fridAY, NOVEMBEr 7, 2014 | guYANAtiMEsgY.cOM
By Svetlana MarShall
The Alliance For Change (AFC) has firmly rejected a proposal made by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to form a political coalition ahead of the possible snap elections that could be held early next year, reiterating its interest in the winnertakes-all political ideology.
AFC’s General Secretary, David Patterson on Thursday confirmed that the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger proposed the formation of an alliance, but the AFC maintained its original position – no coalition.
He explained that the AFC believes that the Opposition will be more effective contesting the General Election as individual entities. He revealed that the AFC believed that it would win the next General Election, hence its tabling of the NoConfidence Motion against the ruling Donald Ramotar Administration.
Patterson, however, did not rule out the possibility of the proposal coming up for further discussions in the future.
The proposal had been raised last week, but AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan had denied ever discussing it.
On Wednesday, APNU’s Dr Rupert Roopnaraine said though the Opposition parties were meeting to discuss their strategy moving ahead with the AFC’s No-Confidence Motion, the matter relating to the coalition did not resurface.
Addressing the matter
last Friday, Granger, who is also APNU’s Chairman, indicated that the “ball is in the AFC’s court”, as he confirmed that the much smaller Opposition party had not given any clear indication whether it would buy into the proposal.
Snubbed?
However, while the AFC has chosen publicly to snub the offer, news reports have surfaced over the last few weeks suggesting that coalition talks between the two were continuing in a clandestine manner.
This newspaper understands that the senior officials of the two parliamentary parties have been meeting under various guises to discuss a proposal that could be beneficial to both sides in the event that it is absolutely necessary that they coalesce.
Critics of the AFC’s stance, which include African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) executive Tacuma Ogunseye, say the Opposition has a greater chance of winning the elections as a coalition than going into the elections separately as they did in 2011. Failure to coalesce, they warn, can result in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) returning with a majority in the National Assembly or at least recapturing the Presidency and the Executive with a plurality of the votes.
The People’s National Congress (PNC) – the major partner in APNU –has not won an election in 22 years. After ruling
the country for 28 years, through the rigging of elections, the PNC suffered a major defeat in the 1992 General Election and has not been able to redeem itself since.
But even with the PNC Reform (PNCR) joining with the Guyana Action Party (GAP); the National Front Alliance (NFA); the Working People’s Alliance (WPA); and the Justice for All Party (JFA) in 2011 to form APNU, it was unable to defeat the PPP/C. The coalition only managed to secure 26 seats in the National Assembly during the 2011 General and Regional Elections. Most of the partners of the PNC are said to be “paper organisations”.
On the flip side, the AFC has never won an election – or even come close. Since its formation in 2005, the AFC has only managed to win 10.3 per cent of the vote translated into only seven of the
65 seats in the National Assembly. Most observers believe the AFC’s claim it can win the elections outright amounts to be a “pipe dream”.
Individually, the Opposition parties are powerless in the National Assembly, but, as a combined Opposition, they have proven to be a force to reckon with. The AFC will have to give more cogent reasons for not coalescing with APNU, since it reinforces racial voting in the country and goes against the AFC’s claim of being a “multi-racial” party.
With the AFC pushing to have the No-Confidence Motion debated and passed in the National Assembly, it is critical in the opinion of PNC supporters for the Opposition to form an alliance. Since the 2011 General Election, there have been many changes; changes that can negatively impact all of the political parties during the next General Election; hence, it is believed that their decisions during this period are critical. (svetlanam@ guyanatimesgy.com)
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
Guyana is once again observing National Road Safety Month in November. This year’s observance, under the theme, “The time is now, don’t drink and drive. Stay attentive, drive defensive”, represents an opportunity for the organisers to step up their campaign against reckless drivers and other road users. All citizens must take these messages seriously.
There are still a large number of persons who are still being irresponsible when using the roadways, in spite of the many efforts being made to make our roads safer. What would it really take to cause citizens, especially motorists, to obey the rules of the road?
The number of persons losing their lives on the roadways is a major concern. Too many families have been broken as a result of losing a loved one due to a road accident. The number of deaths and disability as a result of road accidents is increasing and something must be done urgently to halt the level of irresponsibility and recklessness on the roadways.
Guyana is too small to have this high percentage of road accidents. And perhaps, the time has come for all stakeholders to return to the drawing board and reassess the situation.
Based on official statistics revealed by the Police, driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding are the prime causes of road accidents in Guyana. So far for this year, there have been over 100 accidents in which more than 110 persons have died – 13 of them children. This is a drastic increase over last year’s figures, which saw a total of 79 accidents and 85 deaths, including those of nine children.
Guyana has enacted the relevant legislation to ensure that persons use the roads in a responsible manner, but there are still major lapses in the system, which need to be addressed. To begin with, we stress the need for greater enforcement of the traffic laws.
There is legislation in place in relation to driving under the influence, loud music in vehicles, overloading, speeding, etc, but if the laws are not adequately implemented, they become useless.
Music can be a major distraction to drivers. In 2008, a law was passed in Parliament banning music in buses and hire cars. Initially, this law was strongly enforced, with Police clamping down on minibuses especially for blasting music. Today, many public transportation vehicles are beginning to pick up the trend once again and the Police seem to turn a blind eye to this lawlessness.
In relation to ticketed offences, the nation was shocked to learn recently that the State is losing millions of dollars in revenue due to persons not paying the fines for tickets they were issued. Why is this so? Why are the Police and court officials not collaborating to ensure that persons who are issued tickets pay the necessary fines?
It would be interesting to find out how many of the drivers/conductors who are actually stopped for breaking a traffic law are actually charged and sent to court. There are many professional and honest Police officers, but unless what is perceived as endemic corruption, in the Police Force in general and the Traffic Department in particular, is addressed in a systematic way, the same issues will surface years from now.
Although measures are being taken by the law enforcement authorities to reduce the number of road fatalities, there is need for all Guyanese to move away from the culture of disregard and irresponsibility in relation to using the roadways.
The efforts being made by the Ministries of Public Works and Education in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to strengthen road safety in the curriculum and increase knowledge, skills and understanding among children and young people about the responsible use of our roadways are indeed commendable.
This is a step in the right direction. Such an intervention, as it relates to education and spreading more awareness about the responsible use of the roads, will bring positive results.
Dear Editor, “We have to learn to be constrained by law, accept checks and balances and be transparent and accountable. When the political forces arrive at that level of political maturity we can return to majority government,” wrote Aubrey Norton in a letter titled, “Mechanisms needed to prevent future Governments from making us relive the authoritarianism of the past”.
One may assume that in court, all are equally innocent until found guilty by the law. Adjudication would apply equally to MPs, journalists, newspaper publishers, the religious, beggars and lawyers, specifically the Attorney General and Speaker. No one is above the law.
Linden Gulag
Stabroek News bloggers were agog with Mr Norton’s letter.There was also much appreciation for Mr Norton’s newfound touting respect for law and order in a letter titled, “Norton’s call for dialogue refreshing and a breath of fresh air” in another newspaper.
“For such a good fellow to be banished to Linden’s Gulag by the PNC top brass when all he seeks is Guyana’s return to ‘the rule of law’ does not reflect well on Congress Place”, the writer noted.
Concern Comes our learned legal luminary Mr Brynmor T I Pollard, who in his letter titled, “The incident involving the AG has serious implications for the legal profession”, added his prestige to
the unwigged members of the local bar by his considered wise counsel that:
“This incident involving the Attorney General has serious implications for the legal profession.The Attorney General is regarded in our Commonwealth Jurisdictions, as being the leader of the practising Bar”.
Actually Mr Pollard’s response was triggered by another item letter, titled (Guyana’s) “Legal fraternity calls ror immediate sacking of Nandlall”. Mr Pollard letter is significant, and, as he reminded us: “Needless to say, these matters are of grave concern to me as a member of the bar of over 50 years’ standing.”
All Guyanese must similarly be disturbed by our recent events. For both the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) and the Guyana Women Lawyers Association (GWLA) to have boldly “deplored” the Attorney General’s conduct, especially as Mr Pollard wrote, “In particular, the making of certain statements by him (AG) to a journalist with the Kaieteur News” is most noteworthy.
The learned Senior Counsel ought to be congratulated for his forthrightness and clarity to promote righteousness. The folks at the bar deserve no less, barring none.
Gagged
Is the Speaker worthy of exemption from reprimand, considering he is also an experienced lawyer, significantly important by his high elected office? When “in particular, the making of certain statements by
him” not the (AG) this time, was publicised to the entire country by an accuser that he was allegedly repeatedly sodomised, what noble criterion completely exonerated the Speaker from rebuke considering he presides at our country’s Parliament?
The accuser was a minor at the time. Like Charles Dicken’s “Oliver Twist”, did he repeatedly return and pleaded: “Please Sir, I want some more?” What is fair for the cock must also be legally fair for the hen. Instead the alleged victim was gagged and bound – all done legally, this time in public.
Violation
An international investigation in 2012 completely exonerated Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee because he allegedly ordered the Police to shoot rioting Lindeners. Our parliamentary Opposition strongly disagreed and demanded that he resign. Who did Mr Pollard deplore in that investigation presided by prominent jurists?
The Chief Justice ruled that Guyana’s Constitution does not allow the national budget to be cut or altered. The Opposition went ahead and, mind you, in open contempt of court broke the highest law of the land. They were aided and abetted by the e Speaker who facilitated, as a lawyer himself, this violation of the Constitution by MPs.
All MPs expect everyone to obey the laws they routinely make in Parliament. Are some above the law? Mr Pollard is on record himself as aiding and abetting the Opposition. Was such con-
duct in compliance with all that is legally in harmony with the Constitution, or the public egregious rape of our laws is only conferred to some?
Our learned Senior Counsel can indeed spare some precious time to clarify why freedom of speech and press freedom cannot be equally applicable and therefore exonerating for all inclusive of Mr Pollard, our MPS, the legal organized fraternity and the press and its management?
What kind of justice favours the prominent, but not a troubled young man who was unable to get legal representation, save for one lone Amerindian Guyanese lawyer who stepped forward?
Brutality
A prominent AFC lawyer, who has been nominated to become Guyana’s next President, removed videotape evidence from a Buxton gas station robbery and did not disclose he had a clientattorney relationship with the foreman of the Lusignan massacre jury, which led to the accused being set free.
The same lawyer issued an ultimatum to the Government which was ignored and rioting erupted at Agricola, alone, endangering school children subjecting Indians to brutality and robbery.
That same lawyer had a conflict of interest in the failed Amalia Falls fiasco which was not publicly disclosed when he was an MP and legally pledged to uphold the law.
Dear Editor,
Guyana has to wake up. I hope that this headline will jolt us: “Ex-Sunday Mirror reporter Graham Johnson admits phone hacking.” This story is most timely and I implore the gods to makepeople realise what a debased act Glenn Lall committed; also what a pervert he seems to be.
Details show that a former Sunday Mirror (UK) journalist has pleaded guilty tointercepting voicemail messages in 2001. Now the Westminster Magistrates' Court will sentence Mr Johnson; this to take place at the Old Bailey on 27November.
This Mr Johnson came to the fore in March 2013, after hacking a phone to investigate whether or not a soap star was having an affair with a gangsterin autumn 2001.
The man listened to between 10 and13 messages a day for a period of up to seven days, the court was told. He confessed to a "short and intense" period of hacking lasting three to seven days.
The judge’s words: “It was a grave intrusion into other people'sbusiness, indeed the history of recent years has
shown how serious this kind ofintrusion can be."
I am using this exampleto shame those who are being lenient with Glenn Lall. His behaviour is the equivalent of a big man peeping two people making love.
I read that Minister Rohee is now calling on him to turn in his machinery. I think we should up the ante on Lall. Heshould have been raided; and even now it is not that late to do so, although he probably has already tucked away most of his evil tools.
Lall needs to be tried before our courts and it is not a question of deciding guilt. This is clearly established; it must now move to compensation and a jail term. Lall did what only three officers in this country can do, and even so, these three officers must be given a court order to do so.
It is clearly spelt out that none is allowed to record or tape citizens’ private communication, except three officers (the Commissioner of Police; the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority; and the Chief of Staff ofthe Guyana Defence Force), and these must first apply to a judge, for a
In all these instances neither Mr Pollard nor the legal mandarins found it expedient to deplore such unethical conduct from atop the mountain clothed in their black robes. Are we a nation of equality under the law but not so when kith and kin is involved?
Hippocratic Oath
That Mr Pollard is most preoccupied with who the President will confer the honour of silk, that is to be titled as Senior Counsel, is most disappointing.
Those three PPP/C MPs, all communist trained doctors, who jumped the parliamentary aisle to aid a PNC MP who collapsed in Parliament, received no public appreciation from the PNC, or even from the Speaker, or even Guyana’s President. That was most deplorable.
Should any MP doctor have remained sitting indifferent to it all, the physician could have been publicly censured for violating his Hippocratic oath to help the
sick. The MP and doctor could have lost the licence to practice medicine.
All our lawyers especially those with “silk” ran away, all scared to represent a battered young man seeking legal help. Has any lawyer lost their law licence and been disbarred so far?
When Mr Pollard wrote, “However, after the recent contretemps referred to in this letter, it is difficult to envisage how this could happen”. Of course he was only referring to the AG. Mr Pollard has selectively tried, and judged the AG in the media. However the newspaper publisher who escaped Mr Pollard’s adjudication may still be exonerated.
He only gave his staff member a telephone with the ability to record. What evidence will prove the employee was specifically ordered to violate the law? Those who manufacture and sell guns are by such jiggery pokery equally
from page 4
90-daywarrant to do so.
Lall invaded a most sacrosanct arena and he must be seriouslyreprimanded.
I go back to the post 2006 happenings of former Hollywood private eye Anthony Pellicano, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for running an illegal wiretapping operation that gathered information for a list of well-to-do clients, including celebrities, attorneys and business executives.
The US District Judge Dale S Fischer was livid – he condemned the once-famed investigator for "reprehensible" conduct that went on for many years, as she handed down the sentence that significantly exceeded the fiveyear, 10-month term recommended by probation officials. "He did this eagerly, sometimes maliciously, and with pride."
I see Lall here – it is like perversion is consuming the man.
I call for Lall’s denouncement, a swift trial and a concomitant jail term. He must also be made to compensate for his foul deed.
Yours truly, Corina Harris
culpable in every murder or shooting during a riot.
“Like a jig. Shakes the loom: like web. is spun the pattern, all are involved! All are consumed! (Martin Carter in the Kind Eagle).
Mr Pollard’s evaluation of our lawyers and his considered recommendation? No silk. Mr Pollard may still step up and practise what he preaches. He is eminently qualified to turn watery tears into lascivious wine for many more than the troubled youth.
After 50 yearsm can we find him bravely stepping up to defend the Speaker’s accuser? While Mr Norton’s exhortations for dialogue, compromise and return to law and order is momentous, it cannot be partisan.
“We have to learn to be constrained by law, accept checks and balances and be transparent and accountable”, he implored. Who will Police our legal mandarins?
Majority When the “wrong” rou-
Dear Editor, I read with alarm certain comments attributable to Sase Narine, a former Speaker of the National Assembly in a governmental structure that came into being through electoral fraud, intimidation and oppression, and which made his Speakership possible.
Narine’s comments related to the illegal recording of a conversation between the Attorney General and a very deceptive Kaieteur News reporter.
Notable among Narine’s comments reported in the Kaieteur News of November 2 are that “the People’s Progressive Party has always been vociferous in its quest for absolute domination…Narine said that the AG’s actions reflects government’s obsession with dominating the media”.
This man, Narine, in the 1970s and 80s, was de-
tinely gets marginalized by the organized legal eagles all cannot be well. Can dialogue alone without equality under the law be the resolution of our partisan paramountcy? Federalism certainly cannot make us worse.
Guyana’s curse is the imprisonment of the most outspoken in the black legal fraternity only motivated to politically defend what af-
fects their racial partisan interests.
Federalism is the best way forward because the ingrained prejudices are also legalistic and most dishonourable as history has recorded.
scribed by the PPP as a “PNC stooge” and “a PNC puppet.” Every year, he continues to pay homage to Forbes Burnham (to whom he has much to be thankful for) on the anniversary of the latter’s death at Burnham’s mausoleum.
But on his view of domination, I need only to remind him, well known for a taste for fine liquor, coarse language and the free use of expletives that is domination by the PNC, which he conveniently ignores or pretends to forget.
This was best captured in the statements of Desmond Hoyte, who is on record for having said, in response to a question about his perception of the role of the PPP in opposition, that “that main minority interest group must understand that it is in their best interest to cooperate with the Government (PNC).
turn to page 17
Mr Norton wrote that “when the political forces arrive at that level of political maturity we can return to majority Government”. Should the return of majority Government be conclusively indicative that we have arrived at political maturity?
After 50 years we are still in a rut. How do we get out from our warped minds?
Sincerely, Sultan Mohamed
Helena Henry watched Ebola take her moth-
er, two brothers, a grandmother and sister-inlaw. So when she survived her own bout with the virus, the 30-year-old seller of secondhand clothes hoped it couldn’t infect anyone close to her again.
On the night she was discharged from a clinic outside the Liberian capital Monrovia where she had been treated for the virus, she returned to her fiancé and companion of 12 years and celebrated. They
slept together, she said. Less than a week later, he became ill.
For the next dozen days, Ambrose Queme lay in the same tent where Henry had fought Ebola. She held his hand.
They slept side-by-side on mats stretched across the floor. Before dawn each day, they quietly prayed together while other patients slept.
“He just tells me he will make it,” she said in October during a respite from looking
after him. “He will be strong.”
Most people infected by Ebola either live or die within a couple of weeks of becoming sick. Those who recover generally aren’t contagious—except perhaps through sex.
Henry isn’t sure how her fiancé contracted the virus.
The Atlanta-based US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warns the Ebola virus can hide in sexually transmitted fluids for as long as 90 days.
But there is scant research
on to what degree it is passed on through sex, making the act of love a dangerous affair.
The lack of knowledge on how sexual relations spreads Ebola means that health warnings here have been vague and not always effective.
On a recent afternoon, Doctors Without Borders discharged from a clinic in Monrovia five men and women who had survived Ebola, reminding them as they left to use a condom. None of their spouses were present.
Other clinics have issued survivors with certificates that caution them, in large letters, against having sex for 90 days. It doesn’t always work.
When a Liberian clinic released Nathaniel McGill ’s fiancée of two years, he put his arm around her and announced they would get married right away.
“We have to make it immediately,” he said, laughing. “I’ll be very careful, be sure of that.”
Ebola has already sickened more than 13,000 people in West Africa and could infect 10,000 every week come December, the World Health Organisation warns.
About 5000 have died, the United Nations agency said, although the tally doesn’t include the uncounted thousands who have never been hospitalised or have been professionally buried.
The challenge now isn’t only to build and staff enough hospitals to treat the ill but to disrupt transmission.
Part of that effort is making Ebola survivors aware of how they still may spread the virus.
“He was the only one I had,” Henry said in the tent the day Queme died, his death certificate in her hand. “And I hear today that he is dead.”
A burial team carried away her fiancé’s body. And to keep it from infecting anybody else, they took it for cremation. (Excerpt from Wall Street Journal)
By Matthew arrington
Affirm positive behaviour. Noticing when your child excels or overcomes an obstacle is an important step in empowerment. Let your words and actions communicate confidence in his abilities.
Motivate your child to follow through with difficult tasks by saying things like: “I appreciate how you worked through that tough homework. I could see you were struggling with it, but it looks like you figured it out.” Or if your teen worked through an argument with a friend, say: “I noticed you were so sincere with your friend. I know that helped your relationship.”
Avoid rescue. If you’re quick to rush in and take over a task your child is struggling with, you might be implying he’s not capable of doing it himself. Similarly, if you’re always giving advice, you’re robbing
your child of the chance to resolve his own problems. Ask questions that inspire critical thinking instead of giving answers. For example:
“Mom, I’m really having a hard time with my friend at school.”
“Yeah, it seems like you’re feeling frustrated. What are you going to do about it?”
“What do you think I should do?”
“Well, what are some of your options?”
This kind of exchange puts your child in a position of power—to look for a solution rather than dwell on the problem. While rescuing your child might temporarily alleviate suffering, it will ultimately strip him of his ability to problem-solve.
Raising your child means taking care of basic needs. Empowering, on the other hand, means handing the ability and authority to solve problems over to your children. By intentionally empowering them, you’re giving them the confidence, skills, and problem-solving mindset to do difficult things, take on challenges, and succeed. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)
With Government standing by Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon has disclosed that international assistance will be sought to determine whether the recording, believed to have been part of a conspiracy by Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall, is authentic.
Dr Luncheon was at the time responding to questions from the media during the post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday at the Office of the President. The Cabinet Secretary said
that instructions were issued for external help to be enlisted for the authentication of the controversial recording.
While the HPS did not disclose the location, he indicated that, as was done in the past, help will most likely be sought from North America. He assured that the matter will be investigated fully and thoroughly.
Full support
The HPS pointed out that the President’s position on Nandlall and Nandlall’s tenure as Minister has not lacked clarity since day one.
“I think you would
agree with me that if the instant responses by the President are to be given a value that goes beyond the content of the support, but the timing of the declaration of the support – that on both grounds, instantaneous nature as well as the content of the President’s support that there is in the President’s mind and deals with the tenure of the AG, he enjoys the President’s full support.”
On another note, Dr Luncheon acknowledged that such a controversy can have an impact on the ruling administration’s chances of retaining governance, given the possi-
Attorney General Anil Nandlall shares a moment with some of the students at the Annandale Secondary School
Attorney General and Legal Affairs
Minister Anil Nandlall on Wednesday urged parents in receipt of the Government of Guyana’s “Because We Care” $10,000 cash grant to use the funds in a way that will benefit them immensely.
Nandlall was at the time delivering the feature address as the Government concluded yet another leg of the distribution of the cash grant spearheaded by the Education Ministry at the Annandale Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara.
According to a release from the Education Ministry, the Attorney General said he hoped that students would take advantage of this investment by Government, to increase their attendance, and to make full use of all the facilities and opportunities available to them.
Nandlall said that this must be done, “so that each
child can receive the benefit of a proper education … our Government ensures that the highest budgetary allocation is given to the education sector. The second (highest) budgetary allocation goes to the health sector, followed by the housing and water sector, because these are sectors that directly impact the lives of all of our people, but most importantly, our young people”.
However, Nandlall was quick to admit that although the $10,000 per child may not be much; in total, it adds up to billions that the Government was now distributing nationwide. But, he said, as Guyana’s economy continues to grow, the amount will be gradually increased.
The Attorney General said he was pleased to be associated with the event because of what it signified, noting that “this is not simply the sharing out of $10,000. Of course, it manifests itself that way.
But in reality, it is the demonstration of a caring government’s commitment to the education of all of Guyana’s children.”
The release further stated that the Government of Guyana’s “Because We Care” Education Grant is yet another subsidy given by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration to make it more affordable for parents to send their children to school.
bility of elections being imminent.
According to the HPS, Government is asking for the full recording to scientifically ascertain whether the recording was manipulated and distorted to yield a certain reaction. Additionally, he said that it is further seeking to determine whether the content of the recording is accurate.
“So yes, elections and an impact, that goes without saying. Our efforts are minimally twofold to en-
quire into, to investigate scientifically and technologically, our concerns of how authentic the content of the recording is and then…you (possibly) have to deal with the fallout of what comes from establishing authentic content,” Dr Luncheon added.
Over the past few days, the Attorney General has found himself in the middle of a smear campaign after an illegal recording was made public of him having a telephone conversation with Senior Reporter
at the Kaieteur News, Leonard Gildharie. It is believed that Lall has been scheming to target Government officials in an apparent plot to remove the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) from power. The plot seems to be centred on the parliamentary Opposition parties colluding with the newspaper.
Nandlall has since explained that the conversation was nothing but friendly banter, claiming that he was betrayed after it was recorded and made public without his knowledge. He said that the contents of “selective portions” of a private conversation he had with the senior reporter have been “manipulated and distorted”.
The AG has since acknowledged making some of the remarks publicised, stating that it has caused him and his family great embarrassment, personal distress and tremendous pain. On this note, he expressed sincere apologies to the public and his political colleagues.
Four long years after her daughter, Babita Sarjou, disappeared on the eve of Diwali, Champa Seenarine, who has never abandoned her quest to find out what happened, on Wednesday sought to have the case reopened, citing new evidence.
Seenarine, who believes her son-in-law may have had a hand in her daughter’s disappearance, met with Crime Chief Leslie James on Wednesday to discuss the reopening of the case. She said she filled out an application form and was awaiting confirmation that the case was reopened.
Seenarine, support-
ed by an attorney and the Non-Governmental Organisation CaribbeanAmerican Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA), says she has new evidence to bring to the table and is hopeful that charges will be laid.
According to Seenarine, the Crime Chief promised her his cooperation and diligence on the matter. “He’s trying his best to allow me to get justice,” she said.
Her daughter disappeared the night before Diwali in 2010, hours later she, her estranged husband, Anand; and their four-year old son went to view the motorcade.
“She said to me “mammi I’d be home at 9’o clock that night”. Babita never showed up,” her mother sobbed.
No one has an inkling exactly what occurred between Babita and her husband on the night of the motorcade. Seenarine said he has never spoken to them concerning that night. The Police held him for questioning for 72 hours and then, with nothing to go on, released him. During the investigation, samples of an undergarment were sent to Trinidad and Tobago for DNA testing, but, according to Seenarine, no results ever came back.
“I know that the Police had not done enough for me to allow me to get justice,” she declared.
“I need justice; I need to find my daughter. I am a grieving mother.”
On Tuesday , a small group came out to pay special tribute to the missing woman with a candlelit walk through the streets of Kitty. However, family and
Guyana Times. The bereft mother also maintained that he is telling her grandchild lies about his mother.
The vigil, organised by CADVA, was also intended to remember all the women who suffered domestic abuse and all the women who did not receive justice.
Seenarine stated that her daughter was abused, assaulted and generally en-
friends were stunned when several residents said they thought Babita was alive and well, living with her mother in Timehri.
“Anand would keep telling people that Babita is at home at me living, that she abandoned her child and she is living by me,” Seenarine alleged to
dured a bad marriage. She said Babita had left her husband after he stripped her naked and struck her repeatedly. After that incident, she moved in with her mother and acquired a job at BK International in the accounting field.
Continued on page 9
...of Ruel Johnson on “the other”
As sure as night follows day, one knew Ruel Johnson would weigh in on the AG-Muckraker reporter’s illegal taping. Don’t maggots live in sh*t?? And then again the unemployed Johnson (no, he didn’t get the Editor job he begged for at the Caribbean Press. Who’d hire such a slacker for $3 million??!!) is hoping to become the “cultural adviser” to the AFC now that elections are around the corner.
But as usual, Johnson inadvertently reveals more about his thinking than he intends. He and his ilk are exemplars of the “totalitarian mindset” that lead to more slaughter during the 20th Century than any other factor. You’d think that folks’d be a bit more leery of such people by now, but this lot is very protean – very chameleon-like. You have to look beneath their skins to understand the nature of the beast.
The totalitarian mind has two dominant characteristics: their “views of people and the universe are absolutely and everlasting true, and nobody deserves to live who opposes these supreme views”, and their “cause is the only worthy one that should exist. They alone can save humanity and prevent evil. They must do anything – yes, anything – to make sure that they extirpate everyone who prevents their noble cause from prevailing!”
Like the Nazis, the totalitarian must have an “other” who’re the repository of all the nasty, backward qualities that must be wiped out. For Johnson and his ilk, the “others” are the residents of “Canecutopia”. In other words, the Indians of Guyana, who’ve held on to aspects of their culture – against all odds – not to mention the constant psychological violence from Johnson’s lot.
Nandlall’s a member of “Canecutopia”. So Nandlall’s conversation becomes just another opportunity to start constructing the gas chambers.
Johnson “calls out” every group – naming some of them – that hasn’t ripped into Nandlall. These are on the side of the damned – unlike the righteous ones, of course, who support Johnson, Mook Lall, etc. That these folks might just have another take on the matter doesn’t cross the totalitarian mind – “silence in the face of this issue doesn’t imply neutrality, it implies consent”.
The call for the jackboots to trample the “other”, as demanded by Tony Vieira, is redolent in Johnson’s missive.
The Goebbelsian “Big Lie” is whipped out. Even though it was explained ad nauseam that the state bore no part in paying for former President Jagdeo’s medical evacuation to Florida earlier this year, Johnson has no compunction lying through his teeth.
Jagdeo must be dragged in, of course. Didn’t he have the nerve not to roll over and play dead when the last assault on Canecutopia was staged??
Speaker Raphael Trotman’s cut from the same totalitarian cloth as Ruel Johnson. While they sprout a whole lot of expansive rhetoric, they’re only referring to the “true believers” of their tribe who should inherit Guyana. The “others” might as well take a jump into the lake – since their days are numbered, in any case.
Two days ago, Speaker Trotman issued a press release. Reporters of this newspaper, hearing of it from their peers – but not receiving it as they usually did – called him to get a copy. But the moment he heard of their affiliation to the Guyana Times, he yelled that he wouldn’t be speaking or sending any communication to Guyana Times
This was because of what the paper was writing and not Trotman’s totalitarian “truth”.
That, of course, relates to the accusations of Mr Welshman that he was sodomised by Trotman when just a child.
Seems the gagging of Welshman wasn’t enough for Trotman.
Totalitarians believe in machismo. They use “strong” language. Think Hitler and Mussolini. Ramjattan, one of the local specimens, seems confused, though. He confuses “vulgar” for “strong”. His favourite retort to the “other” is, “Haul yuh ass”.
By Bhisham mohamed
Several months af-
ter three Air Traffic Controllers were reassigned to administrative duties, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Zulficar Mohamed on Thursday confirmed that two of the men were warned while the other was relieved of his duties at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
The three men were initially suspended after one of them abandoned his post while a Caribbean Airlines plane was in mid-air.
Mohamed told the Guyana Times that two of the men were back in the control tower under supervision.
This newspaper understands that the men will have to be assessed during this period and once given the green light, they will be reintegrated into the control tower. They both have to complete 16 sessions of training.
Mohamed, however, did not divulge any information with respect to the other employee.
After the incident which occurred on March 8, an investigation was launched and based on its findings, the board of inquiry recommended that the Air Traffic Control Officer who walked out of the tower be relocated to another section within the aviation body, and the other two receive written warnings about their conduct on the day in question.
It was reported that on the night of the incident, the Air Traffic Controller who was on duty indicated to his superior that he was feeling unwell and could not work the extra shift, since the other person who was supposed to take over reported sick as well.
When the supervisor reportedly refused to listen, the young man left the control room. Even at that time, the supervisor who is believed to be a member of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), refused to land the aircraft which was already in close proximity to the CJIA.
Several minutes had elapsed which caused a delay in facilitating the aircraft’s landing. It was during this period that the supervisor rushed to the control room and landed the aircraft safely.
With respect to the Air Traffic Controller who reported sick, the GCAA had an issue with the manner in which he reported to his supervisor— via text message.
In a recent press conference, Transport Minister Robeson Benn said that the issue must be taken seriously, since the GCAA has invested in training competent professionals as Air Traffic Controllers. “We don’t want to have any situation where the lives of people in an aircraft would be put at risk by any issue in the tower”.
The Chairman of the GCAA, Hugh Denbow, had related that the men would
However, Seenarine alleged, her daughter’s husband released a nude photo of her in the workplace which led to a court matter. During that time, the couple’s son was staying with his father. Seenarine related that Babita was forbidden from seeing her son, and the only opportunity she had to see him was the night of the motorcade.
The court matter was scheduled to be heard again just after Babita’s disappearance. The case was subsequently dismissed after she went missing.
He mother stated that since her disappearance, her daughter’s husband never once showed any sympathy or made any attempt to join the search parties to look for her.
The distressed mother lamented that she tried her
From page 8
best to warn Babita of her husband, but regretted that she did not try hard enough, claiming that she felt “somewhat responsible” for her daughter’s disappearance.
“When Babita get marry, his aunt told her there’s many things Anand gonna do her and she has to stay silent,” Seenarine related.
Despite all that has happened, Seenarine still believes that her daughter is alive and will return home one day. She said she will not rest until her daughter is found and thanked CADVA for helping her through her journey to find her daughter.
If you have any information on this missing person’s case, please contact your nearest police station or Champa Seenarine on 2612767, 649-1533 or CADVA on 696-9398.
House Speaker Raphael Trotman on Wednesday refused to offer any comments or grant interviews to the Guyana Times Newspaper and its sister new entity, the Evening News.
have been reintegrated into the system in three weeks, noting that their licences to operate in the Control Tower would have expired; hence they will have to be placed under supervision. (bhisham@guyantimesgy.com)
A senior journalist at the media group attempted to clarify some statements made in a press release issued to select sections of the media, but this was met by sheer hostility and abruptness from the Speaker. Trotman appeared upset about the investigative journalism the media group was conducting into the allegations of sodomy that were levelled against him by Johnny Welshman.
He then admitted that his refusal to entertain or respond to questions from the media group was based on
the media group's coverage of the allegations.
Before the journalist could explain that the enquiry was not based on the damning allegations made against him by Welshman Junior, directed the media operative to speak with his Attorney and
promptly discontinued the call.
The management of the Evening News and Guyana Times has since strongly condemned any attempt on the part of the Speaker or his agents to gag or block the media group's reporters from access to information or officials in the interest of the public.
The group's management also strongly rejected any attempt by Trotman to block the Guyana Times and the Evening News from accessing information that is intended for the media, which either will flow from his office, or is issued in accordance with his function as Speaker.
The media group will remain strong and fearless in its coverage and reporting on all issues of public interest, said the group's management.
By Devina Samaroo
Guyana is currently working towards the establishment of a National Emergency Medical Service. This is according to Head of the Department of Accidents and Emergency, Dr Zulfikar Bux who made this announcement at the graduation ceremony for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).
The training programme lasted five weeks and saw various personnel from the Georgetown Public Hospital, the Guyana Police Force, the Army and the Guyana Fire Service being trained to properly handle a medical emergency.
The graduation ceremony, which was held on Thursday, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Resource Centre, saw 29 persons successfully graduating from the course.
This training is part of the pilot project for developing a National Emergency Medical Service under which every national unit in Guyana would be equipped to handle medical emergencies.
Throughout the course,
persons were trained to deal with emergency situations where they may be required to save a civilian’s life.
Tito Grant, one of the graduates, told his colleagues that they are now instilled with the knowledge to save someone’s life and this should be used with regard.
Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, in his remarks, noting the act of unity among the various forces in Guyana and explained that one of the advantages of training persons from each force is the ability to use the nation’s resources more “rationally”.
The Minister further stated that this programme,
which was initially executed in February 2014, clearly demonstrates that the Georgetown Public Hospital has evolved over the years.
Dr Ramsaran noted that the Hospital has become a training facility with the capacity to offer high-quality training.
“Keep the flag flying,” Dr Ramsaran charged the graduates, noting that it takes young individuals who are eager to embark on a journey to foster development within a nation. Additionally, he encouraged the graduates not to halt their journey, but reach further to develop themselves and in turn, develop Guyana.
Both he and Dr Bux acknowledged the assistance of international strategic partners, one of whom is the Morris Foundation, who helped tremendously with the training offered.
Furthermore, the Minister challenged the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation to embark on an initiative to have the ambulances stationed outside the hospital’s compound. This, he said, can reduce the time it takes an ambulance to reach an emergency.
While the Emergency Medical Service cannot respond to every emergency call in the nation, Dr Bux said the team is doing a good job, considering its still in the developing stages. At the ceremony, he highlighted success stories.
Dr Bux encouraged the EMTs to keep at this pace and Guyana will soon be able to offer a National Emergency Medical Service to citizens.
Also speaking at the event was the Assistant Director of Nursing Services, Nosehella Lalckecharan.
De US had a man name Snowden who was a spyder. De US used to even pay Snowden to spy. And Snowden used to fly and spy at de same time. That is how he get de name spyder. Snowden was so good that people friken he bad.
Brazil has friken Snowden and Germany had friken Snowden too. In fact, de whole world had friken Snowden. Only de US had like Snowden and wanna keep Snowden. Then suddenly Snowden escape and right away every body want Snowden.
Russia want Snowden and China want Snowden. Even Cuba want Snowden. Plus de US good friend UK also want Snowden. But de US want Snowden back. And de US would do any ting to get Snowden back any time.
A man in Guyana who is a paper man had want Snowden too, but he couldn’ta get Snowden. Paper man got Lalloo and Rum Jhaat all de time, but he can’t get Snowden. He even got Nagga Man and de man kisser round de clock, but he still can’t get Snowden.
Well, paper man finally decide to turn he own Snowden because he believe he can be like Snowden, plus beat whah Snowden can do. De big difference, though, is that de whole world want de US Snowden, but de Guyana Snowden just simply wanted.
De Guyana Snowden wanted by de Pullice to answah fuh de illegall tape whah he mek de other day. Plus de Guyana Snowden wanted by de tax man to explain how get dem two Lexus whah he used to pose and tek photo whole day.
De Guyana Snowden wanted by de S*ity Council to pay off dem taxes whah he owe, ever since he put out a curly hair lil boy pun he own paper. It got to be that de Guyana Snowden and Uncle Rafeel like a lotta lil boys, not only Lil Johnny.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Is no wonder till now de Guyana Snowden and Uncle Rafeel got de curly hair lil boy and Lil Johnny still lookin like lil boys.
Acting Chief Justice
Ian Chang is set to make his decision on the injunction filed against 22-year-old Johnny Welshman by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman on November 11.
This is according to Welshman’s Attorney, Peter Hugh, who told Guyana Times that the case was adjourned for the Chief Justice to make a decision after the last hearing on Tuesday, November 4.
Welshman, who has accused Trotman of sodomising him as a 12-year-old child, has already disclosed that he was seeking international assistance to get justice, even as investigations were continuing here.
Welshman on Tuesday de-
manded that the Opposition parties A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) fire Trotman from his position as Speaker of the National Assembly.
In an interview with the Guyana Times on Tuesday, Welshman said that he was frustrated by the manner in which his most recent court appearance played out.
“I, Johnny Anthony Welshman, am letting Guyana know that I am ready to go to jail 10 years, 20 years because what Uncle Raphael, Colin and my father did to me is wrong. They are saying I must come to a mutual understanding and go back to Trinidad and Tobago. I was born in this country; I am not going back to no Trinidad and
Charlestown man gets four years for armed robbery
Thirty-three-year-old
Seron Skeete was on Thursday sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment after being convicted for a robbery under arms offence by Magistrate Judy Latchman.
It was alleged that on August 23, at Saffon Street, Charlestown, being in possession of a knife, he robbed the Virtual Complainant (VC), Nankumarie Maraj, of the following items: one Nokia cellphone valued $6000; one handbag valued $1000, and a kitchen bowl worth $500.
During his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, Skeete,
of Lot 17 Broad Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge and told the court that he did not rob anyone.
Police Prosecutor Michael Grant, however, said on the day in question around 18:00h, Maraj was on the street waiting on her husband when the defendant placed a knife to her neck and relieved her of her handbag which contained the items.
She then raised an alarm and a Police patrol responded to her call. They caught the defendant some distance away and he was arrested and taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station.
Forty-three-year-old Calvin Nurse was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for a breakand-enter offence.
The resident of Tucville Housing Scheme area appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan.
He was convicted of breaking and entering the house of Latoya Reshard and stealing one 10lb gas bottle valued $15,000, one hand saw valued $1500, a hammer valued $1700, one Black and Decker iron valued $5000, a lamp worth $1500, two purses valued $15,500, cosmetics valued $15,000, one black and white dress valued $15,000, a Motorola cellphone valued $6000, a Lasko fan valued $10,000, a pressing comb
valued $7000, and a blow dryer valued $2000, amounting to $98,500 in value.
The case was deemed indictable; however, Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones requested that the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) be applied, after which the unrepresented defendant, who begged for leniency, entered a guilty plea.
The court was told that a neighbour saw the defendant in the act of committing the offence and reported the matter to the Police.
Upon their arrival, Police ranks saw the defendant with the said articles in his possession leaving the premises. He was then arrested and cautioned, and reportedly told the officers: “I try a thing, so I thief the thing.”
Tobago,” said a very emotional Welshman.
He said he was giving the political Opposition three days during which time they must take steps to have Trotman replaced as the Speaker of the National Assembly.
On Tuesday, Guyana Times had reported the assertion by Welshman that AFC parliamentarians Cathy Hughes and General Secretary David Patterson were present during a hearing, which turned into "a spectacle and banter" in the courtroom.
This publication subsequently learnt that neither of the two were present and therefore offers an unreserved apology and retraction to that aspect of the report.
At a post-Cabinet media briefing Thursday, at the Office of the President, Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon advised that the body’s ‘no objec-
tion’ was granted to four contracts in the security, legal affairs, and housing and water sectors.
The approved contracts are contained within the table below.
Procurement of hardware and software for the Deeds Registry Department
Housing and Water
Construction of electrical distribution networks at Bloomfield – Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Zeelugt, Onderneeming, and Uitvlugt – Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Herstelling and Providence – Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); and Perseverance and Providence – Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice)
Construction of roads and drainage structures in the Lethem Industrial Estate, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo)
Procurement of military kits for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on Thursday said that President Donald Ramotar has given clarity on Government’s position regarding the state of affairs at Parliament, noting that it was now time for action to be taken.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, during Tuesday’s address to the nation, President Ramotar shared with Guyanese his decision and provided a solution to matters relating to the agenda of the National Assembly and dates for elections. This, Dr Luncheon noted, now leaves room for much to be done.
“The President, indeed, has clarified doubts and concerns that were in
the Guyanese society and were raging inundated. Importantly, he stressed the thought on matters to be concluded during the parliamentary discourse and of course, those that were most important to Guyana and its future and those that had, indeed, been a part and remained a part of the PPP [People’s Progressive Party]/Civic Administration for Guyana,” the HPS said.
He pointed out that with the warning the President gave to “betrayers of the country’s future”, he too has options to either dissolve or prorogue the National Assembly. He noted that from the President’s address, it can be inferred that the first post-recess sit-
ting will be for the consideration of those burning issues that are critical for the country’s development.
Ready for sitting
Dr Luncheon outlined that this would be inconsistent with the “fairly predictable outcome” of a NoConfidence Motion if it is debated either immediately or simultaneously. Nevertheless, the Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed that Government was prepared and would be prepared for whatever will play out in the National Assembly on Monday.
“There is no doubt where the President is taking his administration and this country. Sadly, there isn’t that clarity that is coming from concerns of the other sectors, but the President is clear in his mind and his pronouncement. We have important matters to deal with at this forum that has been hallowed by this administration and the governing party…and if those matters were to be held hostage to a no-confidence motion and debate, the President has said ‘I have options too’,” Dr Luncheon pronounced.
Moreover, he added that President Ramotar further provided finality on Local Government Elections in “one fell swoop” in his recent address to the nation when he announced that it will be held during the second quarter of next year.
“The ball is now in GECOM’s court, where, as you well know the People’s Progressive Party and the Administration have been advising, it really belongs. Based, of course, on the dominant influence of GECOM’s preparedness where the date is actually concerned,” he stressed.
The resurfacing of critical sections of the Linden/Lethem roadway, which has reduced travel time from 13 plus hours to seven, will be completed in another seven days.
This is according to a release from the Public Works Ministry, which said that the sections of the road that are slated for completion were “compacted with lateritic material”.
It was also noted that some 276 miles of roadway was upgraded under the project.
The release further stated that the multimillion-dollar project, which commenced in September 2014, was executed in phases by Troy Resources; Omai Gold Mines (OGM); Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL); Mekdeci Machinery and Construction (MMC) and Vevakanand Dalip Enterprise (DALIP).
Additionally, in an effort to improve visibility along the busy road artery, extensive bush cutting was done especially in the vicinity of the Iwokrama Concession.
In March, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had disclosed that an engineering design required for the critical Linden to Lethem Road will cost an estimated US$10 million. He said the Guyana and Brazil Governments are yet to complete discussions on the financing of the critical project.
A Joint Working Group established under the Guyana-Brazil Cooperation Agreement had submitted the proposal. In December 2012, the Working Group on Infrastructure Projects was
established following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries.
Further development
But with this proposal being tabled, along with recommendations for feasibility studies to be conducted on hydropower development in the Upper and Middle Mazaruni, a Joint Commission chaired by Ambassador Elisabeth Harper was set up to monitor the various activities. The commission was established in July 2013.
Foreign Affairs Ministry officials had said the redesigning and construction of the Linden/ Lethem Road and the development of hydropower stations at Middle and Upper Mazaruni are interconnected.
In the 2014 budget presentation, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had said “negotiations have advanced substantially between the Brazilian and Guyanese technical working groups regarding the preparation of a design study for the construction of the Linden to Lethem Road”.
Under the Public Works Ministry, $55.092 million was set aside for InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) studies to be conducted on the Georgetown to Lethem Road. The ongoing project entails the provision for biodiversity study in the specified area.
The total biodiversity study costs $78.800 million and is being financed by IDB loan grants. Prior to 2014, approximately $18.708 million was expended.
In an address to the nation on Wednesday afternoon, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced that Election Day in Dominica will be December 8, 2014.
“...with full confidence in the capacity of voters to decide objectively and choose wisely… I have today – in accordance with the provisions of Section 54 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica – advised His Excellency, the President, to dissolve the Parliament of Dominica…
with immediate effect… and, to issue a writ for the holding of general elections,” Skerrit said.
Nomination Day will be Wednesday, November 19, Skerrit announced.
A recent Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES) poll predicted another term for the Dominica Labour Party government, although the credibility of the survey has been challenged by the Opposition United Worker’s Party (UWP).
The Party emphatically
rejected Barbadian pollster Peter Wickham’s claim that the results of his October opinion poll were favourable to the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) in upcoming national elections.
The UWP pointed to the fact that, in the 2009 general elections, the DLP polled 62 per cent of the votes and, according to the Wickham poll of October 2014, the trend is against the DLP, to the extent that voter support for DLP has fallen by 19 percentage points to only 43 per cent.(caribbeannewsnow)
AJamaican researcher has warned that the Caribbean will have to take steps to respond to climate change, as predictions are that the Region will become increasingly
hotter and drier if the global temperature rise continues or increases.
Dale Rankine, a PhD candidate at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and member of the UWI Climate
Studies Group, told regional journalists on Wednesday that rainfall across the Region could decrease by 40 per cent between May and November by 2050.
“Sixty per cent of the rain-
fall in all the Caribbean falls between May to November. So, if we get drier between May and November, we are in some serious trouble. This is a compelling story; it is a serious challenge,” Rankine said.
He said such a scenario is important because it is going to impact more specifically on food security.
“And suggestions are that we can have increasing frequencies of droughts and floods, and this high variability is almost certainly going to impact negatively on crop yields,” he further said.
“We must change how we live. Not only I would say adapt technologies that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but there is much more than we have to do,” Rankine said, adding that he gets “a little annoyed when I see our politicians dance around whether we should use coal or methane.
“Well, none of them are really going to help us in the end,” he said.
Scientists are 95 per cent certain that human activity contributes to climate change and say the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and methane contribute to the problem.
(Excerpt from CMC)
Doctors treating Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, 61, say she is “in a stable condition”.
They said she was being treated for symptoms of a bacterial infection of the colon. Her doctors also said she would have to rest for a minimum of 10 days after her release from hospital, for which they did not set a date.
The President has had a series of health problems, some of which have forced her to cancel official trips.
A Government spokesman said Fernandez would miss the G20 summit of leaders of the world’s 20 biggest economies in the Australian city of Brisbane next week.
Fernandez checked herself into a hospital in Buenos Aires on Sunday with an in-
fectious fever.
Doctors said she was suffering from a sigmoiditis, an inflammation or infection of the sigmoid colon.
As a result, the President had to cancel her attendance at a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the signing of a peace treaty with Chile, which Chilean President Michelle Bachelet was also due to attend.
President Fernandez, of the left-wing Front for Victory Party, was first elected in 2007 and then returned to power by a comfortable majority in 2011.
Last year she had an operation to treat bleeding on the brain, which forced her to rest for a month.
She also missed this year’s Independence Day celebrations because of a throat infection. (BBC News)
Industrial action at the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority was expected to continue for a second day, Thursday, and work stoppage was likely to affect businesses awaiting delivery of goods.
On Wednesday, over 100 workers staged a sit-in from 10:00h until their shift ended at 16:00h to protest management’s decision to hire an Assistant Cargo Master instead of promoting “one of the qualified persons” from within.
The new Cargo Master, Eduardo Pyle, commenced work Wednesday.
General Secretary of the Antigua Workers Union, David Massiah, the representative of the disgrun-
tled staff, said the bargaining agent is in full support of any action taken by the workers.
Massiah, who said he objected to the port’s decision since October 27, via letter, called on Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Labour Minister Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin to step in to address the matter.
“What is happening is too much. We want to raise awareness and there needs to be proper dialogue … never yet in our history that we’ve seen an employer make a front-on attack on a collective agreement where the position is within the collective agreement,” Massiah said.
(Antigua Observer)
Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) has entered into an agreement to acquire Columbus International Inc for US$1.85 billion.
If completed, the purchase will make CWC by far the Caribbean’s largest wholesale and retail broadband service provider. CWC currently serves 5.7 million residential customers with a suite of fixed telephony, high-speed broadband, television, and mobile services.
The deal will give CWC ownership of Columbus International’s three operating divisions – Columbus Networks’ subsea fibre infrastructure; its Columbus Business Solutions division; and its crown jewel Flow which services 700,000 Caribbean households with triple-play services.
The acquisition of
Columbus adds a significant pay-TV operation and so-called next-generation fibre network to Cable & Wireless’s existing businesses, Bentley said.
CWC is funding the deal by paying US$707.5 million in cash, issuing 1.5 billion new shares to Columbus investors and placing shares worth nearly 10 per cent of the company on the markets. According to filings with the London Stock Exchange, CWC estimates that the combined entity will be able to achieve recurring annualised pre-tax cost synergies of about US$85 million.
However, initial market reaction to the announcement was unfavourable, with CWC share price falling 6.3 per cent to 45.85 pence in London after issuing shares to pay for the US$1.85 billion deal. (TT Guardian)
The head of the UN mission charged with fighting Ebola in West Africa has told the BBC he does not yet have the resources necessary to defeat it.
Tony Banbury said more help was urgently needed, despite significant contributions from the United Kingdom, China, Cuba and the United States.
But he was hopeful of achieving the target of 70 per cent bed space for new cases and 70 cent safe burials by December.
The confirmed death toll is now 4818, says the World Health Organisation.
The numbers are down since the WHO previously reported figures last Friday, as it says it has changed the way the figures are collated.
Transmission remains “persistent and widespread, particularly in the
But it said in the countries worst affected by the outbreak – Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea – transmission remained “persistent and widespread, particularly in the capital cities”.
of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea
In other developments: West African heads of state are meeting in Ghana for a special meeting to review the regional response to the crisis.
The International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank, has announced an initiative to provide at least US$450 million in commercial financing to enable trade, investment, and employment in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra
Leone
Banbury was speaking at the UN headquarters for Ebola response in Ghana, which has not been affected by the epidemic, at the end of a regional tour.
He told the BBC it was difficult to say if the spread of the disease was slowing as it was a “very mixed picture”. In Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, there was a decline, but there was “significant acceleration” elsewhere. (Excerpt from BBC News)
AUS-led coalition that was set up to fight Islamic State (IS) bombed the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front and another radical faction in north-west Syria overnight, rebels and residents said on Thursday.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group, said a series of air strikes had targeted Nusra Front, including in Idlib province in north-west Syria, where last week the organisa-
tion routed Western-backed Syrian rebels.
One strike on a base near the northern city of Aleppo killed at least six Nusra fighters, the Observatory said, adding that the hard-line Islamist group Ahrar al-Sham was also hit overnight.
It was the second time the Nusra Front, long one of the most effective groups battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, had been hit in the US-led air campaign, which
was launched to “degrade and destroy” IS – a separate hardline Islamist group that has clashed with the al-Qaeda affiliate.
Several commanders are believed to have been killed in the original strikes against Nusra in September, including Kuwaiti-born Mohsin alFadhli – also known as Abu Asmaa al-Jazrawi – reputedly a former member of Osama bin Laden’s inner circle. (Excerpt from Reuters)
Libya’s Supreme Court has announced the dissolution of the United Nations-backed elected Parliament, which has taken refuge in the eastern city of Tobruk, while another Parliament vying for legitimacy is stationed in the capital Tripoli.
The decision, announced on Thursday, came in light of a request by a Tripoli Parliament member to rule on the constitutionality of the June 25 vote that led to the creation of Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni’s Government in the North African country.
“The Constitutional Circuit in the Supreme
Court has ruled on Thursday to accept the appeal concerning the illegality” of developments leading to the elections, the news agency
LANA reported, Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud Abdul-Wahed, reporting from Tripoli, said the court ruling renders al-Thinni’s Government “unconstitutional”.
He also reported that supporters of the Tripolibased legislature gathered in Tripoli to celebrate the court decision.
The court’s decision, which sets the stage for more political chaos in the divided country, casts a shadow on the future of al-Thinni’s
Government currently fighting armed groups as it seeks to restore law and order.
Speaking to Al Jazeera from London, Jason Palk, an expert on Libya, said that despite the political impasse, the court decision could still pave the way for international mediators to step up negotiations with the rival Governments.
Al-Thinni and his Government, isolated in the far eastern city of Tobruk near the Egyptian borders, have little control over Libya’s three main cities.
The Tobruk-based legislature called an emergency meeting to review the court ruling. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Palestinians and Jordanians have urged the United Nations Security Council to demand that Israel immediately stop provocations and incitement against Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem, warning that further escalation could lead to another crisis threatening peace in the Middle East.
The warning on Wednesday followed what the Palestinians described
as the illegal storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque earlier Wednesday by Israeli extremists protected by more than 300 Israeli security forces, which led to a confrontation with Palestinian worshippers.
A Palestinian reportedly angered by the confrontation later drove a minivan into a crowd waiting for a train, killing one person and wounding 13.
Hours later, a Palestinian
motorist drove into a group of soldiers in the West Bank, injuring three.
“There is still a lot of tension and a huge Police presence here,” Al Jazeera’s Imtiaz Tyab, reporting from Jerusalem, said.
Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour said the “actions blatantly intended to assert Israeli control over the compound continue unabated’.’ (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Vice Chairman of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has confirmed that his party will support the Alliance For Change (AFC) in its move to suspend the standing orders of the National Assembly to allow the tabling and debate of the AFC-sponsored NoConfidence Motion against the Government.
He said this decision was taken although the AFC and APNU will meet today to finalise their plan of action in moving ahead with the NoConfidence Motion.
The announcement made by the APNU Vice Chairman signals an abandonment of the party’s campaign to hold Local Government Elections and a purely “weak” political decision to dance to the AFC’s tune.
In fact, the APNU, according to observers, has allowed itself to be bullied by the minority seven-seat AFC party which will get credit for the passage of the historic motion.
On Thursday, AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo and Cathy Hughes offered greater clarification on the way forward in the face of “threats” made by President Donald Ramotar to prorogue or dissolve Parliament.
Unequivocal
Nagamootoo made it clear that the Opposition will be proceeding with the NoConfidence Motion.
“We can assure you that we have the unanimous, unequivocal, unwavering support of APNU.” He said when the motion comes to the floor “then, obviously, the inevitable would happen”.
Though not letting much out of the bag, Nagamootoo said he was not being evasive. He said the Opposition was still in the process of finalising a strategy that would counteract any move that might be employed by the Government.
“We would hope to do everything possible to breathe fresh life into our democracy on Monday and we will use the instrument of the NoConfidence Motion and we will do everything to have it brought to the floor on Monday.”
But, the AFC anticipates that as Nagamootoo rises to move the No-Confidence Motion on Monday, the Government would have a supplementary or extraordinary paper waiting to announce the prorogation of Parliament in order to disrupt the sitting.
“I can see them coming at a certain time during the proceedings on Monday when they know the next item on the table is the No-Confidence Motion; they will try to avoid and trigger the prorogation,” Nagamootoo, a former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) stalwart, said.
Countermove
According to him, this was a possible countermove that will be employed by the Donald Ramotar Administration to “play for time”.
“For me, this is a part of a spineless strategy. It has nowhere to go,” he opined.
Meanwhile, Hughes lashed out at the President over his apparent attempt to barter the Local Government Elections in his quest to prevent the No-Confidence
But she made it clear that the Constitution of Guyana was not up for trade, barter or any form of negotiation. “It is our Supreme Law and must be respected and upheld in its entirety,” she added.
On Tuesday, President Ramotar said he would either prorogue or dissolve Parliament if the Opposition disrupted the Government’s business when the first postrecess sitting of the National Assembly convenes.
According to the President, the House should be given the opportunity to address critical issues that were on the agenda even before the Assembly went on recess in August.
However, the President warned against opposing forces that may seek to disrupt the current standing orders. “I also wish to declare that were this not to be so, and I am
Motion. “Dangling Local Government Elections as a trade-off to avoid the AFC No- Confidence Motion, the Donald Ramotar Regime has shown that the PPP is prepared to barter the Constitution. This is totally unacceptable,” Hughes told reporters on Thursday during the press conference at the Georgetown Club.
provided with reasons to believe that the Parliamentary Opposition intends to disrupt Government’s business by forcing a debate on their NoConfidence Motion, I resolve to respond immediately by exercising my constitutional options to either prorogue or dissolve Parliament, paving the way for holding of General Elections.”
He noted that if the NoConfidence Motion against his Administration was passed, it would lead to a General Election nonetheless. The No-Confidence Motion was filed just before the beginning of the recess by the AFC even as APNU pressed for Local Government Elections. Based
on advice received, President Ramotar said the Guyana Elections Commission will require six months to gear up for the long-awaited Local Government Elections under the new Local Government Electoral System.
“Pending further consultations with the Guyana Elections Commission on its preparations, I also now announce my intention to hold Local Government Elections in the Second Quarter of next year, 2015.”
With this announcement, President Ramotar is hoping that “post-recess sittings of the National Assembly would proceed uninterruptedly”, thereby facilitating deliberations on urgent matters that have been identified by the Government.
The Guyana Police Force has reached a dead end in solving the murder of Debra Blackman, who was fatally shot while working at a Chinese Restaurant at D’Urban Street, Georgetown, and is now calling on the public to identify the shooters.
The Police on Thursday finally released the surveillance footage which showed four men entering the Delicious Chinese Restaurant one after the other on the night of the shooting. The video, however, did not show the actual crime.
The men in the video were wearing hats and light-coloured clothing. Based on the recording, it is believed that the men might have been monitoring the business place.
The images which were caught on surveillance cameras were handed over to the Police on the night the woman was killed. Police subsequently released the still images of the men, but the public was unable to positively identify them.
Police sources had stated earlier that the men were from the Leopold Street area, but this turned out to be inaccurate. Police also made raids in several communities in the city, but came up empty-handed.
Blackman, 48, of Critchlow Circle, Tucville, Georgetown, was shot twice by one of the two robbers who posed as customers.
According to information received, no one else was in the restaurant, as a young woman had left just seconds prior to the shooting. It was reported that the two young men walked into the restaurant and ordered chicken fried rice and waited until it was prepared. As the waitress brought out the food, one of the men pulled out a gun and pointed it at her and she attempted to run.
The gunman opened fire, striking the woman to the neck and the shoulder. She subsequently fell to the ground while the men made good their escape on a motorcycle. Blackman had been working at the restaurant for the past 11 years.
Anyone with information that may lead to the identification of the men is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 2256411, 225-2227, 227-1149, 226-7065, 225-8196, 911, or at the nearest Police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence.
By Jomo Paul
Persons affected with mental illnesses continue to be victims of stigma and discrimination at the hands of the general Guyanese public.
This is according to a group of researchers who recently concluded a study on mental health in Guyana in a bid to provide aid to the Education Ministry as it looks to do more for the nation’s mental health.
In June, well-known Psychologist, Dr Faith Harding told the Guyana Times in an exclusive interview that Guyana was in a very sad place with respect to mental health.
“The whole socialisation to mental health has not been a good one; we see mental health as something to feel bad about… a physical illness is more accepted than if you have a mental incapacity,” Dr Harding had noted, saying such needed to be destigmatised.
This same point was re-emphasised by Canadian Psychiatrist, Dr Sujay Patel, who lamented that after research his team found that there was still a lot of stigma attached to mental illness in Guyana’s
rather modern society. He said this should not be the case.
Dr Patel was at the time making a brief presentation on the findings of the recently-concluded research by the 22-member Canadian research team. The team conducted its research in Georgetown, Berbice, Linden, and at Suddie in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
Most of the research was done by way of interview and provided the team with a hands-on experience of what it meant to suffer from a mental illness in Guyana and the social constraints.
Minimal professional help
The lead researcher also told the small gathering at the Sleep-In International Hotel that Guyana’s few mental health professionals were “burdened” with many mental patients who had to be tended to.
He told the gathering too that there was “limited” mental health legislation; hence, mental health professionals were not fully equipped by the law to do what needed to be done to ensure that their patients recover fully.
However, Dr Bhiro Harry, head of the mental department at
the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, reported to the mental health team that Guyana’s mental health policy was near completion and just needed to be tweaked at this point.
Govt ready to tackle scourge
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran, who spoke at the event, said that armed with the knowledge emanating from the results of the study, the Government is better poised to tackle the scourge of suicide and mental health.
Further, it was noted that Guyana would now be able to conduct Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) for clinically depressed persons and of particular interest, were persons who were likely to attempt suicide.
This comes after the same team would have successfully concluded a pilot project whereby they attempted to ascertain whether this form of depression therapy was right for Guyana.
ECT is a procedure in which electric currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can
quickly reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses. It often works when other treatments are unsuccessful.
This form of treatment was available in Guyana some time back, but the programme was abandoned by the Government after some human rights concerns were raised.
Comprehensive research was conducted by the team of Canadian mental health professionals.
Dr Patel explained that already his team has started treating patients using this form of therapy with exceptional results.
This treatment is particularly important at this juncture since Guyana was recently named the suicide capital of the world by the World Health Organisation. Since then, there has been immense pressure on the Government and its ministries to adequately address the issue of suicide that continues to plague Guyanese society.
Opposition parties and different Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have not been silent, as they were among those who have voiced concerns that enough was not being done to address the mental health of the nation.
Dear Editor,
This is in response to a November 3 Editorial in another media, news reports, and letters on the matter pertaining to Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall and Senior Reporter of Kaieteur News Leonard Gildharie.
Many pronouncements and commentaries have been made on and about (contents emanating from)
Glenn Lall’s alleged illegal recording of a friendly, off the cuff banter between the AG and the reporter (whom the AG said he trusted).
Challenges have been made on the authenticity of the recording with the AG claiming it was distorted, manipulated and portions selectively released to the public. The public does
not know the full facts of the transaction.
Since the matter has involved the Police, with both Lall and the AG filing complaints, it is wise for the public (media houses included) to refrain from commenting on the said matter to avoid the appearance of influencing the investigation one way or the other. Judgment should not be passed until all the facts have been determined.
I do not know how and why the AG got himself into this mess and how it will impact on him and on the effectiveness of the Government.
But Nandlall has been an enormously popular political figure ever since he became AG according to opinion polls conducted by this writer on President Donald
from page 5
Of domination of the media, I am willing to send Sase Narine copies of the Guyana Chronicle of the 1970/80, to refresh his mind, on the vulgar abuse of that newspaper by the PNC and its indecent coverage of the PNC, as opposed to Government information
But then the Decloration of Sophia, which I am sure the Speaker, Sase Narine and Comrade Attorney-atLaw well remembers, established as the policy of the day, that the Government was subservient to the PNC and was the PNC Party executing agency.
Talk about domination! Oh my, Sase narine, you have obviously forgotten but then it is an accepted fact that ageing is accompanied by memory loss.
I would also like to remind Mr Narine of the famous Liberator Party case, where the party took the Guyana Chronicle to the court to contend that that newspaper was discriminating against it by refusing to carry its advertisement.
I recall a court upholding the claim of the Liberator Party. Did you not see these signs Mt Narine? They were the signs of absolute domination.
The most insensitive statement reportedly made by Sase Narine however, was “Nandlall’s actions do not shock me. Look at the persons they are putting in these prominent positions”.
Inherent in that statement, assuming Narine has been correctly reported (I
have not seen a correction or denial) is Sase Narine’s elitist class bias, prejudice and arrogance. Sase Narine, a well known character of many dimensions during the years the PNC ravaged this country, considers himself to have been suited for the Speakership of the National Assembly, but Nandlall as Attorney General?
No, not Nandlall, an unknown Indian coming from humble beginnings and who has his origins in Mon Repos/Annandale, who but for his professional reputation was a virtual unknown.
The office of Attorney General was held by Ramphal and Shahabudeen, well known upper class Indians. But of Nandlall, Narine disgusting ly says, “Just Look at the kind of persons they are putting in these prominent positions.”
Never mind that as AG, he has been an achiever, never mind that he has shown tremendous political acumen, qualities Sase Narine is prepared to ignore.
To reflect on the implications of Sase Narine’s comments is to sicken the stomach, but that was the feeling of many in Guyana when mention was made of the name of Sase Narine during the tarnished years of PNC paramountcy, with which Narine was intimately involved.
Sincerely, Siddhu Singh
Ramotar’s Government since early 2012.
He has consistently earned high ratings (2012thru 14) ranking among the top three performers among Ministers of the Government as well as debaters in Parliament (Government’s side).
Two among the latest polls I conducted last February and last July ranked him among the top two in both categories and another tracking poll I conducted last Month also gave him high ratings.
Nandlall has very high approval ratings as AG as well as soaring likeability (favorability) ratings (as a person) among all sections of the population. He is among a few PPP/C figures who have cross-racial appeal and
who are admired among the PPP/C grass roots, placing him among Presidential contenders in future elections.
He is widely admired by party supporters and even critics for his vociferous and stealthy defense of the Government, with many describing him as a brilliant lawyer.
Ironically, readers of Kaieteur News, with which he has had this controversy, love him. It will be interesting to find out how the recorded conversation will impact on his political ratings. Pollsters should explore this angle. Reporters should also look at whether there was a plot to discredit or bring down the AG.
With regard to the serious matter involving the alleged illegal recording in-
cluding the contents, guilt or innocence should not be presumed until both the AG and the reporter have been interviewed by the Police and their views made public (if it will not compromise proceedings).
Since it is a critically important matter, the Police should expedite their work to bring it to closure and to apprise the nation of their findings. The reporter and the paper itself gave their views on the recording, its contents and the fate of Nandlall.
The AG has addressed the public and explained exactly what happened since the public already has (most, if not all of) the newspaper’s side. The AG has not spoken (fully) on the matter, presumably awaiting for the
Police to conclude its investigation.
As the highest law enforcement person in the country, his lips may be sealed because of the Police investigation.
In the interest of fairness, it is premature for any institution or individual to pronounce on the matter, or on the fate of the AG, until the public has had an opportunity to hear from him (with a full explanation of what happened), get the response of the reporter (who illegally taped the AG), and the Police on whether there was a criminal offense (by the AG and or the reporter) that will be followed by charges.
Yours truly, Vishnu
Bisram
Miss Earth Guyana Stacy Ramcharran is en route to the Philippines where she will compete with 87 other delegates from around the world for the prestigious title of Miss Earth 2014.
Ramcharran is accompanied by Guyanese designer Jonathan Adrian; her talent choreographer, Roshini Boodhoo, and her makeup artist, Tenisha Garnett.
Local franchise holder of the Pageant, Pamela Dillon of Simpli Royal, has not been asked to accompany the queen, raising many eyebrows.
The 14th edition of the Miss Earth Pageant will be held on November 29, at the University of the Philippines Theatre in Diliman, Quezon City. Alyz Henrich from Venezuela will crown her successor at the end of the event.
Ramcharran, an aspiring accountant, who has been promoting specific projects and addressing environmental and other global issues through school tours, tree-planting activities, street campaigns, coastal cleanups and other environmental activities, will dedicate the rest of her reign to similar activities, though we hope she will return encumbered with the international title.
Miss Earth is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world in terms of the number of national-level competitions to select participants and one of the most publicised worldwide.
The pageant´s theme this year is “Promoting ecotourism”, in an effort to raise the awareness of tourists and travellers on ecological conservation in order to directly benefit economic development and foster respect for different cultures and for human rights.
All roads will lead to Bartica this weekend, as the Bartica Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and AJ’s Promotions host Bartica Expo 2014.
The two-day exhibition
Transforming Bartica”.
The exhibition is being used as a means of paving the way for business opportunities as part of a strategy to develop the community.
One of the biggest motor racing events is set for Sunday, November 16 at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, but before that, there must be some pre-
“Gas Pedal” for Gravity Lounge this Saturday
time for “Gas Pedal”.
race fun.
After the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships is officially launched this evening at 704 Sky Lounge, Lamaha Street, Georgetown, it’s
“Gas Pedal” is slated for the Gravity Lounge, at Regent and Camp Streets, Georgetown on Saturday evening. Patrons will have a chance to meet some of the racers and get photographs with, and autographs from, their favourite speedsters.
The club will be transformed into a race arena with the best DJs and
selectors heating up the dance floor with the music mix. There will also be drink specials on all alcoholic beverages. “Gas Pedal” revs off at 21:00h and admission is $2000.
The event is organised by the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club as a fundraising event for the 2014 international race meet.
The businesses in Bartica are eager to use the exhibition to showcase their products and services.
It is believed that the forum will also be used to attract tourists to Bartica as Guyana’s tourism industry
More than 30 exhibitors have registered, including Beharry Group of Companies; Digicel; Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI); GO-Invest; Demerara Distillers Limited;
MoneyGram; Comfort Sleep; Farfan & Mendes; Scotiabank; NAMILCO; UMAMI Incorporated; Sueria Manufacturing Inc; and Red Earth Water of Bartica.
In addition, there will be exhibitions by craftpersons along with representation from restaurants, hoteliers, lumber yards, the Interim Management Committee of the Bartica Neighbourhood Democratic Council, and Red Cross among others. The powerboat racers and grasstrack riders will also be present for photo ops.
On Saturday, there will be a stage show featuring local singing sensation Jackie Hanover and comedian Kirk Jardine, popularly known
as Chow Pow. Side attractions will also be on site for the children. Tickets for the event cost $500 for adults and $300 for children.
The promoters wanted everyone to be part of Bartica Expo 2014, so with the assistance of the business sector, some 4000 tickets were given to the less fortunate children in primary and secondary schools.
Sponsors for Bartica Expo 2014 include the Beharry Group of Companies, Digicel, MoneyGram, Thrill Soft Drink, and the Government of Guyana.
After months of intense rehearsals and preliminary competitions, Classique Dance Company lead dancer
Paul Charles was on Sunday evening crowned Mr Guyana International 2015 at the Pegasus Hotel. He outshone nine other contenders to cop the coveted title.
This stylish 28-year-old was born under the sign of Taurus. He is a teacher, dancer, and choreographer, and describes himself as determined and ambitious.
He has previously represented Guyana regionally and internationally, as the face of Carifesta 10 in 2008, while he was privileged to showcase his dance skills in countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Suriname, French Guiana, and the United States of America.
After venturing into the fashion industry in the early 2000s; in 2005, he participated in the Super Model Search, and then in 2006, he participated in the Shabeau Face-off competition and placed second. In 2008, he participated in the Guyana Model Search and was adjudged the third runner-up; in 2012, he tried to capture the Model Search title once more and placed third.
Team Trinidad are desperately seeking victory as they will once again be bringing their entourage of over 200 persons who all come to explore Guyana and enjoy its hospitality. The team will be even more ‘anxious’ as past Team Guyana duck curry champions have gone to the Trinidad competition and won.
In addition to the delicious competition, several artistes have been confirmed to perform, including renowned Chutney King Rikki Jai; Guyana’s Baboo, Terry Gajraj; Trinidad Chutney sensation Sally Sagram; and the Extreme Band from Trinidad.
In addition, there will the E-Networks Emerging Voices top three finishers; Guyana’s Chutney Queen, Fiona Singh; and the Caribbean Hotshots Band.
And in even better news for duck curry lovers, this year there will be duck curry on sale. Patrons can be the judge of the mouth-watering dishes past winners of the competi-
tion will be cooking up. The proceeds of the competition will go to the Radio Needy Children’s Fund.
There will also be games for the children in aid of United Women for Children with Special Needs.
King’s Duck Curry Competition would not be possible without the generous corporate support of Sujata Curry Powder, Banks DIH, Digicel, Golden Brook Coconut Oil, Guyana Lottery, Maggi, the Tourism Ministry, Impressions, TVG, Guyana Times, E-Networks, and Massy.
King’s Jewellery World will be giving away five cricket bands to lucky patrons. Upon entry into the ground, patrons will be given a ticket with a number which entitles them to be part of the grand draw. Patrons must be present at the time of the drawing in order to win. Suri Sweets will also be distributing goodies to the children.
Come hungry, as this year there will be lots to eat and drink. Admission is always free and the action is set to start from 12 noon.
Turning to pageantry, he then participated in Mr Tourism United Nations Pageant in Jamaica and captured the first runner-up position and the prize for the best male dancer.
of Mr Guyana International 2015. The first runner-up spot went to 19-year-old Ryan Washington, with Lindener Colwyn Abrams copping the second runner-up position. The third runner-up spot went to Kevin Bhagrat, while the fourth runner-up was Alexander Fiedtkou.
the “Most Fit Male” Award, the People’s Choice Award and Mr Intelligent. The award for Best Talent and Mr Physique went to the newly-crowned king, while the Mr Congeniality prize went to Abrams. The Best Traditional Wear
went to Hiliger.
Charles will be representing Guyana next year at the Mr International Pageant in Korea.
The National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, will be transformed into a battle ground this weekend when the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) in collaboration with Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers stages the third annual International Club Festival.
The three-day event will feature rivalry among Guyana, Suriname and
French Guiana in both the male and female categories.
After remarks by Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation Captain John Flores and heads of the visiting delegations at the opening ceremony set for 17:00 hours, the action will serve off an hour later.
In the opening clash, Guyana A will take on their
Surinamese male counterparts, while at 20:00 hours, the female teams from the two nations will square off.
On Saturday, a total of seven games will be played, starting at 10:00 hours, while Sunday’s action will get underway at 11:00 hours with the semi-finals and finals of the two categories.
The first five games on Saturday will be male en-
counters with Guyana B versus Suriname; Guyana A against Guyana B; French Guiana versus Suriname; Guyana A against Suriname; and Guyana B versus Suriname. The female games will bring together Guyana and French Guiana, followed by French Guiana versus Suriname.
GVF President Flores, speaking to this publication on Thursday, said the
competition is the premier event on the local volleyball calendar.
“Because we’re a Category One nation, this is an ideal opportunity to gauge where we are and how much progress we have been able to make since the last tournament. Also, this will help us to identify areas we need to address in order to improve going forward,” Captain Flores remarked.
Category One caters for the lowest ranked nations in volleyball, and according to Flores, they are working on moving up to Category Two in the not too distant future. The GVF head also disclosed that the Guyana
teams were selected from the recently held Premier League competition.
Young Achievers and Port Mourant Training Centre were the top two teams in the male segment and they will serve as Guyana’s A and B teams respectively, while the top female team was the Guyana Defence Force. According to Flores, while the core players have come from those top clubs, they have been strengthened to ensure Guyana put up a solid performance on home turf.
Admission to the venue is $100 and children under seven will be admitted free.
(Avenash Ramzan)
Dear Editor, The decision to select the female Guyana Open golf champion from net scores is not a ‘first time’; is not a new one, is not an anomaly and is quite ethical. While it is true that this tournament strives to reward the best golfers in both the male and female categories, it is not true that gross scores (without handicap) were always used to decide the winners.
Please be informed of these facts. Firstly, the Lusignan Golf Club is an amateur Golf Club, and as such performances should primarily be adjudged on Net performances rather than Gross performances in order to provide a level playing field for the golfers of varying abilities.Normally at the LGC, for all tournaments in the Medal Play system – as is used for the Guyana Open, – the Net score is used to determine the winners. Our records for tournaments for the past 5 years would suffice to validate this.
Secondly the Executive of the Club has the authority to decide on the format of play for any and every competition. It is only required that golfers be informed beforehand of the format of play, after which it is the golfer’s decision to play or not.
Thirdly, the format of the Guyana Open for determining the female winner was in 2012 changed from the use of Best Gross to Best Net, under the presidency of Mr Jerome Khan and captaincy of Mr Rawle Moore. This format was maintained in 2013, under presidency of Mr Jerome Khan and captaincy of Mr Chatterpaul
Deo, and in 2014 under the current president Mr David Mohamad and captain Mr Chatterpaul Deo.
Fourthly, in the three recent years 2012-2014, notices of the format of play for the Guyana open were posted on the Club’s notice board and in social media, prior to the registration process. Permit me to quote the Guyana Times newspaper of Nov 2nd 2013 in an interview with Christine Sukhram prior to the Guyana Open that year. “They [the organisers] have changed the format this year for the Ladies- it’s a net competition and not a gross competition as was the case over the years. That would be a challenge for me, but it’s also one that I’m gearing myself for because the other three players would be coming hard at me,”Sukhram pointed out. (Ms Sukhram went on to win the Net performance in 2013, just as she had done in 2012!)
Fifthly, 2012 was not the first time that the Net performance was used to determine the female winner in the Guyana Open. Prior to 2008, before the presidency of the late Mel Sankies and under the captaincy of Mr Patrick Prashad, the Net performance for determining the female winner of the Guyana Open was introduced. During president Sankies term of office (2008-2010), the Executive used the Gross performance measure until 2012.
We thank you for giving space to our response.
Guy Griffith, Public Relation Officer Lusignan Golf Club
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The West Indies Cricket Board has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India for a “mutually agreeable solution” over its demand for £26.2m.
The BCCI is pursuing compensation after West Indies players abandoned a tour of India in October in a dispute with their own board over pay.
“The premature end to the tour of India was extremely unfortunate,” said a WICB statement.
“The WICB is committed to ensuring that such events do not recur.”
West Indies left India four matches into a fivegame one-day international series, with a Twenty20 and
three Tests still to play.
The statement continued: “The WICB will continue to use its best endeavours to meet with the BCCI to discuss all relevant matters pertaining to the premature end to the tour of India.
“The WICB respects the decisions of the BCCI but continues to trust that discussions can result in a mutually agreeable resolution.”
The Caribbean board said that, contrary to speculation, Richie Richardson had not been replaced as team manager, though there was no mention of the futures of Test captain Denesh Ramdin, one-day skipper Dwayne Bravo or
T20 leader Darren Sammy. The WICB statement came in response to the BCCI saying it remained adamant in its pursuit of compensation.
“There has been a direct and disastrous impact to India,” said BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel. “The collateral damage to the BCCI and its stakeholders is irreparable.”
“We tried our level best to survive the series and I had to personally dash to Kochi before the first ODI to intervene and ensure that the match took place.
“Unfortunately, WICB chose to ignore the consequences at that stage and created an avoidable situation.” (BBC Sport)
The National Open Powerlifting Championship is set for Sunday at the St Stanislaus College Auditorium on Brickdam where a number of top contenders will aim to make the national team.
With the weigh-in of the athletes scheduled for 07:30h, 24 lifters will participate at the event as Berbician Vijai Rahim will aim to defend his overall title at the event.
There will also be three female lifters participating in the event as the current champion Kimberly Mars will be unable to defend her crown due to personal reasons.
However, with the event fast approaching Fitness Express threw their weight
behind the event by donating an undisclosed sum of cash to the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF).
The lifters will have added motivation with the hopes of representing Guyana at the Caribbean Powerlifting Championships tentatively set for Georgetown Guyana in March, The Pan American Championships (Sao Paolo Brazil) in August and Commonwealth Championships (Vancouver Canada) in December of 2015.
According to the GAPF, only lifters competing at this year’s championship will be eligible for selection to represent Guyana at international events in 2015.
Some of the lifters set to participate at the event are the Explosive Anis Ade Thomas (Elite Systems Gym), World Masters II dead lift record holder (277.5kg) Winston Stoby (Kingsrow Gym)and the ever improving Karel Mars (Buddy’s Gym).
The three females in the vent will be the promising heavyweight youngster Natoya Robinson (Life Gym), the technically correct lifter Andrea Smith (Body Maxx) and the exciting Chloe Hunter (Buddy’s Gym).
Meanwhile as part of a fund raising effort for next year’s activities, the Federation will be charging an entrance fee of $500. Meals and Beverages will also be available.
The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) held its beep test for the national team on Wednesday afternoon where the results were less than satisfactory.
The fitness instructor Barrington ‘Barry’ Brown was less than satisfied with the results but called the exercise “fair”.
Only three of the ruggers were able to past the fitness level mark of 11 while the others failed.
Brown who was hoping for the ruggers to touch the 14 mark only got one such result from Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Patrick King with a recording of 14.4.
Both Rickford Cummings and Joseph Rahaman passed the 11 mark but registered a 13.2 mark which according to Brown was below what was expected.
Meanwhile similar exercises will be conducted on the overseas players who are scheduled to arrive in two weeks time while the locals will have another go at the beep test when the overseas players arrive.
The national team will depart for Mexico on November 27 on a quest to secure their seventh NACRA 7’s championship. The twoday tournament will be held on December 3-4 in Mexico.
GFRU officials as
well as rugby patron Kit Nascimento was at hand for the beep test and reminded the players of the importance of the upcoming championship.
The national squad would continue to train every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 16:30h while on Sunday from 09:00h.
Note: The beep test is a multistage 20 meter shuttle run test for aerobic fitness. It is employed by many international sporting teams as an accurate test of cardiovascular fitness, one of the more important components of total fitness.
from back page
Resuming at 187-5, Reifer, who appeared out of sorts and struggled to get the ball away was stumped off Khan for nine.
The dogged Deonarine followed soon after to pacer Raun Johnson for 65. Deonarine had seven hits to the fence in 175 balls which spanned 246 min-
utes at the crease. Jonathan Foo (5) fell cheaply, leg before wicket to left-arm spinner Anthony Adams as Singh’s XI were restricting their opponents admirably at 223-8.
Anthony Bramble and Veerasammy Permaul then supported each other
in a 46-run ninth-wicket partnership until off-spinner Steven Jacobs (3-53) removed Permaul for 28. Bramble hit his way to 36 before the tea break with Johnson’s XI on 2799. Devendra Bishoo, who recently return from Sir Lanka with the West Indies ‘A’ team, joined the playing X1 at the start on day three, was on two. Bishoo was the last man out, leg before wicket to left-arm spinner Raj Nanan (3-74) for eight. Bramble was left unbeaten on 43. A wicket each was shared by spinners Khan, Crandon and Adams along with pacer Raun Johnson. Play will resume today the final day from 09:30h.
By AvenAsh RAmzAn
The Guyana Softball Cup 4 is done and dusted, but like all of its previous three editions, it has left some memorable moments with the players and fans alike.
After three days of intense and keenly contested rivalry among top local and overseas softball teams, West Demerara’s Wolf’s Warriors edged Regal XI by
and were kept informed of the scores by a more than capable commentary panel, led by the experienced Inderjeet Persaud and including Onkar Singh and a local version of the energetic former New Zealand fast bowler turned commentator, Danny Morrison. However, it was the individual brilliance of several players that really made the tournament the enormous success it was in 2014.
five runs to lift the Open title, while Floodlights toppled Savage by 18 runs to win the Masters division.
The tournament attracted arguably the largest crowd to witness a sport event at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, Queenstown, with the venue being transformed to a festive atmosphere on the night of the finals last Sunday.
Persons from all stratum of society were packed into the “Home of Legends” to witness a fitting finale to the country’s premier softball tournament.
Apart from the riveting on-field action, patrons were entertained by 71 Sounds
Names such as Uniss Yusuf, Lennox Marks and Jagdesh Persaud will remain on the lips of everyone whenever a conversation on Guyana Softball Cup 4 pops up.
The three batsmen were all centurions in what was record-breaking weekend for the tournament.
Top performers
The statistics would show that the right-handed Yusuf, playing for the successful Floodlights team in the Masters division, was the only batsman to score 200+ runs, notching up 209 from four matches at an excellent average of 69.67.
Among those runs was
a brilliant match-winning 104 not out in the semi-final against Wellman XI. He also picked up vital wickets and held some stunning catches. Not surprisingly, he was voted the Most Valuable Player of the Masters version of the Guyana Softball Cup.
Shaam Persaud of Wellman XI was the next highest runscorer in the Masters segment with 171 runs, followed by Lakeram Barlow of Savage (148); Jagdesh Persaud of East Coast Masters (140); O. Chandler of Parika Defenders (128); Ken Sanichar of New York Better Hope (127); Wayne Jones of Floodlights (120) and Lloyd Rooplall of Wellman XI (111).
In the bowling department, Dharam Persaud of Floodlights, R. Rambharose of Parika Defenders and
Lloyd Rooplall of Wellman XI were the joint highest wicket-taker with eight victims each, followed by D. Mohabeer of New York President’s XI with seven, and six each for A. Ali
of N.Y.S.C Legends, Imtiaz Mohamed of Floodlights and Raj Doobay of NYSC Legends.
The lone centurion in the Open category, Lennox Marks of Farm XI, topped the runs chart with 175 runs from four matches at an average of 59.67. His exploits earned him the MVP accolade in the Open segment.
He was followed by Safraz Karim of Wolf’s Warriors (137); Patrick Khan of Farm XI (118); Surujpaul Deosaran of Dant’s XI (109); Darshan Chalitor of Corriverton (109) and Amrit Rai of Wolf’s Warriors (100). Notably, Rai was only dismissed once in the competition, finishing with an astonishing average of 100.
Like the Masters segment, the bowling in the Open competition was led by three players who fin-
ished with eight wickets each. They were Rohit Dutchin of Regal XI, Ameer Nizamudden of Wolf’s Warriors and Avinash Sukhdeo of Farm XI. They were followed by Fazal Rafeek of Regal XI; Narine Raghunandan and Nandshyaam Boodhoo of Petamba Enterprise; and Mark Harold of Wolf’s Warriors, who all snared seven wickets apiece, while Richard Latiff of Regal XI captured six scalps.
The players, for their individual brilliance, and the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association, for their excellence in organising the tournament, should be commended for another successful Guyana Softball Cup.
Anticipation is high for the fifth edition of the tournament in 2015.
Iwish to make this public statement.
Following conflicting reports about his future as captain of Trinidad and Tobago’s four day side for the upcoming franchise regional four day tournaent, West Indies Test captain Denesh Ramdin cleared the air on the briefing he recieved from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) with the following statement.
I have been advised that it is improper for me to speak on the issue of the recent tour to India and that I must defer to the authority and deliberations of the Task Force appointed by the WICB to inquire into that tour.
However, I wish to state that the circumstances that I have endured since my return to the Caribbean have been made unnecessarily difficult and uncertain.
I am a professional cricketer and I have committed myself fully to West Indies cricket and to cricket in Trinidad and Tobago, my home.
I accept and understand the responsibility that I owe to my region, my country, the WICB and the TTCB. I am fully aware that my responsibility is even greater, since I hold the positions of West Indies Captain and Trinidad Captain. I have experienced no greater pride than in representing my country and the West Indies cricket team.
I feel compelled to state that on my return from India, I was restricted from attendance at a practice session with the Trinidad and Tobago team on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Although I felt hurt and embarrassed, I knew that
I should remain committed to my responsibilities.
On Friday, October 31, 2014, in my capacity as Captain of the West Indies cricket team, I attended a meeting with the WICB chaired by the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister. At that meeting the WICB was represented by the WICB President, Dave Cameron, the WICB Vice President, Emmanuel
Nanthan and Baldath Mahabirand, who is also a member of the Trinidad Board. The Honourable Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada also attended the meeting.
At that meeting, the WICB gave an undertaking that the WICB would not in its selection policy victimise nor discriminate against any player who had gone on the tour to India.
At that meeting, the WICB also informed that it was appointing a Task Force to inquire into the events that led to the pre-mature ending of the India
tour.
On Monday, November 3, 2014, I attended a meeting with the TTCB. At that meeting, I was told that since I did not demonstrate proper leadership in relation to the tour in India, I would be relieved of the captaincy and would be replaced by Rayad Emrit. I understood this to be a punishment contrary to the undertaking given by the WICB at the meeting on Friday, October 31, 2014.
I am also advised that this action is a breach of my rights having regard to the fact that the Task Force appointed by the WICB has not made any findings and has made no findings of misconduct against me.
I remain available to freely communicate with the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and to receive communications therefrom on any matter pertaining to Trinidad cricket and to my involvement therein.
I have always been courteous and respectful in my relationship with the Board and I look forward to a harmonious relationship in the service of my country as a professional cricketer. I believe that it is the discipline and commitment that I have displayed that commended me to the position of Captain in the first place.
In spite of the actions of the TTCB, I wish to assure the public that my love for my country, for my region and for the game of cricket will never diminish and I humbly look forward to serving in our quest to regain glory within and beyond the boundary.
By Rajiv Bisnauth
Leon Johnson’s XI conceded a slender 56run first-innings lead to Vishual Singh’s XI despite a fighting half-century by Narsingh Deonarine on the third day of the Guyana Jaguars second practice game on Thursday at the National Stadium.
At the close of play on the penultimate day, Vishual Singh’s XI were 31-2 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 87 runs.
Having gained a slender lead, Singh’s XI lost Tagenarine Chanderpaul (12) and first innings centurion Shimron Hetmyer (7). Both batsmen were bowled by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.
Kandasammy Surujnarine was unbeaten on nine when play ended. Johnson’s XI were routed for 293 in their pursuit of 349.
After resuming 243 runs behind at 106-4, there was a desperate need for both overnight batsman Narsingh Deonarine and Christopher
Barnwell to push on from their shaky start the previous night.
The duo went about their business, playing with patience, and had their technique against spin rigorously tested for most part of the morning session.
To their credit the batsmen stretched their stand to 79. Sadly Barnwell was caught at the long-on boundary off part-time spinner Royston Crandon for 42.
On the other hand, Deonarine, who was making steady, but slow progress, was joined by Barbadian Raymond Riefier. The West Indies middleorder batsman batted with a perfect balance of sound defence and controlled aggression and spent 157 balls for his half-century. As a statement of intent, he also hit five boundaries.
Deonarine remain vigilant for entire session on 51, while Reifier, who survived a very confident leg-before wicket appeal off leg-spinner Amir Khan, was giving him company on seven.
– acknowledges claims from BCCI
Following a meeting of the Board of Directors by teleconference today (Thursday), to discuss the upcoming West Indies tour of South Africa, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) will next week provide dates on which the West Indies Test and Limited Overs squads will be announced. Further the Board of Directors of the West Indies Cricket Board held meetings by teleconference on Thursday, October 30 and Tuesday, November 4. Updates from these meetings are as follows: The members of the Task Force are; Michael Gordon QC – Chairman, Sir Wes Hall and Honourable Dennis Lalor. The WICB may add members to the Task Force pending their agreement.
The Secretary to the
Task Force is WICB attorney Alanna Medford. Mr Gerard Pinard will serve as Industrial Relations advisor to the Task Force.
The Team Management Unit debriefing will take place on November 11 in Antigua.
The WICB wishes to make it explicitly clear that contrary to media reports, Sir Richie Richardson has not been removed as Team Manager of the West Indies Team.
Further the WICB confirms receipt of a letter from the BCCI. The WICB will continue to use its best endeavours to meet with the BCCI to discuss all relevant matters pertaining to the premature end to the tour of India.
The WICB respects the decisions of the BCCI but continues to trust that discussions can result in a
mutually agreeable resolution.
The WICB reiterates that the events which led to the premature end to the tour of India were extremely unfortunate and the WICB is committed to ensuring that such events do not recur.
The WICB also confirms receipt of a letter from the
Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, The Honourable Dr Ralph Gonsalves.
The WICB has responded to Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves. The response is attached. The formal response followed several telephone conversations between Dr Gonsalves and
President Mr. Dave Cameron.
At the request of Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves, Mr Cameron, met, with Mr Dwayne Bravo and WIPA representatives in Port of Spain on Friday last, where Mr Cameron was for a meeting of the WICB Governance Committee.
Prime Minister, Dr Gonsalves facilitated the meeting along with Prime Minister of Grenada, The Honourable Dr Keith Mitchell.
Vice President, Emmanuel Nanthan, Director Baldath Mahabir and Corporate Secretary Verlyn Faustin also attended the meeting representing the WICB along with the Board’s attorney Luke Hamel-Smith.
WIPA President and CEO Wavell Hinds and the player association attorney
Patrick Foster QC participated via Skype. Mr Denesh Ramdin and attorney-at-law Ralph Thorne QC joined Mr Bravo in representing the interest of players who were on the tour of India (save for Marlon Samuels).
The WICB advises that following the meeting, the Board sent a draft joint statement to the attorneys representing WIPA and the players and is awaiting the response of the players’ attorney. A statement will be provided once such response is received. The WICB thanks the Honourable Prime Ministers for their interest in and facilitation of this matter and looks forward to their continued support and that of CARICOM with regard to the response to the communique from the BCCI. (WICB media release)