Guyana Times Daily

Assets of remigrants will soon be vetted

tuesDAY, DeceMBeR 23, 2014 | guYAnAtiMesgY.coM

tuesday, deCember 23, 2014 | guyanatimesgy Com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, December 23 from 05:00h -06:30h and on Wednesday, December 24 from 05:00h -06:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, December 23 from 05:05h -06:35h and on Wednesday, December 24 from 05:50h -07:20h

FERRY SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014

Parika Departure - 17:00h and 05:00h

Supenaam Departure - 17:00h and 05:00h

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2014

Parika Departure - 18:00h and 06:00h Supenaam Departure - 18:00h and 06:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, with heavy rain showers in the afternoon hours. Thundery showers are again expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.02 and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:15h and 17:30h reaching maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.84 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:03h and 23:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.53 metre and 0.37 metre respectively.

Assets of remigrants will soon be vetted

By Svetlana MarShall

In light of Glenn Lall allegedly using an elderly remigrant couple, Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, to import two luxury vehicles under the remigrant duty-free scheme, Government on Monday announced that it will soon tighten the system to provide for verification of the applicants’ overseas assets and also place a limit on the value of vehicles they will be allowed to import.

The latter is particularly important, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett said, given that locals who qualify for dutyfree concessions can only import vehicles up to a certain value, but under the present scheme persons are no restricted. Hence, since the scheme has been established pensioners and oth-

er persons have imported Hummers, Lexuses and other high-end vehicles.

In the specific case of Lall, according to documentation submitted by the couple to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the tax exemption, Naroontandeo was a cleaner in the US while his wife was a house-

wife. It is unclear how with their incomes they would have been able to raise over US$186,000 to purchase two brand new Lexus SUVs. And since Gharbassi does not have a licence to drive either in the US or Guyana, it would appear that if the money was the Brijnanans’ one of the Lexuses was being purchased as a “spare”.

Sources have said that Lall would have likely transferred the over US$186,000 (GY$$37 million) to the couple’s bank account in order for them to purchase the two brand new vehicles, which they later imported to Guyana under the guise of the remigrant duty-free scheme being run by the Government. This would explain why the vehicles were being driven by Lall and his wife, Bhena, and were never taken over to Berbice where the elderly couple resided when they returned to Guyana.

Meanwhile, at her endof-year news conference on Monday, Rodrigues-Birkett said the laws governing the Remigration Programme stipulate the Foreign Affairs Ministry to issue remigrant status to individuals who have lived legally abroad for five years or more without questioning their acquisition of key items, such as luxurious vehicles, listed on their applications. Additionally, under the Remigration Programme, an applicant who wishes to import a vehicle must have ownership of such for at least six months before applying for the remigrant status; however, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has been informed that the requirement should be removed because it is not stipulated by law.

According to RodriguesBirkett, the Foreign Affairs Ministry was of the firm belief that it could have implemented policies to guide the process. “Someone can decide that they will apply for remigrant status, all they have to prove is five years’ legally living abroad, and they could submit a request to buy a Hummer without showing on the application...in fact sometimes, I see on the application self-employed but they are bringing back Hummer, some pensioners, but our job here is to see if they are living legally abroad. Our job is not to go and question certain things,” the Foreign Minister explained. Though many of the persons who have applied for remigrant status have proven to be legitimate, the Minister said there were a few suspicious cases.

Tax evasion As a result, the Ministry will be moving to the National Assembly with the requisite Bill to strengthen the scheme.

Glenn Lall

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

The Christmas pall

Christmas has always been a time of cheer and joy in Guyana. There would not be a family that would not have made some effort to improve the appearance of their home and make some plans for a family get-together during this holiday season. This year, Christmas falls on a Thursday and with Boxing Day celebrated the following day also being a public holiday, for the first time in years, Guyanese should be enjoying that staple of life in the US - a “four day weekend”.

The Americans, of course, have the luxury of arbitrarily choosing Thursdays for several of their holidays, but our happenstance has to be the luck of the draw and in the normal course of things, should have spread uniform joy across the land. But the uncertainty hanging over the land occasioned by the threats by the Opposition to “put pressure on the Government”, the mood of the populace has been dampened considerably.

The President attempted to address the certainty of the complete killing of the Christmas spirit that would have ensued if the Opposition had been permitted to pass their No-Confidence Motion in November, when the National Assembly was supposed to reconvene.

That motion would have precipitated General Elections within three months and it was inevitable that the political parties would have had to crank up their political machinery and gone on the hustings during the Christmas period. The polarisation of the society that accompanies our elections would have ensued.

The prorogation of Parliament was intended to offer a reprieve from that violation of our time-honoured Christmas tradition. The Opposition, however, rather than accept that the President had bitten the bullet and saved them from the obloquy and opprobrium of a frustrated populace, chose to define the President’s use of his constitutional power as “dictatorial” and began agitating for mass unrest.

From reports in the press, it appears that the leader of the Opposition, David Granger has had second thoughts about going into the streets in protest - or other more drastic measures - at least in the Christmas period. He has come out openly to express disagreement with his APNU coalition partner the Working People’s Alliance in pursuance of the extremist, confrontational path.

But it is precisely because of this open disagreement that the people have become skittish at this time about what possibly lies ahead in the coming year. And put a damper on their Christmas plans.

Back in Ancient Greece, the war between Sparta and Athens did not break out simply because of the rivalry between the two nations that were the behemoths of the age and their fears of each other.

In what is called by modern historians as the “Thucydides Trap” - in honour of the pioneering historian who wrote of the war that broke out between the two nations - the danger of hostilities lies as much as in the action of their smaller allies that can drag their sponsors into open war. In Guyana, we do not have to go all the way back to Ancient Greece to appreciate this danger.

Here, APNU was never convinced that the “NoConfidence” Motion of its smaller ally, the AFC, should be the occasion for a declaration of a war to bring down the PPP/C Government. They felt that demanding Local Government Elections was a more prudent course: it would show their supporters they were “taking on” the PPP/C and at the same time, give them the opportunity to mobilise.

But being allies of the AFC in Parliament, they were dragged into supporting The No-Confidence Motion: the tail wagged the dog. And the President was forced to prevent the “war” from escalating, hence, prorogation.

The Guyanese people know that even more than the AFC, the WPA is fighting for survival and would also resort to extreme provocations. The major Opposition must commit most firmly to stay the course in the next few months and remove the Christmas pall.

PNC/APNU will never allow Nagamootoo as Presidential Candidate

Dear Editor,

It is a known fact that many Guyanese have recognized that the Stabroek News (SN) and Kaieteur News (KN) are antiPPP/C Government rags which are currently aiding and abetting the worst possible alternative and power hungry political Opposition (PNC/APNU and AFC) to get political power so as to destroy Guyana like what happened under PNC rule or misrule prior to 1992.

But the Guyanese people will not forget the horrible past they endured under the oppressive and suppressive illegal PNC regime which rigged general elections from 1968-1985 to keep itself in power so as to rule with an iron fist, which it did. The Guyanese youth must know this because they would be led astray politically.

Today, the PNC/APNU with the help of the AFC is now desperately trying to be Guyana’s Government again through the manufacturing of utter lies about the democratically elected PPP/C Government, published by the SN and KN most willingly to fool its readership.

But the PNC/APNU and AFC are in political confusion. General elections will be held in 2015 and they are trying their best to form a coalition or some “pro-democracy alliance” to defeat the PPP/C.

They will fail miserably or suffer from a still-birth like the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) prior to the 1992 elections, since both Opposition parties are demanding that the Presidential

Candidate must be from their respective parties.

But simply put, will the PNC/APNU membership allow the AFC’s Nagamootoo to be their 2015 Presidential Candidate? If so, the PNC/APNU is on its way to political extinction. And the PPP/C is all set for a landslide victory.

The Opposition parties have power hungry creatures whose eyes are focused on the cookie jar, the national Treasury, which is now filled by the PPP/C Government after being left empty by the illegal, oppressive and corrupt PNC when they were removed by the restoration of democracy in Guyana.

Today, democracy in Guyana is alive and well. Our social and economic conditions continue to improve significantly under the PPP/C Government. Even the Opposition parties know this and as a result want to bully their way into Government so as to destroy our beautiful country.

But let us, the Guyanese people, never allow this to happen, for it is better to be safe than sorry and more so, let us all do not forget the past or else we shall be condemned to repeat it.

But while it is known both nationally and internationally that Guyana is truly a democratic state and its economy is well managed, are there any justifications for the flood of claims and accusations by the Opposition parties against the Government of Guyana carried by the KN and SN on a daily basis?

Time

The moving hands of Time

Hold our joys and sorrows,

Dreams and hopes of tomorrow

Set a limit to pain and anguish,

Bring down the curtain

To our cherished enjoyments,

The good times too must end

So we can reflect and amend.

Time moves not at a steady pace

It flies seeing the mind’s delight,

And hardly seems to move at all

When the mind is down in turmoil.

Time brings forth the harvest

Of our good or evil deeds,

The gathered fruits, sweet or bitter

We have no choice but to partake.

Time dictates who should rule

To betray the trust of men,

Time sees man’s heroism and glory

His malice and ruthless brutality,

It watches our rise to fame and power,

Then sudden descent to cruel shame,

But to Time seems all the same

As if in witness to a mere game.

Never fail to respect and honor Time

No one can for sure presume,

To know the mood it may assume

To spell freedom or impending doom.

With the call and bidding of Time

Fortunes are made and lost

Revolutions born and won,

The status quo broken and torn

The march of Time no power can arrest,

The fall of mighty empires do attest.

The answer is definitely no, since these accusations and claims are reflective of petty mindedness and the mere lust for political power aided and abetted by the KN and SN. It is a shame that these two dailies have been reduced to electioneering pamphlets for the Opposition parties, which are just power hungry. Many of our Guyanese people know this.

The Opposition parties and their lackeys in the KN and SN accuse the Government of being a dictatorship and engaging in corruption. What are their evidences by the way? Even a school child knows that if the Government is a dictatorship, the KN and SN would have been out of existence in Guyana – simple as that.

And if the Government is involved in corruption, the national Treasury, which the Opposition badly wants to get their hands on, would not have been filled.

Also, there would have been long lines for fuel and food commodities like what existed under the 28 years of the illegal PNC’s corrupt and dictatorship rule prior to 1992. Also, our nation’s school children would not have received $10,000 each under the Government’s “Because we Care” initiative – simple as that.

But exactly who are the Opposition parties trying to fool that Government is a dictatorship and engaged in corruption? The answer is simply themselves and their lackeys who have personal axes to grind against the PPP/C Government.

Peter Persaud

Nature, earth and the planets

Celestial bodies and endless galaxies

Obey and are bound to Time

Time alone privy to their origin and end

Our knowledge itself unfolds

As Time would permit and disclose

Great men and prophets are born

When Time so rightly demands

What more there is to understand

But the supreme majesty of Time.

Time is all –devouring death

Destroyer of worlds and men

One of the many faces of God

That every day is seen

Flooring beings mighty and small

None exempted when the grim reaper calls

When we must prostrate to God as Time.

Cecil Ramkirath

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds on Sunday greeted a group of senior citizens at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Bel Air/ Prashad Nagar Group Annual Christmas Social (Carl Croker photo)

Strongly united through 56 years of Revolution

Dear Editor,

Since my election as President of the State Council and Council of Ministers I have reiterated in many occasions our willingness to hold a respectful dialogue with the United States on the basis of sovereign equality, in order to deal reciprocally with a wide variety of topics without detriment to the national Independence and self-determination of our people.

This stance was conveyed to the US Government both publicly and privately by Comrade Fidel on several occasions during our long standing struggle, stating the willingness to discuss and solve our differences without renouncing any of our principles.

The heroic Cuban people, in the wake of serious dangers, aggressions, adversities and sacrifices has proven to be faithful and will continue to be faithful to our ideals of independence and social justice.

Strongly united throughout these 56 years of Revolution, we have kept our unswerving loyalty to those who died in defense of our principles since the beginning of our independence wars in 1868. Today, despite the difficulties, we have embarked on the task of updating our economic model in order to build a prosperous and sustainable Socialism.

As a result of a dialogue at the highest level, which included a phone conversation I had yesterday with President Obama, we have been able to make headway in the solution of some topics of mutual interest for both nations.

As Fidel promised on June 2001, when he said: “They shall return!”

Gerardo, Ramon, and Antonio have arrived today to our homeland.

The enormous joy of their families and of all our people, who have relentlessly fought for this goal, is shared by hundreds of solidarity committees and groups, governments, parliaments, organizations, institutions, and personalities, who for the last sixteen years have made tireless efforts demanding their release. We convey our deepest gratitude and commitment to all of them.

President Obama’s decision deserves the respect and acknowledgement of our people.

I wish to thank and acknowledge the support of the Vatican, most particularly the support of Pope Francisco in the efforts for improving relations between Cuba and the United States. I also want to thank the Government of Canada for facilitating the high-level dialogue between the two countries.

In turn, we have decided to release and send back to the United States a spy of Cuban origin who was working for that nation.

On the other hand, and for humanitarian reasons, today we have also sent the American citizen Alan Gross back to his country.

Unilaterally, as has always been our practice, and in strict compliance with the provisions of our legal system, the concerned prisoners have received legal benefits, including the release of those persons that the Government of the United States had conveyed their interest in.

We have also agreed to renew diplomatic relations. This in no way means that the heart of the matter has

been solved. The economic, commercial, and financial blockade, which causes enormous human and economic damages to our country, must cease.

Though the blockade has been codified into law, the President of the United States has the executive authority to modify its implementation.

We propose to the Government of the United States the adoption of mutual steps to improve the bilateral atmosphere and advance towards normalization of relations between our two countries, based on the principles of International Law and the United Nations Charter.

Cuba reiterates its willingness to cooperate in multilateral bodies, such as the United Nations.

While acknowledging our profound differences, particularly on issues related to national sovereignty, democracy, human rights and foreign policy, I reaffirm our willingness to dialogue on all these issues.

I call upon the Government of the United States to remove the obstacles hindering or restricting ties between peoples, families, and citizens of both countries, particularly restrictions on travelling, direct post services, and telecommunications.

The progress made in our exchanges proves that it is possible to find solutions to many problems. As we have reiterated, we must learn the art of coexisting with our differences in a civilized manner. We will continue talking about these important issues at a later date.

Statement by Raul Castro Cuban President December 17

The unjust blockade must cease

Dear Editor,

The Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples joins the deep joy of all the Cuban people and the Solidarity Movement for the return of our heroes Gerardo, Ramón and Antonio.

Since yesterday we have received thousands of messages and expressions of support, by different routes, addressed to them, their families and the Cuban people. We share

and celebrate with you this victory for justice, dignity and resistance for 16 long years.

Your contribution has been decisive and your commitment has been fulfilled. They are back with their families, with their people, in their homeland.

To all, our deepest appreciation and gratitude.

This great happiness should also contribute to keep us all united and mobilized.

The unjust blockade against our people must cease. And there are numerous pending causes from peoples who demand the continuation of our joint efforts.

We firmly believe that you all will continue with us in the struggle for a better world.

Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples

A secular Guyana Christmas

Dear Editor,

Christmas is thought to be a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ around whom Christianity is built – the celebration of the Christian God to earth in human form to save Christians from sin and eternal death.

But in Guyana, it has become a kind of secular holiday that signals the end of the year and every Guyanese observes it. The season is really celebrated by every religious group in Guyana without the religious aspects.

Everyone looks forward for the holiday known as the season of peace and goodwill and almost everyone makes similar preparation to end the year and mark a New Year. Virtually every home is spruced up and decorated with minimal seasonal trimmings or lights.

Several activities were associated with the season besides the obvious lights and decorations and preparation of the special meals.

Some of the secular activities associated with Christmas are also extremely popular all over the world – including shopping for new items, acquiring new clothing, decoration for the home, gift-giving, feasting on special cuisine and fruits as well as nuts, exchanging cards, charity, listening to special, music, watching the masquerade bands, going to the horse races, visiting friends and relatives, and special drinks like mauby, ginger beer, pine drink, sorrel and home-made wine, etc.

Now there is unlimited aerated drinks, including imported ones. In the olden days, the season was also a time for new movies and many people would go to the cinemas to view hit movies from India or Hollywood. The cinemas were usually

jam-packed for the season.

In the olden days, everyone was in fancy clothes, including colorful hats for the races or movies or to visit friends and relatives.

The end of year season was/is a time for baking cake and bread regardless of your ethnic or religious background. The bread went well with Dutch Head cheese; now New Zealand cheese is popular.

Sponge, fruit and black cake are/were popular. In my youthful time during the late 1960s and 1970s, months before baking, the various fruits (before they were banned by the PNC dictatorship) was grounded in a sill and then placed in glass jars and soaked in rum for curing.

Rum was added to the cake after it was baked to keep it preserved for many months. As a youngster, I used to help with the preparation of the cake mix.

Every year, I helped Aunty Bethlyn and Auntie Gino (from Ankerville) with baking and was rewarded with a nice slice of cake before migrating to New York to further my studies. Occasionally, I did same at my family’s home.

One of the chores involved in the preparation of cake was “washing the butter”. In the old days, the dark yellow salted butter was a major ingredient for baking. It was put in a large aluminum bucket or other huge container and water was added.

Washing the butter was done using a large metal spoon to stir the butter against the water until it lost its salt content. The water was removed and sugar added continuing the stirring action till the sugar melts. Then flour and other ingredients (various dried fruits, essence, etc.) were added.

For the young persons

(most likely the boys) who were called upon to “wash” the butter, the task seemed never-ending, but they get to enjoy the remnants from the container after the mix was placed in baking pans.

Not everybody had an oven. Many people prepared their bread and cake and took them in baking pans to someone who had a large oven to have them baked for a fee or they found creative ways of making their own oven (over a chulha) and baking their cakes.

Among the several edibles or drinks served during the season were apples, grapes, walnuts, dates, chocolate, peardrax and cydrax, etc, all imported from abroad.

The dictator Forbes Burnham described them as White Man’s food and drink and banned them during the 1970s. But his continued consumption of foreign fruits, condensed milk and chocolate and his drinking of Scotch and Brandy and the finest wines were not White Man’s.

In spite of the ban, people still enjoyed banned goods and the dried fruits smuggled across the border though at a prohibitive cost.

Christmas is the season for gift giving and people of all denominations exchange gifts and cards.

Christmas is/was the season of the masquerade bands with men entertaining people with music and dance with very colorful costumes. They go/went village to village in front of homes entertaining people. Musicians and dancers take/took turns performing, and they are/were richly rewarded with tips.

The secular activities of the end of year season are most enjoyable producing memories to cherish forever.

Vishnu Bisram

Jagdeo-Kissoon libel case:

Jagdeo lawyers file motion to appeal admission of new evidence

On Monday, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos lead counsel representing the interests of former President Bharrat Jagdeo told Justice Brassington Reynolds that a motion has been filed with the Full Court to appeal his decision to allow new evidence in the libel suit filed by Jagdeo against Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon.

When the matter was called for deliberations at 13:15h, Senior Counsel De Santos said that the motion to appeal the decision was filed on December 19; however, no date has been set for arguments on the matter before the Chief Justice.

Reynolds, in March, granted the application for the defence in the libel case to amend its case to include additional evidence.

Subsequently, the plaintiff had indicated that he would

be filing an appeal to have the decision nullified.

However, Defence Counsel Nigel Hughes argued that it should not be allowed that the matter be adjourned pending the outcome of the appeal since no date has been set. He noted that the matter was ripe for trial and should be proceeded with as is.

After considering both parties’ arguments, Justice Reynolds set February 2, as the date they will return to present a report on the proceedings of the motion to appeal in the Full Court.

Testimony

Earlier this year, Senior Counsel De Santos had objected to evidence given by defence witness, trade unionist Lincoln Lewis, who was testifying that the former President had financially neglected certain trade unions and the Critchlow Labour College. The Senior Counsel had told the court that there were no particulars of the allegations that his client had practised “ideological racism” during his tenure as President.

De Santos had further stated that there were no particulars of general assertions which give the defence the right to lead specific evidence, adding that if they proceeded to do so, then the evidence should be inadmissible.

In response, Hughes had stated that the defence case

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

Following arguments on the matter, Justice Reynolds

allowed the evidence to be included in the defence’s case; as such, the plaintiff’s attorneys indicated that they would be appealing the judge’s decision.

This was in March and Justice Reynolds had stayed the trial to allow the appeal to be heard and completed before he continued with the case.

Visitors get Guyanesestyle welcome

There is nothing quite like celebrating Christmas in Guyana and incoming passengers at the country’s major ports of entry, including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Moleson Creek and at Ogle International Airport were given a taste of traditional black cake to mark the festive season.

Over the last few days, several teams from the Guyana Tourism Authority fanned out across the country to welcome visitors in true Guyanese fashion and to spread Christmas cheer.

More than 200 passengers arriving on the Canawaima ferry from Suriname on Sunday afternoon were surprised to find special treats waiting in Guyana.

Though surprised, many expressed the hope that the activity will continue throughout the year.

The feeling of excitement also lingered in the air at CJIA on Monday morning, as some 300 passengers were also given black cake,

compliments of the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority.

CJIA’s Santa and his personal one-man band kept the festive momentum going with their unique brand of Christmas spirit.

Demerara Distillers Limited’s El Dorado ladies, Edward Beharry’s Chico man and his beautiful helpers were also on hand to dole out their goodies for the holidays. The visitors arriving through the Ogle International Airport

Monday afternoon were not exempt from this annual activity, and close to 100 men, women and children were treated; this is the first time that the “Christmas Welcome” was staged at Moleson Creek and the Ogle Airport.

With only three days to go before Christmas, all visitors were welcomed to the destination and invited to discover the gem, that is, Guyana, South America Undiscovered and to experience Christmas, Guyanese style.

Assets of remigrants...

The Foreign Affairs Minister explained that the requisite amendments will be made to prevent abuse of the system such as tax evasion and scam. While keeping them attractive, she said the amendments will allow for exemptions being offered to remigrants on par with those offered to public servants who have dedicated their service to Guyana for an extensive period.

“It is not something that

we want to discontinue ... but it must be a programme where we have all the checks and balances so it may not be used in the wrong way. But I must indicate that the important changes that we see need to be made will also need legislative approval and so we have to do this when the Parliament is back in session.” Until then, the Ministry, she said, continues to work on the legislative pieces. The Foreign Affairs

Minister also disclosed that investigations into the remigrant scheme are ongoing. “I would imagine that the investigation is still ongoing but we have provided all of the information and the file requested of us.”

For 2014, the Foreign Affairs Ministry approved remigrant status for over 289 persons when compared to 306 in 2013.

Requirements

According to the Ministry, persons applying for remigrant status must do so within the first three months of resettlement.

Regarding documentation, the applicant is required to submit his/her current passport, which must be at least five years old. If the passport is less than five years old, then the previous passport must be submitted.

In the case of students, evidence from the university, college or educational institution confirming the duration of the course of study or time spent at the institution must be submitted. Besides, there must be documentary evidence of how the potential remigrant intends to earn a livelihood in Guyana, to re-establish permanent stay, and a statutory declaration, which must be prepared by a Justice of Peace or Commissioner of Oaths and Affidavits in Guyana, must also be presented. This must include the items for which exemptions are sought – for personal and domestic use – and are not for sale or exchange, and whether the remigrant has previously/never enjoyed tax exemptions.

A Christmas surprise at Moleson Creek, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne)

Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon

President Bharrat Jagdeo

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

“All options on table” to settle matter –Rodrigues-Birkett

The Guyana Government on Monday announced that it was exploring a menu of options in its quest to resolve the decades-old Essequibo border controversy involving Venezuela, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett disclosed.

Among options being considered are judicial action and arbitration, but this is not for the Government to decide. “It is not for the Government of Guyana to choose but the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. It is in the hands of the Secretary General,” the Minister told a news conference at her office.

In August 2013, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro during a visit to Guyana had signed a joint declaration with President Donald Ramotar recommitting to the search for a peaceful and practical settlement of the controversy in accordance with the Geneva Agreement of 1966. Under the Good Officer Process, the Presidents agreed to the reappointment of the Personal Representative of the United Nations Secretary General Profession Norman Girvan for another term, but he has since died.

The Good Offices Process has been in place for more than 20 years, but, according to the Foreign Affairs Minister, progress has been slow.

“Well, if in two decades you have not had the kind of progress you would like to see, and you would have had “additions”, that complicate that. I think you need to look at the options, but let me emphasize that we have not made a decision as yet; we are looking at it.”

Expert advice

Nevertheless, Guyana, through its Foreign Affairs Ministry, is seeking expert advice as it explores the options under the Geneva Agreement. “We are doing that to ensure that whatever course we decide on, it must be with all the necessary advice,” she added.

Once a decision has been made, Minister RodriguesBirkett assured that Guyanese will be informed and the relevant stakeholders consulted on the way forward.

On February 17, 1966, the Geneva Agreement was signed by Venezuela and Guyana, paving way for a mixed commission of Guyanese and Venezuelan representatives to be established with the primary ob-

jective of finding satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom.

Venezuela had contended that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void.

The Agreement also provided that no new claim or enlargement of an existing claim to territorial sovereignty in these territories (of Venezuela and British Guiana) shall be asserted while this Agreement is in force, nor shall any claim whatsoever be asserted otherwise than in the Mixed Commission while that Commission is in being.

However, under severe diplomatic pressure, Venezuela agreed to a 12-year moratorium on the dispute with the Protocol of Port of Spain in 1970.

Recent events

Meanwhile, on the matter involving the removal of a vessel from Guyana’s waters, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela had agreed to address the issue, but only one

meeting was held in 2013 with the technical teams. “Unfortunately, we have not made a lot of progress in that area.”

Recognising the importance of resolving the matter, Minister RodriguesBirkett wrote Venezuela’s new Foreign Affairs Minister. “It is not an easy issue, but I believe that with political will on both sides, we will be able to resolve this.”

In October 2013, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister and the People’s Minister of Foreign Relations of Venezuela ratified all the points of the Joint Declaration of September 30, 2011; recognising that the delimitation of the maritime boundaries between their two states remain an outstanding issue and agreed that such delimitation require negotiations.

The parties met after the Venezuela Navy had seized a research vessel in Guyana’s water. In October 2013, the Guyana Government was informed that a Venezuelan Navy boat, the Yakuana was trailing the seismic vessel RV Teknik Perdana, which was under contract with Anadarko.

But it went further, the frigate stopped the research vessel and instructed it to change course. The Venezuelan crew aboard the frigate insisted that the vessel was doing its work in Venezuela’s exclusive economic zone and instructed that the vessel switch off its engines and shut down its seismic equipment.

The Venezuelan frigate subsequently ordered the RV Teknik Perdana to sail to the island of Margarita in Venezuela. It was then clear that the vessel and its crew were not only being escorted out of Guyana’s waters, but were under arrest.

PPP/C still to settle on Ramotar’s running mate

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is still discussing a possible Prime Ministerial Candidate to run alongside President Donald Ramotar when elections are held next year.

This is according to party General Secretary Clement Rohee, who was speaking at a news conference on Monday. He said the party’s Executive Committee was still meeting to settle on the issue.

“I said before, as soon we are settled on it we will let the public know,” Rohee told Guyana Times Rohee had previously said the party’s Presidential Candidate and other pertinent issues were up for discussion recently, when the executives commenced talks on the country’s current political mood, and the possibility of a snap election.

He had also disclosed then that the committee has been discussing the issue of the Presidential Candidate, but from all indications, the

situation will remain the same with President Donald Ramotar serving as the Presidential Candidate.

“The Central Committee started discussion on the matter and has agreed that it will bring it to finality as soon as possible. The issue is being discussed.

President Ramotar obviously is the candidate for the time being until the Central Committee or the Executive Committees close off on the matter, there is one name there at the moment,” Rohee had told reporters.

Asked about the procedure used to select the Prime Ministerial Candidate, Rohee maintained that the Central and Executive Committees have always been involved in that process.

“That is the way it was done in the past and that is the way it is being done now.” While the party seems to have settled on its Presidential Candidate, it is still to announce the name of its Prime Ministerial Candidate since Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has opted out of another term. Hinds is considered the longest-serving Prime Minister within the region, holding the post since 1992.

Choices

Meanwhile, two PPP/C Members of Parliament (MP) and Ministers of Government have been floated as possible running mates to Ramotar. Rohee had indicated previously that the party’s long established principle is that the Prime Ministerial Candidate would be of African descent.

This would rule out any possibility of current Foreign Affairs Minister

a possible selection.

Guyana Times understands too that junior Finance Minister Bishop Juan Edghill could also be in contention. While this newspaper was unable to contact Edghill, Rodrigues-Birkett has denied having any knowledge of such a plan.

“I don’t know…. We haven’t gotten to that level, things happen on a daily basis, those kinds of decisions are not the ones you make by yourself, you have to think about a lot of things… right now I am having a good time running the Foreign Ministry and I must say I have a team of very good people working here, and it is a real pleasure representing this country call Guyana,” Rodrigues-Birkett said. She continued: “I have never sought anything else in all of my various portfolios.”

Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, whose name has been mentioned as

Minister within the Finance Ministry Juan Edghill

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Burkett

Man feared drowned after boat capsizes

Asearch has begun for a missing pensioner whose boat capsized during a mishap at Teperu, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni Mazaruni) on Monday.

The missing man has been identified as Roy Reynolds, 65, of Big Hope, Teperu Village.

According to informa-

tion received, Reynolds, the Captain of the boat was in the company with several other men when it was stuck by a wave caused by a vessel that was passing at the time.

As a result, the small passengers’ boat capsized, causing the men to fall overboard.

The men were reportedly rescued by another boat and taken to shore. The Police

have since questioned the men with respect to the accident.

In addition, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in a release stated that Reynolds and the other men were travelling from Itabali to Teperu, Essequibo when the mishap occurred.

The authorities are also making every effort to locate

the vessel which might have caused the other vessel to capsize.

The release also stated the other occupants of the boat were safely taken to shore by another vessel which was passing at the time. Police at Bartica and MARAD have launched separate investigations into the incident.

HJ gives back to the less fortunate

Hits and Jams (HJ)

Entertainment under the Keem Foundation wrapped up its Season of Charity with a humanitarian drive on Sunday.

This came on the heels of the just concluded charitable outreach which saw the Entertainment group meeting the needs of three orphanages in January.

Sunday’s distribution drive and gift distribution exercise saw more than 300 underprivileged children and women around Georgetown receiving hot meals, clothing, shoes, toys,

electronics and other necessities.

The distribution drive ended in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown. This activity is in keeping with the company’s vision to help the less fortunate in Guyana as it continually strives to foster greater levels of partnership with members of the community.

Additionally, this cause is held close to the hearts of the HJ family, especially Chief Executive Officer Rawle Ferguson, who developed the foundation in honour of his late son Rakeem

Rahul Alphonso Ferguson, who passed away after a battle with leukemia at the tender age of 10.

With funds raised all year round, inclusive of donations from corporate Guyana and other persons, coupled with material contributions from other entities and individuals, HJTV has reflected on Rakeem’s memory to give back to children in need, all through the year.

The group took the opportunity to thank Club Monaco, 704 Food Court, Xtra Energy Drink, McNeal

Enterprises, Desinco Trading, Qualfon Guyana Inc, Bermudez (Ainlim), That Look Boutique, Kids Closet, Gizmos and Gadgets, Pulse Entertainment, Clairans, Star Party Rental, Lucille Mordle, Zahara Bourne, Simeon Frank, Liam Deveaux, Simeon Francis, Gully Ras, Lystra Adams and numerous others for making the event a success.

The management and staff of HJ Entertainment are committed to spread Christmas cheer to those in need.

Eyew tness Home truths on Constitution...

...from Lincoln Lewis

Nobody can accuse this Eyewitness of being "soft" on Lincoln Lewis and his stewardship of the TUC. We felt, and still feel, that he's been a Guyanese Neroblithely fiddling away while the labour movement crashes and burns. And that's a real tragedy for the institution that literally pioneered our "working peoples" - and that's practically ALL Guyanese - out of the wilderness of Imperial Domination.

Most of Lewis' fiddling has to do with his obsession with politics rather than the nitty gritty of the Trade Union's struggles. When even in the US it's now conceded that the neo-liberal nostrums that were forced down our throats by that very same country (via the IMF) are taking inequalities to a whole new low - surely Lewis can help by getting together with FITUG to wage a principled struggle to head off our ending up like the US.

Now this doesn't mean Lewis shouldn't be taking an interest in politics or that he's not making sense in his interventions in the letter pages. It's just that when you have something on your plate - and with Lewis its trade unionism - you should take care of that before dealing with what's on your neighbour's plate. And this brings us to Lewis's latest missive - of which there's been dozens - on "Constitutions and constitutional change".

Lewis makes the point that this Eyewitness' been belabouring for ages: the fault, dear Guyanese (with our political quagmire) doesn't lie in our Constitution, but in our leaders!! And while Lewis was diffident in pointing out specifically WHICH leaders - we have no such compunctions: it's the wankers in the Opposition!!! They're the ones who've been demanding "constitutional change" as the panacea that'll deliver us to the land of milk and honey.

Lewis calls these calls "reckless" since "they are being made without justification and without first looking at the Constitution". But isn't this just like our Oppositionespecially after 2011??!! We're not sure why Lewis is only realising this now. As he pointed out, if the Opposition had identify even a single Article of the Constitution they disagreed with, why didn't they bring it up in the Standing Committee on Constitutional Reform - which they CONTROL???!!!

The short and pithy answer is these jokers in the Opposition aren't really interested to make changes that'll improve Guyana.

Apart from grandstanding, all they want to do is to make changes that'll get their hands on the levers of power.

...and power

This Eyewitness has many a time quoted Forbes Burnham - a fella who knew a thing or two about getting his hands on power, no? - about "Constitutions and Power". In the run up to independence, while the PPP with Fenton Ramsahoye was carrying on at length about the new Constitution for Guyana (Ramsahoye even WROTE a new Constitution), Burnham said it didn't matter what Constitution Guyana was given. Once he was ensconced into office, he could and would do whatever it took to keep himself in power.

And of course, it was "so said, so done"!! Lewis is finally seeing through the Opposition's manoeuvres, we hope. Look at the powers the 2000 Constitutional Changes ALREADY on the books, gave them. And they did absolutely nothing with them - in addition to leaving the Committee on Constitutional Change to languish.

For instance, they've been screaming from the rooftops about government "corruption". But they have FOUR Sectoral Committees via which they can scrutinise EVERY facet of governmental operations!! And this is in addition to the Public Accounts Committee they've always controlled - which checks the governmental operations after they're consummated.

And they did nothing!! We hope all those who're concerned about Guyana - and not their own interestswill look more closely at the Opposition's "Chicken Little" act on constitutional change!

...for real

Lewis supports PPP/C's GS Rohee who pointed out that Constitutions can't be changed to willy nilly. Change must be tempered with continuity.

december 23,

Five homeless following Coverden fire

An early morning fire suspected to be arson completely razed a two-storey wooden and concrete house on Monday at Lot 103 Coverden Village, East Bank Demerara leaving at least five persons homeless.

The fire started about 01:00h in one of the three bedrooms in the upper flat of the house belonging to

Cion Datson, a member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Datson was at home alone when the fire started. His wife and three children are on vacation overseas.

Speaking with the Guyana Times from his mother’s house later in the day, Datson stated that he did not get a chance to save anything except two vehicles that were in the yard.

He said that after the fire started, he jumped from the upper flat of the house to safety.

The frustrated man explained that he had attended a cousin’s wedding on Sunday and returned home at about 22:00h. After reaching home, he secured his property and went to bed, but could not sleep. He got up and watched television with the aim of dropping to sleep. That was about 23:50h, he stated.

“When I turn on the television, I was looking at “Shaft”, a movie on Channel 28 and as I started to get drowsy, I turned off the television and went back to bed,” Datson explained. He said a few minutes later, he heard an explosion, but was between “sleep and wake” and did not pay it much heed.

At this time, he recounted being stifled by the smell of burnt rubbery which prompted him to investigate.

As he opened his bedroom door, he was greeted by heavy smoke and a ball of fire coming from the back room. Upon seeing this, he contemplated that if he ran into the lower flat,

Man who killed Guyanese wife and lover acted in self-defence – Lawyer

The Brooklyn man accused of stabbing his wife and her new lover to death when he caught them having sex in a car was acting in self-defence, his lawyer told a New York court on Friday.

The lawyer, Jay Cohen, told the court that his client, Steve Whittingham was attacked by his wife’s panicked lover when he came across them in a car outside Spring Creek Towers near Seaview and Louisiana Avenues on Wednesday.

The cuckolded man’s wife, Jonelle Barker, 36, was pantless inside Jerome Barrett’s Kia motorcar. “He lost it, as anybody would under the circumstances,” Cohen said.

According to the New York Daily News, the Attorney said he anticipated arguing Whittingham was defending himself and acting under extreme emotional disturbance.

“The male victim came at him with a knife,” Cohen claimed during Whittingham’s arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Friday, the New York Daily News reported. He also

stated that Whittingham managed to disarm the male, but got a gash to his arm in the process. “In the frenzy, he stabbed both of them,” the lawyer added.

Barrett, who also was married, ran away, clutching his clothes. But he collapsed and died at an entrance to Spring Creek Towers.

His Kia was found parked on New Lots Avenue in Brownsville about 24 hours

later with Barker’s naked body stuffed in the trunk. Whittingham was charged with the murders late Thursday. “He’s devastated by what happened,” his lawyer said.

Problems

Whittingham silently shook his head as a court officer read the charges of firstand second-degree murder against him Friday.

Judge Craig Walker ordered him held without bail. Whittingham is a self-em-

he might be trapped hence he made a decision to jump out of a door he opened in the upper flat.

Soon after, the entire upper flat of the house was engulfed, the fire fuelled by the heavy breeze. Family members in the area went to his rescue and assisted him in removing the vehicles that were in the yard. One of the vehicles had to be pushed out after he realised that the key was in the house.

By the time the fire tenders arrived, the entire upper flat of the house was gutted and the fire had moved into the lower flat. Datson stated that he subsequently learnt that a neighbour saw someone scaling the fence around the same time the fire started.

The man stated that it will be difficult to estimate his losses, since his house was fully furnished. However, he said that he

was happy that his family was not at home, since it could have been a different ending.

To lose a house around this time, he noted, is quite tragic and he intends to rebuild.

Officials from the Fire Service have launched an investigation into the incident as well as the Police. In the meantime, Datson stated that he will be seeking lodging at his mother’s home.

ployed auto mechanic who supports six children, his lawyer said. His Guyanese wife moved out of his home about four weeks before she was killed, neighbours said.

The two victims met at Kennedy Airport, where they both worked as baggage handlers.

Barrett’s relatives said they were grateful he was able to be with his father when he died of cancer in Virginia on December 10.

“He was by his side when he took his last breath,” said Barrett’s sister-in-law Michelle Wilson-Barrett. “It was one week to the day from when his dad passed away that he died.”

Barrett had his wife with him in Virginia last week –and the family never suspected he was having an affair.

“She loved him to death,” Wilson-Barrett said of her brother-in-law’s bride. “They just seemed like a happy couple. That’s why this was a surprise – and I was just devastated.”

The contents of the home were reduced to rubble

The gutted Coverden house

Jerome Barrett

Steve Whittingham

Jonelle Barker

Citizens divided on deployment of SWAT

… Felix says unit costly to maintain

By Vahnu Manikchand

Guyanese are divided on when the much vaunted and wellresourced Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Unit should be deployed.

While acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud has maintained that the unit will not be deployed in the current circumstances, many are of the view that the squad should have at least responded to the recent attack on Sterling Products Limited, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

In that attack, around 10 gunmen invaded the business place killing a security guard and seriously wounding a chemist.

“Many thought Guyana was in need of such a team; however, since its introduction earlier this year, there has been no use of the unit.”

Persaud said the unit will be deployed only in high profile situations and for the arrest of high profile suspects. However, he pointed out that in most cases, the regular patrols have been successful in apprehending such criminals without the help of the unit.

“Most of the high profile suspects since the unit has been in place were arrested by patrols even before we know about their whereabouts. They know, they move, they arrest,” he highlighted to this newspaper,

referring to the recent robbery at the Montrose, East Coast Demerara supermarket last week, where Police shot and killed two bandits during an armed confrontation.

Persaud explained that he will not allow the SWAT Unit to work with the regular uniformed Police. He posited that the team was highly trained for special and high profile matters and will remain intact until such situations arise.

Asked what will happen if there are no “high profile” or “serious situation” that would require the presence of the SWAT Unit, the Commissioner said he will be happy if that’s the case, as it would mean that the country’s security has not threatened to a dire extent.

The acting Police Commissioner dismissed any consideration of allow-

ing the elite unit to work along with the Police to conduct regular policing operations in the meanwhile just to keep the members active.

“That (SWAT Unit) is a tool to be used for specific action, for a specific deployment…. You know if you have a tool, you only use it in a situation, it’s always good that you have it so if the situation arises again then you have it on hand to use,” he said.

Low-risk situation

Former Police Commissioner Winston Felix has adopted a similar position, insisting that the SWAT Unit having undergone high-level training, its skills and knowledge should not be utilised in any lowrisk situation.

“If the SWAT Unit is used in any crime or situation that is beneath their training, then you will be underutilising them and that’s not what they are meant for,” he stressed.

The former Police Commissioner stated that such units are specialised for hostage like situations, something which is rare in Guyana. Felix noted that in the interim, the unit will have to undergo continuous extensive training which will be very costly.

He said the team has to be very well appraised of any security-risk situation and will need to develop a strong intelligence based

within the unit.

The former Police Commissioner went on to say that while he is not against the establishment of the unit; he is of the opinion that rather than investing so much resources into a unit that will probably not be used, investment should have been made in training homicide, fraud and traffic investigators, which need training.

Felix added that if there is never the need to use the SWAT Unit, then it will be a waste of resources.

“It’s like overdressing when there is no need to. You have well armed men when you don’t need them,” he noted.

Private Sector Commission Security Committee Chairman Gerry Gouveia also opined that the unit is highlytrained to response to serious security challenge.

“They spend their life training, building body, improving marksmanship and precision,” he said. On this note, he outlined that if the unit is used for tasks that can be done by the regular Police, then it would defeat the use and purpose for such a team.

He added that having a SWAT Unit out on the fields unnecessarily would take away the effectiveness of their presence.

“You can’t use the team too, it will cheapen their effectiveness if used recklessly,” he remarked. Earlier this year, the country’s first batch of SWAT officers, comprising of 27 ranks, was introduced. The establishment of the SWAT Unit was done through collaboration between the Government of Guyana and US-based security and justice reform consultancy firm, The Emergency Group (TEG).

Of recent, persons have been commenting on the inaction of the high-profile unit that many thought was much needed for the country, given the fluctuating crime situation.

A lotta suits, but no invitations

Abird was flyin around de other day in GT tellin people that somebody shop up since last year fuh Christmas this year. A lotta suits – long, short, topless, frontless, backless and bottomless – is whah de person buy.

But de bird end up flyin all de time wid out stopping because de whole of GT was like a Garbage Town, which bring a whole new meaning to GT. De bird couldn’ta even stop by de Em & See-See because that also was a lotta garbage, starting wid de Mayor-Fuh-Life and de other Green.

Was also more garbage after de “Clean-up de Country Campaign”, because that was a case wheh dem cleanin de drains and putting de mud and garbage pun de streets. So in reality de drains cleaner than de roads, but this bird ain’t a duck, so it couldn’ta swim.

Well, all dem suits get dry clean and de man who buy dem was waitin fuh invitations fuh Christmas parties. Whah he was hopin was that he woulda wear one fuh each party and still had some extra fuh next year when he plan he 50+10+1+1 birdday party.

But de bird seh now that no invitations ain’t come, de man plannin to hold he own party and wear each one of de suits one after de other at he own party. And then dance to he self at he own party.

De bird also seh that a hug up and kiss up session gon be held at de party after all de junior people gone and only de senior people leff back. Word from de bird in de air is that de hug up and kiss up session gon be launch of de KFC and de APANU comin together fuh de New Year.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! So look out in de New Year fuh a lotta free press, just like de Em & See-See used to get a lotta free press, and now de man claim that he ain’t got to pay any taxes fuh he property right wheh de press deh.

.38 Taurus revolver found on speedboat passenger

Aman is expected to be slapped with a possession of illegal firearm charge following the discovery of a .38 Taurus revolver in his travelling bag on Sunday at Isseneru, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni Mazaruni).

According to information received, Police ranks were responding to a report of an attempted robbery in the area when a search was conducted on the passengers of the speed boat at Isseneru.

During the routine operation, a Rural Constable conducted a search on the suspect when the weapon was found in his possession. He was questioned about the weapon and told the ranks when it was discovered that he was not the holder of a firearm license. He was cautioned, told of the offence and taken to the Bartica Police Station where he is assisting with investigations. Charge is expected to be laid shortly.

Captain Gerry Gouveia

Acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

Guyana inks open skies agreement with Canada

Ahigh-level team from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) recently inked an open skies agreement with Canada, affording Guyanese operators the opportunity to fly to any location in Canada.

The signing of the agreement was done at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation (ICAN) meeting in Bali, Indonesia, where several other significant air service agreements were inked.

Canada is among Guyana’s largest air traffic destinations, but up until November when the GCAA team attended the meeting, operators out of Guyana were only permitted to fly to certain locations in the country.

In a recent statement issued by the GCAA, it was stated that the new agreement between the two countries is imperative, given the air movement between them.

The aviation body went on to say that the new agreement replaces “the restrictive existing air services agreement signed in May 2005”. The agreement will create more opportunities for greater air linkages between the two countries, since it allows Guyanese air operators to access any point in Canada, it was reported.

Guyana is a signatory to ICAO, which has approximately 191 member states. GCAA said the 7th ICAN meeting brought together 78 contracting states of ICAO and was the biggest success of all ICAN meetings since its inception in 2008.

The GCAA stated that there were more than

600 participants, 550 bilateral meetings and 530 air services agreements and Memorandum of Understandings negotiated, initialed and signed.

It was pointed out that Guyana was scheduled for 13 formal negotiation meetings with China, Kenya, Curaçao, Singapore, Ghana, United Kingdom, Norway, Netherlands, Iceland, Qatar, Russian Federation, Canada and Nigeria.

Twelve of those negotiations were finalised as well as the signing of 11 Memorandum of Understandings and an agreed minutes. With the exception of Norway, all of

the agreements initialed are provisionally effective until the formal agreements are signed by the respective Governments, the GCAA noted.

This means that traffic rights allowable under the agreements can be immediately accessed by the bilateral parties to the agreements. Air Services Agreements were negotiated with at least one country from each of the major continents and

regions of the world, the GCAA related.

These are Singapore and China from Asia; Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria from Africa; Curacao from the Dutch Caribbean; Canada from North America; United Kingdom, Norway and Netherlands from Europe and Qatar from the Middle East.

The aviation body said these member states have emerging importance in aviation for traffic connectivity and is necessary in aiding Guyana’s strategic efforts in becoming an international hub to connect with the rest of the world.

The GCAA classified Guyana’s participation in the ICAN meeting as a major success.

“Guyana and Curaçao were the first two States to initial an air services agreement and sign a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the exchange of traffic rights between the two countries. Guyana was also among States with a high percentage of concluded agreements, that is, a 92 per cent conclusion rate.”

The aviation agency related that the negotiation of all of ICAN agreements will significantly complement the current development initiatives of the Government to facilitate and enhance the country’s aviation sector.

The ICAN meeting was held from November 17 to 21 and was attended by GCAA Director General Zulficar Mohamed; Air Transport Officer Saheed Sulaman; General Counsel Amanza Walton-Desir; and CJIA Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Ghir.

Dark Christmas for Angoy’s Avenue

… residents say GPL slow in turning on power

By Alexis Rodney

Residents of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) are concerned that a promise made to them by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds to have the scheme electrified may not come true as the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has not been “pulling its weight”.

Hinds, who is also Minister with responsibility for energy, had earlier this year made a promise to the more than 500 families living in the Timmers and John Lewis Streets, to provide their homes with electricity before the Christmas holiday this year.

However so far, while poles have been planted and electricity running through the lines, homes that have already been wired, are still to receive electricity.

The provision of electricity to Angoy’s Avenue, also called Mount Sinai is part of a package offered by the Housing Ministry to regularise the community.

Moves are also being made to provide potable water and landline telephone service to the community, but electricity remains the most urgent need at this time.

“This is totally unfair, really unfair,” said 63-year-old Darshnie Ramlogan called “Aunty Data” said.

“We look forward to this, we wire we house and nothing ain’t look like it’s happening,” she told Guyana Times during a visit to the community on Sunday.

Ramlogan told this publication that she has been living in the area since she was a teenager, pointing out that her six children were all

born in the community.

“And now, we been hoping for a Merry Christmas, but I don’t think we will have this in time for Christmas,” she sighed.

Protest

Other residents have been protesting that “we spent plenty money to wire and now this”. Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman Zaberdally Armogan speaking to this publication said since the process began close to six weeks ago; only 150 homes have been wired.

He maintained that the issue is not with the homes being wired, but with the slothfulness of the Guyana Power and Light Company.

“All they are saying is soon, soon, that’s all they are saying,” Armogan said. He related that the person in charge of the procedure at the company’s Strand New Amsterdam office has “been taking her own sweet time”, while noting that contractors are being sent to other areas to work; leaving the area that needs to be worked on .

The CDC Chairman praised the work of the contractor who planted the polls in the community, pointing out that they were tactful, and completed the work two days ahead of the specified completion date on December 10.

He noted that Prime

Minister Hinds was expected to return to the community last Saturday, December 20, to declare the service a success. However, because of GPL’s “tardiness”, the PM’s visit had to be cancelled.

Sitting on the eastern corner of the town of New Amsterdam, Angoy’s Avenue has always been considered a depressed community in the township. While residents have been able to see major improvements in infrastructure over the last couple of years, Government said it remains committed to seeing an overall turnaround for the community known to be a haven for criminals in Berbice.

Efforts to regularised the area previously were prevented by a close to 25 year injunction filed against the PPP/C Administration by members of the New Haven Coop Society; a committee of individuals who were tasked with overlooking the affairs of the community. With that injunction, little or no developmental work could be done.

The restriction was recently removed by the society, giving Government the freedom to commence developmental works. According to the CDC Chairman, residents have already received lot numbers to their homes, and are only awaiting the infrastructural services.

Residents of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam are still to receive electricity from GPL

GCAA Director General Zulficar Mohamed

Haags Bosch contributing to cleaner, greener Guyana

The Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill represents a significant improvement in the way Guyana’s solid waste is disposed. Now, solid waste is contained in a landfill and not dumped as it was in the Mandela dumpsite.

The difference between the two waste disposal techniques is substantial and marks a crucial turning point – both technically and culturally – in the waste management system.

According to a release, not only is the landfill specially constructed to safely contain waste and leachate, but its design and operation also reduces the incidence of pests and bad odours.

The Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill also allows for the better control of the waste taken there as this may be separated according to type and disposed of appropriately.

Separation of waste

This controlled separation of waste also allows for the accumulation of data on the different types of waste being disposed of that may lead to the development and implementation of important national solid waste disposal policies, like one on recycling, to better deal with Guyana’s growing problem of disposing of plastics, particularly soft drink and water bottles.

Further, plastics, metal, glass and certain other materials have value and their recovery for reuse and recycling and can have economic and social benefits.

A recently purchased landfill compactor that will soon be in use at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill will provide significant improvements.

Compactors, such as this one, compress more waste into the same volume in a landfill, thereby extending the capacity and life of the

landfill as well as reducing odour and leachate emissions and improving the operation of the landfill on the whole.

Apart from these important environmental benefits, the more densely compacted waste will degrade more efficiently, thereby creating the opportunity for economic benefits, like electricity production from the methane gas produced when the waste decomposes.

However, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker points out that although the transition from waste disposal at Le Repentir dumpsite to the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill was quickly effected, an accompanying cultural change, involving not only the landfill’s management team, but the waste collectors and generators as well, is also a necessary, longterm part of this transition.

Such a change, Minister Whitaker notes, is therefore needed in the attitudes and habits related to proper waste disposal that prevail in Guyana. For example, many citizens are not

used to separating their waste and therefore cannot reap the possible benefits that can come from recycling waste.

Challenges

Further, by not separating the commercial, industrial and hazardous waste from the household waste they collect, local waste collectors create environmental and operational challenges for the landfill. In addition, many of the country’s commercial and industrial enterprises do not properly store the waste they generate, often mixing recyclables and hazardous waste that makes it difficult to dispose of these different waste types in an environmentally-sound manner.

One way in which citizens can help with solid waste management is by separating the organic part of their household waste and composting it. Almost half of a typical Guyanese household’s waste is organic. By separating this organic waste for composting, citizens can significantly reduce the amounts of household waste taken to the landfill

Brickery Community Policing Group fetes children

The Brickery, Supply and Land of Canaan Community Policing Group has brought Christmas to the lives of 520 children within the three communities on December 21, with the aid of a Santa Claus.

According to a release, the initiative commenced in 2012 and has grown annually to date.

On Sunday, they have proudly displayed the community appreciative side of community policing by driving through the villages, decked in community policing uniforms and a Santa Claus on the community policing patrol vehicle filled with toys, much to the delight and happiness of the children.

and funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank, is currently conducting a pilot with residents of Mocha, Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Progressive change

for disposal. Another benefit of composting is that its product, compost, is a rich soil enhancer.

The Clean, Green Guyana Campaign, being administered by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

A controlled landfill can therefore be an extremely important starting point to progressive change throughout the entire waste management system, resulting in environmentally sound waste management practices by the enforcement of waste acceptance procedures and controls. However, some of these procedures and controls have been met with opposition from some sections of the society. For example, numerous requests have been made for extended opening hours at the Haags Bosch Landfill to accommodate the waste collectors.

But unlike a dumpsite, the extended even continuous operation of the Haags Bosch Landfill would be det-

rimental as the landfill requires time for properly dealing with leachate, adequate compaction and covering at the end of the day that would not be possible with extended waste disposal hours.

For this reason, waste collectors, and citizens in general, should adapt to the landfill’s opening hours in the interest of having a better landfill by properly storing their waste in suitable receptacles until the scheduled waste collection occurs.

Still, these initial and expected “teething problems” of the new and modern waste management system can be overcome by the continuous efforts of the relevant authorities and the increasing understanding and co-operation of the Guyanese public.

In this perspective, the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill can make an even more significant contribution to having a cleaner, greener Guyana.

Some of the children treated by the Brickery, Supply and Land of Canaan Community Policing Group

The Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill represents a significant improvement in the way Guyana’s solid waste is disposed, Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker said

PNCR pays tribute to former President Hoyte

Monday December 22 marked the 12th Death Anniversary of former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte who led the country under the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime.

PNC/R immediate past leader Robert Corbin in paying tribute said Hoyte’s sudden departure brought to an end a distinguished career of service to this country. Reflecting on his last Congress Speech of 2002, Corbin said Hoyte called for Guyanese to embrace the spirit of change. “Change is as necessary a part of politics as it is of life. Those who do not change become dinosaurs, irrelevant and eventually extinct. If we do not adapt to new circumstances, new challenges and new responsibilities we cannot survive, much less overcome,” Corbin said as he quoted the former President. Unfortunately, he said those who now manage the affairs of Guyana have failed to take heed, therefore becoming dinosaurs, “completely irrelevant and will eventually be extinct.” Born in Georgetown, Guyana on March 9, 1929, HDH was a teacher in Guyana and Grenada before qualifying as a British trained

Barrister-at-Law, where he was called to practice at the Honorable Society of the Middle Temple, London. He took silk as a member of the Inner Bar in 1969 and was designated Senior Counsel (SC) in 1970 when Guyana became a Republic. He entered Guyanese politics in 1968and was a close confidante of Founder Leader, L. F. S. Burnham’s and served with distinction as Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Finance, Minister of Works, Transport and Communications, Minister of Economic Development, and, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, PNCR said. When Prime Minister Dr Ptolemy Reid, retired in August 1984, Desmond Hoyte was appointed Prime Minister of Guyana, a post in which he served until the death of President Forbes Burnham on August 6, 1985.

Barbados PM says he’s committed to pushing economic growth

Barbados will experience a “successful revival of economic growth in 2015”, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said Monday, a few days after Standard & Poor’s cut the island’s credit rating from B to BB-.

“The stabilisation of the external accounts is evidence of the impact of the fiscal correction,” Stuart said in a statement.

He said his administration has pursued a strategy led by “investment and outstanding entrepreneurship by the private sector, supported by Government incentives and world class financial regulation and legal safeguards.”

Stuart said the Government has taken steps

to improve the island’s competitiveness in areas such as tourism, finance, food and beverages and green energy.

“There are those who appear to believe that Barbados lacks the capacity to execute our strategy for growth and development, and that we will be forced to appeal to the IMF (International Monetary

Fund) to take charge of our affairs. We Barbadians know better,” he said.

“We are confident that we will succeed because we will take tough decisions in defence of our economy and quality of life,” the Prime Minister said.

S&P lowered its assessment of Barbados long-term credit rating from B to BB-, with a negative outlook, while confirming its shortterm rating at B.

“Despite various adjustment efforts on both revenues and expenditures, Barbados’ fiscal accounts remain under pressure with ongoing large deficits, a high debt burden that continues to rise, and narrower financing options,” the agency said last week. (Excerpt from Fox Latin America News)

IMF disburses funds for Haiti

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says it has approved US$2.4 million for Haiti after the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country successfully completed its final review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

The IMF said the new disbursement brings to US$60 million the amount of funds provided to Haiti under the facility that was first approved in July this year.

The facility was approved together with the full relief of the country’s outstanding debt to the Fund of US$268 million.

“Haiti’s satisfactory performance and successful completion of the programme supported by the ECF is commendable, particularly given the exceptionally difficult circumstances that followed the 2010 earthquake,” said IMF Deputy Managing Director Naoyuki Shinohara.

He said growth in the fiscal year 2014 was in line with projections and headline inflation remained moderate, although fiscal imbalances remain high.

He said progress was also made in advancing the structural reform agenda, most notably regarding the implementation of the

EBD flood

Relief package includes tax waivers, household items

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker disclosed that East Bank Demerara residents who were affected by the October flood, which was caused by a malfunctioning koker in the area will be compensated not monetarily but will be given substantial flood relief.

He said that affected homeowners will be assisted by the Public Works

Ministry, which will work with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to facilitate a waiver of rates and taxes for residents. The relief package has been divided into two categories: tenants t and permanent residents. He noted that tenants will be given mattresses, household appliances and furniture while permanent residents will have their taxes paid for three years.

“We will do an evalu-

ation for the persons who have their own home, we will be working closely with the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to facilitate a waiver of taxes and rates. For residents who are tenants, we would leave them out; they will receive relief in the form of mattresses, household appliances, furniture etc,” he said Three weeks ago Government had allocated some $11 million to the residents which they did not accept, stating that that sum cannot repay them. “Late last month, we allocated $11 million to compensate the persons who suffered as a result of the flood. However, they said that was not enough and they had launched a protest action in front of the Office of the President. Nevertheless, I have had discussions with several officials within the Ministry, hence, we are now at this conclusion,” the Minister noted. The residents had protested in front of OP claiming that they need to be compensated for their losses.

TT man chops woman and her 2 daughters almost to death, sets home ablaze

Police are searching for a 60-year-old man, after three women were hacked almost to death, and their home set ablaze.

Natalie Blackie, 29, was warded at the San Fernando General Hospital Intensive Care Unit in a critical condition last night, while her

mother Bernadette, 60, and sister Nadine, 26, were hospitalised in serious condition.

The three women were at their Riversdale Road, Williamsville home around 21:20h when they got into a dispute with a male relative, aged 60.

According to police, the suspect took up a cutlass and severely chopped the women. Before running off, he doused the wooden house with kerosene and set it on fire. Neighbours rushed to help the women out the house (Trinidad Guardian)

TT PM seeks to bring back hanging

Trinidad and Tobago

Treasury Single Account, strengthening the public accounting system, and an initial reduction in fuel subsidies.

“Fiscal consolidation remains essential to reduce vulnerabilities, and the Haitian authorities have taken steps to reduce the fiscal deficit and address external financing risks in fiscal year 2015.

“The ongoing effort to strengthen tax and Customs administration will help to mobilise additional revenues, in tandem with continued streamlining of expenditures, while safeguarding priority social spending.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced on Friday that her Government will again be seeking to reintroduce the “hanging bill” next year, even though it was defeated in Parliament four years ago.

Persad-Bissessar said the number of murders in the country was “too high” and she would ask Cabinet to reconsider the death penalty.

She spoke to reporters during her annual toy drive in her constituency, where she distributed toys, calendars and mugs to her constituents.

“We have brought down serious crimes but the murders still remain too high and, therefore, I want Cabinet to reconsider the

death penalty and take that legislation to Parliament,” the Prime Minister said.

“In early next year, I will ask the (Attorney General) to bring it to Cabinet. We will consider it at the Cabinet level, then we will take it back to the Parliament when it resumes next year. We have brought serious

crimes down, but homicides, murders, still remain high. Therefore, we are continuing with our initiatives and the hanging bill. We will take it back to Parliament,” she said.

Almost four years ago, in February 2011, the “hanging bill” failed to secure a majority vote in the House of Representatives.

The bill was defeated 29 for, 11 against, after the Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) did not support it. The bill required a three-fourths majority.

Persad-Bissessar explained the death penalty has proven to be a deterrent in the murder rate in other countries, and she will be seeking support from the Opposition PNM again. (Excerpt from Caribbeannewsnow)

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart

TT Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte

Inside the home of one of the residents who were affected by the October flood that hit Peters Hall

Around the world

Essebsi wins Tunisia presidential vote

Beji Caid Essebsi has won Tunisia’s first free presidential election, beating rival and incumbent Moncef Marzouki with 55.68 per cent of the vote, official results show.

Marzouki secured 44.32 per cent of the vote, Tunisia’s High Electoral Commission said on Monday.

In a Facebook post, Marzouki conceded defeat and congratulated Essebsi on winning the election.

Sunday’s presidential runoff vote marked the final step in the country’s transition to full democracy four years after an uprising toppled long-time leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

Essebsi, 88, was a for-

mer official in Ben Ali’s one-party administration, but reinvented himself as a technocrat and his secu-

lar Nidaa Tounes (Call for Tunisia) party profited from the backlash against the country’s first post-revolt

Islamist Government.

Earlier on Monday, Police fired teargas in the southern city of Hamma to disperse hundreds of youths who burned tyres and blocked streets to demonstrate against Essebsi who had declared he had won Sunday’s presidential vote, residents said.

“All shops are closed. They are chanting ‘No to the old regime’,” said Ammar Giloufi, a local resident.

Soon after polls closed on Sunday night, Essebsi, quickly announced that he had won by a clear margin and jubilant supporters took to the streets of the capital in celebration, chanting “Beji President!”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Pope Francis sharply criticises Vatican bureaucracy

Pope Francis has sharply criticised the Vatican bureaucracy in a pre-Christmas address to cardinals, complaining of “spiritual Alzheimer’s” and “the terrorism of gossip”.

He said the Curia – the administrative pinnacle of the Roman Catholic Church – was suffering from 15 “ailments”, which he wanted cured in the New Year.

Pope Francis – the first Latin American pontiff – also criticised “those who look obsessively at their own image”.

He has demanded reform of the Curia.

There was silence at the end of the Pope’s speech.

Addressing the Curia on Monday, Pope Francis said some power-hungry clerics were guilty of “cold-bloodedly killing the reputation of their own colleagues and brothers”.

Before his election in March 2013, the pontiff encountered internal opposition to some of the reforms he wants to carry out. He has set up a series of specialist bodies to fight corruption and poor management, appointing a team of advisers.

The Pope also launched a clean-up of the Vatican Bank, officially known as the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR). The IOR has long had a poor reputation, after a succession of scandals. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China charges Jackie Chan’s son over drugs

Chinese prosecutors have indicted the son of Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan on drug offences, more than four months after he was first detained.

The announcement on Monday did not mention when a trial would be held but if convicted, singer-actor Jaycee Chan could face up to three years in jail.

Beijing Police detained the younger Chan at his Beijing apartment in August along with Taiwanese movie star Ko Kai. Police said Chan and Ko both tested positive for marijuana and admitted using the drug.

Jaycee Chan’s detention has been particularly embarrassing for his father, who was named by Beijing as an anti-drug ambassador

in 2009.

Chan has never publicly contested the charge, and his father has openly apologised over his detention.

“Regarding this issue with my son Jaycee, I feel very angry and very shocked,” Jackie Chan wrote on his microblog in August. “As a public figure, I’m very ashamed. As a father, I’m heartbroken.”

In June, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that illegal drugs should be wiped out and that offenders should be severely punished. The crackdown has snared more than 7800 people in Beijing alone, according to Police, and celebrities were targeted because of their influence over the public. (Al Jazeera)

China condemns cyber-attacks, but says no proof North Korea hacked Sony

China said on Monday it opposed all forms of cyber-attacks but there was no proof that North Korea was responsible for the hacking of Sony Pictures, as the United States has said.

North Korea has denied it was to blame and has vowed to hit back against any US retaliation, threatening the White House and the Pentagon. The hackers said they were incensed by a Sony comedy about a fictional assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which the studio has pulled.

China made no reference to calls by the United States for joint action with it and

other countries to counter any similar cyberattacks.

“Before making any conclusions there has to be a full (accounting of) the facts and foundation,” Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. “China will handle it in accordance with relevant international and Chinese laws according to the facts.”

She said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi “reaffirmed China’s relevant position, emphasising China opposes all forms of cyberattacks and cyber terrorism” in a conversation with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Huge blast hits Nigeria market

Amassive explosion has rocked a market in north-east Nigeria’s Bauchi city, causing “heavy casualties” and setting the entire area ablaze with rescue workers struggling to reach the scene, the Red Cross said.

“There was an explosion in the market with a large number of women traders... at around 16:00 GMT,” said Adamu Abubakar of the Red Cross on Monday. “There are heavy casualties of course, but for now we can’t do anything until the fire is put out.”

Earlier on Monday, another explosion had killed at least 20 people at a bus station in Gombe city

in northeast Nigeria, the latest violence in the region repeatedly targeted by Boko Haram, the Red Cross said.

“There was an explosion at the Dukku motor park. The Red Cross mobilised with 20 body bags and they have all been exhausted. We are still looking for more bodies among the carnage,” said Abubakar Yakubu Gome, the Red Cross secretary for Gombe state.

The bomb was planted near a bus that was parked and filling up with passengers, said Mato Yakubu of the National Orientation Agency, a government body responsible for the media.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Essebsi was considered the early favourite after taking 39 percent of the vote in last month’s first round [Reuters]

The Pope says the Church elite must reach out to poor and vulnerable worshippers

tuesDAY, December 23, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

Glenn Lall illegal recording:

Not enough evidence for criminal charges against Nandlall – DPP

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Shalimar AliHack says that no criminal charges are to be filed against Attorney General Anil Nandlall who was the subject of a Police complaint filed by Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall in November.

Lall had alleged that Nandlall had critical

knowledge of an impending attack against the Kaieteur News and its staff members. But the DPP, in a release to the media, said that no evidence was found to support Lall’s accusation.

In fact, the DPP advised that for the “threatening language to result in provocation, the threat must be directly communicated to the person to whom it concerns, that is, in his presence and hearing. There is no evidence of this contained in the Police file.”

The release went further to explain that this is in accordance with Section 141 (a) Chapter 8:02 and is in relation to the speaker using threatening language with intent to provoke anyone else to commit a breach of the peace, that is, provoking another person to do so.

“The threatening language must be such as is likely to provoke a breach of the peace by anyone else

Tuschen triple murder:

that is the person to whom the threat is directed,” the release noted.

It was also advised that the offence created in Section 141 (b) Chapter 8:02 is with respect “to the person using abusive, insulting, obscene or profane language to the annoyance of another, that is, such language is used directly to the other person

in his presence and annoys him. There is no evidence of this.”

Exonerated

Meanwhile, in an invited comment to the Guyana Times, Nandlall said that he felt exonerated by the decision made by the DPP.

He remarked that he has always maintained his innocence from the onset and he was not surprised by the decision not to file any charges.

“I said from the inception that I did not commit any criminal offence; I did not threaten anyone and I never intended to threaten anyone. Any person who has a modicum of understanding of the law or perhaps even basic common sense ought to have come to the same conclusion.”

Moving forward, Nandlall said that he was hopeful that the individuals who have chosen to make libellous statements against him will cease to

Cops to probe KN about possibly false murder suspect story

In light of a recent article published in the Kaieteur News that detailed an interview with Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo murder suspect Joshua Franklyn, the Police are expected to ask the news outfit to authenticate the information, a source told Guyana Times

The source claimed that while they are not disputing that Franklyn might have made contact with the entity; they are hoping to verify the number that was used. There is concern however that the story might have been concocted by the newspaper.

The article suggested that the man might be in Suriname, and as such, the Guyana Police Force will contact their counterparts in the neighbouring country for assistance in locating him.

However, the senior rank stated that the man’s photograph will be sent to Interpol and will be placed at Police stations across the country with the aim of arresting him.

With respect to tracing the call, the rank stated that if the number that the suspect used to contact the newspapers is provided to the Police, it can be done. At this time, however, he noted that it might not have been a local telephone number.

Nevertheless, the mur-

der suspect’s son remains in Police custody, but sooner or later he will be released, taking into consideration that the 72-hour detention period will be up soon.

In the newspaper article, it was reported that the suspect will not surrender until he kills his reputed wife, Geeta Boodhoo, who remains in a critical state at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He also accused his dead mother-in-law Bibi Khan of killing his nine-year-old daughter after she picked up a cutlass to attach him, but mistakenly took the child for him. He claimed that he had raised the child since she was one-year-old and questioned the rational for him wanting her dead.

It was also alleged that the injured woman’s sister was the main problem between him and Boodhoo and he will not let her rest until he gets her. He also accused the woman of breaking up the union he shared with his reputed wife.

The Police are now working on all the possible leads that are at their disposal with the hope of actually finding out what occurred on the evening since Boodhoo is holding out that she does not know Floyd Drakes despite he was found aback of the Tuschen Housing Scheme house where the incident occurred.

During the interview, the suspect also claimed that Khan and Drakes, along with Boodhoo were consuming alcohol and smoking ‘weed’ when he went to the house after receiving a tip-off from a taxi driver. The Police have now shifted some attention towards finding the taxi driver who would have provided the information to the murder suspect.

Guyana Times understands that the Police have searched several houses in the area after they would have received telephone calls from persons claiming that the murder suspect was spotted.

Bibi Zalima Khan, 55,

the mother of Boodhoo; Floyd Drakes, 30; and Ashley Boodhoo, nine, all of Phase Two, Tuschen New Housing Scheme were hacked to death on Thursday last.

According to information gathered, Franklyn also of Tuschen, broke several louver window panes to gain access to the home and started to chop the occupants indiscriminately.

The now hospitalised Boodhoo was having drinks with Khan and Drakes when the incident occurred.

Nine-year-old Ashley was in the bedroom with her five siblings when she heard the commotion and went to the aid of her mother, but not before instructing her brothers and sisters to hide under a bed.

As she went into the living room area, she was chopped several times by the suspect.

In a bid to escape, she ran towards the kitchen area where she collapsed and later died. Two of the six children are the suspect’s.

Khan, her grandmother, reportedly died in the living room while Drakes was found next to a toilet in the yard. Boodhoo managed to escaped and hid at a neighbour’s home. The Police are continuing their investigations.

do so.

“I hope that those who are maliciously peddling that I have threatened a newspaper and its staff will now stop libelling me.”

Nandlall had filed a $30 million lawsuit against the Kaieteur News for libel contained in an article published on October 28

titled “Attorney General reveals plan to hit Glenn Lall, Kaieteur News”.

The civil action filed in the High Court on October 28 named the proprietor of the Kaieteur News, Mohan ‘Glenn’ Lall and Editor, Adam Harris as the defendants.

The Attorney General is seeking damages in excess of $10 million for libel contained in the headline, $10 million for the libel contained in the article and aggravated/exemplary damages in the sum of $10 million.

According to the court papers, the libel was calculated to cause and did cause Nandlall great public embarrassment, held him up to odium and ridicule and to disparage him as the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs and Member of Parliament, both nationally and internationally.

Bus conductor remanded on 3 robbery under arms charges

Twenty-nine-year-old Andre McPherson, of Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was remanded to prison after being arraigned with three counts of robbery under arms.

The defendant, who is a bus conductor, appeared before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, on Monday morning.

The first charge read that on September 2, at Lamaha Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, he robbed Marcia Duke of a Samsung Galaxy cellphone valued $80,000 and two diamond rings valued $180,000.

The second charge read that on the same day at the abovementioned location, he

also robbed Wendy Griffith of a television set valued $78,000, two silver rings valued $25,000 and $38,000 in cash – a total value of $141,000. The final charge stated that armed with a gun, McPherson robbed Alicia Brown of $10,000 in cash.

McPherson was represented by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, who made an unsuccessful bail application. However, Police Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail citing the nature, gravity, and prevalence of the offence and the fact that a firearm was used.

McPherson was remanded and the matter was transferred before Magistrate Judy Latchman for January 19, 2015.

Mason on $75,000 bail for alleged armed

robbery

A24-year-old mason, of Lot 9 Princes Street, Georgetown, was placed on $75,000 bail for the offence of robbery under arms on Monday morning.

Steve Warren, who appeared before the Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, pleaded not guilty to the charge. It is alleged that on December 21, armed with a gun, he stole from

Stacy Paris one Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued $65,000.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant did not oppose bail. Representing Warren was Attorney Mark Conway, who told the court that his client was a father of one with no prior or pending matters. Bail was granted and Warren will make his next court appearance before Magistrate Annette Singh on January 12.

Murder suspect, Joshua Franklyn

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

Kaieteur News Reporter Leonard Gildarie

Broke Port Kaituma Power Company owes millions to suppliers

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds says that the Port Kaituma Power Company is not able to pay fuel suppliers because it has run out of money.

Hinds made this disclosure when questioned by this newspaper as to why fuel and lubricant suppliers have not been paid millions of dollars owed for goods they provided to the Power Company.

The Prime Minister said arrangements were being made for payments to the suppliers, but could not say when these payments will be made. “I can’t say; I don’t have that information on hand,” he said.

He further explained that residents living in the Port Kaituma area have not been paying what they

should pay for electricity. He added that at present the cost to generate one kilowatt hour (kWh) of power exceeds the retail price.

However, former member of Parliament Richard Allen told this publication that at present residents in the area pay $100 per kWh of power. He argued that this amount is the highest paid in Guyana and very likely the highest being paid in the Caribbean.

Audit

However, Allen and Port Kaituma residents are calling for a complete financial evaluation of the Power Company’s records.

“We are paying the highest for power in the country and the highest in the Caribbean. We want a full financial investigation of the company!” Allen said.

Allen felt the company running out of money is no justification of not paying suppliers for their goods.

In addition to this unfortunate situation for fuel suppliers, they are also claiming to have been threatened by officials from the Power Company. “In addition to them boycotting us and no longer buying from us, when we speak up, they threaten us.”

A businessman who claims that he is owed millions of dollars by the Power

Company said, “They would pass and say, ‘we gon get u,’” Renald Moore, Owner of R&R Auto Sales, a lubricant supplier who claims to be owed by the Power Company for some 25 pails of lubricant valued $575,000 since last November, expressed his frustration in the situation.

“They are not paying me and they stop buying from me. I don’t mind their business, but at least pay me my money!”

Moore is presently anticipating payments from the company and added that he is in dire need of his money. “I went in to them so many times, but they just keep promising me,” Moore lamented.

Meanwhile, while there was speculation that some fuel suppliers in the area may be selling illegal fuel, Hinds clearly stated otherwise.

The Prime Minister also disclosed that the Region One (Barima-Waini) area is being treated as a border zone. This means that the Government provides leeway to persons who import duel from neighbouring Venezuela.

“It was disclosed some time ago that we are not going after the origin of the fuel in the region,” Hinds said.

Banks DIH opens ice cream parlour … more outlets on the way

Treat yourself to a delicacy of flavours for the holidays with Banks DIH Limited’s spanking new Crème Select Ice Cream Lounge, the newest ice-cream parlour in town, with more locations soon to come.

During its “soft” opening ceremony at its Main and Quamina Streets location, a handful of persons had the opportunity to be the first batch to treat themselves to the delectable flavours: banana, French vanilla, strawberry ripple, chocolate ripple, marshmallow, sorrel, chocolate and vanilla, among others.

According to Banks DIH Human Resources Director Andrew Carto, the company has already “eyed” two other locations in the city to open more outlets.

On that note, the company recognises that Guyanese have a knack to satisfy their “sweet tooth” and they intend to produce super premium quality ice cream to satisfy just that.

The Ice Cream Lounge will offer a wide range of premium quality ice cream treats as well as appetising snacks.

Persons can expect sundaes, frostees, waffle cones, waffle bowls, banana splits, smoothies, shakes and iced lattes at guaranteed affordable prices.

Additionally, a special treat named “Love Boat” is available for discerning couples who desire to share a special delicacy together.

The genesis of the idea for Crème Select Lounge was while there is the Crème Select take-home one litre

packages countrywide; there would be those who wish to indulge in a comfortable atmosphere; hence, the birth of Crème Select Lounge.

The construction of the building started in May 2014 and was completed two weeks ago.

The company guarantees that the equipment and furnishing imported from the US are among the latest in terms of technology and comfort and will provide customers with the best quality products within a conductive atmosphere.

Crème Select is produced at Banks DIH Limited Thirst Park facilities at a dairy which is ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certified.

The lounge will officially be opened to the public on Wednesday 24.

tuesday, december 23, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

Leguan, Wakenaam now enjoying 24-hour power supply

The island communities of Leguan and Wakenaam, in the Essequibo River are now experiencing a 24- hour power supply thanks to the upgrades done by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company.

The historic transition was formally acknowledged on Monday when President Donald Ramotar commissioned the rehabilitated power station serving the island.

In his remarks, President Ramotar said that Government has been trying to provide electricity to citizens and this has been costing a lot. “At the moment we spend about $9 billion every year to try to ensure that we subsidise electricity for our consumers”.

The move to the 24-hour power supply will be particularly beneficial to the women residing on the island, especially those who carry

have to increase the generating capacity of the power station. This is all part of the plan to have the islands benefit from being able to not only produce agricultural products, but to move into being agro-industrial producers.

The linking of several areas, such as Parika and Skeldon which are already connected, was highlighted by the president.

The plan is to eventually link Essequibo to the others, he added, and all of these areas will benefit, especially if problems such as shortages develop. Government remains bullish on the Amaila Falls Hydro Power project, and President Ramotar is optimistic that it will soon become a reality.

“Norway has just transferred US$80 million to the IDB (Inter American Development Bank), and that will go into the hydro electricity project that we

Bharrat Dindyal that the island’s first electricity supply service was commissioned by former President Janet Jagan.

He explained that initially the service was provided six hours daily, then 12 hours from Monday to Friday and through the weekend, with special consideration given to national holidays and special occasions.

The communities east and west of the power station, he added, including Canefield in the East, and from La Bagatelle to Henrietta in the West were first serviced. In 1998, the service was extended to the northern part of the island, and today over 1,000 customers benefit.

Chairman of the GPL Board, Winston Brassington, also addressed stakeholders, noting that “we live in an age where power is expected to be on all the time and this

the “unequal pressure in the house in every way”.

Children and youths will also be able to benefit from increased study time, he added as he cited the performance by other students who may have had “an unfair advantage.”

“Now we expect to hear that the children of Leguan and Wakenaam are challenging the rest of the country in producing top students as well, because we are now investing in you.

“Indirectly it might be said, but you will be having 24 hours electricity to study”.

He also urged that students look, less, at soap operas and turn to the learning channel. Residents were also urged to take advantage of the future online courses which will be offered by the University of Guyana.

The link between education and development was also emphasised by the president who pointed out that the economical growth being experienced over the last eight years coincided with the amazing performances academically by the local students who continue to win regional awards.

He expressed his hope that development on the two islands would “grow rapidly” with the new arrangement, so much so that GPL would

have. We have not given up on that project.”

He reiterated that Guyana can become a developed country within his lifetime, since it possesses not only the natural resources that many other countries lack, but also the talented people to make this possible.

New infrastructure such as the expanded international airport, hotels and the deep water harbour were mentioned.

“I have an Opposition that seems to want to cut; they seem to be born with a scissors in their hand. I have never heard them say, ‘Ramotar spend more money on electricity, spend more money of education’ ….so we have no developmental partners”.

It was this refusal to cooperate or even have any dialogue, President Ramotar said, that resulted in prorogation and the “return to seek another mandate from our people.”

He expressed the hope that frequent power outages would be a thing of the past. The advent of a steady 24- hour supply should see the island and the neighbouring, Wakenaam which is linked to its neighbour, benefit from further development, the president said.

It was recalled by GPL’s Chief Executive Officer,

was no different”.

The issue of power outages, Brassington said should be adequately addressed by the built-in redundancy of the system as he urged those responsible for the operations of the station to “follow the book” and not take short cuts.

GPL, he assured is keen to ensure that the supply of electricity is of a high quality, with good service from its staff.

He appealed to residents to pay their bills and avoid stealing power since the losses, whether technical or otherwise amount to some 37 per cent.

The power station now has three new 513 KVA units, auxiliary supplies and a heavy - lift forklift. The new generating sets were installed over a three-day period from, December 9 to 11, with successful load testing and synchronisation being done to ensure that their usage is assured and machine rotation is possible without power outages.

Fuel storage capacity has been expanded to enable at least three weeks of operation, said the Government Information Agency (GINA). Additional staff have also been trained and employed to provide maintenance and other operations.

Regional Chairman Julius Faerber, President Donald Ramotar, Bursary Awardee Malissa Singh, GPL’s CEO, Bharrat Dindyal and GPL’s Chairman, Winston Brassington cutting the ribbon to mark the commissioning of the 24-hour power service at Leguan

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

A bunch of smiles on these faces as they enjoy their first bite of Crème Select Ice Cream at the Lounge

MONDAY'S WORD

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

You will find the perfect gift for someone special. Don’t waste time asking for other people’s opinions. Rely on your own judgment for the most success and satisfaction.

Don’t worry if you can’t complete your whole shopping list. It’s not about how much you give or spend, it’s about the love and sincerity that you offer.

A blossoming partnership will bring you happiness. You will be greatly appreciated if you use your unique talents to make family or workplace gatherings a big hit.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

You will leave a lasting impression if you devote your time to someone elderly or lonely. Before you travel, finish your chores so you will not have to deal with such matters when you return.

Generosity at this time of year is not about spending money. You will grab attention if you contribute your ideas, time and effort to a cause you believe in.

All the hustle and bustle will try your patience. Short tempers can lead to hurtful arguments, so it’s wise to go off by yourself, where you can reflect on what’s truly important.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Your charisma and charm will make you the centre of attention. Host a family party or neighbourhood gathering. You have the ability to make everyone feel important and at ease.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Now is a great time to reconnect with people you don’t see often. Get out and socialise as much as you can, but take care not to overindulge.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Family dynamics will become strained if you put demands on the ones you love. Sightseeing or a shopping excursion will take your mind off troublesome situations at home or work.

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

Make a point to network and keep in touch with important people. Offer assistance to a close friend or relative. A revealing secret will give you insight that will help you make a big decision.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

You’ll feel apprehensive about getting together with old friends. Stop having regrets about your past. People love you for who you are. Stand tall and be proud.

Not everything will go according to plan. You will have to take things as they come. If you don’t overreact to minor matters, you will avoid retaliation.

GEMINI

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

dilbert

arCHie

Barath taking time away from cricket

Trinidad and Tobago opening batsman Adrian Barath will most likely miss the rest of the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League (PCL) after writing to the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) asking for some time off from the game.

The 24-year-old right handed opening batsman, Barath, who has been an integral part of the T&T squad since his senior debut in 2007, was left out of the T&T Super50 training squad and has missed the Red Force’s four PCL four-day matches so far.

Although the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board has not officially said anything about Barath’s absence, the Express understands that the opening batsman, who was one of the first ten players contracted by the TTCB ahead of the new PCL competition, wanted some time away from the game.

Barath has struggled to

regain his form after hitting a century on his West Indies Test debut against Australia in 2009. He has played 15 Tests scoring one century and four half centuries.

He also played 14 One Day Internationals for the West Indies scoring one century and one fifty.

The right hander last played Test and ODI cricket for the West Indies in 2012 and was dropped from

the T&T four-day side after an inconsistent run in 2013 before he was brought back for the four-day final which T&T lost against Barbados.

Barath is the second senior player to pull out of the T&T Red Force side four the PCL four-day tournament.

The first was Guyanese player Ramnaresh Sarwan who also did not feature in T&T first four four-day matches due to injury.

The Guyanese middle-order batsman was supposed to stabilize the inexperienced T&T middle order, which has failed to deliver so far this season while Barath would have provided another batting option at the top of the innings.

No replacement players have been announced but the Express understands that the TTCB are trying to negotiate with both Barath and Sarwan in the hopes of having them available for some part of the season next year. (Trinidad Express)

Watson shaken after hit in nets

Shane Watson was struck on the helmet by a James Pattinson bouncer at Australia’s training session at the MCG on Tuesday, leading to both men leaving the nets.

The early indications were that Watson was not injured by the blow, but he and Pattinson both appeared shaken by the incident, which was not surprising given the events of the past month.

Watson was in the field for New South Wales when Phillip Hughes was struck by a bouncer in a Sheffield

Shield match at the SCG less than a month ago and was one of the first on the scene to attend to Hughes. The weeks that followed have been extremely emotional for the Australians, after Hughes died in hospital as a result of the blow.

Chris Rogers was notably shaken by an incident on the first day at the Gabba, when he was struck in the back of the helmet while fielding at short leg.

On Tuesday, several Australians checked on Watson and he was also assessed by team doctor Peter

Brukner, before walking out of the nets.

Mitchell Starc was also forced to leave the nets while batting on Tuesday, after he was struck on the knee and appeared to be in pain.

David Warner was present at the session but did not train as he continues to nurse his left thumb, which was struck during Australia’s chase in the second innings at the Gabba. Warner is expected to be available for the Boxing Day Test. (Cricinfo)

Condition of Muhammad Ali "vastly improved"

The condition of Muhammad Ali has “vastly improved” since he was admitted to the hospital over the weekend with a mild case of pneumonia and doctors hope to discharge the boxing legend soon, a spokesman said on Monday.

Ali, 72, was admitted to a hospital in an undisclosed location on Saturday morning.

“The Ali family continues to request privacy and appreciates all of the prayers and well wishes,” spokesman Bob Gunnell said. “No further details are being released.”

A three-time world heavyweight champion and widely recognized as one of the best fighters ever, Ali, who suffers from

Muhammad Ali

Parkinson’s disease, made a rare public appearance in September to attend a ceremony in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, for the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards.

Ali, nicknamed “The Greatest,” was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about three years after he retired from boxing in 1981 with a 56-5 record. (Reuters)

Sir Alex Ferguson: Michael Carrick is the best English player

Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says Michael Carrick is “the best English player” around.

Louis van Gaal’s side have won six out of seven games since Carrick, 33, came back from an ankle injury in November.

“I think Michael’s the best central midfielder in English football,” Ferguson told BT Sport. “I think he’s the best English player in the game.”

Ferguson also said to “watch United go” once Van Gaal’s squad - third in the Premier League - is fully fit.

Carrick - named United vice-captain on Friday - won a recall to the England squad shortly after his return to fitness in November, but had to pull out with a minor groin problem.

His early-season absence has been one of a number of injury problems to trouble Van Gaal since he began work as United’s manager in July.

Argentine winger Angel Di Maria returned from injury as a substitute during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa, yet Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and Daley Blind all remain sidelined.

“I don’t know how Louis van Gaal can expect to get the best results with the injuries he’s had,” Ferguson added.

“When he gets the best players back, you watch United go - because he’s a great coach, he will do well.

“I’m not interested with what is happening with the players he’s brought in, as that will take time.

“When I brought in Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic in the January of the same year, they were all over the place. They took five months to get used to playing for Manchester United - the culture and the history of the club.

“These new players will be exactly same.”

Ferguson said he had been particularly thrilled with the form shown this season by Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea, whom he signed in 2011.

“They have still got great players,” added Ferguson, who remains a director at Old Trafford after retiring as manager in 2013.

“The World Cup has maybe taken a little bit out of Robin van Persie, but you watch him in the second half of the season. He will be fine.

“Rooney is back flying and he will always get you a goal. Having a goalscorer in your team is always an advantage.

“The one that is most pleasing to me is David De Gea. When we bought him as a kid he was really skinny but he had ability. He has special talents and he is showing that now and I’m really pleased for the kid.

“When we get those players back, we will be fine.” (BBC Sport)

Adrian Barath

Alex Ferguson (left) with Michael Carrick

Shane Watson was checked on after being hit by a bouncer

Chelsea top Stoke City

Chelsea ensured they will be top of the Premier League on Christmas Day after a hard-fought victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

John Terry’s header inside two minutes kickstarted a spiky contest that threatened to spill over at times.

Yet for all Stoke’s desire, Chelsea always looked in control and deservedly doubled their lead through Cesc Fabregas’s scuffed finish.

Steven Nzonzi had Stoke’s best chance but his deflected shot was well saved.

Victory took Chelsea three points clear of secondplaced Manchester City.

The only blight on Chelsea’s night came with a late injury to Eden Hazard, who limped off after appearing to injure an ankle in a tangle with Jonathan Walters.

Ahead of the kick-off, much talk centred on the hackneyed issue of whether Chelsea’s stars could per-

form on a cold December night in Stoke.

Those inside the Britannia Stadium did not have to wait long for an answer, with barely 90 seconds on the clock when the visitors went in front.

After Branislav Ivanovic’s shot from Chelsea’s first attack was charged down, Terry’s unchallenged header from Fabregas’ resulting corner powered past the exposed Asmir Begovic.

Tempers nearly boiled over when Phil Bardsley went in hard on Hazard as the Belgian advanced down the left.

The tackle enraged Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho but referee Neil Swarbrick showed only a yellow card.

Stoke perked up and almost levelled when Nzonzi’s low strike deflected off Terry and forced a wonderful save down low from Thibaut Courtois, recalled in place of Petr Cech after a muscular injury.

Diego Costa should have

doubled Chelsea’s lead after half-an-hour when he raced clear on to Fabregas’ through ball but dragged his low drive just wide.

eague meetings with Chelsea came in this fixture last season, when they won 3-2 thanks to a last-minute winner from Oussama Assaidi, but a lack of midfield quality dimmed hopes of a repeat.

Instead, Stoke allowed themselves to be riled by the prickly Costa, who clashed repeatedly with Ryan Shawcross in the opening half and early in the second with Erik Pieters, earning the Stoke man a yellow card.

Stoke introduced Charlie Adam as a substitute in an attempt to add some composure in midfield and he nearly equalised when his sliced 20-yard drive spun just wide of the left-hand post.

With 12 minutes left, Hazard found Fabregas, whose untidy finish bobbled beyond the wrong-footed Begovic. (BBC Sport)

NBA Roundup… Kings top Lakers

KINGS 108, LAKERS 101

DeMarcus Cousins had 29 points and 14 rebounds in his second start since returning from a serious illness, and Sacramento beat Los Angeles to snap a five-game losing streak. Rudy Gay scored 24 points, and Ben McLemore added 23 points and eight rebounds to help the Kings pull away late. Sacramento had lost 10 of 12 games — going 2-8 while Cousins recovered from viral meningitis — and fired coach Michael Malone last week.

Tyrone Corbin won for the first time in three games as Sacramento’s interim coach.

Nick Young scored 26 points, and Kobe Bryant had 25 for the Lakers, who have lost six of eight. Bryant shot just 8 of 30 and had five rebounds and three assists.

PELICANS 101, THUNDER 99

Anthony Davis scored 38 points to lead New Orleans past Oklahoma City.

It was the third-highest point total of Davis’ career. He made 16 of 22 shots and had 12 rebounds.

Jrue Holiday had 11 points and matched a career high with 15 assists for the Pelicans.

Russell Westbrook scored 29 points for the Thunder, but he missed a 3-pointer that could have given Oklahoma City the lead in the closing seconds. Reggie Jackson added 19 points.

Oklahoma City forward

Details released of alleged rape by Florida State quarterback Winston

Awoman says she pleaded, “please stop, no,” as Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston allegedly raped her, according to transcripts from a university hearing released on Monday by her attorneys after he was cleared in the proceeding.

More than 200 pages of documents detail the female student’s version of the December 2012 encounter with Winston, who last year won the Heisman Trophy.

When they met at a bar near campus, the woman did not know Winston’s name, according to her statements at the disciplinary hearing in Tallahassee, Florida, earlier this month.

Back at his apartment, she said, Winston forced her to have sex in a bedroom and in a locked bathroom.

“I said please stop, no, multiple times,” she said at the hearing. “I remember pleading just for him to stop.”

The woman, then a student at Florida State, answered questions about the incident from retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Major B. Harding, who was retained by the university to oversee the proceeding. Her name was removed from the transcript.

Winston did not answer questions, but submitted a detailed account of what he described as a consensual sexual encounter, saying he “never used physical violence, threats, or other coercive means.”

Neither version appeared more credible than the other, concluded Harding,

clearing Winston of student conduct code violations in a letter that became public on Sunday.

Winston has not been charged criminally in the incident. The case has received wide attention as Winston prepares to lead the undefeated Florida State Seminoles into the first collegiate football playoffs next month.

It comes as the National Football League faces criticism for its handling of domestic violence and abuse by its players. Federal education officials are investigating Florida State under Title IX, which requires colleges receiving federal funds to promptly investigate sexual

abuse complaints.

The woman, now studying at a university in Tampa, near her hometown, said she had to leave Florida State after receiving death threats.

Her Colorado-based attorneys, John Clune and Baine Kerr, said they released the transcripts to “correct any misrepresentations.”

Winston’s attorney could not immediately be reached for comment on Monday.

“I have had my most horrible life experience played out and debated in local and national media,” the woman said, according to the transcripts.

“I don’t care about football or money or (Winston’s) career,” she said. “I just want the truth to be heard.” (Reuters)

Durant missed his

Markieff Morris each scored 17 points, Goran Dragic added 16 and Phoenix beat Washington to end the Wizards’ winning streak at six.

on their trip after losing six in a row. They opened the road swing in Charlotte on Wednesday night and beat New York on Saturday.

straight and have dropped 15 of 16 overall. New York fell to 2-13 on the road and 1-6 in the second game of

Luol Deng had 23 points, James Ennis scored 10 of his 16 in the fourth quarter and

It was the first time in 154 games that Miami

mer Big Three — Dwyane

Wizards with 17 points, and Kevin Seraphin had a season-high 16.

Washington cut it to 9589 on Paul Pierce’s layup with 2:40 to play, but the Suns scored nine straight — seven by Bledsoe — to take a 104-89 lead with 1:01 to play.

RAPTORS 118, KNICKS 108

Lou Williams and Kyle Lowry each scored 22 points, and Toronto Raptors beat New York for its sixth consecutive win.

Greivis Vasquez had 21 points and Terrence Ross added 18 for the Raptors, who never trailed in matching their longest winning streak of the season. Toronto also won six straight from Nov. 15-26.

Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points for New York. The Knicks lost their fifth

game with a left calf strain and James now plays for Cleveland.

Tyler Zeller scored 22 points for Boston, which had won three straight.

PACERS 100, TIMBERWOLVES 96

C.J. Miles scored 28 points and David West bulled his way to the basket for two big points with 34 seconds to play to help Indiana hold off Minnesota. Miles hit 10 of 18 shots and Roy Hibbert had 15 points, eight rebounds and four blocks for the Pacers, who got 48 points from their bench. They shot a seasonhigh 50 percent from the field on the second night of a back-to-back and forced 16 turnovers to win for just the second time this month. (The Blade)

Sammy cameo helps fire Hobart to big win

West Indies allrounder Darren Sammy produced a stunning late order cameo to help propel Hobart Hurricanes to a strong 52run victory over Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League here Saturday.

Sent in at the MCG, Hobart made 190 for five off their 20 overs, with Sammy slamming a robust unbeaten 38 off just 16 balls. In reply, Melbourne faltered badly and were restricted to 138 for nine off their allotted overs.

Playing in the third game of the glitzy Twenty20 tournament, Hobart got a top score of 68 off 44 balls from Jonathan Wells and 43 off 42 balls from opener Ben Dunk. Hobart were tottering at 31 for three in the sixth until Wells and Dunk posted 90 for the fourth wicket. However, it was Sammy who proved the catalyst for the innings. With Hobart losing momentum at 143 for five at the end of the 18th over, the right-hander blast-

Darren Sammy

ed four fours and three sixes to leave Melbourne shellshocked. He ripped into seamer Daniel Worrall in the 19th over of the innings, smashing three sixes and two fours as the over gushed 29 runs. In reply, Melbourne were led by captain and opener Cameron White who hit 62 but seamer Ben Hilfenhaus snared four for 27 to help wreck the innings. (Trinidad Guardian)

Cesc Fabregas’ goal was his second in the league this season

Kevin

Wade, Chris Bosh or LeBron James. Wade sat with a bruised right knee, Bosh missed his fifth straight

DeMarcus Cousins

Jameis Winston

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Pollard fails but team wins

West Indies Twenty20 star Kieron Pollard failed but his Adelaide Strikers did just enough to sneak to a one-wicket win over Perth Scorchers with two balls to spare in the Big Bash League yesterday.

Opting to bat, the Scorchers finished on 146 for seven and the Strikers then stumbled and stuttered before securing eight runs from the last over to steal a nerve-wracking victory at the WACA.

Brad Hodge led Adelaide’s charge with 42 from 36 balls with five fours and a six, but no other batsman managed to reach 20.

He posted 26 for the third wicket with Travis head (12) and further 27 for the fourth wicket with Pollard, whose 15 contained a six and a four and came from 11 balls.

Pollard was bowled by left-arm seamer Jason Behrendorff in the 13th over, playing around a full length delivery.

Hodge, however, batted deep into the innings to put the visitors in sight of victory.

Strange timing…

Jason Holder’s replacement of Dwayne Bravo as West Indies One-Day International captain less than two months before next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup is a case of strange timing according to two former regional cricketers.

“I find the timing is suspect, because of what happened in India. It seems a little suspicious,” said former Test opener Bryan Davis, also an official at Bravo’s Queen’s Park Cricket Club.

Bravo, skipper and spokesman for the ODI squad that controversially abandoned the one-day, Test and Twenty20 series in India in October, was on Saturday left out of the ODI squad for the series against South Africa, along with senior players Darren Sammy and Kieron Pollard.

The three have been retained for the three-match T20 series which follows the current three-Test rubber, with Sammy keeping the captaincy.

In his comments via a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) press release explaining the change from Bravo to Holder, chairman of the selection panel Clive Lloyd gave no reasons for the omission of the three seniors players from the one-day team. Davis questioned those omissions.

“I was surprised from the point of view the Board said there would not be discrimination against those who went to India, so I was expecting a similar team to the one that went to India. If that was the best team at the time, I don’t see anything that happened (cricket-wise) between then and now to create any changes,” he told the Express.

Cup?

"The young captain does not have time to get experience on the field of play and bond with his team. The best time to have done this would have been after the World Cup, I would have thought. If you were thinking about a transiition to youth, that should have happened after the World Cup.”

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Having brokered the Hyatt Accord between the disputing players, the WICB and the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) following their falling out over the terms of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Dr Ralph Gonsalves stated that as part of the terms of the agreement, “the Board agreed that there would be no discrimination, there would be no victimisation and that the best players would be available for selection and the best team would be selected.

The Board reiterated its position for fairness and transparency in selection and specifically that there be no discrimination against any of these players.”

In the WICB release on Saturday, Lloyd said the selectors, “decided that now is the time to make the transition and Jason will have people around him to help and guide him.” However, Davis questioned the transition at this time.

“I see nothing wrong with Jason Holder being captain but the question is the timing... If you are going to change to a younger captain,” he said, “why not do it before the India tour? Why now when you just have the South African series and straight into the World

He added: “I believe it has to do with the abandonment of the tour of India. Dwayne Bravo has suffered the consequences....I am only judging by what the WICB said that there would be no discrimination. They could cover it up and talk about transition, but the timing was very bad.”

Davis also doubted that the axed trio would now be included in the final squad for the World Cup. “I don’t think that they should venture from the team that they selected for the South Africa tour,” he said. “That is the team that has the advantage of preparing in a place like South Africa.”

Former West Indies wicketkeeper and Chairman of Selectors Michael Findlay also found the timing of Bravo and company’s removal “a little strange.” But he was also concerned that too much was being asked of 23-year-old budding allrounder Holder too soon.

“I would have thought they would have given him a chance to develop as a player before they thrust upon him the responsibility of captaincy of a West Indies team that is really struggling a great deal. I thought it was a little premature. They pushed him in the firing line too early. That is bound to affect the young man. I hope he is strong enough to cope.”

Holder is currently a part of the squad that lost the first Test by an innings and 220 runs, the West Indies’ biggest-ever loss in South Africa. (Trinidad Express)

Earlier, Michael Klinger hit 49 from 33 balls to create the early momentum in the Scorchers’ innings.

Pollard sent down one over which cost 11 runs.

(Trinidad Express)

Kieron Pollard

Jason Holder

GFA Banks Beer Cup...

Camptown rout Beacons FC 6-1

Sunburst Camptown comprehensively sealed their place in the knockout stages of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Banks Beer Cup on Sunday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground.

Camptown needed the win to qualify and did so in emphatic fashion.

However, Beacons came out red hot, opening the game with a goal in the sixth minute from the boot of Akeel Pinhiero.

Peter Parks equalised for Camptown in the 11th minute to start the routing as Reshawn Sandiford would give Camptown the lead heading into the half with a goal in the 20th minute.

The second half was a goal-scoring fest for the Camptown players as Sandiford added two more goals to his tally in the 69th and 90th minutes to finish with a hat-trick, while Parks added a second for a double in the 55th minute.

Completing the scoring barrage by Camptown with a solo effort was Anthony Sancho with a goal in the 65thh minute.

Meanwhile in the feature game of the evening, Riddim Squad topped Santos FC 3-1 to move on to the knockout stage of the tournament.

Riddim Squad came out with fluent passes and immediately scored in the first minute of the game and notched a second nine minutes later in the 10th minute, both goals being

scored by Amos Ramsay as a rout seemed on hand at that point.

However, Kenroy Demonic scored in the 24th minute to make the score 2-1 as Santos settled their nerves to end the first half.

In the second, half both teams continued the search for goals as both needed a win to qualify.

A goal from Andel Flue in the 65th minute sealed the win for Riddim Squad to end the night of goal- scoring action.

Windies touchdown for crucial Test

Embattled West Indies touched down here

Monday afternoon, to start preparations for the crucial second Test against South Africa starting Boxing Day.

The visitors, still smarting from their heavy innings and 220-run defeat at Centurion in the first Test, arrived to a distinctly Caribbean-flavoured ceremony, involving dancers and steel pan orchestra.

Following a rest day on

Monday, the Windies will hold their first training session on Tuesday evening, as they beef up preparations for the Test they must win if they are to have any chance of clinching the three-match series.

They are expected to be joined shortly by left-arm seamer Kenroy Peters who was called up last weekend to replace injured fast bowler Kemar Roach. Barbadian Roach has been ruled out of the series

after injuring his right ankle during the final session of the opening day of the first Test.

There has been no word yet on the arrival of lefthander Narsingh Deonarine, a replacement for the injured Assad Fuddin.

West Indies won the last Boxing Day Test here seven years ago, when they beat the hosts 128 runs, but went on to lose the three-match series 2-1. (Windies Cricket)

Vitamalt, Aqua Mist WDFA knockout tourney...

Controversy ends Uitvlugt’s campaign

Uitvlugt forfeited against Den Amstel before the second half of their game started on Saturday evening when the Vitamalt/Aqua Mist sponsored West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) knockout tourney continued at the Den Amstel ground.

With Den Amstel leading 3-1 at the half, Uitvlugt refused to take the field, citing bad lighting at the ground.

One of the mobile lightning towers failed which

Stag

darkened the right side of the field.

However, the officials following an inspection of the playing area deemed the lighting conditions sufficient for the match to continue.

The management of the Uitvlugt team was in disagreement with the officials despite being warned of a possible forfeit if they failed to take the field.

Meanwhile, in the first half of action, Travis Hilliman, Andre Hector and Delon Lanferman

scored goals for Den Amstel in the 1st, 35th and 39th minutes respectively.

In the first game of the evening, Slingerz FC needled Pouderoyen 1-0 to make their way to the final of the tournament.

Anthony Abrams scored the game’s lone goal in the 12th minute as both teams found it hard to move forward for more goals.

Slingerz FC and Den Amstel will now meet in the final of the tournament on December 26.

Beer “Super 16” football tournament...

NA United demolish Panthers 10-1

ew

NAmsterdam United did not disappoint their home fans when the Stag Beer “Super 16” Football Tournament continued on Sunday in Berbice with a demolition of Timehri Panthers.

The game started with both teams making a few defensive mistakes as the nerves were evident in the knockout fixture.

However, Adrian Adams’ goal in the 18th minute started the demolition derby as he would go on to score four more goals in the 36th, 86th, 88th and 90th minutes for a five-goal haul.

Rondel Hazel notched a double in the 29th and 45th minutes while Devon James registered a double as well

in the 73rd and 84th minutes.

Completing the massive score line was Leonard Adams, scoring in the 59th minute for the Panthers.

With the win, New Amsterdam will face off with fellow Berbice side Monedderlust FC on Christmas Day at the Buxton Community Ground. Meanwhile in the earlier game, Mahaica Determonators defeated Rosignol United 2-0 to move into the quarterfinal round. Kurt Roberts and Quincy Holder scored in the 12th and 29th minutes respectively to secure the win for the East Bank side.

more questions than answers surround omission of senior Wi players

More questions than answers surround the dismissals of Dwayne Bravo as captain and Kieron Pollard and Darren Sammy from the West Indies’ ODI team for next month’s five ODIs in South Africa.

Equally so, an official explanation is still awaited for the earlier, mystifying omission of Ravi Rampaul from the provisional 30 for the forthcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Given the ways of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) we shouldn’t hold our breath waiting.

They all come in the confusing aftermath of the pull out of the ODI team on its tour of India, leaving one ODI, one Twenty20 and three Tests abandoned.

Rampaul’s exclusion was the first; somehow, it slipped under the radar.

Here is arguably the West Indies best ODI bowler over the past few years.

Only Dwayne Bravo (199 in 164 matches) and Chris

Gayle (158 in 255 ODIs) have more wickets than his 115 in 90 ODIs. His 5.08 runs-perover rate is among the most economical in the team; his seven wickets in the three ODIs against Bangladesh in the West Indies’ most recent home were at 14.10 runs each and 3.81 runs an over.

There have been no reports since that he is injured or unfit. Yet he can’t make even a provisional squad of 30. Just what’s going on?

It is hard to credit the assumption that, like Bravo, Pollard and Sammy, he was penalised for being among the 15 in India.

On the team’s withdrawal from India, it is generally accepted that the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and the players were equally culpable. Indeed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) pointed the finger of blame directly at the WICB and informed it that it would seek US$42 million in com-

pensation for the losses caused.

The Task Force, appointed by the WICB itself to in-

to the WIPA and to the players”, found all three parties at fault for different reasons.

“We are of the view that

vestigate the background to the fiasco and “render their opinion of the degree of culpability attributed to the WICB,

the fundamental and overriding excuse for the players withdrawing their labour… was the attempted imposi-

tion of new contractual terms of employment on the players, negotiated between the Board and WIPA which the players saw for the first time after they got to India,” the report added.

It also placed “a significant proportion of the blame” on the players, “particularly its leaders”.

“Senior players in any overseas squad bear a great responsibility to set standards and create examples for the more junior players to follow,” it added, charging that the senior players failed on this point.

It made no recommendations of what action the WICB should take. This was not in its remit. All the same, it is obvious that Bravo, Sammy and Pollard, if not Rampaul, are paying the price as senior players.

All well and good but surely the WICB and the WIPA deserve similar treatment for their part in the fiasco. This was always a farfetched notion. There was

no way the resignation of the WICB president and the chief executive officer and their WIPA equivalent would coincide with the demotion to the Twenty20 ranks of Bravo, Pollard and Sammy. These administrators answer to no one but themselves.

It is not that the shakeup announced on Saturday was unexpected.

From the start, Clive Lloyd, the new chairman of selectors who was with the team in India, was clear in his condemnation of the players’ actions.

“I spoke to them on every occasion. I told them what was the situation,” he said on the tv sports channel, Digicel Sportsmax. “They didn’t listen. I’m very disappointed they didn’t.”

“It was just a dialogue that was needed, I told them to play and assess the situation (later),” he added. “I don’t think it was the intelligent thing to do. I am very disappointed”. (Trinidad Express)

Reshawn Sandiford

Amos Ramsay

Adrian Adams

Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy

Rest of the World emerge champions in Golf Club tournament

With their love for the game and their spirits undaunted by the recent arson that destroyed valuable club equipment, golfers turned out in high enthusiasm on Saturday for the club-sponsored Rest of the World versus Lusignan Golf Club tournament.

At the end of the day’s play, the Rest of the World emerged champions. They defeated Lusignan Golf Club 12 points to eight.

Three prizes were awarded for the day’s play. They were the Team prize, the Best Net Pair prize and the Most Honest Pair prize.

The competition was played in a ‘pairs format’ –the simple average of handicaps and scores of pairs of members of each team were calculated and the pair with the Best Net awarded the appropriate prize. The Team prize was determined by the sum of the net points awarded each pair in the team.

Best Net pair was Kishan Bacchus (handicap 16) and Kalyan Tiwari (handicap 20) whose average handicap of 18 and average gross of 76 resulted in the best net of 58.

The Most Honest Pair was Hilbert Shields (handicap 18) and Mohanlall “Santo” Dinanauth (handicap 4) whose average handicap of 11 and average gross of 75 resulted in a net 64.

Captain Chatterpaul Deo expressed his pleasure at the turnout, the keenness of the competition and the high morale with which golfers participated.

Deo was also grateful for the effort Grounds

Supervisor Mike Gayadin and foreman Avinash Persaud expended to ensure that the greens were in fine condition despite the loss of the valuable equipment that would normally be used to provide easy preparation of the greens.

Metro seals sponsorship deal for Boxing Day...

Metro Office and Computer Supplies has offset the first prize and winner’s trophy for the feature A1 and Lower event.

At a simple ceremony held at Metro’s Office in Quamina Street, Georgetown, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Avia Maria Lindie handed over a $1,000,000 cheque and a trophy to KMTC President Cecil Kennard.

Lindie said that the company was once again happy to be associated with the event and this was the sixth year it has been on board.

“Metro Office and Computer Supplies has been associated with the Kennard Memorial Turf Club for several years and the continued sponsorship symbolises that ongoing relationship and recognition that the “King of Sports” is a part of the sporting mosaic in Guyana,” the CEO said.

Kennard, in his response, thanked Metro for its continued support towards the horse racing industry, reminding that not only his club benefits from its generosity, but almost the entire sporting fraternity.

He said he was optimistic that the current friendship between the two entities will be strengthened in the future.

Kennard stated that the

from back page

Hickerson wins table tennis Clash of the Champions

Fmeet will be of a high standard, especially since the majority of the country’s top horses will be participating.

Further, the KMTC head is hoping that there is good weather so that “Turfites” can enjoy the day’s activities.

Meanwhile, registration closes today, according to Kennard.

“Entries were supposed to close yesterday (Monday), but with the number of horse owners still interested in having their animals register, we have decided to extend the registration process to another day, so entries will close tomorrow (today),” Kennard said.

Further, Kennard stated that the entrance fee for adults is $1200, while children under 10 will be admitted free and children between 10 and 16 years old will be admitted into the venue for $600 each.

Programme and Parking cost $300 each. Eight races are billed for the day with race time set for 12:30h.

Meanwhile, the race is being conducted under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and, according to Kennard, the rules of the local governing body would be rigidly enforced

ormer national junior table tennis player Orin Hickerson outplayed top junior talent Shemar Britton to win the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Clash of the Champions Tournament on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Hickerson, who sponsored the tournament along with former national player Jonathan Sankar, defeated Britton in a thrilling contest that ended 4-3 at 7-11, 7-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6, and 11-2. Joint third place went to Joel Alleyne and Edinho Lewis.

However, Britton did have some success during the day by winning the junior open title against the phenomenal Chelsea Edghill.

Britton won the contest handsomely with a 4-1 win against the female star that went 9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-7, and 11-

7. Joint third place went to Elishaba Johnson and Kyle Edghill.

The tournament has brought to an end a successful year for the GTTA as the Association plans to serve off its 2015 year on January 11 with a senior tournament at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Anil Beharry to play greatest innings...

Another aspect, Beharry identified, as an important spoke in the wheel of improving Berbice’s cricket was the return of threeday cricket, which, according to him, the board is currently in negotiations with several stakeholders for such initiative.

Further, Beharry pointed out that the relationship between clubs in Berbice is also at the top of his agenda.

“I want to try and bridge that gap: clubs in Berbice needs to work together,” he said.

Multitalented

Beharry represented Bermine Cricket Club as a junior and senior player and is a former captain. He also represented Police Sports, Upper Corentyne and Young Warriors Cricket Club where he has been an executive for over

13 years.

He is very instrumental in the success of the club and the transformation of the venue to one of the better ones in the county.

Beharry represented Berbice at the senior level from 1995 to 1997 and was called for national trials in 1996.

He also represented the country in 1990 at the softball level and played for Berbice for close to two decades.

As an administrator, he has been an executive of the Berbice Cricket Board for over 15 years. He has also served with distinction for four years as the assistant treasurer of the Guyana Cricket Board before it became controversial.

Despite the fact that he is not quite 45 years old, Beharry has been in the banking sector for 28 years

and has been a manager with New Building Society since 1997.

He was a member of the New Amsterdam Secondary School Board of Directors, and served for a year as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA). He was also the Public Relations Officer for the Berbice Chambers of Commerce.

Beharry currently serves as a councillor on the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and head of the Health, Youth and Sports Sub Committees.

Beharry is also the Chairman of the Albion Lights Committee and the Vice Chairman of the recently-resuscitated Region Six Road Safety Association. He is the lo -

cal representative of the North America-based Old Students Association for Berbice Educational Institute.

According to the BCB’s constitution, the three associations: West Berbice, Berbice River and Upper Corentyne are entitled to four votes each, while the 14 clubs affiliated with the BCB are entitled to two votes each.

Those clubs entitled to voting rights are: Kidonan, Whim, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sport Club, Albion, Chesney, Rose Hall Community Centre, Young Warriors, Bermine, Police, Mental, Mount Sinai, and Blairmont.

Incumbent President Keith Foster cannot seek re-election since his twoyear three term period expires at the end of the year.

The members of the victorious Rest of the World team, minus Roberto Grisi. From left: Hilbert Shields (past President of LGC), Ian Gouveia, Mohanlall 'Santo' Dinanuth (past Guyana Open champion), Kalyan Tiwari, Nick Jackson (visiting player of South Africa),

Richard Haniff, Kishan Bacchus, Fazil 'That’s it' Haniff (also a past Guyana Open champion), and Parmanand 'Max' Persaud

WICB President visits local softball association

West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)

President Dave Cameron paid a courtesy call to the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) on Friday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground.

Once there, Cameron viewed a game of softball cricket while in the company of DCC President Alfred Mentore.

Cameron was enthusiastic over the different version of cricket and intimated that he would love to start similar types of the game in his native country Jamaica.

The members of the GFSCA took the opportunity to present the WICB boss with one of their white softballs which are used in local and international softball cricket tournaments.

Anil Beharry to play greatest innings of career

– says focus will be on development of school cricket

He is not known for aggressive batting and pulsating bowling but as an administrator who gets the job done without fanfare.

Presidential candidate and first Vice President of the Berbice Cricket Board

(BCB), Anil Beharry is being forced to play the greatest innings of his career if he should be at the helm of the sport in that county.

The Annual General Meeting of the BCB fixed for December 28 is expected to be an intriguing battle.

Despite getting the support from at least two of the three associations and 12 affiliated clubs with the BCB, Beharry faces a strong challenge from President of the Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC), businessman Vicram Suebarran for the presidency.

But in an exclusive interview on Sunday, Beharry remained confident, saying the elections would be an easy walkover for him.

He outlined three important aspects he would love to see accomplished under his stewardship.

He pointed out that school cricket at the Under-15 and 17 levels is top priority. “One of my main aims is to have a robust schools system in place which produces players who are equipped for elite level at a younger age,” Beharry outlined.

He is of the opinion that strengthening cricket at the school level will ultimately sustain the sport in the county and in future.

turn to page 23

Metro seals sponsorship deal for Boxing Day race meet

– registration closes today

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Metro Office and Computer Supplies on Monday added

its name to the list of corporate entities that have thrown their support behind the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Boxing Day

horse race meet. The one-day event is scheduled for the club’s track at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, from 12:30h.

WICB President Dave Cameron (fourth from right) poses with some of the GFSCA officials at the softball game on Friday

Anil Beharry

Metro’s Chief Executive Officer Avia Maria Lindie presents the trophy to KMTC President Cecil Kennard, while Metro’s Manager Bernard Ramsaroop looks on