Guyana Times Daily - February 7, 2015

saturday, february 7, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Army urged to up the ante against narco-trafficking

BY GOMATIE GANGADIN

President Donald Ramotar on Thursday challenged officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to widen their scope in the fight against the scourge of drugs.

He said the wideningtrade in narcotics can hamper the development of Guyana and roll back economic gains secured under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

The United States has been critical of Guyana’s fight against the narcotics trade over the years, but Guyana has always maintained that its efforts were in part stymied by a lack of resources, calling on Washington to beef up its own counter-narcotics programme, since most of the drugs were smuggled into that country.

According to President Ramotar, the trade can become one of the major humbugs to development, if it is not addressed. He said there needs to be greater effort in the fight against drugs, since it can have severe impacts on the economy.

This, he said, was due to the fact that the trade of narcotics was closely entwined with the gun and ammunition smuggling trade, which subsequently leads to a high increase in crime.

According to the President, law enforcement cannot keep up many times with the traffickers and as such, greater emphasis will need to be placed on tackling the scourge.

“The drug trade continues to pose a real danger and has always fuelled other serious crimes in the country. This is because a prominent partner of the drug trade is the gun trade. The availability of weapons on the streets throughout the region has bedevilled law enforcement officers in the Caribbean... conserving and safeguarding of our national capital and posing challenges to regulatory and enforcement agencies,” he said.

The President noted that while the country tries to foster development by paving the way for roads, trails and airstrips to improve accessibility and transport in the country, it is also being used in the wrong manner for the movement of the illegal substances in Guyana.

He charged the GDF to pay keener attention to the activities and to ensure that the trade does not impede the progress the country has made thus far.

President Ramotar further encouraged the soldiers to use every vehicle, apparatus, equipment and tool which has been provided to get results.

AML/CFT Bill

The President said that the image of this country as a haven for drug traffickers has been further enhanced by the non passage of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill.

The parliamentary Opposition had blocked its passage several times in Parliament calling for broader reforms to be included and also oversight at the level of the National Assembly – something which the Caribbean Financial Action

Task Force (CFATF) was opposed to.

According to a recently released report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the transport of drugs has resulted in an increase in violent crimes in Central and South America and represents a serious obstacle to economic development.

“The warning signs are evident in this report - gunrelated crime, gang violence, kidnapping, the proliferation of private security companies,” said UNODC Executive Director Antonio Maria Costa. “But these problems are in no way inherent to the region. They can be overcome.”

The report highlights the need for greater international support for the region if developmental efforts are to have any long-term impact. No issue today affects the stability and development of Central and South America more than drugs and crime, the report says.

The region’s many vulnerabilities create conditions conducive to crime, which in turn undercut growth and hamper social development.

The countries of Central and South America are diverse, but they have one thing in common – all are affected to some degree by drugs, crime and under-development.

Many countries of the region are vulnerable because of socio-economic factors resulting from income inequality, urbanisation, mass poverty, a high proportion of youth, easy access to a large supply of guns and an unstable post-conflict environment.

They are also at risk because of their geographic position, trapped between the world’s biggest supplier of coca – Colombia – and the world’s biggest consumers of cocaine, the United States.

The Central America study follows a report by UNODC and the World Bank on crime and violence in the Caribbean, which contained similar findings – high rates of crime and violence in the Caribbean were undermining growth and impeding social development.

Trafficking routes have carved paths of destruction through South and Central America. Some 88 per cent of the cocaine destined for

UNODC Executive Director

Antonio Maria Costa

the United States transits through the South America/ Colombia/Mexico areas.

South America produces an estimated 900 tons of cocaine annually – worth some US$60 billion in 2003 – the massive profits from which dwarf the legitimate economies of some transit nations. Crime and corruption flourish while development lags.

“Where crime and corruption reign and drug money perverts the economy, the State no longer has a monopoly on the use of force and citizens no longer trust their leaders and public institutions. As a result, the social contract is in tatters and people take the law into their own hands,” said Costa.

fRidaY, fEBRUaRY 7, 2015

President Donald Ramotar

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

Monitoring deportees

The arrival of 26 criminal deportees from the US earlier this week has revived discussions on the unfair immigration policy of America regarding the treatment of this class of people and the lack of system here to adequately monitor them.

The ‘dumping’ of the deportees here also caught many off guard, including this newspaper, as it was only a week ago, Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy Bryan Hunt told us that fewer deportees were coming to Guyana.

He also went to state that the numbers have always been tremendously small, noting that a vast majority of Guyanese who leave the United States end up doing so voluntarily and are not deported. According to statistics from the US Homeland Security Department, between 2008 and 2013, a total of 1035 persons were deported here, 803 of whom were non-criminals.

The Department also stated that there has been a decreasing trend from 2008 to 2013 in the number of persons who were deported from the US back to Guyana. Statistics on the US agency’s website show that in 2008 some 508 persons were sent back, while 492 were deported in 2009. The following year saw 428 Guyanese returning and 411 in 2011. Approximately 360 persons returned home in 2012 and another 292 the following year.

But the problem is not only Guyana’s. Each year, the US, the UK, and Canada deport thousands of people convicted of various crimes to their countries of citizenship in the Caribbean. Between 1998 and 2004, the US alone deported over 31,000 convicted criminals to the region.

Hunt’s assessment of the situation must have been based on what obtained several years ago, when deportees were returning by the hundreds and by comparison now he feels the country is doing better.

But with a small population like Guyana, 26 convicted criminals who were exposed to all the sophisticated crime techniques and gangs in the US must be of serious concern to our security personnel and citizens. While there is actually no data to show what percentage of crime is being committed by deportees, we know that they have been intensively socialised in the criminal fields in the US and are in full possession of their US ‘criminal tool kit’.

The crime rate in our country is a cause for concern –the level of daily armed robberies, killings and even drug trafficking are serious impediments to progress and can easily blight the economic prospects of a nation.

The fallout from high crime rates will inevitably see the drying up of foreign investments, undermining of national security and a weakening of citizens’ confidence in the state’s ability to protect them.

Not only should our lawmen take steps to assess the records of the deportees, but also implement the Amendment to the Crime Prevention Act of 2002, which gives them the power to monitor any deportee who poses a threat to public safety. The Amendment also states that all involuntary Police seem to have allowed this landmark legislation to go unutilised.

What is also crucial is a serious post-deportation or reintegration programme. The US had scrapped a project it was funding some years ago because of moderate success, but there is still a void and increasingly deportees are returning to a society that would reject them.

Top Cop Seelall Persaud has since undertaken that the Police will be monitoring the 26 persons who returned on Tuesday, noting that he will soon be able to access the information with regards to the type of crimes committed by the deportees and then they will be monitored based on the nature and seriousness of the act.

It is hoped that Police monitoring would not only be to keep an eye on these men as it relates to crime, but also to actively work toward involving them in community-based programmes and point them in the direction where they can learn new skills and re-integrate into society.

Opposition would wish to deny citizens the most fundamental of rights

Dear Editor,

I write in response to Attorney-at-Law Joe Harmon’s statements to the media. Firstly I wish to state that these are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of my partners in the firm.

Lawyers represent a variety of people and cases, and should they be defending murderers or men who abuse their spouses, it certainly does not mean that they sympathize with murder of the abuse of females, and no lawyer should be personally attacked on these grounds.

As to the “quality” of lawyer I am, well, I am the same person who joined Desmond Hoyte’s team of lawyers in the Esther Pereira election petition and sat in court everyday for almost six months.

The same person, who along with Basil Williams,

Forde, Emily Dodson and others presented the Veronica Delph election petition and represented Mark Benschop.

Mr Harmon was never around in those days obviously pursuing some other lofty goals, but he was surely not there with us.

Essentially, I enjoyed a close relationship with Mr Hoyte and, after he died, I withdrew from political activism because I was dissatisfied with the leadership of PNCR. Therefore I only intend to make this single response.

I fully appreciate and in fact encourage the response from the public at large. Although clearly unflattering to me, it is their right to express their feelings, their suspicions and frustrations by whatever means at their disposal. In fact, I will always defend their right to do so even if it is directed at

me. I expect lawyers however to deal with the legal issues and not to attempt to denigrate another lawyer, and even as I excuse his attack on me, I will not tolerate his attack on other members of my firm nor will I allow anyone other than a member of my firm to dictate which matters I appear in or who I represent.

Mr Harmon ought to know that the ethics of our profession dictate that our relationship with our colleagues be characterized by respect, courtesy and good faith.

With respect to the legal challenge before the court, my recollection is that this question was first raised by Ralph Ramkarran, SC. Once raised, unless the question is frivolous, it is compulsory that such an important question be determined by the Court to have certainty

and finality on the issue. It is wrong and unfair to have the people of Guyana believe there is a two-term limitation, if in fact there is no such limitation because the amendment was unconstitutional. I insist that the people of Guyana are entitled to better.

Finally, former President Bharrat Jagdeo is not the client. But even if he was the client, what is horrific, is that Mr Harmon a high ranking member of the Opposition and an Attorneyat-Law, would wish to deny a citizen of Guyana the most fundamental of rights, the right to access the court to have a judicial determination of a constitutional question which concerns him or her by attacking and attempting to intimidate the lawyers who bring the action.

Shaun Allicock

Much speculation about a big “pay off” in this matter

Dear Editor,

My 32-year-old daughter, Chandanie Dass, who was a former Manager of Courts, Richmond, Essequibo Coast branch died in a car accident some five months ago, and from all appearances now it would seem that justice in the matter is also dead.

The incident occurred on the night of August 2 last, when there was a collision involving another private car driven by a 19-year-old unlicensed driver.

All along, the Police have not been able to provide any useful information as to the reason for him not being

charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

By keeping me in the dark, a clear impression is given of the investigations being a one-sided affair for reasons best known to the Police when it is incumbent upon them to o so impartially.

It was only by the way that I learnt that the young man was charged and appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Charity Court on August 18 last for being an unlicensed driver and breach of insurance.

From the case jackets which are in my possession, Nicholas Singh of Abrams

Zuil pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined $30,000 for being an unlicensed driver. For the offence of breach of insurance, the penalty imposed was an order for him to be disqualified from obtaining a driver’s licence for six months.

There is much speculation that there was a big “pay off” somewhere along the line for him not to be prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving, with the failure to do so remaining very baffling.

All efforts to get justice were just in vain with no hope whatsoever that this would ever be done, only to add in-

sult to injury for her grief stricken family to endure for the rest of their lives. It was revealed that at the time the young man was heavily under the influence of alcohol, but he was not charged for committing such an offence. The denial of justice further aggravates the situation more so, with the driver nor his wealthy parents ever offering a word of comfort of sympathy, but from rumours peddling around they keep saying that the dangerous charge is completely out.

Dhanraj Dass

Roysdale

These young performers created a lot of excitement at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with their pyramid formations as they competed in the Education Ministry’s Children’s Mashramani Competitions 2015 (Carl Croker photo)

Modi faces toughest test in Delhi elections

Dear Editor,

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces his toughest electoral battle since he rose to the top position last May. After meeting President Barack Obama and President Donald Ramotar in January, the Prime Minister is soaring in foreign affairs.

But the Modi could suffer his first state election defeat in Assembly elections in Delhi on February 7. Several opinion polls show unfavorable result for the ruling Bharatya Janata Party (BJP).

Delhi is the heart of power in the country and if the BJP were to fail in capturing power in the state, it would dent the party’s chances of consolidating power needed to speed up an economic recovery.

A booming India is great for countries like Guyana which stands to get more resources.

Campaigning ended on Thursday evening. Modi attended several rallies to motivate voters. Polls show a twocontest between BJP and the newly founded Aam Aadmi Party. The Congress party is floundering and not likely to make a dent in the election, but it could affect which party

wins or forms the Government.

In the last state elections in December 2013, BJP won the most seats but was short of three seats. Congress offered outside support to the AAP to form the Government, but the Government resigned less than two months later.

The state fell under President’s rule, while the Assembly was left suspended since last February. Last December, the Assembly was dissolved and elections were called. Counting and declaration of results would take place on February 10.

The AAP said its internal poll shows it would win 51 seats in the 70-member Delhi Assembly, the party’s internal survey has reported. The survey gave 15 seats to the BJP and a paltry four to Congress and others.

The poll gave 53 per cent to Arvind Kejriwal (AAP leader) as the choice for Chief Minister, while 24 per cent preferred the BJP’s Kiran Bedi. He said AAP would likely win 46 per cent of the votes, while BJP would get 33 per cent, and Congress 11 per cent.

The India Today-Cicero pre-poll survey, gave AAP 38-

46 seats and 19-25 seats for the BJP. The Congress was seen winning three-seven seats.

In a so-called “poll of polls,” based on results of five separate opinion polls, AAP could get 34 of the 70 seats while the BJP could win 32 and Congress four.

Because of the polling numbers, the BJP sent out its top national and state leaders to campaign to woo voters and it seemed to be working. Many voters are returning to BJP.

Voters said they would prefer the same party for the state as governing nationally. The outcome will be very close and it will be a setback to Modi should the AAP win.

A Modi victory is good for diaspora communities as the Prime Minister could take measure to grow the economy making more resources available for countries like Guyana.

Another hung Assembly is not ruled out. The BJP swept the General Elections last April in Delhi winning all the seats but opinions have turned because of slow delivery of services.

Vishnu Bisram

When you think you are above the law

Dear Editor,

The recent Appeal Court ruling of an award of $15M to Dr Walter Ramsahoye is a sobering reminder to all and sundry in the print and electronic media that “no man is above the law”.

Whatever your station in life, whether you are rich or poor, high or low, you must respect and uphold the law. For sometime now those tenets seems to have been wiped out of the minds of those at Kaieteur News as they went on a rampage to hurt and malign.

However, with recent ruling, some semblance of sanity has been restored as to the way things ought to be done in the journalistic world.

I have read with dismay the many times they have slandered, maligned and distorted the truth for filthy lucre, and I thought within myself that these people at Kaieteur News are totally out of control and a law unto themselves. They have done immeasurable hurt to many and

it is high time they atone for their horrible deeds. This tabloid must realize that you cannot slander and malign people without expecting some dire consequences coming your way. You must give an account for your conduct.

Glenn Lall and Adam Harris are of the view that they can print practically anything. They are very bold and deliberate in their actions, seeing they have the full backing of the Opposition.

Their belief is that they can slander at will and if anyone gets hurt by their evil campaign, then so be it. In their depravity, they might well be saying “you may as well suck it up” because we are a powerhouse, we are larger than life.

That belligerent attitude has finally landed them in hot water ... real hot water. I hope the Opposition doppelgangers chip in to help Lall with some much needed cash. In the light of recent ruling, certainly they can show some solidarity with their

“longstanding friend”. Poor Glenn Lall, his troubles have just begun. So there you have it, someone had to take the proverbial bull by the horn and the courts have done this, both in the High and Appeal Courts.

Like Justice BS Roy, stated “they have shown no remorse”, a glaring and outrageous feature of this newspaper’s Editors. I say shame on you Adam Harris! As a veteran journalist and supposedly responsible journalist. How could you have visited such slackness, such crappy nonsense on a private citizen? Outrageous! How dare you?

I knew there was coming a day when you guys would have to put your money where your “bad mouths are”.

In closing, I issue a clarion call to all those newspapers, journalists, makeshift journalists and reporters. Beware! It is not business as usual. Act and write responsibly.

Neil Adams

Blaming Govt for UG’s problems is, at best, shortsighted

Dear Editor,

The University of Guyana (UG) is currently faced with industrial action over the issue of salary increases for staff members.

One can only hope that reason and good sense will prevail and a resolution found within the shortest possible time.

I share the view that the University needs an injection of resources, both in terms of academic staff and facilities upgrade.

What I have a difficulty with is a perception that is being created in some quarters that conditions at the University have deteriorated over the years and that the University is starved of resources by the Government to a point where it is incapable of effectively fulfilling its mandate as a teaching and research institution.

The fact is that the resources provided to the University have been increasing substantially since the current PPP/C Administration assumed office on October 5, 1992.

Prior to 1992, there was hardly any allocation made to the University to undertake capital and critical maintenance works.

The subvention given to the University was woefully inadequate to cover recurrent expenditures, including salary increases.

Today there is a much

higher level of financial inflows to the University both from Government subvention and from the student loan facility which is met largely from the Treasury.

A major problem has to do with the fact that the student loan is hardly revolving as a significant number of students who graduated from the University fail to honour their financial obligations to the Government.

Only a relatively small number of students pay on their own, which puts additional pressure on the Treasury to meet the cost of University education, a situation further compounded by rising student numbers and an increase in student fees.

Despite the many constraints, the University has seen significant expansion in terms of student intake and the range of course offerings.

I beg to differ with those who seek to devalue the role played by the University in terms of meeting the human resource needs of the country, even though I am willing to concede that more can be done by the University to raise its research profile.

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) seems more concerned with churning out anti-Government propaganda, rather than coming up with innovative and out-of-the-box thinking on how to enhance

the quality of national discourse on key and fundamental issues of national importance.

The University needs to do some serious introspection and careful re- strat-

egizing on the way forward. Putting the blame on the Government and the University Council is at best shortsighted and not in its best interest.

Hydar Ally

Page Foundation

Brain-boosting toddler activities

(ConClusion)

Emotional Development

Hugging, kissing, coddling and making your toddler feel secure and being cared for helps develop her brain. You are also making her grow to be socially welladjusted. The more nurtured, loved, cared for, and safe a child feels, the more firmly established his emotional well-being will be. Your child’s earliest experiences with you, the parent, shape what is to become of her as an adult. It is her early experience with you that she learns about how to feel and handle her feelings – and this affects her later behavior and thinking capabilities.

Sing and cuddle Carry and cuddle your toddler while singing and rocking him to the rhythm of the music. Lovingly squeeze his hand, and establish eye contact, expressing your love for him.

Hide and cuddle (Two and a half years and older)

This is similar to hide and seek. Hide in a place that is easy for your child to find you. Call your child’s name so that he can follow your voice and find you. When your child finds you, show him that he did well. Scoop him up and rock him back and forth while laughing and kissing his face.

Toy, pets or dolls (Two and a half years and older)

Memory skills

Memory is learning that sticks. When your child learns something, new synapses form or old synapses are strengthened, creating a memory of the experience or what the child learned. Just like a muscle, the more memory is used in the early years, the easier it will be for her to handle the load of information in school.

Animal sounds Show your toddler a book of animals that make sounds. Point to an animal and make the sound the animal says. For example, point to the cow and say, “Look at the cow. The cow says moo!” Then ask your toddler what the cow says. “What does the cow say?” Help him by repeating the animal sounds, until he makes the right sound. You can show him the next couple of animals, and then go back to the cow, and see if he remembers the sound of the animals he has encountered so far.

dad, mom, dog, house, etc) in each of the boxes. Cover the boxes with different colored paper, or otherwise make them unique. Open the boxes and talk to your child about the picture pasted in each of the box. Close the box and ask your child which box has the picture of each person or object.

This game exercises your child’s visual memory, while helping him build listening

ample, after talking about the giraffe, you can ask her “Where’s the giraffe?”

This game stimulates your child’s visual memory, as well as help her language development.

Maths skills

A young brain primed for Maths gives the child big benefits for his future. Activities to boost his Maths skills change his brain to

your child group the objects by himself. After the stuff is sorted, count them one by one.

Introducing Maths shapes and symbols On a blank paper, draw shapes and numbers that your toddler can colour. After colouring the drawing, tell your toddler what she did, such as saying “You just coloured the circle red”, etc.

Counting and rhym-

and language skills. Picture fun (For one and a half-year-old or older)

Memory boxes Collect a few boxes and paste pictures of significant persons or objects (pictures of his

You need a doll or an animal toy for this. Teach your child to nurture by playing pretend friends with her. Show her how to take care of pretend pet or pretend baby by doing loving stuff such as feeding the toy, rocking it to sleep and talking to it. You can combine this activity with singing, such as singing the toy with lullaby, which makes your child use musical skills, as well as language.

From magazines, cut out pictures of objects that are not familiar but interesting to your toddler, such as airplane, a giraffe or a mountain. Glue these on index cards. Show the pictures to your toddler, telling him the name of the object and talking to him about the object. Then, ask your toddler to look for a picture that you told him about. For ex-

become skillful in problem solving. Being skillful in math at an early age is also a stronger predictor of later school achievement than reading skills or the ability to pay attention.

Grouping stuff together (Two years old and up)

Gather a collection of large buttons, colourful beads and things that are easy to sort into a table. Show your toddler how to group things together by shape, colour or size. Let

ing Sing with your child nursery rhymes that involves numbers such as “Five Little Ducks,” “Five Little Monkeys,” and “Ten Little Indians.”

While singing the rhyme with her, represent the numbers with objects such as toys or even just holding up your fingers as you count. Repeat this game as long as she enjoys it. Hearing the numbers again and again reinforces her math vocabulary.

Physical development

Gross and fine motor skills, balance and eye-hand coordination are necessary for many tasks – from writing to athletic abilities.

When your toddler is involved in physical activity, he exercises many parts of the brain and enhances brain function through providing more oxygen to it. Even small muscle exercises like finger plays stimulates brain growth.

Blowing bubbles game (12 months and up)

Let your toddler chase the bubbles that you make. Toddlers find bubbles fascinating, and chasing and popping them a lot of fun. You can use a big wand, and then a small wand to make her see the difference between big and small bubbles.

This game stimulates your child’s senses, and her body movement makes her exercise her gross motor skills.

Roll the ball (12 months and up)

Use a ball with the size that your toddler can carry with both hands. Sit opposite each other, a couple of feet apart. Gently roll the ball to your child and encourage her to roll the ball back to you. As she gets better, increase the distance between you. You can vary the game by gently bouncing the ball to her instead of rolling it.

This game teaches your child body awareness, gross motor skill and concentration.

Pillow obstacle course (12 months and up)

Make an obstacle course made up of pillows and cushions, some stacked high and some stacked low. Encourage your toddler to crawl or walk towards you by making her way through the pillow. You can use pillows with different sizes, colours and textures. Make the course more challenging by making her crawl under a soft furniture that has no sharp edges.

This game help develop gross motor skills, body awareness and balance.

Balancing game (Two years old and up)

Create a balancing beam from a plank of wood, or go to a playground where you can find this. Hold your child’s hand to help him walk across the beam. Let your child walk across the beam if he feels confident that he can do it himself.

This game develops your child’s sense of balance and eye-foot coordination.

Sensory Development

Exposing your toddler to a variety of sensory stimuli – sights, sounds, taste, and touch boost your child’s brain growth in many ways. Show your toddler colours, let him hear music and language, and give him stuff to smell, taste and touch. Auditory discrimination prepares him to differentiate among letter sounds. Learning to see differences among similar objects prepares him to recognise the alphabet.

A trip to the garden (Two years old and older)

Take your child to the garden. Let him feel the various texture of leaves and other objects. that you find in a garden like rocks, tree trunk and so on. .(www. raisesmartkid.com)

GRA defends "settling” with tax evaders

...non-committal on similar treatment for 30 other accused

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Friday defended its decision to drop tax evasion charges against four persons who had robbed the state of over $100M, saying that its action is less costly and that the withdrawal of the case is catered for in law.

The charges against Kaieteur News Publisher, Glenn Lall, his wife, Bhena Lall and their co-accused Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan were withdrawn in the Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

GRA has come under heavy criticisms for the path it took in the case and even though it has formally announced the withdrawal of the charges, no mention was made as to how much of the estimated $100M in taxes were paid over by Lall to the State.

The quartet had conspired to import two Luxury SUVs under the guise of the remigrant duty free scheme. In a press statement, the revenue body said that in an amicable resolution on Friday it agreed to accept compensation in lieu of or in substitution for proceedings in a court of summary jurisdiction, in keeping with the provision of Sections 36 and 271 of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01. No mention was made of the quantum of “the compensa-

tion” that was paid.

“After some discussions, we were agreeable with the proposal put before us, as we are more inclined to amicable resolutions rather than litigious ones. Notwithstanding, we are prepared to go the distance to protect tax revenues,” CommissionerGeneral, Khurshid Sattaur said in the statement as saying.

GRA said too that it notes an article in this newspaper on Friday, which enquired as to whether the over 30 other persons ensnared in the remigrant scheme duty-free scam would be pardoned as was

“Even when enforcement action becomes necessary, the Authority seeks an approach that lends to achieving efficiency and certainty in the tax dispute resolution process. In this case, like others, we have chosen the traditional method of alternative dispute resolution which is less costly, less time consuming and is not resource depleting,” Sattaur said.

The CommissionerGeneral further pointed out that the current laws are not stringent to allow for prosecution as weaknesses developed because the remigrant scheme is governed more by

Lall and the Brijnanans, noting that it wished to advise that “too much media publicity in tax matters that require some degree of confidentiality can negatively impact such cases, and force persons to resolve matters out of court by way of compensation, when they are found to be in contravention of the Act or any regulations made thereunder”.

Sattaur further stated that tax offenders have the prerogative of settling matters out of court, which is provided for in law to avoid severe penalty which could include imprisonment. He said that as part of its vision and mission, the organisation seeks to first promote voluntary compliance to ward off enforcement action.

Bhena Lall

the GRA.

That report is currently still sitting with the Board of the tax body. Additionally, Sharma said his office is investigating another 20 persons and hopes to complete that probe at the end of this month.

The GRA in its statement reminded the taxpaying public that concessions are not granted without impositions or fetter, but have statutory preconditions as well as conditions as to the use of those concessions.

“Taxpayers have rights, and the GRA views the use of

the court by persons to challenge the actions taken by the agency as a right or entitlement. Notwithstanding, the Authority will do its part to protect the integrity of its operations,” said Sattaur.

“Again, the GRA urges those who are contemplating making use of concession schemes to be cognizant of the laws including anti money laundering legislation, regulations, international agreements and policies governing same as there are serious consequences once found guilty of violating the laws pertaining to such offences.”

GPHC to soon launch programme for diabetics

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) said it will soon launch the Guyana Retinopathy Programme. The programme which is expected to be launched on the 19th will see GPHC introducing Retinopathy Screening and Laser Treatment for diabetic patients.

policy rather than law. He said that recommendations were sent to the policy makers to have certain set of laws amended to strengthen the conditions to be satisfied before and after remigrant status is granted.

Pending matters Regarding similar matters that are pending, Sattaur was non-committal, saying that when the time comes the Authority will take the necessary action in accordance with the law.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma told Guyana Times on Thursday that last year his office had investigated just under 20 persons for allegedly misusing the duty free scheme. He said a report was completed and sent to

The initiative which is a component of the Guyana Diabetes Care Project will be the first of its kind in the public system. It is expected to last for three years but based upon the success of the project, further planning to extend it will be considered.

Consultant

Ophthalmologist, Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Coordinator of the Guyana Diabetes Programme, Dr Shailendra Sugrim, disclosed that once the programme is launched the initial setup and planning will commence. He said by mid-year, official screening and treatment will begin after equipment procurement, human resource training and other project details have been completed.

To enhance the programme, a screening cen-

Ophthalmologist,

tre will be established at the GPHC, which will be accessible to all diabetic patients. Screening will be done by taking photos of the retina (eye nerve). Dr Sugrim said, “these pictures will then be graded and patients will be informed if they are suffering from Diabetic Retinopathy or not and if they require treatment or not.”

He stated that a laser centre will also be established at the GPHC and like the screening centre all pa-

tients who need laser treatment will be allowed access. He said, “this is a pioneering project as it will be the first time that the public system will be offering laser treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy.” The project has multiple stakeholders; the primary funding agencies are World Diabetes Foundation and Orbis International while the local stakeholders are the GPHC and the Ministry of Health. Diabetes is a Chronic Disease ailment which affects about 14 per cent of the Guyanese population. It can affect the eyes and cause Diabetic Retinopathy, a condition where the blood vessels of the eye nerve (retina) become damaged and causes bleeding. This leads to blurred vision and blindness if not treated early, hence, the need for screening of all patients with diabetes.

Dr Sugrim said, “We estimate that about 19,000 thousand diabetic patients in Guyana suffer with Diabetic Retinopathy and of these about 5,000 have sightthreatening disease that need treatment.”

Kaieteur News

Publisher Glenn Lall

Consultant

Dr Shailendra Sugrim

One of the vehicles at the centre of the controversy

saturday, february 7, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

48-year-old Caledonia man remanded on murder charge

Jamal Bacchus of lot 17 Caledonia, East Bank Demerara (EBD), appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a murder charge.

The 48-year-old was not required to plead to the charge when it was read to him. The

charge alleged that on February 4 at Access Road, Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, EBD, he murdered Dhanshana Ram. Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not reveal the prosecution’s facts. The accused was represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes. The matter was adjourned to February 26.

Eyew tness

No comparison

...between Jagan and Nagga

Some people are really barefaced...but Nagamootoo takes the cake. Trying to justify hopping into bed with the PNC/APNU, he dares to compare himself with Dr Cheddi Jagan. As in: “Cheddi always tried to form a coalition with the PNC – so what’s the problem with me doing it??”

Well, it’ll take a book to describe “the problem” but it all boils down to the simple observation that not only is Nagamootoo NOT Jagan...he’s not even in the same universe!!

When it comes to forming partnerships and coalitions and other such joint ventures...there’s always the question of “why?” And in principled politics not, “What’s in it for me??” but, “Why is it for the greater good?”

Jagan’s position was always a principled one – he could bargain from a position of strength and magnanimity to be “inclusive”. And that’s because he knew that the cause of Guyana would’ve been furthered. What’s Nagamootoo’s motivation?? Spite and envy and lust for power, that’s what! What’s in it for me is his motto. Nagamootoo wants to be President soooo bad, it hurts.

The AFC began by promising principled politics that would lend their support to the PPP/C or PNC depending on what’s good for the country. Was Linden good for the country? Agricola?? AML/CFT and AFHEP nixed?? Amerindian Development Programme slashed?? NO!! Nagamootoo and his buddy Ramjattan sacrificed principles on the altar of expediency. Anything for power!! And we come to the coalition negotiations with the PNC. Now the truth of the matter is there ain’t gonna be no coalition. Nagamootoo’s trying to convince Granger that the AFC can pry away some votes from the PPP/C’s traditional constituency. “Splitting” the Indian vote, so to speak. Enough to let the PNC slide in the Presidency with a plurality.

Joined at the hip with the PNC, the AFC is worth squat. It’ll be “dead meat” as Ramjattan confessed in a rare bout of candour.

It was for this reason that Ramjattan abrogated the “ethnic rotation” leadership principle of the AFC to exclude Nigel Hughes as its Presidential Candidate – and Hughes went along without a squeak! With Hughes at the helm – the AFC would’ve snagged the African Guyanese vote –as Trotman did in 2006 – and this wouldn’t have been in Hughes strategic interest.

These present negotiations are “secret” on the request of the AFC because they don’t want folks to see all their bargaining for is for positions in a PNC Government.

Jagan never sunk to this level of cynicism. Nagamootoo should know that time longer than twine!

...to the Burnham touch

This paper carried a piece that by launching their campaign on Burnham’s birthday, February 20, PNC/APNU’s wrapping themselves in the purple cloak of their FounderLeader.

More to the point is their theme will be to claim they have the “Burnham Touch”. This Eyewitness wonders whether the young’uns out there know about this phenomenon –since it appears that the brain trust around Granger haven’t the foggiest!!

Back in the day, Burnham printed his picture on the exercise books of all schoolchildren. This was one of the main reasons why kids couldn’t focus and the educational system collapsed back then. The megalomaniac also had one sycophant write a booklet about “The Burnham Stride” and printed and distributed thousands of copies countrywide.

When Rodney appeared, he spoofed Burnham’s vanity by comparing him to the legendary King Midas, who turned everything he touched to gold. With Burnham, however, everything he touched, turned to “sh*t”!! That’s the Burnham touch.

...in names

The coalition talks between the AFC and PNC/APNU crashed over the new name Ramjattan’s proposed – Pro Democracy Alliance (PDA). Granger prefers Ramjattan’s previous proposal – “Partnership Alliance for National Trust – Yes!” not because of the acronym “PANTY!” but because it has one word from each of the partners’ names.

We believe most AFC/PNC/APNU supporters also prefer PANTY!

Jamal Bacchus

Police to monitor, analyse records of deportees

By Gomatie GanGadin

Acting Police Commissioner,

Seelall Persaud on Thursday told media operatives that the Guyana Police Force will be monitoring the 26 persons who were deported from the United States of America on Tuesday.

According to Persaud, he will soon be able to access the information with regard to the type of crimes committed by the 26 deportees and then they will be monitored based on the nature and seriousness of the act.

““There is an assessment going on now on the need to monitor and for those whom the need arises, we will apply for monitoring orders. Apart from that, Police would do the normal intelligence-led work…

"I have asked for a report and I will get that after they conduct their analysis and know who they need to be monitored and what approach we will take,” the Police Commissioner said.

Persaud also indicat-

ed that though the deportees will be monitored and they will continue to be on the Police’s radar, the Police Force was willing to explore ways of assisting any of the individuals should the need arise, noting that the Force continues to spread its social change through community projects countrywide and as such, the deportees can utilise these projects as a reintegration method.

“We have a lot of community projects going on all over so if they live in those communities, they will be engaged. Outside of that, is if they come and ask for specific information or help that we can provide,” he said.

Guyana’s security officials have routinely blamed some of the more serious crimes here, particularly during the 2002 to 2004 crime wave on criminal deportees, and Government had rushed to enact the 2002 amendment to the Crime Prevention Act, which stated that any deportee who poses a threat to public safety can be placed under Police sur-

Wanted man nabbed in Police raid

Jamal Harlequin of Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown, who escaped from Police custody at Leonora in 2014 was nabbed by Police ranks during a raid on the East Coast of Demerara on Friday.

He was arrested following a robbery report in the area last year but managed to escape custody.

Additionally, two men were arrested with a quantity of firearms and ammunition. Those in custody are Deon Coats, age 35, of Fifth Street Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; and Ronald Singh, 45, of

Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

A .45 pistol and seven matching rounds of ammunition were reportedly found hidden in Coats’ living room, while a .35 revolver was found in Singh’s house.

The men, according to Police, have been under surveillance for some time. Guyana Times understands 10 other persons were also arrested for possession of narcotics and robbery under arms.

The arrests were made during several raids on popular spots in Regions Three and Four. Charges are expected to be laid shortly.

veillance. The amendment also states that all involuntary remigrants will not be considered first offenders.

Asked whether the Force has engaged any non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help reintegrate the persons back into society, he explained that no such systems were in place.

“There is nothing in place as far as I know. There used to be a few years ago when the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) was active, but I am

not aware of anything happening right now so they are pretty much like they were before; on their own hoping to get help from relatives and community leaders.”

The US-backed IOM programme sought to assist in the resettlement of criminal deportees in Guyana, but the programme did not produce the desired results, former United States Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt had told this newspaper. He had said that the programme took a while to begin and it just didn’t take root as the US would have liked it to.

In June 2008, Guyana had signed a cooperation agreement which allowed for the (IOM) to implement immigration programmes here. The programme, which was deemed a pilot and received funding from the US Government, was also implemented in The Bahamas, and is based on a similar project in Haiti.

The Home Affairs Ministry was identified as the focal point for the initiative to commence where the

focus was supposed to be in areas such as capacity building, advisory services and technical cooperation on migration issues.

The subsequent establishment of an IOM office in Guyana was to facilitate the implementation of the “Reintegration of the Returned Migrants Project”, proposed by the IOM in response to the request for assistance made by Caricom leaders during a meeting in 2007 with former United States President George Bush and former State Secretary Condoleezza Rice.

Received by relatives

The Police Chief said that all of the deportees have been released from custody and collected by relatives and friends at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters hours after they arrived on Tuesday.

The US Border security personnel handed over the deportees to local law enforcement before they were escorted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters in Georgetown, for processing prior to being released.

In January of last year, 20 persons were deported by the US. While there had been calls by civil society and activists to jump start programmes that reintegrate deported nationals back into society, there is no operational Government body that has actively taken on the role.

Many of those returning to Guyana may have left their country of birth at an early age and often find difficulty in coping with the new environment. As such, many have claimed that the ‘involuntary remigrants’ often contributes to social and criminal problems.

The individuals, many of whom served time in US jails for serious criminal offences, arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on board a specially chartered World Atlantic MD-83 aircraft, and were transferred to a 30-seater bus under tight security.

Former Personal Assistant to Govt Minister charged with aiding and abetting

Kenroy Anthony Augustus Joseph, 29, a former Personal Assistant to Junior Agriculture Minister Ali Baksh was slapped with an aiding and abetting charge on Friday at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Courts. He was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after pleading not guilty to the charge.

The charge stated that on January 30, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), he aided and abetted Mahendra Ramsuchit and Rohbina Basdeoram to traffic 21.360 kilograms of cocaine.

He was represented by Attorney James Bond who stated that his client was not at the Airport on the day in question, and as such, has no knowledge of the crime he was accused of committing.

He also refuted the allegation that his client presented a forged document to the airport authorities purporting to be carrying out official state duties.

It was alleged that Joseph presented a forged document from the Foreign Affairs Ministry to the Airport Duty Office at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri purporting that he was carrying out protocol duties for a couple who claimed to be relatives of a Government official.

The document showed that permission was granted for the couple to use the VIP Lounge of the CJIA until their flight to Toronto,

Canada was ready to depart. The couple was subsequently busted with the cocaine in their hand luggage as they were clearing a security checkpoint. It was then the authorities realised that the document was forged. Joseph subsequently disappeared but a wanted bulletin was issued for his arrest. He reportedly turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday in the company of his lawyer. Ramsuchit and Basdeoram, however made their first court appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry and were remanded to prison until February 13.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

Kenroy Joseph

Police photographer grilled on crime scene photos

As the trial into the death of 16-year-old Neesa Gopaul continues at the High Court, the photographer attached to the Guyana Police Force returned to the stand during which he was grilled on the photographs that were taken at the scene where the teen’s body was found some three years ago.

The teenager’s mother, Bibi Sharima Gopaul, and her former lover Jarvis Small called “Barry” are indicted with the murder of the former Queen’s College student, allegedly committed sometime between September 24 and October 2, 2010 at Madewini, Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

Constable Leon George first took the stand on Thursday and testified that on October 2, 2010, he was summoned to the Emerald Tower Resort, Madewini, by ranks from the Timehri Police Station to take photographs of a crime scene. The witness said that at the time he was stationed at the Police Crime Laboratory. He told the court based on the request made, he went to

the scene and took several photographs. The officer also testified that photos were taken of the entrance to the resort and the surrounding of the scene. George further related that he photographed the remains of a female who was found in a black bag. He added too that the bag had contained a passport in the name of one ‘Neesa Gopaul’ and he took photos of it.

The Police Officer went on to testify that he returned to court two days lat-

er to take photos of black, red, and white dumbbells that were discovered at the scene. He continued that he then returned to the Police laboratory where he processed and developed the photos into printed copies.

The witness said that he then marked and labeled the photographs with the Police photographic stamp before placing them in a white envelope, which he then signed and secured until he had to tender them as evidence at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court.

State Counsel Diana

Kaulesar, who is prosecuting the case along with Attorneys Mercedes Thompson and Stacy Gooding, made an application for the envelopes along with the 25 photographs to be tendered into evidence. This application was granted by presiding judge, Justice Navindra Singh. The negatives were also tendered into evidence.

Under cross-examination on Friday, when the case resumed, defence Attorney Glenn Hanoman, who is representing Small along with Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos and Attorney Lyndon Amsterdam, questioned the witness about his second visit to the scene. Constable George was asked the reason for his return and he responded saying that he was instructed by Lance Corporal Germaine Laundry to do so. He further stated that he was asked not to develop the negatives from his first visit, hence the decision to wait until after his second visit to the crime scene before he developed all 25 photos.

Additionally, he told the defence attorney that when he and Lance Corporal Laundry went back to the scene on October 5, the water had receded somewhat, allowing Lance Corporal Laundry to enter the water. George said he assisted Laundry in keeping his balance by holding his hand.

Meanwhile, during crossexamination by Attorney George Thomas, who is representing Bibi Sharima Gopaul, the witness said that he cannot recall wheth-

er the area was cordoned off when he left but accepted that the officers that left with him were the only ones there.

He further disclosed to the attorney that when they were leaving the scene on October 2, he was told that something was still in the water hence his return two days later to take more photos. George further told the court that he is not sure whether the position of the body, which was rested on a cloth/sheet was in the same

position it was in while it the bag. He said he cannot recall if any of the officers present moved the limbs while removing the remains from the bag.

Trial into the gruesome murder of the 16-year-old girl will continue on Monday when the prosecution is expected to call its eighth of 29 witnesses. On the first day of the trial, four Police Officers took the stand and testified that the teenager had filed a report of sexual assault against Small but had returned with her mother at the Police Station a few days later to recant her statement.

Detective

Superintendent of Police Terrace Paul subsequently told the court on Thursday that after recanting her statement, she returned again with her aunt to give another statement on being abused by Small but her mother had showed up to the station informing him that the teen was coerced into fabricating the allegations because she wanted the man out of the house.

Paul testified that Bibi Sharima Gopaul promised to take the teen back to the station the following day to verify this but they never showed up. He added that the next day, he saw the teen, her aunt, Sharima Gopaul and Small in a car and figured that all was well with the family. However, he noted that about a week later, Sharima Gopaul showed up at the station to report the teen missing.

Nagga Man ain’t got nutten leff

Rejection is always a hard ting to handle. That is when yuh feel like no body ain’t want any ting to do wid yuh at all. Yuh does feel leff out and rejected. Old people seh it does mek yuh feel like leff leff.

Yuh does know yuh is a leff leff when yuh walk in some where and no body ain’t look at yuh. Or those who happen to look at yuh does look away right away. De problem is, leff leff ain’t got no cure.

When yuh is a leff leff, yuh does be a leff leff fuh life. As yuh look around GT, it got plenty, not just de garbage alone. And startin right at de S*ity Council, it got a big, old leff leff. No matter how much Green Ham talk politics, no party ain’t want he.

Not even dem ones with only one person like de play TUFF party, de Loosein party and de Bandara party.

Green Ham talk fuh APNU, but he own old time pardna in crime Green Jah ain’t want he. He try a ting a couple times and talk fuh de KFC, but neither Rum Jhaat nor Nagga Man ain’t want he.

When yuh consider that Rum Jhaat and Nagga man does tek any body and tek any ting from rope to soap to dope, and when yuh realise that dem ain’t tek Green Ham, yuh know fuh sure that Green Ham really deh bad. And that is serious leff leff.

But that not too far from wheh Nagga Man find he self right now. Nagga is a man who was leff leff from one party and he run to another. Plus he was leff leff fuh de House Speaker position and then he turn a leff leff lawyer.

And now de poor Nagga man was desperately hopin that some body woulda want he in de PANTY.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Well, when yuh get leff outta some ting like de PANTY, yuh know yuh ain’t got nutten leff!

for BlackBerry theft

Appearing before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts was Gavin Major who is accused of robbing his girlfriend of a BlackBerry Bold 4 cellphone.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge, telling the court he approached her asked for the phone and left.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that the (VC) was standing in Albouystown, Georgetown, when the defendant came up to her, choked her and relieved her of the phone before making good his escape. He was later arrested and charged.

Prosecutor Grant in his objection to bail being granted for the defendant stated that Major

Gavin Major

has a pervious matter of domestic violence before the court. The Chief Magistrate refused bail, remanding the defendant. Statements were ordered and Major will make his next court appearance on February 24.

Neesa Gopaul trial:

Dead: 16-year-old Neesa Lalita Gopaul

Bibi Sharima Gopaul

Jarvis Small

PUC commissions new building

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Wednesday formally commissioned its new office in Queenstown, Georgetown, at which its Chairman, Justice Prem Persaud reflected on the rocky road to finding a permanent residence to house the commission.

He noted that the commission was built from savings earned through assessment fees from the utility companies, and expressed his pleasure with the commission acquiring a place.

“This building is very convenient, it suits our purpose, and it is very comfortable and convenient for the staff.”

He expressed gratitude towards the Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and his office for its continued and everlasting support towards the commission. Words of congratulations were offered by

Prime Minister Hinds, who noted that, “This ceremony marks another step in the

and it is seen as one in which tremendous effort should be placed. “There is a need for institutions that would oversee these utilities and ensure that the customers and the general public also receive a fair deal.”

He further pointed out that the commission is mandated to not be under any instruction whatsoever from government, and is working in the favour of the general public. The PUC is a corporate body that was set up to ensure that regulated utilities offer an efficient service to consumers at a rea-

life of the PUC.” He pointed out that the area of regulation has been magnified by the Government of Guyana,

sonable cost. These include water, electricity, and telephone services.

EPA investigated 235 complaints in 2014

The Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA), which has a mandate of implementing measures necessary for effective protection and management of the environment, continued to implement policies and programmes in 2014, to safeguard the natural environment.

Director of the Environmental Management and Compliance Department of the EPA, Khemraj Parsram, during the Natural Resources Ministry’s press conference at the Herdmanston Lodge on Wednesday, reported that 285 Applications for Environmental Permits were received by the EPA in 2014. Additionally, 350 applications for Short-Term Noise Permits were submitted, all of which were processed and granted.

The agency granted 10 permits for hazardous waste related projects during last year, developed five new environmental guidelines and Air Quality Monitoring Protocol for Linden, established Water Quality Unit (June 2014).

The agency also received 159 environmental complaints in 2014, while 235 complaints overall were investigated. As it relates to enforcement, 17 prohibition notices were served, 8 injunctions were issued and 14 cases were taken to court, while 70 operations were monitored for compliance with environmental permit conditions.

Parsram related that the agency also implement-

ed its Litter Enforcement Programme (LEP), which resulted in 269 citations, 167 Clean-up orders; 93 Removal orders, and nine direct fines. Thirty-four reports of littering and dumping were received and 11 cases pursued in court.

As it relates to biodiversity management, the Shell Beach Protected Area Management Plan was completed, while $29.7M and $10.9M were invested in Tukeit Guesthouse and Warden’s Building and PV system at Kaieteur National Park respectively.

The $42.7M staff living quarters at Kaieteur is 85% completed and the Protected Areas Commission Building constructed to the tune of $31.9M is equipped with a PV System, valued $15M.

Biodiversity research permits given out amounted to 43, and Export Permits, 23. There was also the revision of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP).

The preparation of the Fifth National Report was completed. The Litter Prevention Regulations and the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations approved in 2013 were put into effect in 2014, and as it relates to the Enforcement and Compliance Regulations, focus was placed on developing these regulations, for which a final draft has been completed. Efforts were also placed on the finalisation of the Regulations

Int’l college offers scholarships to Guyanese students

Atertiary education institution based in the United Kingdom (UK) is offering three scholarships to Guyanese students at its universities in China, Canada and New Mexico.

United World Colleges (UWC) which has set up a provisional national committee in Guyana aims to play an instrumental role in unifying the differing cultures of the world.

A representative based here, Ellie Price, told Guyana Times that there are offers of a full scholarship and two partial scholarships.

With its main office is based in Wales, UK, the UWC has 14 schools around the world including Swaziland, India and the

United States of America. The school was founded in 1962 in order to bring students together who saw each other as being too different to have anything in common.

Price stated that the “world had been torn apart by war and misunderstanding and the idea was if we educate the world’s future leaders together so that the same class growing up alongside people from all different countries, there’s not going to be anymore war as we understand each oth-

on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing and bids have also been invited for the undertaking of the assessment of EPA’s Structure and Function.

The Environmental Authorisation forms were revised and updated, Environmental Protection Enforcement and Compliance Regulations developed and finalised, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and are ready for final approval and enactment. An ecological and physicochemical assessment of the Konawaruk and Mazaruni Rivers was completed and a draft regulation was developed, to institute a moratorium on the use of Styrofoam and enforcement of the use of alternative biodegradable food packaging.

This year, the EPA will be seeking to bring existing nonpermitted operations into the authorisation process, improve efficiency of the authorisation process and improve preparedness and response to environmental emergencies. It will also seek to ensure compliance with national reporting requirements under the Basel and the Cartagena Conventions.

Efforts will also be placed on improving environmental authorisation data management; strengthening linkages with all sector agencies and stakeholders and improve procedures, tools and mechanisms for air and water quality.

Price explained anyone who is 16 years or older and is unable to finance university education may apply. For more information, students can check online at www.uwcguyana.org or make contact with Quinton Anthony on telephone number 601-8255.

Meanwhile, funding is being sought to cover ex-

er.”

penses for shortlisted applicants from the interior to attend interviews and complete the scholarships.

The due date for the submission of application is February 26.

She explained that she had gone to the school when she was a teenager and thought it would be quite advantageous for Guyanese students to have the experience of the university. Price noted that the provisional committee which is set to be formalised in a year is headed by Chelauna Providence of Global Shapers.

Ellie Price, member of Guyana’s UWC National Committee

The United World College in the United States

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Chairman of the PUC Justice Prem Persaud, along with Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Radha Krishna Sharma and staff of the PUC officially open the Commission’s new building

The newly commissioned building that will house the Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

Philadelphia tragedy:

BK Int’l, Pandit donate cash to family

The BK International Group of Companies, Guyana’s largest privately owned construction company, along with a Pandit on Thursday donated a total of $2 million to the family of the four persons who drowned on Monday following a religious ritual at the Vergenoegen foreshore, East Bank Essequibo.

Dhanwantie Persaud, the sister of the now dead Radhika Persaud, received the monetary donation from BK International and the company’s close friend Pandit Deodat Dhanraj, who hails all the way from Bartica.

Director of the company, Briony Tiwari, said her family was deeply saddened by the incident and

decided to reach out to the family.

“On reading the story… my dad felt saddened about what happened and about the loss of so many family members in one tragedy… we hope that this enables the family to give their members a burial they see fit and we’re sorry for what happened to them,” she said, noting that their

CXC meets to determine cost for rescheduled exams in Guyana

Executives of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) were expected to meet on Friday to determine the cost for rescheduling several of its examinations to facilitate the holding of General and Regional Elections here on May 11.

Glenroy Cumberbatch, Registrar of CXC told Guyana Times on Thursday that he had planned to meet with the Council’s finance department on Friday as the regional body moves closer to determining the cost for the shift in examinations dates in Guyana.

Cumberbatch added that the expenses that will be incurred as a result of the shift are still being calculated.

“We are still trying to figure out what the cost will be.

"We are looking at every aspect of what will be incurred,” Cumberbatch said, while adding that he expects to inform the Education Ministry here of the cost for changing examinations dates soon.

prayers and thoughts will always be with the family.

Pandit Dhanraj’s donation of $1 million was also driven by the heartbreaking story. “From a Hindu point (of view), I am here as a Hindu and I want to share with them in this pain because from what we read, they were going to dispose of some material they had for a religious function,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, the funeral for the four persons is set for Sunday, February 8. Persaud said the money will greatly assist the family with the expense of burying their loved ones.

It will also cover the costs for the religious functions that are expected to follow the funeral.

“This will be a great help for us,” the distraught family member said, almost in tears. Fifty-sixyear-old Radhika Persaud and her 15-year-old son Ravin Persaud mysteriously drowned following a religious ritual at the koker.

Persaud’s nine-yearold great niece Annatina

Persaud and her 12-yearold nephew Billy Narine drowned as well during the ritual of the koker.

According to information reaching Guyana Times , Radhika had a religious function earlier that day and left home around 16:00h with the three children to go to the nearby

March

sacrament) for a

Typically after Pujas/ sacraments are conducted, the flowers and other materials that were offered to the deities in worship are all collected and taken to be immersed in the ocean, which represents Mother

seawall to perform a Hindu ritual, but never returned.

This publication was told that the religious function was a one year anniversary memorial (Puja/

Ganga. Those who died were said to be doing the later task when the tragedy occurred.

GT&T donates $3M for

Children’s Mash parade

“The cost we arrive at will be a contract cost between the Education Ministry and CXC and I cannot disclose such information,” Cumberbatch said.

Delma Nedd, Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry also stated that the Ministry is awaiting word from the Council for the shifting of the examination dates.

Costly

There is however widespread speculation that the shift in dates would be very costly.

Following the announcement by President Donald Ramotar, naming May 11 as the date for General and Regional Elections, there was much controversy with regards to the clashing of polling day with Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations which were scheduled for that day.

However, subsequently

When asked for an estimated cost for the process, Cumberbatch explained that he is not at liberty to divulge such information, stating that whatever figure is arrived at will only be shared with the Education Ministry.

after, Education Minister Priya Manickchand revealed that the examination dates will be shifted from May 11 and 12 to June 15 and 16 to facilitate the election.

The Education Minister initially did not see a problem with polling day being set on a day CSEC and CAPE exams are to be written.

“All over the world people vote and return to their daily lives, it’s only in Guyana you see this sort of outlook,” the Minister said.

The Opposition had accused the President of strategically putting elections on the date for the examinations because he had anticipated that the elections date would have to be changed.

The Opposition members, however, did not think of the possibility of shifting the examinations dates rather than the election date.

Since the decision was taken to shift the dates of the examinations, the Opposition has since objected to this initiative, suggesting that the President has placed the future of Guyana’s youths at second place.

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) has plugged $3 million into the Education Ministry for the annual Children’s Costume and Parade Competition which is to be held next Saturday.

GT&T’s Senior Marketing Officer, Anjanie Hackett said her company is pleased to be a part of the event and looks forward to her compa-

ny’s continued support of the competition. She added that GT&T is committed to ensuring the development of Guyana’s future generation.

Speaking during the handing over of the cheque on Thursday at the Education Ministry, Permanent Secretary attached to the Education Ministry, Delma Nedd thanks GT&T for being a part of the event for the fourth consecutive year.

She added that the Education Ministry looks forward to GT&T’s continuous support and encouraged persons to come out and support the children taking part in the event.

The Children’s Costume Competition takes places annually and sees participation from children attending nursery, primary and secondary schools across Guyana.

Paradise man dies after metal bar assault

AWest Coast Berbice (WCB) resident, who was assaulted during an argument with another man, succumbed to his injuries on Friday while receiving medical attention at the New Amsterdam Hospital. The dead man has been identified as Dexter Sandford,

age 29, of Paradise, WCB. According to reports, on February 2, Sandford and the suspect were involved an argument at Paradise. The argument turned into a scuffle at which time the suspect reportedly picked up a metal bar and dealt Sandford several blows to his body.

After the incident, the injured and bloodied man was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was admitted a patient up to the time of his demise. Police in a release stated that the suspect has been arrested and is assisting with investigations.

shraadh

grandmother who died in

2014.

Pandit Deodat Dhanraj making his donation on behalf of his family to the grieving family

Dhanwantie Persaud gratefully receiving the donation from BK International

Permanent Secretary within the Education Ministry Delma Nedd receives the $3 million cheque from GT&T’s Senior Marketing Officer Anjanie Hackett

APNU backs GECOM to deliver credible elections

APartnership for National Unity (APNU) says that it has full confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to conduct free, fair and transparent elections when the process is held on May 11.

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, in the studios of the CNS Channel 6, General Secretary of APNU, Joseph Harmon stated that the partnership had no doubts in GECOM’s ability to ensure that the process is void of any negativity come May.

“We have always said that GECOM possesses the competence to conduct free, fair and transparent elections. We believe that there are sufficient processes in place to ensure that they have fair elections,” Harmon said.

Against claims made by the GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally that Guyanese were distrustful and seem not to have confidence in the elections body, Harmon emphatically stated that it was imperative that the public’s trust in GECOM consistently be at an all time high, given the fact that an election is a matter of national importance.

“All Guyanese should give GECOM their support as an independent entity to deliver fair results,” Harmon intoned.

He said the party has confidence in the Commission’s ability, adding that this faith does not mean that the partnership did not have previous grievances with GECOM, but he is hoping that that those will be ironed out through discussions before election day.

“GECOM still has issues that they are working on. We have said on record that we have some issues in relation to the declaration of the results and we have raised these with GECOM and we are satisfied that they are working on these… there are still some issues that we are working on with GECOM,” said Harmon.

Voter education

Harmon expounded on the issues which the party had problems with: the two most notable being voters education and the Code of Conduct for all political par-

ties. He told the media that the party has concerns over the voter education, since they believe enough is not being done in this regard.

Harmon said the bits and snippets which were being published in the local media were simply not enough and the Commission must put adequate systems in place to address this.

He expressed his frustration with the non-implementation of the Code of Conduct for parties contesting the

election, noting that it was vital for a level playing field. The APNU and GECOM are expected to meet soon to deliberation on the matters of concern raised.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has on numerous occasions criticised the Commission for what it deemed as unpreparedness for the holding of General and Regional

UG VC calls off talks with unions ...will not bargain under duress

action stops

Professor Jacob Opadeyi, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Guyana has called off planned talks with students and workers’ unions of the institution, insisting that the lecturers must return to their class rooms and that he will not negotiate under duress.

He has also withdrawn a 25 per cent increase in salaries for workers, stating that there will no longer be anymore negotiations until classes resume. On Thursday VC Opadeyi, informed the University of Guyana Worker’s Union

(UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) of his decision.

The professor stated in his letter to the unions that he had interpreted the meeting with them on Wednesday to mean that the strike action would be ended and normalcy would be reinstated once the 25 per cent offer was made.

VC Opadeyi stated “we cannot negotiate under the atmosphere of industrial actions.”

He added that the “administration is dismayed at our unions action of proceed-

Elections in Guyana.

Only recently, General Secretary of the PPP/C Clement Rohee called on GECOM to spare no effort in ensuring that the upcoming elections are free and fair.

The party also urged GECOM to carry out its functions without fear.

Voters' list

Rohee stated that the PPP/C has single-handedly advocated for a voters’ list that is clean of discrepancies and will not disenfran-

chise any eligible Guyanese, thereby eliminating the threat of confusion on elections day.

He noted too that GECOM must do everything possible to prepare a clean list and to edify voters of elections day practices and procedures.

Rohee told the media that the PPP/C wants all Guyanese – in and out of Guyana – to demand that GECOM deliver on its mandate and conduct fair and transparent elections.

UG students say unions’ 75% pay hike request unreasonable – call for resumption of classes

While lecturers and other staff of the University of Guyana (UG) insist on expanding industrial action, some students are worried about the resumption of classes and the extent to which their lives have been disrupted.

A third year law student, Nicholas Carryl, told Guyana Times that the University of Guyana Worker’s Union (UGWU), the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the Administration of the tertiary institution have gone too far. He agreed that the lecturers need an increase in their pay but stated that they have to consider the students.

The law student said “students have paid their tuition fees which Administration and staff benefit from,” thus adding that they are “morally and legally obligated to ensure students benefit from this fee.”

ing and continuing industrial actions without using all available avenues under the labour regulations to ensure that salary and benefits take place without any form of industrial unrest.”

The VC had related this to the Labour unions after receiving a missive to the effect that the members have turned down the 25 per cent offer and were demanding 75 per cent instead of the 60 per cent that had initially been requested.

UGSSA President Dr Mellissa Ifill has indicated that the Turkeyen unions met their counterparts at Berbice Tain campus on Friday, where it was agreed that the proposal by the VC was inadequate.

Thus UGSSA and UGWU have decided to intensify their industrial action against the university’s administration next week.

The unions insist that classes will not resume until a favourable proposal is made by the Council.

Dr Ifill indicated that the campuses have been running through the “personal resources” of the lecturers, without which, there would not have been a functioning university.

Carryl explained that he is worried about upcoming examinations that will determine whether he gains entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School or not. He elaborated that examinations for the law department are set by the Cave Hill University in Barbados, emphasising that they are not set by UG.

As such, students would need to be ready for these, considering the ongoing strike which will enter its third week in a few days.

Additionally, Carryl is also concerned that late issu-

ance of grades will be further complicated by the industrial action and consequently affect the availability of these in keeping with the deadline set by Hugh Wooding Law School.

According to him, while students may have an option of waiting a year, it is difficult to gain entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School because of space constraints. This means that this year’s applicants will be made to compete with next year’s, should the aforementioned option be explored.

Carryl said that several other students have expressed concerns about ‘summer’ being disrupted and the consequential disruption of plans for vacations, internships and jobs.

Meanwhile, a third year International Relations (IR) major, Royston Alkins opined that the UGWU and the UGSSA should have taken the 25 per cent increase in salaries that was offered.

He told Guyana Times that “the 25 per cent is a fair start and as things get better and the university reaches a standard where it is possible to pay a greater amount, this should be granted.”

However, the young man said that it was unrealistic and irrational for the continued fight for a 60 per cent increase when it is not available, considering the reported financial woes facing the university.

He said UG has deteriorated to a point where “we have to play a lottery to choose what needs fixing,” and that payment of 60

per cent increase in salaries would only render the university more deplorable.

Alkins said that he is in full support for better conditions and better pay for the lecturers but indicated that it is necessary to be realistic about what is there and what can be done about the situation at the moment.

Alkins noted that the ongoing ‘UG Revolution’ by the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), is not very comprehensive.

He questioned what would be the actions of students if the UG Administration and the unions agreed on a mutually beneficial salary increase, aside from their calls for better facilities.

The IR major also stated that the move by the Vice Chancellor (VC) Jacob Opadeyi, to withdraw the offer merely “brightens the dictatorship tag he recently received.”

Another student, Ryan Persaud, who is an executive member of the UGSS, also shared his personal opinion that the 75 per cent increase demanded by the unions was “too much”. He added that even more unreasonable is the across the board request of the same amount. Nevertheless, he said his team supports an increase for the staff as they deserve an increase. Persaud said the issue of how much of an increase is not up to the UGSS to decide or even advise.

According to him, the UGSS will allow the unions and the Administration to deliberate on a workable compromise.

UG VC Professor Jacob Opadeyi says negotiations will not resume until the industrial

Nicholas Carryl as he talks to one of his lecturers

Royston Alkins, third year IR major at UG

General Secretary of APNU Joseph Harmon

Chairman of GECOM, Dr Steve Surujbally

General Secretary of PPP/C Clement Rohee

Guyana to be promoted as an International Wedding Destination ...says

The Roraima Group of Companies has officially launched Guyana’s 7th annual Wedding Expo with the aim of promoting Guyana as a hub for a fantastic wedding destination.

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) Shaun McGrath noted that 24 per cent of all Americans choose to marry somewhere other than their home country.

He pointed out that the leading Caribbean destinations for US couples are the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, The Bahamas and Barbados with 5100, 5000, 4000 and 2000 weddings per year respectively.

McGrath stated that in order for Guyana to tap into the wedding market and compete with the other Caribbean countries, wedding planners first need to realise that couples want their weddings to be a once in lifetime experience.

He acknowledged that the competition is challenging considering that other Caribbean countries have beautiful beaches to offer, nonetheless, he highlighted that Guyana is unique in its own way.

“Imagine getting married at Kaieteur falls with that as

the background followed by a reception at a resort with the mighty Essequibo river playing second fiddle to the photographs,” McGrath alluded.

He further prompted Guyanese to picture a happily married couple in all their finery juxtaposed with the Rupununi Savannahs with the purple hue of the Kanuku Mountains framing the memories that will last a lifetime.

McGrath added that Guyana has a variety of cultural options and the inclusion of low cost caterers make the country all the more appealing for a wedding destination.

In fact, it was pointed out by Vice President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Edward Boyer that weddings in the US cost approximately US$40,000, whereas, if the similar wedding was done in Guyana, the expenses could have been cut by 1/3.

However, in promoting Guyana as a wedding destination, certain changes need to be made at a national level.

McGrath explained that non-national couples wanting to get married in Guyana can only do so if they are in the country at least 15 days

before the marriage.

He said this restriction could be a problem for potential couples but assured that work is being done to address the issue with the hopes of it being changed by the end of the year.

Furthermore, McGrath revealed that THAG will be building a website that is solely dedicated to weddings in Guyana where an entire wedding package will be displayed, including catering services, venues, wedding attires, among others.

Meanwhile, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Indranauth Haralsingh, reiterated that Guyana has quite a lot of romantic places to celebrate a wedding or a honeymoon.

He pointed out that the country offers Kaieteur Falls, Iwokrama Resort, Orinduk Falls, Arrow Point Resort, Fort Island, Fort Kyk-over-Al, the Botanical Gardens, Baganara Island Resort, among many other attractive destinations.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Roraima Group of Companies Captain Gerald Gouveia was quite impressed with the transformation of the Expo since its initial launch in 2009.

“It is a pleasure for me to see the Wedding Expo grow,” he stated.

Captain Gouveia acknowledged that this event, which has become one of the most anticipated events on Guyana’s annual calendar, provides an opportunity for couples to experience a memorable wedding while at the same time provides an opportunity to promote small businesses.

He noted that it creates the perfect opportunity for micro businesses such as décor agencies, catering services, wedding dress makers, local designers and invitation designers to showcase and advertise their products and services.

This year, the Wedding Expo will be held from March 27 to 29 at the Duke Lodge, Kingston. Persons desirous of attending will have to pay a small entrance fee of G$500.

Sharma rejoins APNU coalition

ready for heckling

Jaipaul Sharma, of the Justice For All Party (JFAP), has returned to A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), saying the move was intended to ensure that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is unseated on May 11.

Speaking at an APNU press conference held in the studios of CNS Channel 6 on Friday, Sharma said that he had returned to the party in full force and ready to do battle.

Questioned on what prompted his decision, the son of Chandra Narine Sharma, said he has an agenda and an objective to achieve, which is to ensure that the ruling party does not receive a victory in the upcoming elections.

“Well the reason is that we want to remove the PPP/C. That is the main reason, that is our main objective.

"We believe from our party’s humble beginnings many years ago that the PPP/C has not done anything much for the poor people of this country. After 22 years, nothing has really improved.

"And so we will put our trust in the APNU again and give this country an opportunity to make the right decision,” an impassioned Sharma expressed.

According to him, he has returned stronger and the reasons he resigned earlier will no longer affect him or prompt a similar reaction.

“What Priya [Manickchand] was speaking about, that party is not acting on that platform.

"It is not protecting the rights of women and children in this country. Only recently a senior Government official’s

son was charged for raping an underage girl and they didn’t say anything. And if they are going to bring the rape issue and point fingers, then I am going to point fingers too.

"Rape is not a big issue to me. I am okay that. If they want to put Priya Manickchand morally against me, I can handle it,” he said.

He further stated that his return is reflective too of a desire to represent the interests of the poor. “I believe that the A Partnership for National Unity is good for Guyana and I believe that my voice will be heard here,” he justified.

“I do not want to put pressure on the APNU and Brigadier Granger. Others may say in negotiations that they want this position and that position but we are making a sacrifice. We don’t need a seat or to be in position, we can contribute in other areas, other avenues.

The former Member of Parliament (MP) had resigned on April 3, hours after Speaker Raphael Trotman had lifted the ban which was imposed on Education Minister Priya Manickchand from speaking during the 2014 budget debates.

Manickchand was banned from the debates after refusing to apologise for heckling while APNU MP Volda Lawrence was advocating for stringent measures to be implemented to crack down on rapists and a pedophiles.

“Ask your member APNU Sharma,” the Education Minister had shouted from across the floor. But although Manickchand offered an apology to the House after the incident, Sharma demanded a personal apology.

Sharma had told reporters, the Speaker should not have lifted the ban until Manickchand offered an apology to him, contending that she is now trying to create a perception that he might be a rapist or a paedophile.

According to the APNU member, the PPP/C is using allegations against his father CN Sharma as a political tool to discredit the coalition as elections loom.

In 2010, CN Sharma faced the courts over rape allegations involving a 13-year-old. In April of that year, Chief Magistrate Melissa OgleRobertson remanded Sharma to prison following his first court appearance, but he was later placed on $2 million bail after he collapsed in court.

"If everyone wants a piece of the steak, nobody will really get anything. Someone has to give. I will not take. We want a broader coalition and we will make the sacrifice. Let someone else be given the chance to represent the people in the National Assembly, let others get the chance.”

Jaipaul Sharma

THAG President Shaun McGrath, former Tourism Minister Manniram Persaud, Vice President of PSC Edward Boyer, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh and Roraima Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer Captain Gerry Gouveia pose in front of beautiful displays of various cultural wedding attires at the launch of Wedding Expo 2015

VOX POPULI PUBLIC OPINION I SAY...

What do you think about the UG crisis?

Bibi Ahamad

Students are making sacrifices, both in terms of money and time, and they are not benefiting at this time of the crisis. For me, the lecturers should get on with the teaching and accept what is offered and perhaps renegotiate for a better package. Don’t let the future leaders of the country suffer. Will the lecturers give back the loss time for the students who are paying to be taught? No, I don’t think so.

Brian Williams

The lecturers should be very reasonable, go back to work, see if the agreement or the proposal made the UG is carried out and then move on from there. Because, its education we’re dealing with because if they delay and keep protesting then they are taking away from other people’s education and we might go way back.

Astell Collins I believe that the relevant authorities have to ask themselves whether or not the requests are reasonable and deliverable. The situation has been escalated as a litmus test to measure what priority education is to the stakeholder’s as it also evaluates their sincerity in reaching an amicable resolution. A word of caution, every action taken or not is a public record in the nation’s history. So, the question is, how will we be remembered?

Denise McKenzie

Well I understand that the teachers want better, everybody striving for better but I think they are being a tad bit greedy because they have benefits already and to me they don’t care about the students. What more do they want? Even if they want more, resume the classes and work things out in a more professional way.

Terrence Reynolds

Listen, I spent 30 years in the army and I did not get those benefits like they are. Look at what they have and they’re still behaving like that, if I were them I would return to work. Why they can’t accept the 25 per cent and go back to work until the government say ‘well, look’, we will give you the next raise after. Look at the students, they paid for their education and they are not getting it.

Reshma Samaroo They should go back to teach. What more can be done really at this point? Their concerns were heard, their point was made so why continue? According to reports in the media and such, moves are afoot to address the concerns; I believe they are getting an increase in their salary and duty free concessions. What more could they ask for? Some people just always craving for more, I don’t really know how the pay system works but maybe if they put in more work, then they would get a higher salary, I don’t know.

Safari Rover I understand that they feel they need a raise in pay but do they work for it? I know quite a lot of UG students and they always have free periods, the lecturers don’t really teach the amount of time they should, yet they still want more benefits. 75 per cent raise in pay? That’s just ridiculous. UG agreed to give them 2025 per cent, why they can’t just accept it and go teach the students.

Elizabeth Lindo I think that education is the fee, and if it’s the case that they have to go back and then they should go back and do the teaching in the best interest of the students. I think they should go back and do the teaching until further notice instead of protesting. They should work it out without affecting the students’ education.

Cindy Kishun Well, first of all, if the teachers did not take a stand to protest, then I guess nothing would have been done about the issue. But now that their cries have been heard, then they should just quit it and resume classes and let normalcy reign. It appears the only way Guyanese know how to deal with problems is by protesting. I’m just wondering if they ever went to talk with the Council in the first place. But the Council said the matter will be dealt with, good, so continue the classes because there are some students who are frustrated with the situation and just want to get their money’s worth. On that topic as well, teachers should teach their money’s worth and should expect to be paid based on performance.

Log exports totalled US$24.4M last year

The year 2014 saw the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), recording yet another significant increase in its forest produce value, which accounted for US24.4 million, an increase of 96 per cent, as against the 2013 value of US 12.4 Million.

Interventions

Singh explained that some of the interventions that were implemented to successfully engage in these activities were the support for duty-free concessions, with the aim of promoting, retooling, and encouraging the use of appropriate machinery and equipment, and supporting of inventory requests by companies.

Singh further noted that normally companies are required to do their inventories and make submission to the commission by yearend. However, this requirement was adjusted, and the companies can now submit

In 2014, log production was 406, 433 cubic metres (m3) as against 304, 601 m3 during 2013, which equates to an increase of approximately 34 per cent. During the Ministry of Natural Resources’ press conference, at the Herdmanston Lodge, today to review the performance of the natural resources sector, Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), James Singh, highlighted some of the thematic areas that were focused upon, during last year. These include improving production, increasing and enhancing local forest product and its value activities, stimulating of greater foreign and local investment, and encouraging and monitoring investments of existing stakeholders. Capacity building, increase of market, and the fulfilling of local and international obligations, including activities under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS)and reducing of deforestation were also included.

at any time, and based on request, the GFC does the inventory for them. Additionally, the commission also focused on flexibility of the proximity rule without compromising Sustainable Forestry Management (SFM) principles. Singh noted that initially the proximity rule was that there must be a 10-meter distance between trees, but it was reduced to 8.

Meanwhile, skills train-

ing of employees and rehabilitation and maintenance of roads were also key areas that the GFC focused on in 2014. In 2014, total production of logs, primary lumber, long wood, fuel wood and split wood, was at 527,000 m3 as compared with 437, 000 m3, an increase of 21 per cent in production. In terms of export, US $54 million was exported compared with US$39 million in 2013. In terms of Community

Forestry Associations (CFAs), which allow for socioeconomic empowerment of communities living in and around the forest, 72 were established.

These now have access to 470,000 hectares and 125 concessions. CFAs also benefited from training and capacity building. Singh also highlighted that the European Union Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (EU/FLEGT) is on stream, and that GFC has completed the Monitoring and Verification System (MRVS) road map one. The protocols for road map two were finalised. Meanwhile, in terms of the independent audit that GFC conducted of the sector, there were some excellent reviews and there was an improvement in terms of sustainable management by concessionaires in 2014. Twenty-five (25) concessions’ annual plans and 19 forest management plans were also approved during that period.

Investment in the forest-

ry sector amounted to $ 3.5 Billion in 2014, and employment of 23,000. Year two of the National Log Export policy was implemented, while 243 persons were trained by the Forestry Training Centre.

Some of the challenges encountered during last year were companies not utilising large areas and investing in inventory as production was still low. Access to low cost financing, competition from imported wood products, skilled labour, export related bottlenecks, and building/ maintaining road access to concessions were also some of the challenges. In 2015, the GFC will be focusing on training employees at all levels, production, processing, added value, exports, monitoring of existing investments, foreign/local investment in the sector, compliance, market promotion, revision of National Log Export Policy, maintaining low rate of deforestation and strengthening collaboration with developing partners.

Investment in the forestry sector amounted to $3.5 Billion in 2014, and employment of 23,000

The previous editions of “Clash of the Titans” have been off the hook but after a one year hiatus, it is back with a bang. The event which has drawn people from all walks of life will definitely pull a large audience on March 14 when it is held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The event is promoted by Fire Fest Entertainment and the news has been spreading like wildfire. The Emcee for the

show, WR Reaz has been playing an integral role in making sure that the show is a success and one that will be on the tongues of all those who attend for a very long time.

The show will feature some of the best in the local music industry, including Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, Pooram Seeraj, Reigning Chutney Monarch Roger Hinds, also called “Young Bill Rogers” and many others.

The regional line-up is tremendous and

will include the best in chutney/soca from the twin island of Trinidad and Tobago.

These include former International Chutney Monarch Kris Persad and his Band JMC 3Veni; reigning International Chutney Monarch, Ravi B and his band Karma; rising star, Avenash Maharaj; former International Chutney Monarch, Raymond Ramnarine; Breakthrough artiste of the year, Nishard M; Veekash Sahadeo; Omesh Singh and others. The artistes will

The 11 delegates of the Seventh Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant paid a courtesy call on Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on Thursday, at his office on Main Street, Georgetown.

The delegates vying for the title are Michele Alphonso, Tomica Cooke, Rosalin Corlette, Jo-Ann Forde, Jeanne Jeffery, Deon Lyn Lewis, Beverley Peters, Melissa Dow-Richardson, Mia Rickie, Jonelle Waldron and Vanessa Williams.

They were led by Negla Brandis, the Executive Director of the pageant.

This year’s pageant theme is “Rivers”, where

each contestant has the task of studying one of Guyana’s rivers and being able to deliver a good presentation on that river.

According to a press release, Minister Anthony was of great help to the delegates as he suggested that the contestants visit the National Museum and the Walter Roth Museum to assist with their research. The Walter Roth Museum has a range of maps highlighting the many rivers in Guyana. He also gave the group a copy of the Edgar Mittleholzer Lecture Series which has a lecture on the rivers and the hinterland.

The Minister was a

fountain of information for the delegates as he informed them of the origination of the names of a number of Guyana’s rivers. He said that in most cases, the rivers were named by Amerindians. This led to a discussion about Amerindian culture and the many languages that Amerindians share.

The Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant serves as a catalyst to re-educate the public about the inner beauty, creativity, cultural awareness and accomplishment of the mature Guyanese woman aged 30 and older.

This particular pageant

recognises the roles of women as leaders, pinnacles in politics, at the forefront of equal rights, mothers and wives, teachers, preachers and homemakers.

It is for these reasons that the Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant offers women the opportunity to celebrate their culture, pride, intelligence, beauty and style thereby empowering them to confidently say “I am beautiful in my strength, in whatever shape that is mine”.

The Seventh Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant will be held in April at the National Cultural Centre.

be backed by Shakti Stings Orchestra. Music and deejaying will be done by Team MMR. The return of the Clash of the Titans will continue to add big names as the event draws near. Tickets for the event will be released on February 13. General Admission costs $1500 and VIP will cost $3000. Tickets are available at regular ticketing locations on the East Bank, West Bank, Berbice, East Coast Demerara and

Some give you chocolate, some give you flowers, some wine and dine but this Valentine’s Day, Pulse Entertainment will spread the love differently and in grand style. The Gravity Lounge will be transformed into a love haven as Pulse celebrates its sixth anniversary party titled “Cupid’s Chokehold” on Saturday, February 14.

This event will see international jeejays Jerry West from Zen Night Club, Trinidad, alongside P-Star Perry heating up the place with great music to keep patrons partying all night long. Also in the house will be the Pulse Entertainment’s Fantasy Girls and many other attractions.

So ladies make sure to wear that sensual red and white outfit that will leave the male patrons dropping to the ground. As usual, Pulse Entertainment has it covered, so red roses for all the ladies are guaranteed. There will also be drink specials on all red and white wines.

Tickets for the event cost $2000 and are available at

Gizmos and Gadgets, Glamour Designs, Movietown DVD Club and Gravity Lounge, Camp and Regent Streets, Georgetown.

“Cupid’s Chokehold” is powered by Pulse Entertainment, Truck Masters, Panasonic – Air Condition, Bartenura – Moscato, Best Warehouse Deals, Gizmos and Gadgets, Real FM and BOOM

Tickets for the Pulse Party Truck for Mash will also be available at the event. Make sure to come out and be a part of the love sharing on Valentine’s

KI

Ravi B

Nishard M

Jumo

Veekash Sahadeo

Avinash Maharaj

The delegates of the Miss Guyana Renaissance Pageant with Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony (sixth right) and Executive Director of the pageant Negla Brandis (first right)

18 entertainment

saturday, february 7, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Six young ladies from Soesdyke are in training as they prepare to vie for the inaugural Miss Soesdyke title slated for February 28 at the Madewini Gardens, Madewini,

Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara.

The six delegates are presently being judged on several aspects of the pageant including discipline and etiquette. On pageant night,

Delegate number one – Nekisha Roberts

Age: 16 years old

Hobbies: reading, singing

Education: A student at Soesdyke Secondary School

Aspiration: Accountant Platform: Peer pressure and dispute

Delegate number four – Yonell Loncke

Age: 16 years old

Hobbies: dancing, reading, modelling, cooking and listening music

Education: A student of IPE College

Aspiration: Fashion designer Platform: Child abuse

American Sniper, the movie that has been nominated for six awards at the upcoming Academy Awards on February 8 will be available for viewing on big screen this weekend at the Princess Movie Theatres, Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The movie is a 2014 American biographical war drama, directed by Clint Eastwood and written by Jason Hall.

It is based on the book American Sniper: the Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History by Chris Kyle, with Scott

the delegates will battle in the introduction segment, swimsuit, talent, casual, evening gown and intelligence segments.

They are presently under the

McEwen and Jim DeFelice.

With 255 kills, 160 of which were officially confirmed by the US Department of Defence, Kyle is the deadliest marksman in US military history. The film stars Bradley Cooper as “Kyle” and Sienna Miller as his wife “Taya”, with Luke Grimes, Kyle Gallner, Sam Jaeger, Jake McDorman and Cory Hardrict in supporting roles.

The world premiere was on November 11, 2014, at the American Film Institute Festival, followed by a limited theatrical release in the United States on December 25, 2014 and a wide release on January 16.

The film was a huge financial success at the box office, setting numerous box office records.

It is currently the highest-grossing war film in North America, the sixth highest-grossing film of 2014 in North America and the 30th highestgrossing film of 2014 worldwide, as well as Eastwood’s most successful film to date.

The film received positive reviews from critics, but has faced criticism from other writers for its controversial portrayal of Kyle.

At the 87th Academy Awards, American Sniper received six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Cooper. In addition to America Sniper, Project Almanac and Wild Card will be shown.

America Sniper can be viewed on Screen One on 19:00h and 21:30h daily, Project Almanac will be on shown on Screen Two at 19:00h daily and Wild Card will be on Screen Two at 21:00h and 22:30h daily.

Since these movies are not for the little ones, Princess Theatre has a line up just for children. Disney’s Neverbeast will be shown on Screen One at 13:00h, 15:00h and 19:00h daily while Paddington Bear will be shown on Screen Two at 13:00h, 15:00h and 19:00h daily.

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

stewardship of Sasha Fierce and Alicia Loncke as they prepare and get their bodies toned for competition night.

The event is used as an avenue to raise awareness of the social ills in the

Delegate number two – Cassie Hope

Age: 17 years old

Hobbies: reading, dancing, watching movies

Education: Graduate from Diamond Secondary School

Aspiration: Immigration Officer Platform: Drug Abuse

community and to empower young women. Music for the pageant will be provided by Silver Star, Black Stone and Black Ivory.

Delegate number five – Tambela Gilkes

Age: 16 years old

Hobbies: dancing and athletics

Education: Attending Soesdyke

Secondary School

Aspiration: Paediatrician

Platform: Domestic violence

Delegate 3- Shania Alert

Age: 15 years

Hobbies: singing, reading, dancing

Education: A student of Soesdyke Secondary School

Aspiration: Nurse Platform: Teenage pregnancy

–

Education:

Aspiration: Lawyer Platform: Incest

Comedy lovers in Zeeburg, on the West Coast of Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) are in for a treat this Saturday evening as the popular theatrical show titled “Laff till yu fraff” is held at the Zeeburg Community Centre ground.

With the cast slated to perform, those who plan to attend the show are advised to proceed with caution and expect to “laugh till yu can’t laugh no more”. If you are suffering from any heart ail-

ment, it is advisable that you stay at home. Heating up the community centre ground on Saturday will be the Promoter Rajan Tiwari, also called “Katahar”; Chris Gopaul; Michael Ignatius, also called “Credit”; “Parika Gal”, Lisa Singh; Sonia Yarde and Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones.

There will also be performances by the Survival Acrobatic Group and a few dance pieces by Sexy Christine who is bound to add some flavour to the al-

ready hyped show. Music will be provided by HI FI Music System. The event is sponsored by Banks DIH and Payless Variety Store. Admission to the event costs $500 for adults and $300 for children. There will also be VIP seating available. Make sure to be early so that you will not miss any of the fun. There will be other attractions including a well-stocked bar. It’s “Laff till yu fraff” at the Zeeburg Community Centre round this Saturday… Don’t miss it…

Delegate number six

Nzingha Holder

Age: 16 years old

Hobbies: dancing, singing, eating and reading

A student of Soesdyke Secondary School

Jumbie

Sonia Yarde Micheal Ignatius

AAG to host Cross Country today in Linden

The Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will host a Cross Country in Linden today with an expected start time at 14:00h.

The race will start and finish at the Bayrock Football ground on the Wismar shore and will make its way through several streets.

The male open race will be for six kilometres while the junior males will have four kilometres to run.

Medals will be awarded to the athletes finishing in the top three while a team is expected to be picked to represent Guyana at the regional Cross Country in Trinidad.

The event is opened to all athletes of the various categories.

The junior female and youth male athletes will have three kilometres to run while the youth females will need to complete a distance of two kilometres.

Roach aiming to prove worth after injury

Fast bowler Kemar Roach is looking to use the upcoming ICC World Cup to prove he is back to full fitness and form, after recovering from an ankle injury which ruled him out of the Test series against South Africa last December.

The right-armer limped out of the first Test at Centurion on the first day after twisting his ankle and took no further part in the series.

Included in the World Cup squad, Roach said he was feeling back to full strength and looking to make his mark.

“I’m feeling fine. I’m coming back from an injury with my ankle but I’ve done all the rehab I needed to do to get back here,” he said.

“Right now the practice sessions are going well and my body is feeling well so I’m going to put my best foot forward and win some games for the West Indies.”

After returning to his homeland Barbados last December, Roach worked closely with key fitness personnel including Morita Marshall, Rene Best and Jacqui King, to get his rehabilitation on track.

He focussed primarily on strength training and finding proper balance at the crease on delivery, and

credited the physiotherapy team for his seamless recovery.

“Their work obviously got me back here fit and ready to play the World Cup for West Indies,” he stressed.

Roach will help to spearhead a West Indies seam attack that includes fellow new ball bowler Jerome Taylor, left-armer Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Russell and Darren Sammy.

During the last World Cup in India, Roach starred when he picked up a hat-trick as West Indies crushed Netherlands. This time around, however, Roach said he was just aiming to play his role in

Allrounders Shahid Afridi and Jacques Kallis, batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Ross Taylor, and fast bowler Lasith Malinga were the highest-profile overseas players picked at the Caribbean Premier League 2015's players draft, in Jamaica.

Afridi, in the top grade of the 11 payment brackets at the draft, was claimed by the league's new franchise from St Kitts and Nevis.

Kallis went to Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Jayawardene to Jamaica Tallawahs, Taylor to St Lucia Zouks and Malinga to Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Marlon Samuels was among the biggest local names in the draft - several others were retained by their franchises before the draft - and he was claimed by St Kitts and Nevis.

The St Kitts and Nevis franchise, which replaces Antigua Hawksbills in the competition and were allowed to retain four of the Antigua squad, have also announced that they will be coached by South African Eric Simons, who has worked with Delhi Daredevils and the Indian team in coaching roles.

The teams have 24 hours after the end of the draft to exchange a player with another franchise, but they can indulge in only one such switch.

Squads

St Kitts and Nevis:

Shahid Afridi ($150,000), Marlon Samuels ($100,000), Sohail Tanvir

Afridi top pick in CPL Draft

($80,000), Sheldon Cotterell ($70,000), Martin Guptill ($50,000), Carlos Brathwaite ($40,000, retained), Evin Lewis ($30,000), Devon Thomas ($20,000, retained), Raymon Reifer ($15,000),

Navin Stewart ($5,000), Shai Hope ($5,000), Kyle Corbin ($5,000) Guyana Amazon Warriors: Sunil Narine ($150,000, retained), Lasith Malinga ($100,000), Tillakaratne

Tabraiz Shamsi ($10,000), Orlando Peters ($10,000, retained), Tonito Willett ($5,000), Nicolas Pooran ($5,000), Jacques Talyor ($5,000), Justin Athanaze ($5,000, retained) Barbados Tridents: Kieron Pollard ($150,000, retained), Shoaib Malik ($100,000, retained), Dwayne Smith ($80,000, retained), Ravi Rampaul ($70,000, retained), Jason Holder ($50,000), Rayad Emrit ($40,000), Dilshan Munaweera ($30,000), Jonathan Carter ($20,000), Justin Ontong ($15,000), Ashley Nurse ($10,000), Robin Peterson ($10,000), Akeal Hosein ($5,000),

the attack.

Definitely a hat-trick would be nice this World Cup but it is just about me doing my part, playing my role,” he explained.

“As one of the fast bowlers in the team it will be hard for us in these conditions … but I think one you go out there, put your best foot forward, do your skills best you can you should come out on top.

He continued: “I see myself as a member of the bowling group. All of us have to play our role and when we have the ball in our hands we must lead … and do the things we have been practicing in the

Dilshan ($80,000), Lendl Simmons ($70,000, retained), Denesh Ramdin ($50,000, retained), Thisara Perera ($40,000), Christopher Barnwell ($30,000, retained), Brad Hodge ($20,000), Veerasammy Permaul ($15,000), Ronsford Beaton ($10,000), Shivnarine Chanderpaul ($10,000), Devendra Bishoo ($5,000), Trevon Griffith ($5,000), Assad Fudadin ($5,000), Paul Wintz ($5,000) Jamaica Tallawahs: Chris Gayle ($150,000, retained), Mahela Jayawardene ($100,000), Andre Russell ($80,000, retained), Chris Lynn

nets.” West Indies arrived here a week ago to begin preparation for their Group B campaign which sees them take on defending champions India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.

Roach said there was currently a good mood in the camp and he hoped his teammates could translate this into major success at the World Cup.

“It’s a very good environment to be in right now, the dressing room and everyone is in good spirits so it makes even easier for you,” he pointed out.

($70,000), Daniel Vettori ($50,000), Jerome Taylor ($40,000, retained), Nikita Miller ($30,000), Chadwick Walton ($20,000, retained), Krishmar Santokie ($15,000), Rusty Theron ($10,000), Narsingh Deonarine ($10,000), David Bernard Jr ($5,000), Nkrumah Bonner ($5,000), Jermaine Blackwood ($5,000), Horace Miller ($5,000) St Lucia Zouks: Darren Sammy ($150,000, retained), Ross Taylor ($100,000), Kevin Pietersen ($80,000, retained), Johnson Charles ($70,000, retained), Shakib Al Hasan ($50,000), Andre Fletcher ($40,000, retained), Shannon Gabriel ($30,000), Henry Davids ($20,000), Fidel Edwards ($15,000), Kemar Roach ($10,000), Shane Shillingford ($10,000), Kyle Mayers ($5,000), Keddy Lesporis ($5,000), Liam Sebastien ($5,000), Delorn Johnson ($5,000) Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel: Dwayne Bravo ($150,000, retained), Jacques Kallis ($100,000, Darren Bravo ($80,000, retained), Samuel Badree ($70,000, retained), Johan Botha ($50,000), Kevon Cooper ($40,000, retained), Kamran Akmal ($30,000), Cameron Delport ($20,000), Sulieman Benn ($15,000), Jason Mohammed ($10,000), Marlon Richards ($10,000), Miguel Cummins ($5,000), Jevon Searles ($5,000), William Perkins ($5,000), Derone Davis ($5,000). (Cricinfo)

“We just have to get the mental side right – the physical side is fine. We just have to get our minds right for this very tough tournament. We’ll definitely go out there to win some games and hopefully bring home the cup.” He added: “For me I haven’t won any major tournaments for West Indies ever so for me, to be able to win this World Cup would be the biggest highlight of my career. I’m looking forward to it, I’m putting in the work. I would love to [lift the cup] at the end of March and bring some joy and hope back to the Caribbean.”

Shahid Afridi

Kemar Roach

Windies: a dark horse heading into the World Cup

Aheady cocktail of raw power and flamboyance makes West Indies a dangerous side in Pool B. The ability to bring flair and flamboyance to the table makes West Indies one of the most attractive sides in the competition. West Indies is only one of three sides –Australia and India being the others – to have at least two World Cup trophies in its cupboard. The players, therefore, have a rich history and reputation to keep in mind when they take the

field in Australia and New Zealand in the 11th edition of the tournament.

The current squad may be very different to the teams of the 70s and 80s, but with a good mix of youth and experience, West Indies will be a handy proposition in the shorter formats, the win at the ICC World Twenty20 2012 in Sri Lanka being a prime example. Led by Jason Holder and coached by Stuart Williams, the former opener, the side will have to rely on its power-packed batting to negate the lack of ex-

perience in the bowling department.

The quest to move past the final eight and possibly beyond, something the side hasn’t been able to achieve for a long time now, will drive West Indies.

The side has some muchneeded experience at the top in the form of the big-hitting Chris Gayle, who will be playing in his fourth World Cup. Marlon Samuels adds muscle to the middle order, but the side will need the younger players to punch above their weights to shore

World Cup 2015… Heavyweights look to exorcise knockout ghosts

When South Africa first featured in a World Cup, in 1992, they had only played three one-day matches. By the time they played in their sixth tournament, in 2011, they had participated in 452 ODIs.

In the 19 intervening years, South Africa were often one of the strongest sides around. They won almost twice as much as they lost, plucked series victories home and abroad, and produced players good enough to occupy top spots on international rankings for extended periods. But they did not have the one thing they wanted most - a major tournament trophy.

up the batting and bowling departments.

The pacers are talented and would find the pitches in Australia and New Zealand conducive to their style of bowling, but lack of experience will make bowling at the death a difficult proposition against quality batting line-ups. Sulieman Benn, the left-arm spinner, leads the spin department, while Nikita Miller, another leftarm spinner, who was part of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup squad, was drafted in once Sunil Narine withdrew from the tournament.

Strengths

If the batting arsenal that West Indies possesses fires, the team could well have a great time. While Gayle and Dwayne Smith are more than capable of giving the team flying starts, the likes of Samuels and Darren Bravo will have to be the pillars of the middle order.

The fact that they bat deep, with Darren Sammy usually coming in as late as No. 8, means bowling units can’t afford to relax. No doubt then that batting is going to be its mainstay in the tournament and it would be crucial for the batsmen fire in unison if West Indies want to make it far in the tournament. The West Indies will also be looking for their pace unit to fire with the trio of Andrew Russell, Kemar Roach and Jerome Taylor all capable of mixing it with the quickest in the tournament.

Recent Form

Patchy would perhaps best describe the manner in which West Indies has gone about in ODIs in recent times. The tour of South Africa was an eye-opener. An inexperienced attack came under the wheels of AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis. West Indies lost the series 1-4, but there were sparks of positivity and excitement in the three Twenty20 Internationals that preceded the ODIs, where West Indies won 2-1. Prior to that, the side managed to win one of the four ODIs in India in October.

Since the 2011 World Cup, South Africa's Test side has reached the summit and has had to come to grips with major changes, including the departure of Gary Kirsten, the coach who took India to the World Cup title, and the retirement of stalwarts Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis, and Graeme Smith.

Other teams may have been blown away by such change but South Africa only stuttered a touch before they emerged stronger. They retained their form in the longest format and developed their limited-over teams.

Their new captain, AB de Villiers, and coach, Russell Domingo, have moulded the team by holding on to the best parts - consistency, hunger and a collection of quality cricketers - and added calmness. For the first time, South Africa's World Cup build-up has not focused on this tournament as the be-all and end-all, but has been seen as a step along the way. If it just happens to be that final step, no-

body will complain.

There have been other teams who have neither won the World Cup nor made it to a final, but none appear as scarred by the event as South Africa. Heartbreak has haunted South Africa since the heavens opened to deny them a place in the 1992 final and has then hounded them every event after that. In terms of personnel and potential, South Africa have been good enough to win every one of the six tournaments they have been to, but they have always been pushed back by pressure. Whether they have exorcised the ghosts of past tournaments will determine if they can fulfill their promise this time.

X-Factor

A top six that combines intent with enterprise, an arsenal of quicks equipped with the ability to move the ball and extract extra bounce, and a talented spin department means South Africa's strength lies both in numbers and in diversity. They have shifted from relying on a handful of players and now share responsibility in terms of runs scored and wickets taken. South Africa's leadership group includes those who have led in all three formats, which makes for an even spread of talent to take them over the line.

Intense preparation, which included trips to both New Zealand and Australia ahead of the tournament, should see South Africa cross the group stages. Former players and fans believe this will be the tournament when South Africa claim the trophy but that's what they said the last time and the time before that and…

Injured Tiger Woods withdraws from Torrey Pines in first round

Tiger Woods has withdrawn from his latest tournament - the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines - because of more back problems.

The 14-time major champion was two over par when he abandoned his first round after just 11 holes.

The 39-year-old American spoke to his playing partners before walking off the course and into a waiting car.

His early departure comes after he shot a careerworst 82 in the second round at Phoenix last week.

Woods was playing in only his second tournament

of the season after returning from surgery on a pinched nerve, which forced him to miss last year's Masters and US Open.

He appeared to hurt his back after hitting his tee shot at the 12th - his third hole of the day - but carried on for eight more holes.

His struggles were made more evident when playing partners Rickie Fowler and Billy Horschel both helped him pick his ball out of holes. In a brief word with reporters, Woods said his lower back got tight during a fog delay that suspended play for more than two hours. (BBC Sport)

The West Indies pose for their World Cup team photo

Tiger Woods

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Michael Clarke is unable to say if he will be passed fit for Australia's opening World Cup match against England on Saturday 14 February.

The Australia captain is recovering from a hamstring tear, sustained in a Test match against India in December.

"I think you should ask that question to the medical staff," he said. "I will 100% be dictated by what they believe."

Clarke, 33, has been

given a fitness deadline of Australia's second match against Bangladesh on 21 February.

He revealed he "pulled up well" during a match for a Cricket Australia XI against Bangladesh in Brisbane on Thursday.

Clarke scored 34, bowled a few overs of his left-arm spin and took a sharp slip catch in the field.

He had previously played as a batsman-only for Sydney grade side Western Suburbs on Saturday.

"I've been following their

[the medical staff's] guidelines since day one," he said.

"I'm extremely grateful and thankful that I sit in this position now because of their advice and guidance.

"The gap between me playing for the Cricket Australia XI and me walking out and playing a oneday international - there's still a gap there.

"But I'll close that gap with the work I do off the field and then once I set foot on the ground, I don't hold anything back."

Equatorial Guinea fined for crowd trouble

Equatorial Guinea have been fined US$100,000 (£65,000) for the crowd trouble at their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final loss to Ghana on Thursday.

The Confederation of African Football also said that the team would have to play a game behind closed doors should there be any repeat of the incident.

That means fans will attend Equatorial Guinea's third-place play-off match against DR Congo on Saturday.

Equatorial Guinea must also pay for the treatment of 36 fans who were injured.

Caf said in a statement on Friday that "14 fans were transferred to hospital units for further investigations. One case requires close monitoring".

The match at Malabo Stadium, which is situated on an island off the mainland, was halted on

82 minutes after Ghana fans massed behind a goal as they tried to evade missiles being thrown at them by home supporters.

Police moved in to tried to restore order, using batons and firing tear gas, and a police helicopter hovered over the stadium.

After a delay of more than 30 minutes the match resumed for three minutes and Ghana completed a 3-0 win.

Caf added that it had examined the reports from officials and imposed the punishment on Equatorial Guinea for "the aggressive and recidivist behaviour of its supporters".

The governing body noted that it was not the first time the home fans had caused problems at the tournament - there were incidents at earlier games against Gabon and Tunisia.

But it said: "To promote the spirit of fair play and friendship during the

2015 African Nations Cup, the committee has decided to suspend the closed doors match on the condition that supporters are not guilty of such an infraction in the third-place match."

Meanwhile, DR Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani has said he wants the third-place play-off game called off.

"If they're throwing this [rocks and glass] at players, Eq Guinea, you can have 3rd place, I love football but prefer to live," Zakuani, 28, tweeted.

However, head coach Florent Ibenge said he is happy for the game to go ahead.

"We are serene and we are preparing to play this game. We want to win this third place and give joy but we are really not scared of this," he said.

The 15,250-capacity Malabo Stadium will again be used to host the match.

(BBC Sport)

wAnTed

(BBC Sport)

Michael Clarke

Police shield Ghana players from objects being thrown from the stands

Guinness Greatest of the Streets futsal tournament…

Exciting final expected tonight

There is no doubt that the Guinness Greatest of the Streets futsal competition has taken West Demerara by storm over the past two weeks.

However, in a tournament of trills that has seen upsets and big performances, Pouderoyen Showstoppers will now meet West Side Ballers tonight at the Pouderoyen tarmac to determine the champions of West Demerara.

Pouderoyen has been dominant in the tournament and their semifinal dismantling of Patentia

Street Ballers that ended 3-0 in their semifinal is proof of that.

However, they will meet a side that has shown great heart and determination in the tournament by scratching their way to the final as well as upsetting some big name on their way to the final.

Pouderoyen is the last of the favourites left that was pegged to win the entire event while West Side Ballers are the underdogs that come up big in the vital moments.

A cliché story of David vs Goliath but yet a fitting

end to tournament that has thrilled West Side.

West Side Ballers will definitely be don walkover while the host team will aim to continue their dominance on their way to an inaugural title.

With a large turnout expected for the host team a match for the ages is expected when the night’s activities start from 19:00h with four exhibition games before the much anticipated final with the winner moving onto the national championship set for later this year. (Treiston Joseph)

LGC warm-up tournament billed for today

The Lusignan Golf Club will stage a club tournament today at the club’s facility at Lusignan on the East Coast Demerara.

The one-day event will be use by golfers as preparation for the much anticipated tournaments billed for later this month.

nsc 11-race programme on today at national Park

The 2015 cycling season will continue today with the National Sports Commission (NSC) sponsored 11-race programme organised by the national coach, Hassan Mohamed.

The local cyclists will converge on the inner circuit of the National Park for the staging of the annual programme, set to start at 09:00h.

The experienced Junior Niles of Team Coco’s is the defending champion of the feature race, having won last year’s 35-lap School Boys and Invitational event in a time of one hour, 17 minutes, 36.45 seconds.

Niles had also won the Veteran Under-50 five-lap event in a time of 12 minutes, 31 seconds, while Michael Anthony won the Juveniles 10-lap and Clyde Jacobs took top honours in the Mountain Bike category. Romello Crawford had won the 12-14 Boys and

National coach and organiser of the activity, Hassan Mohamed, said he is expecting a very competitive day of racing, noting that all the riders will be aiming to get in shape for the Cheddi Jagan Memorial road races next month.

The riders will also be using the event to gauge their preparation for the annual Independence Three-Stage meet, set to take place in May. On Sunday, the riders will switch focus and tactics as they hit the West Demerara roadways for the 24th annual 40-miler sponsored by R&R International Limited. (Avenash Ramzan)

Jaguars

President of the LGC, David Mohamad, is anticipated a huge turnout for today’s tournament, so that a brisk start of the year’s activities will proceed.

He indicated that the

Already the LGC has lined up the David De Caires/Basil Sukhram memorial tournament for February 15.

grounds are in fair condition, with the grounds-staff working diligently to ensure that the greens are in top form for the competition.

“Drains, sand bunkers and fairways are well kept,” he said.

The competition will be of the Open Medal Play format. Tee-off time is 12:00h.

Veerasammy Permaul hit an unbeaten half century to propel the Guyana Jaguars to 298-8 at the close on the opening day of their fifth round WICB Professional Cricket League

match against Jamaica Franchise at Sabina Park on Friday.

SCOREBOARD

GUYANA 1st Innings

S Hetmyer c wkp Baugh b Bernard 22

V SIngh c Brown b Dawes 6

*L Johnson c Mindley b Jacobs 41

R Reifer c Campbell b Jacobs 29

S Chanderpaul b Brown 29

C Barnwell c Jacobs b Brown 9

+A Bramble b Brown 47

V Permaul not out 75

D Bishoo c wkp Baugh b Dawes 18

R Beaton not out 0

Extras (b4, lb10, w2, nb6) 22

TOTAL (8 wkts, 88.1 overs) 298

To bat: K Joseph. Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-35, 3-98, 4-126, 5-140, 6-175, 7-213, 8-297.

Permaul innings was the heart of the Jaguars progress, finishing on 75 not out. Anthony Bramble 47, Leon Johnson 41, Raymond Reifer 29, Shivnarine Chanderpaul 29, Shemron Hetmyer 22 and Devendra Bishoo 18 were the other batsmen to offered support. Meanwhile, in the other matches, Barbados Pride, sent in by Leeward Islands Hurricanes, were 182-4 at the close on a rain-hit opening day at the Kensington Oval. (Kraigg Brathwaite 72, Roston Chase 28 not out, Shane Dowrich 27 not out). Windward Islands Volcanoes, opting to bat first against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, reached 388-8 at the close on the opening day at the Beausejour Cricket Ground. (Tyrone Theophile 136, Keddy Lesporis 83, Liam Sebastien 56; Imran Khan 3-90).

Bowling: Mindley 13.1-3-510, Dawes 14-7-15-2, Bernard 14-3-50-0, Jacobs 21-6-64-2, Brown 22-6-70-3, Campbell 2-0-24-0, Lambert 2-0-10-0.

Some of the action during Pouderoyen semi-final encounter

Girls event.

Hassan Mohamed

Junior Niles

Michael Anthony

Veerasammy Permaul

Milo Under-20 school football tournament…

Second weekend of action set to start today

By TReisTon Joseph

Atotal of eight matches will be played over the weekend when the Milo Under-20 School football tournament continues today at the Ministry of Education ground.

Today’s action might begin with a one sided affair when David Rose Secondary meets St Joseph High School in the first game set to begin from 11:00h.

While St Joseph might not be a push over, David Roses’ experience in the tournament might see the coming out victorious in this encounter.

Bishop’s High School will do battle with East Ruimveldt in a game that might ultimately go down to the wire with East Ruimveldt being tipped for the win with some of their talented players in the lineup. Bishop’s High will need to play as unit in order to pull off what might be termed as an upset win, should they win.

The third and fourth games of today’s fixture are set to be two thrillers when Carmel Secondary meets New Campbellville Secondary and when former champions St George’s Secondary take

Synthetic track to open soon – Dr Anthony ...Sport

Ministry looking to staff facility

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

The state-of-the-art synthetic track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, is set for a grand opening in March, as the contractors are currently putting the finishing touches to certain critical aspects of the multi million-dollar project.

In giving an update on works on the facility on Thursday, Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony highlighted that the Administration is currently looking at staffing for the facility, which will provide employment for over a dozen persons.

“We will be employing in that structure about

19 people and we would be putting out advertisements very shortly to get people to come in. We might be moving one or two people within the Ministry who would have the requisite skills to go over, but there will be a set of vacancies we will be advertising so that we can adequately staff that facility,” the Minister explained.

The Minister promised that the opening is still slated for March, but noted that the finishing touches are being put to critical areas at the moment.

He also revealed that Mosco Lighting and the Guyana Power and Light are working on the lighting towers and installing power to the compound.

“Very shortly we are hoping to open. Right now we are getting GPL to put in power into the facility and there are the finishing touches as regards the Club house. Once the Club house is completed we will be in a position to open the facility,” Dr Anthony said.

When completed, the synthetic track will place Guyana in a prime position to bid for the hosting of prestigious regional and international athletics meets. It will also provide local athletes with an opportunity to train on a surface on par or even better than their regional counterparts.

on St Mary’s Secondary School.

Meanwhile on Sunday, the games are definitely more evenly match with another exciting four match-ups.

Cummings Lodge Secondary and Central High School will do battle in Sunday’s first game from 11:00h while Ascension Secondary will take on Brickdam Secondary in two evenly matched encounters.

Chase Academy and St Stanislaus College will meet in the third fixture of the game and depending on the form of either team; the match-up can easily turn into a mismatch.

The final game on Sunday will pit South Ruimveldt Secondary against St John’s College in game that is expected to be a possible nail biter.

LABA to host AGM on Sunday

The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) will host their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and biennial elections on Sunday at 15:00h at the Toucan Call Centre in Linden.

The clubs affiliated to the association have been invited to have two representatives eligible to vote represent their respective clubs at the AGM.

However, all of the clubs players at the cost of G$100 will be required to registered before the meeting the starts as well as the club itself at a cost of G$1000.

The clubs expected to attend are the Kashif and Shanghai Kings, Retrieve Raiders, Victory Valley Royals, Half Mile Bulls, Block 22 Flames, Wismar Pistons, Bankers Trust Falcons, Amelia's Ward Jets and Blueberry Hill.

Among the items on the agenda set for the AGM are reports from the President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Some of the action during the first weekend of the tournament

Synthetic track to open soon – Dr Anthony

Cameron desperate for Jamaica’s vote at WICB elections

Embattled West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President, Dave Cameron, remains hopeful he can still garner the support of his home territory, when he bids for a second term in office at the Annual General Meeting next month.

Media reports earlier this week said the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) had met Tuesday and decided to throw their support behind Barbados Cricket Association boss, legendary West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner.

“I am not too perturbed by the developments, which took place on Tuesday,” the Jamaica Gleaner quoted

Cameron as saying. “It is not the country, by and large, who are not supporting me. It is the desire of some of the board of directors.

“However, my understanding is that there should be an annual general meeting of the association (JCA) on February 17, at which time, the decision by the directors could be overturned.”

Cameron is seeking another two-year term in office but has come under fire for his handling of last October’s abandoned India tour and the subsequent fall out.

The West Indies one-day squad quit the five-match

series following the fourth ODI, a move that also led the three-Test tour to be cancelled.

Indian authorities placed the blame squarely on the WICB and have since lodged a claim of US$42 million in damages. They have also threatened legal action if the WICB does not settle.

Cameron argued, however, that the India tour controversy was a matter being dealt with by the board as a whole.

“The handling of the de-

Yaw, George in need of more support

By TreisTon Joseph

Jason Yaw and Cassey

George are two of Guyana’s top athletes, yet they have not received the treatment they deserve.

Both athletes have

dominated the youth category over the past two years with Linden’s Cassey George becoming a three time Carifta gold medalist, while East Coast’s Jason Yaw is a gold medalist at the South American Youth Championship as well as a bronze medalist at both the Carifta and CAC junior championships.

Added to that, both have created history in their own right with George becoming only the second female to ever win two gold medals at the same CARIFTA Games while Yaw broke a decade old 400 metres record at the South American Youth Championships.

In other countries such as Trinidad, Jamaica and The Bahamas talent such as this would be harnessed by the stakeholders that make these very countries powerhouse athletic nations, not just in the Region but in the world as well.

cisions surrounding the India tour was WICB board of directors decisions, not Dave Cameron’s decisions,” he stressed.

“And, at some point in time, we (WICB board of directors) could make the minutes of these board of directors meetings available.”

Cameron is expected to have the support of the Guyana Cricket Association and the Windward Islands board.

The AGM is scheduled to be held March 7. (CMC)

Who are these stakeholders? The Government, the requisite associations and the Private Sector.

In a recent private conversation with Yaw, it has to be noted that the athlete was clearly frustrated with the lack of recognition for his efforts, yet goes about his business like a consummate professional.

It is baffling that Guyana has a tendency to allow talented athletes such as Yaw and George to be wasted and it really leaves to question the existence of a sports pol-

icy as well as the Road to Rio plan.

This type of frustration is the very reason the likes of Kwame Caesar, Dion Barker, Anton Fraser, Tai Payne, Gavin Hope, Lorrain Adams, Rhondell and Rhobyn Alleyne, Dianne Munroe, Colin Boyce, Gem Barrow, Oliver Phillips, Andre Blackman, Vish Sukhmangal and the list goes on, probably quit the sport before ever having any real chance of reaching the level of a James Wren Gilkes who used his own resources much less the level of Jamaican great Usain Bolt.

Bolt’s talent at the high school level was recognised by former Prime Minister of Jamaica PJ Patterson who arranged for Bolt to be moved to Kingston, so he could train with the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

Bolt went onto represent his country at the tender age of 18 at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics and while he crashed out of the 200 metres in the first round we all have witnessed the greatness of Bolt 10 years after.

Our athletes need similar support, similar opportunities in a system that will cater for their needs, personally, mentally and physically.

It is without a doubt that Guyana’s boasts an ocean of natural talent in track and field that has not been named in this article but both Yaw and George have done enough and created history to warrant the support of all stakeholders to ensure that their futures in the sport don’t become yet another waste of talent.

Embattled WICB President Dave Cameron

Jason Yaw

Cassey George

When completed, the synthetic track will place Guyana in a prime position to bid for the hosting of prestigious regional and international athletics meets