeared on the burial mask.

The Ministry of Antiquities was now investigating how this happened, he added. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Speaking earlier this week, the UN System Coordinator for Ebola, David Nabarro, said “We have a very attractive and promising situation that leads us to believe that perhaps we are beginning to see the end of the outbreak

The burial mask of Tutankhamun is among the word’s best-known ancient artefacts

Miss Guyana

Universe, Niketa Barker is list ed in the top 20 on the Global Beauties Leader’s Board but the favour ite for copping the ti tle of Miss Universe has shifted from Miss Philippines, Mary Jean Lastimosa to Miss Spain, Desire Cordero.

Coming in as the second favour ite to win the title is Miss Colombia, Paulina Vega followed by Miss Serbia, Andjelka Tomasevic and trailing behind is Miss USA, Nia Sanchez and Miss Jamaica, Kaci Fennell.

Other contestants to keep a

Lodh.

close

eye on are Miss Venezuela, Migbelis Lynette Castellanos; Miss Mexico, Josselyn Garciglia; Miss Dominican Republic, Kimberly Castillo and Miss India, Nogonita

On Wednesday evening, the preliminary competition was streamed live from Miami Florida but based on the reaction from the audience

Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa was definitely the favourite.

However, Guyana has been coping with the stiff competition and while it seems as though she nailed it during the preliminaries, there were some mixed reactions about the choice of evening gown.

Nevertheless, her posture was excellent as she displayed her two piece swimwear and more so her national costume. Now, all eyes will be glued to television sets across the world as the competition winds down

on Sunday evening.

On that night, 88 delegates from around the world will know their fate as the top 15 is announced. The scores from the preliminary competition on Wednesday evening will guide the judges as they make their selections.

Miss Guyana is hopeful that she makes it in the top 15 claiming that she has done her best. She was also voted as the winner of the online site for the Sash People’s Choice Award.

Once chosen in the top 15, the delegates will be judged once again on swim

On January 31, reign ing Chutney King, Pooran Seeraj will defend his title when the National Chutney Competition is held at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground, Essequibo. He is expected to compete against 17 other con testants, including five overseas artistes.

The talented young man will be performing “I Love My Country”.

The other contend ers are Bunty Singh with “Facebook Girlfriend”, Halima Khan with her tune “Dulha Dulhin”, Steven Ramphal with “Playa Days”, Haresh Singh will be performing “Dulhin Run Away”, while Roger Hinds is set with “Looking For A Larki”. Savithri LI with sing her tune “Bangra Nache” and Ravi D Mohan will perform “Free Again”.

Veteran chutney singer

Harvey Gobin will tease the judges with “Chutney Music”, Dennis Tatpaul will do his rendition “Niomoi Gyal”

while Vanita Willie will perform “Why”. Closing off the lo cal per formers are Sonia Narine with “Guyana Gold” and Damar Singh with “Me Come From D Water Side”.

The overseas contestants are Anant Hansraj and he will be performing the “D Ring”, while Chris Ken will sing “No Stress”. Jay Lall will be performing “When I was A Little Boy” and Sexi Marissa will entice the judges with “Ah Pleaser”. The fi-

piece. The grand prize in the competition is $600,000 while the second place win-

ner will receive $420,000 and third place $265,000. The best new comer will col lect a whopping $115,000. All of the winners will also re ceive trophies. The artistes will be backed by Guyana’s

ranging the music. The competition is sponsored by the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry as part of the nation’s 45th

suite and evening gown before the list is slashed in half. The final five will be judged on their intelligence

which is the decisive factor as to who will wear the crown.

Crossover Band, the Shakti Strings Orchestra with Avinash Roopchan ar-

Eleven young men and women attending the University of Guyana will be competing for the titles of Mister and Miss University of Guyana Student Society on February 7, at the National Cultural Centre.

The pageant was launched on Monday last in the form of a scholarship programme titled “King of Erudition, Queen of Elegance – True Beauty is Intelligence”. On pageant night, the contestants will be judged on their opening dance and introduction pieces, talent piece, evening

wear and the intelligence segment.

They will be judged prior to the completion on their platform which deals with issues affecting the educational institution as a whole or their individual faculties or more specifically – a programme offered by the uni-

ver

sity.

The contestants will also be participating in promot-

ing people with disabilities. The final judging activity will be a photo shoot this weekend where they will show off their creativity and photogenic skills.

Tickets for the pageant cost $1500 and $1000 and will be available at the UGSS office or at the National Cultural Centre.

The eleven contestants are being trained by Miss Pamela Dillon, Randy Madray and Stephen Validum.

Reigning Carib Soca

Monarch Kwasi

“Ace” Edmondson has departed for the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the semi finals of the International Soca Monarch slated for January 25 in the Queens Park Oval.

If he makes it through the semis, he will compete against the reigning international monarch, Machel Montano on Fantastic Friday, February 13.

However, the semis, referred to as the largest “Soca Picnic for Carnival” will feature 84 contestants performing their pieces for a chance to claim the Lotto Plus International Power Soca Monarch and the Digicel International Groovy Soca Monarch titles.

This year, semi finalists will create history by competing for the first time at The Greens in the Queen’s Park Savannah. The gates to the cooler-styled event will open at 12:00h, with the show beginning at 14:00h, allowing

patrons to spend an entertaining afternoon into night with sweet soca. Successful competitors will advance to the finals on Fantastic Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Edmondson will be perform ing his new tune “Forking” and is confident in mov ing into the finals. In a telephone conversation, the Guyanese singer said that he is more thankful for the op portunity to repre sent Guyana and in tends to do his best. He will be com peting with top class artistes such as Swappi, Destra, Nadia Batson, Ravi B, Shurwayne, Skinny Fabulous, Patrice Roberts, 5 Star Akil, Biggie Irie, Farmer Nappy and many others. The Guyanese con-

tender says he remains fearless despite the big names in the business.

The American erotic thriller directed by Rob Cohen and written by Barbara Curry is expected to hit the Princess Movie Theater today with five shows daily. The movie stars Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Guzman, Kristen Chenoweth, and John Corbett.

In the movie, Lopez plays a high school teacher named Claire, who in the midst of a divorce, has a one night stand with a younger neighbour (Guzman), who develops a dangerous obsession with her. The film which has been creating some buzz will be released in theatres to-

day with expected sold out audiences.

The movie will be shown at 13:00h, 15:00h, 17:00h, 19:00h and 20:30h and tickets are going like hot cakes. Apart from the thriller, ‘Inherent Vice’, a comedy/crime will be shown in Theatre One and Two at 10:00h and 21:00h respectively between Fridays and Thursdays. In addition, ‘The Wedding Ringer’ will be available in Theatre Two at 13:00h; 15:00h; 17:00h and 19:00h on the same days.

Tickets cost $1500 for adults and $1000 for children.

Award win-

ning Jamaican Dancehall ar tiste Konshens will be arriving in Guyana this morning ahead of his birthday bash slated for the Gravity Lounge on Saturday evening.

The artiste is expect ed to be at the Electronics City Super Store on Sheriff Street where he will mix and mingle with his fans as well as distrib ute free tickets to lucky shoppers.

However, early bird tickets will be available at Electronics City today at

12:00h. Konshens fans can also pick up their tickets at Gravity Lounge, Regent and Camp Streets, Georgetown and at Exclusive Styles.

The Jamaican party animal is all hyped and ready to take to the elevated stage at the hottest night club in the city. He will be smashing several of his hits including “Couple Up”, “Gal a Bubble”, “Realest Song” and several others that have

attended by thousands.

dominated the local airwaves.

The birthday boy selected Guyana to host one of his parties since he feels he has a huge fan base here. He recently held a similar concert in the US where it was

been creating some vibes. They are both ready to en tertain.

Regular tickets for the event cost $3000 but pa trons are asked to pick up their early bird tickets as early as possible since they are limited. This event is sponsored by Boom Energy Drink, Carlsberg Beer and Electronics City.

Apart from Konshens, rising star Remar, who has recent ly released his new sin gle “Second Chances” will be perform ing alongside Jackie Hanover who has also

‘Demerara Gold’ in Guyana which opened last Friday, in the mining town of Linden, the curtains finally came down on the tour on Tuesday at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School to a much appreciative audience attended by pupils of various schools in the Berbice area.

The students engaged Griffith in a 40-minute discussion after the play. The main character of the production, Ingrid Griffith shared her personal life story in Demerara Gold on stage; telling how she was raised up until the age of 12 when she moved to New York with her older sister.

performance was en tertaining, emotional and riveting. The audiences loved and appreciated it. Griffith hopes to return to Guyana soon to continue working with students and sharing her skills. Demerara Gold will continue to be featured in New York.

The productions in Guyana were hosted by the National School of Theatre Arts and Drama and GEMS Theatre Productions. Apart from the viewing of the play in Linden, others were held at the National Cultural Centre and Theatre Guild. In addition, three manatee shows were held for children that were well attended.

Kwasi ace

Machel Montano

Konshens

Remar

Jackie

GABF should take a page from GRFU Oscar De La Hoya to launch cable channel

The Guyana

Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) is set to have Guyana be represented by both male and female national teams at the upcoming Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) later this year.

While it is definitely going to benefit the men’s squad in terms of experience especially since the GABF might have a younger core than last year, the GABF should consider whether it might be wise to send a female team to the tournament.

It can be said that it will be good exposure for the women’s national side even with the inclusion of foreign, but development of the game at the female level is also critical to overall success.

Much like rugby, basket-

ball does not have a strong female programme.

The President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union, Peter Green, noted at a recent press conference that if his female side could not show the public that they were a quality side, he would use the finds for development towards the 2020 Olympics instead of sending the female side to this year’s Olympics qualifiers.

The GABF should follow this pattern this since the national female team has not had one game since returning from the CBC Championships last year.

Further evidence that rugby’s example should be followed is the fact that there is no tournament for women in basketball, but a few usually occur for the females in rugby.

In addition, there are hardly any female basketball clubs in Guyana when rugby boasts a few clubs for

females.

Hence, a female basketball team even with the inclusion of overseas players might still not achieve a level to be competitive with their Caribbean counterparts.

Instead, the GABF should probably aim to develop the structure of female basketball as well as a young national side that can be groomed for future Caribbean tournaments.

There is no denying the efforts of the GABF to improve the sport holistically, but the Federation must look to utilise whatever resources they have meaningfully and as a means to an end.

Yes, one female was spotted at the tournament and gained a scholarship, but on the other hand, the female unit had no player average in double figures last year and lost each game by at least 15 points.

A few overseas players might boost the talent level, but it still will not be enough to help Guyana win the tournament and while winning is not always the goal for small nations looking to develop their young players, losing heavily and seeing the great talent disparity takes a toll

Maybe the very overseas female players can do workshops with their Guyanese counterparts instead of participating at the tournament.

That way, the local girls still get a dose of upper level talent and learn more about the game in a more comfortable environment without the possible embarrassment they might suffer at the hands of their Caribbean counterparts.

However, if the girls can prove to the public that they are a quality side, then by all means they should participate in the championships this year.

AAG aiming to host inaugural High School Championship

By TreiSTon JoSeph

he Athletics

TAssociation of Guyana (AAG) will be aiming to host a new type of school tournament in the High School Championship scheduled for March 1415 at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground.

Unlike the National School Championships, which is run by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and funded by the Education Ministry, the High School Championships will focus more specifically on the school itself rather than the district format that the GTU employs for the National School Championships.

AAG President Aubrey Hutson told Guyana Times Sport that the event will allow for the highest form of competition.

“At the National School Championship and the district system, what happens is that if two of the country’s top athletes go to one school, then only one will represent the district in the race. What we want to do is set qualifying standards and allow the athletes to compete at the district level and

once they qualify more than one athlete from the same school can be in the same race at the High School Championships.

“So because of this some schools might be represented in a particular event at the High School Champs and then some might not be because of the qualifying standards,” Hutson related.

Hutson noted that the new format will also put schools in the spotlight.

“The schools are lost in the district system in that you don’t know which athlete is representing which school, just whether they are from District 11 or 10, but this would change that and have the schools in the spotlight,” the AAG President remarked.

He also confirmed that the AAG has been in contact with the Ministries of Sport

and Education about hosting the event and should be setting up a committee by the first week in February to plan for the meet set for March.

Hutson revealed other plans in store for the event, “What we want to do is set up a full games village at a hotel where the meals are prepared at a centralised location and the athletes are shuttled from the village to the ground … we want to have buses shuttling every hour so if an athlete has an event at a certain time, they can plan their eating habits and be able to leave the games village in time for the event,” Hutson related.

The AAG is expected to have its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 25 after which the committee will be put in place to start planning for the event.

Oscar De La Hoya, the former six-division titleholder, International Boxing Hall of Famer and head of Golden Boy Promotions, is launching De La Hoya TV, a Spanish-language sports, travel and lifestyle cable television channel.

De La Hoya, who is partnering with Mexican businessman and boxing promoter Jose Alberto “Pepe” Gomez and media executive and Fashion TV Latin America partner Victor Hugo Montero, announced the launch on Wednesday at the National Association of Television Program Executives annual conference in Miami.

The channel is scheduled for launch in the

“The network aims to inspire all to live the life of a champion, delivering exceptional insight into the athletes and featuring entertainment, global destinations, news and more.”

Said Gomez, De La Hoya TV’s executive chairman, “The popularity of combat sports continues to grow throughout the United States, Latin America and the globe, and now fans will finally have a unique resource to get news and analysis through De La Hoya TV.”

At its launch, De La Hoya TV, which will be based in Miami, will focus on Spanish-language content for the U.S. Hispanic market, De La Hoya said. Eventually, De La Hoya

spring and De La Hoya and his partners are talking to cable and satellite systems about carriage deals.

De La Hoya said the channel will offer news, analysis and original programming surrounding combat sports, including boxing and mixed marital arts, in addition to featuring entertainment, travel, lifestyle and news on international sports.

“De La Hoya TV will be the premiere authority on boxing and other combat sports, providing fans with a behind-the-scenes look into the world and lifestyles of their favorite athletes,” said De La Hoya, who has taken the title of chairman of De La Hoya TV.

said there would also be English-language content.

“In my decades of working in television, I’ve seen few opportunities to connect with an untapped market with such an exponential opportunity for growth,” said Montero, the De La Hoya TV CEO and general manager who launched Venezuela’s first cable channel, Sun Channel Tourism Television.

“For over a year we have worked on this project and are focused on expanding content from Spanish to include English and make it available to a larger audience, all to serve the consumer’s appetite.”

There are no plans for the channel to include live sports programming. (ESPN)

SayS TreiSTon JoSeph

Oscar De La Hoya

AAG President Aubrey Hutson

Srinivasan’s election in jeopardy

The Supreme Court has struck a huge blow to Narayanaswami Srinivasan’s role in Indian cricket by effectively asking the sidelined BCCI president to choose between his role in the board and his ownership of the Chennai Super Kings franchise. Srinivasan has been barred from contesting in the board’s elections ─ which the court ordered to be held in the next six weeks ─ until he gives up his commercial interest in Chennai Super Kings franchise.

In a wide-ranging and seminal judgement the twoman bench of Justice TS Thakur and FMI Kalifullah went to the core of its immediate remit ─ assessing the legality of a BCCI committee to investigate charges of corruption in the 2013 spot-fixing case. It struck down the BCCI’s controversial constitutional amendment that allowed board officials to have commercial interests in the IPL and the Champions League T20, calling it “the true villain of the situation at hand.” This amendment, inserted into the BCCI constitution in 2008 after the IPL had been formed, had made it possible for Srinivasan to be a BCCI official and a franchise owner.

The court stated any charges against Srinivasan’s involvement in a cover-up could not be proved, but it did say that Srinivasan had “created” a conflict of interest situation in the 2013 IPL case after Super Kings had entered the picture. The court said, “no rule can permit conflict of interest”.

The bench also said it held Gurunath Meiyappan and Raj Kundra to be offi-

cials of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, respectively, and found them guilty of betting during the 2013 IPL.

The court did not pronounce any sanction on the two officials or the franchises; instead it appointed an independent three-man committee ─ comprising former judges of the Supreme Court of India ─ that has been asked to conclude its proceedings within a period of six months.

The committee, to be headed by former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and include Ashok Bhan and RV Raveendran, will also “examine and make suitable recommendations to the BCCI for such reforms in its practices and procedures and such amendments in the Memorandum of Association, Rules and Regulations as may be considered necessary and proper.” Basically, it can rewrite the BCCI’s constitution though it might not go that far.

The committee has also been asked to investigate the “activities” of IPL Chief Operating Officer Sundar Raman. The order said his role could be examined,

with the help of the Mudgal Committee’s investigating team. The order says that while the investigating team did “not indict” Raman in clear words, he had remained, “totally inert” in the matter instead of “taking suitable action warranted under the circumstances.”

In another declaration that could have far-reaching consequences on the conduct of the BCCI, the court said that while the BCCI was a private body, it performed a public function and was therefore amenable to judicial law and review.

The BCCI welcomed the judgment and said in a statement that it has “put to rest the uncertainty”, while IPL’s chairman Ranjib Biswal said the league was ready for any eventuality, even if the two franchises were scrapped. It is believed that the IPL auction will be held in Bangalore at some point between February 6 and 9.

The judgement covered 138 pages and the bench took close to 90 minutes reading out some of its key observations to a packed court room on Thursday afternoon. (Cricinfo)

Hope Solo suspended by US Soccer

The United States women’s team goalkeeper Hope Solo has been suspended for 30 days by US Soccer following an incident during a training camp.

“Hope made a poor decision that has resulted in a negative impact on US Soccer and her team-mates,” head coach Jill Ellis said.

Solo, 33, will now miss matches on 8 February against France and 13 February against England.

This month, domestic violence charges against Solo were dropped.

In 2012, Solo, tested positive for a banned substance a month before winning a second Olympic gold medal.

She maintained she was not aware the pre-menstrual medication she had been prescribed contained a banned substance and she was cleared of any wrongdoing.

The US are preparing for the Women’s World Cup in Canada in June when they

will aim to win their third title following victories in 1991 and 1999.

The latest incident surrounding Solo concerns a training camp being held by the team in Carson, California.

Solo’s husband, former Seattle Seahawks NFL player Jerramy Stevens, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Los Angeles in the early

IAAF concerned over Russia doping cases

Athletics governing body the IAAF says it is concerned about the number of Russian doping cases in the sport.

Out of 37 athletes sanctioned under the IAAF’s biological passport programme since 2009, 23 are Russian.

On Tuesday, Russia’s anti-doping agency banned five racewalkers, including three Olympic champions.

“The number of Russian doping cases in athletics generally, and in race walking specifically, is a major

concern,” said a statement.

London 2012 men’s walk winner Sergey Kirdyapkin, women’s 2008 Olympic gold medallist Olga Kaniskina and 2011 world champion Sergei Bakulin were all banned for three years and two months with their cases backdated from late 2012.

Olympic 2008 winner Valery Borchin was banned for eight years and Vladimir Kanaykin for life.

hours of Monday morning.

Media reports claimed Solo was in the car but she was not cited in the incident by Manhattan Beach police officials.

Solo tweeted: “I think it’s best for me to take a break, decompress from the stress of the last several months and come back mentally and physically ready to positively contribute to the team.”

(BBC Sport)

The IAAF also says that major international titles will be redistributed, although the bans do not affect any Olympic medals, but not until they have received and analysed the decision from the Russian Athletics Federation to make sure they are in compliance with their rules.

Separately, the World Anti-Doping Agency is investigating allegations of widespread doping and corruption in the sport after claims aired in a recent German television documentary, with a report due by the end of the year. (BBC Sport)

Eoin Morgan blackmail plot investigated by police

England one-day captain Eoin Morgan was the victim of a five-figure blackmail attempt after an alleged relationship with an Australian woman five years ago, cricket chiefs have revealed.

Police were contacted by the England and Wales Cricket Board, which says the matter has now been resolved.

The ECB will not seek further action “at this stage” against the Australian man involved, who has since apologised.

He had emailed the ECB, threatening to contact media in the UK and Australia.

“I am pleased this issue has now been brought to a swift conclusion,” said ECB managing director Paul Downton.

The incident related to a brief relationship Morgan was said to have had with the Australian woman five years ago, the ECB said in a statement.

It added that the

Australian man is the current partner of the woman, and had blamed “jealousy” when confronted by police.

Dublin-born Morgan, 28, was appointed England oneday captain after Alastair Cook was removed from his ODI position last month.

Morgan is currently in

Australia with the England team, participating in a triangular series with Australia and India, a prelude to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand starting on 14 February.

England’s next match is against Australia in Hobart on Friday. (BBC Sport)

Aston Villa fined £60,000

Aston Villa have been fined £60,000 and warned about their future conduct following their players’ behaviour in the 1-0 defeat by Leicester. Players and club officials clashed on and off the

pitch in a game that saw Leicester’s Matty James and Villa’s Ciaran Clark sent off. Both clubs admitted a Football Association charge earlier this month and Leicester were fined £20,000.

It is Villa’s third fine of the season for the offence. They were fined £20,000 and £30,000 for failing to control their players in games against Tottenham and Manchester United respectively. (BBC Sport)

Narayanaswami Srinivasan

Eoin Morgan

Hope Solo

The players tussle on the field

Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

Shalom Driving School, lot 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. Enjoy 20% discount. Phone: 227-3869, 622-8162, 644-7052, 227-3835

Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

2007 pitbull minibus, BRR series. In excellent condition. $2.8M. Phone: 678-6720.

1 evolution, two turbo charger, megrim, airbrush, DVD players, amps, speakers. Call 626-2095

& Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

For love, unity and peace- science of spirituality, Guyana on facebook, website www.sos.org email darshan1409@hotmail.com Tel 2250630 / 698-0582 Kenneth Daniels Harmony through meditationScience of spirituality Sundays 15:00-16:00h. Monar Educational Institute. 192 Lance Gibbs and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown. www.sos.org No charge. Call: 2250630 / 698-0582

Learn transcendental meditation and gain deep rest, eliminate stress, increase creativity & Intelligence; improve memory, self confidence & relationship; improves health & longevity. Reduces Insomnia & Hypertension. Bring peace and happiness. For new introductory lecture. Contact the teacher Ashoke 609-3701, Sherlock at 225-2243 or Elton 609-3443

YELLOW PAGES

friday, january 23, 2015

in Republic Gardens, Peters Hall, EBD. Interested persons contact 231-5359 or 6727189

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, MetenMeer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

Eccles: two flat executive concrete house; three bedrooms upper, two bedrooms lower (separate flats). Price negotiable. Tel: 602-2135

Eccles: Build your own home in a modernized, gated community. Lot size 60’x100’ $7.5M. Call: 2272913, Cell: 689-3033.

Eccles: Commercial lots $14M. Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033

One two-storeyed concrete building with four apartments at Fort Ordinance Canje. Size: 50 x 30 feet. Contact Indera Gupta at Telephone: 627-3095 for further details.

One business/ residential transported property located at Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara. Property presently houses a variety store and beer garden. Price negotiable. Call 6618802 for more information.

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit; bad luck; evil sickness; spells; reuniting lovers and prosperity to business etc, Call 6126417, 220-0708.

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-690-1824 from 10:00-16:00h Email:anew-life@ live.com

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 6794672

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

NBA roundup… Hawks set team record with 14th win in a row

DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Teague each scored 17 points to lead a balanced offense, Kyle Korver dunked for the first time in more than two years, and the Atlanta Hawks tied a franchise record with their 14th consecutive victory, routing the visiting Indiana Pacers, 110-91, on Wednesday night.

The Hawks improved to a stunning 35-8 and Mike Budenholzer clinched a spot as the Eastern Conference coach in next month’s AllStar game in New York.

The Hawks romped to their 28th victory in the last 30 games, showing the kind of teamwork that has become their trademark in a season that no one saw coming. Ten Hawks had scored

team is battling to better its odds to win the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery.

Oklahoma City 105, at Washington 103 (OT): Russell Westbrook drove for the winning layup with 0.8

ed 19 and the rejuvenated Cavaliers won their fourth in a row. Cleveland is 4-1 since the four-time MVP returned after missing eight games because of a strained back and knee.

Dallas 98, at Minnesota 75: Chandler Parsons scored 22 points, and the Mavericks made 11 three-pointers against the Timberwolves (7-34), who tied a franchise mark for worst record halfway through the season.

Setting up point of sales and Accounting software with on hand training. Call 669-9342

Online shopping and Logistics services in Mahaicony. Call 669-9342 Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtain, floral, cake-decoration. Phone: 670-2653 / 618-1706

A&Z Terrazzo provides quality designs & construction of terrazzo. Also regrinding, cleaning and polishing of existing terrazzo floors. Contact Athlone Bacchus on 6422289/660-7486.

Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

Two bedroom upstairs apartment. $60,000 monthly with parking. Couples preferable. Tel 233-2607 / 644-7089

Two Self contained single bedroom furnished apartments for rental. Self contained 7 bedroom bungalow idea for family/ guests/ students local or overseas long/ short term rental. Contact # 6227097 / 624-7111

Two storey house in good location; Lot 55 Section ‘B’ Non Pariel-First Street, ECD ($12m or best offer. Quick sale preferred. Contact 6518901. We can help you- remove evil spirit, bad luck, blockage, reunite family and lovers, money problems, jobs, pregnancy, uplift business, skin problems, sexual problem, legal matters and much more. Call today for tomorrow may be too late. Call 6745317/ 683-5228/ 612-1975

wAnTed

VACANCY EXISTS FOR ONE OPERATOR FOR EXCAVATOR, TRACTOR AND SKID STEER EQUIPMENT. MUST HAVE BASIC MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN SERVICING AND MAINTAINING EQUIPMENT. VALID DRIVER LICENSE REQUIRED. APPLY IN PERSON WITH WRITTEN APPLICATION TO MAYS SHOPPING CENTRE. 98 REGENT STREET, GEORGETOWN One dispatcher call: 611-1018

by halftime, and all five starters finished in double figures.

Golden State 126, Houston 113: Stephen Curry got involved in an altercation with Trevor Ariza before finishing with 22 points and 10 assists, and the Warriors got their franchise-record 17th straight home win.

New York 98, at Philadelphia 91: Carmelo Anthony had 27 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Knicks to their second win in row after a 16-game losing streak. The 76ers’ eight wins are only one more than New York’s total, and each

of a second left in overtime, and Kevin Durant scored 34 points as the Thunder won its fourth in a row. Durant and Westbrook (32 overall) scored all 13 of the Thunder’s points in the extra period. Memphis 92, Toronto 86: Marc Gasol scored 26 points, Zach Randolph had 19 points and 13 rebounds, and the Grizzlies broke open a close game with a 13-3 run midway through the fourth quarter. There were 14 ties and six lead changes for the night.

Cleveland 106, Utah 92: LeBron James scored 26 points, Kevin Love add-

Detroit 128, Orlando 118: Brandon Jennings had 24 points and a career-high 21 assists, and the Pistons hung on after nearly blowing a 21-point lead. Andre Drummond added 26 points and 16 rebounds for the Pistons, who have won 12 of 15.

Charlotte 78, Miami 76: Kemba Walker scored 15 points, Bismack Biyombo had 12 points and 12 rebounds, and the surging Hornets won for the eighth time in nine games despite going without a field goal in the final seven minutes.

Phoenix 118, Portland 113: Season-high points by Eric Bledsoe with 33 and Isaiah Thomas with 27 saved the Suns after they watched a 25-point first-half lead evaporate but won their seventh consecutive home game.

Brooklyn 103, at Sacramento 100: Brook Lopez had 22 points and six blocks and the Nets picked up their second win in 10 games. (Los Angeles Times)

Tiger Woods loses tooth

Tiger Woods lost a tooth after being hit in the face by a camera while watching girlfriend Lindsey Vonn secure her 63rd World Cup Alpine ski win.

The former world number one golfer decided to surprise Vonn, who was competing in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

“During a crush of photographers at the awards’ podium, a media member with a shouldermounted video camera pushed and surged towards the stage, turned

and hit Tiger Woods in the mouth,” his agent Mark Steinberg said.

“Woods’s tooth was knocked out by the incident.” (BBC Sport)

Kyle Korver

Jeff Teague

Golden Jaguars encampment commences

As time winds down ahead of the international friendly against Barbados, the Golden Jaguars, Guyana's senior national men's football team, commenced their one-week encampment on

Thursday afternoon with a training session at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, Assistant Coach Wayne "Wiggy" Dover and

newly-appointed Technical Director Claude Bolton, the squad of players assembled by the Normalisation Committee went through their paces as the Technical Team sought to derive their strengths and weaknesses.

As the squad enters into more stringent work in the coming days, members of the Technical Team will have their work cut out as they seek to first assess the capacity of the players, then come up with the best group to hop on the aircraft to the Land of the Flying Fish for the February 1 game.

Of the three overseasbased players set to join the squad, only former skipper Christopher Nurse was present at Thursday's session.

Jamaal Smith and Emery Welshman are slated to join the camp in the coming days.

The game is the Golden Jaguars’ first on a path to upward mobility on the FIFA rankings after they would have dropped from an all-time high of 86 in

November 2010 to a current position of 167.

The preliminary squad reads: Christopher Nurse, Jamaal Smith, Emery Welshman, O'Neil Carter, Oswald Cornett, Omallo Williams, Travis Henry, Solomon Austin,

Australia’s batting depth to be tested

When these teams met in the series opener last Friday, Australia were good enough not only to win but to do so with a bonus point. In Hobart they will take on England again, though this time without David Warner, who scored 127 in that Sydney victory. Warner is resting his hamstring and is one of three members of Australia’s batting group from that win who will sit out of this game. Stand-in captain George Bailey has been suspended due to Australia’s slow over rate against India in Melbourne on Sunday, and Shane Watson was a late withdrawal after reporting hamstring tightness at training at Bellerive Oval on Thursday. However, it was not the batsmen but rather Mitchell Starc who set up Australia’s strong performance in the series opener.

Starc’s ability to swing the new white ball brought two wickets in the first over of the match and although Eoin Morgan led England’s fightback with a century, they never completely recovered from the early blows. Starc will be there again in Hobart, having added a six-for against

India to the four-wicket haul he claimed against England. He might well be the most important man on the ground once again.

But England are coming off a confidence-boosting thrashing of India at the Gabba, where they picked up a bonus point on Tuesday and saw Steven Finn and James Anderson in tremendous bowling form, before Ian Bell and James Taylor did the job with the bat. If they manage to pick up a victory over Australia in Hobart it will be very difficult for India to force their way into the final - they would then need to win both their remaining games, probably both with bonus points. If Australia win in Hobart, they are guaranteed a place in the final, but the second spot would remain up for grabs.

Cameron White last played an ODI in April 2011, less than a month after Australia bombed out of the World Cup. He will now play his next ODI in January 2015, less than a month before Australia start their World Cup campaign at home.

For nearly four years White has been overlooked in the format but his strong form - three List A hundreds in the past six

months - and the need for backup batsmen has given him another chance. If he grabs it, he might yet feature in another World Cup, if a position opens up through injury.

A first-over duck in Sydney wasn’t how James Taylor wanted to start the series, but he enjoyed the ease of the chase against India in Brisbane and made an unbeaten 56.

He now returns to a venue where in 2013 he made 79 and 78 not out in backto-back one-day games for England Lions against Australia A, and with another chance to settle himself into the No.3 spot ahead of the World Cup.

Squads:

Australia (possible)

1 Aaron Finch, 2 Shaun Marsh, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Cameron White, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Brad Haddin (wk), 7 Moises Henriques, 8 James Faulkner, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Pat Cummins, 11 Xavier Doherty.

England (possible) 1 Ian Bell, 2 Moeen Ali, 3 James Taylor, 4 Joe Root, 5 Eoin Morgan (capt), 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Ravi Bopara, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Stuart Broad, 10 James Anderson, 11 Steven Finn.

(Cricinfo)

Kris Camacho, Quincy Madramootoo, Trevon Lithcott, Dwain Jacobs, Amos Ramsey, Daniel Wilson, Keron Solomon, Sheldon Holder, Clive DeNobrega, Colin Nelson, Dwight Peters, Tishard Joseph, Dwayne Lawrence,

Domini Garnett, Travis Hillman, Rawle Gittins, Denver Dennis, Calvin Sheppard, Joshua Brown, Eusi Phillips, and Vurlon Mills.

Other members of the Technical Team include Trevor Burnett

Chanderpaul, Crandon...

Campbell, who threatened to run through the Jaguars line-up, removed Raymon Reifer next ball for a duck, and while skipper Christopher Barnwell averted the hat-trick, he didn’t last long either, being trapped leg before by Campbell for six.

The Jamaicans were ahead at this point, but Chanderpaul and Crandon stole the spotlight with the highest partnership of the match to hand the Jaguars the win.

Earlier, Jamaica’s innings was defined by a fine lower-order revival led by a fighting 64 from Horace Miller.

Openers Nkrumah Bonner and Campbell gave the Jamaicans a solid start of 51 before the latter fell for 21, leg before to off-spinner Steven Jacobs in the 16th over. Without addition to the score, Chanderpaul’s throw from point found Bonner (24) short of his crease as the Jaguars seized the advantage with two quick wickets.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul then swing the game totally in the Jaguars favour, with a double wicket maiden in over number 19. He first trapped Jermaine Blackwood leg before for one, before Danza Hyatt was caught by wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble without scoring as Jamaica

slipped to 54-4.

H Miller, who was dropped on two by Barnwell at slip off Permaul, and Andre McCarthy momentarily kept the Guyanese at bay with a 25-run fifth wicket stand, before McCarthy was removed by off-spinner Crandon for 13 at 79-5.

H Miller and David Bernard Jnr (14) then added 33 for the sixth wicket before leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo removed Bernard Jnr., while Derval Green was caught by Bramble off Permaul for 11 after posting 38 for the seventh wicket with H. Miller.

Soon after Bishoo got the wicket of Nikita Miller

Jamaica

from back page

for five at 162-8 in the 46th over, before he cleaned up H. Miller, whose innings spanned 79 balls and included seven fours and a six. Damion Jacobs and Marquino Mindley then added some valuable runs at the tailend of the innings, finishing on 10 and 11 not out respectively.

Bowling for the Jaguars, Bishoo claimed 3-33, Permaul 3-38, Jacobs 1-26 and Crandon 1-38. Semifinal two between Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and the Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners will be played today, starting at 13:30h.

SCOREBOARD

N Bonner run out (S Chanderpaul) 24

J Campbell LBW S Jacobs 21

J Blackwood LBW V Permaul 1

A McCarthy c V Permaul

b R Crandon 13

D Hyatt c A Bramble

b V Permaul 0

H Miller+ b D Bishoo 64

D Bernard Jr c R Beaton

b D Bishoo 14

D Green c A Bramble

b V Permaul 11

N Miller* c R Crandon

b D Bishoo 5

D Jacobs not out 10

M Mindley not out 11

Total: for 9 wickets (50 Overs) 188

Extras: (0nb 10w 4lb 0b 0pen) 14

Fall of Wickets: 1-51, 2-51, 3-54, 4-54, 5-79, 6-111, 7-150, 8-162, 9-171

Guyana Jaguars Bowling: R Beaton 3-0-19-0, S Jacobs 102-26-1, C Barnwell 7-1-30-0, V Permaul 10-2-38-3, R Crandon 10-1-38-1, D Bishoo 10-2-33-3. Guyana Jaguars (Target; 189) R Chandrika LBW D Green 5 S Chanderpaul not out 98 V Singh b J Campbell 18 R Reifer c and b J Campbell 0 C Barnwell* LBW J Campbell 6 R Crandon not out 45

Total: for 4 wickets (48.1 Overs) 189

Extras: (1nb 9w 7lb 0b 0pen) 17

Did not Bat: V Permaul, A Bramble+, D Bishoo, R Beaton, S Jacobs. Fall of Wickets: 1-17, 2-76, 3-76, 4-90.

Jamaica Bowling: M Mindley 10-2-31-0, D Green 8-1-251, D Bernard Jr 4.1-0-28-0, N Miller 10-0-39-0, D Jacobs 100-39-0, J Campbell 6-1-20-3.

(Manager – Equipment); Faizal Khan (Manager – Commercial and Administrative); Mark Xavier (Manager – Operations); Anson Ambrose (Trainer); Andrew Hazel (Goalkeeping Coach); and Debita Harriprashad (Physiotherapist).

The team going through some stretches at the Stadium

Former Captain Chris Nurse returns to join the squad

GCB forging ahead with Sunday’s elections

− claims BCB has breached Cricket Administration Act

Bacchus reinstated.

Despite the Sport Minister and the Attorney General deeming its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections Sunday “null and void”, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is forging ahead with the process of forming its executive for the new term in office.

The GCB, via a press release on Thursday, informed the media that “its constitutionally mandated Annual General Meeting is scheduled to be held on Sunday, January 25, 2015, and, in accordance with its Constitution appended to the Cricket Administration Act (CAA) of 2014, the requisite notice for this meeting was published in December 2014”.

The AGM and elections are slated for the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Members Pavilion on Sunday morning.

“Also, in accordance with the said Act, the GCB is in receipt of the list of delegates from two of its County Boards, namely, Demerara and Essequibo.

GCB.

“We have to go with the law, and what the law is saying is that for the first election under the new Act, the Minister will have to name the date. But before the Minister names the date, he has to consult with the West Indies Cricket Board,” Dr Anthony said.

He added, “I have written the WICB and I have proposed a date for the elections and I have given them 21 days in which to reply and then set a date.”

Null and void

Meanwhile, on Wednesday last, Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said he was awaiting a response from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) with regard to the setting of a date for the elections of the

“The GCB notes that the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has blatantly breached the CAA on several fronts, even though these breaches were highlighted to them by the GCB and they were given an opportunity to correct this situation,” the GCB release stated.

Dr Anthony confirmed that the letter was dispatched to the WICB this week, and should the Dave Cameron-led body not respond within the stipulated timeframe, he will go ahead and set a date for elections.

This would mean that the GCB planned elections would be null and void, as outlined by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, in an interview with this publication last week.

“The elections would be illegal, unlawful, null and void and of no effect,” Nandlall said.

The BCB, which had its

AGM earlier this month when Anil Beharry was elected President, has since indicated it would not participate in the elections, citing Nandlall’s utterances and the fact that only Dr Anthony can call elections.

The Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) had its election a fortnight ago, but that was riddled with controversy, as challenger Prince Holder deemed his battle against the incumbent Fizul Bacchus as just a “formality” as the process was fixed in such a way to have

Guinness Greatest in the Streets football... Tournament makes maiden trip to West Dem Saturday

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Teams along the West Demerara corridor are bursting with excitement as the Guinness Greatest in the Streets football competition hits that area for the first time, starting on Saturday.

At the launch of the competition on Thursday morning at Banks DIH Limited’s Boardroom, Communications Manager of the company, Troy Peters, said the organisers are happy to touch down on the West side for the first time in the competition’s history.

He said the teams in this leg will be given equal opportunity like those in the other zones to vie for the coveted title of national champion, thereby earning the right to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Street Challenge later in the year.

Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste also welcomed West Demerara teams onboard, adding that Banks DIH Limited was committed to the development of the novel tournament throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

He added that this tour-

nament forms part of the company’s mandate to promote “constructive social activity” for citizens, while providing an avenue for the showcasing of talent at a time when Guyana’s football has been experiencing its share of troubles.

Baptiste also informed that Trophy Stall was onboard with the West Demerara leg and would be providing the trophies and jerseys for the teams.

One of the coordinators of the West Demerara leg, Travis Bess, was on hand to explain the format of the competition. The tourna-

ment will be played in four groups of four with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.

The participating teams are Golden Star, Brothers United, DeKenderen United, Vergenoegen, Patentia Street Ballers, Raiders, Maje Street, Demerara Speedboat Service, Young Warriors, Jetty, West Side Ballers, Pouderoyen Showstoppers, Admiral United, Den Amstel, Uitvlugt and Showtime.

The competition, which will conclude on February 7, will see the champion team becoming $300,000 rich-

er. The losing finalist will pocket $150,000, while the third-place finisher will collect $100,000 and fourth $75,000.

There will also be a Fair Play cash award of $50,000. The top two teams will gain automatic entry into the national playoff to vie for a chance to be Guyana’s representative at the Guinness Caribbean Street Challenge in June in Trinidad and Tobago.

Matches will be played at the Pouderoyen Tarmac and the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac, with action starting at 19:00h on each night.

The ECB has since indicated its willingness to attend and vote on Sunday.

It is unclear whether the county Demerara, which has two factions led by Bissoondyal Singh and Raj Singh respectively, will participate at the elections.

Meanwhile, Dr Anthony

stated that the period of time given to the WICB to respond to his letter would allow the newly-appointed Cricket Ombudsman, Dr Winston McGowan, to iron out whatever problems existed at the county boards to ensure a smooth electoral process at the GCB level.

EBFA to start 2015 with Pee Wee tourney

Following a successful 2014, the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) is set to kick off this year with a Pee Wee competition starting Saturday at the Grove Playfield.

Clubs affiliated to the Association will be hoping to start what is anticipated to be a very busy year on a winning note.

However, they would be wary of the Association’s top side, Grove Hi-Tech, which has won every competition of the EBFA in 2014.

Grove won the MCY&S Under-13, Trophy Stall Under-15, CULT Under-17 and the Stag Beer Senior League, which was contested over two rounds.

They capped the year off by winning the inaugural

Stag Super XVI knock-out three-association year-end tournament, which culminated on January 1, 2015 at the Number Five Ground, West Coast Berbice. The other teams being fielded are Kuru Kururu Warriors, Soesdyke Falcons, Timehri Panthers, Diamond United, Mocha Champs, Herstelling Raiders, and Agricola Red Triangle. The top four teams will be rewarded with trophies, while the top three will receive medals.

Apart from a Fair Play trophy for the most disciplined team, the highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper, and most valuable player will also be rewarded.

Game time Saturday is 10:30h.

Boxing champ back in jail

Boxing champion Jermain Taylor has been booked back into jail after a judge revoked his bond in an August firearms case.

Taylor had been free after he pleaded not guilty to pointing a gun at a man’s head and threatening to shoot three small children at an Arkansas parade on Monday.

Taylor was arraigned Tuesday on charges of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a minor and marijuana possession.

He was released on $50,000 bond.

But Pulaski County Sheriff’s Capt. Carl Minden says Taylor was rebooked into jail Wednesday afternoon without bond after his bond was revoked Tuesday afternoon in the August case. Prosecutors say his arrest on the current charges shows he violated the terms of his release.

A message left with Taylor’s attorney wasn’t immediately returned Wednesday. (ESPN)

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

WICB President Dave Cameron

Jermain Taylor

Chanderpaul, Crandon steer Guyana Jaguars to final

Shivnarine

Chanderpaul called on all his experience on Thursday night and Royston Crandon ensured the veteran batsman found some support from the opposite end as the Guyana Jaguars rebounded in empathic fashion against Jamaica to book a place in the final of the NAGICO Super50 tournament.

Playing in the first semifinal at the Queen's Park Oval, the Jaguars, chasing 189 for victory, slipped from 76-1 to 90-4 in the space of six overs, before Chanderpaul and Crandon combined for an unbroken 99-run fifth wicket partnership from 101 balls to seal the victory at 189-4 with 11 balls to spare.

Chanderpaul, who was called upon to open the batting after the out-of-

form Trevon Griffith was dropped, led from the front with a typically gritty 98 not not, while Crandon ended on a breezy, unbeaten 45.

Chanderpaul's knock spanned 142 balls and included six fours, while Crandon, who was dropped on 39 by wicketkeeper Horace Miller with 19 needed for victory off 24 balls, took 51 deliveries for his innings, which included three fours and a six.

The run chase didn't start as the Jaguars planned with opener Rajendra Chandrika falling for five at 17-1.

Vishaul Singh, who came in for Griffith, and Chanderpaul added 59 for the second wicket, but Singh's dismissal, bowled by John Campbell for 18, sparked a middle-order collapse.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul drives during his unbeaten knock of 98