Guyana Times Daily - December 11, 2014

thursDAY, DeceMBer 11, 2014 | guYAnAtiMesgY.coM

Guyana Stores shocker!

Glenn Lall’s brother had made purchase bid – Lall made director

The High Court heard on Tuesday that it was Reaz Khan, the brother of Kaieteur New owner Glenn Lall who had made the bid in securing Guyana Stores Limited when Government moved to privatise it in the late 1990s. However, the negotiations was subsequently terminated and handed to the current owner.

Tony Yassin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the department store, made the comments during cross-examination in the ongoing court case between the company and National Industrial and Commercial Investments (NICIL) over an outstanding US$2 million owed to the state for the sale of the business entity.

The matter is being heard before Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire. Khan, a well known city businessman back in 2004 was accused of abduction and carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl. Khan, the Managing Director of Reaz Trading Enterprises Ltd, had allegedly snatched the girl under the guise of assisting her in work study.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday during cross-examination, Yassin disclosed that four persons had participated in the tender on behalf of Royal

Investment Incorporated; himself, Khan, Brian Tiwari of BK Enterprise and a company from Curaçao. In response to questions posed by NICIL’s Attorney, Rafiq Turhan Khan, Yassin told the court:

“At the time that I had the discussion with Winston Brassington, Winston Brassington was discussing with Reaz Khan that he (Reaz Khan) was not the preferred investor and then they called me in as a participant in the tender process if I was willing to close the sale it would have to be concluded in the name of RII and that the total RII shares would be transferred to me”.

Questioned by the judge whether he spoke to Reaz Khan, the GSL boss re-

plied that not at the time but soon after. Further asked if Brassington was negotiating on behalf of Reaz Khan, Yassin replied in the affirmative, stating that the NICIL head appeared to be speaking on behalf of the other businessman when he informed him that he (Yassin) had to buy out RII from Reaz Khan for US$600,000.

“Seeing eye to eye”

Yassin further explained that Brassington had told him that Khan was calling this figure since that was the sum he had deposited for the GSL shares. The CEO disclosed that RII was incorporated in 1999 by Reaz Khan for the acquisition of GSL.

Yassin told the court that he did not know why the negotiations fell through with Reaz Khan initially while adding that he had even pulled out of the negotiations, because he was not “seeing eye to eye” with Reaz Khan. However, he noted that it was until a later date that he found out the reasons why the negotiations were terminated.

The GSL boss said that he was asked by Brassington if he would be able to close negotiations within 60 days, since that was the time giv-

en by Cabinet. He said that he agreed to make the closure but added that the deposit was increased to US$1 million from US$600,000.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Yassin was neither a shareholder nor director of RII at the time when he entered into negotiations with the Privatisation Unit on behalf of RII.

Yassin had revealed that he became a shareholder of RII on October 4, 2000 and maintained that he was never a director, yet the negotiations had begun in June of that year.

Yassin apparently had an agreement in the form of a letter, with Reaz Khan to purchase RII from him. He said that Brassington had negotiated the sale of RII

to him in order to complete the privatisation of GSL. “… There was a letter of agreement to purchase the shares of RII from Reaz Khan for US$600,000 between myself and Reaz Khan,” he said, while adding this is evidenced by a receipt for US$300,000.

Attorney Khan asked Yassin if any shares transfer form was signed by Reaz Khan detailing that the RII shares were being transferred to him (Yassin) back in June 2000. He responded in the negative, adding that he negotiated on the basis of his application as part of the tender.

In the ongoing court battle, which began in late 2010 and had almost a year’s break in court, Senior

Under the terms of the privatisation agreement, the balance owed by RII, which acquired 70 per cent of GSL’s shares in the sale, was due by September 2002.

However, the company failed to make this payment. In a subsequent agreement between the plaintiff and the defendant on October 5, 2000, the parties decided that the latter would pay interest on the said sum at the US prime rate prevailing at the time of payment, commencing one year after September 30, 2000.

In June 2004, the government holding company initiated legal action against RII for the recovery of the US$2 million plus interest.

Counsel Edward Luckhoo, in association with SC Rex Mc Kay, is representing RII.

NICIL head Winston Brassington

Kaieteur News owner Glenn Lall Reaz Khan Tony Yassin

OPENINGS

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery showers can be expected to dominate throughout the day and into the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between zero and 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:14h and 19:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.40 metres and 2.45 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:47h and 13:02h reaching minimum heights of 0.69 metre and 0.84 metre respectively.

Radio licences were no giveaway – station officials

By Svetlana MarShall

Amid claims in some sections of the media and among Opposition politicians that former President Bharrat Jagdeo during the closing days of his presidency “gave away” radio licences to his friends and supporters, station owners have hit back, charging that these reports are misplaced and that they received their licences because they met the requirements.

Eleven radio broadcast licences were allocated in 2011 to applicants who had formally indicated their interest in radio production. However, there continues to be expressions of allegations that the allocations were unfair.

Regarding the granting of licence to the owner of Radio Guyana Inc (RGI), Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop has made it clear that Anthony Vieira’s application was first in the system, and at the time the approval was granted, Vieira had already sold his company, and all rights to Dr Ramroop.

The granting of the licence came as a result of legal proceedings against the Government, which was instituted by VCT, and not as a result of any favour of the former president or his Cabinet at the time.

But despite this, the move has been constantly attacked by the Opposition and in particular the Kaieteur News.

RGI has been singled out for attacks even with the knowledge that it was the court ruling that had paved the way for Dr Ramroop to receive a radio licence.

Speaking with the Guyana Times on Wednesday, Maxwell Thom (Wireless Connections) who is among the beneficiaries rubbished the arguments, stating clearly that he has no affiliation with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

He made it clear that his receipt of a radio licence was not one built on political relations with the then Jagdeo Administration.

Thom, who now operates Real FM Radio Station from his South Ruimveldt Headquarters, said he applied for radio and IP TV licences, but only received the former, for which he was grateful.

“I think I received it based on the fact that I am Guyanese and I have been in the wireless industry for

quite some time,” he posited.

He added that at the time, he had applied for one radio frequency but included in his application that following his establishment, an additional application would be made for another radio frequency to aid in his expansion drive.

“There have been some misleading reports and I am disappointed, but nevertheless we are thankful. I think this nation owes everybody a living.”

Additionally, accusations that some of the radio stations were set up to push political content in favour of the PPP/C were also debunked by Thom.

“So far, I haven’t had any political party on my radio station…in fact, 99 per cent of the time we broadcast programmes produced by us that are not politically oriented,” he explained. It was pointed that from 03:00h to 08:00h a gospel programme is broadcast on a daily basis, subsequent to which four other programmes are aired including the Morning Fuel.

These programmes are designed to promote health, beauty, money management, and family life among other aspects, Thom explained.

Half-truths

Only on Tuesday, the 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”.

The Party said too it has taken note of the persistent and wrongful accusations levelled against 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.

The Party said that with specific reference to RGI, 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 Vieira prior to his selling his communications empire to Dr 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 reiterated.

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

Daniel Singh, General Manager of Guyana Times/ TVG/RGI, which operates on the 89.3/89.5/89.7 FM frequency, pointed out that critics have failed miserably in highlighting the fact that

approval was granted in compliance with that court order. Singh explained that the acquisition of VCT by Dr Ramroop from Vieira included an application which was made for a radio licence.

“So when Dr Ramroop purchased the operations of VCT, that was included as a part of the sale. So obviously when the court ordered Government to issue the licence to the applicant, the licence was issued to the new owner, which happened to be Dr Ramroop,” Singh explained.

RGI’s programmes

Questioned about RGI’s programming, the General

Manager said when the Radio Station was launched approximately two years ago, a deliberate effort was made to be unique; hence the motto, “More Music, More Memories”.

“We play music all day; we want to entertain; we want people to be happy, and we cater for the entire family, hence our motto. Our music very moderate, yet exciting…anyone can listen to it,” he explained.

Daniel Singh, Guyana Times/ TVG/RGI General Manager

Maxwell Thom, proprietor of Real FM Radio Station

Anand Persaud, owner of NTN Radio Station

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

Guyana and Fiji

Earlier this week our Government re-established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Fiji. It was explained that this was because Fiji held democratic elections on September 17, of this year and had been readmitted into the Commonwealth after a seven-year rule by a coup-installed Government.

Relations were resumed "also in keeping with the foreign policy of the Government of Guyana to develop relations with those member states of the international community with which it shares mutual interests and values".

The last laconic sentence is rather interesting and redolent of a significance that might not be immediately apparent. Fiji does indeed share much with Guyana, not the least because its politics, like ours, has been dominated by ethnic beneficence of British generosity with labourers from India.

While they were brought to Guyana to replace the exAfrican slaves on the sugar plantations, in Fiji, Indians were sent to save the indigenous Fijians from the "indignity" of labouring in the sugar planters that Australian capital established.

By the time aspirations of "independence" began to flower after World War II (WWII), the Indian segment had risen to approximately to half of the population. This caused no little consternation among the native Fijian populace, who rented land to the Indians to cultivate sugar cane, and which the latter were not allowed to own.

The Fijians lived and were organised in villages, run by hereditary "Chiefs" who were very powerful. Almost unique in the world, with the exception of apartheid South Africa, the polling registers were organised by ethnicity. Independence came in 1970 under a Fijian dominated Government, with the Indian party in the Opposition.

In 1987, the Government was defeated at the polls by a coalition of a leftist Indian and Fijian party, which stressed "class" rather than "ethnic" interests. The traditional Fijian chiefs had controlled the first Fijian government, while the new Fijian party in the coalition was more attentive to ordinary indigenous Fijians. In the same year, the 3500-man army, was to stage the first of four coups within 20 years.

The issues were depressingly similar to those in Guyanese politics within the same time frame: the Indian party was not given "legitimacy" - even when it was accommodative with indigenous Fijians, within a coalition framework. From 1987, even though there were a host of constitutional changesincluding the promulgation of entirely new constitutions in 1990 and 1997, the bottom line was that no "Indian" Government - they could not be called "Fijian" by definition /would be recognised. The Constitution itself decreed Fijian dominance.

The Indian population during that time has been reduced to approximately to 33 percent from its high point of 50 percent, through massive migration to Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Some of the contradictions within the Fijian population gradually rose to the fore and the later coups were to prevent the domination by the traditional, hereditary Chiefs. The last army coup in December 2006 led to its commander Frank Bainimarama eventually becoming Prime Minister.

Elections were promised by 2009 but were never held because Bainimarama proposed that the country was "not ready". The Constitution was changed once again. It abolished communal rolls while introducing, what even its admirers admit, is a "bewildering" electoral procedure in which candidates were represented by numbers without any party identification.

The country became a single constituency while the votes are agglomerated by parties, which need a minimum of five percent of the national votes cast to be represented in Parliament.

In the polls of September 17, the Fiji First Party of Bainimarama, who stepped down from his army post earlier in the year, secured 60 percent of the votes. The party received about half of the Indian vote. It is hoped that Bainimarama will execute the "non-racial" programme on which he was elected so that Fiji can be "coup free" for a while.

Country above self

Dear Editor,

In February 2013, a few days after the shooting by “youth men” of Oscar Clarke, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress, in his home at Plum Park, Sophia, I wrote two letters to the Editor and in one of these (February 5, 2013) I stated:

“Times have changed. Institutions that were working at the time of Independence were retooled, politicised and centralised and we the people became alienated from grass roots structures (such as Village Councils), because most were unrepresentative of communities.

“Citizens then spent more time looking after themselves and those with resources created their own safe havens, in splendid isolation from the realities of community life – the infiltration by narco-traffickers, the rise of truancy among youth, the increasing incidence of absentee fathers, the dilemma of mothers who, by default, became the breadwinners of the family, the deteriorating infrastructure because of ‘fly by night contractors’, and the rise of subcultures that attracted the youth men and women.”

Almost two years later, the institutions which had become dysfunctional, remain largely so – testimo-

ny in great measure, to the negative consequences of political gridlock and intransigence.

The “youth” men and women have now graduated from being urban “foot bandits” who attacked Mr Clarke in this own home, to young men on bicycles - given the name “bicycle bandits” by rural residents of new housing areas at Zeelugt, Tuschen, Diamond, Republic Park and elsewhere, to the “car bandits” who brutally and callously shot to death a Security Guard at Sterling Products Limited, and to the “hinterland bandits” operating by boat and off-road vehicles, who killed a shop owner I knew at Mango Landing, Essequibo River.

The geographical dispersion of these most recent criminal activities is an indication of the increasing intelligence gathering capability, mobility, and bare-faced arrogance with which persons bent on criminality seem prepared to counter the deployment of private security guards, law enforcement patrols, road blocks, check points and CCTV cameras.

Those of us reading the daily coverage of criminality that reports on the murders of citizens, such as security guard Wilfred Stewart and shop owner Linden McAlmon, and injuries to

many others, may have unwittingly developed a fatalistic immunity to these examples of man’s inhumanity to man because of what is being played out in other jurisdictions such as in St Louis and Michigan USA, Mosul in Iraq and Damascus in Syria, and of the death toll from viruses in parts of Africa and from weather related disasters occurring with increasing frequency in many parts of this planet.

But what of the two daughters and unborn child of Wilfred Stewart and their mother, and Linden McAlmon’s children and his wife Maureen? What if we who now read this piece were the victims, and our children, wives, husbands and partners were faced with the trauma of being bereft of their fathers, husbands, wives and partners in this the season of goodwill?

If lower crime statistics are a reasonably accurate indicator that the society should feel safer and more secure, the recent incidents are cold comfort to the relatives and friends of the victims whose lives have been viciously terminated by those who are interested in quick returns for least effort or who are being manipulated by behind the scenes puppet masters.

Political gridlock has had

its debilitating impact on a long suffering citizenry, desperately hoping for respite from the endless vilification, the quirks, the angst and the vitriol emanating from all political camps.

This is exacerbated by reported acts of irresponsibility in the management of our national assets, of self aggrandisement and cronyism, downright chicanery and political buffoonery which overshadow the good works, largely unheralded and unreported, being done by committed and conscientious labourers in the public vineyard.

The net effect is that the deficit in governance and the acts of criminality are taking their toll on the morale and tolerance level of peace loving Guyanese. Incidents of violent crime, road kills, domestic violence, white collar crime and corruption, fragmentation of family units and degradation of the cohesiveness of communities, are symptomatic of a more insidious malaise in the national character.

It is facilitated by the political grandstanding and unwillingness to cede ground in a magnanimous national effort to resolve systemic issues plaguing the society.

Continued on page 5

The Supermoon rises over houses in Olvera, in the southern Spanish province of Cadiz, July 12. Occurring when a full moon or new moon coincides with the closest approach the moon makes to the Earth, the Supermoon results in a larger-than-usual appearance of the lunar disk (REUTERS/Jon Nazca)

Resolving the political stalemate

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Central Arya Samaj (GCAS) calls on the political parties to work together in the best interests of our nascent nation to address the issues associated with the prorogation of Parliament and the ongoing political stalemate.

The current political stand still is the concern of all regardless of political affiliation. The entire nation is interested in the future of our homeland. People want to see a better Guyana and are willing to offer a helping hand to resolve the political impasse that has been serving as an impediment to development.

The sooner the political conflict is resolved, the better it is for the nation. It is our organization’s fervent desire that the political parties and their supporters pursue a peaceful path that leads to reconciliation and that would further the goal of development and prosperity of our nation.

The current parliamentary impasse that led to the prorogation of Parliament in order to prevent an early death of the National Assembly affects development and also puts people on the edge, especially when there is idle conversation about ethnic issues.

There is need for peace and harmony instead of threats of violence and race talk, with such bantering negatively impacting on development.

The country cannot make progress under such conditions and every effort must be made to quickly end the prorogation as well as to find a long term solution that so as to make everyone happy.

The GCAS makes itself available to play a constructive role in ending the impasse that characterized our body politic.

Dialogue is the best way to resolve the current conflict. Differences need debate.

Nothing beats a conversation. What harm is there in a conversation that seeks to narrow differences?

Talking with one another can help to resolve conflict or at a minimum to help better understand each other’s position and compromise. Our religious organization urges the parties to put aside their differences and enter into meaningful negotiations to find a workable solution to the political problem at hand.

The parties must resolve their differences in a spirit of compromise utilizing godly measures of peace and goodwill that reflect the message behind the holiday season. The parties must compromise. Democracy is about respecting and incorporating the views of the majority as well as the minority.

The parties must recognize that they are the representatives of the people chosen democratically by the population. They must act maturely and not like little wayward children, and they must be willing to compromise to find a way forward to the current impasse.

Instead of fighting each other, their energy should be spent on meeting the needs of the people and concentrating on development strategies. The GCAS would have preferred the reconvening of parliament to address the issues at hand.

That not being possible, the GCAS welcomes the announcement by the President to dissolve Parliament early in the New Year and hold elections that will hopefully resolve the standstill that has plagued parliament for the last three years.

We call on the President to announce a date for election at the earliest. We call for a peaceful campaign.

Vishnu Bandhu, GCAS President

Country above...

It contributes to the growing disillusionment among many of our youth and recent graduates from secondary and tertiary institutions, who despair of realising their true potential as individuals and as professionals in the country of their birth.

If this is truly a season of goodwill and we are sincere in our exchanges of greetings and good wishes, then we should also look forward expectantly to some moraleboosting manifestations of the highest levels of statesmanship, political astuteness, receptivity to advocacy and magnanimity, in the cause of national unity and Guyana’s development for all.

This should be complemented by all faith-based organisations practicing a model of liberation theology - the kind that took root and blossomed in our region during the 1970s and 1980s,

Social issues smorgasbord

Dear Editor,

As Guyanese attempt to recover from devastation of the flood and to grapple with preparations for the upcoming festive season, we hope that everyone would be each other’s keeper and do whatever it takes in the event of observing any signs of suicidal mindset.

Please do not dismiss any such signs and please do not say it’s not your business because we all have the responsibility to save lives and we should do for others what we would want them to do for us.

It has been noted that suicidal behavior escalates during festive seasons and so The Caribbean Voice appeals to all and sundry to be on the alert as you go about your daily routines.

Please do remember that regardless of the problem, and no matter how things seem bleak, suicide is not the answer. In this respect we must emphasize that no one should take for granted any behaviour that is remotely different from the usual or the regular.

And please do not make assumptions about or dismiss such behaviour. Instead, if it’s not what it should or could be, take action and get help. Let your actions be proven wrong, but the life of a loved one remains safe than to do nothing based on assumptions and then become a suicide survivor.

We urge all to please also pay attention to families that have already suffered at least one suicide as copycatting, also called the Whether Effect or suicide contagion, is very much a significant issue.

Meanwhile, The Caribbean Voice strongly supports the suggestion that the recent 73 social work graduates from

that will identify with good governance, and finding creative solutions to the issues that affect the poor, the vulnerable, the homeless, the jobless, the traumatised women and children, and the marginalised in our society.

I republish for emphasis, an extract of what I wrote in February 2013:

“We must accept our collective responsibility now and demonstrate that we have the capacity, commitment and desire to uplift this country we call home. We must empower ourselves to arrest the slide and demand much of ourselves and those in authority, who have been elected to serve us.”

As the Head of the UN Children’s Fund is reported to have said last Monday: “The world is more divided politically among and within nations than ever before… and …. the foundations of

the University of Guyana, be placed in schools. This would also be in keeping with our proposal to the Minister of Education, which she endorsed at a meeting The Caribbean Voice held with her.

The Caribbean Voice continues to be puzzled by the continuing proliferation of talk shops held by the Ministry of Health, in relation to mental health. Surely, by now everyone knows exactly what needs to be done?

Thus, rather than talk the mental health strategy (programme) to death, should the Ministry not spearhead the actual formalizing of the programme and its ASAP implementation, in collaboration with all possible stakeholders?

This can begin with the draft, apparently now completed, being made available to the public, including stakeholders, for discussion and input.

It is imperative that the Ministry of Agriculture act to restrict the easy access to agri-poisons. Perhaps the Sri Lankan model can be analyzed to consider its applicability, as is or in some modified form, to Guyana. This is what is done in villages in Sri Lankan:

1. Sale, of highly toxic pesticides, is restricted and this has indeed led to a reduction in suicides.

2. Individual lockable boxes for storing pesticides have been introduced in farming households. Essentially this is a safe storage area in the village, a building, where farmers have individual boxes to store their pesticides. Access to the building is controlled by a village el-

der, and farmers can get their pesticides between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

3. A lot of awareness training about pesticides and suicide has been done and is continual. In fact, selected individuals have been identified for villagers to turn to or report any problems or concerns.

Meanwhile, we call on all Mashramani participants, especially parades, floats and artistes, to find ways of incorporating social issues into their presentations. The Caribbean Voice and its strategic partners stand willing to provide slogans, if necessary.

At the same time, with election campaigning seemingly in the air, we appeal to all political parties to include social issues on their campaign platforms and to be proactive in both stipulating their policies as well as in providing information about what can be done and urging people to become involved in addressing these issues.

Also, The Caribbean Voice is proposing a preMash nation wide, anti-violence candlelight vigil, the evening before. The fact is that suicide, domestic and child abuse, incest and rape, alcoholism and drug addiction, teenage pregnancy and dysfunctional relationships are all acts of violence against self or others.

So the candle light vigil aims to focus on all these social pathologies and to embrace as many organizations and entities as possible, including Government agencies and ministries; women’s, youth and sports organizations; religious and educational institutions including churches, mandirs

and mosques; political parties, community based organizations; and NGOs and all else.

The idea is to have a candle light vigil in every community and every village and each vigil can select its own focus and include inter-faith prayers for peace and non-violence. Thus, The Caribbean Voice appeals to all and sundry, to join this effort.

In the upcoming weeks more information would be forthcoming. Meanwhile please feel free to contact us on Facebook at ‘The Suicide Epidemic’, via email at caribvoice@aol.com, ncarter2@ecommunity.com or bibiahamad1@hotmail.com, or call Bibi Ahamad at 6216111 or 223-2637.

We regularly see posts stating 'we have to do’ this, that or the other, but the posters are not generally among those who 'do'. In effect it would seem that they don't consider themselves as part of the solution. If this is the case with you we urge you to remember Mahatma Gandhi’s admonition to “be the change you want to see”.

The other problematic is that far too few people and entities operate in the mental health arena in Guyana to impact individually, yet there is a great deal of reluctance to work collectively.

The Caribbean Voice implores a collective and collaborative approach as the best way to impact positive change. Please touch base with us or other entities and join forces to create the necessary impact.

Bibi Ahamad, The Caribbean Voice

the future would be built in the hearts and minds of children, not the physical infrastructure of schools.”

I am not a pessimist. I have experienced positive occurrences in different parts of our country and witnessed at firsthand how these have impacted on the lives and livelihoods of people. But there should be no denying that there are systemic issues to be resolved by our collective efforts.

Now is as good a time as any for us to re-group, re-engage and re-double our efforts at shaping a caring, enlightened and civil Guyanese society that will work in unity and harmony with unselfish and responsible leaders at all levels who can be relied upon to put institution, village, district, region and country, above self.

Joseph G Singh Major General (retd)

Page Foundation

The Ebola virus that has killed thousands in West Africa is still “running ahead” of efforts to contain it, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO)has said.

Director General Margaret Chan said the situation had improved in some parts of the worst-affected countries, but she warned against complacency.

The risk to the world “is always there” while the outbreak continues, she said.

She said the WHO and the international community failed to act quickly enough.

The death toll in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone stands at 6331. More than 17,800 people have been infected, according to the WHO.

“In Liberia, we are beginning to see some good progress, especially in Lofa county [close to where the outbreak first started] and the capital,” said Dr Chan.

Cases in Guinea and Sierra Leone were “less severe” than a couple of months ago, but she said “we are still seeing large numbers of cases”.

‘Hunting the virus’

Dr Chan said: “It’s not as bad as it was in September. But going forward we are now hunting the virus, chasing after the virus. Hopefully we can bring [the number of cases] down to zero.”

The official figures do not show the entire picture of the outbreak. In August, the WHO said the numbers were “vastly under-estimated”, due to people not reporting illnesses and deaths from Ebola.

Dr Chan said the quality of data had improved since then, but there was still further work to be done.

She said a key part of bringing the outbreak under control was ensuring communities understood Ebola. She said teams going into some areas were still being attacked by frightened communities.

“When they see people in space suits coming into their village to take away their loved ones, they were very fearful. They hide their sick relatives at home, they hide dead bodies.

“[This is] extremely dangerous in terms of spreading disease. So we must bring the community on our side to fight the Ebola outbreak. Community participation is a critical success factor for Ebola control.

“In all the outbreaks that WHO were able to manage successfully – that was a success element and this [is] not happening in this cur-

rent situation.”

Benefit of hindsight

The WHO faced criticism over its handling of the crisis at the start of the outbreak. An internal document leaked in October said those involved “failed to see some fairly plain writing on the wall”.

The first Ebola victim in West Africa has been retrospectively traced back to a two-year-old boy called Emile. He died in southeast Guinea in December 2013. No-one knew it was Ebola at the time.

The virus had never been seen in West Africa. The first cases started emerging in a remote part of the country with almost non-existent health facilities, and nobody spotted what it was in the first couple of months.

An outbreak was eventually declared at the end of March after 50 people had died. The WHO announced a global health emergency on August 8.

“It is fair to say the whole world, including WHO, failed to see what was unfolding, what was going to happen in front of our eyes,” said Dr Chan.

“Of course, with the benefit of hindsight, if you ask me now... we could have mounted a much more robust response.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

For boosting confidence of children and helping them do well in life it is essential for parents to be confident. Have a quick look at the tips for being a confident parent.

Parenting is a great challenge and requires certain amount of skill. Although we can watch other parents and get some tips by asking them, the trick to successful parenting lies in being a confident parent first. To raise confident children, you as a parent should be confident. Even if you are not, appear to be confident before your children. Your children do not want to see you timid or nervous. They look upon you and feel safe and secure in your hands.

Everyone wants to be the best parent and wants to give the best to their children. Sometimes you may feel that you have failed as a parent. When you are not very sure of your actions and the decisions you take, you will end up raising children with very low selfesteem. So, it is very important that you trust yourself and be confident. Read on to find five steps for becoming a confident parent.

Believe in yourself

Do not try to portray an image which you are not, before your children. Be truthful. Have faith in yourself and listen to your inner voice and intuition. Redefine and understand your worth. You cannot compare your style of parenting with others. Every family and their values are different. You must first learn

to understand your needs, as well as the needs of your family. When you know who you are and what you want, you can deal with things more maturely.

Be responsible for your actions

Learn to take responsibility for your actions; be it good or bad. In case you have made a mistake, learn from it and move ahead. Be bold enough to admit your mistakes before your children. Have a positive attitude and without blaming others, make yourself accountable for your actions. Remember, you are the role model for your children and you are being watched.

Never feel guilty

When you make mistakes, a sense of guilt follows. This guilt feeling prevails for a long time and may alienate you from your children. Learn to release your guilt. Remember, your intentions as a parent are genuine. Mistakes happen. All parents are learning at every step of their parenting. You cannot change certain situations. Learn to accept it. Adjust and try not to dwell too much on your mistakes. Just erase the guilt feeling completely from your mind and move on.

Understanding internet and new technology Technology is advancing every day. Make efforts to learn the advances in technology and understand them. Today’s children are more mature and advanced. To connect with your children more effectively as a confident parent, you must know more about the Internet world and the social media where your children are engaged most of the time. Use the positive elements of this Internet world to guide your children and navigate them accordingly.

Knowing your children

Your children’s world is so full of wonder and amazement and quite different from yours. Try entering his world and feel the magic. Only you know the best about your children. Equip yourself with your children’s behavioural patterns. Notice and observe them. Spend more time with them. Your knowledge about your children is the key to being a confident parent. With every passing day, you become wiser as a parent. Wisdom is your greatest strength. Enjoy this journey of being a parent. Have a more relaxed attitude and be happy. Confident parents can achieve greater targets in life. Your confidence and determination will mould your children into better human beings. With confidence, you will see yourself progressing faster and more smoother. Never let your insecurities become triggered at any point of time.

(Indiaparenting)

Govt working to remedy Fibre Optic Cable Project … assures project hasn’t collapsed

Following a series of missed deadlines, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon says he is involved in discussions for renovations and corrections of defects in the Fibre Optic Cable Project.

Speaking at his weekly news briefing on Wednesday, Dr Luncheon explained that in 2011/2012, it was recognised that contractors were not meeting the requirements to develop and unfold the project. As such, he took the initiative to get involved in discussions to remedy the situation.

Dr Luncheon then took the opportunity to clear the air on assumptions of persons in some quarters who have said that the project had collapsed. “You say the project was scrapped. I am doubtful whether the definitiveness of your statements actually accords with the status of the project right now,” Dr Lunchoen said in a response to a question posed at the news conference.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds earlier this year stated that some delays in the completion of the project stemmed from difficul-

ty of procuring piles, adverse weather conditions, and the provision of electrical access to the sites. After a few local contractors were awarded contracts to work on various sections of the fibre optic cable, sections of the cable became damaged due to poor handling. Hinds had revealed that the E-Government Project unit had aimed for an April 2014 completion date. However, this date was later extended to August 2014. Prime Minister Hinds had revealed of these dates following a written letter from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Joseph Harmon, who questioned the finances of the project.

However, Dr Luncheon said discussions are being held with a local firm as well as another in a neighbouring country to conclude the rehabilitation of the existing cable that spans from Lethem, Rupununi, Region Nine to Castellani House in Georgetown, Region Four. Construction and renovations on the cable are expected to cost approximately $1 billion, Dr Luncheon added.

“It costs a pretty penny for construction, I am certain it exceeds over $1 billion in wiring, excavating to a required standard and purchasing the lengths of cable required for Lethem to Georgetown.”

Some 200 kilometres of the cable leading from Lethem to Georgetown has to be repaired, Dr Luncheon explained. It was further explained by the HPS that the LTE-Towers that were erected belong to the Hauwei backbone project and the towers that support the network were established for the fibre optic cable programme.

While the cable is to provide bandwidth to the Hauwei network as well as other purposes, it would allow the full functionality of the project. In October 2012, the foundation for the LTETower was designed by the Public Works Ministry and the contractor Huawei, however, the creation of this design delayed the project by one month.

Further, Dr Luncheon revealed that the Brazilians have not been paid for work previously executed in this capacity. “We have not paid the Brazilians but we do have a contract to purchase bandwidth from them,” Luncheon said while adding that the bandwidth has not been functional.

However, he said he believes the Brazilians are understanding to the fact and added that “we have run up some US$76,000 per year in the purchase of bandwidth.” In January 2012, the WiMax and EVDO networks were changed to an LTEAdvanced network. This change allowed for a lower cost core network and the savings were used to move

Radio licences were...

“There is also focus on current issues and public information, but if politics makes the news then that has to be included in the news,” Singh said.

He added that the station also provides information on the weather, health tips and other public service type announcements.

Unfair

Singh said he cannot turn a blind eye to the unfair treatment that the station has received in sections of the press due to disinformation.

“I believe many of the media reports have been unfair to RGI, and in many instances, that has been deliberate," he maintained.

Owner of NTN Radio Station, Anand Persaud said the ruckus being stirred up over the issuance

of radio licences was uncalled for, positing that the process was fair.

Legitimate

Persaud, who was also contacted on Wednesday, told the Guyana Times that he acquired his radio licence through a legitimate process, explaining that he met all the requisite criteria by the then National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU).

Persaud believes that he was granted the licence because he owned a television station and provided highquality programme.

“I think that was one of the criteria that were used,” he told this newspaper.

But he put all allegations to rest, stating clearly that his radio station is not used as a political platform for any political par-

from page 3

ty whether it be the PPP/C or the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

“I do not promote politics on my radio station, it is all clean entertainment and I cater for people of all walks of life, all religions, and all ethnicities; that’s why it is called the pulse of Guyana,” said Persaud.

Other beneficiaries of radio licences are the National Communications Network (NCN); Telecor and Cultural Broadcasting Inc (Omar Lochan); New Guyana Company Ltd (Dharam Kumar Seeraj); Hits and Jams Entertainment (Rawle Ferguson); Alfro Alphonso and Sons Enterprise (Alfro Alphonso); Haslyn Graham (of Linden); Rudy Grant; and Little Rock Television Station (Rocliffe Christie). (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

from 30 WiMax/EVDO sites to 54 LTE-Advanced sites. This was expected to provide better high-speed coverage in heavily populated areas such as Linden, New Amsterdam, Georgetown, Anna Regina, and Port Mourant/Albion. The information Communication Technology Project is a part of the Government’s quest to modernise the nation’s technological front.

The project is intended to provide Government to Government communication, Government to citizen access to information and services, and Government to business communication.

Additionally, a fibre ring within Georgetown has been set-up to allow for a more efficient communication system, while a high-speed microwave link will be installed between Moleson Creek,

Georgetown and Charity and another between Linden and Georgetown. The microwave network will be an active backup to the fibre network thereby making way for high-speed communication between Government offices throughout the country. The $3.1 billion project started four years ago but Guyana has thus far invested approximately $1 billion.

Fibre-optic cable being strung along the Linden-Lethem road from Brazil

HPS, Dr Roger Luncheon

Venezuelan further remanded on illegal firearm charges

Venezuelan national Jonny Ventura Mentor Gomez

Revas was further remanded to prison after he made his second court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday morning.

Gomez Revas appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on December 9 before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on charges of illegal firearm

and ammunition possession and discharging a firearm.

The defendant, who was a Sergeant in the Venezuelan Army for seven years, was alleged of have in his possession nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, along with a Taurus 9mm pistol, bearing serial number PAP66135, without being the holder of a firearm licence. The charge also alleged that he unlawfully and maliciously discharged a loaded firearm at Jogangolo Ovara with intent

to maim, disfigure, disable or cause actual bodily harm.

The incident reportedly occurred on December 5, at the Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni River, Region Seven.

On his first appearance in court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. His Attorney Mark Conway applied for bail for his client; however, Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones successfully raised objections. He cited the penalty

the charge attracts and the fact that the defendant was of Venezuelan national and may be a flight risk.

However, during court proceedings on Wednesday, Inspector Michael Grant represented the state in the matter, in the absence of Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones. Inspector Grant indicated to the court that the prosecution was going ahead with the charges against the defendant. He further noted that all of the statements are ready, while adding that the file is awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Inspector Grant expressed his confidence in the matter, stating that he is positive that the trial will commence sometime next week.

Gomez Revas new lawyer, Ganesh Hira was unsuccessful in granting his client bail. The attorney explained that the Foreign Affairs Ministry was under the impression that his client shot a Guyanese. The defence counsel further argued that the incident took place at Hacienda El Coco which is a part of Venezuela.

However, Inspector Grant opposed the lawyer’s explanation, stating that the jurisdiction within which the alleged crime took place is not the problem in this matter. He noted that the defendant was in a boat when the firearm was discharged and when the firearm and ammunition was found, Gomez Revas was at Eteringbang Landing.

Defending his client, Hira informed the court that the matters were being resolved in a “diplomatic fashion” as talks were being held between the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Venezuela. To support this submission, he presented to the court Consulate Officer for the Venezuelan Embassy Heriderto Villegal and Head of the Venezuelan Military at Eteringbang Landing Ricardo Riera.

The Sergeant remains on remand while the matter was adjourned until December 15.

Eyew tness

Guilty conscience...

...by PNC/APNU on democracy

The PNC/APNU wore black yesterday as they marched up and down on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in front of OP under the direction of their militant (military?) leader David Granger. Even he slipped off his trademark green garb (reminds him of his old camouflage?) and draped himself in black. Your Eyewitness, who happened to pass by, thought the Taliban had descended into our (once) fair land!!

Granger said he and his followers (Roopnarine actually showed up!!) were mourning the "death of democracy"!!! One could've forgiven the hyperbole if the symbolism wasn't so heavy handed! Couldn't Roopnarine - with all that literary background – give them a hint?? What next?? A hooded Granger wielding the scythe of death?? Please!! if we can't be understated like the British who tutored us, let's not be so quite over the top.

After all, it's more than a little rich for the successor of Forbes Burnham - as leader of the PNC - to be complaining about "the death of democracy". If democracy survived its repeated and sustained rape at the hands of the PNC for 28 years, that should've given Granger and his partisans a hint of the depth to which the roots of democracy had penetrated our soil. It was down but never out! How did the PNC try to kill democracy?? Shall we count the ways?? Naah!!! That'll take more pages than War and Peace!! Just to cite rigging elections, launching death squads, controlling unions, murdering political opponents - of which Rodney was just the most high profile - is just the tip of a very large iceberg. We can do just as well by taking a peek at the PNC's last Congress - when the leader was going to be "elected". It ended with the entire Linden delegation and Aubrey Norton stomping out.

Carl Greenidge groaned, "The Party has arrived at a very sad moment”. And Norton himself, pledging fealty to the PNC as an institution, bit his tongue and said mildly that the voting process was "extremely flawed". But just as democracy survived Burnham, it'll survive Granger - not without, however, the usual quirks that history throws up.

As far as plotting and scheming to subvert democracy, Granger will "meet his maker" as he negotiated with Khemraj Ramjattan on the coalescing of the AFC and the PNC. The AFC started out with two "co-leaders".... Trotman has only just been able to slink back as an ordinary Executive! Ramjattan, with all his blunders, landed on his feet!!

Granger should be happy if he emerges from the negotiations with his buckta on!! But democracy will be alive and well...outside the coalition.

...from GPSU

Imagine the bauxite clerical workers went out on strike and all their union was able to get for them from the very profitable company Bosai was 6.5 per cent!! Even after justifying their original demand for 7.5 per cent by showing productivity increases and such things. And yet when the Government awarded the Public Servants the same, Granger had the temerity to call it a "freck"!!

But unlike Granger, it seems the leader of the GPSU must've had a guilty conscience about how generous the Government was being, after his ranting and raving. He's now quiet rather than taking Granger's bait to join him in the streets. Yarde isn't blind...he can see the signs and read them. The days of the unions are gone.

More importantly, he knows that even after the GPSU was the spear-arm of the PNC back in the day, it's never been treated as good as by the PPP/C!

...on torture

Back in 2010, after we had the unfortunate incident of a teen being tortured by some Police at Leonora, the US Embassy lectured us on how "concerned" they were. With the revelations of the widespread and most horrendous degraded acts of torture by the CIA revealed, shouldn't our Government express OUR "concern"??

DNA confirms Turkeyen body as that of missing teacher

Six months after St Stanislaus College teacher Nyozi Goodman went missing, her family finally has confirmation that the skeletal remains found at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown were hers.

On Tuesday, some three months after DNA samples of the skeletal remains were sent overseas for testing, the results came back positive from a Trinidad and Tobago laboratory, a Police source Wednesday revealed. The results were initially expected back more than two months ago.

The senior Police rank added that unfortunately, the prime suspect in the matter, Royston Waldron was killed by Police in a shootout in Kitty a few weeks ago.

The rank explained that had the suspect been alive, he would have been charged for the murder of the schoolteacher based on circumstantial evidence.

The source told the Guyana Times that Goodman was last seen with Waldron before she disappeared on July 6. He said with such information at the investigators’ disposal, they were awaiting the return of the DNA results to institute charges.

Closure

The dead teacher’s mother, Carol Green, told this publication that she was contacted on Tuesday evening and informed that the DNA test came back positive.

The bereaved mother stated that the DNA results have brought closure to the family. The family intends to hold a memorial service for Goodman soon.

The 36-year-old Goodman was last seen at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, sending off with another teacher, her school’s basketball team whom she had accompanied to the National Schools Basketball Championships.

Health Ministry working valiantly to eliminate maternal deaths

… says MDG 5 must be prioritised if Guyana is to meet targets

AOn July 24, a female body suspected to be that of the missing teacher, of William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was found in an advanced stage of decomposition.

As a result, local pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh had to be taken to the scene to perform the post-mortem examination, but after more than 30 minutes of examining the remains, he declared the cause of death was inconclusive. However, Dr Singh reportedly found signs that the woman might have been stabbed.

A ladies belt, underwear and other materials were found at the scene.

One brother who was present at the scene stated that the body was too decomposed to ascertain if it were his sister’s – hence, DNA samples were taken.

MFK case

Meanwhile, samples taken from the body that was found at Old Road, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara on September 22 have been sent to the Forensic Science Centre of Trinidad for DNA testing.

It is suspected that the body is that of the former owner of MFK Trading, Mohamed Feroze Khan. The head was reportedly found by workers attached to the Public Works Ministry who were weeding in the area. It was reportedly in a black plastic bag and was being carried by a dog.

Upon the discovery, the men went to the area from where the dog came and stumbled upon the body.

The businessman who resided in Venezuela after selling his Hadfield Street, Georgetown business left that country on August 21 to visit his Guyanese attorney.

He was expected to spend five days in Guyana and return to his three children and wife. When he did not show up, his family members contacted several of his friends, but they claimed that they had not seen him.

s Guyana continues to grapple with the rising incidence of maternal mortality, Government through the Health Ministry and the agencies attached to the United Nations here, are valiantly working towards totally eradicating the bane, which is said to have the ability to crumble any economy.

The improvement of maternal health is identified as Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Number Five, a declaration adopted by Guyana’s Government along with 188 other countries some 14 years ago.

On Wednesday, the Health and Finance Ministries and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) representatives, launched the Millennium Development Goals Framework and Campaign on Maternal Health, which is aimed at further improving the service offered to citizens of Guyana.

In evaluating its progress toward the MDGs, Guyana’s Government has identified MDG Five; the improvement of maternal health as a goal that needs prioritisation if its targets are to be achieved by 2015.

In the presence of nurses, medex and doctors, the Health Ministry and agencies of the United Nations rolled out their plan of action to combat the scourge of maternal death, at the Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown, Georgetown.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud who chaired the programme said that while much has been

where necessary to ensure effective service.

Woodford said her department has also been working with midwives to strengthen their capacities and has been providing information and education in this area. “That is why we are launching this campaign with all these materials”, she said.

Ongoing training

The MCH Head noted too that extensive training has been ongoing with young doctors, adding that the Ministry has indentified a special approach to the five pillars of care which include pre-conception, pre-natal, intra-natal, care of the high risk patient and post partum.

Workshops on safe motherhood have also been held in regions across Guyana,

done to achieve the MDGs, there is much more that needs to be accomplished to see a total eradication.

Head of the Maternal and Child Health Department (MCH), Health Ministry, Dr Janice Woolford said that the action plan undertaken has benefited from the input of stakeholders here in Guyana.

According to Dr Woolford, the MCH Department has also been actively involved in ascertaining the challenges and providing support

all which have been deemed successful.

Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran said his Ministry has been able to address some of the issues which hinder the progress of this MDG.

He said too that this year has seen a reduced number of reported maternal deaths when compared to last year.

Minister Ramsaran also noted that Guyana’s MDG Acceleration Framework (MAF) has the potential to initiate the systemat-

braced the MDGs as the guiding framework for poverty reduction and development. Since then, the annual budget for the social sector, including the education and health sectors have improved. Allocation to the Social Sector more than doubled from $25.1 billion in 2000 to $72.4 billion in 2013 and those directed to the Health Sector increased more than threefold from $4.86 billion in 2000 to $19.0 billion in 2013.

Guyana’s MDG Acceleration framework was developed by the Government in collaboration with the UNDP with the view of accelerating progress toward achieving maternal health related targets.

ic changes necessary both at the central and national level and at the institutional and regional level to raise the quality of maternal health care in Guyana.

“With the view of ensuring that this is indeed achieved and that a multisectoral approach is encouraged, a monitoring committee will be established. The committee’s mandate will

Khadija Musa, the UNDP’s Resident Coordinator, said Guyana has made tremendous progress towards meeting the various targets of the MDGs including the targets for nutrition and child health and made important strides in its efforts to reduce hunger.

“But as we celebrate the achievements, we recognise that much work remains to be done. We particularly note

be to track implementation of the activities included in Guyana’s MAF Action plan for improved maternal health against the established timeline and targets,” the Health Minister said.

Although there has been progress toward this goal, significant challenges remain.

To identify the current major bottlenecks in this area, a situational analysis was carried out using the MDG acceleration Framework and concrete solutions were then selected in line with the prioritised bottlenecks.

All stakeholders involved in the MAF drafting process identified the shortage of skilled human resources, especially of qualified obstrecians and gynecologists, as the major bottleneck, other prioritised bottlenecks were inadequate, Ramsaran said.

Consistent with its unwavering commitment to the reduction of poverty, Guyana in the year 2000 adopted the Millennium Development Declaration along with 188 other countries and em-

the remaining challenges in the area of maternal health, where work needs to be stepped up towards creating an environment for a higher standard of care and long sustainability.

"In this regard, we are pleased and encourage the Government that has strongly demonstrated its commitment to achieving the unmet MDGs by identifying MDG5,” Musa said. It has also been able to increase access to social services and benefits, improve enrollment and completion of primary education, increase empowerment of women and achieve environmental sustainability.

The country was also on track to achieving the goals relating to education, water and sanitation, and HIV/ AIDS.

Present also at the launch were PAHO/WHO representative, Dr Adu Krow, Dr Roberto Campos from USAID, UNFPA representative Patrice La Fleur and Cornelly McAlmont, UNICEF representative.

Nyozi Goodman

Mohamed Feroze Khan

A section of the gathering

Head of Maternal and Child Health, Health Ministry, Dr Janice Woolford

UNDP Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa at the launching on Wednesday

2014 murder toll reaches 127

The Guyana Police Force on Wednesday stated that an 11 per cent drop in serious crimes was recorded at the end of November 2014 when compared with the corresponding period last year.

Serious crimes include murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

A total of 127 murders were recorded at the end of November 2014 in comparison to 133 murders for the same period in 2013, a decrease of five per cent.

At the end of November 2014, robbery under arms overall increased by six per cent in comparison to the same period in 2013 (based on the figure of 1038 given in 2013, about 1100 cases of armed robbery were reported).

The statistics indicate an increase of 10 per cent in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, and a two per cent decrease in armed rob-

Table showing the statistics over 2013 and 2014 for murder, robbery under arms and accidents. The robbery under arms figure was calculated based on the figure released in 2013 and the percentage increase this year

beries where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

In relation to traffic, 130 road fatalities from 121 accidents were recorded at the end of November 2014 in comparison to 100 fatalities from 92 accidents for the same period in 2013, a 32 per cent increase in fatalities.

The other categories of accidents – serious, minor and damage – have seen

reductions over JanuaryNovember this year, in comparison to the same period last year.

Pedestrians have been the main road users affected with 57 losing their lives at the end of November 2014. In addition, 24 motorcyclists, 18 pedal cyclists, 13 drivers, 17 persons travelling in motor vehicles and one person being towed on a bicycle also lost their lives.

Speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to fatal accidents and was the cause of 75 of the 121 fatal accidents recorded at the end of November 2014.

Traffic enforcement by the Police has resulted in a total of 61,853 cases being made against errant motorists unto the end of November 2014; of this total, 17,493 cases were for speeding.

To date, one person has lost his life due to a fatal accident during this month.

De Yard Man abandon he own crowd

These days every body lookin fuh a crowd. Christmas comin up so all de shop owners want a crowd. Even de pavement vendors want a crowd. And de only Sober Woman in de S*ity Council tryin to keep out Green and he unruly crowd from messin wid she crowd.

Some does rent a crowd to go court like a newspaper man. Some want a crowd to follow dem like Green Jah. Some want a young crowd (and young gyal) to deh behind dem all ovah like Cling Tongue.

Some want a crowd to simply deh wid dem like Bencock. And of course it got some who just hidin in a crowd like Ruehell (someone said Rushell?). Some always leavin one crowd fuh another crowd like Yu-Stuff, de Region Six fella.

Sharma de Shorty want a crowd fuh de elections, but he scorn de KFC/Pee-an-See/HAP-NU crowd. And it got some who tryin hard to belong to a crowd like Poop Narine, although no crowd ain’t want he around.

Alexis de More belong to a different kinda crowd, so de Chancellor send he deh to spend some time wid he own crowd. Winstone de More was lookin to getta crowd against de former Prezzi, but he end up messin wid de wrong crowd at de N-Bee-Ace.

Rum Jhaat already admit that he want a crowd behind he, wid some body in de crowd havin a good whip. De Nagga Man was lookin to help Rum Jhaat get a crowd, but he ain’t gotta whip, or he whip just don't wuk.

Then both Rum Jhaat and de Nagga Man start to look in de wrong crowd all de way in Berbice fuh a crowd. In all that time, dem only manage to find one man in de whole crowd and that was Samad de Nomad. And of course Samad de Nomad can never keep a crowd because he could never stick to one place and one crowd.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! As fuh de Yard Man, don’t even ask he, because he abandon he own crowd!

MARAD investigates harassment allegations by fishermen

An official from MARAD meeting with fishermen of Goed Fortuin

Officials from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) travelled to Goed Fortuin on the West Bank of Demerara on December 3, to investigate allegations of harassment made by some fishermen based in the area.

The allegations, which were aired in an article published one day earlier in another section of the media, claimed that MARAD offi-

cials demanded money from fishers or else they would “turn up the heat”.

In a release, MARAD said upon investigations by officials, the fishermen immediately intimated that they told the reporter they were harassed by the Marine Police and that was perhaps misconstrued and interpreted as MARAD officials.

“In view of the foregoing, MARAD takes this opportunity to refute all of the

false claims contained in the newspaper article. Further, it is advising all fishers to immediately report any incident of harassment to the Department or the nearest Police station.”

The release concluded, “MARAD once again is taking this opportunity to urge all fishers and other users of our waterways to have their boats and themselves certified to operate.”

50,000 US visas up for Guyana this year

– Consular Chief says no quota restriction

The United States (US) Embassy here said it is expecting to issue in excess of 50,000 visas to Guyanese nationals for 2014.

This exceeds the approximate total of 35,000, which was given out last year. Speaking during a local radio programme on Tuesday, US Embassy Chief for Consular Affairs James Jimenez said there is no stipulated number of visas the Embassy is limited to issuing per year.

“There is not a numerical quota for the amount of visas we can give, we can give as much as the amount of applications processed… in the past we’ve only had 35,000 applications and that’s all we would have done …”

Commentators have opined that given the poor shape of the US economy, many Guyanese have been returning. They said too that whereas in the past there were a lot of persons overstaying their time or simply live illegally in the US, many are returning home.

Jimenez also noted that there are no predetermined requirements needed by an individual when applying for a non-immigrant visa.

“Well first off, there are no basic requirements for a visa….If I were to list them, it would simply be that you’re alive, breathing and have a passport , so there are no specific assets or list of qualifications,” he add-

ed.

However, Jimenez encouraged applicants to display complete honesty on their application form and during the interview process.

“Be truthful, one of the things all officers and the staff are trained in is recognising the ‘tells’…the reasons you would suspect a person is withholding information or telling false info…”

The Chief for Consular Affairs noted that while the Embassy looks for ties that would connect a person to their home country, honesty is the main determining factor for granting a visa. Jimenez added that the Embassy is cognisant of the fact that the ties that would bond a person to Guyana vary among young adults, the middle-aged and the retired populations.

It was noted that a visitor’s visa is as the name suggests and therefore if anyone in possession of this category of visa is found working to achieve economic gains on US soil, strict penalties will be taken against him or her. He advised that persons who are applying for a non-immigrant visa with the intention of going about things the wrong or illegal way would be faced with major hardships in the underground life.

Not worth it

“If you’re going for economic gains or any illegal reasons we’re gonna

catch you and you’re going to make the mistake either at the interview or at the port of entry or with the authorities in the United States and being in the underground in the states is never easy life and not worth the effort,” Jimenez warned.

He further explained that “the thing that we are trying to guard against are persons trying to go to the United States to seek economic opportunities, it is against our laws so what I tend to rely or concentrate on is questions about your job and situation here in Guyana and once the situation is believable, then we would approve”.

Meanwhile, the Embassy official cautioned prospective visa applicants to be wary of persons who claim to be equipped with the expertise of assisting in obtaining a visa.

He stressed that the visa application process and forms needed for such are designed in a user-friendly manner, thus, much help is not needed.

However, the only acceptable help is that from Internet cafes that offer such services. Apart from assistance in completing the Embassy’s online application form, Jimenez said applicants should guard against persons promising them entry into the United States of America.

“No one can help you obtain a visa; that is a scam, if persons approach you to say they can help with visa it’s a no, it’s a scam,” he stressed.

At the end of the interview, the Consulate General facilitated the questions asked by the listening public and responded to one woman who did her non-immigrant application some seven times and was denied.

To this, the Consulate General advised that she should allow a number of years to elapse before trying again, noting that it would make a person seem rather desperate. However, he said that a person will be granted a visa based on emergency situations, after thorough consideration, even though they might not have every bonding factor or ties that they might require to bring them home again.

TT Attorney General says discrimination claims nonsense

– Guyanese top country's deportation list

It is arrant nonsense to claim discrimination and racial profiling over the recent deportation of African nationals, since Guyanese nationals top the list of deportees from TT and only a total of 70 Africans have been deported during the People’s Partnership’s term, Attorney General Anand Ramlogan said.

Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, Ramlogan lashed out at critics as he used Immigration Division statistics which placed African deportees seventh down the ladder among those from other countries who have been deported from TT.

Immigration figures show most deportees were from Guyana. Ramlogan, speaking on legislation to monitor precursor chemicals which could be used to make illicit drugs, noted the African continent had a large heroin and cocainetrade problem.

He said in the face of rapidly emerging global terrorist threats by Al Qaeda and Isis put intended chemical weapons legislation into sharp focus. He added: “Recently, we were faced

Guyanese Patrick Gomes new ACP Secretary General

Guyana’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Community, Dr Patrick Ignatius Gomes has been appointed the new Secretary General of the African, Pacific and Caribbean Group of States (ACP).

He was appointed during the 100th Session of the Council of Ministers of the African, Pacific and Caribbean Group of States, held at the ACP Headquarters in Brussels.

His tenure would come to an end in 2020 after commencing in 2015. The Foreign Affairs Ministry made this disclosure on Wednesday, noting that Ambassador Gomes will take office in March 2015 in the 40th year of the ACP.

It was in Guyana, 39 years ago in 1975 that the ACP was birthed through the Georgetown Accord. Ambassador Gomes has been

serving as Guyana’s Ambassador to the ACP Group of States and the European Union since February 2005. He is also the Chairman of

the Ambassadors’ Working Group on Future Perspectives of the ACP. For almost a decade, Ambassador Gomes has worked consistently within the ACP to gain beneficial terms of trade and development in the markets of the European Union for ACP’s agricultural commodities and minerals.

Additionally, he would have pursued improved financial support and services for joint ACPEU institutions such as the Centre for Technical Cooperation in Agriculture and Rural Development and has been instrumental in promoting the potential for capacity development of the ACP through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

In thanking the ACP Ministers for the confidence they have exhibited in Ambassador Gomes, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn

Rodrigues-Birkett said “the ACP is at a critical juncture and experience and wise leadership coupled with patience are critical if we are to overcome the challenges. Ambassador Gomes possesses these attributes and together with the support of all of us, I am confident he will not only keep the Georgetown Agreement alive but will make it thrive.”

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett in congratulating Ambassador Gomes said “Warmest congratulations compatriot, the celebration will be short as you have a lot of work to do. Go now and serve the African, Caribbean and Pacific group with distinction as you have served your own country Guyana.”

The Government of Guyana views this appointment as an honour for Guyana, the Caribbean and the ACP Group.

with the issue of illegal immigrants, some of whom have alleged criminal and terrorist links in other parts of the world.

“The Immigration Division and the Ministry of National Security have stepped up their efforts over the last few years to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants and to repatriate those who are found to be residing in TT illegally.”

He said one must be careful when “we receive reports from security agencies not to heap scorn on them”. Ramlogan said people called on the Police to do their duty to enforce the law and when they did take action, the same people criticised and condemned them for doing so.

He added: “The latest trend is ‘racial profiling’ and ‘religious profiling’. I don’t know what we expect the Police to do or how we expect the Police to do their duty.

“It’s high time we stop this hypocritical behaviour in TT and allow law enforcement to do their jobs. The latest outcry (is) on deportation of our brothers and sisters from the African continent... but it’s arrant nonsense to claim discrimination and profiling.

“From 2010 to now, the number one country concerning deportees from TT is not the African continent, or India, it is Guyana.” Saying Guyanese were the single largest number of people deported from 2010 to now, he said that figure was 41.8 per cent of deportees.

This was followed by Jamaica with 18.5 per cent, The Dominican Republic/ Cuba and Caricom states, Asia, Central and South America.

Ramlogan added that illegal immigrants from the African continent were “way down the list, at seventh place”.

He added: “Since 2010 when this Government entered office, the total number of African immigrants deported from TT is 70 people – 70 in almost five years.

(TT Guardian)

New ACP Secretary General, Dr Patrick Ignatius Gomes

The United States (US) Embassy here said it is expecting to issue in excess of 50,000 visas to Guyanese nationals for 2014

TT Attorney General Anand Ramlogan

Opposition accused of stoking mischief

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry has expressed concerns over reports of members of an Opposition political party employed as Community Enhancement Workers under the Sophia Clean-Up My Country Project.

According to the Ministry, the workers associated with the political party are instigating trouble among other workers.

The Ministry said these enhancement workers are insinuating that the other workers are being robbed of what they rightfully should be earning.

“Workers who are affiliates of a main Opposition party have been injecting

negative thoughts into the minds of the other workers with the intention of creating confusion and conflict between him and the workers, and among the workers themselves,” the Community Coordinator said.

The Ministry believes that this “political gimmick” is intended to stimulate fury and disrupt the flow of work of the Community Enhancement Project.

Furthermore, the Ministry stressed that it strongly condemns the actions of these “mischief makers”.

“The Opposition affiliates tried to make mischief by telling the other workers that the MLGRD [Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development] has

given him money to cook for the teams. This has raised concerns by the workers,” the Community Coordinator said, stating that it seems as though the Opposition members are trying to cause problem among the teams.

Nevertheless, the Ministry cautioned the Clean-up My Country teams to beware of these elements who are politicising the programme and trying to deprive them of their income.

Additionally, the Ministry is making it clear that the Government’s Clean-Up My Country Programme aims to improve the aesthetics and sanitation of communities and not provide allowances for meal to workers.

“Workers from communities are contracted and are remunerated for their labour input,” the release said.

Moreover, the contractual arrangement between community representatives and the Ministry allows for the provision of tools and safety gears to each group.

The Sophia Clean-Up Programme can be recognised as the largest community cleanup project in Georgetown, with more than 200 residents employed to clean the community.

There are also Nine Field Supervisors who are employed to supervise the cleanup activities across 76 blocks.

Report those who play loud music, Hicken urges

In light of frequent noise disturbances and the fact that the Christmas Season is in the air, which traditionally is a time for celebration, A Division (Georgetown) Commander Clifton Hicken is urging members of the public to be considerate.

He is calling on persons to play their music at significantly low decibels so as to not disturb their neighbours.

“Let’s have respect for others. Let’s be considerate. People have the right to rest,” the Commander said.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Hicken stated that only a handful of persons file complaints against those who play loud music, noting that this will have to change, for the problem to be addressed in a meaningful way.

He said a large number of persons call the Police stations complaining about noise nuisance, but they do not visit the stations to give statements.

“We are asking that you take just a few minutes to

A Division Commander Clifton Hicken

visit the Police stations so they can take your statements,” Hicken said.

Recently, businessman Vishnu Ramdial of Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was brought before Magistrate Zarina Alli at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to two noise nuisance charges, but was reprimanded and then discharged.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) had since expressed immense disappointment

Bosai, NAACIE agree on 6.5% pay hike for workers

The Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Inc and the National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have reached an agreement on wages and salaries increase for employees.

The parties have agreed to increase the salaries of workers by 6.5 per cent across the board, but this will only affect employees within the Bargaining Unit.

Additionally, snack allowance was increased to $550. The increases would be retroactive from April

1, 2014; however, the agreement was signed on December 5, 2014 at the Watooka Guest House, Linden.

Signing on behalf of the company were General Manager Robert Shang, Accounting Superintendent Andy Hao, Senior Personnel Officer Truedel Marks and Assistant Community Relations Officer Vanessa Mitchell-Davis.

NAACIE’s General Secretary Kenneth Joseph, Vice President and Branch Chairman Linnel Warden, Vice Chairman Orin

Tieshmaker, Secretary Aggrey Darlington, Assistant Secretary Neptrid Hercules and Committee Member Trevor Henry signed on behalf of the union. In September, several employees of the bauxite company downed tools over several issues, including an increase in their wages and salaries. At the time, the workers were demanding an eight per cent increase; rejecting the six per cent increase proposed by the company.

Police hunt mastermind, reviewing CCTV tapes

The three men who were arrested on Tuesday for the shooting to death of Wilfred Stewart, a Security Guard during an attempted robbery on Sterling Products Limited on Monday evening are still in custody, but the Police are looking for the mastermind.

A senior Police rank told Guyana Times on Wednesday that they are still to make a breakthrough in the case and that the three men have denied the allegation brought against them. They are known characters to the Police.

The men were arrested after the surveillance footage captured from the CCTV cameras was reviewed. This footage, the officials stated is still being looked at to ascertain whether the men in custody are the real perpetrators since they were wearing masks at the time.

arms.

He noted that statement was taken from several persons and the investigations are continuing.

after the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately. He was subsequently relieved of his firearm.

Gohill, an Indian national was 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.

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

in the handling of the noise nuisance case against Ramdial.

In a release, the Police had said that they were disappointed by the Magistrate’s decision, especially given their efforts to clampdown on noise nuisance offenders.

Some observers say that the decision can discourage citizens from testifying in court.

However, citizens are urged not to be discouraged from making reports as they need to take a stand for their right to be free from noise pollution.

Hicken said the Police are continuously monitoring and patrolling communities for such occurrences, but if persons do not make a report, chances are no action can be taken against offenders.

He urged citizens to remember and consider the elders who cannot handle the deafening noises, the children who may be trying to study and the hardworking who are in desperate need of a peaceful rest.

He added that based on information received, the Police are searching for a convicted criminal who they believe is the mastermind behind the “not so well planned out” robbery on the business place.

The official added that the man was recently released from prison after being charged with several counts of robbery under

However, Guyana Times understands that the injured Chemist Mario Gohill has been discharged from the private medical institution where he was admitted. He has since given a detailed statement with respect to the shooting to death of Stewart and the attempted robbery.

He reportedly told investigators that he could not identify any of the gunmen.

Stewart, 45, of Graham’s Hall, East Coast Demerara was employed with the Edward Beharry Security Firm, attached to Sterling Products Limited. Stewart reportedly died on the spot

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 decided to leave empty-handed.

Ranks at the Providence Police Station responded to the report, but the men had already escaped. This situation raised several questions with respect to the deployment of the SWAT team by Crime Chief Leslie James. James explained that sending in the SWAT Unit was a decision that would have to be made internally.

Body of missing logger found in Pomeroon River

After being missing for two days, the body of James George, 64, was found floating in the vicinity of St Monica in the Upper Pomeroon River, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

According to information received, the logger reportedly went missing on Monday. He was last seen at Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, consuming alcohol with friends.

A report was made by family members to the Charity Police Station and a search was launched. The body was discovered around 13:40h on Wednesday evening by St Monica residents.

The body, which bore no marks of violence, was taken to the Charity Mortuary, where an autopsy will be conducted. George is said to be the father of five.

Men at work at the Sophia Cleanup My Country Campaign

Dead Security Guard, Wilfred Stewart

Sophia cleanup project...

Sterling Products invasion, murder:

James George

Demerara Bank launches VISA Credit Cards

…as Bank celebrates 20 years

By Vahnu Manikchand

Carry cash around when travelling can be a tedious as well as dangerous task but that can be changed now as Demerara Bank Limited has partnered with VISA Inc. to offer the most widely used payment card around the world.

The Demerara Bank Visa Credit Classic and Demerara Bank Visa Credit Signature cards were launched on Wednesday evening at the Pegasus Hotel, where the bank also celebrated its 20th Anniversary. The Visa Classic Card provides coverage of Visa travel accident insurance and travel assistance whenever the cards are used abroad, while the Visa Signature Card provides higher protection. It gives added protection whenever purchases are made.

According to DBL’s representative of the VISA programme, Jerret Morgan, the bank wanted to offer services that are not available in Guyana and the Visa Signature Card does that. He noted that VISA cards can be used at millions of merchants worldwide and at some 1.8 million ATM locations globally.

Morgan pointed out that that the Cards offer credit from as low as $2 million. The cards can be used at stores, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, online sites and many other merchants across the world. He explained that there are no costs attached when purchases are made however withdrawals and other bank transactions carry a cost.

He went on to highlight the many benefits the VISA Cards carry such as 24-hour customer service especially for those who are traveling. Morgan mentioned that there are excellent replacement services in place if a card holder looses their card while traveling as well as emergency medical assistance.

Additionally, he explained that VISA Signature card holders are afforded the highest level of service when traveling such luggage insurance of US$500 for items that lost and US$1000 for the theft. There is also purchase insurance of up to 45 years with repair allowances of US$5000 per year.

Morgan further stated that DBL VISA Card holders will have pay 5 per cent

of the balance monthly or more if they wish to do so. He stressed that there are security arrangements in place to protect card holders. The technology system that is being used to operate the VISA programme was adopted from fellow Caribbean country, Antigua he stated. Persons interested in obtaining a DBL VISA Card, can do so by filling out an application form available at the bank’s website or at any branches and drop it off at the latter. Qualified persons will need a good credit history and offer a stipulated amount of cash as insurance. The VISA Credit Card account will be separate from any other accounts with the bank.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Bank, Yesu Persaud

expressed his delight at the success the bank has had since its establishment 20 years ago. He assured that with new and innovated services such as the VISA Card programme and with the continued support of stakeholders, the bank will be around for a very long time to serve the Guyanese people. Meanwhile President Donald Ramotar and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh were both at the launching as applauded the bank for its consistent growth over the years. The bank handed out its first set of VISA cards to pre-qualified applicants, which included Minister Singh, Chief Executive Officer of GT&T RK Sharma, businessman Harry Mattai, among others.

Brazil truth commission urges prosecution of dictatorship crimes

Atruth commission investigating human rights abuses committed by Brazil’s 1964-85 military dictatorship called on Wednesday for the overturning of a 1979 amnesty law so that those responsible can be prosecuted. The long-awaited report identified 377 people as responsible for what it called crimes against humanity, including torture, killings and forced disappearances of activists and ordinary Brazilians who were believed to oppose the regime.

The commission was created in 2012 by President Dilma Rousseff, herself a former Marxist guerrilla who was tortured at the hands of the military in the early 1970s, to shed light on a dark chapter in Brazilian history in an attempt to promote national reconciliation.

The commission’s report increased the number of people killed or disappeared during the dictatorship to 434 from a previous official estimate of 362. It also shed light on cases in which pri-

vate companies helped the military identify leftist activists who opposed the right-wing regime.

An emotional Rousseff broke into tears as she received the commission’s report. But she also appeared to rebuff the commission’s calls for prosecutions, reiterating her stance that Brazil’s

hard-won democratic stability matters more than her personal beliefs or past.

“The new generations deserved to know the truth,” she said. “But the truth shouldn’t be confused with seeking revenge, it shouldn’t a be motive for hate or settling scores.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuela's President slams US sanctions threat as "insolent"

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has called US senators “insolent” for passing a bill which would impose sanctions on Venezuelan officials found to have violated protesters’ rights.

He said the US wanted to “challenge Venezuela with sanctions and threats”.

Thousands of activists who took part in anti-government protests which erupted across the Latin American country in February were arrested.

Relations between Venezuela and the US have been tense for years. The House of Representatives passed a similar bill in May. It will now have to be reconciled with the Senate version, and if passed, will be sent to President Barack Obama.

Maduro warned the US

leader: “If the crazy path of sanctions is imposed, President Obama, I think you’re going to come out looking very bad.”

“Who is the US Senate to sanction the homeland of Bolivar?” he asked, referring to the 19th-Century Venezuelan independence leader. “We don’t accept insolent imperialist sanctions,” he added.

The bill targets current and former Venezuelan officials who directed “significant acts of violence or serious human rights abuses against persons associated with the anti-government protests in Venezuela that began on February 4 “.

More than 40 people from both sides of the political divide were killed in the antigovernment protests which took place in Venezuela between February and May. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Dominica Labour Party wins fourth consecutive term

The ruling Dominica Labour Party (DLP) won a fourth consecutive term in office in Monday’s general elections, with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit winning his third elected term.

Skerrit’s DLP won 15 seats, with the Opposition United Workers Party (UWP) led by Lennox Linton, now a first time MP, winning the remaining six seats, gaining three more seats than previously.

Skerrit has been Prime Minister of Dominica since 2004 having been sworn-in at the age of 31 as the country’s and Caribbean’s youngest Prime Minister on January 8, 2004, following the death in office of former Prime Minister Pierre Charles.

From there he led his DLP party to election victory in 2005 and 2010.

Skerrit said he is humbled by the election victory and he expects stronger Opposition in Parliament with the Opposition gaining additional seats.

“I wish to congratulate Mr Lennox Linton, the political leader of the United Workers Party on his election to Parliament, and also, the other new Opposition members,”

The Prime Minister also suggested that “this is not the time for boasting or ridiculing anyone who may have supported other parties. This is a time for reconciliation, for patriotism, and for unity in pursuing the shared goal of creating a prosperous, peaceful and just Dominica”. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

President Nicolas Maduro warned the US not to go down “the crazy path of sanctions”

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff (L) receives the report from Pedro Dallari (2nd L), a member of the “truth commission”, in Brasilia December 10

DBL Chairman Dr Yesu Persaud addressing the gathering at Pegasus on Wednesday evening

Palestinian Minister dies after confrontation with Israeli Police

APalestinian Minister died on Wednesday shortly after an Israeli border Policeman shoved and grabbed him by the throat during a protest in the West Bank, an incident Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described as barbaric.

Ziad Abu Ein, 55, a Minister without portfolio, was among scores of Palestinian and foreign activists who were confront-

ed at an Israeli checkpoint in the occupied Palestinian territory while heading to a demonstration against Jewish settlements.

Around 30 Israeli soldiers and border Policemen fired tear gas and sound grenades at the group and a scuffle ensued in which one border policeman Pushed Abu Ein and grabbed his neck firmly with one hand. Footage of the incident and

pictures taken by Reuters do not show Abu Ein responding with any violence.

Minutes later, the Minister began to look faint and fell to the ground clasping his chest. He died on his way to hospital.

It was not clear what caused his death. An autopsy is being carried out with Palestinian, Israeli and Jordanian pathologists present, with the results expected later on Wednesday.

The incident comes at a time of heightened tension between Israel and the Palestinians, following months of violent unrest in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Clashes broke out in a refugee camp near Ramallah and an Israeli soldier shot and critically wounded a Palestinian youth, Palestinian medics said. Ramallah shops were shuttered for the day in protest at the Minister’s death.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

CIA interrogations report sparks prosecution calls

The United Nations and human rights groups have called for the prosecution of United States officials involved in what a Senate report called the “brutal” CIA interrogation of al-Qaeda suspects.

A top UN human rights envoy said there had been a “clear policy orchestrated at a high level”.

The CIA has defended its actions in the years after the 9/11 attacks on the US, saying they saved lives.

President Barack Obama said it was now time to move on. The summary of a larger classified report says that the CIA carried out

“brutal” interrogations of al-Qaeda suspects in the years after the 9/11 attacks on the US and misled other officials about what it was doing.

The information the CIA collected this way failed to secure information that foiled any threats, the report said.

UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism Ben Emmerson said that senior officials from the administration of George W Bush who planned and sanctioned crimes must be prosecuted, as well as CIA and US government officials responsible for torture such as wa-

terboarding.

“As a matter of international law, the US is legally obliged to bring those responsible to justice,” Emmerson said in a statement made from Geneva.

“The US Attorney General is under a legal duty to bring criminal charges against those responsible.”

Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said that the CIA’s actions were criminal “and can never be justified”.

“Unless this important truth-telling process leads to prosecution of officials, torture will remain a ‘policy option’ for future presidents,” he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russia says small military mission in east Ukraine at Kiev’s request

ARussian General said on Wednesday a small Russian military mission in eastern Ukraine is there at the invitation of Kiev and is assisting the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE in efforts to secure peace, RIA news agency reported.

General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, told a meeting with foreign diplomats in Moscow that “representatives of Russian Armed Forces” had been sent to the town of Debaltseve in east Ukraine at the request of Ukraine’s Joint Staff.

Echoing remarks by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week, Gerasimov said their mission was, together with the OSCE, to help find “a compromise decision on deescalating tensions and withdrawing troops from the line of contact”.

“I will say it openly, the process is not

Around the world

Deadly blast hits Nigerian city of Kano

Ablast has struck a busy textile market in the north Nigerian city of Kano, killing four people and wounding seven others, according to traders and multiple online reports.

The explosion happened on Wednesday in the Kantinkwari market, which is typically packed with crowds of traders, shoppers as well as traffic.

Reports said two female suicide bombers were behind the attack.

“I heard a huge sound coming from the back of my shop along Unity Road. I just closed the shop and tried to

leave because it’s not safe,” Nura Sadiq, a local trader, told the AFP news agency.

Kano was hit on November 29 by a suspected Boko Haram suicide attack at the city’s central mosque.

Two bombers blew themselves up and fighters opened fire on worshippers, killing at least 120 and injuring 270 others in an attack apparently targeting the influential Muslim emir of Kano.

The emir, Muhammad Sanusi II, had previously called for civilians to carry arms and defend themselves against Boko Haram,

a group fighting against Western influence and for setting up an Islamic state in northern Nigeria. Kano, the largest city in the north, has been a repeated target for the fighters, who have in recent weeks sought to attack locations outside their north-eastern heartland.

In December 2012, four people were injured when a bomb went off outside a mosque near the Kantin Kwari market, which is northern Nigeria’s largest for textiles. That came two years after the market was razed by an overnight fire.

Malala and Satyarthi receive joint Nobel

Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl shot in the head by the Pakistani Taliban for advocating girls’ right to education, has received the Nobel Peace Prize, sharing her award with Kailash Satyarthi, an Indian child rights campaigner.

The two were handed the award on Wednesday at a ceremony in Norway’s capital, Oslo.

“A young girl and a somewhat older man, one from Pakistan and one from India, one Muslim, the other Hindu; both symbols of what the world needs: more unity. Fraternity between the nations!” Thorbjoern Jagland, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel committee, said at the ceremony.

Malala, 17, became a global icon after she was shot and nearly killed by the Pakistani Taliban in October 2012 for insisting that girls had a right to an education.

Malala has already been honoured with a host of awards, standing ovations and plaudits everywhere from the UN to Buckingham Palace.

Satyarthi, 60, was recognised by the Nobel committee for a 35-year battle to free thousands of children from virtual slave labour.

“I refuse to accept that the world is so poor, when just one week of global military expenditure is enough

to bring all of our children into classrooms,” he said after receiving the prize.

On the eve of the ceremony, Malala said she would not rest on her laurels, saying she would like one day to become Prime Minister in her native Pakistan.

“If I can serve my country best through politics and through becoming a Prime Minister then I would definitely choose that,” she told the BBC. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Top Chinese economist jailed over bribery

easy. If it were not for constant external meddling by the representatives of many European countries, NATO members and the United States, the problematic issues would be solved much more quickly,” he said.

The conflict in east Ukraine has killed more than 4300 people since mid-April. Russia sides with the rebels, but denies Western accusations of providing them with arms and combat troops, despite what the West says is overwhelming evidence.

Gerasimov said the Russian military mission on the ground was headed by Lieutenant General Alexander Lentsov, deputy commander of Russia’s land forces.

The mission is part of the so-called Joint Centre for Control and Co-ordination (JCCC), a small group of Russian and Ukrainian officers that is struggling to agree a demarcation line that could help revive a faltering ceasefire. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Liu Tienan, a former top economic official, has been jailed for life in China for accepting millions of dollars in bribes, state media report.

Liu was the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) deputy head until he was sacked in August 2013.

The court in Langfang found him guilty of accepting about 35.6 million yuan (US$5.8 million) in return for granting favours to businesses.

China has been embarking on a drive to stamp out corruption among officials.

On Wednesday, the court north of Beijing ruled that Liu “took advantage of his post to seek gains for others, illegally took cash or gifts from others by himself or via his son Liu Decheng”, AFP news agency reports.

He had already confessed to the charges, with court reports saying he had “lost the trust of bosses and colleagues. I deeply regret my actions”.

In addition to the life sentence he had lost political rights for life, with all personal property and wealth confiscated, said Xinhua news agency.

His confession and his cooperation with the investigation meant he was spared the death penalty, said officials.

Liu’s case was unusual in that allegations against him first came from a Chinese journalist. Investigative journalism that directly leads to prosecution of suspects is rare in China. He was at the time one of the most senior officials to be detained after President Xi Jinping launched a corruption crackdown after coming to power in 2012. Last week, criminal charges were brought against former security chief Zhou Yongkang, the most senior Chinese Communist Party official ever to face trial for corruption. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Palestinian Minister Ziad Abu Ein (left) scuffles with an Israeli border Policeman near the West Bank city of Ramallah, December 10. Abu Ein, 55, a Minister without portfolio, died shortly after

The laureates were described as “champions of peace”

Liu Tienan, seen here on TV while on trial, received cash gifts, cars and a villa in exchange for favours

Diplomatic corps gives $400,000 to NGOs

– in move to spread Christmas spirit

The local diplomatic community, in a bid to inspire the spirit of giving in others, gave $400,000 to the Guyana Relief Council (GRC) and the Help and Shelter to continue their work to the vulnerable in society.

The donations were handed over to the charitable organisations by the Dean of the diplomatic corps, Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Nikolai Smirnov.

The small ceremony occurred at the Iwokrama International Centre (ICC) Monday afternoon.

Ambassador Smirnov said the GRC and Help and Shelter “are doing wonderful job(s) by stretching a helping hand to those who are in need”. The GRC has helped a total of 488 persons for the year so far, while Help and Shelter goes beyond its civil duty for those in need or in bad circumstances.

He noted that such organisations

cannot work in isolation, as they require the help of a number of organisations, businesses and other donors to ensure Guyana’s less fortunate get the help they need.

“Let’s hope that there will be organisations and institutions that would follow our good gesture to the benefit of all needy people,” the Ambassador stated.

GRC Chairman Yvonne Hinds received the symbolic cheque of $200,000, and said that the organisation will continue to fulfil its motto of “caring and sharing” thanks to the contribution.

Help and Shelter was represented by its Secretary, Gaitrie Shivsanker, and Vice Chairman Josephine Whitehead, who received the symbolic cheque from Ambassador Smirnov.

The Vice Chairman remarked on the good fortune of Help and Shelter in having the diplomatic corps as a benefactor, and

said the funds would go a long way in helping it to carry out its work.

She said the organisation had been experiencing a downturn in terms of finance, affecting particularly its ability to pay its utility bills and hoped that more would be forthcoming from other donors.

The problem that the charity institution has been experiencing is that most of its expenses are “recurrent expenses”, Whitehead says, and “donors don’t like recurrent expenses”. However, the fact remains that Help and Shelter needs help with its bills and it cannot function if these expenses are not attended to, including for security to ensure the safety of the women and children that it protects.

Thus, the Vice Chairman pleaded for assistance, not only for the institution but for those it had taken a commitment to protect and empower.

Four charged for DUI

– as Police enhance traffic enforcement operations

By Vanu Manickchand

With the number of road accidents at its highest ever this year, the Guyana Police Force through its Traffic Department has been clamping down on errant drivers on the country’s roadways by improving enforcement operations.

Police on Wednesday disclosed that they have arrested and charged several drivers who were found driving

under the influence of alcohol (DUI).

In a release, the Police said four of these defendants were taken before the court and had pleaded not guilty to their respective offences. They are Hafeez Persaud, Ruel Jagroo, Jaipersaud Lallbeharry and Kennard Basdeo Persaud, 28, of Sheet Anchor, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) was intercepted by Police on November 27, driving motor car HC 4429 on the Sheet Anchor Public Road.

When tested, he was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption. He subsequently appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, where he was fined $7500 after confessing to the DUI charge.

Jagroo of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six was stopped and tested on the same day while driving motor car PSS 7332 on the said Sheet Anchor Public Road, East Canje. The test revealed that the 25-yearold was found to be above

the legal limit in terms of alcohol consumption. He was also taken to the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on December 1, where he accepted the charge levelled against him and was fined $7500.

Meanwhile, another Canje resident Lallbeharry, 34, of Adelphi, East Canje, was found driving motor car HB 785 on December 2, at the Cumberland Public Road, East Canje, while under the influence of al -

Worker set alight Employer faces possible murder charge

ATimehri, East Bank Demerara businessman who allegedly set a camp on fire resulting in the death of one of his employees at 14 Miles Mabura, Upper Demerara River surrendered to the Police on Tuesday evening.

David Campbell, 49, of GAC Old Road, Timehri, sustained third degree burns about his body and succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Saturday.

Three other men: Jason Persaud, Etwaroo Karran, and Tyron Campbell managed to escape without injuries. Their employer, a logger, turned himself in at the Mackenzie Police Station in the company of a lawyer and

cohol.

He was stopped by the Police, and after a test was conducted on him, he was found to be above the legal limit, and as such, a DUI charge was instituted against him. When he appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court two days later, he pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined the sum of $7500.

On December 3, Basdeo of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo IslandWest Demerara) was driving along the Leonora, Public Road when he stopped by the Police.

The 20-year-old, who was driving motor car PKK 1729, was asked to take a breathalyser test and was found to be above the legal limit in terms of alcohol consumption. He appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court the following day and was slapped with a fine of $7500 after he admitted to breaking the law.

Effective measures

According to crime statistics released by the Police on Wednesday, the traffic enforcement measures adopted by the Police have resulted in a total 61,853 cases being made against errant motorists at the end of November. Of this amount, 17,493 cases alone were for speeding.

The Police revealed that the operations aimed at road safety conducted over the past week revealed that the Police Traffic Department made out some 332 cases against motorists for speeding. Additionally, some 40 cases were filed for DUI offenders.

During November, several successive fatal accidents were recorded; however, this situation has drastically improved over the past few weeks.

According to the Police, only one person was killed

his mother after being on the run for several days.

The Guyana Times understands the Police have concluded their investigation and the file is with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar AliHack, who is expected to make her recommendations.

The businessman has reportedly denied setting the camp ablaze, claiming that the men were under the influence of alcohol and might have toppled a lamp in the camp which started the fire. On the other hand, the survivors claimed that the suspect went berserk and set the camp on fire while they were asleep.

It was reported that the incident stemmed from their refusal to move a tractor as was instructed by the suspect who remains in custody. The men reportedly refused to move the vehicle claiming that they were tired after a hard day’s work.

The employer was at the time allegedly consuming alcohol and while the men were asleep, he reportedly doused the camp with gasoline and set it alight. The three survivors escape easily since they were on the ground, but Campbell was trapped in his hammock.

The dead man has been working with the family for the past 10 years and he leaves to mourn his two daughters. He was laid to rest on Wednesday.

in December as a result of a fatal accident. Meanwhile, the Police pointed out that some 58 persons were killed on the country’s roadways thus far for the year as a result of fatal accidents. As such, the Guyana Police Force is appealing to road users, both pedestrians and drivers to adhere to the rules and regulations in place in order to ensure their safety and that of others.

The Police are urging persons to use pedestrian crossings, avenues and other footpaths where necessary and avoid crossing the roads when vehicles are approaching.

GRC Chairman Yvonne Hinds (far right) and Help and Shelter Vice Chairman Josephine Whitehead (third right) show off their cheques with the help of USA Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt (second left) and Russian Ambassador Nikolai Smirnov (far right). Looking on are British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre (second right); Mexican ambassador Francisco Olguin (centre); Surinamese Ambassador Nisha Kurba (fourth left); and Diplomatic Corps Treasurer and CEO of ICC, Dane Gobin (third right)

Dead Logger David Campbell

Hafeez Persaud

Ruel Jagroo

Jaipersaud Lallbeharry

Kennard Basdeo Persaud,

thursday, december 11, 2014 |

GPSU, GPL to meet today, NAACIE to sneak in

Following tedious efforts by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) to collectively meet with the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL), to sort out pay hike issues, the company has finally agreed for a meeting but proposed that it be done separately.

Speaking with Guyana Times, General Secretary of NAACIE Kenneth Joseph disclosed that GPL wrote a letter to each of the unions inviting them to meet on separate dates.

GPSU has been invited to meet with GPL today, however NAACIE made it clear that they will be accompanying the union to GPL.

Reports indicate the unions have been trying for more than a year now to jointly negotiate with GPL, but the company never accepted such requests.

According to Joseph, GPL is “afraid” because they continue to do “nonsense” as it relates to their workers and their rights and a joint representation of the unions brings panic to the administration of the entity. What is more, in a press release, NAACIE accused GPL of encouraging conflict between its employees.

“NAACIE has recognised that GPL cannot and does not want to have unity between the workers of GPL and would go to all lengths to avoid this, to separate ideas and encourage discord between its workers for its own purposes,” the press release read.

Furthermore, the press release mentioned that GPL is destroying the “gains” the workers have received from unity. Moreover, NAACIE and GPL met on December 4 but the company refused to speak with NAACIE because of the presence of two members of the GPSU who were advisers.

Joseph also told this newspaper that he was struck by the fact that GPL was supported by legal personnel during a simple negotiation between the Union and the company.

Furthermore, Joseph advised members of the Union to be prepared to take the necessary actions that may follow the meeting today. Additionally, in NAACIE’s press release, workers were informed to be prepared for a struggle to avoid the imposition of wages, among other aspects. Guyana Times made several attempts to

contact GPL’s Chairman Bharat Dindial for his comments on the matter, but to no avail.

Company cites “separate and distinct” agreements

But GPL on Wednesday sought to set the record straight, stating that it has two “separate and distinct” collective labour agreements: one with NAACIE and the other with the GPSU. It was pointed out that NAACIE represents non-managerial staff while the GPSU represents managerial staff.

With the collective labour agreements expiring since December 2003, the power company submitted proposals to both Unions with the intent to re-negotiate the terms and conditions of the agreements.

Both NAACIE and the GPSU were encouraged to participate in negotiations but they declined.

It was pointed out that between October 2013 and August 2014, GPL wrote the Unions 12 times inviting them to commence negotiations, including negotiations for wages and salaries but they refused to attend meetings.

“The Unions have proposed to enter into joint negotiations with GPL. They have proffered not a single valid or commonsense argument in support of their argument. GPL has rejected the proposal.”

In justifying its action, the power company maintained that it has “distinct and separate Collective Bargaining Agreements with each of the two Unions”, noting too that each Union has distinct certificates of recognition as sole bargaining agents for different categories of workers.

“GPL has in the past negotiated separately with the two Unions and there is nothing in the existing collective labour agreements with the Unions, or in law, to require GPL to agree to joint negotiations.”

GPL is maintaining that the arguments being put forward by the Unions lack merit, saying that non-managerial and management staff negotiating jointly for salaries and wages will likely engender conflicts of interest.

On October 30, GPL received a notice of ultimatum from both Unions giving the company one month’s notice that they will take the necessary actions they see fit, if the Company does not agree to joint negotiations to take place between the two Unions and GPL.

Following the ultimatum, the Ministry of Labour intervened, as a conciliator. Two meetings were held at the Ministry and both Unions and GPL presented their respective arguments. The Chief Labour Officer declared the matter deadlocked.

The GPL pleaded with the Unions and invited them, on December 9, 2014 to commence negotiations. “Mr Kenneth Joseph, General Secretary of NAACIE, agreed verbally that his Union will commence negotiations on 9th December, 2014. Lo and behold, representatives of GPSU turned up at the meeting. This was contrary to the letter, spirit and understanding of our letter of invitation to NAACIE and the verbal telephone conversation between our HR Director, Mr Balgobin Parsaud and Mr. Joseph.”

The power company is maintaining that it will not engage in joint negotiations, but said the Unions should not delay the process of negotiations in keeping with the agreements signed.

“Soca Queen” Alison Hinds headlines Human Rights Day concert

On December 10 every year, the world unites to observe a day designated to recognise basic issues concerning people and highlight simple human rights, many individuals across the globe are being denied.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Team in Guyana collaborated with local businesses and successfully executed a cultural concert, featuring Alison Hinds, to raise awareness on human rights.

United Nations Coordination Analyst Yolanda Durant-McKlmon noted that the cultural/ musical concert was a perfect event to “brings people together”.

Human Rights Day also coincided with the last day of the global “16 Days of Activism” which aims to end gender-based violence, particularly violence against women.

Alison Hinds, also known as the Soca Queen, is a Goodwill Ambassador of International Federation for Business

and Professional Women and has always been a strong advocate for human rights, despite being in the entertainment industry.

“It goes all the way back to your home life and what your experience was; and my mother was and is a very importance influence in my life…. As I grew up into a woman, those things all came back to me, everything that she taught me, everything I was raised with and as an artiste who now came into the business, it is important that my mother can come to a performance and not be ashamed of her child upon the stage,” Hinds told media operatives at a press briefing.

The Soca sensation believes in equality and she encourages every parent to teach their children about good values and responsibilities.

On that note, Hinds pointed out that “if you don’t know better, then you can’t do better”.

In addition, Hinds mentioned that governments and Non-Government

Organisations (NGOs) around the world are industrious in their fight to end gender-based violence and allowing persons access to their basic human rights. Nevertheless, she highlighted that the battle will always have challenges, identifying politics and bureaucracy, among others. Furthermore, while raising awareness is crucial, Hinds calls for more community visits and outreach programmes with the grassroots.

“It’s really connecting with people, going out into the community and reaching people where they are because there’s only so much we can do in terms of being somewhere and just talking to people because that can kind of just go over people’s head.”

The Soca Queen mentioned some of the work she has done in Barbados to empower young girls by interacting with them and genuinely listening to their concerns.

Govt in ongoing discussions with GECOM on elections date – HPS

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon, during his post Cabinet press briefing, Wednesday reiterated that President Donald Ramotar is in discussions with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to ascertain its readiness to hold elections.

“A date for any elections, whether Local Government or General Elections cannot be recklessly set. It cannot be set without the densest of collaborations with GECOM,” Dr Luncheon said.

After the Opposition refused dialogue with the President following the prorogation of Parliament, the President announced he would dissolve Parliament and call General and Regional Elections. President

Ramotar on Saturday last disclosed that elections will be held early next year.

Dr Luncheon further stated that in the end, GECOM’s timetable of preliminary events would be what was needed to set a date for elections. When an election date is set in this way, the HPS said, “People won’t be hollering ‘Ooops! I need a week later’.”

To emphasise his point, Dr Luncheon said President Ramotar like every other President in the past was well aware of the importance on waiting on the readiness of GECOM before setting a date.

He added that the necessity of engaging GECOM forthrightly and transparently in setting a date will ensure there are no last-minute complications arising and prevents a

date being set which GECOM may not be comfortable with.

Whenever the President sets a date, Dr Luncheon explained, it must be one to be taken for granted.

Following the prorogation of Parliament on November 10, there have been calls for early elections by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). However, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was reluctant for early elections, especially since the voters’ list was found to have discrepancies.

During investigations, it was found by the PPP/C that the voters’ list contained the name of 10,000 dead persons. GECOM has since said that the list will be rectified after the Preliminary Lists of electors (PLE) have been established.

Alison Hinds (fourth left) among various officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and representatives of sponsors

NAACIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph

Police Officers in US killing Black men with impunity has become pervasive

Dear Editor,

In light of the decision by a Staten Island, New York Grand Jury to return a non-indictment in the Eric Garner death case, the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) has called on New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State Legislators to enact changes to NYS Public Service Law and Criminal Procedure Law (to be known as the Garner Law) to assure a fairer, more equitable and transparent justice system.

The failure of the Richmond County (Staten Island) Grand Jury, under the direction of republican District Attorney Daniel Donovan, Jr to indict NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo for using an illegal choke-hold to kill Garner, has brutally diminished the credibility of the criminal justice system.

The occurrence of Police officers killing Black men with impunity has become pervasive. This has now enlightened the American people to the vulnerability of African-American men to prejudiced law enforcement officials and prosecutors who, in certain instances, manipulate procedural law

and judicial instruments to attain certain pre-determined outcomes.

This oppressive juggernaut is responsible for the death or incarceration of a generation of Black men. This must not be allowed to continue, for it is an atrocity and gross human rights depravation which all Americans must reject.

The failure of the Grand Jury to indict officer Pantaleo is inexplicable. Clearly, there is probably cause to believe that officer Pantaleo committed a crime.

The substantial body of prima facie evidence available establishes that either he intentionally or recklessly caused Mr Garner’s death.

This horrific crime was witnessed by dozens of unbiased citizens and captured on video tape, and the Medical Examiner of the City of New York ruled that Mr Garner’s death was a homicide.

In the face of this incontrovertible evidence, why did the Grand Jury “not” return a true bill for an indictment? What went wrong?

1. Although within his purview, Mr Donnovan refused to directly indict officer Pantaleo. Had he done

so, the case would have taken its natural course with an ultimate trial, as is done each day in every other case.

2. The leaks that have emanated from the grand jury thus far suggest that Mr Donnovan may have engaged in a charade grand jury process, which he potentially used to concealed congenital prejudices, and may have designed submissions to induce a predetermined outcome – a non-indictment or “no true bill”.

3. There is a proliferation of cases all across America where prosecutors, who do not genuinely wish to indict or prosecute Police officers who kill black men, supplant jury-trials with secret grand jury investigations. These proceedings turn out to be de facto trials. Prosecutors dump incriminating and exculpatory evidence, forensic evidence, expert testimony, as well as legal theories and statute before this panel, then misguide them to use the standard of guilt or innocence to determine whether or not to indict. This appears to be true in the Garner case.

4. This is an abuse of the grand jury process that fundamentally changes the

Our Attorneys-at-Law do not prepare Powers of Attorney

Dear Editor,

Our attention was drawn to a letter written by Mike Persaud and published in the KN on December 10, under the caption. We regret that your newspaper has rushed to publish this defamatory letter without, at least, affording us an opportunity to respond.

Nevertheless, we do so now with the hope that our response will be given equal prominence.

Firstly, we wish to make it clear that our Attorneys at law do not engage in the preparation of Powers of Attorney. Powers of Attorney are prepared by our secretarial and clerical staff.

In the instant case, our record reflects that a Power of Attorney was prepared for Mr Rampersaud of 57 Waterloo Street, Identification number 068610. The Power of Attorney was prepared upon the instructions of Mr Rampersaud who appeared personally and gave those said instructions.

In those instructions he appointed Narine Persaud of Dornhagg, Leguan to act as his duly constituted attorney.

That document was then taken by the parties and duly executed before a Notary Public and filed at the Deeds Registry. The said Mr Rampersaud would have been required to appear personally and sign before that Notary Public and provided his Identification Card in order to verify and confirm his identity. We have no Notary Public in our office.

After the Power of Attorney had been filed and returned to us, we were then instructed to use that Power of Attorney to prepare and file certain conveyances by way of transport, whereby Mr Rampersaud transferred certain properties to Mr Persaud. We did so in the year 2001.

The transports were passed on October 13, 2001. All these transports were advertised in the official gazette allowing for the writer and anyone else to oppose

them on certain grounds stipulated by law. No opposition was filed. As a result the transports were passed.

We now learnt that Mr Rampersaud died only in 2009. Therefore, assuming that Mr Rampersaud was the victim of some wrong doing, as is contended, he could have challenged all the aforesaid documents during the period 2001 to 2009, that is, nine years during his lifetime.

He did no such thing. We are aware that several years after a third party has challenged the transports and those proceedings are pending in the High Court.

We hope that there will be no further publication of the defamatory matter contained in the letter to which we are responding. We will file legal proceedings if there is a repetition.

Shamina Khan, Confidential

Secretary Mohabir A Nandlall & Associates Attorneys-at-Law

fairness and configuration of the American justice system.

5. A grand jury is not a trier of fact or finder of fact. The singular purpose of a grand jury is to investigate the potentiality of criminal conduct and determine if there is “probable cause” or a “sufficiency of evidence” to institute criminal charges.

6. The practice of trial by grand jury is unjust. It skews the process in favor of, and awards special treatment to, Police officers. Ordinary citizens do not get this privilege. Therefore, this practice potentially violates the equal protection clause of the US Constitution.

7. Clearly, our community is disgusted with the phenomenon of Police officers killing minorities with impunity.

This nefariousness design is enabled by certain prosecutors who use grand juries to obfuscate their intent to decline indictments in these circumstances.

In order to terminate these unjust practices, there must be immediate reform. CGID proposes the enactment of the Garner Law. This provision envisions

amendments to the NYS Civil Service Law, Criminal Procedure Law, and other relevant laws, to mandate that:

1. New York City Police officers must live within the five boroughs.

2. Police officers who are convicted for killing unarmed citizens must be personally liable for their own civil penalties.

3. Police officers cannot use deadly force in situations where unarmed suspects pose no threat to themselves or others; must employ non-lethal methods to subdue unarmed, non-violent subjects and, must be thoroughly trained in these areas; including de-escalation tactics.

4. In cases where alleged Police abuse or misconduct result in death or serious injury, the District Attorney of the County “must,” after an investigation, either exercise his/her deliberate judgment to indict the subject officer and refer the matter for a preliminary/ probable cause hearing before a judge, or, after an investigation, refer the matter directly to a judge for a preliminary/probable cause hearing.

5. The defendant may cross-examine adverse witnesses and may introduce evidence at the preliminary/ probable cause hearing but shall not be permitted to object to evidence. If the judge finds probable cause to believe a crime was committed, the defendant shall be indicted to stand trial. If the judge finds no probable cause to believe the defendant committed a crime, the judge must dismiss the complaint and discharge the defendant.

6. Transcripts of all grand jury testimonies must be made public upon a motion for released which shall be heard and determined by a justice of the New York Supreme court. We believe that these changes if enacted will help to make the justice system fairer and more transparent, and will help to restore a level of trust in our criminal justice system. We look forward to engaging you and our various State and City legislators on the aforementioned recommendations.

Jevon Suralie, Director of Communications CGID

Pedestrians “vulnerable” on roads

Dear Editor, Cognisant that pedestrians constitute a category of road users that is considered “vulnerable”, and in the light that so far this year a total of 58 pedestrians have lost their lives to fatal accidents on the roadways, the Guyana Police Force is appealing to such persons to safeguard themselves and to use the pedestrian crossings, avenues and other foot paths where provided.

As far as practicable they should avoid crossing the roads in the path of approaching vehicles.

In the event that pedestrians have to cross roads in areas where there is no pedestrian crossing, then they are advised to use the “Kerb Drill”, that is to look left, look right, look left again and if it is clear to cross the road as quickly as possible.

Motorists are reminded of Regulation 189 (2) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations of the Laws of Guyana Ch: 51:02 which states that: “Every person driving or propelling a vehicle at or approaching a crossing where traffic is not for the

time being controlled by a Police Constable, shall allow free and uninterrupted passage of any foot passenger who is on the road at such crossing, and every such foot passenger shall have precedence over all vehicular traffic at such crossing”.

Also Regulation 189 (4) which states that: “No person driving or propelling a vehicle shall cause such a vehicle or any part thereof to stop upon the crossing, unless either he is prevented from proceeding by circumstances beyond his control, or it is necessary for him to stop in order to avoid an accident.”

At the same time, cognisant of what applies at times, the police wish to advise pedestrians not to stand on a pedestrian crossing unless they intend to use the crossing. Too often persons are seen conversing while on a crossing or merely waiting for transportation and having no intention of using the crossing.

Pedestrians are also advised to always walk on the right hand side of the road so as to face approaching traffic and to wear reflective or light coloured clothing during the hours of darkness.

During enforcement operations aimed at road safety over the past week, the Police Traffic Department made a number of cases against motorists and other persons for breaching the traffic laws.

These include speeding (332), breach of condition of road service licence(48), driving under the influence (40), soliciting of passengers (16), careless driving (11), dangerous driving (16), fail to wear safety helmet (6), failure to wear seat belt (33), and prohibition of the use of hand held mobile phone (19).

Pedestrians are also reminded of Regulation 189 (5) of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Regulations which states that: “No foot passenger shall remain upon any crossing longer than is necessary for the purpose of passing from one side of the road to the other with reasonable desptach.”

Ivelaw Whittaker, Public Relations and Press Officer

AFfter it was revealed by the Chairman of the Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling that the Kashif and Shanghai year end tournament has been moved to the Easter season, the organisers of the event are comfortable with the move.

Director of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, Kashif Muhammad revealed that the organisation is indeed “happy” with the switch.

“We are over with the Christmas season…we will focus on the Easter programme and will try to make it bigger and more spectacular.

“We are very happy that we have been given this pe-

riod and will try to continue to develop Guyana’s football,” Muhammad told Guyana Times Sport during a telephone interview.

The Kashif and Shanghai tournament has been a main staple during Guyana’s Christmas season for the past two decades but were unable to host the tournament for the last two years due to varying reason.

However, the switch has signaled a probable new beginning for the organisation to reassert the tournament as Guyana’s premier football championship as it once was in the past.

Smith, Clarke flatten India on rainy day

Michael Clarke battled through severe back pain to make his 28th Test hundred, Steven Smith scored his fifth and the pair punished India’s inconsistent bowlers on a second day badly hit by rain. The pair racked up 163 for the sixth wicket through three long interruptions in play, hitting 21 fours in the 30 overs they batted together. Poor light ended play four deliveries after Clarke fell for 128.

Clarke, who had taken injections after retiring on 60 in the 44th over on day one, accompanied Smith out under gloomy skies in a start delayed by ten minutes. He winced as he pulled and hobbled more than he ran initially. Unable to lean fully forward, he stood on the crease and hit the fast bowlers. He used his feet to spin, dragging himself to the other end if a run was available, or lurching back to the crease if it wasn’t. His mobility improved gradually, but even late in the day, he was gingerly taking the twos.

Kashif and Shanghai comfortable with move to Easter season Ponting to coach Mumbai Indians in IPL 2015

ormer Australia captain Ricky Ponting will take over as head coach of Mumbai Indians from the upcoming IPL season. Ponting will replace former India and New Zealand coach John Wright, who has been given a new role of talent scouting in addition to creating a youth development organisation to be run by the franchise.

Ponting, who retired from international cricket in 2012, was bought by Mumbai in 2013 for a base price of $400,000. He was appointed the captain immediately but decided to step down mid-way into the campaign owing to a poor run of form: 52 runs from six matches. Despite a weak first phase, Mumbai

bounced back to win their maiden IPL title that year under Ponting’s successorRohit Sharma.

However, Mumbai retained Ponting in an advisory role in IPL 2014 when he traveled with the team for a few matches. Mumbai finished fourth last season. In a press release, the franchise also said that former India captain Anil Kumble has been “elevated to the Owners Group and shall oversee the implementation of the Vision for Reliance Sports that currently has interests across multiple sports including Football, Basketball and Cricket.” (Cricinfo)

Prosecutors granted bid to appeal Pistorius’ sentence

Clarke celebrated quietly with an intensely expressive face after coming through a bouncer burst from round the stumps on 98. Smith walked up to where 408, Phillip Hughes’ Test cap number, had been painted on the ground and stood there to look up at the sky.

Smith then set about the Indian bowling with even more purpose and aggression, powering boundaries in limited-overs fashion. India had conceded 51 in the 12.2 overs leading into the first interruption. Between the second and the third, they leaked 50 in 7.3. Varun Aaron went for nearly six runs an over, Shami five, and the debutant legs-

pinner Karn Sharma tallied over four. The lowest any of them conceded was 120.

Smith was in so much control he did pretty much whatever he wanted to. He slogged Aaron just past the bowler’s head for four, he made room and drilled Shami through the covers, he reverse-swept Karn from outside leg stump.

He did offer a simple stumping chance when he missed a charge at Karn, but Wriddhiman Saha, having kept for 109 overs, could not collect. Smith was reprieved again off Karn, on 161, when Ishant put down a diving chance at long leg. Clarke swept the next ball straight to square leg, and Mitchell Johnson walked in.

The only plus for India was that he had a bat in hand, and not the new ball. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st innings

CJL Rogers c Dhawan b I Sharma 9

DA Warner c I Sharma b KV Sharma 145

SR Watson c Dhawan b Aaron 14

MJ Clarke* c Pujara b KV Sharma 128

SPD Smith not out 162

MR Marsh c Kohli b Aaron 41

NM Lyon b Mohammed Shami 3 BJ Haddin† c †Saha b Mohammed Shami 0

India were unable to test even a half-fit Clarke. Their fast bowlers had been too full and wide at the start of the match. This morning, they pulled their lengths back too much. Ishant Sharma, their best bowler on day one, started short and wide to be put way for four by Smith. Mohammed Shami did the same first ball of the next over, and Clarke helped himself this time. Both batsmen brought up emotional hundreds.

517(4.30 runs per over)

To bat PM Siddle, RJ Harris Fall of wickets 1-50 (Rogers, 7.5 ov), 2-88 (Watson, 18.3 ov), 2-206* (Clarke, retired not out, 43.2 ov), 3-258 (Warner, 56.2 ov), 4-345 (Marsh, 84.2 ov), 5-352 (Lyon, 87.3 ov), 6-354 (Haddin, 89.2 ov), 7-517 (Clarke, 119.2 ov) Bowling O M R W Mohammed Shami

South African prosecutors on Wednesday won their bid to appeal the culpable homicide verdict handed down to athlete Oscar Pistorius for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp and will now seek a murder conviction.

The decision could leave Pistorius open to a prison sentence of at least 15 years if he is convicted of murder.

“I cannot say the prospect of success at the Supreme Court is remote,” Judge Thokozile Masipa said in granting the appeal.

The Olympic and Paralympic track star, aged 28, is currently serving prison time after being convicted in October of culpable homicide after a seven-month trial.

He has admitted killing Steenkamp on Feb.14, 2013, by firing four shots into the locked door of a toilet cubicle in what he said was the mistaken belief an intruder was

hiding behind it.

Masipa said during sentencing that the state failed to convince her of Pistorius’ intent to kill when he fired.

But state prosecutor Gerrie Nel said in his application to appeal that the judgment was “shockingly inappropriate” and argued that even if Pistorius did not know Steenkamp was behind the door when he fired, he showed intent to kill whoever was there.

In granting the application, Masipa said the prosecution’s points were questions of law and should therefore go to the Supreme Court of Appeal for consideration.

South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomed the decision.

“Our argument was that he should have been convicted of murder. That is, of course, what we would like to happen,” NPA spokesman Nathi Mncube said.

The NPA was criticized over the original conviction against Pistorius and faced further disdain this week for bungling the murder case against British national Shrien Dewani, who was cleared on Monday of conspiring to kill his wife during their honeymoon in Cape Town. The matter that will be heard next year will evaluate if Masipa’s ruling based on the legal principle of ‘dolus eventualis’ was correctly applied and if prosecutors succeed, they can demand a stiffer sentence.

Masipa’s original decision to rule out murder was criticized by several legal experts and the Women’s League of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) as an erroneous interpretation of the law. By the time the appeal is heard before a panel of South Africa’s most senior judges, Pistorius, who did not attend the appeal process, could be out of prison as his five-year sentence only requires that he serves 10 months behind bars and the balance under house arrest.

Pistorius, whose lower legs were amputated as a baby, became one of the world’s most celebrated athletes after he became a Paralympic champion then took part in the 2012 Olympics and other international events.

The killing of Steenkamp, a 29-year-old model and law graduate, led to one of the most sensational trials in South Africa’s recent history and cost him his reputation and his fortune. (Reuters)

Kashif Muhammad

Ricky Ponting

Oscar Pistorius

Pompey has positive start to coaching career Rios, Alvarado III set for January

By TreisTon Joseph

Guyana’s 400 metres track great, Aliann Pompey started her coaching career with immediate success when her Red Storm team won eight events at their season opener at the Bill Ward Invitational.

Pompey, responsible for most of the wins was still taking the new job in stride as she described her first outing as coach.

“It feels great but at the same time it’s a bit unnerving… on one hand the bar has been set high, so now they’re hungry and anxious for all the possibilities but it’s a long year and so much can change in that time,” Pompey who knows about the highs and lows of athlet-

ics told Guyana Times Sport in a exclusive interview on Wednesday.

Pompey who is no stranger to the continuous process of development during her time as an athlete admitted that she still is I the learning curve of her new career.

“There is still a lot I have to learn, we have 35 girls on the team and their preparation needs are different, I think the first meet gave us a really great momentum and its right before we break for the holidays and they’ll have a month before we resume regular training.

“They know that I order to meet our goals to keep improving their performances, they can’t look at this as a month off,” Pompey noted.

However, the

Commonwealth gold medalist revealed related how her own experiences have helped her with the team while relating the opening talent she has discovered in the team.

“I won’t even lie, the transition wasn’t perfect, I graduated from college over a decade ago but there are elements to my experience that can be of value to them… I know what part of the season they would struggle with, what part of the year adrenalines are high and you can push them to the limit with little or no resistance and I know what they want to hear before they run.

“We have several girls who ran their personal bests at their first meet… I have never done that in my career and that’s a huge confidence booster for them,” Pompey pointed out.

Meanwhile as Pompey watched from the sidelines as her team performed, the 400 metres specialist reminisced on the satisfaction she felt for her athletes.

“As cliché as it sounds, it was watching their faces as they truly came to grasp with their potential.

“Already there’s a correlation between hard work and results, in the preseason I killed them with strength work but they got through it,” Pompey mentioned.

RTP President mulling lawsuit over ban

Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) president Shamil Tarpischev is weighing up an appeal against his yearlong WTA Tour suspension for making an inappropriate comment about the Williams sisters.

“I am looking at the possibility of filing a lawsuit,” Tarpischev told the ITAR-TASS news agency on Wednesday.

“If I am going to make such a move then it will be in the U.S. court, where I will be able to find out on what basis the sanctions were applied.”

Tarpischev appeared on a Russian late-night chat show alongside former WTA player Elena Dementieva in October.

When Dementieva was asked what it was like to

Tarpischev

play against the American sisters, Tarpischev interrupted and referred to them as the “Williams brothers”.

The WTA fined him $25,000 and demanded a personal apology as well as disqualifying him for from working in an organization-

When Brandon Rios approached the podium at the news conference Tuesday in Denver to formally announce his third showdown with Mike Alvarado, they smiled at each other and slapped five like they were old pals, although you would never know that by the way they have fought each other.

They are friendly, good-natured rivals but they fight with the kind of fierce passion that turned their first two fights into dramatic slugfests, both of which were fight-of-the-year candidates.

They are 1-1 in those two junior welterweight classics and are now set to meet to break the tie in a 12-round welterweight fight on Jan. 24 (HBO) at the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado, a suburb of Denver, Alvarado’s hometown.

“We had to do a third one. It’s 1-1. We can’t keep it a tie before we end our careers,” Rios said. “We have to know who’s

the best. I wanted this third fight. We had to do it. We got our wish and now we’re ready.”

Added Alvarado: “It’s been inevitable since the first two fights. It was destined to happen. Our destiny is now. We had to get it over with. It’s No. 3. I’m just ready for it. It’s gonna be a great, classic fight.”

Based on how the first two fights went, it’s hard to argue with Alvarado’s viewpoint. In October 2012, Rios (32-2-1, 23 KOs) scored a seventh-round knockout of Alvarado (343, 23 KOs) in Carson, California, in a hellacious fight. In March 2013, Alvarado exacted revenge in Las Vegas by winning a close unanimous decision and a vacant interim junior welterweight title in another actionpacked fight, one in which Alvarado boxed just enough in the second half of the bout to edge Rios. (ESPN)

Expect more of the same kind of action in the third fight, Rios said.

al capacity for one year.

Tarpischev has officially apologised for his comment but does not agree with the punishment. However, the Russian Davis Cup captain faces a dilemma as he does not know who to file the suit against.

The official said he analyzed the comments along with linguistics experts and they said they were neither insulting nor abusive.

“I translated the findings into English and sent them to the WTA but they did not accept them,” he added.

“The International Tennis Federation and International Olympic Committee (IOC) also said they would not look into the issue. Therefore, I believe the whole situation was a set-up.” (Reuters)

Agency to investigate doping allegations in Russia

The World Anti-Doping Agency says it will conduct its own probe of allegations of systematic doping in Russia.

WADA announced the inquiry Wednesday after “careful review of a series of documentary programs over the past week” by Germany’s ARD network.

The programs alleged

a web of doping and corruption in Russian athletics that implicated government-backed agencies.

Last week, WADA said it would ensure that the allegations were investigated, and had passed evidence to an IAAF ethics panel.

Now, WADA President Craig Reedie has promised an agency probe “to deter-

mine what actions are required to be taken by WADA and others.”

Reedie’s statement targets “all athletes who have cheated,” though does not mention officials who have been implicated.

WADA says it will later announce details of the inquiry and investigation panel. (ESPN)

Button’s fate to be revealed today by McLaren

Jenson Button’s Formula 1 future will become clear on Thursday when McLaren announce their driver lineup for 2015 after weeks of wrangling.

The 2009 world champion, 34, has been vying with Kevin Magnussen, 22, for the right to partner Fernando Alonso.

The team plan to make their decision public at a news conference at their Surrey factory on Thursday morning.

Spaniard Alonso, a double world champion, has returned to McLaren after five seasons with Ferrari.

McLaren chairman Ron Dennis said at the final race of 2014 that a choice between Button and Magnussen would be made on a “clinical and emotionless analysis of the options”.

Button, who made his F1 debut in 2000, said at an awards ceremony on Sunday: “It’s a strange situation but sometimes in life you find yourself in these situations. You just have to deal with it.”

If the Englishman, who finished eighth this season, misses out on a McLaren drive for 2015, his F1 career

could be over.

Rival teams have already confirmed their driver lineups for next year.

Alonso’s future was decided some weeks ago but Dennis has vacillated over who to choose as his teammate.

He had to weigh up the pros and cons of Button’s experience and greater performance in 2014 - he scored more than twice as many points as Magnussen - against the Dane’s youth and potential.

Financial considerations may also be part of the decision. Button was earning a salary of £12m in 2014,

while Magnussen, in his debut season, was on about £500,000.

The Dane finished 11th in the standings, having taken second place in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

If Button is axed by McLaren, he has an option to move to the FIA World Endurance Championship, a path followed by his friend Mark Webber when he retired from F1 at the end of 2013.

Button, who began his F1 career at Williams, also has a passion for triathlons and could turn his focus in that direction.

Aliann Pompey

Mike Alvarado

Brandon Rios

Jenson Button

Shamil

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Festival city Warriors, north r uimveldt thr ough to georgetown final

Festival City Warriors and North Ruimveldt are through to the final of the Guinness “Greatness in the Streets” Georgetown zone futsal final when both teams racked up wins in their respective semifinals on Tuesday at the

National Park Tarmac.

Festival City Warriors faced Leopold Street in the opening semifinal encounter as both teams struggled with their finishing during the face paced game.

While both teams created chances to score none was able to produce the

breakthrough moment as the game ended nil all.

Festival City Warriors would go onto win 1-0 via penalty kicks, securing their spot in the final.

Meanwhile, much like game one, North Ruimveldt and Sparta Boss battled tirelessly to

“Greatness in the Streets” futsal tournament… Mackeson ‘King of the Rim’ basketball tournament...

a nil all draw by the end of regulation time. North Ruimveldt displayed their accuracy with a 2-1 penalty kick win to join Festival City Warriors in the final. The final of the event will be held on December 14 at the National Park Tarmac.

Den Amstel ‘A’ to represent West Coast in finals

Michael Clarke’s clutch jumper ensured Dem Amstel A’s place in the final eight of the Mackeson’s ‘King of the Rim’ 3-on-3 tournament when the competition held the ‘Best of the West’ title on Tuesday at Den Amstel.

In the final, of the West side zone, Clarke hit a dagger from beyond the arc to win the game for Dem Amstel ‘A’ 10-8 over Uitvlught Giants. The game was evenly poised on 8-8 before Clarke’s jumper won the game in the final minute of play.

Den Amstel’s evening did not start on a positive note as they lost to Den Amstel ‘B’ 7-6 in their opening game. However, they rebounded with a close 12-11 win against Invictus in overtime before topping Tuschen Woodcrest 7-2 in their Group ‘B’ final to top the group. Meanwhile before the Giants’ loss to Den Amstel ‘A’, Uitvlugt Giants played phenomenal defeating Uitvlugt Warrriors 12-9 while thumping Fire Service ‘B’12-4 and Fire Service ‘A’ to reach the final.

In other results; Invictus defeated Tuschen Woodcrest 8-7, Tuschen Woodcrest defeated Den Amstel ‘B’ 9-8, Fire Service ‘A’ thrashed Fire Service ‘B’ 8-1 and Uitvlugt Warriors beat Fire Service ‘A’ 5-0.

The Mackeson ‘King of the Rim’ tournament will continue tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club Hard Court in Linden.

Battling for the ball in mid pitch

Ramchand/Rohan Auto Spares softball competition…

CPL to review rules for 2015 tournament Regal and Floodlight are category champions

Arising out of the contentious 2014 Final between Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents which was played on August 16th at Warner Park, St Kitts, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has agreed to review the rules and playing conditions for the 2015 tournament.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise and CPL are pleased to announce that the issue has now been resolved and brought to a closure.

Fans would recall that the final came to an abrupt end when rain interrupted the Guyana Amazon Warriors innings at 107 for 4 after 15.5 overs while they were in pursuit of 153 to win the game. After the rain had stopped and mop-up operations completed, the stumps went back up. However, after a delay, the match officials inexplicably decided that the allotted time - including extra time - for the game had elapsed and the Barbados Tridents were declared winners on the Duckworth/ Lewis method.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise Management wrote to CPL after the game, expressing its concerns on the unorthodox manner in which the game was ended. The Guyana Amazon Warriors, in an attempt to ensure that the playing conditions and tournament rules were adhered to rigorously and to avoid such a reoccurrence in the future particularly in a final, sought legal advice on

this matter.

After various consultations, both parties have agreed that, in the interest of this great game of cricket and in order to maintain the excellent reputation of the CPL, the matter is now closed and all parties concerned can now move forward to the planning and implementing of a bigger, better and more exciting 2015 CPL.

Towards that end, CPL officials, Franchise Owners/Partners and the Tournament Committee are currently reviewing the rules for the semi-finals and final with a view to using international umpires and match referees and extending the match playing time to midnight, if necessary.

Dr Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, Franchise Owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, commented after the matter was brought to a closure: “The game of Cricket should always be the winner and the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise, remains steadfast in our commitment to make every contribution we can to bring enjoyment to the thousands of fans who support not only us but West Indies Cricket on the whole. We are of the firm view that the CPL can rejuvenate the passion and pride of all cricket lovers throughout the Caribbean and also all our supporters who reside abroad.”

Damien O’ Donohoe, CEO of the CPL, said; “We are pleased that the two parties have reached an amicable conclusion and that the matter is closed. CPL 2014 set new standards on and off the field and sealed our reputation as the “biggest party in sport”. We are now in high gear planning for CPL 2015 which is set to electrify the region once again. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the fans and look forward to seeing them come out in their droves for another summer of fantastic carnival cricket. We would also like to thank the Guyana Franchise and the team for their continued support in building CPL.” (CPL Release)

Regal XI exacted sweet revenge on Wolf’s Warriors last weekend when they won the Open category of the Ramchand and Rohan Auto Spares softball competition by a massive 65 runs at the Demerara Cricket Club ground, Queenstown. Floodlight earlier disposed

hibition title.

The Open final, which was a repeat of the Guyana Softball Cup 4 championship game that was won by Wolf’s Warriors, Regal XI batted first and posted an imposing 215-7 off 20 overs.

Openers Richard Latif and Keon Joseph laid the

sistent bowling by Regal ensured the asking rate continued to mount, and in a effort to step up the scoring Rai was taken in the deep for 41 (2x4s, 3x6s).

Leander finished unbeaten on 32 (2x4s, 2x6s) and Nizamudeen contributed 20 not out (2x4s, 1x6) as Wolf’s

of Mike’s Wellman by eight wickets in the Over-40 final, while Trophy Stall Angels defeated Mike’s Wellwoman by two runs to lift the female ex-

GCA/Banks Malta Supreme U-13 tournament….

DCC and Everest victorious

Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and Everest recorded victories when the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ Banks Malta Supreme Under-13 competition continued last weekend.

On Sunday, DCC came out on top against host Gandhi Youth Organisation by 92 runs. GYO managed 230-6 off their allocation of 25 overs, batting first.

DCC in reply suffered 13 dismissals, but scored 322 in 25 overs. Dwayne Dick struck 20, Sachin Singh made 19 and extras assisted

with 17. Matthews grabbed 4-12 and Shawn Thomas 2-19.

On Saturday at Muslim Youth Organisation, Everest overpowered Diplomats by 28 runs. Diplomats scored 237-7 in 25 overs, batting first. Ntini Permaul cracked 23 while Jonathan St. Hill and Deonte Lupe made 15 each. Sachin Premchand took 2-15.

Everest responded with 265-6 in 25 overs with 60 extras. Zacharia Mootoo and Ariel Tilku made 11 each. Joshua Campbell bagged 5-23.

foundation with a 100-run partnership before Joseph was dismissed for 18. Latiff and Safraz Esau continued to frustrate their opponents with a 50-run second wicket stand. Latif executed a number of lovely shots on both sides of the wicket and reached his fifty off 24 balls.

He continued to bat positively before losing Esau for 26 (1x4, 1x6). Latif struck two fours and eight sixes in a top score of 80, while Ricky Sargeant chipped in with 23 not out (1x4, 2x6s). Amir Nizamudeen captured 2-29 and Mark Harold 2-42.

In reply, Wolf’s Warriors were reduced to 11-2, before Amrit Rai and Safraz Karim added 67 for the third wicket to steady the chase. However, Karim was dismissed for 30 (3x4s, 1x6), as Wolf’s Warriors lost a few more wickets.

Rai and Leon Leander then tried to keep their team in the hunt with a 56-run fifth wicket stand. But con-

Warriors ended on 150-6 in 20 overs. Privnauth Motilall claimed 2-22 and Man-of-theMatch Latif 2-25.

In the Over-40 final, Mike’s Wellman managed 131 all out in 9.4 overs with Terrence Daniels making 26, Hardat Heranadan 23 and Nigel Estrado 19. Imtiaz Mohamed snared 4-18, Dharam Persaud 2-17 and Reyaz Hussein 2-23 for Floodlight, who replied with 132-2 in 15.3 overs. Ramesh Narine stroked 84 (6x4s, 7x6s) and Richard Persaud 37 not out.

The victory for Floodlight crowned a remarkable year in which they also emerged champions of the Masters segment of Guyana Softball Cup 4.

On the distaff side, Trophy Stall Angels made 80-8 in 10 overs, with KavitaYadram making 14, while Zola Telford and Latoya Smith had two wickets each. Mike’s Wellwoman were restrict-

ed for 74-8 in 10 overs with Amanda Bobsemple scoring 20 and Abena Parker 18, while Yadram took 2-15. Meanwhile, Slingers beat Parika Defenders by 36 runs to take third place in the Over-40 category. Slingers posted 149-3 in 10 overs with Mohamed Rafeek top scoring with 64. Parika Defenders responded with 113-8 in 10 overs with Hackim Mohamed making 25.

Upriser had earlier defeated Farm by 17 runs to take third spot in the Open division. Upriser made 1883 in 15 overs with Wayne Osborne hitting 52 not out, Ejaz Mohammed 43 not out, Saheed Mohammed 37. Farm made 171-8 in 15 overs with Lennox Marks getting 52, Avinash Sookdeo 32 and Raul Reid 27. Ejaz Mohammed snared 3-16. In the female third place game, Karibee Strikers defeated Blue Divas by nine wickets. Blue Divas made 60 all out in 10 overs with Tessa Parks claiming 4-7 and Roshanna Lynch 2-10. Karibee Strikers then responded with made 64-1 in six overs with Trishanie Kurt leading the way with 30 and Katana Mentore chipping in with 23 not out.

At the presentation ceremony which followed, Ricardo Adams (Open), Wayne Jones (Over-40) and Latoya Smith (Female) were voted the Most Valuable Players for the tournament.

Patrick Khan (Farm), Sadik Yusuf (Farm) and Diaram Persaud and Narine Bailey of Wolf’s Warriors were rewarded for taking fivewicket hauls, while Ricardo Adams (Wolf’s Warriors), Harrinarine Dilchand (Uprisers), Patrick Khan, Nizam Khan (Challengers) and Ejaz Mohamed (Uprisers) received prizes for scoring centuries in the Open division.

The Over-40 centurions were John Sumir (Floodlight), Danny Gangadin (Fisherman), Wayne Jones (Floodlight) and N. Chand (Industry).

Joshua Campbell

Damien O’ Donohoe

Proprietor of Ramchand’s Auto Spares, Ramchand Ragbeer, presents the championship trophy to members of Regal XI

Members of the Floodlight team pose with their trophies

Hing, McKinnon win year-end Practical Pistol shoot

National Smallbore Captain Dale Hing and leading handgun shooter Ryan McKinnon won the Production and Stand divisions respectively when the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) Smallbore section ran off its Year-end Practical Pistol shooting championships last Sunday at the Timehri ranges.

D’Edward win BCB/ NBS Second Division tournament

D’Edward Cricket Club completed a tense three wickets victory over Corriverton to clinched Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) sponsored New Building Society second division 40over title last Sunday at the No. 69 ground. In a match which was reduced to 28 overs a side due to a late start resulted from overnight rains, Corriverton, a first time finalist, were inserted by their opponent. They enjoyed a good start of 39 runs from Errol Byass and Jeremy Moore. However, with the introduction of medium pacer Heeralall Bridgelall (2-31), Corriverton lost two quick wickets, including Byass for 11.

Fellow medium pacer Navin Rampersaud (230) got into the act and took two quick wickets, including Moore for 24.

Corriverton from a relatively comfortable position at 39 without loss slipped to 534.

Two quick wickets followed soon after at 121 including Sookra for 33. However, D’Edward reached home safely at 124 for 7 in 25.4 overs.

Bowling for Corriverton, Reid ended with 2-18 and left arm spinner Faoud Bacchus 2-19.

D’Edward collected the winning trophy and $60,000 while Corriverton was the recipient of $30,000.

The programme consisted of three stages, which were categorised into Standard and Production division. Shooters with stock firearms with no modifications shot under the Production Division, while shooters with modified firearms were placed in the Standard Division, according to the I.P.S.C. rules.

Beharry placed third. McKinnon was also victorious in the Standard Division at the first stage, beating into second position Gordon Richards, while Murtland Smith finished third.

Stage one of the Production Division saw Hing coming out ahead of Randy Sarjoo, who finished second while Ray

At Stage Two Production Division, Beharry turned the tables on Hing, while Sarjoo placed third.

Mc Kinnon was beaten into second position by Stage Two Standard

division winner Joshua Ramlakhan, while David Dharry came in third.

Stage Three proved to be critical for the shooters, but in the end Hing and Mc Kinnon won their respective categories. Beharry finished second in the Production Division, while Rajiv Latchana was third.

In the Standard Division, Dharry was second and Dr. Johan DaSilva third.

Skipper Jermain Reid stopped the slide with an intelligent innings of 41. He first put on 35 for the fifth wicket with Victor Pedro (3) and 24 for the sixth wicket with Gary Phillips (6) to take the score to 113 in the 19 over.

They collapsed thereafter as off spinner Devendra Lalsa (4-27) been the main destructive force, reducing Corriverton from a position of 113-5 to 123 all out in 22.5 overs.

Leg-spinner Kevon Jawahir (2-18) was also among the wickets.

Devendra Lalsa was the Man of the match for his effort and collected a trophy and $5,000. He was also the best bowler award with Corriverton captain Jermin Reid adjudged the best batsman. There were several other cash incentives for overall performances leading up to the final.

Hubern Evans, VicePresident of the BCB thanked New Building Society for their continued sponsorship.

Rana Persaud, Manager of NBS Rose Hall Branch said that NBS was pleased with the way the competition was run, and was impressed with the wide media coverage. He said that he is confident that nbs will continue to support Berbice Cricket, which is run in a transparent, accountable and professional manner.

D’Edward in reply slipped to 12-3. However, Jaipaul Heeralall came to the crease and quietly started to pull D’Edward from the jaws of danger by putting on 56 for the fourth wicket with Jawahir (12) and 43 for the fifth wicket with Lakeraj Sookra before he fell for 33 at 111-5.

GRFU Patron hails Govt input, support

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Patron of the Guyana

Rugby Football Union (GRFU), Christopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento, is urging detractors to get off the government’s back as it relates to its no-show at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport when the national champion rugby team returned home from the North American and Rugby Association (NACRA) Sevens tournament last Thursday.

At a press conference on Thursday at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters, Nascimento tried to put the whole situation into perspective.

In clearing up whatever misconceptions may have arisen through articles appearing in the press, Nascimento, a former president of the Union, said as Patron he was given the task of sourcing the funds to ensure the team attended the NACRA Sevens in Mexico.

He said he approached His Excellency Donald Ramotar directly for government’s assistance and that support was given without

hesitation after the Head of State had spoken to the Finance Minster Dr Ashni Singh.

“The President unhesitantly, and I repeat unhesitantly, agreed to support the team. The Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh was consulted there and then by the President and he also too unhesitantly supported the team,” Nascimento said.

The Government of Guyana subsequently presented $4 million towards to aid the team’s prepara-

tions and its travel to the Central America nation. He continued, “There is no way we would be able to send a team that we did send to Mexico without that support…no way.”

Nascimento further stated that while no one from the ruling administration may have turned up to welcome the team at the airport, support from the government has been “unstinting and unqualified.”

“So when we report there was no recognition given to the team,

to say the least it’s misleading… and I would really like to have that corrected,” the former GRFU head pointed out.

Nascimento also highlighted that winning the NACRA Sevens is the beginning of a pathway to greater things like attendance at the Pan Am Games next year and possible qualification for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Brazil.

The team has also qualified to attend the Hong Kong Sevens in March 2015, and is looking at the

possibility of attending the Men’s Elite Invitational Sevens in Las Vegas in February.

All of this, Nascimento said, will come at a cost, and the GRFU will once again be knocking on the doors of government and the Private Sector to make those trips possible. He pointed out that the Union has been assured of full support from President Ramotar and the Finance Minister going forward.

“But we’re looking gentlemen for somewhere in the region of a minimum of US$50,000 to get us where we want to be. Are we justified in asking for that support? Yes we are. We are after all the only sports team competing at that level, internationally,” he told the gathering of media operatives.

The national ruggers created history this year, winning both the NACRA 15s and Sevens titles, playing unbeaten in both competitions. It was the first time in over two decades that Guyana won the 15s title and the seventh time in nine years that the country has copped the Sevens trophy, including an unprecedented six years in a row.

NACRA Sevens success in Mexico…

The shooters take time out for a photo op during Sunday’s event

President Donald Ramotar

Finance Minister Dr Ashni SinghChristopher ‘Kit’ Nascimento

Windies dominate first day of warm-up match

If South Africa’s Test outfit thought taking on West Indies was going to be easy, Stiaan van Zyl will tell them it might not quite so simple. He was the only member of the squad playing in Benoni, where the tourists dominated an Invitation XI with both bat and ball.

Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell claimed five wickets with a display of swing that sliced through the South Africans. Cottrell’s first wick-

et came in the sixth over and he barely stopped plucking them all the way through to the 37th, when the last man fell shortly after the second session began. Van Zyl was not one of Cottrell’s victims, though.

He was dismissed by Jason Holder, after scoring just 23. Interestingly, van Zyl batted in his regular No.3 spot, not the No.7 position he is expected to occupy during the first Test in JP Duminy’s absence or the opening position he is targeting in the long term.

The South African Invitation side’s batting lineup didn’t contain any other big names and it showed when it was their No.8 who top-scored.

Aviwe Mgijima made 35 and the only other contribution of significance came from Under-19 World Cup winning wicketkeeper-batsman Clyde Fortuin, who scored 34.

In reply, the West Indian batsmen were put on the back foot by Rory Kleinveldt, who was making his comeback from a groin injury. His two early wickets got rid of

runs per over)

Did not bat RJ Engelbrecht, BE Hendricks

Fall of wickets 1-19 (Cloete, 5.1 ov), 2-38 (DA Hendricks, 9.2 ov), 3-38 (Petersen, 9.5 ov), 4-48 (Nqolo, 11.2 ov), 5-48 (van Zyl, 12.6 ov), 6-55 (Mosehle, 14.6 ov), 7-124 (Fortuin, 34.3 ov), 8-125 (Kleinveldt, 35.5 ov), 9-125 (Shamsi, 35.6 ov), 10-125 (Mgijima, 36.1 ov) Bowling O M R W

Kraigg Brathwaite and Leon Johnson. But the visitors soon re-

Total (2 wickets; 47 overs)

runs per over)

To bat S Chanderpaul, J Blackwood, D Ramdin*†, AB Fudadin, ST Gabriel, JO Holder, KAJ Roach, SS Cottrell, SJ Benn, JE Taylor Fall of wickets 1-34 (Brathwaite, 11.3 ov), 2-35 (Johnson, 11.6 ov) Bowling

covered, as Devon Smith, called up to the squad to replace Chris Gayle, and

Marlon Samuels shared in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 182, which came at a rollicking 5.20 runs per over. Samuels, the dominant partner, went to stumps on an unbeaten 102-ball 103, with 76 of his runs coming in fours, while Smith was on on 83 off 144 balls, with a six and 12 fours. Kleinveldt and Dolphins quick Daryn Dupavillon were the only Invitation bowlers to concede less than four runs an over, while Beuran Hendricks, who returned from a stress fracture, put in 10 overs without any trouble. (Cricinfo)

Sheldon Cottrell

NBS Manager Rana Persaud hands over the winning trophy to D’Edward Captain Jaipaul Heeralall in the presence of other staff of NBS, players from the victorious team and BCB officials

Marlon Samuels plays a convincing stroke during his fast paced century