Guyana Times Daily - December 10, 2014

but ducks Presidential and PM candidates

Police arrest trio, seize

GPSU abandons workers – dodges media queries

Dazzel residents complain about poor state of roads

Lack of rape kits at regional hospitals – slows rate of convictions – GHRA IAC condemns alleged Leonora Police beating, Magistrate's 'loose talking' 2 Guyanese nabbed overseas with cocaine: in stomach and liqueur

Less than 30 turn out for anticorruption march

Dazzell residents complain about poor state of roads

wednesdAY, deceMBeR 10, 2014 | guYAnAtiMesgY.coM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

2014

Sterling Products invasion, murder...

Police arrest trio, seize car

– SWAT Unit not deployed

Three individuals have been arrested by the Guyana Police Force and are assisting with investigations into the Monday evening invasion of Sterling Products Limited at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) during which a guard was shot dead and another man injured.

This was confirmed by A Division (Georgetown) Commander Clifton Hicken, who told Guyana Times that the men were arrested and a silver car, impounded.

It was revealed that the arrest was as a result of information received by the Police Force and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage acquired from Sterling Products.

When asked about the surveillance footage, the divisional commander explained that the Police Force was in the process of “developing” the footage.

Questions have been raised by sections of society about the time the Police Officers from the Providence Police Station took to respond to the incident.

Observers said that the Police took too long to respond, given that the station was merely a stone’s throw away.

Concerns were also raised about the availability of the Police Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Unit which should have been available to respond to such an incident.

However, Hicken made it clear to Guyana Times that the ranks from Providence

did not take long to arrive at the scene. He, however, did not state the length of time it took them to arrive.

Crime Chief Leslie James, in a subsequent interview with the Guyana Times explained that sending in the SWAT Unit was a decision that would have to be made internally.

No such decision was made by the Force on Monday evening. He said “whenever the need arises, the Force will make that decision”.

Questions James was reluctant to provide an answer as to why no such decision was taken on the part of the Guyana Police Force.

Observers have questioned why the SWAT Unit was not deployed during the robbery despite being in place months now.

Government has said that the aim of the unit is to strengthen the Force’s law enforcement capabilities.

“With a SWAT Unit, the Guyana Police Force would be better placed to make specialised interventions, thereby, ensuring law and order is maintained, and prospective threats are neutralised,” the Home Affairs Ministry had said at the Unit’s launch.

The Ministry had engaged the services of ‘The Emergence Group’ (TEG), a Washington-based consultancy firm, to realise this initiative.

According to the Ministry, the establishment of a SWAT team had also received the full support of the leadership of the Guyana Police Force.

“There is absolute need for an elite police unit to go after the killers in our society, who are becoming bolder,” a former senior officer declared.

Forty-five-year-old Wilfred Stewart, of Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara, a security guard employed with Edward Beharry Security Firm, attached to

Sugar workers earn 4.5 days API

Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has awarded sugar workers 4.5 days’ pay for this year’s sugar production. As of Tuesday, sugar production stood at 208,949 tonnes across the industry.

The 2014 sugar production target was initially set at 216,000 tonnes before a decision was taken to increase the target to 219,000 tonnes. Despite adverse weather conditions, the first crop proved to be successful, with production surpassing the 75,000 tonne target. Instead some 80,000 tonnes was recorded during the first crop. Sugar production came in at a dismal 186,500 tonnes for 2013, but Guyana

has been taking the requisite steps to turn around the sugar industry with the hopes of producing 300,000 tonnes per annum in the near future. It is also projected that the sector will achieve its 400,000 tonne goal by 2020.

The Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Charles Ogle provided conciliatory services to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the Corporation after the parties reached an impasse at the end of two sessions on November 26 and December 3.

The CLO’s intervention on December 5 and 8 assisted GAWU and GuySuCo to make concessions which paved the way for the resolution of the workers’ Annual

Production Incentive (API) dispute.

Due to the deep financial crisis facing the industry, the workers would receive their incentive no later than February 27, 2015 rather than around the second week in January 2015.

However, the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Rajendra Singh assured the Union and workers that GuySuCo would pay the four per cent in wages/salary retroactive from January 1, 2014 on December 19, 2014. The retroactive payment would cover from January 1 to October 4, 2014, since increased pay rates were implemented from October 5, 2014.

Sterling Products Limited, was killed during the invasion on Monday evening. Stuart reportedly died on the spot after the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately. He was subsequently relieved of his firearm.

Indian national Mario Gohill, a Chemist employed with the company, was also shot during the gunfire and was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre after the gunmen had made good their escape.

At approximately 18:45h on Monday evening, about 10 men, all of whom were armed with high powered rifles, stormed the compound through the front gate.

But, according to a release from the Guyana Police Force, there were only three gunmen. The Police said too that Stewart was relieved of a .32 revolver with six rounds.

Police say the men were able to locate a safe in the building, but were unable to open it and proceeded to leave empty handed.

Where is the SWAT Team when it is needed? Not here

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Rhetoric and reality

Given the recent outpourings from the Khemraj Ramjattan-led Alliance For Change (AFC), it is clear that the small political party has big political ambition, but the gap between rhetoric and serious leadership is unavoidably conspicuous.

It is quite understandable that in this period of political hustling, wild and unfounded statements and ugly accusations would be a routine feature since from all indications, General Elections is on the horizon in 2015. But there is a trait that is unique in the AFC; their public parade of opportunistic politics is not something it will have to adapt itself to, as it has been in the mode for the past five years.

Perhaps, it steeply embraces the view that if an accusation is repeated ad nauseam, there is a strong likelihood that it would become ‘fact’ and would stick. It is therefore not surprising at all that the party has been harping on the mantra, “The Government is corrupt”, “The PPP/C has lost touch with the people”, and because of these two ‘problems’, the “AFC should be voted in to lead”.

This is the rhetoric, but where is the leadership? The AFC, following the 2011 elections, had gained the balance of power in the National Assembly, and with that, a great opportunity to demonstrate serious leadership that could have really burnished its claim of being a viable alternative for the ever present People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

But did this happen? The answer is an unequivocal no. What the AFC under Ramjattan was more concerned about was tag teaming with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to execute its vicious and narrow political agenda against the PPP/C Government. This included joining forces with APNU to butcher the National Budgets (this has been happening since 2011), severing vital social and developmental projects geared at benefitting the citizenry.

And in Ramjattan’s view, the action is just “collateral damage”, as his intention was to get at the PPP/C. Here is where a major flaw in leadership on the part of the AFC was exposed.

Sound leadership is void of vindictiveness and the goal is always to gain and build consensus; and as a political party, the AFC could have used the situation of any conflict between the PPP/C and APNU to its advantage, by presenting itself as a solution provider, in the interest of national development.

But this did not happen, in fact, the AFC did not demonstrate anything remotely close, and what the nation saw instead was a small party, true to form, one that never seems to emerge from infancy, and appears to be light years away from maturity. And yet, Ramjattan believes that the party has demonstrated prudent leadership under his watch, even as he sees nothing wrong in backtracking on his public conviction that the AFC will not join forces with APNU, by recently proposing an alliance with the coalition.

The first irony is that Ramjattan wants to lead the coalition but has never by a faint hint show that he has any inclination to change his image as a rabble-rouser, and the second is that if they do join, the AFC will become just another small party, but with more clout, in APNU.

In the scheme of things, Ramjattan’s leadership proposal could be viewed as either bizarre or narcissistic, since never before, a small party was allowed to lead a major political grouping here. There is more to this; the AFC had managed to get APNU to support its No-Confidence Motion against the Government, but had branded the coalition as an entity with “buyable members”.

If this and the coalition leadership proposal are not rank opportunistic politics, then what is? It is clear that the AFC in a bid to avoid being “dead meat”, is quite prepared to do as Ramjattan had said, “We gon knock them off one by one”.

Even the US is working toward a more perfect union

Dear Editor,

I refer to the Freddie Kissoon column, published on December 7. I was, indeed, shocked and pained by the intemperate language, bordering on the vituperative and vulgar, in that article. I felt the attack, personally, and I wondered, why?

I recognized that, partly, it was because it could have been directed at me; for, when I read about the event of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) dinner, on December 6, I concurred with what Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh was reported to have said at that event.

So, emotionally, I was reading the attack as one on me. Freddie is not right –and that column will anger many and misguide many others, intensifying discord in our society. I cannot find a redeeming feature in it at all!

My reaction, however, was tempered by some maxims that I recalled. One was that, to be attacked like that might be a good thing, and not a bad thing – it makes real or perceived differences in positions and views, very clear. But that intemperate language was not necessary; it was painful, and not helpful.

Freddie has allowed his frustrations to get the better of him! There will always be differences in positions and views, which rightly

ought to be debated, and in the course of that debate, we will all be educated and even amend our views.

In the course of getting things done in our country, with the people, the resources, including money, and the time available, one needs feed-back, particularly feedback that is critical in nature. It is in this view that, I admit, I read Freddie’s (and others’) columns, as often as I could.

There is no doubt that Freddie’s column presents a view from ‘another’ side. There is, thus, some ‘efficiency’ in reading Freddie, to get quickly some of the ‘other’ views.

A second maxim that consoled me some (particularly on reading Freddie’s columns), is about ignoring the person of the speaker, but paying attention to the words - how true or not, the words are. In this regard, I say without reservation that Ashni was correct, and Freddie is wrong - Freddie should eat his words!

What is the essence of Freddie’s criticism of what Ashni said? It is that Ashni’s reference to the 238-year-old USA still having democratic stalemates similar to, and at times even more intense than, that of our 48-yearold Guyana, is invalid and not relevant, because the effects of such stalemates and in-fighting are much more disastrous on Guyana, than

on the USA.

That the effects are likely to be more disastrous on Guyana is probably true, and should be something of great concern, but that does not invalidate or make Ashni’s reference irrelevant.

Ashni’s reference is not only correct, but it positions our experience within the process by which nations are built, and it helps us understand the problems that we face and how we may resolve them. What Ashni was saying is:

“Look, the people of the USA have been working for 238 years at achieving accord in their society, but still experience difficulties.

“Read in their 238-year history of nation-building – their meetings with the indigenous Indians, their ‘Wild West’ frontiers where, for a time, the various outlaws and saloon-keepers reigned, their civil war, their prohibition period – and you would recognize that they are working always towards a more perfect union, and you would get a feeling of the process of arriving at where they are today.

“We in Guyana have been working at it for 48 years - it is not easy, but we must not give up; we must keep on trying.”

As much as we would like it to be so, it would be unreasonable to expect that we would be as developed as the USA is, today.

I think that we (Ashni and I) and Freddie differ on what we consider as the starting state, the natural state of us humans, and the relations between us humans.

Freddie seems to hold and start from the view, that us humans start from a position of full accord, equality, law and order, perfect governance – all milk and honey –and that it is bad people, bad leaders, especially bad politicians, who cause humans to fall from such a state of grace.

We (Ashni and I) start from a different position –of human individuals with a myriad of conflicting, contradicting, contesting views, out of which a degree of law and order, some sorts of accord and governance, slowly emerges over time, through a series of events: an evolutionary process in which various persons feature –saints and devils, and persons in between – with good things and persons sometimes bringing bad results, and with bad things and bad persons sometimes bringing good results.

In our model, we can expect, and must work for, ever more perfect accord and governance, and are aware that new circumstances and situations keep arising, which put to test the accord, the governance, previously attained.

A beautiful sunrise over the Florida Coast

Security Officers perform a difficult, dangerous, and often thankless work

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Association of Private Security Organizations (GAPSO) is deeply saddened by the senseless and cowardly killing of Security Officer Wilfred Stewart on December 8, while on duty.

Officer Stewart was a 10-year veteran Security Officer of the Beharry Group of Companies Security Division, attached to the Sterling Products Limited. The private security industry has been thrown into a state of sorrow as a result of this horribly tragic incident.

Security Officers perform a difficult, dangerous, and often thankless

work of safeguarding and protecting. As we mourn Officer Stewart, let us also remember it is a dangerous job that people take for granted. Fortunately, this incident does not happen that often, but it can happen.

Nevertheless, with unflinching commitment, Security Officers protect our schools and businesses, and kept us safe as we go about our lives. To Officer Stewart family, we owe an unpayable debt. And to the men and women who carry his mission forward, we owe our unyielding support.

Just as Security Officers are trained to never let down their guard,

Even the US...

It is with this view, quixotic and trivial though it may seem to some, that I keep rejecting the description of us Guyanese as a divided, even splintered, society. That description suggests that we were one at some time: we were never one!

Fate threw our six ancestral groups together here, with all sorts of possibilities before them – the most difficult and challenging of which is the coming together, as one nation, to which we aspire, and which we have undertaken.

We are a people not divided, but a people coming together from very different starting positions. We

we must never let slide our thanks. We should extend our thanks not only in times of tragedy, but for every tragedy averted - every accident avoided because of the actions of Security Officers.

In other words, we must show our gratitude every day to Security Officers because of the job they have chosen to do.

GAPSO urges the Police investigators to now obtain satisfactory answers to the questions surrounding the facts and circumstances of this incident. It is essential that investigators take swift action, providing answers and ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to

From page 4

have been converging, closing much distance between us, but with some distance still to close!

In a similar way, I bristle on reading reports from multi-laterals and others, and on hearing our people, especially our youth, speaking about what Guyana does not have –as if these things should have just been there, and not things that have to be worked for, and to be built by us: things which we do not yet have, which we have not yet built, and which we are still to build.

Compared with the USA, Guyana is at a much earlier stage of all aspects of social, economic and po-

litical development.

That we will experience relatively more turbulence than the more mature USA and at the same time, be much more vulnerable to such turbulence, even to the point of becoming a socalled failed state, is troubling, but true.

Living together calls for sacrifices of our individual inclinations to some common order, which itself is established ‘on the run’. People make the sacrifices, the compromises, appropriate to the danger that they perceive.

It is the dangers that we perceive that motivates the level of sacrifices which might yet avoid fail-

justice. This will help ensure a similar act is not committed against another Security Officers.

GAPSO will continue to providing all necessary resources so that Security Officers can get the job done, while investing in training to prepare those on the front lines for potentially deadly scenarios.

At this time, GAPSO members’ thoughts and hearts are with Officer Stewart’s wife, two children and his family and friends. Our prayer is that God will encourage them in this difficult time.

Integrated Security Services

GAPSO

ure. Freddie starts from a different base, one assuming full accord as the point from which we start.

It is by working through differences over a number of generations that we have a hope of getting ever closer to some ideals of accord, democracy, good governance. Freddie was wrong. Fo Freddie should retract his wordsl

Samuel Hinds Prime Minister

GPL has disappointed its workers once again

Dear Editor,

Once again the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has disappointed its workers represented by National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU).

After more than one year of requesting joint negotiation between the GPL/ NAACIE/GPSU, the GPL continues to refuse even at the risk of having industrial action by its workers, who the company is aware of, the savings that can be accrued by the joint multiyear negotiation.

After inviting NAACIE and referring to a letter where both unions requested a meeting on December 4 threatening industrial action, the company refused to speak with NAACIE because of the presence of two members of the GPSU in an advisory position, even when GPL was supported by a legal personnel.

NAACIE has recognised that the GPL cannot and does not want to have

unity between the workers of the GPL and would go to all lengths to avoid this, to separate ideas, and encourage discord between its workers for its own purpose.

The unity that brought gains to the workers of the GPL through trade union struggles is now recognizably destroyed by the GPL. It is understood that the board is a part of this destruction of workers unity and unfortunately a sister Trade Unionist is the Chairman of this Human Resources Committee.

The workers of GPL must be prepared to struggle to avoid the imposition of wages in the company. If this is encouraged then workers must not be surprised when other conditions of work agreed on will no longer be available and new imposed conditions will be the order of the day.

NAACIE will work with GPSU and GPL to tackle these new impositions and non-negotiations now threatening.

NAACIE

Page Foundation

It now has more cases than anywhere in the world

Sierra Leone has the highest number of Ebola cases of any country, according to the most recent World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics.

Sierra Leone has seen 7780 cases of Ebola, more than the 7719 cases in Liberia, WHO figures published on Monday show. Some 17,800 people have fallen ill with virus in those two countries and in Guinea, 6187 of whom have died.

In the WHO’s latest situation report, published last week, the group said its goal of safely burying 70 per cent of Ebola victims and isolating 70 per cent of Ebola patients had been met in “most districts” of the three hardesthit West African countries.

The WHO cited Liberia as a

Ebola virus

Symptoms include high fever, bleeding and central nervous system damage

Spread by body fluids, such as blood and saliva

Fatality rate can reach 90 per cent – but current outbreak has mortality rate of about 70 per cent

Incubation period is two to 21 days

There is no proven vaccine or cure

Supportive care such as rehydrating patients who have diarrhoea and vomiting can help recovery

bright point in the global effort to contain the disease, reporting that case incidence was “stable or declining” in the struggling nation, where 3177 people have died from the disease.

Yet the WHO said that transmission of the virus was still “intense” in Sierra Leone, which at the beginning of the month reported more than 500 new cases over a period of just days.

The West African outbreak of Ebola is the deadliest ever.

The virus, which was first identified in 1976, causes vomiting, diarrhoea and bleeding.

People are infected through direct contact with the bodily fluids of a person who has the virus or has died from Ebola. (CNN and BBC News)

Fruit bats, a delicacy for some West Africans, are considered to be virus’s natural host Ebola deaths in West Africa

Up to December 3 - 6 6346

Deaths - probable, confirmed and suspected (Includes one in the US and six in Mali)

3177 Liberia 1742 Sierra Leone 1412 Guinea

8 Nigeria

1 Senegal Source: WHO

BY LESLIE CRAWFORD

Listen to grievances, acknowledge concerns

Faber says that the most important advice she gives parents is to listen to your child’s grievances against a sibling rather than dismiss them. “The best thing you can do is listen to each child with respect, and then encourage them to listen to one another.”

You’ll be tempted to play the part of judge (“You’re always being mean to your little sister!”), jury (“I take Emily’s side because you steal all her toys”), and jailer (“Until you can share your robot with Tyler, go to your room for a time-out”). But the trick is to refrain from trying to solve the conflict for them.

If you simply listen when your child says how jealous, angry, or hurt he’s feeling because of a sibling, he feels supported by you, which in turn, reduces his resentment toward the sibling. You don’t have to agree with him. Your role is to be a calm mediator who listens to each child’s side of the story so they both feel heard and understood.

Help them manage their anger

When things get heated, many parents assume that one child is the aggressor, the other the victim. “That

perception isn’t going to help children find a mutual solution,” says Keyser. Instead, it puts parents in the position of taking sides – again, a breeding ground for future resentment.

The most successful intervention, advises Keyser,

If the fighting’s already come to blows, put your hand between your children and tell them you can’t let them hurt each other. Once you’ve separated them, give them a chance to cool off. Then help them begin to start expressing their frustration in a

is to find a way to support both children. “It helps to remember that a child who is being aggressive is unhappy,” says Keyser. If your son is kicking his brother, it’s probably his way of saying, “I’m frustrated and scared and I don’t know how to tell you how mad I am.”

more positive way.

Keyser recommends saying, “It looks like you’re really angry. I’m wondering if there’s a safe way to express that feeling so your brother knows what’s going on with you.”

Faber suggests helping your children identi-

fy their feelings (“You two sound so mad at each other!”), or wishes (“Eric, you really want to play with the fire truck.” “Sam, you wish you could play with it, too.”) Then you can guide them toward a peaceful resolution. (“Do you want to pretend there’s a fire and play with it together? Or do you want to set the timer and take turns?”)

For your preverbal toddler who is stomping his feet and screaming in rage, you can help by giving voice to what he’s feeling, such as, “It made you really angry when the baby knocked down your blocks. Let’s find a safe place to play with them so that won’t happen again.”

When their children bicker, Kim Church and her husband have their 15 children do a chore together; usually they end up laughing together. When any of her seven children get into a spat, Michelle Fritz has them sit on the floor and tell each other what they like about one another. This helps them shift their mood from aggression to affection. As your children get older, they’ll learn from you and be able to find solutions on their own.

Remember: Siblings are forever When your children argue (and they will), it’s important to remind yourself, and them, of the bigger picture: A family is in it for the long haul. Laura Nelson of Gaylord Minnesota, mother of five children ages five to 20, believes her brood has formed a strong bond over the years because from day one she imparted the idea that as members of a family, they need to support and look out for each other.

“When they were little and had sibling spats, I would say, ‘This will always be your brother. This will always be your sister.’ You may leave or lose friends. But your family will always be your family.” Her children must have taken the message to heart, she says, since they’re exceptionally close now, often going on walks and talking about their lives together.

“One thing you can’t take away from your children is their shared history,” says Faber. “No one else shared those years in that home with those parents. That’s theirs forever. From that, they can form a very deep bond.” (www.babycenter.com)

Sharma's JFAP shuns AFC-PNCAPNU coalition

Leader of the Justice For All Party (JFAP), Jaipaul Sharma, has said that he will not be joining the Alliance For Change-People's National Congress-A Partnership for National Unity (AFC-PNCAPNU) coalition to contest the upcoming General and Regional Elections next year.

Speaking to the Guyana Times, Sharma pointed out that while he would not be joining forces with the AFCPNC-APNU he was of the opinion that the move to coalesce was a good one. “This should have been done a long time ago, but it’s good that they have taken this step. It will make them a wider and broader coalition,” he stated.

The JFAP Leader explained that as far as coalescing goes, the other small parties and unions have already coalesced with other bigger entities such as APNU. As such, he noted that the question of JFAP joining forces with another party was out of the question.

He said the JFAP intends to contest the elections as an independent party; however, he was unsure whether he would meet the criteria of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and be allowed to enter the race for the poll.

“We will go as an independent party if we qualify, then we will go to elections, but if not, then we can’t do anything,” the former Member of Parliament said.

The JFAP had joined the APNU coalition for the 2011 elections and was given one seat in Parliament.

However, in April during the 2014 National Budget Debate, there was a confrontation between Sharma and Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who had heckled some ridiculing statements about his father and party founder, Chandra Narine Sharma.

The APNU had spoken out against Manickchand’s

behaviour; however, Sharma subsequently felt upset that there was not much support from the leading APNU members sitting in the front row.

“APNU did not do well in protecting the coalition. I was waiting for them, but when no one got up, I decided to protect myself,” he had stated in referring to his resignation.

Asked on Tuesday whether he had gained the support of the AFC MPs at the time of the incident, Sharma explained that while no one stood up in his defence in the National Assembly, there was some level of support extended after he had resigned.

Flawed approach

On Saturday last, AFC held its Biennial Convention where re-elected leader Khemraj Ramjattan, announced that the party was willing to lead a broad prodemocracy coalition inclusive of the APNU to remove the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) from Government.

He said, “The AFC is ready to enter, if neces-

sary, into negotiations and to lead a pro-democracy alliance of progressive forces that is comprised of civic groups, workers’ unions, political forces – and by political forces here we are talking about even PPP/C members who have been disenchanted with the performance of the PPP/C thus far and even APNU.”

Meanwhile, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Aubrey Norton said he did not support the move by the AFC to form any deal with the APNU in establishing a broad national alliance for the upcoming elections. He stressed that the two main political parties must rid the country of the PPP/C Administration.

“The issue at hand is beating the PPP/C and getting rid of the PPP/C and the best approach to beating the PPP/C, in my opinion, the APNU has to continue to do its work in its constituency and the AFC has to continue doing its work with the aim of garnering more votes that were traditionally PPP/C,” Norton told a small forum on Sunday.

Salesman shot in ‘drive-by’

A23-year-old man is now hospitalised after he was shot by a bandit on the Number 72 Public Road, Corentyne Monday night.

Shazam Bacchus, called “Shortman”, of Number 78 Village, Corentyne was shot while awaiting transportation on the road.

The man’s mother, Bibi, said Bacchus was standing on the northern side of the road when a black car pulled up alongside him and an occupant discharged a round at him before speeding off.

The shooting occurred at approximately 20:00h.

She said that from his bed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the New Amsterdam Hospital, her son related that the occupant of the car called out, "Yo", and when he looked to see who it was, the man aimed the gun at close range and pulled the trigger.

Bacchus, a salesman employed with BN Wahab Grocery and Confectionery located in the Skeldon Market, had just finished working when the incident occurred.

After hearing the gunshot, one of the owners of the business came out and saw Bacchus lying on the road.

He picked him up and rushed him to the Skeldon Hospital from where he was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and was rushed into emergency surgery.

An uncle of Bacchus said the young man may have suffered a damaged intestine and kidney and a bruised liver, and that the bullet was still lodged in him. However, he stated that the doctors are doing their best to ensure his safety.

Relatives said Bacchus’s condition is somewhat stable but still critical. They were high in praise for the efficiency of the medical staff.

The family of Bacchus was puzzled as to why someone would want to hurt him since; as far as they were aware, he was not known to have problems with anyone.

Relatives were also of the view that robbery was not a motive as the attacker did

not stop to retrieve any valuables. They are calling on the Police for a timely investigation.

Bacchus, who is the eldest of five children, was described as a hard worker and mannerly person.

He has been employed as a salesman for the past two years with the Wahabs. A Police release said the Force is conducting an investigation into the shooting.

Monday’s shooting came just one week after a Princeton, Corriverton man was bludgeoned to death by four men, armed with knives and cutlasses, who pounced on his family and demanded cash and jewellery.

Shazam Bacchus

Leader of the Justice For All Party Jaipaul Sharma

Albouystown teen remanded for robbery under arms

Seventeen-yearold Earl De Souza of Albouystown, Georgetown, was remanded to prison after being arraigned on a robbery under arms charge.

The youngster made his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate

Lovers'

Ann McLennan on Tuesday morning.

It was alleged that on December 5, at La Penitence, Georgetown, in the company of another and being armed with a gun, he robbed Virtual Complainant (VC) Jasper Carter of the following: one gold chain valued $115,000 and one gold ring valued

$100,000 – totaling a sum of $215,000, which belonged to the VC.

The unrepresented defendant pleaded not guilty to the offence stating that he “does not know what is going on”.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones cited the nature, gravity and the penalty that the charge attracts as objections

spat lands Plaisance

to bail. He further mentioned that De Souza has no previous brushes with the law.

The prosecution’s objection was upheld and the defendant was remanded to prison. The case is said to be called again on January 5, 2015 where De Souza will appear before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

man in court to face threatening behaviour, assault charges

A39-year-old resident of Lot 81 Holmes Street, Plaisance, East Bank Demerara, was placed on $10,000 bail and a bond to keep the peace after being arraigned on threatening behaviour and unlawful assault charges.

Gavin Primo appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before presiding Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday morning.

It was alleged that on December 8 at Georgetown, he made use of threaten -

ing behaviour towards the Virtual Complainant (VC) Samantha Farena and also unlawfully assaulted her.

According to information received, the two parties were in a relationship but are now separated. On the day in question, Farena was about to board a route 50 minibus, when Primo approached her, scrambled her hair and tried pulling her out of the bus. She managed to get loose and re-entered the bus.

The court then heard that Primo picked up a

bottle and said that he will lash her. However, some public spirited citizens intervened. The matter was reported and Primo was arrested and charged.

However, the story became twisted when Primo addressed the court saying he brought the beer, but never said that he will hit the VC with the bottle.

Recounting the relationship he shared with the VC for the court, the defendant said that the VC threw him out of the house and was seeing someone else.

He added that on the day in question, he “just wanted to talk things through” and sort things out between them.

Listening to the defence as well as the prosecution, the Magistrate ruled that bail be granted in a sum of $10,000, and placed the defendant on a bond to keep the peace. He was further prohibited from going within 50 feet of Farena.

The matter was transferred to Magistrate Faith McGusty for December 15.

The fallacies of...

...the precariat

It's become very clear that as Ramjattan pursues his compulsions to slip into bed with the PNC - to get back at the PPP/C - he's jettisoning baggage from previous campaigns. The Indian-Guyanese who could've challenged him - like the "Donkey Cart" economist Khemraj and "Flower Boy" Ramsaroop - are long gone. In their place he's pulled in his fellow Berbician, Samad, who's playing a "double role".

First, he's an "Indian" and Berbician (wink...wink!!). And he can help them with their "Manifesto" - especially the bits on "culture". This allows Ramjattan to dump that incorrigible (expensive) hanger-on, Ruel Johnson, who cogged and cobbled together their "Culture Policies" in 2011.

This Eyewitness understands Johnson charges by the word for anything he writes for anyone - including the AFC. So Johnson's now hocking his services on the open market. Did you catch his shameless CV in the Stabber and the Muckraker??

The fella claims to've solved every problem that's ever presented itself to the Guyanese electorate - but sadly, folks just won't listen to him. Race?? So what if that's been a problem in every society for the past 400 years?

Ever since Europeans dragged us out of Africa and justified the slave system by "convincing" us that we just weren't quite human. Johnson's solution is sooo simple, we wonder why he hasn't been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize - DIALOGUE!! So how come no one even thought of this before - much less try it?? Hey!! This is what genius is all about! No??

"Suppression of media"??? Funny that you asked. Johnson's got that solved already. Just apply "stronger systems of democratic expression". You don't know what the hell that means?? Hey! that's another problem in dealing with genius writers - they're so far ahead of the rest of us, we can only hear or see DIMLY - if at all - what they heck they're describing. Some call it "dementia", but we won't go there!!

But Johnson revealed why he's hustling for "wuk" so blatantly. He let slip (Freudian?) the word "precarity"which he applied to the PPP/C.

Now if this Eyewitness may quote Wiki, (to ensure simplicity!): "Precarity is a condition of existence without predictability or security, affecting material or psychological welfare. Specifically, it is applied to the condition of intermittent or underemployment and the resultant precarious existence." Now doesn't this describe Ruel Johnson to a "T"??

Poor, long-in-the-tooth enfant terrible, why doesn't he come out and admit he's a member of the precariat?? He's from that social class where members have no job security, or no prospect of regular employment.

They're not actually the "lumpenproletariat". But their existence is just as "precarious".

...of leadership in the Opposition

Khemraj Ramjattan has set the cat among the pigeons with his demand that he be made "Leader" of any combined Opposition coalition that'll include his AFC. If you consider that Rupert Roopnarine from the WPA was made "Deputy Leader" of APNU when his party could barely muster five votes, much less the five seats of the AFC, the wanker might have a point.

And the point is that the only reason for any coalition to begin with is that the PNC would sell its firstborn to make folks forget that its...ummmm...the PNC!! So the point is - who'll provide the most cover to hide the sins of the PNC. From this standpoint, whatever cover a fossilised and extinct WPA member could provide with no seats...surely Ramjattan deserves to be bumped up with his five.

And from the "Deputy" the only way "up" is to replace Granger. So can you imagine this?? The party of Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham led by Ramjattan!!

Imagine that!!

...hubris

Caricom's latest demand that the US lifts its economic embargo on Cuba should remind that great country that it has lost too much political capital on hanging on to that relic of the Cold War. Like Kenny Rogers said, you gotta know when to fold it.

Jagdeo

vs Kissoon libel case

Plaintiff to reopen case after new evidence allowed

Attorney Sase Gunraj, who is working in association with Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos to represent former President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo in his $10 million lawsuit against controversial columnist Freddie Kissoon, is expected to have the plaintiff’s case reopened after new evidence was accepted in to the defence’s case a few months ago.

Earlier this year, Senior Counsel De Santos had objected to evidence given by defence’s witness and trade unionist Lincoln Lewis, who was testifying that the former President had financially neglected certain trade unions and the Critchlow Labour College. The Senior Counsel had told the court

that there were no particulars of the allegations that his client had practised “ideological racism” during his tenure as President. De Santos had further stated that there were no particulars of general assertions which give the defence the right to lead specific evidence, adding that if they proceeded to do so, then the evidence should be inadmissible.

In response, Kissoon’s Attorney, Nigel Hughes, had stated that the defence case is one of a plea of justification; as such, witnesses were being called to testify on areas of public and social services where “ideological racism” was practised. The Senior Counsel had then pointed out that the defence did not have the right to produce witnesses but to prove that the justifications rely on particulars and not assertions.

Duty-free vehicle scam...

US couple return to face charges with Glenn Lall

– settlement on the cards

Remigrant couple Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan are back in Guyana and are set to face charges levied against them by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for allegedly defrauding authorities of more than $100 million in import taxes for two luxury vehicles purchased in the United States.

GRA is claiming that the Brijnanans of Number 61 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, imported two Lexus LX 570 SUV motor vehicles into Guyana under the Government’s Remigrant Scheme.

Following arguments on the matter, presiding judge Justice Brassington Reynolds allowed the evidence to be included in the defence’s case; as such, the plaintiff’s attorneys indicated that they will be appealing the judge’s decision. This was in March and Justice Reynolds had stayed the trial to allow the appeal to be heard and completed before he continued with the case.

Review

However, some nine months later, no appeal has been filed. The plaintiff was also supposed to file a statement of reply to the amended defence; however, on Tuesday, Attorney Gunraj explained to the court that he was unable to confer with the Senior Counsel who was currently engaged in the criminal assizes on the statement of reply and the way forward.

He further mentioned that with the fresh evidence added to the defence’s case, the plaintiff would want to revisit his case and amend it. Attorney Hughes, in rebuttal, pointed out that from the time the first witness was called, the defence’s case was clear and has been justified. He reminded the court that the plaintiff was given time to file an appeal and never did.

Nevertheless, Gunraj requested that the court granted some time, to consult with De Santos and file the reply. Justice Reynolds granted him two weeks’ leave and informed the court that on that date, he will have to satisfy the court by ensuring the statement of reply is filed.

Justice Reynolds stated on that day, the plaintiff’s attorney should also confirm their intentions that is, whether they will reopen their case and provide the grounds on which they should be allowed to do so.

Former President Jagdeo had sued Kissoon, along with Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall and Editor-inChief Adam Harris, for $10 million for claiming in one of his columns that Jagdeo was an "ideological racist".

However, the two vehicles were not kept or used by the remigrants, which is a breach of the Customs Act and the conditions of the grant of the duty-free concession. GRA said investigations have revealed that the vehicles were being driven by the Publisher of Kaieteur News, Mohan

Lall, called Glenn Lall, and his wife, Bhena.

However, Guyana Times has learnt that a settlement deal may be in the making following discussions which Government officials have reportedly been having with Lall. One such scenario could mean a portion of the duty being paid off in exchange for the case being stuck off.

The authority has since seized the vehicles and filed six criminal charges against the four of them.

The Lalls along with the Brijnanans were jointly charged with two joint counts of knowingly being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of Customs on two Lexus LX570 motor vehicles between June and September this year.

The Lalls appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on October 13, to answer several charges to which they pleaded not guilty.The

Lalls were jointly charged with two counts of knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the GRA of duties on the said motor vehicles.

The remigrant couple were jointly charged with the offences of making and sub-

scribing to a false declaration in a matter relating to Customs.

When the matter was first called up in October, the Brijnanans had reportedly left the country were a noshow on the two occasions the case was heard.

On Tuesday, Guyana Times was informed that the couple voluntarily returned to Guyana and will be served with the charges shortly. If true, the Brijnanans will make their first court appearance on January 8, when the matter will be heard again by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The Lalls were released on their own recognisance on their first appearance.

The Lalls are being represented by a list of attorneys namely:

Khemraj Ramjattan, Nigel Hughes, Joseph Harmon, Christopher Ram, Rex McKay, Bettina Glasford, Brendan Glasford, and Robin Hunte.

Freddie Kissoon

Publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

Kitty fire leaves one homeless

Hundreds of thousands of dollars in household items went up in flames in the wee hours of Tuesday after a fire of unknown origin completely gutted a house and scorched several others in Kitty, Georgetown. The fire was reportedly spotted by neighbours around 02:00h.

The owner of the house whose name was given as Gregory Isaacs is in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Based on reports received, the house at Lot 67 Public Road, Kitty, did not have a source of electricity and Police believe the man, who lived alone, might have purposely set the blaze.

Isaacs did odd jobs in the neighbourhood and was last seen having a meal on the steps of the two-bedroom house.

Neighbours told me-

dia operatives that they were awakened by cracking sounds and as they looked out, they saw the man’s house on fire.

One woman recounted Isaacs trying to get back into the house with the intention of salvaging his valuables and he was injured in the process.

The woman added that due to the heavy breeze blowing in the area at the time, the wooden structure was quickly consumed by the blaze.

By the time the fire tenders arrived, the building was engulfed.

The firemen reportedly had to concentrate on saving the nearby building, which was already scorched.

Fire officials could not confirm at the time what may have contributed to the blaze, but an investigation has been launched.

2 Guyanese nabbed overseas with cocaine: in stomach and liqueur

AGuyanese man was busted at the VC Bird International Airport, Antigua and Barbuda at the weekend with the two pounds of cocaine he ingested.

Twenty-year-old Chanrdadav Lakhan was nabbed at the airport on Friday, after he arrived in Antigua aboard a Caribbean Airlines BW428 Flight from Georgetown, Guyana.

Lakhan was suspected of swallowing the cocaine, after he was apprehended by officers from the Narcotics Department, during their profiling. He

was taken to the Mount St John’s Medical Centre, where an X-ray confirmed that he had ingested a number of pellets.

While at the hospital, the accused excreted 98 pellets weighing a total of two pounds. He was charged with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supplying of cocaine and importation.

Meanwhile, another passenger from Guyana was also busted at New York’s John F Kennedy Airport over the weekend. The man who has been identified as Raphael Armstrong was nabbed with 6.3 pounds of cocaine when he arrived in New York on Caribbean Airlines BW526 Flight from Georgetown, Guyana. The cocaine was found concealed in bottles of cream liqueur which were in duty-free bags. According to information received, Armstrong was pulled aside for a customs inspection when he presented a black suitcase along with a yellow duty-free shopping bag.

The black suitcase was searched without any incident and the defendant remained calm, but as

Negotiations

Satiricus was relieved. No...he didn't RELIEVE himself - even though that always brought relief. He was just RELIEVED. He'd heard about the "Dance of the Thousand Veils". You know??... Where the stripper has to peel of layers and layers of gossamer to finally reveal what Satiricus ALWAYS knew was there. That string bikini!!!

But this here dance by Rum Jhaat had to be the "Dance of the Thousand Feints", since Rum Jhaat had been bobbing and weaving for years about whether he'd tie bundle with the Pee- an-See.

He'd stoutly denied he'd ever do it...meaning no matter how many stouts they plied him with, he kept his lips zipped. "Loose lips sink ships," his sponsors from the US Embassy always told him.

And now he'd finally done it!! But in the midst of his relief that the deed was done - and boat gone a watah - Satiricus couldn't help, but think as to how churlish the rest of the politicians were, carrying on snidely about Rum Jhaat's magnificent sacrifice.

First of all, they wouldn't even admit it was a "sacrifice". Rather than focus as to why Rum Jhaat was getting involved with the Pee-an-See when everybody knew they had the dreaded Kuh-Kuh-Beh, people were just getting their panties in a knot about Rum Jhaat hinting he'd be willing to be the top dog... the head honcho...the Man...the Leadah!

"What the heck?" thought Satiricus. "Wasn't RumJhaat a leader in his party the KFC?" Satiricus knew that RumJhaat didn't care about "leadership". He cared about money and he cared about Rum. And politics had given him both.

His father had been very prescient to name him Rum Jhaat. Anyhow, Green Bridge, Roop Na Rain and all the other fellas in the APANU were determined to humiliate Rum Jhaat. Rather than lining up to throw flower petals in his path as he entered the Pee-an-See, they were insisting that there had to be "negotiations"!!

"I don't believe that!" mumbled Satiricus. Had Eisenhower negotiated when he saved Europe?? Had MacArthur "negotiated" when he liberated Japan?? Why the heck should Rum Jhaat "negotiate" to save the Pee-an-See??

Satiricus had just the answer who thought like that and he wasn't afraid of telling them as he saw it: "In the immortal words of that fearless leader Rum Jhaat, HAUL YUH ASS!!!"

drug enforcement agents moved to inspect the duty-free bag, the young man started acting in a suspicious manner. In the bag, the customs agents found two 26-ounce bottles which “purported to contain rum cream liqueur”. While inspecting the bottles, the agents noticed that one of them was not sealed and had a strong odour coming out of it.

Armstrong was taken to a private room for a secondary search and the substance inside of the two bottles were tested and found to be cocaine. The man was immediately arrested and charged for drug trafficking. He has been remanded to prison. Bail was objected to since he has no ties to the United States and most of his family reside in Guyana.

The ruins of the house

PPP/C reiterates radio licences issuance was fair

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said it has noted with deep concern recent statements emanating from certain “misinformed political quarters and mischief makers who are in the habit of spreading half-truths and distortions with respect to the assignment of radio frequencies” .

In this regard, the Party said it has taken note of the persistent and wrongful accusations levelled against

former President Bharrat Jagdeo purporting that he “gave away Guyana’s patrimony” when he sought to approve spectrum space for radio broadcasts in Guyana.

“The false accusation of “giving away to friends” needs to be addressed. Approvals to broadcast via radio were given to ten persons or entities in 2011 after the passage of the Broadcasting Act 2011. Prior to this date, the only entity broadcasting via radio was NCN.”

The PPP/C reminded, in its statements, that those granted radio licences were: Alfro Alphonso – Essequibo Coast; RS Christie – Berbice; Haslyn Graham – Linden; Hits & Jams Entertainment – East Coast Demerara; Rudy Grant – Georgetown; Telcor Inc – Georgetown; Wireless Connections Inc – Georgetown; National Communications Network – Georgetown; New Guyana Company Ltd – countrywide and Radio Guyana Inc –countrywide.

Court order, not friendship

The Party said that with specific reference to Radio Guyana Inc, it should be noted that this approval was given in compliance with an order of the court in a matter that had been filed by Anthony Vieira prior to his selling his communications empire to Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop.

“Dr Ramroop is always referred to by the former President’s detractors as his “best friend”. Well, even Presidents deserve best friends, but the approval to operate a radio station given to Dr Ramroop’s company was not given by virtue of friendship. Instead it was by virtue of a court order,” the PPP/C asserted.

According to the ruling party, one needs to look at the other nine approvals and judge whether it is not geography rather friendship which was taken into account. The PPP/C said Vieira, truly one

of the pioneers of television broadcasting in Guyana, notwithstanding how many copyright infringement laws he may have broken, now by his writings and utterings, seems to want to have his cake having already eaten it.

“Vieira now wants to be recognised as an expert on technical matters regarding Guyana’ spectrum availability, misquoting the Chairman of the GNBA [Guyana National Broadcast Authority] in the process.

"The truth is that Mr Vieira sold his interests in broadcasting for a hefty sum of money and is now desperately trying to remain relevant in the area of broadcasting.

"The PPP/C denounces these blatant half-truths and distortions of the facts and calls upon Guyanese to reject the attempts by the mischief makers who waste no time to utilise every opportunity to throw dust in the eyes of the unsuspecting public.”

GBTI gives cash donations to 9 NGOs

The Guyana Bank of Trade and Industry (GBTI) on Tuesday honoured nine Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) at its annual donation ceremony held at its corporate office, in Kingston, Georgetown.

Those honoured were the Guyana Relief Council, the Guyana Red Cross Society, Uncle Eddie’s Home, David Rose School for Handicapped Children, Dharam Shala – Benevolent Home for all races, The Periwinkle Club, the Guyana Society for the Blind, Food For The Poor Guyana Inc (FFTP), and the Salvation Army.

Administrative Manager, Sean Noel in addressing the recipients at the ceremony, stated that it is heartening and noble for such organisations to work together to help people in need, even as the world be-

comes more challenging day by day.

“GBTI is pleased to continue to support these organisations in their pursuit of such a noble goal of helping others,” Noel said, adding that the nine groups are known for their dynamism, effectiveness and their level of accountability which is why they continue to be recognised for their work and benefit from the benevolence of the Bank.

“We know that it is very difficult for you to solely be dependent on the beneficence of society which means that sometimes you don’t get all that you need. In this regard, we hope that you continue to receive support from society in the same was as we continue to support you,” Noel told the NGO representatives.

He also acknowledged all other NGOs and applauded

them for their charitable work. He announced that the nine groups can continue to look forward to annual support from the Bank. Upon receipt of the donations, a Food For The Poor representative thanked GBTI on behalf of the organisations, stating that without such acts of kindness, NGOs would be unable to carry out their work.

“That is why we get excited at times like these because times are getting harder, work is getting bigger and funds are getting smaller, so organisations like GBTI help us to replenish our funds and we thank you in a very big way for that.”

He stated that the Bank will serve as an example for other organisations to follow and help such charitable entities to help people in need.

Several NGO receiving their donations from GBTI at the ceremony

Anthony Vieira

Chairman of the GNBA Board, Bibi Shaddick

wednesdAY, december 10, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

GPSU abandons workers

– dodges media queries

More than a week after Government announced a five per cent pay hike for public servants; their union has abandoned any effort to seek redress, despite issuing an earlier ultimatum to the ruling Administration, threatening actions.

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has also stonewalled the media on the Union’s plan following Government’s of five and eight per cent increases for Public Sector workers.

Although signalling the Union’s rejection over the increases and holding numerous meetings on the way forward, GPSU President Patrick Yarde continues to snub the media on his organisation’s plan of action against Government.

Efforts to contact the Union President on Tuesday via telephone were continuously thwarted as he refused to speak with this publication.

Guyana Times subsequently visited Yarde’s Shiv Chanderpaul Drive Office but was told that he was in another meeting.

When this newspaper called his office at a later time, it was informed by Yarde’s Secretary that he will not be speaking with the media on the issue.

Yarde, in a fit of anger last week had promised that the Union would be mobilising its members across the country to become engaged in protest action against the Government which had failed to come to the negotiating table over the imposed wages and salaries.

The Union, through a letter to the President Donald Ramotar last Tuesday, had also given Government a

48-hour ultimatum for it to meet with the Union’s leaders to thrash out the issues of collective bargaining and an agreeable salary increase.

However, at the end of that period Thursday last, Yarde could not provide this publication with an update.

Public servants and members of the Disciplined Forces earning above $50,000 monthly wages and salaries as of December 31, 2013 are being granted an across the board increase of five per cent.

Those earning less than $50,000 monthly as at December 31, 2013 would be receiving eight per cent.

A source close to the GPSU told Guyana Times that as far as he knows, the organisation has not yet received a response from the President or the Public Service Ministry.

He added that Government has already probably gone ahead with the preparation of the payout, noting that it may be too late for consultations.

The source said that whatever payment is prepared by Government, would most obviously be an interim payment, since the Union still has to meet with the Administration for consultations.

Civil society and Public Sector workers had shrugged at the“facade” and “pompousness” exhibited by the GPSU at its press conference last week, calling the organisation a “toothless poodle” and its talks about protest action nothing more than another “bluff”.

“Every year is the same thing with him and the people at the GPSU,” one man had told Guyana Times

GPSU President Patrick Yarde

The GPSU and Yarde have been under severe criticisms for the lack of efficiency and full representation of its members, usually failing to stick to the initial stance taken against Government.

Critics say Yarde’s performance and that of the GPSU are more like a “time waster”, saying that over the years, Government has been carrying out its imposition and the GPSU has been accepting those offers.

Yarde had admitted that the Union at which he has been at the helm of over the last 13 years has been failing the people it represents.

Questions were asked about what new initiatives the GPSU would be bringing to the table, since the current situation has been recurring over the years.

Yarde, in responding, had said that the Union was not “hasty in its operations”, disclosing that there is so much that he and the Union could have done differently for public service employees.

“I must tell you that everyone – leader and members could have done better. There are things that I could have done better.

"We are dealing with a very peculiar situation in this country and sometimes that leniency that I have displayed I have regretted it,” Yarde had told journalists.

Minister Benn calls for peace to facilitate progress

… in wake of photograph which appeared in Kaieteur News

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn expressed his disgust over a photograph that appeared in the Kaieteur News to members of the media on Sunday.

The photograph, which was carried in Sunday’s edition of the newspaper, was part of the headline story captioned, “Multibilliondollar Amaila Falls Access road… Chinese-built section washing away.”

The article sought to establish that works done by China Railway First Group (Guyana) Inc on Section Seven of the access road were of a substandard quality.

“Just a few weeks after Government said that a critical section of the multibillion-dollar access road to the Amaila Falls hydroelectric dam has been completed, there is indisputable evidence that parts of it are washing away,” the article claimed.

However, speaking during the launch of the Guyoil aviation fuel farm at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Benn said that loam erosion is a normal maintenance problem for that type of road.

“It was fairly annoying to me when I saw in one section of the press a photo showing a suggestion of a road we are building to the Amaila Falls.”

Benn added that he was of the belief that persons from the newspaper may have travelled along the 200-kilometre roadway looking for holes to highlight in the article.

Recently, Minister Benn had announced that the roadway was about 93 per cent complete. In April of this year, $1.3 billion was approved by the National Assembly for the construction of the roadway which leads to the hydro-power project site.

This was done without the support of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) while the Alliance For Change (AFC) abstained from the vote. AFC Vice Chairman

Moses Nagamootoo told the Committee of Supply back in April that the AFC would not vote against the capital expenditure, although it had concerns about the provision of funds for the Amaila Access Road.

The Minister said in order for progress to prevail, people need to stop beating up on each other on very specious grounds, as the constant back-and-forth bickering can discourage youths from working to develop Guyana.

“If we keep beating up on each other on very specious grounds, it will not give encouragement, assistance and energy required for our next generation to walk with us and to be encouraged to develop our country,” Benn declared.

He added that developments such as the East Bank four-lane highway and foreign investments into various sections of the economy are tangible signs of progress in Guyana.

The Amaila Falls Project is expected to significantly reduce the cost of electricity across Guyana. President Donald Ramotar has continuously said that the realisation of this project will allow Government to invest its $1.6 billion subsidy to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) in other sections of the economy.

Dazzell residents complain about poor state of roads

Residents of Dazzel Housing Scheme on the East Coast of Demerara say they are placed under severe pressure by the condition of the

main access road in the community.

Sources say Government had earlier this year provided some $50 million for the improvement of road conditions in the community. While few of the streets in the scheme have been renovated, there are concerns that the remaining streets to the back of the scheme may never be done.

Residents said a person coming in from the front of the scheme would never believe that such conditions exist. They claim that the works which seem to have several phases end somewhere at the seventh street.

“Every car coming in here thinks it’s a good road until they reach at Sixth Street. Taxi ain’t want bring you and when the water flood at the back nobody ain’t want go back there.

“I living in this area for 20 years and this is the shortest street in the area,” one woman told Guyana Times during a visit to the community on Sunday. “You go to other villages and you find proper roads and drainage. We just need the road to be done and the drain dug.”

“The road that we have to use to go in and out is terrible. It’s not fair some people have streets and some do not. Many communities come after us and have everything,” another resident said.

Car drivers who traverse the area have also expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition. “Our problem is this road where the front part has already been completed. I can’t say if the money is not enough or what. The situation is terrible because it’s not just the road, it is about drainage and irrigation as well. When it rains, it is flooded and even after the rain stops, the water continues to rise... We don’t know, we need assistance,” a car driver living in the area lamented.

“While coming in here I feel like it’s a safari because you have to be dashing and swerving. I’ve changed tyres already: I have never seen any street in this country being done half way to be continued for a long period and being left. I really think that they should fix these roads … it’s ridiculous,” one woman told Guyana Times

Public Works Minister Robeson Benn

Lack of rape kits at regional hospitals slows rate of convictions – GHRA

Co-President of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), Mike Mc Cormack, said Guyana’s regional hospitals do not have rape kits, which grossly affects the conviction rate for rape cases that go to trial.

The Co-President of the GHRA spoke to Guyana Times exclusively about the absence of rape kits in many of the country’s public hospitals. He said the only hospital that has this tool is the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). A rape kits is a small, enclosed box doctors use to examine rape victims in case of a trial. The kit consists of a number of small boxes, instructions, microscope slides and plastic bags for collecting and storing evidence such as clothing fibres, hairs, saliva, blood, semen or other bodily fluids, which may help identify the assailant and provide evidence supporting prosecution in a criminal trial.

The process of collecting the evidence for the kit takes hours. This publication checked on the availability of these kits at a number of hospitals and found that regional hospitals do not have rape kits. Private hospitals in Guyana also do

not have this tool, although Woodlands Hospital and the St Joseph Mercy Hospital offer medical examinations to rape victims.

A doctor who has performed a rape kit examination told Guyana Times that there are 13 steps that the kit dictates doctors must follow thoroughly to ensure that the evidence gathered for a solid case is not compromised. A Sister from the public hospital added that it was protocol for Police officers to always be present when the examinations are going on, so whatever evidence is gathered is recorded and stored for future testing and verification.

Women’s right issue Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran told this publication that he had instructed Dr Bacchan, from the Regional Health Office, earlier in the year to ensure all regional hospitals carry the rape kits.

“Well, I know the hospital should be having rape kits. (It was) instructed that there should be rape kits. This issue is becoming a women rights issue; this has been one of the issues stressing the nation,” Minister Ramsaran stated.

IAC condemns alleged Leonora Police beating, Magistrate's 'loose talking'

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC)

said it has noted with grave concern the death of Asif Rahim Khatoon following an alleged beating while in custody at the Leonora Police Station, West Coast Demerara. His shocking death has plunged his family into profound grief leaving four children and a mother without a father and a breadwinner.

In a statement, the IAC said it would be difficult to fathom the tremendous challenges Rahim’s wife and his four children would now endure following his tragic demise. In addition to the death of Khatoon, the IAC is also concerned over the alleged impropriety perpetrated against Seerojanie Singh allegedly by Magistrate Alex Moore during the hearing of a case at the Sparendaam Court. Singh made known publicly the indignity she allegedly suffered during that case hearing. “The IAC

forthrightly condemns these acts allegedly perpetrated by those who are supposed to protect against such actions. It, therefore, becomes worrisome when those tasked with such responsibility would allegedly indulge in such inhumane behaviour. This can only lead to an intensification of the erosion of trust in some who are so charged with the responsibility to protect and serve.”

The organisation called on the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in determining the truth. More so, the IAC urged swift and thorough investigations into the incidents. “The IAC remains adamant that the right to due process by every citizen must be observed by those entrusted with such responsibility and calls on civil society to emphasise same. The IAC would like to take this opportunity to express deepest condolences to the late Mr ... [Khatoon’s] family in this time of grief.”

He said that he would be looking into the reason why such kits were not yet available at the hospitals as “rape kits are special kits necessary for follow-up action, due procedure... rape is a serious offence, an attack on our civilisation”.

However, a doctor from a private hospital, familiar with the medical examination of rape victims, stated that rape kits are not a necessity. He says that rape cases can be successfully prosecuted with the evidence gathered from normal medical examinations. End the Backlog (an advocate website) disagrees however.

Closure

The website states that such kits store their information for quite a long time, whether a victim chooses to report a case or not to the Police, doctors are obligated to use the kit then seal it until tests are to be done on the samples taken off of the rape victim. Such tests can reveal

multiple crimes, sex offences or even identify a rapist years after the fact.

One rape victim was quoted as stating that “if I could know that the kit was available and could be tested even 25 years later, and the DNA could be identified as belonging to a certain person, I would be able to have that information (for) the rest of my life. For me, it isn’t at all about whether prosecution is still an option; it is about closure.”

As of September, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had revealed that there were a total of 140 reported cases of rape – about one case every two days. This is a reduction when compared with the 2013 figure of 179 between January to July.

However, with there being no increase in the conviction rate of rapists due to flimsy evidence and shoddy prosecution of such cases, one questions whether rape kits should not be given more priority to ensure

such predators are taken off the streets. It was only this year that Attorney General Anil Nandlall had reported that there were no convictions for sexual offences since 2011 due to an inefficient jury system and reluctant witnesses.

The Attorney General had also pointed out the blaring fact that in the years 2012 and 2013, only 22 cases had enough evidence to

go to court and none resulted in a conviction, even with the Sexual Offences Act being completed in 2012. The GHRA had done a study in 2005 titled “Without Conviction: Sexual Violence Cases in The Guyana Justice Process”, which revealed that Guyana only reached an average conviction rate of 1.4 per cent in rape cases, indicating that not much has changed since then.

Some of the items found in a rape kit

Asif Rahim Khatoon Magistrate Alex Moore

AFC floats new team

…but ducks Presidential and PM candidates

Social media activist

Mark Ross and Dr Versammy Ramayya are among 12 persons who were last Saturday elected to serve on the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Alliance For Change (AFC) at the party’s biennial National Conference.

This was on Tuesday confirmed by AFC Youth Leader Trevor Williams,

who was also elected to the NEC after the party elections on Saturday.

The AFC failed to elect a Presidential or Prime Ministerial candidate for the upcoming elections, notwithstanding its leader Khemraj Ramjattan had declared months ago that he was backing Moses Nagamootoo for the top post and Nigel Hughes as his

deputy.

Williams also confirmed in addition to himself, Ramayya and Ross, the following were appointed: AFC Member of Parliament (MP) Cathy Hughes; Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman; former MP Sarah Punalall; MP Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Abel Seetaram; Vladmir Glasgow; Michael Carrington; Neilson

McKenzie; and Charrandass Persaud.

It was explained that these persons would be added to the existing contingent of the AFC’s Executive Committee.

When the party’s National Conference concluded, there was no change in its leadership after the incumbent leaders returned unopposed.

This was confirmed by

the party’s Vice-Chairman, Moses Nagamootoo who remarked that the conference was a huge success.

However, in a subsequent release to the media, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) said the AFC was using Nagamootoo as an “errand boy” in its campaign to steal PPP/C

voters.

According to a release from the Party, “Nagamootoo is highly unpopular within his party and would never be elected as the Presidential Candidate for the AFC were he to stand for such a high office at a convention of the AFC”.

The release said Nagamootoo and AFC Leader Ramjattan “have conspired against upholding the pathway to elect the Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidate of the AFC at their Biennial Convention and have instead opted for the same pathway they had once openly rejected”. The Party said too that because of the lack of support for Nagamootoo,

the AFC’s strategy follows that of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). According to the PPP/C, this strategy is “to set up Nagamootoo to go for PPP/C votes knowing that Nigel Hughes is more popular within the AFC, but who will not succeed in wooing PPP/C voters. The strategy, therefore, is to set up Nagamootoo as the errand boy to woo PPP/C voters and then later to use him as the delivery boy to deliver whatever paltry votes the AFC may win to APNU with the hope of increasing the joint Opposition’s votes at the upcoming elections.”

Efforts made to obtain a statement from the AFC Leader and Nagamootoo proved futile.

Lottery Company announces winners in “Best

of the best”

Promotion

The Guyana Lottery Company on Tuesday drew the much-anticipated “Best of the Best” Promotion at its Robb Street, Georgetown office.

The drawing saw persons walking away with two 2014 KIA Rio Sedans, two Samsung Curve television sets, two Bose Sound Systems, 10 Canon DSLR Digital cameras, Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S5s, Apple iPads, PlayStation PS-4 and 10 consolation prizes of $100,000 in food vouchers.

The winners of the two cars were M Hussain of Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Habeeb Bonds of North East La Penitence, Georgetown. Most of the winners of the other prizes came from Berbice and East and West Demerara.

General Manager of the Lotto Company, Tracy Lewis said the promotion was intended to give back to customers who have been supporting them over the years.

Winners of the promotion are expected to receive their prizes on Saturday at a simple handing over ceremony at the Cara Lodge.

In terms of public relations, Lewis confirmed that there was a new policy which states that the identity and photographs of persons must be published in the newspapers after winning the lottery. She was at the time responding to the question: “Is it safe to have people being published after winning the lottery, despite the recent spate of robberies in Guyana”

She said that the company would publish the winners, but months before issuing them with their cheque. She added that most persons who appear in the

newspapers do not appear to be their real selves, noting that the customers are ‘sensible’ and would wear serious disguises when it was time for the media

“I don’t think there’s a big issue with persons being published in the papers after winning the lottery, In fact, most times when we have these winners we do not award them right away, or right after publishing them, we give it time, also when these persons come to take their photos for the newspapers they are most times ... well disguised, with false hair, moustache, so they are safe,” Lewis said.

Guyana Lottery Company General Manager Tracey Lewis announcing the winners

Mark Ross

Vladmir Glasgow Abel Seetaram

Around the world

US Senate report condemns CIA brutality

AUnited States Senate report on harsh techniques employed to interrogate ‘terror’ suspects post-9/11 attacks has condemned the CIA for brutality and deception.

The heavily redacted 480-page report – published on Tuesday – covered the treatment of around 100 suspects rounded up by US operatives between 2001 and 2009 on terrorism charges.

The full 6200-page report remains classified. Ahead of the publication of the report, the US had tightened security at its embassies across the globe.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Dianne Feinstein said the techniques used by the CIA were “far more brutal than people were led to believe” and that “coercive techniques regu-

larly resulted in fabricated information” from detainees.

“There are those who will seize upon the report and say see what the Americans did? And they will try to use

it to justify evil actions or incite more violence,” said Feinstein. “We can’t prevent that, but history will judge us by our commitment to a just society governed by law and the willingness to face

an ugly truth and say never again.”

The report said harsh CIA interrogations produced much bad information, including a fake story about al-Qaeda recruiting AfricanAmericans. It said the interrogations were ineffective and never produced information that led to foiling of “imminent terror threat”.

The report followed a five-year investigation by the Senate Intelligence Committee into the programme. The CIA maintained the harsh techniques were effective and foiled terrorist plots.

The report said the CIA misled the public and policymakers about the programme, much of which was developed, operated and assessed by two outside contractors. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

GCC summit looks to tackle Iran, ISIL

Gulf Arab leaders have gathered in the Qatari capital for a summit expected to push forward plans for a unified military command and an Interpol-like agency to counter regional foe Iran and armed jihadist groups.

Tuesday’s meeting of the heads of states from the sixmember Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was inaugurated in Doha by Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, who spoke of the need to address “terrorism”.

“We have no choice but to face terrorism,” he said in his opening statement.

“Terrorism prevention is better than trying to cure it after it expands," he added.

The Kuwaiti Emir Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah said in the opening ceremony that the presence of different views among the Gulf States is “natural”, but that it should develop into a standoff.

The bloc was expected to issue a joint communiqué later on Tuesday.

The annual meeting comes after an eightmonth diplomatic spat in the bloc which pitted Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain against Qatar over its alleged support for the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood, from which toppled Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi hailed, has been labelled a “terrorist organisation” by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The other two GCC members, Kuwait and

Hong Kong protesters brace for clearance after injunction published

Hong Kong’s protesters are bracing for the clearance of parts of their main occupation camp, after an injunction paved the way for officials to move in.

On Tuesday, a High Court ruling that ordered the clearance of three parts of the Admiralty protest camp was published in local papers.

A lawyer for the firm behind the ruling said protest-

ers should leave the area before 09:00 (01:00 GMT) on Thursday.

The pro-democracy protesters want Beijing to agree to electoral reform.

The injunction against the main site – near Government buildings –was secured by bus company All China Express Ltd on December 1. It said the ongoing protests were disrupting its business.

On Monday, the High

Court issued the official clearance order. Its publication in local newspapers is a legal requirement before action can go ahead.

The order authorises bailiffs to move in and to “request the assistance of the Police where necessary” to remove “obstructions” in the three designated areas.

Paul Tse, the lawyer representing the company, said dismantling work would begin on Thursday morning. (Excerpt from BBC News)

French hostage freed in Mali

France’s only remaining hostage held abroad has been freed, French President Francois Hollande said.

Serge Lazarevic, who was kidnapped in Mali in 2011, was freed on Tuesday.

“Our hostage Serge Lazarevic, our last hostage is free,” Hollande said, without naming the location where the hostage was freed and how he was released.

“There are no more

French hostages in any country in the world.”

Al Jazeera’s Jacky Rowland, reporting from Paris, said it was not clear whether the Government had paid a ransom although French authorities have in the past paid kidnappers to have French hostages freed.

Hollande said Lazarevic, 51, would be met by his daughter in Niger’s capital Niamey before making his way back to France where

he and his family would be welcomed by the President.

“He is in relatively good health, despite the gruelling conditions of his long captivity,” said Hollande.

A Malian security source explained that the final stages of Lazarevic’s release had taken place in the northern desert city of Kidal.

“I won’t say if there was a ransom payment or liberation of prisoners,” the source told the AFP news agency.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Mugabe sacks Vice President Mujuru

Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe has fired his deputy Joice Mujuru along with eight ministers aligned to her, days after she lost her post in the ruling party, officials said.

Mugabe sacked Mujuru, 59, on Tuesday after weeks of accusations that she had led a “treacherous cabal” to try to unseat Mugabe.

Oman, tried to stay neutral.

A reconciliation meeting attended by the six Foreign Ministers three weeks ago in the Saudi capital Riyadh, appears to have eased tensions and paved the way for the one-day summit.

“The fact that the meeting is taking place is in itself a success,” Abdul Aziz Aluwaisheg, Assistant Secretary General of the GCC, told Al Jazeera. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The sacked officials received their dismissal letters on Monday night, reported the Reuters news agency, citing two Government sources it said declined to be named as they were not authorised to speak to the media.

Al Jazeera’s Haru Mutasa, reporting from the capital Harare, said Mugabe “says he has evidence that Mujuru met with US officials, and in this meeting they plotted a plan to try and remove” him from office.

“Supporters of ZANU-

PF are concerned that there could be a split [in the party]. They know that Mujuru has been a member of the party for many years – even before independence from British rule in 1980,” said our correspondent.

“She does have a following – a lot of women supporters thought that she would perhaps be the first woman President of Zimbabwe one day, should Mugabe step down.”

Mujuru on Tuesday blamed “a well-orchestrated smear campaign and gross abuse of state apparatus” that led to the loss of her ruling party post and shook Zimbabwean politics, the AFP news agency reported. Mujuru, who once looked likely to succeed Mugabe –in power for 34 years – has been accused of plotting to assassinate the 90-year-old and removed from the ruling ZANU-PF party’s central committee. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Joice Mujuru

Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Dianne Feinstein

Agri Ministry gears up for rainy season

As the rainy season approaches, the Agriculture Ministry has been ramping up its preparations to ensure the drainage and irrigation system (D&I) is ready for the heavy rainfall expected.

Over the past week, four additional pump stations were operationalised, in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

In a release, the Ministry said the availability of these additional stations represents a significant expansion of the drainage system and adds critical capacity to the system as Guyana continues to adapt to changing weather patterns.

“One of the priorities of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government was to rebuild, expand and improve the drainage and irrigation system which between the 1970s and 1980s suffered significant contraction and deterioration. During that period, several important pump stations were closed and others reduced in capacity,” the release noted.

Most of the closed stations have been restored and others are being expanded, the Ministry said. In addition, stations at new locations are being established. All of the new pump stations operationalised in the last week are new locations which now have permanent pumping capacity for the first time.

pumping capacity by 720 cu ft/sec, which is equivalent to in excess of 18 million gallons of water per hour. This improved drainage service will benefit approximately 16,000 acres of mostly agricultural land.

Record capacity

This year alone, pumped drainage capacity for Guyana has increased by more than 1100 cuft/sec. This represents the largest increase in Guyana’s pumped drainage capacity in any single year.

According to the NDIA, the increase in capacity means that the country can now pump an additional 30 million gallons of water per hour. In the first quarter of 2015, the Authority is expect-

The new pump stations are at Paradise, East Coast Demerara (Region Four); Pine Ground, Mahaicony (Region Five); Canal Number One Polder, West Bank Demerara (Region Three); and Vrede-enVriendschap, Canje (Region Six). These collectively add 720 cubic feet per second (cuft/sec) drainage capacity to the system.

Earlier this year, Rose Hall Town, Number 19 Village, Patentia, and Three Friends Pump Stations with a combined capacity of 390 cuft/sec were commissioned. Before the end of the year, Windsor Forest Pump Station with a 200 cuft/sec capacity will be added to that list. The Mibikuri irrigation pump capacity was also expanded by about 200 cuft/sec this year.

The significant additions so far this year are consistent with the policy of the Government to aggressively improve the drainage and irrigation system in Guyana, as part of the programme to transform and sustain agriculture, a pillar of Guyana’s economy.

The new pump stations, three of which resulted from an EXIM Bank of India loan (with pumps provided by Surendra Engineering Corporation, enable the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) of the Ministry to meet its mandate to rehabilitate, maintain and expand the D&I system countrywide.

As part of the NDIA portfolio of infrastructural development projects, construction of drainage structures, particularly pump stations, is a high priority to ensure drainage coefficients can be increased to accommodate high intensity rainfall over short durations as an adaptive measure in response to the effects of climate change.

The drainage pumps at Paradise, Vrede-enVriendschap, and Canal Number One Polder are built to operate in any tidal conditions since they discharge directly onto the foreshore and into creeks. With the addition of the pump stations, the NDIA has paved the way for an immediate increase of its

Less than 30 turn out for anti-corruption march

The Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) hosted its annual Anti-Corruption Day Walk on Tuesday, but only a handful of persons participated.

In fact, less than 30 persons showed up. Director of the Institute, Gino Persaud, stated that persons usually lend their support “behind closed doors” as they do not want the public to know they support such events.

“Corruption is a very sensitive issue in Guyana and while we get a lot of support behind closed doors, not everyone is enthusiastic about putting their name and face publicly or visibly.”

When asked if victimisation is a reason for such actions, the Director insinuated that the possibility exists. “People have expressed a lot of fear, but I don’t know if there is any one answer to that, Guyana has a lot of challenges.”

Moreover, the Director was not discouraged, noting that TIGI gets support for other anti-corruption activities.

“We all have more work to do … we do not intend to be discouraged. I think we have covered some distance … I think we have seen incremental progress in terms of people coming on board … while it is slow, we have seen an increase.”

Politics

ed to further increase its capacity for drainage by almost the same amount.

It should be noted that while pumped drainage is undertaken in areas where there are very high foreshore conditions or there is a small window to effect gravity drainage among other evaluated boundary conditions, the Authority is currently constructing drainage sluices at Profit, Bagotville and La Grange.

The NDIA made clear that while the additional pumping capacity could not prevent the increased accumulation of water on lands when there is intense rainfall, it would significantly increase the Authority’s ability to effectively drain water in a more efficient and timely manner.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy pointed out that Government has always seen agriculture as central to Guyana’s economy and way of life, and will continue to make necessary investments to ensure that the livelihoods of its people are safeguarded.

Since political parties are incessantly vocal about fighting corruption, observers were surprised that no representatives from the various parties showed up for the march. In fact, only a few Alliance For Change (AFC) members were spotted among the small crowd.

Furthermore, when asked about the Institute’s stance on corruption around the elections period, the Director stated that it was not prepared to

comment on that at the moment.

However, he noted that the future holds the possibility of the Institute making interventions for the passing of a bill to govern financial statements for political campaigning.

“It is something that we have tried to raise awareness on and it certainly is something that we should put on the cards for the future elections. For the upcoming elections we won’t be able to get any kind of legislation because we don’t have a Parliament, but certainly for the future, it would be a forward initiative.”

He noted that while all the Institute could do was raise awareness, the political par-

English-speaking country in the Caribbean.

December 9 was designated as International AntiCorruption Day by the United Nations (UN), to promote and strengthen measures to prevent and combat corruption more efficiently and effectively.

According to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, corruption suppresses economic growth by driving up costs and undermines the sustainable management of the environment and natural resources.

His message went on to highlight that corruption breaches fundamental human rights, exacerbates poverty and increases inequality by

ties needed to have that “will” for the legislation to be drafted and tabled in Parliament.

“It’s a serious issue in the Caribbean and it’s a serious issue in Guyana and one of the ways around that is to at least get legislation.”

Currently in Guyana, there is no regulation that demands political parties publicly explain the origins of their funds for political campaigning. In fact, Guyana remains listed in the very corrupt category worldwide and can be identified as the most corrupt

diverting funds from health care, education and other essential services.

He also stated that good governance was the key for sustainable development and was critical in combating crime.

“Every link in the trafficking chain is vulnerable to corruption, from the bribes paid to corrupt officials by dealers in arms and drugs to the fraudulent permits and licences used to facilitate the illicit trade in natural resources.”

Venezuelan remanded on illegal firearm charges

A27-year-old Venezuelan national was remanded to prison after being arraigned on charges of illegal possession of firearm and ammunition and discharging a firearm.

Jonny Mentor Gomes Revaz, who was a sergeant in the Venezuelan Army for seven years, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday afternoon.

It is alleged that

on December 5, at the Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni River, Gomes Revaz had in his possession nine rounds of 9mm ammunition when he was not a licensed firearm holder. The second charge alleges that with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause actual bodily harm, he unlawfully and maliciously discharged a loaded firearm at Jogangolo Ovara. The final allegation read that he had in his possession a Tarus 9mm pistol Serial #PAP66135 with-

out being the holder of a firearm licence. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Attorney Mark Conway applied for bail for his client; however, Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones successfully raised objections. He cited the penalty that the charges attract and the fact that the defendant was of Venezuelan descent and may be a flight risk. Gomes Revaz was remanded to prison until December 10.

The Pump Station at Pine Ground, Mahaicony

The completed pump station at Vrede-en-Vriendschap, Berbice

The less-than-30 participants of the march assemble in front of Parliament Building

TIGI Director Gino Persaud attempts to explain the poor turnout

Technical Vocational education important for nation building – Gopaul

… as BIT graduates 476 in Region 3

“No country can develop if we have illiteracy around.” That was the message of Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul, as he stressed the importance of education, particularly the Technical Vocational aspect, to nation building at the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) graduation ceremony at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre, on Friday.

Gopaul commended graduands, who came from two programmes: the National Training Programme for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) and the Single Parents Training Programme for the sacrifices made, and noted the emphasis placed on education by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

He pointed out that since the Technical Vocational programme commenced in 2005 under then President Bharrat Jagdeo, thousands have been trained, with persons achieving glorious opportunities for progress.

Minister Gopaul noted that the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA) continues to place persons in jobs and ensures that employers find employees.

He emphasised too that most persons trained have been placed in jobs or some form of employment, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Pointing to the Information Technology training and the continual advances which are necessary, the Minister urged the graduands to access further training as was necessary. “We are in a dynamic world, and we are in dynamic times, and, therefore, it behoves us to always be ahead,” the Minister stated. He added that all persons who did not access secondary education could fall into the BIT training in order to improve their lives and the country.

He pointed to the programmes established to help keep students in school such as the construction and rehabilitation of schools across the country, along with the

hot meals and school uniform programmes. Gopaul, in highlighting the success of such programmes, cited the programme established with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to push for children to attend school on the Linden highway.

He emphasised the success achieved around the country, with quality education being delivered across the regions. Minister Gopaul also pointed to the “Because We Care” programme, which was ongoing for children in the public schools and which was welcomed around the country. All the programmes, he noted, have achieved the end result of Guyana’s students continuing to top the region in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. He also commended parents for

ed under the Single Parents Training programme. She said too that 434 persons countrywide were trained in garment construction, cosmetology and catering.

The BIT CEO pointed out that for the first time BIT provided evening and Saturday classes in collaboration with the Education Ministry. This resulted in 148 persons receiving training in motor vehicle servicing, heavy-duty equipment operations, carpentry, data operations, electrical operations, plumbing, welding and metal work engineering.

BIT Vice Chairman Nowrang Persaud, who also addressed the graduands, said the programme was involved extensively in the field of engineering, in order to fulfil the demand for the skills which the graduates provide. He urged the gradu-

encouraging their children to take their education.

Meanwhile, BIT Chief Executive Officer Maria Khelawan pointed out that the programme provides youth with marketable skills and activities. She noted that since its inception, it has provided training for over 10,000 people.

Khelawan noted too that at the Leonora Centre, some 334 trainees graduated in several occupational sectors: 70 persons in engineering: 36 in building construction; 18 in electrical installation; eight in the health services; 24 in information technology and clerical skills and 100 in home economics. There are also 78 persons who graduat-

President Ramotar, First Lady host “Evening of Carols” at State House

The December 7 event, which began just after

The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that in brief remarks, the Head of State said that while he was unable to be present at the event last year due to prior commitments, he was happy to be in attendance this year.

He added that although it was a tough year for many people, including himself, he hoped that persons would take the time to relax and enjoy themselves during the festive season. He also expressed gratitude on behalf of his family, as he welcomed those gathered to his formal residence.

The First Lady also joined her husband in thanking guests for attending the event, and later joined other family members in interacting with guests. In this picture, the First Family joins in singing Christmas carols

Father of six remanded for illegal possession of firearm, ammo

Nash Grannis, 36 years, was remanded to prison after being arraigned on an illegal possession of firearm and ammunition charge when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It was alleged that on December 4 at Pareema Village, Upper Kamarang

River, in the Essequibo Magisterial District, he had in his possession one live round of 16 gauge ammunition.

It is further alleged that on the same day at Pareema Village, Upper Kamarang River, he had in his possession one 16 gauge Harrington and Richardson shotgun barrel pistol.

ands to share their skills by giving back to society by volunteering their services for community efforts, as without doing such, their knowledge would become useless.

The programme consists of on-the-job training and exposure to life skills educational classes. The youths who are targeted are between the ages of 15 and 25. Most of them do not have the requisite CSEC qualifications to enter the job market, or may not have completed secondary education

Guyana’s BIT programme was hailed by Mexico and Colombia in 2013 as a model for youth training and for reducing unemployment.

Thirty-six-yearold Karen Fisher, of Thomas Street, Georgetown, was placed on $20,000 on a wounding charge when she appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, on Tuesday morning.

It was alleged that on December 5 at Church and Thomas Streets, Georgetown,

The represented man pleaded not guilty to both of the charges. Grannis was represented by Attorney David James who noted that he is a father of six children with a pending assault charge against him.

Bail was denied and Grannis was remanded until December 15. The matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court.

Triangular love affair lands women in court

she unlawfully and maliciously wounded Melanie Gittens. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Gittens, 44, of Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, was also charged and pleaded not guilty to the offence, which alleged that on December 5, she made use of threatening language towards Fisher, where a breach of the peace was occasioned.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones did not object to bail for either of the women. He informed the court that both women share a relationship with the same man.

The two women were ordered to post $20,000 bail each and are bonded to keep the peace until January 5, 2015.

Hunter refused bail on charge of illegal possession of ammo

Forty-one-year-old, Jaimi Edwin of Pareema Village, Upper Kamarang River, Region Eight was remanded to prison after being arraigned on an illegal possession of ammunition charge.

He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday afternoon.

It was alleged that on December 4 at Pareema Village, Upper Kamarang River, in the Essequibo Magisterial District, he had in his possession two live rounds of 16 gauge ammunition, and not being a licensed firearm holder.

The defendant denied the charge that was read to him. His Attorney David James stated that his client is a hunter and it is traditional during the Christmas holidays to hunt for meat for his family.

However, Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that there were no special reasons given and being a hunter is no excuse for possessing ammunition without being licensed to do so.

Magistrate McLennan remanded Edwin until December 15 and the matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court.

Guyanese turned out in their numbers to the now traditional “Evening of Carols” at State House, hosted by President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar.

18:00h, saw the First Family leading guests in the singing of popular Yuletide songs, accompanied by the Guyana Police Force Band and Choir, conducted by Assistant Commissioner Cecil Bovell.

The 2014 batch of graduands of the National Training Project for Youth Empowerment (NTPYE) in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara)

The 2014 graduates of the Single Parents Training Programme in Region Three

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

You will find fulfilment if you strive to make a difference in a cause that you feel strongly about. Charitable, benevolent or non-profit organisations will value your help.

Don’t waste time arguing with an obstinate party. Walk away from anyone putting too many demands on you. A little distance will help you gain greater clarity.

Someone in your life will not understand or approve of your plans. If you are sincere about your commitment, you mustn’t let anyone stand between you and your goal.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Earning a living must take top priority for you. Complete whatever is required to help you move forward professionally and financially. Increase your knowledge so that you can make the most of your talents.

Today is all about you. Let your imagination soar, and spend time doing fun things with the people you love most. Breaking away from your daily routine will be rejuvenating.

Facing hard facts will be necessary if you want to move forward and distance yourself from a situation that isn’t in your best interest. Take care of yourself and your future.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t let upsetting news broadcasts or confusing world events stop you from moving forward. Focus on what matters most to you. Stick close to the ones you love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You will accomplish a lot if you work alone and at your own pace. Don’t allow anyone to push you around or take advantage of you. Follow the path that offers the highest return.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Make a point to take care of unfinished business before you run out of time. Medical, financial, legal or insurance documents should be reviewed and updated before the year is out.

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Show your leadership ability. You will be resentful if other people try to control your actions. You be the one to decide what direction your day will take.

Don’t let self-doubt or fear prevent you from taking on a new challenge. Rather than daydreaming, make a lifestyle change or personal connection with someone. Love is on the rise.

A major change is imminent. A different location or vocation should be on your mind. If you open your eyes to new possibilities, you will find the success you are looking for.

AQUARIUS

GEMINI

TUESDAY'S WORD

PeanuTs

Calvin and Hobbes

dilberT

arCHie

letter to the Sport Editor

All not well with WI tour to South Africa

Dear Editor,

All is not well with the current West Indies tour to South Africa and from reports from reliable sources, the players are hopping mad with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) because they are playing without signing any contracts.

The reason being is that the Board is trying to force the players to sign contracts which are not suitable to them... paying the first tier of only US $100,000 annually with restrictions which will not permit them to play matches with lucrative returns like the Indian Premier League (IPL) or other franchise matches.

It is understood that the WICB is refusing to budge and does not intend to pay a dime more. This is one of the reasons why star batsman Chris Gayle opted out of the tour. The official reason given is that he is injured, but he is still with the Highveld Lions squad in the South African Franchise Grand Slam currently in progress.

The situation is rath-

er tense and I wonder how can cricketers perform well when they are unhappy with the terms and conditions they have to play under.

Of course there might not be another walk out/ strike as was orchestrated in Dharamsala in India, but there is dissatisfaction and frustration on the part of the cricketers.

Moreover, fans are peeved that veteran superstar Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ravi Rampaul and a few others have not been included in the 30-man squad named to prepare for the World Cup early next year in Australia and New Zealand.

Shiv is being sidelined from the shorter version of the game on the grounds that he is a Test batsman and should play in Tests only, but Shiv is also an aggressive batsman and opened for the West Indies in 50-over games and did well. His ODI average is higher than any current WI players.

He should be in squad

and the other batsmen should bat around him. It is known that he is the sheet anchor of the team and critics are clamouring for him to be in next year World Cup squad.

Clive Lloyd and Courtney Walsh, two experienced players and former West Indies captains should hang their heads in shame for allowing Courtney Browne, a junior selector, who is being advised by Richard Pybus, the Director of Cricket Operations, who should be selected.

This is unbelievable, and to add to the problem, the two former captains agree with critics that Chanderpaul should be in the team. Is this for real when they are the senior selectors?

The other selector is Eldine Baptiste who is being overshadowed by Browne, a former wicket-keeper.

Respectfully, Oscar Ramjeet

Pele leaves hospital after health scare

Acheerful Pele left hospital on Tuesday after a month of treatment for kidney stones and a urinary tract infection, joking that he was fit again and preparing to play for Brazil in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The 74-year old former Santos and Brazil striker spent several days in intensive care this month but said he was not afraid of dying thanks to his home town of Three Hearts.

“I got the chills but I’ve felt that before and I was not to know it was an infection,” he said of the moment a few weeks ago when he was taken to hospital.

“I was worried. But I can’t say I was afraid of dying because I am a man of Three Hearts.

“Rest assured, I am already preparing for the Olympics,” he joked at a news conference shortly before leaving the hospital.

“In the Olympics three over-age players are permitted and I am one of them.”

Doctors said Pele would have to spend a week to 10 days taking it easy and would undergo physiotherapy.

Pele had surgery on his hip last year and was walking gingerly as he left the hospital.

He now devotes most of his time to business ventures and underwent surgery to remove kidney stones on Nov. 13, but was readmitted 10 days later with a urinary tract infection that required dialysis.

At one point, he was moved into a hospital wing used for more intensive care.

Pele only has one kidney having had the other removed in the 1970s when he played for New York Cosmos.

The three-times World Cup winner, who is widely regarded as the greatest ever football player, thanked his doctors and the fans who sent him good wishes.

“I would like to thank all those who sent messages, from China, Pakistan, almost every country in Europe, I didn’t know that they were all paying attention to my situation,” he told scores of reporters and a national TV audience.

“It is very gratifying.”

Pele won World Cup medals with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and 45 titles, including two world club championships, with Santos.

He scored 1,091 of his 1,281 goals for Santos and last week, while in hospital, signed a life-long contract with the club. (Reuters)

Roc Nation to hold 1st boxing card

Music superstar Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports, which announced its entrance into boxing promotion in August, is set to put on its first card.

The company announced Tuesday that it has reached an agreement for three cards to be televised on Fox Sports 1, with the first card of the series -- given the name “throne boxing” by Jay Z -set for Jan. 9 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York.

“All of us at Roc Nation Sports are thrilled to announce our first boxing event along with our first series and television deal,” said David Itskowitch, the chief operating officer of Roc Nation Sports’ boxing division. “An evening of exciting fights, great music and fantastic entertainment will be a fitting way to kick off Throne Boxing, a series that will stand alone on the boxing landscape.”

The card will be headlined by welterweight prospect Dusty HernandezHarrison (24-0, 13 KOs), of Washington, D.C., squaring off with Long Island’s Tommy Rainone (22-51, 4 KOs), of Plainview, New York, in a scheduled 10-round bout. The rest of the card has not been announced.

“We feel it’s a good competitive fight between an upand-coming prospect against a guy fighting in his hometown who comes to fight,” Itskowitch said.

The dates and venues for the other two shows, which are time buys on the network, have not been set, although Itskowitch said Roc Nation Sports hopes to put them on in the first half of 2015 and is looking at venues in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

In addition to the fights on Jan. 9, of which $1 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Muhammad Ali Center, Roc Nation Sports said there will also be live performances by Roc Nation artists still to be announced.

“Madison Square Garden is looking forward to teaming up with Roc Nation for their first-ever boxing event,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president of MSG Sports. “The Theater at Madison Square Garden provides a great setting for fans to watch boxing and entertainment all under one roof.”

Itskowitch, the former COO of Golden Boy Promotions, joined Roc Nation Sports as it entered

boxing in August and has been eager to get to work on a show.

“I’m very excited about this deal because I do events. Until I’m doing events, I’m not really satisfied,” he said. “I now have a date, a network, a venue and a main event, and we’re ready to go. I’m tired of being asked what we’re working on. Now we have something with these shows, and to have our first one at Madison Square Garden is special. We want to do things big. It’s a basic cable television show, but we will amp this up. It’s at the Garden, it’s in New York, and we will have Michael Buffer as the ring announcer. To have our first show in New York is a great thing.”

Besides the three-fight deal with Fox Sports 1, Roc Nation Sports is on the verge of finalizing a deal to buy promoter Gary Shaw’s company, Gary Shaw Productions, according to multiple sources. That deal could be finalized as soon as this week, although Shaw and Roc Nation officials declined to comment. If the deal is completed, Shaw, with decades of experience, would come to work for Roc Nation Sports and the company would take over the promotional agreements of his fighters. To date, Roc Nation Sports has not announced the signing of any fighters -- although a deal with Hernandez-Harrison is in the works. (ESPN)

WTA sign record media rights deal

The Women’s Tennis Association has signed a new record media rights contract that it says will be worth more than £335m ($525m) over 10 years.

The deal with Perform runs from 2017 to 2026 with plans to produce every singles match, which is around 2,000 fixtures, for the first time.

Under the existing contract with Perform, only around a third of singles matches are broadcast.

WTA chairwoman Stacey Allastar called the new deal “a game-changer”.

She added the deal will “give fans more access to the players they want to watch”.

The WTA and Perform are forming WTA Media, which will produce all main-draw matches in sin-

gles, along with the semifinals and finals in doubles at every tour event.

Allaster said that the new deal guarantees annual TV rights fees of £21m ($33m) from Perform, which is nearly double the current agreement of (£11m) ($17m) per year that runs 2013-2016. The

deal also includes what Allaster said was “eight figures”’ a year in “production investment”.

She added: “This comes at a time when we look at the horizon and we will have a changing of the guard of our current top stars, which shows the value and depth of our rising stars.” (BBC Sport)

Pele

Shawn Carter aka Jay Z

Tennis biggest female superstar Serena Williams talks to the press

Clarke retires injured

Australia’s captain Michael Clarke left Adelaide Oval for injections to his lower back after retiring hurt with an apparent relapse of his chronic condition during day one of the first Test against India.

The injections are designed to allow Clarke to try to bat again in the first innings with Australia now a little unsteadily placed at 6 for 354, but he must now be in some doubt for the second match of the series in Brisbane. The decision to retire hurt and seek immediate treatment rather than try to bat on was a strong indication of Clarke’s discomfort, having fought so much to be fit for this match.

Clarke was unbeaten on 60 and batting comfortably alongside David Warner when he twisted slightly to avoid a short ball from Ishant Sharma and immediately grimaced at familiar pain from his lower back.

He sank to the turf at pitch-side as the team doctor Peter Brukner and physio Alex Kountouris ran out to treat him. After an attempt

NBA Roundup…

to stretch and a brief consultation, Clarke retired hurt to be replaced at the crease by Steven Smith.

Having fought a daily battle to prove his fitness from related hamstring problems, the sight of Clarke treading gingerly off the field will create fresh doubts about his physical readiness for Test cricket. Before the death of Phillip Hughes pushed all other issues to one side, Clarke had been in conflict with the national selectors over his ability to be fit for the originally scheduled first Test at the Gabba.

While the delay of the first Test and its move from Brisbane to Adelaide granted Clarke, Kountouris, Brukner and his fitness trainer Duncan Kerr extra time to strengthen his body, the increasing frequency of hamstring and back problems are a point of significant concern for the national team. It is why the selectors had asked Clarke to play in a two-day tour match against the Indians in Adelaide in order to show his ability to play over multiple days, a call that now appears to have

been sensible. The Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland, on ABC radio shortly after Clarke retired hurt, said the circumstances surrounding Hughes’ death and Clarke’s central role as a leader in the days afterwards had left the earlier debate over his fitness in the shade, but acknowledged the concern about recurring injury.

“Everyone was working together with the same thing in mind to try to get Michael recovered and fit and ready to play,” Sutherland said.

“There may well have been some slightly different views about what was best in terms of preparation, but really that’s all a moot point now.

“Things have moved on, we’ve seen the extraordinary and tragic circumstances of Phillip’s death and we hope Michael’s okay and he’s back on the ground very soon. It’s always a worrying sign when the Australian captain’s carrying any sort of injury. We’ll leave it in the capable hands of Alex Kountouris and he can weave a bit of magic overnight perhaps.” (Cricinfo)

James impresses royal family by dominating the Nets

LeBron James showed Prince William that it’s good to be the King.

James and the Cleveland Cavaliers turned a close game into a clinic after Prince William and his wife, Kate, grabbed courtside seats to watch them, beating the Brooklyn Nets 110-88 on Monday night.

Cleveland outscored Brooklyn 49-27 after Britain’s royal couple arrived to cameras flashing, fans roaring and a tie game.

“Yeah, they brought luck to us,” James said.

And then James brought gifts to them. He gave the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge cupcakes from a bakery in his hometown of Akron, Ohio and a couple of Cavaliers jerseys: one for their son (Kate is expecting their second child) and another that read “Cambridge” on the back.

“It was their first time watching a basketball game, so it was an honour that I would be that guy they decided they wanted to watch,” James said.

Kevin Love was shooting free throws when the royal couple emerged from a tunnel with 7:14 remaining in the third quarter. Perhaps distracted by the loud roar, Love missed the second badly, leaving the game tied at 61.

“It was a little bit more of a distraction than people waving towels or waving whatever it is that they do,” Love said. “Yes, it was big distraction. I just tried to

make the second shot and it ended up being about a foot short.”

But James, putting on a show that few others could, threw some sharp passes to go with his nine points in the period and the Cavs cruised from there to their seventh straight victory.

He finished with 18 points after joining Kyrie Irving and some Nets players in wearing “I Can’t Breathe” shirts during warmups.

That would’ve been the story most nights, but he had to share it with the royals’ arrival during their first visit to New York. They met earlier in the game with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, celebrating a partnership between the Royal Foundation and the league to raise awareness about the importance of international wildlife conservation.

The buzz built as officials began gathering near the tunnel at halftime for the couple, and it may have amped up James, who had a quiet first half but took his game to another level in

front of William and Kate, a day after saying it was an “honour” to have them watch him play.

James’ biggest statement before then came during the pregame layup line. He and Irving, along with Kevin Garnett, Deron Williams and two other Nets, wore warmup shirts in support of the family of Eric Garner, who died July 17 after a police officer placed him in a chokehold when he was being arrested for selling loose, untaxed cigarettes. A recording of Garner’s arrest showed him gasping, “I can’t breathe” during the fatal encounter, and thousands have protested a grand jury decision not to indict the officer since the announcement on Wednesday.

“D-Will brought it to the guys that wanted to wear it and support the cause, and the ones that wanted to wear it wore it. I think it is important,” Garnett said. Williams had 13 points and 11 assists but shot 3 for 14 for the Nets, who played without injured starters Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson.

Love had 19 points and 14 rebounds. Dion Waiters came off Cleveland’s bench for 26 points.

WARRIORS 102, TIMBERWOLVES 86

Stephen Curry overcame a rare off night from long range to post 21 points and seven assists and help Golden State to their 13th consecutive win with a victory over Minnesota. (Herald)

Michael Clarke stretches before retiring hurt

Lebron James

YELLOW PAGES

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Kashif and Shanghai tournament set for Easter 2015

The Kashif and Shanghai football tournament has been moved to the Easter holidays.

tournament has been approved for Easter during a press conference on Tuesday.

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The revelation came after Chairman of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee; Clinton Urling stated that

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“We have already approved the Kashif and Shanghai tournament for Easter and all the association will be requested to participate in the tournament,’

This will make the third year in row that Kanshif and Shanghai Organisation who are known for having their tournament during the Christmas season will be unable to host their tournament during the season.

Kashif Mohamed during a telephone interview last week told Guyana Times Sport that the organisation would release a statement on the tournament.

However, that statement has yet to be released, further, efforts to reach the organisers proved futile.

India, Australia Test match sweetly poised after day one

David Warner scattered whatever nerves or doubts there may have been ahead of Australia’s resumption of the international season following Phillip Hughes’ death with a blazing start to the first Test. Warner hit seven of his first 15 deliveries for four on the way to his fifth century in seven Tests in 2014 after Michael Clarke chose to bat on an easypaced Adelaide Oval pitch. Clarke motored to 60 before he retired hurt, and Steven Smith breezed to an unbeaten 72. India regained some ground with the second new ball producing three late strikes.

The day belonged to Warner, as he shredded India’s attack for 145 off 163 deliveries before mis-hitting the debutant legspinner Karn Sharma to deep midwicket. India’s new-ball pair of Mohammed Shami and Varun Aaron were taken for 178 in 34.2 overs, and the visitors would have suffered more had it not been for Ishant Sharma’s discipline.

Far more worrying for Australia than India’s attack was what seemed to be a relapse of Clarke’s chronic back problem. Clarke’s partnership with Warner had grown to

118 when he grimaced as soon as he avoided a short ball in the 44th over, and had to leave the field after some doing stretching and talking to the team physio. Barring the odd play-and-miss and some edged boundaries, Clarke had batted with assurance.

India stuck to their strategy of bowling round the wicket to Warner throughout the first session, even though it had proved expensive enough already. They may have probably wanted to deny Warner width, but still ended up providing plenty of room, particularly at the start, and the opener punished them. He was especially severe on Aaron who went for three fours in his opening over, driv-

en first ball through extra cover and flayed backward of point twice. Shami got the same treatment in his second over.

Apart from a probing first over from Shami to Rogers, India’s fast bowlers could not find much swing or seam and the ball came on nicely for Warner to hit on the up freely. The first bouncer the Indians tried was in the fourth over when Aaron made Warner crouch. The batsman’s response was to play an upper cut the next ball, another bouncer, for four.

Warner was already on 37 off 20 when Ishant came on and bowled a maiden to the opener. In his next over, he slanted one across to have Chris Rogers nicking a drive to second slip for 9. Shane Watson eased himself to a start in his first Test since March, before chasing a wide one from Aaron on 14 and slashing to second slip, where Shikhar Dhawan made no mistake again.

Warner pulled Aaron for successive fours to reach his fifty off 45 balls and moved to 100 off 105, Virat Kohli allowing an easy single with midoff pushed to the deep. Warner looked up to the skies with emotion each time, something he also did on reaching 63, the score Hughes was batting on when he was felled by a bouncer.

Clarke was welcomed by a sharp bouncer from Aaron, as Watson had been by Ishant. Even as Clarke gradually settled down, Warner kept drilling the fast bowlers through the off side.

SCOREBOARD

Shami began from over the wicket to Warner after lunch but wasn’t disciplined for long enough and leaked runs to Clarke. He did start the session with three successive dot balls to Warner, who pushed the fourth in the air, but Kohli had placed point too deep for it to be a chance.

Karn made little impact with his largely flattish trajectory and up-anddown lengths and Warner slog-swept and reverseswept him for boundaries. Apart from Warner’s everincreasing score, India’s over-rate was also a concern for Kohli in his first Test as captain as they managed 50 in the first two sessions.

Warner’s failed attempt to clear the field soon after tea took care of Kohli’s first worry, and M Vijay’s introduction lifted the over-rate. It also allowed a cautious Mitchell Marsh to bat himself in against harmless parttime offspin as Kohli used his slow bowlers for 13 successive overs.

Smith was in superb touch, using his feet regularly to spin and driving and clipping the fast bowlers elegantly. Marsh developed enough confidence to step out and drive Karn against the turn through midwicket.

Vijay was used for as many as 12 overs as India waited for the second new ball. Ishant Sharma deservingly took it as soon as it was available, but offered Smith a couple of freebies on the pads, the second of which took the batsman to 63, bringing another emotional acknowledgment.

With Australia having reached 345 for 3, India appeared to be wasting the second new ball too when out of nowhere, Aaron got one to kick from a tight line and a surprised Marsh edged to gully on 41. Shami too found some control to go with his pace. The nightwatchman Nathan Lyon could not make it to stumps, and neither could Brad Haddin, edging Shami behind off what turned out to be the last ball of the day.

(Cricinfo)

David Warner celebrates his century

Deosaran leads Lusignan to Ram Slam success

Discarded national middle-order

batsman Krishna Deosaran played two crucial knocks to lead Lusignan to victory in the Ram Slam T20 cricket competition on Sunday at the Lusignan Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara.

The left-handed Deosaran stroked a solid 44 to lead Lusignan to what seemed like a below par 94-8 off a reduced 15 overs in the final against Good Hope.

Kumar Bishundial

snapped up 2-27 and Vishnu Ramjeet 2-8 for Good Hope who responded with 86-8 when the overs expired. Bishundial returned to topscore with 26 as Steven Ramdass snared 3-15 off three overs and Stephen Alick 3-9 off three overs.

Earlier, Lusignan defeated Mon Repos by nine wickets to reach the final, while Good Hope got the better of Annandale by seven wickets to book a place in the championship game.

In the first semi-final,

Annandale batted first and posted 121-5 off 15 overs with Leon Morgan hitting 69 not out, one of three halfcenturies scored on the day. Bowling for Mon Repos, Rajendra Naikbarran snared 3-22.

Good Hope in reply coasted to 122-3 off 14.1 overs with Vishnu Ramjeet hitting 52 not out and Bishundial 25 not out. Bowling for Annandale, Tameshwar Motiram had 1-23.

In semi-final two, Mon Repos posted 76-4 off the

allotted 15 overs with Somnauth Bharrat hitting 29. Bowling for Lusignan, Alick took 2-19.

Lusignan then romped to victory at 80-1 in seven overs with Deosaran hitting 55 not out.

While the winner and runner-up teams received trophies and medals, Deosaran was adjudged Best Batsman and Alick Best Bowler of the one-day event.

The competition was sponsored by Choke Gas Station, Panko Steel Fabrication, Jagdeo General Store, Robin General Store, BM Soat Auto Spares and Sales, AJ Imports, RDC Region 4, Crown Mining Supplies, Azad Mohamed, A. Bibta, Nadica Investment, Lusignan NDC, Rubex Windows, Kishan Aluminum Windows and Doors, Peppy’s Food Products, Miracle Optical, Two Sisters Car Rental, Charlie Tent Rental, Muneshwar Hardware Store and Singh’s Cycle and General Store.

Forde, Morgan end season in Barbados

Distance King, Cleveland Forde and Alika Morgan ended their 2014 season with two events in Barbados over the weekend.

In the Barbados PowerAde 10k run on Saturday, Forde finished third in the event but was the first Caribbean athlete to cross the finish line.

Kenya’s Richard Kessio crossed the finish line first in a time of 31:41s while Dis Dieundonne of Rwanda

was second.

Morgan in the 10k run finished fourth behind Kenya’s Leach Kigen, England’s Amy Chalk and Trinidad’s Tonya Nero in the that order.

Meanwhile in the half marathon run in Sunday Forde finished third again in a time of one hour, 19mins 29s behind Kessio who finished first in one hour, nine minutes, 24s and Dieundonne who took second in one hour, 15mins

Ansa McAL launches...

The tournament that will see the first place finisher receiving $1.5 million is expected to be of a high quality according to Marketing Director of Ansa McAL, Troy Cadogan.

“We expect this tournament to be of a high quality just like Ansa McAL and the beer that will represent us in this tournament”.

Chairman of the Normalisation Committee, Clinton Urling congratulated the sponsors and the associations for coming together for the one common purpose.

“The Normalisation Committee will be focused on development football with the youths coaches and women as well as the reintroduction of the Golden Jaguars squad to start our process of representing Guyana at the World Cup which will be another opportunity for our sponsors to come on board but again I must congratulate our spon-

sors here this morning as well as the associations,” Urling highlighted. President of the East Coast Association Aubrey Hutson, President of the Berbice Association Keith O’Jeer and Secretary of the East Bank Association Franklin Wilson were all in praise of the Stag and by extension Ansa McAL for their support over the years for football in Guyana.

The tournament will feature six teams from the East Coast Association while five teams will come for Berbice and East Bank to make up the allotted 16 teams.

In addition, each team will be in receipt of $50,000 appearance fee while prizes for MVPO, best goal scorer and keeper will be up for grabs.

The tournament is expected to start on December 14 at the Number Five ground in Berbice with two games.

24s.

On the distaff side, Morgan was only able to place fourth; however, Nero took the first place spot while Kigen and Chalk finished second and third respectively.

Coach of Morgan, Leslie Black related to Guyana Times Sport that the conditions were very wet due to a storm that hit a close by island.

In addition, Black noted that both Morgan and

Forde were still suffering from Chikengunya symptoms during both races.

Black also thanked, the President of Guyana Donald Ramotar, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Trans Guyana Airline, TCL, Director of Sport Neil Kumar, Payless Store, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Andrew King and Steve Pemberton for their support over the past year.

Winners of Marian Academy Cup tournament receive prizes

The Jaguars Karate Association (JKA) whose main Dojo is located at the Everest Cricket Club Pavilion, Carifesta Avenue and Camp Road, Thomas Lands, Georgetown on Monday presented its trophies and medals to the winners of the first Marian Academy Cup tournament, that was held on October 20.

The JKA has been increasing its membership and promoting karate in several parts of Guyana including on the West Coast of Demerara.

The Jaguars Karate Association under the leadership of its Chief Instructor Sensei Chetram Mortley is an independent karate entity legally and officially recognized by the

Three Guyanese named...

Three Guyanese cricketers have been included in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) 2015 ICC World Cup squad when the board released the provisional squad on Monday for the tournament set for February and March, 2015 in Australia and New Zealand.

Leon Johnson, Versammy Permaul and Narsingh Deonarine are the three Guyanese to be named to the squad.

Further, the squad includes several players who are yet to play at the OneDay International level. These are left arm seamer Kenroy Peters; Imran Khan, the experienced leg-spinning allrounder; off-spinner Ashley Nurse; 19-yearold fast bowler Marquino Mindley; Evin Lewis, the 22-year-old left-handed opener; and Jonathan Carter, the left-hander from

West Indies will play in Pool B in the preliminary round of the 11th edition of the ICC Cricket World Cup. They will do battle alongside defending champions India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe. Before the tournament West Indies will have warmup matches against England and Scotland.

FULL SQUAD: Sulieman Benn, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Miguel Cummins, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Imran Khan, Leon Johnson, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Marquino Mindley, Sunil Narine, Ashley Nurse, Kenroy Peters, Versammy Permaul, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell,

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Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Devon Smith and Jerome Taylor.

WEST INDIES

MATCH SCHEDULE:

Monday, Feb 9: warm-up vs England – SCG, Sydney (day/night)

Thursday, Feb 12: warmup vs Scotland – SCG, Sydney

Monday, Feb 16: vs Ireland – Saxton Oval, Nelson

Saturday, Feb 21: vs Pakistan – Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Tuesday, Feb 24: vs Zimbabwe – Munaka Oval, Canberra (day/night)

Friday, Feb 27: vs South Africa – SCG, Sydney (day/ night)

Friday, Mar 6: vs India –WACA Ground, Perth (day/ night)

Sunday, Mar 15: vs United Arab Emirates –McLean Park, Napier

world karate organization, the International Karate Daigaku whose headquarters is in Toronto, Canada.

The mini tournament saw the enthusiastic involvement and participation of a number of students from the Marian Academy comprising of a boys team and a girls team with the boys emerging as the champions.

Rampaul out of WI World Cup squad

West Indies fast bowler Ravi Rampaul will not be playing in the prestigious World Cup set for Australia and New Zealand next year.

The Trinidad and Tobago cricketer has been left out of a 30-man provisional squad released by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Monday.

Rampaul played two ODIs during the tour of India in October before the series was cancelled because of a dispute between the West Indies players, the WICB and West Indies Players Association (WIPA). The squad also included six uncapped players: leftarm seamer Kenroy Peters, legspinner Imran Khan, offspinner Ashley Nurse, 19-year-old fast bowler Marquino Mindley, lefthand opener Evin Lewis and allrounder Jonathan Carter.

Barbados.

Ravi Rampaul

Krishna Deosaran Kumar Bishundial Vishnu Ramjeet

Sports Coordinator of the Marian Academy Chris Bowman handing over a trophy to Karateka Rajiv Lee

Experience a key factor for WI during SA tour

By Rajiv Bisnauth

It has been seven years since the West Indies last toured South Africa and just under eight weeks since a tour of India ended in controversial circumstances when the W0est Indian players pulled out because of a

jury. They have been replaced by Devon Smith who averages an unflattering 24 from 33 Tests and Assad Fudadin, who played the last of his three Tests nearly two-anda-half years ago.

The West Indies have only won one Test in three visits to South Africa and they will start the threematch series next week as underdogs against the number one-ranked hosts. The West Indies are eighth on the rankings, ahead only of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Only four of the squadcaptain Denesh Ramdin, veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, batsman Marlon Samuels and fast bowler Jerome Taylorplayed in the 2007/08 series.

pay dispute with their board.

The Test squad agreed to new contracts, although two senior players have withdrawn - Darren Bravo for personal reasons and Chris Gayle because of a back in-

DMW

Chanderpaul and Samuels both hit centuries during the series and were comfortably their team’s best batsmen.

However, with pundits already writing off the West

Indies’ chances, cricket enthusiasts’, including former Test player, Colin Stuart, former national middle-order batsman Rabindranauth Seeram and renowned cricket commentator, Interjeet Persaud, admits experience could be the deciding factor for the West Indies.

“I find the guys playing good cricket of recent and they have been brining the different components of the game together more often than previous times but generally speaking it will not be an easy tour,” said the

41-year-old, who represented the West Indies in six Tests.

Stuart expects the trio, Chanderpaul, Ramdin and Samuels to lead from the front, taking into consideration their bulk of experiences.

“The other guys in the squad need to work around them, there is no doubt about the talent but what is needed is application and mental approach,” Stuart stressed.

“Experience will be a key factor for the West Indies, and with only four members from the current squad

International Indoor Hockey Festival...

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GCC Tigers, Hikers and Hickers...

A moment of brilliance however, by MVP Jamarj Assanah would change the evening completely as he outpaced his marker and latched onto the end of a Robert France pass to deflect the ball into the open goal for a 1-0 Hikers lead.

Old Fort responded like a disrupted nest of ants as the pace of the game immediately elevated to fever pitch. With Old Fort’s Aderemi Simon and Jason DoSantos

trying to make inroads into the Hikers defence, Andrew Stewart would complete a Hikers counterattacking move and take his team’s lead to two. Overlapping right back Shane Samuels would score the third unanswered goal for the Hikers in the final minute of the first half to enjoy the break with a three-goal cushion. Old Fort showed moments of skilful hockey in the second half, but if not for out-

standing goalkeeping by Tony Cole the Hikers would have scored more than the two goals they managed in the second half. The Pepsi Hikers earned a well-deserved 5-0 victory, making it their sixth festival title in the Men’s division.

The GCC Tigers rounded out a dominant performance by improving on their pool match result against Spice with a score of 9-0 in the final. The one-sided af-

played in South Africa the last time the West Indies tour there, I feel they will struggle,” Seeram said.

“Conditions in South Africa will not suit our batsmen, except for Shiv and Samuels, I feel the others will find it hard to adjust especially with the pitches here which are very docile,” he highlighted.

Having said that, Seeram feels it’s an opportunity for the younger players to prove themselves.

A teacher by profession, Persaud feels the hard bouncy pitches in South Africa will surely present a tough examination for the most of the West Indies batsmen.

“Expect for Shiv, Samuels and Ramdin the other batsmen will have to lift their skills to the maximum,” Persaud opined.

He is of the opinion that on paper, South Africa is by far the better side but said West Indies will do well to salvage at least a draw.

To beat the Proteas, the West Indies will also have to defy the weight of history. Not since the one-off Test in the Caribbean have they de-

fair saw a hat-trick of goals from Captain Sonia Jardine who led her team throughout the competition with her entertaining stick skills and clinical finishing. Striker Kerensa Fernandes and defender Trisha Woodroffe both scored doubles, while promising juniors Ashley DeGroot and Dacia Woodroffe rounded out the score sheet with one each.

The Hickers managed to retain the Carib Veterans trophy for the third straight year in upstaging Old Old

feated South Africa in a series.

Further, they have won just one of 12 Tests on South African soil, losing 10 and drawing one.

The Caribbean side will also compete in three T20s and five one-days subsequently which is scheduled to conclude just before the International Cricket Council (ICC) limited-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand jointly.

After more than a week of preparation, the West Indies start what is likely to be a challenging tour of South Africa with a threeday match against a South African Invitation XI in Benoni today.

In keeping with modern

match practice.

trends, the three-day match will not have first-class status, which will enable the tourists to use more than 11 players and therefore to give all their batsmen and bowlers a chance to get some

Fort 4-2. The duo of MVP Jerazeno ‘Skillaxe’ Bell and midfielder Devin Munroe was too much for the red army to handle. Munroe scored two of his three goals in the opening minutes to see the Hickers to a comfortable lead from the start. Despite two goals from Dexter Wyles and Chris Low-Koan, Bell would unleash a bullet of a penalty corner into the roof of the net and Munroe netted his third to claim the 4-2 victory in the end.

Jamarj Assanah of the

Hikers was named the Most Valuable Player for the male category, while the award fell to GCC Tigers’ Sonia Jardine for the women. The veteran MVP was scooped up by Jerazeno Bell of the Hickers.

In the goalkeeping category, the best goalkeepers on show were decidedly Tony Cole of Old Fort for the Men’s, Briawna Gordon of Spice for the Ladies and Audwin Graham of Old Old Fort for the Veterans.

West Indies Test squad: Denesh Ramdin (captain, wkt), Sulieman Benn, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon

Cottrell, Assad Fudadin, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Leon Johnson, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor, Chadwick Walton (wkt).

Colin Stuart

Marlon Samuels

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Denesh Ramdin

Interjeet Persaud

Rabindranauth Seeram

Ladies Champions – GCC Tigers

Carib Veterans Champions – Hickers

Ansa McAL launches knockout football tournament

Three Guyanese named to WICB provisional World Cup squad

By TreisTon Joseph

or the first time, the East Coast Football Association will team up with the East Bank and Berbice Football Associations to pull off the Stag Beer Super 16 Knockout tournament scheduled to start on December 14.

The newly formed collaboration was revealed on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Ansa McAL head off in Beterverwagting. Stag Beer’s Brand Manager, John Maikoo was adamant that is brand was keen on the development of football.

“The collaboration of the three associations is phenomenal and what we are trying to do is to ensure that football is play during this period in areas that are normally neglected when there are other tournaments, we will try to ensure that these areas have exciting games throughout the tournament,” Maikoo noted.

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GCC Tigers, Hikers and Hickers are category champs

The GCC Tigers and veteran side the Hickers both repeated their 2013 victories in the Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival, while the Pepsi Hikers returned to former glory with a win in the Men’s division. The final night of the festival produced three high-scoring matches that entertained the crowd with displays of skill and speed at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

The pre-tournament favourites and national champions the Pepsi Hikers squared off against a determined Old Fort for the Men’s final. Old Fort had just come off of their

third comeback win of the tournament with two goals in the closing minutes of their semi-final against GCC and would enter the final with confidence and strong fan support. The Hikers however had experience, a sound game plan and a boisterous cheering section of their own.

Both teams regarded each other carefully as the game began with Old Fort falling off to a half-court defence and the Hikers quite predictably enjoying the majority of possession.

Spectators seemed in for a long night as teams seemed reluctant to take chances that would leave their defence vulnerable.

Hikers turn to page 23

Men’s Champions

Marketing Director, Troy Cadogan hands over the first place trophy to organiser and secretary of the East Bank Association, Franklin Wilson

Leon Johnson Narsingh Deonarine

Versammy Permaul