Guyana Times Daily - December 31, 2014

GAWU knocks arbitration ruling Page 17

...to challenge decision in different fora THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2360

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

PRICE

Alarm bells on militarypacked APNU Page 3

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Widespread shortage of gas at Guyoil pumps P5

– Lt Col Harmon (rtd) plays down “clear and present danger”

Victims of nursing school scam awaiting P10 next move East Berbice to get new road after decades P10

Page 9

Port Kaituma Power Company woes:

“Give recovering drug addicts a chance” – Finance Minister

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (sitting second left); Advisory Board Chairman of the Salvation Army and Rehabilitation Centre Edward Boyer (middle row left), Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army Major Emmerson Cumberbatch (sitting left), and the staff of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre

Missing teen found Crucial 72hour window dead at 'highway' expires today creek ...five held as family Page 7

Page 2

...as search continues for missing ASL plane

suspects foul play

Fuel suppliers still awaiting payments P11

Roraima Airways P12 honours Army veterans Bodies and debris found in AirAsia P15 search

2 news

wednesDAY, deceMBER 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Missing teen found dead at 'highway' creek ... five held as family suspects foul play

By Bhisham Mohamed

A

Dead: Dhaniram Ramgopaul

lmost two days after a teenager went missing, his lifeless body was fished out of the Aziza Akouza Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway on Tuesday morning, leaving his family to believe that he was murdered.

Dhaniram Ramgopaul, also called “Ryan”, of 134 Phase Two Good Hope, East Coast Demerara went missing on Sunday during an outing at the resort with his

family and friends. The former Apex Academy Fourth Form student was last seen going to use the washroom and subsequently disappeared.

The family reportedly searched throughout the night and came up empty handed, but resumed their search on Monday and again were unsuccessful. It was not until Tuesday morning that a handyman who works at the creek found the body floating in the black water.

The man told the

Relatives of the dead teen at the scene on Tuesday morning

Guyana Times that he woke up about 05:00h as normal and went to the shop to buy something to cook, and as he was returning home in a taxi, he saw something floating in the water but initially thought it was a bag.

He then recalled that a teen was missing and asked the taxi driver to stop the vehicle and as they looked closer, they realised that the floating object was the body of the missing teen. His body was face down and suffered bite damage near the mouth caused by fish.

Kidnapping

The handyman immediately contacted the Police who arrived on the scene a few minutes later. At that time, he noted that he was not in possession of a phone number for the teen’s relatives, but another man in the area had it and subsequently contacted the family.

Jankie Seecharam, the mother of the dead teenager who was at the Timehri Police Station, recalled that her family planned a trip to the creek on Sunday and while there, they were having a grand time. At about 17:00h, she called upon the now dead teen informing him that they were ready to leave.

The grieving mother said that he came out of the water and told her that he was going to use the washroom and collected $100 from her.

“I see he as he crossed the road and headed in the direction of the washroom area, but after 15 minutes, he did not come back.” She recalled panicking and with the assistance of other family members, established several search parties.

After searching throughout Sunday evening, they came up empty handed. They left the area after 03:00h on Monday morning and later resumed the search, but again were unsuccessful in locating the teenager.

They were at the Police Station when they received a phone call informing them that Ramgopaul’s body was found floating in the creek.

“When I reach there, I see they already pull him out and he, his body had marks

of violence,” the teen’s mother said. “I suggest foul play, because his body fresh, fresh and if someone drowned, they woulda swell up, but I believe that someone kill he and probably throw he overboard this morning (Tuesday).”

Threats

On this note, she added that the Police had detained a young man on Sunday evening who claimed that he saw her son alive and that he was kept at a house in Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. “He then changed his mouth and say something else, but the Police continued to question him and he lead them to a house but as the Police went there, three other young men were seen escaping, but they were caught by public spirited citizens and Police.”

As the Police continued interrogating the young men, one of them reportedly told investigators that “A big woman knew what happen … he tell them that the woman de got my son tied up at the house and after he went and bathe and come back last night (Monday Night), he didn’t see back Ryan and that the woman had to know what happen to the boy.”

The woman whose name was given as ‘Mona’ is also in Police custody.

The teen’s eldest brother also related that after they received information about the house in Kuru Kururu, they went there but the woman who was now in Police custody suggested that they would find his brother’s body.

He did not understand the motive for making the threat, but was holding out that the woman was responsible for his brother’s death.

Meanwhile, the Police have said that until a postmortem examination is performed to determine the cause of death of the teenager, they cannot confirm if he was murdered. His body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home to awaiting the post-mortem. He leaves to mourn his parents and six siblings. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

NEWS

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wednesday, DECember 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, December 31 – 13:00h-14:30h and Thursday, January 1 – 14:00h-15:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, December 31 – 12:35h-14:05h and Thursday, January 1 – 13:25h-14:55h

Alarm bells on military-packed APNU – Lt Col Harmon (rtd) plays down “clear and present danger”

By Jomo Paul

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika departure:

Wednesday, December 31 – 01:00h and 13:00h

Supenaam departure:

Wednesday, December 31 – 01:00h and 13:00h

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers can be expected during the day, with thunder storms in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.91 metres and 6.25 metres per second.

High Tide: 00:15h and 12:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.27 metres and 2.37 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 06:09h and 18:49h reaching minimum heights of 0.94 metre and 0.84 metre respectively.

saturday, DECEMber 27, 2014

LOTTERY NUMBERS A 02 10 14 18 23 24 19 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Daily Millions

07 08 13 18 25 LUCKY 3

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Draw De Line 01 02 05 07 08

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

I

n the face of renewed concerns that Guyana’s major Opposition political party is being “militarised” with a squad of ex-service men leading it, General Secretary of A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Lt Col Joseph Harmon (rtd)) says this is not the case, while insisting that ex-servicemen have all rights to join whichever party they choose.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Secretary of the Defence Board, Dr Roger Luncheon recently said if he had his way he would make it constitutionally impossible for former military personnel to take leading roles in political parties shortly after demitting office.

In his estimation Harmon who is also a former officer of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) argued that servicemen are just as capable of leading a nation or being a politician as any other professionals from any given field.

Harmon deliberately chose to avoid the point that Dr Luncheon made: that it was not a matter of ex-servicemen voting for or joining political parties (which was their right of association), but of them dominating civilian political parties which operate on democratic practices rather than the authoritarian, hierarchical structure of military organisations.

Dr Luncheon had warned that there was no precedence in the Caricom Community (Caricom) and even in some other countries. Retired US Army officers Steve Corbett and Michael J Davidson back in 2010, in an article titled, “The Role of the Military in Presidential Politics”, wrote that the “endorsement of presidential candidates by senior retired officers carry the potential of legitimising the spread of partisan politics within the active-duty force”.

The officers cited a warning by an academic that “the captains and sergeants get

APNU General Secretary, Lt Col Joseph Harmon (rtd)

the impression that although more discretion is allowed retirees than active-duty soldiers, there’s nothing wrong with a military person articulating partisan views”.

In Guyana’s case, the already polarised nature of politics and the dominance of the armed forces by one ethnic group makes this danger even more pressing.

The officers wrote that the prospect of retired officers endorsing competing candidates runs the risk of undermining the confidence that the American public has in the military’s political neutrality.

In Guyana, leader of the People's National Congress (PNC) Desmond Hoyte had once spoken of his party’s “kith and kin” in the Disciplined Forces and almost ritually ethnic loyalties of the Army are courted at each election.

However, during a telephone interview with the Guyana Times on Monday evening, Harmon said he found it surprising that Dr Luncheon would make such a statement given the fact that he is the Secretary of the Defence Board.

According to Harmon, it is clear that there are only two ex-military servicemen at the helm of the partnership: himself and Brigadier David Granger (rtd).

He noted that Shadow

Home Affairs Minister Winston Felix should not be considered as a military service man, since he was an ex Commissioner of Police (COP).

But Harmon appeared to have forgotten, or chose to forget, that in Guyana, the Police Force and GDF are part of one united Disciplined Forces, and that an ex-Policeman (the head of the Traffic Police at that) Norman Mc Lean had been made Chief of Staff of the army and the Disciplined Forces, with the army rank of Major General, which is higher than the “Brigadier” that was awarded to Granger.

Harmon claimed that Luncheon’s statements were part of the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) “propaganda”, noting that the ruling party does not have anything that can “smear” the integrity of neither himself nor the APNU Leader David Granger.

“Dr Luncheon is repeating a PPP/C propaganda and this is what they will use in their campaign…there is no other way to smear us…this statement comes as part of PPP/C’s propaganda and nothing more than that” said Harmon.

He went on to question whether the leading party which has an abundance of doctors and legal practitioner is being “doctorized” or “legalized”.

Dr Luncheon had said that a “military-dominated” Opposition, and further a military dominated Government is disturbing.

He views former military officers going into politics soon after leaving office as one that could be addressed constitutionally.

“Were I to be given the authority by whatever possibility, I probably would have

a constitutional amendment that would not allow this situation that sees within a reasonable time frame, serving members of the disciplined forces ensconced and actively engaged in politics within days, weeks of their resignation, retirement, removal from service,” he said.

He would have been referring to the abovementioned COP Winston Felix and Brigadier Edward Collins participating in a PNC/ APNU illegal protest march that caused the Police to use pellets on them directly after the 2011 elections.

Dr Luncheon shared that he had this discussion with the last Chief-of-Staff, Gary Best, noting that “… I think our history - what we have gone through and what other countries went through, ought to have some influence on how avidly we protect these constitutional rights of individuals particularly when there is a possibility of conflict with the general and public good,” Dr Luncheon said.

Serving members of the Disciplined Forces actively engaging in politics within days of leaving their office puts a tremendous pressure on the Defence Secretariat, on Defence Headquarters and the leadership because now the potential for division exists and they now have to ensure that things do not go awry, Dr Luncheon said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, december 31, 2014

Views 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

Speed demons

D

uring the past few days, the cries from various organisations and individuals about the carnage on the country’s roadways during the course of the year have been loud, but the protestation is nothing new.

Perhaps, the stridency in condemnation had a little to do with the fact that road deaths at the end of October stood at 110, a staggering 33 per cent increase from the previous year.

From the period November to December, though official statistics are not available but will be published at a later time, road fatalities increased by quite a number, more noticeably in December.

Death is always a painful occasion, but in this case, the sorrow occurred at a time when there should be celebration, reflection and the charting of ways to overcoming challenges ahead.

Sadly, a few drivers because of their drunken state came close but yet so far in seeing the dawn of the new year and in their recklessness, they denied many others this opportunity.

When taken in totality at the end of October, it is clear that pedestrians continue to be the main victims, losing their lives, and in the majority of accidents, to none fault of theirs. From Police reports, as at October, 50 pedestrians succumbed in the wildness while 11 drivers perished in the process. Some of the 20 motor cyclists and 16 pedal cyclists who died in 2014 would have also lost their lives due to the irresponsibility of others.

All of these happen amid repeated calls from almost every section of society for motorists to use the road with care and efforts by the Police to clamp down on errant drivers. It is obvious that a huge majority of drivers took the appeal to use the road cautiously for granted and this is evident as some 16, 126 of the 58, 654 road delinquents were booked for speeding.

It is even more evident in light of the number of deaths in the latter part of December. While not taking anything away from the Police in their bid to address the problem, it would be useful if their reports can be more comprehensive. Every year, it has been observed that a massive number of drivers get reprimanded for various traffic offences, and the number has been consistently high over the years.

But no one hears of how many drivers had had their licence rescinded, even though calls continue to mount to rid the roadways of “speed demons”. The majority of those nabbed have been found to have above the permissible alcohol limit in their system.

This aside, it is common knowledge that many drivers in Guyana should not have been driving in the first place since they would have acquired their licence through corrupt means.

This is testimony to the fact that over 50,000 motorists were nabbed in the first 10 months of the year for running afoul of the law. This by any stretch of the imagination is more than alarming and unavoidably raises the question of the competence of many behind the wheels.

The accident on Sunday that claimed the life of a First Form President’s College stands out as a perfect example. The child was riding his bicycle along the corner of the road when he was struck down by a driver, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. What followed subsequently was even more deeply disturbing.

It was reported that the driver had said that he mistook the child, who was on a bicycle, for a dog.

At the very least be said, it is highly unfortunate that someone with this mentality is on the roadway, and the sad reality is that he is not the only one. These situations point to the need for a rethinking of the strategy to ensure safety on the roads. The time has come for motorists to undergo annual or perhaps biannual retesting to prove their worthiness on the roadways. This is an option the Police should consider in the New Year.

A long exposure image shows the El Portal Fire burning near Yosemite National Park, Calif. on July 27. Over 2500 acres burned and was just five per cent contained by the next morning (MSN)

The Former President has remained steadfast

Dear Editor, I was delighted to hear the news that former President Bharat Jagdeo has been appointed Head of the Commonwealth observer mission for Sri Lanka's elections.

This is at the invitation of head of the Sri Lanka Elections Commission Mahindra Deshapriya.

Mr Jagdeo has never been given his due for the many developments he brought to this country during his tenure as President.

He was instrumental in pushing for the University of Guyana campus at Tain; bridging of the Berbice River; consolidating the many infra-

structural developmentments introduced by the PPP/C, such as roads, water and electricity; overseeing the building of a stadium at Providence (which meets the criteria for hosting international matches); championing the cause for a cleaner environment through his reduced carbon emission programme for which he has been globally recognised; and many, many more.

His critics are focusing their attention on the limitations of his Goevernment and conveniently ignoring his many stellar achievements. It is quite instructive that Mr Jagdeo has been recognised and awarded for his achiecements by oth-

er countries around the world.

This speaks volumes of his integrity and capabilities.

It is very unfair and scandalous that Mr Jagdeo was labelled as an "idological racist" by a particular media house and one of its controversial columnists, when he (Jagdeo) has reached out to Guyanese of all creeds, colour, religions, and social and political persuasions.

It is indeed an injustice and travesty to accuse such a dynamic and inspirational leader of such a cruel thing.

However, Mr Jagdeo has remained steadfast to his goals and aspirations and he is being recognised by yet another

country. Some people in our country may not want to accord him with the necessary dignity and respect that a former President deserves, but he is moving on with charisma and humility.

Keep up the good work, Mr Jagdeo. As my former Principal said to a few of her teachers who were disrespectful to her, "Even if you don't respect me, at least respect my office".

This was quite instructive to me. Guyanes must respect their leaders, irrrespective of who they are. At least, respect the "Office of President".

Rakesh Singh

AFC leadership has been embroiled in repeated controversy Dear Editor, The Alliance for Change (AFC) should be the last grouping of persons to speak on certain matters since its leadership has been embroiled in repeated controversy over the last few years – a clear case of its members living in glass houses, yet insistent on throwing stones.

Notably too is that the evidence of this is a matter of public record, it is well documented.

AFC’s Leader Khemraj Ramjattan, himself has consistently misused his Parliamentary position to advance the cause of clients who retain him in his private capacity as a lawyer.

For example it was alleged that he was retained

by Fedders Lloyd to challenge in court the award of the Specialty Hospital to Surendra Engineering Company Limited (SECL).

Fedders Lloyd was one of the unsuccessful bidders in this case. Mr Ramjattan never filed any legal proceedings; instead he used his votes in the Parliament to withhold

budgetary allocations for the project.

He was also retained by Robert Badal, owner of the Pegasus Hotel to challenge in court the Marriot Hotel project. Again, he never filed any legal proceeding and again he misused his Parliamentary standing withhold budgetary allocations for the project.

Also, the AFC Leader is currently on trial at the Legal Practitioners Committee on the merits of an allegation from a one-legged beggar, who claims that Mr Ramjattan’s professional misconduct caused him to lose his property.

On the other hand you have Moses Nagamootoo who was retained for several years

by NICIL and paid over $6M. He never disclosed that to the Parliament, even as he and his party continued to attack NICIL in and out of the National Assembly.

The Standing Orders of Parliament mandate that such disclosures must be made. The same Nagamootoo also told the nation that the President’s pension was never

supported by him and he was put to shame by a Government Member of Parliament who produced the evidence in the Hansard that showed that he did in fact vote in support of the Presidential pension package.

There is also Cathy Hughes whose public relations company was retained

by Fip Motilall of Synergy Inc, which was involved with the Amaila Falls Hydropower project, and this was never disclosed to the Parliament.

Yet, in all this time her party was voting against Amaila.

AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes, is no less. He held the position of Synergy Inc’s Company Secretary. This fact he never disclosed, not even to his party, because when information became public, Mr Ramjattan at least has the decency of confessing that he was unaware that Mr Hughes was the firm’s Company Secretary.

Also, Mr Hughes was the lawyer of the foreman of the jury in the Lusignan massacre. He acted as the foreman’s lawyer in a civil case that last-

ed seven years in the High Court. That matter concluded mere months before the murder trial started.

Yet, Mr Hughes outrageously contended that he did not remember that he represented the foreman, although he acted on behalf of this man for seven years.

Mr Hughes was also implicated in another scandal where he refused to honour his contractual obligations to the owner of Mae’s Secondary School, by passing the title of ownership for the property on which the school stood within the time stipulates in the contract.

This caused a bank to foreclose a mortgage on the school’s premises, jeopardizing the welfare of dozens of students who were preparing to write CSEC exams.

Indeed, these are the last set of person to speak on any matter regarding law. One clearly must not throw stones when they reside in glass houses.

Balram Singh

NEWS

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wednesDAY, december 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Widespread gas shortage at Guyoil pumps – Guyoil CEO promises relief soon

O

ver the weekend the initial shortage of gasoline reported in Essequibo at Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) gas stations have spread to other parts of the country.

On Tuesday, the Guyana Times visited a Guyoil branded fuel station on the outskirts of Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice where there was a very prominent sign that read “NO GAS”.

On enquiring, this newspaper was informed that the fuel station has been without fuel since December 24 (Christmas Eve).

During the few minutes spent at the pump station, about 10 drivers drove into the facility evidently not noticing the sign, only to be greeted with the depressing news. One driver told the Guyana Times that he did not understand the situation since Guyoil is the stateowned company and should at all times be able to provide fuel for those in need.

He contended that “there is some slackness going on

Gas was unavailable at this Fort Wellington gas station since December 24

somewhere”.

While some fuel stations had long lines of persons waiting to pay for fuel, others had similar signs warning drivers that fuel was not available.

This shortage is particularly alarming given that

the economy of Region Five (Mahaica-West Berbice) is based on agriculture and machinery used in this sector includes tractors and pumps all use fuel.

For now, it is uncertain just how far-reaching the fuel shortage is, but

the Guyana Times has confirmed reports that the previously reported shortage in Essequibo are still ongoing and commuters are becoming more frustrated over the issue.

When contacted on Tuesday, the Chief

Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyoil Badree Persaud, conceded that there were shortages and told the Guyana Times that the situation should soon return to normalcy.

He explained that during the holiday season, the shipment of fuel from Venezuela was delayed; hence, the shortage. According to the CEO, the shipment of fuel was supposed to have arrived sometime on Monday; owing to further delays, the new estimated date of arrival is January 1, 2015.

He explained that gas stations owned by Guyoil have enough fuel to take them through the season as this was ensured; the gas stations reporting shortages are owned by independent franchise holders. It was noted too that steps would be taken to send fuel to those areas most affected by the shortage as soon as possible.

The gas shortage had thrown the Essequibo gas stations into chaos on Sunday, with many resi-

dents calling it the “holiday spoiler”.

“Imagine this is the Christmas season and we have to go through this. No gas, we can’t use our vehicles,” John Satram told the Guyana Times while standing outside his car at the Charity Market Square on Sunday. For the entire Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) only one gas station located at Supenaam was in operation on Sunday and had gasoline available.

Other gas stations only had diesel to supply consumers.

One taxi driver said that his day was spent in search of gasoline as he drove along the entire Coast. “I drove to the end; luckily, I managed to get a restricted amount of $4000.”

Motorists at Supenaam said there were many minor accidents as drivers hassled each other for position in the long lines at the Amin Gas Station in Supenaam. Many prominent gas stations were closed.

Pedal cyclists must use roadways responsibly Dear Editor, The Guyana Police Force is calling on pedal cyclists to use the roadways in a more responsible manner and not in a way that is dangerous to themselves and other road users.

Pedal cyclists are often seen weaving in and out among traffic, not stopping at intersections, riding against the flow of traffic, towing on the handle bar, riding without holding the handle bar, failing to confirm to traffic signs and signals, and at nights riding without lights or reflectors.

Pedal cyclists, by doing the aforementioned, you not only expose yourself to great danger which can result in serious injuries or death, but compromise the safety of other road users. So far for this year a total of 20 motor cyclists have lost their lives due to fatal accidents, compared to 13 for the same period last year.

A bicycle is considered a vehicle and its usage is governed by the Law. Section 58 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02 states: “Any person in charge of

a vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, who uses or causes or permits such vehicle to be used or any road without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the said road, shall be guilty of an offence.” Here are a few road safety tips for pedal cyclists: Ensure that your cycle is equipped with bell brakes, lights and reflectors; never ride more than two abreast and it is advisable to ride in single file; always glance behind and ensure it is clear before you move off or change course; never tow anyone on

the handle bar; and never hold on to a moving vehicle.

During enforcement operations aimed at road safety over the period December 21 to 27, the Police Traffic Department made a number of cases against motorists for breaching the traffic laws.

These include speeding (113); driving under the influence (27); breach of condition of Road Service Licence (16); careless driving (six); dangerous driving (10); failure to wear safety helmet (two); failure to wear seat belt (15); and prohibition of the use of hand held mobile

Advice by DPP legally correct Dear Editor, I refer to the recent advice by the DPP, which is legally correct, and thank her for not wasting the taxpayers money.

Let me explain, if charg-

es were recommended, then there must be a hearing by a court of law, the presence of a prosecutor and defense counsel.

The end result will be no different to the rape

charge of the former Police Commissioner Henry Greene and which was based on the advice of the DPP. The charges against the former Police

Commissioner were dismissed in the High Court.

Coleen McWilfred 18 C Field, Sophia

phone (10).

Ivelaw Whittaker

Public Relations Press Officer

and

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, december 31, 2014

Page Foundation Family resolutions that stick

Healthy New Year’s resolutions – how to give your resolutions staying power for children

BY MARY ALICE COOKSON

T

he start of a new year is a time when many families take stock of what’s working – and not working – in their homes. Are family meals happening consistently? Is the morning routine running smoothly? Are chores being shared by all members of the household? If not, maybe it’s time for some family-sized resolutions.

New Year’s resolutions are difficult to keep, which is why many people don’t make them, or they abandon them before even getting started!

Family resolutions are even trickier because of ingrained family dynamics and all the personalities involved.

How can we give our resolutions sticking power? How do we bring about positive and lasting behavioural changes instead of ending up frustrated or defeated?

Start small The best way to make behavioural changes within your family is to “start where you are and set reasonable, reachable goals,” says Shayna Ross, a certified health coach with Advanced Neurotherapy in Needham. “Set yourself up for success so that you can then build on that success.

For example, if you currently

eat out all the time and your resolution is to cook more, start by setting the goal ‘I will cook one night a week’ as opposed to ‘I will no longer eat out.’”

Ross speaks from the experience of having grown up in a family business devoted to helping children and families make behavioural

changes. Her mother, Jolene Ross, PhD, is a neurobehavioural psychologist and the Director/Owner of Advanced Neurotherapy. Dr Ross recommends using the Premack Principle, which means have a less desirable activity precede a more desirable activity. For example, first get dressed, then have breakfast.

“Most children are hungry in the morning. If breakfast is yummy, it will be motivating,”

says Dr Ross. “Also, children can earn a favourite snack to be handed to them as they walk out the door if they are ready on time. So the principle is, in its essence, first we do this, then comes the good stuff. You build the chain of what you do before the good stuff.” This helps keep kids moving and on track without

having to constantly nag them, she maintains.

Vicki Donlan, a business coach on the South Shore who specialises in working with women entrepreneurs, agrees that setting small achievable goals is critical in business and in life. Rather than bite off more than one can chew by saying, “Let’s save for Disney World,” Donlan advises starting with smaller goals so that children will see that goals are achievable. “Save bottles

and put the money aside each time they are returned for a special family movie and dinner night,” she suggests.

Motivate with rewards Shayna Ross says she’s witnessed that “positive reinforcement, such as a sticker chart in which stickers can be exchanged for prizes, works far better than punishment in helping children with goal setting and achieving them.”

Donlan agrees, noting that these rewards remind her of the incentives and bonuses that her business clients use. “Yes, all people are motivated by rewards,” she says, “but people are also motivated by being noticed and acknowledged for a job well done. Both are important at home and at work. You can’t show your children too much appreciation. Love is free – use it!”

Dr Ross suggests using “a simple point system in which each behaviour is worth a possible 10 points. The child receives a portion of those points depending on how well they do in a given day per line item. So if the task is starting homework, they get points according to how cooperatively they start homework. But you can’t get 10 points unless you start your homework without being asked.” She adds that point systems should be straightforward, and points should be reviewed every day, preferably at a certain time of the day. Rewards are purchased with points, and they might include certain privileges or special time with parents. (bostonparentspaper.com)

Preschoolers

* I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong. * I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.I won’t tease dogs or other pets – even friendly ones. * I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths. * I will talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I need help, or when I’m scared. * I will be nice to other kids who need a friend or look sad or lonely.

Kids, five to 12 years old

* I will drink reducedfat milk and water every day, and drink soda and fruit drinks only at special times. * I will put on sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright, sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports. * I will try to find a sport (like basketball or soccer) or an activity (like playing tag, jumping rope, dancing or riding my bike) that I like and do it at least three times a week! * I will always wear a helmet when riding a bike. * I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat un-

til I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt. * I’ll be friendly to kids who may have a hard time making friends by asking them to join activities such as sports or games. * I will never encourage or even watch bullying, and will join with others in telling bullies to stop. * I’ll never give out private information such as my name, home address, school name or telephone number on the Internet.

Also, I’ll never send a picture of myself to someone I chat with on the computer without asking my parent if it is okay. * I will try to talk with my parent or a trusted adult when I have a problem or feel stressed. * I promise to follow our household rules for videogames and internet use.

Kids, 13 years old and older

* I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day, and I will drink sodas only at special times. * I will take care of my body through physical activity and eating the right types and amounts of foods. * I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day – at the most – on these activities. I promise to follow our household rules for videogames and internet use. * I will help out in my community – through giving some of my time to help others, working with community groups or by joining a group that helps people in need. * When I feel angry or stressed out, I will take a break and find helpful ways to deal with the stress, such as exercising, reading, writing in a journal or talking about my problem with a parent or friend. * When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust. * When I notice my friends are struggling, being bullied or making risky choices, I will talk with a trusted adult and attempt to find a way that I can help them. * I will be careful about whom I choose to date, and always treat the other person with respect and without forcing them to do something or using violence. I will expect to be treated the same way in return. * I will resist peer pressure to try tobacco-cigarettes, drugs or alcohol. * I agree not to use a cellphone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt. (American Academy of Paediatrics)

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wednesDAY, december 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Crucial 72-hour window expires today ... as search continues for missing ASL plane

BY BHISHAM MOHAMED

D

irector General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Zulfikar Mohamed said that the crucial 72-hour window period since the Air Services Limited (ASL) Cessna vanished in the thick jungle in Region Eight expired on Tuesday.

Mohamed said that the first 72 hours is usually very crucial if the plane had crashed. He explained that in an accident, if it is survivable, the best time to retrieve the injured is within the first 72 hours.

“It all depends on the injuries they received,” he stressed. Mohamed said that the team on the ground comprises doctors, medex and an

Missing pilot, Nicky Persaud

official from the Georgetown Public Hospital. Once the wreckage is located, he noted, it is anticipated that the first set of people to arrive at the scene will be medial officials.

On Sunday last, the Timehri Control Tower lost communication with The Islander Aircraft belonging to Air Services Limited that was operating a flight between Mahdia and Karisparu, Region Eight.

Based on records, the aircraft took off from Mahdia at about 11:42h on a routine local cargo flight and the last known position was spot tracker at 11:44h. On board the aircraft are pilot Nicky Persaud, 27; and cargo loader, David Bisnauth, 51.

Nevertheless, he added that the teams on the ground

have been investigating all reports and have been visiting mining camps in the area where persons would have reported seeing or hearing the aircraft.

In such cases, he added, it is important to meet with the people to get general directions which can be used to determine areas of interest.

This has been going on since Sunday when the aircraft was first reported missing. Up to Tuesday morning, Mohamed said they had received another report and was perusing it head on.

Area of interest

In the meantime, Mohamed added that they have determined a possible area of interest, based on the calculations in terms of where the aircraft should have been, taking into consideration the last known reporting position and its most likely route.

“They have started a systematic search and it will continue while at the same time following up the individual reports on the ground”, the GCAA head added.

Taking into consideration the vast jungle and mountainous terrain where the plane is suspected to have gone down, several challenges face the team. The official noted that it is always difficult to search under those circumstances, recalling his experience with the last few searches when different aircraft went down.

“With missing aircraft, sometimes you are practically over the area when jungle closes over it… it takes trained spotters to really pick it up. It is always better to get people who would have sighted or heard the aircraft to give a general area”.

Presently, he noted that there are three helicopters – two from ASL and one from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) – which are equipped with spotters; two fixed wing aircraft on the ground – one Cessna and a Cessna 206 – that are on standby if they need to join the search.

Despite reports in certain sections of the media that the aircraft might have been overloaded, Mohamed

The areas of interest displayed on a map

claimed that all the information at hand suggested that the load on the aircraft at the time it went down was normal. Guyana Times under-

stands that the aircraft can carry up to 1500 pounds.

Mohamed also revealed that the pilot, 27-year-old Nicky Persaud, has gained

lots of experience, traversing the route over a number of years. He has more than 8000 hours of flying experience and they are still to determine

what went wrong. When the aircraft is found, the engine is expected to be flown to the Ogle International Airport (OIA) to facilitate a full investigation.

The missing 8R-GHE Highlander joins a list of several other aircraft that have crashed in the interior region this year. Only in September last, a Cessna 206 aircraft belonging to the GDF crashed at Camp Jaguar after it ran off of the airstrip.

In July, a Britten Norman Islander plane crashed while landing at the Monkey Mountain airstrip in the interior. In March, without any fatalities, another aircraft with three on board crashed after takeoff from an airstrip at the remote interior mining location of Arau.

In January, Canadian pilot Blake Slater and Guyanese Cargo Handler Dwayne Jacobs lost their lives after the plane they were travelling in crashed at Mazaruni.

Duo remanded for $1M robbery at GPL

T

wenty-seven-yearold Simon Primo of Alliance Road, Timehri, East Bank Demerara and 19-yearold Devon Brown of North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, were remanded to prison after being arraigned on a break and enter and larceny charge.

The duo appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Tuesday morning.

The allegation read that on December 29 at Georgetown, they broke and entered the supervisory room of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and stole one desktop computer valued $800,000 and a printer valued $200,000 – a total sum of $1,000,000, property of GPL. The men pleaded not guilty to the charge when

it was read to them.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail stating that the Police gave chase for the men and that they were wanted for a robbery under arms offence.

He further stated that the items were recovered and the defendants may be possible flight risks, add-

ing that they may not return for trial.

However, Brown’s Attorney Mohammad Ali told the court that his client was not a part of any chase.

He narrated that his client was on Sheriff Street when the Police conducted a search on him and the car he was driving at the time.

The Police found nothing, yet his client was arrested.

The Prosecution’s bail objection was upheld and bail was refused for the two men.

The matter stands adjourn until January 13 when they are slated to make their second court appearance before Magistrate Ann McLennan.

8 NEWS

wednesDAY, december 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Street fight lands man in court on wounding charge

S

unil Pollard, an unrepresented man, was refused bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to face a charge of unlawful and malicious wounding, on Tuesday.

It was alleged that on November 4 at Kingston, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Wayne Baird with the intent to murder him.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry informed the defendant that the matter was one of an indictable nature; therefore he

was not required to plea.

However, Police Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail citing the nature and seriousness of the offence and that Pollard may be a possible flight risk.

According to facts read in court, on the day in question at around 17:30h, Braid and his friend were standing along a road in Kingston. The defendant was standing near his bicycle and was simply asked to remove from next to it. This sparked an argument between the two men.

Pollard left the scene

and returned moments later with a broken bottle and dealt Baird several stab wounds on his hands, neck and about his body. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where his wounds were treated. A report was made to the Police and Pollard was arrested and charged after investigations were carried out.

The defendant was also charged for behaving disorderly at the Brickdam Police Station on November 7 to which he pleaded guilty.

The Chief Magistrate

enquired about his reason for being in the station on November 7, since according to Prosecutor Grant; Pollard was arrested on December 28 for the wounding offence.

The court then heard that he was in Police custody for threatening his wife.

The court ruling read that Pollard pay a fine of $10,000 along with two weeks imprisonment for the disorderly behaviour offence and that bail be refused on the wounding charge. This matter will be heard again on January 19, 2015.

Eyew tness New Year’s Eve...

I

...or eve of mayhem ??

t doesn’t matter what it’s called...this Eyewitness knows that tonight’s gonna be one looooong drinking session.

Guyanese don’t need any excuse for drinking. We “drink to that” even without the proverbial “drop of a hat”.

Think about it. Nobody can accuse the Americans of not liking a good time. But they celebrate the launching of their Republic with fireworks and barbecues. We do it with a good old bacchanalian “wine down” called “Mash”!!

Even though the central figure in the narrative was a fella who fought against oppression and slavery - Cuffy.

Now your Eyewitness doesn’t have anything against “sports” per se. Hey!! Everyone’s got to let off some steam, no?? Especially this year after putting up with all the shenanigans of the Opposition.

Think of it. In which other country would you have a bunch of politicians - who claim they can run the country threaten to launch street protests in the Christmas Season.

No wonder businesses’ are complaining that things “not bright” at all this year. And they weren’t talking about the lights!

But not content to better the “Grinches who Stole Christmas”, the Opposition - with APNU leading the charge - is threatening to put a halt on ALL governmental spending!! That’s right. ALL. Granger’s case in the Courts to bring the country to a halt comes up on January 7. There’s no other word for it - if Granger’s successful, a “grinding halt” is what we’re going to witness.

After all, we all know what a big percentage of the economic activity - public investment - comes from Government’s budget. Road building, social programmes, health centres...you name an activity funded by the Government and it’ll be gone.

With that in front of them do you blame citizens for drinking themselves into oblivion tonight?? Now we don’t know whether the Courts will go along with Granger...after all, they’ll be overturning their previous ruling if they do.

But in this world, stranger things have happened.

But what is more pertinent is that the Opposition’s so consumed with seizing power - by any means necessary.

They just don’t give a hoot about the havoc they’re wreaking in citizens’ lives.

This Eyewitness knows that nowadays, politicians play “hardball” politics - but that’s still not the “steelball” politics that’s unfolding. If next year’s gonna be a recapitulation of the last three - which is what the Opposition’s promising, then Lord help Guyana. No matter how many drinks are consumed tonight, it won’t be enough to blank that out terror.

Arson and killings (Linden), terror and holding commuters hostage (Agricola), riots in the streets (Georgetown) are some pestilences to be unleashed.

...and looking back at the positives

But you know something? Even though the Opposition’s actions almost compel it, we can’t just look back in anger.

Against tremendous odds, Government’s managed to produce some positives that should be acknowledged.

Take for instance, the complaints about traffic jams on the roads - in the cities and in the villages.

From another perspective that’s the result of almost every family being able to afford a car!! That’s progress.

No?? Look at the new houses being constructed in the new housing areas. Isn’t that progress??

Because of the Christmas shopping, citizens from across Guyana visited Georgetown and took back the news: there are at least 100 four-storey+ buildings going up this minute!! That’s not progress??? At the most pertinent level, aren’t thousands of persons being gainfully and lucratively employed??

That conclusion can be gleaned from another angle: GuySuCo’s complaint that they can’t get even 50 per cent of the workers they need in the canefields. That means workers are very happy elsewhere.

...question

And with that as a background, this Eyewitness has just one question for his dear readers: aren’t you becoming a little better off every year?? Sure things can be better. But they’re sure as heck’s better than under the PNC!!

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wednesday, december 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

“Give recovering drug addicts a chance” – Finance Minister

A section of the gathering at a dinner hosted by the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre in honour of the recovering addicts

BY ANASTACIA CLEMENTSON

F

inance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has commended recovered drug addicts of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre for overcoming their weaknesses, while at the same time urging citizens to give them a chance as they seek to be reintegrated into society.

Dr Singh made the remarks at a dinner hosted by the Centre in honour of the recovering addicts. “Everyone must be given a chance,” Singh told the gathering, noting that society sometimes holds against such persons the actions of their past, though they have made a step in the right direction by seeking the help they need. “We live in a harsh society, a society that is sometimes unsympathetic,” the Minister remarked.

He chided society for being “so fickle to embrace (the) success” of persons only and

the rehab centre and proprietor of National Hardware, who had also attended the dinner.

The Chairman encouraged everyone present to not judge the men and women who pass through the programme, but to “be more proactive and to understand the programme… as addiction has no face, no age, it doesn’t have (anything) we can see. All we can see is that people who pass through here want help.”

He expressed that the rehabilitative programme is a success but families need to do more to facilitate their loved ones while they fight to be free of their addictions.

He posited that the families can be a great help to persons who are in and yet to pass through the programme. “We cannot do everything, you have to help us,” Boyer remarked.

He shared that he knows of someone who has passed through the programme personally and can thus relate with the families on the fear

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (far left), recovering addict Raja (second left), Edward Boyer, Advisory Board Chairman of the Salvation Army and Rehabilitation Centre (second right) and Major Emmerson Cumberbatch, Divisional Commander at Salvation Army

not their failures, emphasising that everyone has bad and good times and everyone deserves a chance to set things right. The Minister reminded that substance abuse does not “only affect young and not old persons, the rich and not the poor, people from Georgetown and not those from New Amsterdam, Afro-Guyanese and not Indo Guyanese, Hindus and not Muslims. Everyone is vulnerable as substance abuse (basically) knows no boundaries.”

These sentiments were shared by Edward Boyer, Advisory Board Chairman for

they feel when that loved one is released back into society.

Boyer explains that it is “always a concern” that the recovering addict will go back to his/her former self, thus starting the process all over again. This is not a baseless concern, Boyer stated. He said families should be concerned, no matter the number of years that may have passed addiction free; families and friends should always check as temptation will always be there.

Boyer advised the families and friends in attendance not to pay attention “to how recovered they (the recovered

addicts) think they are, don’t accept that as a reality.” He used the film A River Runs Through It (1992) to relate to both the families and the addicts, how damaging addictions can be to one’s physical, social and mental health – even affecting what may be a bright future for many of the men and women with addictions.

With this said, Minister Singh informed that it is everyone’s issue and requires everyone’s attention and society should thus not turn its back on the recovering addicts if they’re trying to be free of their addictions. “… there is a role to be played by every citizen of Guyana.”

The Finance Minister informed that the Government of Guyana does not “have the resources or the wherewithal to run a programme like this” but with the Salvation Army producing results in its programme, the Government will continue to support the rehab centre.

This move is not political or an obligation, the Minister informed. He said he is very inspired by the stories told by the recovered addicts and those on their way to recovery. He stated that if they can overcome such addictions “then chances are they can overcome anything else whether hostility, envy, poverty, competition, because the truth is if you believe in God, if you live righteously, if you work hard, there is no limit to what you can achieve.”

Minister Singh particularly commended Raja, an addict who stated that his addiction “is still under construction” but he has been able to make major steps since the five years he has been a part of the programme offered at Salvation Army’s Rehabilitation Centre.

He shared that he has been able to maintain a job for the last two years and he contributes to his children’s growth. This was said quite proudly by Raja as he informed that he used to use the money he had to care for children to purchase cigarettes and alcohol. Also, his parents never really trusted him due to his addiction, as he used to sell their things to maintain his addiction. Another said he went through the programme four times before he got any true results. He said “I wasn’t letting God do his work (but) I went to the altar and (did not) want to drink alcohol and cigarettes” anymore.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, december 31, 2014

News

East Berbice to get new road after decades

BY ROYDEN JAMES

R

esidents of the East Bank of Berbice will be relieved from the horror they have been enduring for more than 20 years, as it relates to the access roads in the area which have been in a deplorable state.

According to information received, a multimilliondollar contract was awarded to H Nauth and Sons Construction Company for the rehabilitation of a section of the East Berbice road, from Everton to Light Town.

In a telephone interview with one of the supervisors from the construction company, he confirmed that rehabilitation works are expected to commence on the access roads in the area on Monday.

Earlier last month, residents had vented their dissatisfaction with the condition of the road.

Residents are now happy they will be getting some sort of relief but they are still worried, since they claim there is a level of “secrecy” surrounding the way in which things are being carried out.

Vehicle operators and residents said they have persevered by traversing the already deplorable

Money is evil

Sections of the East Berbice access road

roads with the hope that in the 2014 budget, allocations would have been made so that the issue could be addressed.

According to residents, they will not be going into the New Year with their access road is such a deplorable state.

H Nauth and Sons which has an operation in East Berbice, has been doing maintenance work on the roads.

The company had said from the inception that maintenance work on the road was impossible.

The Public Works

Ministry has also had continuous maintenance programmes on the roads in the area.

The rehabilitation of the road was expected to commence in October of 2013 when Sunil Ganesh was overseeing the project, which was expected to be completed in July of 2014, but after several delays and consultations, the project was given to H Nauth and Sons with the aim of completing the project on time and within budget.

The road is expected to be completed by May of next year to the tune of $393 mil-

lion.

According to reports, the project was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Speaking to Guyana Times on Tuesday, a hire car driver Inzamam Khan said if immediate remedial action is not taken soon, drivers plying the East Bank Berbice/New Amsterdam route would be unable to provide any services, thereby affecting the lives of thousands, especially school children.

About 1000 children use the East Bank Berbice main assess road on get to school daily.

“It will also affect senior citizens who are unable to move about by any other means to conduct their business other than utilising the services of hire car operators,” another villager said.

Satiricus was a bit taken aback. He'd always heard "money was the root of all evil". But his Sunday School teacher insisted (with the help of a “rod of correction”) that the Devil was the source of evil. Satiricus solved the problem by concluding money was the Devil and so evil!

So it was, the adult Satiricus had the habit of not holding on to money for too long. His equivalent of "Get thee behind me Satan!" was to spend money like there was no tomorrow.

His wife, however, not having Satiricus' insight into the true nature of money - being equivalent to the Devil, unfortunately, insisted on berating him for spending so much with the boys in the back street bar. She refused to see that as a "religious act".

The attitude of his friends helped him to survive her cutting comments. While they themselves didn't accept the "moneydevil equivalence" and were quite tight with their money, if the truth be told, like the real friends they were, they didn't hold Satiricua' belief against him. In fact, they insisted that Satiricus practice his religious beliefs and buy three rounds to their one, whenever they hung out at the back street bar.

Satiricus did have a sneaking suspicion, however, that some folks thought he was a bit superstitious or downright strange - apart from his wife, of course. She was firmly convinced that he was a stark, raving wacko! But here it was in black and white was proof that Satiricus had been right all along.

Folks in Trinidad were all up in arms that their new $50 dollar bill was "evil".

"All right!!! exclaimed Satiricus, while pumping his clenched fist. He didn't smirk like others about Trinis living in La La land. "Let wifey tell me now that I'm a 'lunatic'." The Trinis had tumbled onto the truth about the evil nature of money. Their new bill had a pic of a young and nubile female masquerader as a "Serpent Queen". The serpent, of course, had long been the symbol of the Devil!!

And this tipped off Satiricus as to how he could show his wife that money was the Devil and he shouldn't be cussed out for not holding on to it. A TRIANGLE WITH ITS TIP FACING UP WAS ALSO A SIGN FOR THE DEVIL!!!

And in every bill that ever was created, there was a triangle in it!! You didn't need a serpent to know the evil nature of money! So Satiricus rushed home and showed his wife the triangles.

She listened then told him calmly, "Sato me husband. The Good Book don't say "money is the root of evil", it says, "The LOVE OF MONEY is the root of evil."

Victims of nursing school scam awaiting next move

S

tudents of the so-called Guyana Health Care Education Institute who two months ago realised they were victims of a nursing school scam are impatiently awaiting justice.

Since their realisation that the 'medical school' was bogus, the students embarked on a series of actions, the latest of which was asking the main Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) for assistance.

According to APNU’s Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson, the disconcerted students were provided with APNU Attorneys who vouched to help them build a case against the owner of the school, Nanda Kissoon.

However, after several consultations with the prominent lawyers, the students are yet to be advised

on their next move.

Some students stated that they have “little to no hope” of bringing to justice the woman allegedly behind the swindle operation and they have been provided with no indication of ever getting their money back.

No backing down

But, some are determined more than ever to not back down.

Carla Josiah, one of the victims of the scam, was adamant to fight the case to its end.

“I don’t care how long it takes, I don’t have money now, but as soon as I can afford my own lawyer, I will get one for this case.”

In a brief telephone interview with the Guyana Times, MP Ferguson noted that she was not in a position to inform on the progress the Attorneys have

made with the case.

Meanwhile, Josiah explained that upon finding out that the entire nursing programme was a con, they (the students) made a report at the Brickdam Police Station, Georgetown where they were referred to Eve Leary Police Headquarters.

Josiah further alleged that the Police Officer who handled the situation told her that he was advised not to follow up the case.

In addition, Josiah stated that the Police acknowledged that Kissoon was a “known individual” as persons have complained about such matters regarding her at least three times before.

Another student, only name given as Bibi, stated that the Police were of little help.

Continue on page 11

wednesday, december 31, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Region 5 Chairman urges Police to lock up reckless drivers

Port Kaituma Power Company woes:

Fuel suppliers still awaiting payments ... Chairperson claims no knowledge of issue

A

A crowd gathered on the West Coast of Berbice after a motorcyclist collided with another vehicle

R

egion Five (MahaicaBerbice) Chairman B i n d r a n a u t h Bisnauth is urging Police officers to jail errant drivers if they are caught driving under the influence or in a way that endangers the lives of others.

Bisnauth’s comment comes at a time when West Coast Berbice has seen an alarming upsurge in the number of fatal accidents with approximately five persons dying within the last two weeks.

Speaking at a press conference in Fort Wellington on Tuesday, the Regional Chairman related that indeed it was alarming that the carnage on the roads has come to such a state especially in West Coast Berbice. He related that while it was for the drivers to take more precautions, responsibility also lay in the hands of the members of the Guyana Police Force since they have a mandate to protect the lives of citizens.

He pointed out that af-

ter a fruitful discussion with the Police, he had posited his views on those steps that should be taken. “My advice to the Police is if you find any young man imbibing in liquor, hold him, keep him in the lock-up probably that will bring some relief to the speeding on the road,” said Bisnauth.

He contended that from information received it would be safe to conclude that the major causes of vehicular accidents over the past few weeks have been speeding and drunk driving.

Accident

Shortly before this statement was made by the Regional Chairman, a young man was struck off a motorbike and hospitalised.

According to eyewitness reports, the rider stopped suddenly when a vehicle slammed into the rear of his bike.

The impact sent him flying several feet into the air and he landed in a nearby yard. His bike suffered a sim-

Victims of nursing...

“They had us back and forth all the time from Brickdam to Eve Leary. It was like they didn’t even care because it’s something normal to them.”

Another student who requested anonymity confessed that she has given up because it is “too much hassle” considering “no progress” would be the “inevitable” result.

Still in operations

Kissoon, a controversial figure, is reportedly known to be the mastermind behind several scams throughout Guyana.

According to reports, the most recent batch of students was promised certificates that are recognisable throughout the Caribbean and even opportunities to further their studies in countries like the United States.

Subsequent to finding out the entire opera-

tion was a scam, the students confronted Kissoon who then presented several “legal papers” and mentioned names of prominent Attorneys whom she noted represented her in matters relating to accreditation of the Institution.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman Nigel Hughes was allegedly one such lawyer.

The Police later intervened, according to one student, and arrested the woman, who was then placed on $20,000 bail.

Today, a few of the students reported that the woman was still conducting her business operations under the same name at a Robb Street location (next to ScotiaBank).

Reports indicated that over the years, Kissoon has been pursuing accreditation, but the National Accreditation Council of Guyana (NAC) continuous-

ilar fate, crashing into bits on a nearby structure.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force is calling on pedal cyclists to make use of the roadways in a more responsible manner and not in a way that is dangerous to themselves and other road users.

In a release to the media, the Police said: “Pedal cyclists are often seen weaving in and out among traffic, not stopping at intersections, riding against the flow of traffic, towing on the handle bar, riding without holding the handle bar, failing to confirm to traffic signs and signals, and at nights riding without lights or reflectors.”

It was noted that by doing so, cyclists “not only expose .... [themselves] to great danger which can result in serious injuries or death, but compromise the safety of other road users”. Police said that thus far a total of 20 motorcyclists have lost their lives due to fatal accidents, compared to 13 for the same period last year.

From page 10

ly denied approval for the school to operate.

Nevertheless, the school, under different names, continues to function under the management of its Director.

It was further reported that Kissoon was arrested in 2009 following angry complaints by a batch of students who demanded refunds exceeding $250,000 but only some of the money was repaid.

Kissoon continues to offer private courses to persons with the inaccurate assurance that they will be certified in various aspects of healthcare upon completion of the classes.

The Education Ministry has since urged all Guyanese, particularly the younger generation, to ensure that the institutions they seek to study under are fully recognised and registered appropriately by the relevant bodies.

week after Prime Minister Samuel Hinds disclosed the insolvency of the Port Kaituma Power Company, fuel suppliers owed millions of dollars are still awaiting payment.

The suppliers were expecting to begin receiving some information last week about when their payments would be in the making.

However, the fuel suppliers as well as lubricant suppliers, whom have also claimed that their businesses have been boycotted by the Power Company over the payment issue, say they have yet to hear a single word from the management of the company.

“No one has contacted me to say anything. I want to know what is happening with my money!” Renald Moore, Owner of R&R Auto Sales, declared.

Fuel suppliers claim to have been owed monies since last November.

However, the Company’s Chairperson, Margret Lambert, said she was not knowledgeable of the company owing monies to multiple suppliers.

She explained that she was only told of one supplier who had to be paid.

Lambert could not determine if the supplier had been paid and promised to look into the matter.

“I am sorry, but I cannot give any information on who has been paid and who has not been paid, but we are presently using one fuel supplier. We have paid all fuel dealers and the only person I know of is one guy who may have been paid by now, but I have to check that out,” she disclosed.

The Chairperson further accused former Member of Parliament Richard Allen of purposefully making attempts to infuriate residents in Port Kaituma, “Mr Allen is walking around and caus-

ing confusion because he is of the other political party,” Lambert said.

She further stated that at present the Power Company was operating at an acceptable level; hence, she felt that because Allen could make no complaints on the performance of the company, he has chosen this avenue.

However, earlier on, Hinds told this newspaper that he was uncertain when fuel suppliers will be paid by the Power Company. He explained that the Company ran out of money, because it was under-charging for the power supply to residents in the area.

At present, Port Kaituma residents pay approximately $100 per Kilowatt Hour of power which Allen has said is too expensive, arguing that it is the highest rate in Guyana and possibly the Caribbean.

12 News

wednesDAY, december 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Roraima Airways honours Army veterans

R

oraima Airways on Tuesday honoured more than 25 veterans of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), including two who served during World War II. Accompanied by their children and grandchildren, members of the Guyana Veterans Legion were treated to a three-course lunch at the exquisite Roraima Duke Lodge, Kingston.

Former GDF Pilot and Roraima Chief Executive Gerry Gouveia said it was always a privilege to give back to the esteemed men and women who served the

Some of the veterans enjoying the lunch

nation with much pride and dignity.

“A lot of them are disabled, but they would have served Guyana very well, so this is just our way of giving back, because they would have made a lot of sacrifices over the years,” he explained. According to Captain Gouveia, he served with many of the veterans during their stint in the Army.

Former GDF Officer Benjamin Durant expressed his gratitude to Gouveia for the kind gesture. The 96-year-old veteran said it was a privilege to serve in

the Army even during the World War II era.

“I didn’t get to go overseas, because when we went to the airport, we got a message that we must go back to camp because the war has ended. But at the time I was working in the stores, giving out supplies to troops in the interior, we went to Mackenzie and then we had the final training, baptism of fire,” he recalled. The veteran said young men and women should not hesitate to join the Force, noting that there were countless opportunities waiting.

“The Army life is very attractive. It helps you to be disciplined.”

Guyana Veterans Legion Veteran Officer Beverly Somerset also expressed appreciation to Roraima Airways for hosting the luncheon for more than three years. Those present

Ninety-six-year-old Veteran Benjamin Durant

during the luncheon were primarily the disabled. The Guyana Veterans Legion, which has membership of over 2000 persons, has a disabled population of more than 103.

URP rises from the 'dead'

… to contest next year’s elections

T

he defunct United Republican Party (URP) has announced its intention to contest the 2015 General and Regional Elections, over two decades since it had competed in any elections here.

The URP came to being in the late 1980s and contested the 1992 General Elections, but received just 0.4 per cent of the vote and failed to win a seat. The party did not contest any further election.

In a statement, the URP said it is ready to continue the fight for “real democracy, transparent and accountable Government.” The party believes that currently the four pillars of Guyana: politics without ethics, religion with tolerance, science without spirituality, actions without sympathy and empathy, are extremely weak.

Cognisant of the challenges facing the body politics of Guyana, the URP said it stands willing to include all other political parties in shared governance, positing that it is a strong believer of racial integration.

According to its statement, the resuscitated party said it is also a strong believer in freedom of speech and association, restoration of justice, law and order, equal rights and justice for all. Additionally, the party said it remains committed to providing better health care and a stronger education system for the Guyanese populace, in addition to the generation of employment and social services.

URP was established in the USA in March 1985 before launching in Guyana in May 1986. It was formally registered on April 26, 1988.

In keeping with the motto, “Onward, Upward May We Ever Go! United We Stand,

Divided We Fall! Equal Rights and Justice For All,” the party pledges to move Guyana forward if it wins the General and Regional Elections come 2015.

The URP was founded by Vishnu Bandhu, popularly known by some as “John”. Currently, he is the President of the Guyana Central Arya Samaj which covers some 37 branches in Guyana.

Additionally, he is the President of the United Federation for Art and Culture and International President of the Interstate SIGFA Health Organisation (ISHO).

In March 1985, Bandhu led a team of people to form the United Republican Party of Guyana (URPG). From 1985 to 1987, Bandhu and his party executives organised many branch groups across the USA and in Toronto, Canada. According to the party, the groups have conducted tremendous ground work, travelling to Washington to meet with members of the US Congress in an effort to lobby for “the restoration of democracy” in Guyana.

In November 1987, the United Republican Party of Guyana was formally launched at 43 Croal Street, Stabroek, Georgetown.

Bandhu reportedly campaigned in the historic 1992 General and Regional Elections to “help remove the PNC Government.”

“He also engaged in altruistic and selfless community work. In 1994 he contested the Best/Klien Pouderoyen local government elections (the last time such elections were held in Guyana) where he won a seat,” the URP said.

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wednesDAY, december 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Port Kaituma IMC to start works on access road OP to authenticate alleged comment by A President in recording

T

he Press and Publicity Unit of Office of the President said it has noted sections of the media reporting on what is purported to be a recording of an engagement between President Donald Ramotar and a hinterland resident three weeks ago.

A press statement said efforts are being made to authenticate the integrity of this recording.

The incident apparently involves the hinterland resident who attempted to disrupt the President’s public meeting using invectives, insulting and disparaging language towards Former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

"The tenor of the engagement represents the cut and trust of public meetings," the release said.

"The highlighting of this incident some three weeks after it is alleged to have taken place smacks of desperation on the part of the politi-

President Donald Ramotar

cal Opposition and its media outfits, and is no doubt an attempt to remain relevant particularly since Guyanese recently rejected the opposition’s calls to disrupt the Christmas season," it added.

"As the New Year beckons, particularly with General elections pending, we can expect many more such attempts at sensational reporting."

fter residents of Port Kaituma complained about the poor condition of their access road and increased transportation fares, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) has embarked on a plan for rehabilitation of the roadway.

Margret Lambert, Chairperson of the IMC explained to Guyana Times on Tuesday that the Committee commenced works on the roadway a week ago.

However, while in the process of using loam on the roadway, the rains came.

This, Lambert said, halted the rehabilitation process of the road. “Before grading and compacting works could have commenced and bricks laid, works had to come to a stop,” Lambert explained.

Earlier this week, the IMC held its statutory meeting during which issues affecting Port Kaituma, including the repairs to damaged roads were discussed.

While residents and taxi drivers complained about the quality of works done on the roadway and the materi-

What happens to the Port Kaituma Road during the rainy season

al used, the IMC vows to ensure works are properly done this time around. Lambert explained that while loam was used on the roadway in the past, this time around, bricks will be used.

This is expected to make the roadway an all season one, rather than a seasonal one, Lambert said.

“They use bare mud to make the road, so in dry weather, the road is fine but when it rains, the road become swap,” a taxi driver said.

5 more charged for drunk driving

A

Andre Hossain

s Police continue their campaign against drunken drivers, another five persons were placed before the court charged with driving under the influence. Some of them were placed on bail and others fined. The details are as follows: Steffon Primo, of Roden Rust, Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on December 15 while driving motor car PJJ 880 on the Leonora Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD). He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared

Shivanand Ramkissoon

at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on December 18 when he pleaded guilty and was fined $7500.

Andre Hossain, of Lot 133 Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on December 14 while driving motor car PNN 5219 on the Leonora Public Road, WCD. He was found to be above the legal limit. He was charged and appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on December 16 when he pleaded guilty and was

Royston Mc Kenzie

fined $7500.

Royston McKenzie, of Lot 208 Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on December 14 while driving motor car PSS 5148 on the Leonora Public Road, WCD. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on December 16 when he pleaded not guilty. The matter is continuing before the court.

Deochan Lochan, of Hubu, Parika, EBE, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on December 14 while driving motor car

charged and appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on December 16 where he pleaded not guilty. The matter is continuing before the court.

Steffon Primo

PRR 6146 on the Leonora Public Road, WCD. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on December 16 where he pleaded not guilty. The matter is continuing before the court.

Shivanand Ramkissoon of Lot 34 Tuschen, EBE, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on December 14 while driving motor car HC 3832 on the Leonora Public Road, WCD. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of consumption of alcohol. He was

Deochan Lochan

Resident, Timothy Peters explained that there are two roadways used to travel to the 4 Mile District and at present, both have deteriorated badly. “You can’t travel to the central point in Port Kaituma when you are coming from outside the community because the road is so bad, you can’t pass,” Peters said.

It was further stated by residents that only All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), trucks and four wheel drive vehicles can traverse the road way.

Taxi drivers also complained of being out of work because of the state of the road. They explained that they have been forced to stop working because of the damages their vehicles sustained.

The trouble of a pregnant woman from the 4 Mile

District was also cited. This newspaper was told by former Member of Parliament, Richard Allen that a pregnant woman who had to be taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital was forced to pay $10,000 for what would normally be a $4000 drop.

However, Lambert strongly disputed this claim, saying “That could never be the case! No one would ever pay that amount of money.”

She added that the IMC is awaiting good weather, at least for a few days to resume works on the roadway.

“We are trying our best with the road, we are,” Lambert lamented.

Meanwhile, residents of Port Kaituma for years, have complained bitterly about the state of the road along with water shortages. “If you ask anyone what about this place, first thing they would tell you about is the water issue,” a resident (who asked not to be named) said.

Recent reports in some sections of the media have said that residents continue their cry over the poor nature of works done of their roadways.. Earlier on, the Regional Vice Chairman, Region One Fermin Singh had admitted that there have been issues with contracting services to build the road.

He assured the roads will be rehabilitated when good weather prevails.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, december 31, 2014

Regional

Haiti: Deal reached to avert Brazil: Lightning strike kills four people on beach crisis over delayed polls

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our people in Brazil have been killed by a lightning strike on a beach crowded with holidaymakers, according to media reports.

Four others were taken to hospital – two of them are said to be in a serious con-

dition.

The incident occurred during a sudden storm at Praia Grande on the coast of south-eastern Sao Paulo state.

The victims were sheltering from heavy rain in a beachside kiosk when they

were struck.

They were all from the same family and included a pregnant woman, according to news site G1 (in Portuguese).

The storm tore down trees and power lines across Sao Paulo state. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuelan Govt weighs in on ice-cream shop row The long-delayed elections have triggered demonstrations in the capital, Port au Prince

H

aitian President Michel Martelly has reached a deal with the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies to avert a political crisis over long-delayed elections which sparked mass protests.

Officials said Martelly had signed an agreement with the Presidents of the two chambers to extend their mandate.

Lawmakers will now have to sign off on the deal.

If it is not passed, Haiti could be left without a functioning Government once the mandates expire on January 12.

Under the agreement,

Haiti’s deputies would be extended in their posts until April 24 and senators until September 9.

The deal comes just over two weeks after Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe resigned in the wake of violent protest at the delayed elections.

Mid-term senate elections had been originally due in May 2012, while the municipal poll is three years behind schedule as Haiti slowly emerges from the earthquake which left much of the country devastated in 2010.

They were postponed

again on October 26 – the day they were due to be held – because of an ongoing stalemate between the Government and a group of Opposition senators over an electoral law.

The repeated delays have triggered protests, some of them violent, by critics of the Government, who accuse President Martelly of wanting to rule by decree.

Martelly has appointed Evans Paul, a former radio journalist, as the new Prime Minister.

Paul has to be confirmed

by Parliament before he can start forming a Government.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Sean Paul cancels show following death threats from Islamic group

J

amaica’s Grammy award-winning singer, Sean Paul, has cancelled a New Year’s Eve show in the Maldives after reportedly receiving a death threat from an Islamic group claiming to have ties in Syria.

“Unfortunately, the world has reached a point where cyber threats must affect real-life decisions. With that said, due to safety concerns for my crew and the people of the Maldives attending the Tourist Arrival Countdown, it is with deep regret that I have come to the difficult decision to can-

cel my appearance,” the artiste said in a statement.

Last weekend, the video message was posted online and Paul’s publicist, Carlette DeLeon, said a decision would be taken following a meeting with Sean Paul’s management team and authorities in the Maldives.

Britain’s Independent newspaper reported the video message carries the logo of the Bilad Al Sham Media (BASM) group, an organisation which claims to comprise Maldivian jihadists based in Syria and the Maldives.

“Sean Paul, if you visit the Maldives, the world will see your burned and blooddrenched dead body,” said cards held by a cloaked figure in the video posted on YouTube late on Wednesday night.

“It is for all Muslims to jihad in the name of Allah.

Hence disbelievers like Sean Paul, who are like the worst of the devil’s advocates, deserve nothing but death.”

But the newspaper quoting a Twitter account allegedly belonging to BASM, said the group denies being behind the threat. (Excerpt from CMC)

Scarcity of some staple foods has led to long queues at markets and shops in Venezuela

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he Venezuelan Tourism Ministry has denied reports that a shortage of milk is behind the closure of a famous icecream shop in the city of Merida.

The shop, called Coromoto, is famous for offering more than 850 flavours of ice cream ranging from beer to beans.

It announced on Facebook on December 26 that it would be closing “for

P

The incident is reported to have taken place over the weekend in San Fernando

people in the video as a disgrace to the Police Service.

National Security Minister Gary Griffith said he knew of the video

and the matter was being investigated.

“I am aware that the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is fully aware of the situation.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazilian with knife in skull drives two hours to hospital

A

Brazilian motorcycle taxi driver with a knife protruding from his head drove for more than two hours to the nearest hospital to have it removed, media reported Tuesday.

Juacelo Nunes, 39, embarked on the journey after he was stabbed with the 30-centimetre (12-inch) blade

Trinidad Police caught on video abusing man in wheelchair olice have launched an investigation into a video that has gone viral showing two Trinidad Police officers abusing a man in a wheelchair.

The incident is reported to have taken place over the weekend in San Fernando, south of Portof-Spain, and shows a plainclothes officer slapping the unidentified man in the wheelchair, while a Policewoman is seen disengaging the brakes on the wheel chair and pushing it into the road.

Southern Division Senior Superintendent Cecil Santana has described the actions of the

the high season due to a lack of milk”.

But the Ministry says there is no shortage of ingredients and that other local ice-cream shops remain open.

Venezuela, which depends on imports for many products, is experiencing shortages of some staples, such as corn oil and powdered milk.

According to the latest official figures released by

Venezuela’s central bank, the scarcity index stood at 29.4 per cent in March.

This suggests that out of 100 goods, 29 were not always available everywhere at the time.

While this does not mean that Venezuelans cannot get access to food, it does mean that they may have to go to different supermarkets and search over several days to get everything on their shopping list.

Critics of socialist President Nicolas Maduro say Government mismanagement is behind the scarcity.

The Government blames unscrupulous businesspeople, who it says hoard goods to drive up prices.

Officials also point to the fact that up to 40 per cent of goods Venezuela subsidises for its domestic market are being smuggled into neighbouring Colombia, further exacerbating the shortages.

Also, the Commissioner of Police and the matter is being investigated. So, until the investigation is completed, it will be inappropriate for me to make any statement at this time.”

Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams has appointed a team from the Professional Standards Bureau to investigate the incident, while the PCA in a statement said: “it is aware of a video that has been circulating on social media of alleged impropriety of persons who appear to be officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).” (Excerpt from CMC)

at a party, the knife narrowly missing his left eye and passing through his mouth into the right side of his jaw, web news portal G1 reported.

“The knife passed through several nerves and veins, structures that can quickly kill a patient” doctor Gilberto Albuquerque said, adding that Nunes was re-

covering surprisingly well.

The assault occurred at Agua Branca, some 100 kilometres (63 miles) from the hospital in Teresina in north-eastern Piaui state.

Nunes also suffered two knife wounds to his throat and one to the shoulder after he became embroiled in an argument. (AFP)

Barbados to allow importation of dogs and cats from anywhere

B

arbados says it will allow the importation of dogs and cats from any country of the world.

Senior Veterinary Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Mark Trotman, says the new policy comes into effect on January 1.

Previously, such animals could only come into the island from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and a few Caribbean islands.

“In order for an animal to be allowed into the island, pet owners must first obtain an import permit, along with a health certificate issued by the animal’s

country of origin. The import countries are broken down into two categories.

“Category one countries include Canada, United States of America, the European Union, St Vincent, Antigua and St Lucia. Category two countries are Venezuela, Guyana, South Africa, most South American countries, countries from South East Asia, and some Central American countries, among others,” Dr Trotman said.

He said that apart from the import permit and health certificate, regulations for importation depended on which category an animal fell into. (Excerpt from CMC)

wednesday, december 31, 2014

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

Bodies and debris found in AirAsia search Indian court

I

ndonesian rescuers searching for an AirAsia plane carrying 162 people have pulled dozens of bodies and pieces of wreckage from the sea off the coast of Borneo.

Indonesia AirAsia’s Flight QZ8501, an Airbus A320-200, lost contact with air traffic control early on Sunday during bad weather on a flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore.

The navy on Tuesday said 40 bodies had been recovered, Reuters news agency reported. Navy spokesman Manahan Simorangkir, however, told AFP just three bodies had been recovered and the larger figure had been a miscommunication.

An air force plane saw a “shadow” on the sea-

Searchers have found what they think is the missing plane’s slide

bed believed to be that of the missing Flight QZ8501, National Search and Rescue Agency chief Bambang Soelistyo told a news conference in Jakarta.

Indonesian officials have said that three pieces of airplane debris sighted off Kalimantan coast in

Coup attempt foiled in Gambia

A

n attempted coup by a group of Gambian soldiers while the country’s longstanding President was abroad has been foiled, military and diplomatic sources have said.

The AFP news agency, quoting military sources, on Tuesday said three coup plotters, including the alleged ringleader, had been killed.

A Gambian diplomat said the presidential palace in the heart of the small city on the Gambia River was attacked about 03:00 GMT by armed men, including members of the presidential guard.

“They wanted to overthrow the regime,” the military source said.

The pre-dawn assault triggered panic in the tropical city, while national radio went off air for several hours and state television was suspended.

Former Vice President of the country, Bakary Darbo,

told Al Jazeera it was too early to say for sure if it had been a coup attempt.

“I hold on to the view that there have been two incidents of gunfire, whether it amounts to a coup we will have to see,” he said. “[President] Jammeh wields considerable powers, many of it unconstitutionally. There are supposed to be checks and balances, but in reality all of these have been encroached upon.

“Gambia now is very much a one-man dictatorship.”

Gambia is a tiny former British colony surrounded by Senegal on both its northern and southern borders.

It is ruled by President Yahya Jammeh, who took power at the age of 29 following a coup in 1994.

Human rights activists say Jammeh’s regime is repressive and has targeted political dissidents, journalists, and gays and lesbians. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Putin critic Navalny among those held at Moscow protest

R

ussian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny and more than 100 other demonstrators have been arrested at a rally in central Moscow, activists say.

Navalny had urged protesters to gather in Manezh Square near the Kremlin after his brother was sentenced to jail.

Police detained Navalny at the protest and took him home, where he has been under house arrest since February.

He says the legal cases against him and his brother are motivated by his opposition to President Vladimir Putin.

Hours earlier, a court in Moscow handed Alexei Navalny a suspended prison sentence of three-and-a-

half years for defrauding two firms. His brother Oleg was given a three-and-a-half-year custodial sentence for the same offence.

Navalny accused authorities of trying to punish him by jailing his brother, and called for his supporters to gather in central Moscow in protest.

Around 2000 people gathered in temperatures below -10C. Pro-Government protesters are staging a counter-demonstration nearby, our correspondent Steve Rosenberg reports.

At least 171 people were detained by Police said OVD Info, a campaign group that monitors political detentions.

However there was no official confirmation of the number of arrests. (Excerpt from BBC News)

the Java Sea were likely to be from missing AirAsia jet.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the head of the search and rescue mission, said that definitive debris, including an exit door from the Flight QZ8501 was found during the search.

Indonesia’s nation-

al broadcaster reported sighting bodies floating in the waters, and cited Indonesian officials as saying that there was a shadow of the plane underneath the sea.

“The debris is red and white,” Djoko Murjatmodjo, acting Director General of air transportation at the Transportation Ministry, told reporters. “We are checking if it’s debris from the aircraft. It’s probably from the body of the aircraft.”

Flight QZ8501 went missing after air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft about 45 minutes after it left Juanda international airport at Surabaya in East Java at 05:20h on Sunday (22:20 GMT Saturday).

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

clears top Modi aide of murder

Amit Shah (centre) became the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party in July this year (Getty Images)

UN Security Council T votes on Palestinian resolution T he United Nations (UN) Security Council is expected to vote as early as Tuesday afternoon on a Palestinian draft resolution that calls for a peace deal with Israel within a year and an end of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories by late 2017.

Jordan’s UN Ambassador Dina Kawar said Arab delegations had agreed the draft should go to a vote as soon as possible and the timing would depend on how quickly the

15-nation council’s secretariat organise a meeting.

Kawar said she was requesting a Tuesday afternoon vote.

Palestinian UN observer Riyad Mansour said the vote could be this morning if it does not happen on Tuesday. Western diplomats said a 17:00h ET (2200 GMT) was possible, adding that the United States was expected to veto the measure if it managed to muster the minimum required nine yes votes. (Excerpt from Reuters)

he head of India’s ruling party has been acquitted of three murder charges in a verdict immediately denounced by the Opposition.

Amit Shah, the closest aide of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was cleared by a special court of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday of ordering police to carry out the extrajudicial killings of a gangster – Sohrabuddin Sheikh, his wife and his friend -when he served as Home Minister under Modi in the state of Gujarat almost a decade ago, Shah’s lawyer, Mitesh Amin, said.

Shah’s lawyer said his client was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

The Opposition Congress, ousted in the

national polls by the BJP, alleged there had been “Government pressure” on the CBI to clear Shah. The CBI has become “chained, caged and totally immobilised”, said Congress Spokesman Ajoy Kumar.

Shah was made the BJP President in July as he awaited trial, two months after helping Modi to become the Prime Minister.

Party workers have praised Shah as an efficient administrator, whose sharp political mind has helped him win nearly every election he has overseen in the last three decades.

Rubabuddin Sheikh, the brother of one of the victims, said his family would challenge the ruling.

“Amit Shah has wrongly been protected and we will challenge the court’s order in the high court,” Sheikh said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Arrest warrant for Korea ‘nut rage’ executive

A

Seoul court has issued an arrest warrant for a former executive of South Korea’s top airline, who came under heavy criticism over a controversial ‘nut rage’ incident early this month.

Cho Hyun-ah attended a court session on Tuesday which reviewed the validity of her arrest warrant.

Cho had resigned as the airline’s Vice President for cabin service four days after a national uproar over her conduct aboard a Seoul-bound Korean Air flight from New York on December 5.

Cho, the eldest daughter of Korean Air Chairman Cho Yang-ho, had forced the plane to

return to the gate and kicked off the chief flight attendant because she had been served nuts in a bag, not on a plate. Cho said the crew did not follow the proper procedure for serving nuts to firstclass passengers.

The flight was subsequently returned to the gate, causing an

11-minute delay in its arrival at Seoul’s main gateway, Incheon International Airport.

More than 250 passengers were on board.

Cho apologised for her actions in front of cameras in previous public appearances, but declined to talk to journalists on Tuesday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Fire at Libyan oil port destroys up to 1.8M barrels of crude

A

fire raging for almost a week at Libya’s biggest oil port of Es Sider has destroyed up to 1.8 million barrels of crude and damaged seven storage tanks, causing total damage of US$213 million, a top oil official said on Tuesday.

The Es Sider terminal and nearby Ras Lanuf stopped working three

weeks ago when forces loyal to a rival Government in Tripoli tried seizing them from forces allied to the recognised Prime Minister Abdullah al-Thinni.

The terminals are still under control of Thinni’s forces but the area has become a battlefield against former rebels who helped oust Muammar Gaddafi in

2011, but now fight for control of the North African country.

A huge fire at a tank farm outside the terminal was reported on Thursday after a rocket hit, with both sides blaming the other.

Thinni’s top oil official, al-Mabrook al-Buseif, told Reuters the fire had damaged seven tanks and de-

stroyed up to 1.8 million barrels of crude – roughly four times Libya’s daily production.

Two tanks have collapsed and two others are still on fire, said Mohamed El Harari, a spokesman for state National Oil Corp (NOC). Two tank fires had been extinguished. (Excerpt from Reuters)

16

news

wednesDAY, december 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

VOX POPULI

PUBLIC OPINION

Drinking and driving

Ashraf Alli – Father “Well, as we have observed in the news, it seems that most of the accidents and deaths are caused by drinking and driving.

I think there should be more legislation governing the use of alcohol. Personally, I’m Muslim, and we’re totally against the use of alcohol, so those who are Muslims, we contribute significantly to avoiding this problem. People also need to be more educated and know that if they should drive, they should not drink. They need to be responsible, responsible of their lives, their families’ lives and all Guyanese.”

Alel Chung ”I think this is bad. Those drivers need to be more focused on the road. I know people who drink and drive, I does tell them what’s it. I does tell them to slow down and stay focused on the road. You seeing a lot of youth getting knocked down; people need to be more cautious, man. ”

I SAY...

Safari Rover – GRA Employee “I know a lot of people who drink and drive and all of them know the consequences and they all know about the accidents and the deaths, but I don’t know, it’s worrying, of course, but somehow it won’t bother you. I feel, you won’t feel the impact of it unless it affects you directly, you know. But that’s something you have to change within you. So I don’t know, the Police and Government could do all they need to do, but you will have to make that change yourself and you should because it’s troubling.

It’s not good. Take a taxi. You want to go party or whatever, don’t drive. It’s that simple.”

Toolsiram Harichand – UG Student “I’m a driver and I think drinking and driving is a serious problem, because it’s affecting a lot of people because innocent people lost their lives and these Police, they need to pull themselves together. They should be going out to the bars and looking at people who drinking and going to drive and stop them instead of harassing people for petty stuff.”

Althea Lewis – UG Student “I think there should be stricter rules, because they will feel like they won’t get in much trouble, so they do it any way and get away with it. We’re too lenient with the laws here, so there really needs to be stricter enforcement because the drivers will keep doing it, because there will be no motivation to change.”

Ruben Henry – Administrative Staff at Government Technical Institute “It’s against the law to drink and drive. They talk about alcohol levels and so, but I don’t really support drinking on a whole, as a Christian, I don’t really believe in a lot of drinking. And the speed limits, it’s also the fast driving that’s creating all these problems that we’re seeing. Also, drivers need to remember the 5 Cs when they are driving.”

Alicia Vanderstoop – DQ Employee “It’s dangerous and not healthy for people to be drinking and driving. A lot of people drinking and drive even though they know it’s dangerous. Especially during these holiday time, Police need to be more on the road and enforce the laws that we have.”

Christopher James “I’ve seen people drink and drive and it caused me to wonder, because I’ve been in the vehicle with them. When it comes to drinking and driving, we all know it’s a bad habit, but I can’t say for how other people see it, but they have to be more careful to preserve their lives, and more or less, to preserve others. As a nurse, the practical thing is drinking in moderation, especially around the holidays. But once you want to drink and drive; well, you should call a taxi if you want to indulge. That’s it.”

Mahindra Singh – Instructor at Buddy “I know persons who drink and drive and it’s worrying because of all the deaths we are seeing on the roadways.

When it’s around the holidays, more people drink and drive.

Their mindset, I can’t explain it because they know it’s wrong yet they still do it because they always feel that they are the exception to the rule. But it’s troubling and I think it comes down to a cultural change. ”

Kevonne Fields – US Citizen “Your rules are probably different from the US, because we have the same thing, a lot of people are drinking and driving, but, like I said, I’m not sure how strict you guys are down here. I know for us, we always have to get our seatbelts on all the time; we always have increased Police around this time. But I feel like the Police down here don’t even care either, that’s just my personal opinion. What needs to be done is more increased patrol and then drivers will respect the laws more. Because with us, if you get caught, you have to go to jail for a day, you have to go to court, you have to pay a fine, you have to pay lawyer fees. With DUI you can even get your licence suspended. People have been drinking since they are 10 years old, for us, we can’t drink until we’re 21; so, it’s also a cultural change.”

Alicia Daniels – Teacher ”I’m a driver and I take precaution. I take extra when I’m on the road because somebody’s life is at stake, because you don’t see vehicles in the hospital, it’s human beings you see there.

Pedestrians and drivers need to be more focused. These drivers should adhere to speed limits.

The amount of death we saw over the weekend, it’s alarming.

They need to realise drinking and driving is not good.”

George Persaud – Lab Technician “For me, I think what we see is very devastating. You won’t want to lose a loved one that way; however, it can be reduced providing that more initiatives are put into place. I mean, the Police are doing their part, but people can’t depend on the Police alone, because they have to play their part. We, as citizens, also need to have an impact where safety is concerned. I would like to urge the general public to think about how we can prevent this.

I don’t think instilling more laws and charging people would stop it. It needs to start from us as individuals by controlling how we use the road. We should use it in a safe manner.”

20 pedal cyclists killed on roadways this year – Police

I

n light of the climbing figures of road fatalities recorded throughout this year, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is urging pedal cyclists to be more responsible on the roadways.

The Police in a statement, called on cyclists to use the roadways in a more responsible manner and not in a way that can cause danger to themselves and other road users. “Pedal cyclists are often seen weaving in and out among traffic, not stopping at intersections, riding against the flow of traffic, towing on the handle bar, riding without holding the handle bar, failing

to confirm to traffic signs and signals, and at nights riding without lights or reflectors,” the Police pointed out.

The Force added that these irresponsible actions will not only expose pedal cyclists to great danger which can result in serious injuries or death, but compromise the safety of other road users. The Police Force has recorded a total of 20 pedal cyclists who have lost their lives due to fatal accidents this year when compared to 13 for the same period last year.

As recent as Sunday morning, a 12-year-old pedal cyclist, Kojo

McPherson, was killed after he was hit by a car at Paradise Village Railway Embankment, on the East Coast of Demerara. A bicycle is considered a vehicle and its usage is governed by the law.

According to the Police, Section 58 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 51:02 states that “Any person in charge of a vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, who uses or causes or permits such vehicle to be used or any road without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the said road, shall be guilty of an offence”.

For cyclists to be more cautious and safety-conscious on the roadways, the Police have recommended that pedal cyclists ensure that their cycles are equipped with bell, brakes, lights and reflectors. They should never tow anyone on the handle bar and desist from holding on to moving vehicles while riding.

The Police further insist that cyclists should not ride more than two abreast, advising that riding in single file is best. Cyclists should always glance behind and ensure it is clear before they move off or change course, the Police added.

Meanwhile, during enforcement

operations aimed at road safety over the period December 21-27, the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force made a number of cases against motorists for breaching the traffic laws. These include 113 cases for speeding; 27 cases for driving under the influence (DUI); 16 for beach of condition of road service licence; six cases for careless driving; 10 for dangerous driving, and two cases for fail to wear safety helmet. Additionally, 15 cases were filed for failure to wear a seat belt while another 10 cases were for prohibition of the use of a hand held mobile phone.

news

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wednesday, december 31, 2014 | guyanatimesGY.com

Dynamic still sees GAWU knocks arbitration ruling future in Guyana ...to challenge decision in different fora despite challenges … another flight delayed, expected to arrive today

GAWU President Komal Chand

D

espite facing challenges of continuous delays, the US-based airline Dynamic Airways is set on having a future in Guyana.

This is according to Captain Gerry Gouveia, CEO of Roraima Airways, the local handler of the airline. Gouveia told media operatives on Tuesday that the owner of the US charter has reaffirmed “serious commitment” in Guyana’s market.

He noted that the airline is also working assiduously on correcting the challenges it faces so that it can provide first class service to the travelling Guyanese public.

“They are going through problems and challenges but they are working hard to overcome it as far as I know,” Gouveia said.

He further explained that airplanes need a lot of maintenance and things often go wrong during this phase. He stated that the troubled airline is claiming that when it returned from flying to the Hajj, all the planes went under heavy maintenance; hence the back-up planes were not available to step in.

Additionally, the Roraima Airways CEO disclosed that there was another delay on Tuesday, stating that the plane was set to depart John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport at 01:30h today and arrive at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at 07:30h.

Gouveia pointed out that during the delay, passengers were put up in hotels and were provided with other amenities, something which the airline has been doing whenever there are delays. However, he noted that those passengers who wished to cancel their flight with the airline were reimbursed.

The Captain explained that in the aviation industry, delays are not an alien concept and happen from time to time. He said airlines around the world experiences problems which sometimes results in persons losing their lives or being delayed or even landing with emergency problems.

“This is a business that you have to continuing pay a lot of attention to safety.

Safety is of paramount im-

portance to Dynamic and we prefer to be delayed than fly and risk people’s lives,” he said.

Staying the Guyana route

Asked about the likelihood of Dynamic Airways going back to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for approval to fly after the November 2014 to June 2015 timeline expires, given all the problems that the company faces; Gouveia contended and reiterated that while the airline is going through some challenges presently, it has no intention of coming off the Guyana route.

“They have no intention of coming off this route.

Everyday they’re working harder to overcome these challenges.”

Gouveia further stated that it is unfortunate that the airline is going through this phase during such a busy season. Nevertheless, he was adamant that Dynamic Airways will get over it since it is a big airline in the US, with all of its technical staff available to tackle the problem.

Since its return in

November, the troubled airline has been facing several bouts of delays, causing public outbursts, particularly on social networks, about the continuous inefficiency of the airline.

The major hit was when hundreds of passengers were left stranded at the airport after they were told that they cannot flight to Guyana on their scheduled flights in time for Christmas.

Dynamic Airways resumed operations in Guyana in November, after being out for several months owing to a number of issues, including problematic ground handling personnel. Gouveia had told this newspaper last month that local aviation authorities had given the greenlight after the airline would have provided some additional documents requested.

Based on the approval granted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Dynamic Airways has up to June 9, 2015, to operate in Guyana and is allowed to only sell tickets for the approved period (November 22June 9).

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union said it would be challenging the decision by Arbitrator Mohamed Akeel to uphold the dismissal of a Skeldon Estate worker, who was fired earlier this year following an altercation with the estate manager.

In a statement released on Tuesday, GAWU said it “will pursue this matter in different fora. We remain convinced that our member – Daniel Stephen is unjustly penalised and is deserving of our full solidarity”.

The arbitration was held to probe an incident that occurred in September when Stephen had an altercation with a senior manager at the Skeldon Estate, Berbice, resulting in his dismissal.

The dock mill operator was dismissed the following day when he turned up to work. This caused a five-day strike by the estate workers and those from other estates along the Corentyne.

Stephen’s dismissal was reduced to suspension after a six-item Terms

of Resumption (ToRs) had been agreed upon by the Union and the Sugar Corporation to end the protest.

The ToRs outlined that conciliatory discussions must be held between the parties and if no agreement was made, then the matter should go to arbitration.

The conciliatory discussions were held under the chairmanship of Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle on behalf of the Labour Ministry. Ogle had recommended that Stephen be reinstated, but GuySuCo had rejected this recommendation; hence, deadlock was declared on the issue and it went to arbitration.

GAWU, in its release, explained that the ninepage report delivered by the Arbitrator was confusing and was a concern since the decision taken was not done in accordance with the agreements that were made during the course of the dispute.

The Union pointed out that the Sugar Corporation did not agree to the recommendation made by Ogle and instead opted to go the way of a Tribunal, which they could not fathom.

“For an industry that is in serious financial straits, this approach will no doubt needlessly increase by millions its debt difficulties.”

The Union referred to the Tribunal proceedings, during which (on November 26) the Arbitrator had reportedly declared the matter was concluded. GAWU quoted him saying “…if we don’t agree to move forward by altering the Terms of Reference which I cannot force, my duty (which is) based on the Terms of

Culture Ministry launches “Chinese Dream” exhibition at National Museum

The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry, in collaboration with the China Photographers Association, launched the “Chinese Dream” photographic exhibition at the Guyana National Museum.

The 35 pictures on display represent the positive achievements made by the many sectors of China, such as the economy, society, politics, culture and ecology.

In the photo, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Limin view the exhibits at the “Chinese Dream” photographic Exhibition at the Guyana National Museum

Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle

Reference is finished, because there is no disciplinary action for me to inquire into, so the matter is concluded here”.

Flabbergasted GAWU had taken this decision to be a clear and unambiguous conclusion that favoured Stephen.

However, Akeel had subsequently stated that the matter was not concluded and there were some issues that needed to be clarified and then further went on to deliver a final report on Monday saying “Being unable to proceed further, I have to bring this Arbitration to an end by ruling that Mr Daniel Stephen remains dismissed…”

GAWU said that it was flabbergasted by this conclusion, pointing out that in a letter dated September 25, GuySuCo had suspended the field worker.

“This letter, therefore, confirms that your summary dismissal has been recalled and you shall remain off the job as suspension without pay until the outcome of either conciliation or arbitration proceedings,” GuySuCo wrote to Stephen.

According to the Union, the conclusion “that Daniel Stephen remains dismissed” is outside of the mandate of the Terms of Reference that the Arbitrator was guided by during the proceedings instead he ought to have determined the end date of the suspension of the affected worker.

However, in his report, Akeel outlined that his tribunal was tasked with enquiring into the disciplinary action taken against the worker, but both the company and the Union differed on what the disciplinary action was.

GAWU contended that it was suspension, which was agreed upon to substitute for dismissal; however, GuySuCo posited that the letter of dismissal was recalled not as a penalty but as a means of ending the strike action.

Since his dismissal on September 20 and subsequent suspension without pay five days later, Stephen has been out of a job.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, december 31, 2014

ARCHIE

You are in the mood for an extravagant evening. A (March 21- crowded, flamboyant affair April 19) will give you the chance to meet exciting individuals who will open up opportunities for you in the future.

ARIES

Many of your personal diTAURUS lemmas will be lifted if you (April 20- make a decision to start anew May 20) or diligently stick to your New Year’s resolution. Do what you think is best for you.

dilbert

You can make this a day GEMINI (May 21- to remember. Let your confiJune 20) dence show and you will get an offer that you cannot refuse. Celebrate your good fortune with a loved one.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Take things as they come.

Don’t try to stick to a rigid schedule. Someone is likely to divulge personal information about you if you share your thoughts and feelings.

Pace your partying while LEO ringing in the new year. Too (July 23- much cheer will loosen your Aug. 22) inhibitions, causing an embarrassing situation. Stay in control and avoid the ugly consequences.

Calvin and Hobbes

Refuse to argue. If you VIRGO have differences with some(Aug. 23- one, call a truce for now.

Sept. 22) Others may feel uncomfortable if they have to witness a heated discussion.

You will have a hard time LIBRA pleasing anyone else. Stick to (Sept. 23your own tasks and give evOct. 23) eryone else a wide berth. If you can set your own agenda, you will be quite productive.

SUDOKU

Your career is important, SCORPIO but you need to take time out (Oct. 24for fun and entertainment Nov. 22) as well. You will receive an interesting invitation from someone from your past.

You may not know which SAGITTARIUS way to turn. Ask someone ex(Nov. 23- perienced for advice about the Dec. 21) options you are considering.

Get the facts before you make a promise. Celebrate with someone special.

TUESDAY'S WORD

Tuesday's solution

Your friends or famiCAPRICORN ly may want to make a big (Dec. 22splash on New Year’s Eve, Jan. 19) but a small, intimate gathering will be a better choice for your mood and agenda.

AQUARIUS

You can have fun without (Jan. 20- being indulgent. Too much Feb. 19) food and drink will make you reckless and unpredictable.

Take care not to offend anyone with your actions. The safest route is the best choice.

PISCES Keep your emotions in (Feb. 20- check. Don’t make a lofty March 20) promise or disturbing declaration. Regardless of where you decide to celebrate, stay in control and out of trouble.

wednesday, december 31, 2014

19

WI need 5-year TNT wins Wiltshire Dominoes title leave of absence T NT marked 41 games to capture the Mark Wiltshire four-game dominoes title when the final was contested recently at R and R venue in Meadowbrook.

Mix Up took the runner spot with 32 games while Sparton placed third on 30.

Shawn Morgan and Ryan Boodhoo scored 11 and 10 games respectively for the winners while Mark Wiltshire made 11 and Clarance Whitehead 10 for the runner- up team.

Sparton leading players were Kanhai Samaroo who made 10 games and

Leroy Edwards eight.

Mix Up chalked up 41 games to win the semi-final encounter which was contested on Boxing Day at Strikers venue.

TNT placed second on 35 ahead of OPKO with 29.

The winning team grabbed $60,000 and the runner up $20,000.

All set for Rising Sun New Year’s Day horse race meet

T

he first race for the 2015 horse racing season is set for the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park,West Coast Berbice on Thursday, despite the fact that the Guyana Horse Racing Authority has not released the provisional race meet dates for the new year.

Nine races are carded for the day with close to $8 million in cash, trophies and other incentives up for the

I

West Indies in happier times

confess to being an ardent West Indian cricket fan, one who goes to bed early so as to get up at 3 a.m. to watch the first Test match between the world’s number one team, South Africa, and minnows West Indies.

Even now, I am not sure what I expected. What has happened is that I am personally humiliated by what was shown on my television screen, a mismatch - boys against men; those who understood cricket, prepared, and thought out opponents versus a group of men who got a “trip” and “nuff” cash.

(Nice work, if you can get it.) West Indian cricket has been on a steady slide down the world rankings, moving from number one to number eight.

How often have we heard commentators and “experts” say that “the West Indies are turning the corner”. We have been turning the corner for so long now that these men are in danger of falling down because of dizziness caused by constantly “turning the corner”.

The present West Indies Test team is just not good enough to threaten the top six Test-playing nations.

There are no signs that this position will change in the next five to 10 years as the young men in the Caribbean

are more interested in ‘big money’, which is what T20, and to a lesser extent, oneday cricket, promises.

There also appears to be no leadership at the administrative level.

Untrustworthy people

To make matters worse, former Test great Michael Holding and the Caricom representative to West Indian cricket, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, have now made public their reasoned impression of the administration of West Indies cricket: “untrustworthy!”

When the present board allowed a squad of players to go on a tour of India without any idea of their contractual arrangements and bobbed and weaved when it was obvious that the players recognised that their union president had not settled the matter, it was obvious to everyone that what was needed was a new beginning.

However, in typical West Indian style, a committee was established to “look into the matter”, and as was expected, found that everyone was wrong, everyone was to blame, no one was held accountable, therefore, back to the status quo.

So a team of disgruntled

players was selected and sent to play against the best the world has to offer, and we were to expect a grand fight, close finishes, etc.

What is needed in the West Indies is for us to understand and realise that as a Test-playing nation, we are a joke. Let us be brave and request from the International Cricket Council (ICC) a five-year leave of absence from Test cricket. Say thanks to this present crop of ‘senior’ cricketers and concentrate on under-15 youngsters.

With proper guidance re technique, nutrition, and education, we will produce technically gifted young men with the ability to THINK. Then, and only then, should we re-enter the Test cricket arena.

Therefore, the choice before us, “we-the-people”, is: Do we continue to play Test cricket, or do we INSIST that the present administration and structure of West Indies cricket be dramatically altered as per the Patterson report?

In closing, let me remind the presidents of WIPA and the WICB that talent is Godgiven. Be humble! Fame is man-given. Be thankful! Conceit is self-given. Be careful! (Jamaica Gleaner)

taking.

Preparatory works have been completed and the venue boasts tremendous improvements, according to organisers there.

The feature race being the D class event, with prize monies tagged at close to $3 million with a first prize of a sumptuous $1 million and the Banks DIH trophy over one mile.

Other races billed for the

day are the: Three-year-old Guyana and West Indies bred and E and Lower race; E class event; G1and Lower; Two-year-old Guyana and West Indies animals; G3 maiden and H and Lower and there are two J class events, one for J3 animals and the other for J1 horses.

The meet will be held under the rules of the Rising Sun Turf Club and race time is 13:00 hrs.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, december 31, 2014

Australia run out of Rahul Dravid hails Dhoni C time, but win series alling MS Dhoni an “inspiration” on the day he retired from Test cricket, Rahul Dravid said he was a captain who led “more by example than by rhetoric or by words”.

“He was a captain I enjoyed playing under,” Dravid told ESPNcricinfo. “One of the things I liked about MS was, what you saw was what you got. Very uncomplicated, always led by example.

One of the things I really liked about playing under MS was that he never asked you to do anything that he himself didn’t do.”

view it at the end of the series, without India playing Test cricket for the next seven or eight months.

“Knowing MS, if the series was alive, I don’t think he would have taken the decision in the middle of the series, but having seen that the series was already gone, maybe he felt that if he was going to go, then maybe this was the time to do it, and to give Virat Kohli a Test match in Australia to captain, Wriddhiman Saha another opportunity in a Test match, and to start the process of taking India’s Test

my career in England and Australia - are struggling as well. We just didn’t put enough runs on the board for a captain to be aggressive and attacking enough.

“Yes, he would be a bit disappointed that he could not maybe transition the team as well as he would have liked overseas over the last four years, and maybe he felt it was the right time for someone like Virat Kohli to take that forward and possibly he felt he’d taken Indian cricket as far as he possibly could as a Test captain.”

Australia celebrates a wicket on their way to a series win

A

ustralia did not need to win, and India never really thought seriously about doing so. A curiously muted final day of the Boxing Day Test petered out with four overs still to bowl; on recent evidence more than enough time to winkle out the visitors’ last four wickets.

A draw was enough for Australia to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy under the stand-in captaincy of Steven Smith, and also enough for MS Dhoni’s India to avoid a series whitewash.

So hands were shaken, backs slapped and stumps drawn. Despite the odd moment of rancour - Virat Kohli versus Brad Haddin or transcendence - Mitchell Johnson’s ripping cutter to bowl Cheteshwar Pujara this always seemed the most likely result.

It was a revealing day for Smith, showing that in his second Test as leader he was unprepared to risk a 2-0 series lead over opponents who had chased boldly and capably until tripping up within sight of the finishing post in Adelaide. In this, Smith showed a level of pragmatism more in common with another former captain who bowled leg spin in Richie Benaud, as opposed to the greater gambling instinct of Michael Clarke and his mentor Shane Warne.

Right from the start of the day, Smith had appeared intent on making sure India would not be presented with too amenable a target on what always remained a friendly batting surface.

India’s captain MS Dhoni seemed to be hoping just as much for a closure early in the morning session, affording his batsmen the chance to pursue a target in the region of 350.

But the hosts pushed on, Shaun Marsh advancing to the cusp of a third Test century when he chanced a quick single to mid-off and was thrown out by Virat Kohli’s direct hit. When the innings was closed with Australia’s last pair of Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood at the crease, it was the coach Darren Lehmann, not Smith, who waved them in.

Still, 70 overs was a not

completely insubstantial amount of time. Ryan Harris struck with his second ball, finding late swing to pin Shikhar Dhawan in front of the stumps.

KL Rahul was unexpectedly promoted to No. 3, but completed an unhappy match when he hooked convulsively at Mitchell Johnson and was held by Shane Watson, jogging back from first slip. M Vijay fell to the first-change Josh Hazlewood soon after, struck in line though the ball appeared likely to be sliding past leg stump.

Kohli had made only four when he was almost run out - David Warner’s excellent

fingers of Chris Rogers at backward point.

India managed to reach tea without further loss, but that achievement was made moot when Kohli flicked a little too hastily at Harris’ first ball of the evening session and arrowed it straight to Joe Burns at square leg.

Pujara had been dropped down the order as something of a safety blanket, and his 95-ball union with Rahane was enough to dim Australian hopes.

Johnson had to conjure the ball of the Test to find a way past Pujara, his fast offbreak the stuff of Derek Underwood’s wildest

SCOREBOARD Australia 2nd innings DA Warner lbw b Ashwin 40 CJL Rogers b Ashwin 69 SR Watson c †Dhoni b Sharma 17 SPD Smith* c Rahane b Yadav 14 SE Marsh run out (Kohli) 99 JA Burns c †Dhoni b Sharma 9 BJ Haddin† c †Dhoni b Yadav 13 MG Johnson c Rahane b Mohammed Shami 15 RJ Harris c †Dhoni b Mohammed Shami 21 NM Lyon not out 1 JR Hazlewood not out 0 Extras: (lb 13, w 2, nb 5) 20 Total: (9 wickets dec; 98 overs) 318 Fall of wickets 1-57 (Warner, 14.2 ov), 2-98 (Watson, 24.1 ov), 3-131 (Smith, 33.3 ov), 4-164 (Rogers, 40.3 ov), 5-176 (Burns, 45.3 ov), 6-202 (Haddin, 55.2 ov), 7-234 (Johnson, 67.1 ov), 8-303 (Harris, 93.4 ov), 9-317 (Marsh, 96.6 ov) Bowling: UT Yadav, 22-3-89-2, Mohammed Shami 28-4-92-

diving save devalued somewhat by a throw not accurate enough to strand Kohli as Haddin ran in to collect.

The first verbal confrontation between Kohli and Haddin caused India’s No. 4 to complain to the umpires, while Haddin goaded him with a series of exaggerated handclaps.

Not quite as fluent as they had been in the first innings, Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were helped by the ball losing some of its earlier hardness. Each had close calls, Harris raising an lbw query against Kohli and a fiercely struck Rahane cut shot bursting through the

2, I Sharma 28-4-75-2 India 2nd innings target: 384 runs) M Vijay lbw b Hazlewood 11 S Dhawan lbw b Harris 0 KL Rahul c Watson b Johnson 1 V Kohli c Burns b Harris 54 AM Rahane c Marsh b Hazlewood 48 CA Pujara b Johnson 21 MS Dhoni*† not out 24 R Ashwin not out 8 Extras: (lb 6, nb 1) 7 Total: (6 wickets; 66 overs) 174 Did not bat Mohammed Shami, I Sharma, UT Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Dhawan, 1.2 ov), 2-5 (Rahul, 2.2 ov), 3-19 (Vijay, 8.1 ov), 4-104 (Kohli, 34.1 ov), 5-141 (Pujara, 50.6 ov), 6-142 (Rahane, 54.6 ov) Bowling: MG Johnson 153-38-2, RJ Harris 16-8-302, JR Hazlewood 15-3-402, NM Lyon 12-0-36-0 SR Watson 6-1-14-0, SPD Smith 2-0-10-0

dreams, but there was not the same purchase for Lyon, and the other pacemen lost penetration as the day wore on. Rahane’s mistimed pull shot to square leg left a narrow window open, but R Ashwin and Dhoni looked secure enough to leave Smith thinking he had run out of time four overs before he actually did so.

An enjoyable and wellattended match had thus faded away. The series is Australia’s, not in the sort of circumstances that prompt wild celebrations, but more the sober handshakes in recognition of a job completed.

(Cricinfo)

Rahul Dravid: “MS never asked you to do anything that he himself didn’t do

Dhoni’s style of leadership was famously handsoff, but Dravid said he won the respect of his teammates with his deeds rather than his words.

“The reality was he was having to transition a senior group of players and build a younger group who were coming through,” Dravid said. “In a sense he was not the most communicative of captains, but he tried to earn your respect by walking the talk. He never took a backward step, and led more by example than by rhetoric or by words. More by actions.”

Dravid hailed the impact Dhoni had made on Indian cricket after emerging from one of its backwaters.

“For someone to come from a small town like Ranchi, to go on and captain India and play 90 Test matches, to do it the way he has, I think he brought a lot of dignity to the job of captaincy,” Dravid said. “He might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but he was his own cup of tea and he led with a lot of success and that can never be taken away from him.

“And he’s been an inspiration. If there are kids in small towns today dreaming and aspiring for great things, not only in cricket but in various fields, then MS Dhoni has a lot to do with it.”

Dravid was surprised by the timing of Dhoni’s decision to retire, with one Test still left in the series against Australia, but he said he had expected him to take stock of his future fairly soon.

“I guess it was unexpected that he would do it in the middle of the series,” Dravid said. “I expected him to re-

team forward.”

Starting with the tour of England in 2011, Dhoni won only one Test match overseas. Dravid sympathised with Dhoni for perhaps not having the resources - particularly in the bowling department - to improve his away record.

“If you look at it overall, there was no doubt he was India’s most successful Test captain. The numbers don’t lie,” Dravid said. “There’s no doubt that he didn’t have the best of times, especially over the last four years, in overseas conditions. Maybe it’s also a reflection of the fact that the team was in transition, it was changing times, especially in the bowling department. It’s not easy to captain a team when you don’t have the resources to be able to take 20 wickets.”

Dhoni also attracted criticism for his defensive tactics as captain, and Dravid said those measures might have been forced on him by the resources at his disposal.

He was never defensive when captaining in India,” Dravid said. “When he had spinners, he was always attacking, on turning tracks, he was willing to force the game. It’s just overseas, and over the last three or four years, that I just think he maybe felt he didn’t have the bowling resources to be able to take 20 wickets, and he found himself, at many stages, always behind the four-ball.

“It’s hard to attack for the sake of attacking when your runs are leaking at four, four-and-a-half an over, when your batsmen as it happened on the two tours I played at the end of

Dhoni suffered from a perception that he didn’t take Test cricket as seriously as he did the shorter forms of the game, but Dravid dismissed the theory.

“You cannot play 90 Test matches by not embracing Test cricket and not wanting to work hard at it and make a career out of it,” Dravid said. “It’s another matter that his one-day record and his T20 record are much better than his Test record, and his achievements in one-day cricket and T20 cricket are phenomenal.

“That’s not to say he did not have a good record as a Test cricketer as well.

Sure, if you judge him by the standards of an Adam Gilchrist, then yes, maybe his Test record wasn’t that good, but purely if you judge him by the standards of Indian wicketkeeper-batsmen and forget everything else - playing lower down the order, playing 90 Test matches, most dismissals for India, most runs as a wicketkeeper-batsman for India, most centuries - it’s a phenomenal record as a Test cricketer and something he can be very proud of.”

Contending that technique wasn’t one of Dhoni’s strengths as a batsman, Dravid praised him for squeezing as much as he could out of his homespun methods, even in difficult conditions overseas.

“I think he had incredible hand-eye coordination, incredible power, and an ability to absorb pressure.

These are his great qualities. Technique wasn’t one of his great strengths, so if you consider that, to average 38 in Test cricket I think is terrific, because he really made it work.” (Cricinfo)

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21 Smith defends Australia’s delayed declaration "W SPORTS

Phone: 227-0704,

e hold these truths to be selfevident, that not all chasers are created equal" Steven Smith did not say those words after the draw in Melbourne, but he might as well have. His declaration at lunch on the final day at the MCG was conservative by Australia's standards, leaving India 384 runs to win from 70 overs. It reduced Australia's chances of victory, but meant they were all but assured of regaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. And so it proved.

If a captain is to be judged on the result of a series, then Smith has delivered while standing in for Michael Clarke. It did not stop criticism of his delayed declaration and Australia's slow scoring during a rainy final morning. The Australian way, the coach Darren Lehmann and others have repeatedly said, is playing to win, not playing to avoid defeat.

Here, the goalposts changed. And they changed throughout the morning.

After talking it over with Lehmann and senior players on the fourth night, Smith arrived at the ground intending to bat on for 10 to 15 overs and set India a target. But Shaun Marsh and Ryan Harris struggled to get the scoreboard moving quickly enough for that to happen, and Smith revised his plans.

In the end, Australia faced 23 overs and declared at lunch. Smith said a number of factors went into his thinking, including India's reluctance to push for Australia's last three wickets on the final morning in a Test that they had to win to keep alive their hopes of retaining the trophy. On what would become his final day as Test captain - he retired after play - MS Dhoni set the fielders back and played a game of defence.

"We do say we always play to win but it was one of those circumstances," Smith said.

"India had an opportunity to take the new ball this afternoon and they didn't do that.

We thought, you know what, we will give you a few less overs to get these runs.

"I thought they might have come out a bit harder

Steven Smith

and gone after us at the start and we might have got a few wickets there and we have got through their tail pretty quickly recently but it didn't turn out that way. We still got a series win which was important to us.

"I changed my mind a couple of times. I wasn't quite sure when to pull out. But I didn't really want to give India a crack with the batters they had in the shed and how good that wicket was."

India's target was always unlikely, but Smith had in the back of his mind the way India had batted at Adelaide Oval, where they had reached 315 before being dismissed in a chase of 364. Virat Kohli's 141 was especially worrying for the Australians, and until he was caught in the deep, it appeared India would win the first Test.

Kohli's record as a chaser is exceptional in one-day cricket, and in Test cricket he averaged 70.75 in fourthinnings chases before this match. The presence of a target allows Kohli to focus and Australia were very pleased to see the end of him in the first over after tea at the MCG, where he made 54 from 99 balls and then chastised himself on the way off.

"The wicket out here was much better than Adelaide," Smith said. "At least Adelaide broke up and spun a lot for Nathan, which created opportunities there. We certainly didn't have that out here. It was a very good wicket to bat on and we didn't want to give them an opportunity.

"India have some very good batters in their side, the wicket didn't break up at all, it was still a very good wicket, there wasn't any up and down movement, there wasn't any spin. We got a little bit of reverse swing which was handy for us. We really didn't want to give India a sniff to be honest, we got another series win which is what we were after and hopefully we can finish well in Sydney."

Smith said although he had discussed his declaration with others, the decision was ultimately his, and he said it was "very satisfying" to have the Border-Gavaskar Trophy back after Australia's 4-0 loss in India last year. The result was the first draw at the MCG since 1997, the second year of the drop-in pitches, and the first in Australia since the 2012 Test against South Africa in Adelaide.

Harris, who resumed batting with Marsh on the final morning, said Australia's original plan had been to chase their runs quicker, but India's bowlers had been disciplined and had not allowed the score to move as fast as Australia would have liked.

"Shaun and I went out with a bit of intent, but India bowled pretty well this morning," Harris said. "It was hard to score. I think that may have also played a part as well, 10 to 15 overs that was originally planned, we didn't have enough runs. If we had have gone out there and scored reasonably quickly this morning we may have been out there a lot earlier.

"But they bowled pretty well [and] they didn't take the new ball, which could have gone either of two ways, we could have scored a lot quicker or they could have gone through us. But they didn't do it and it was quite tough to get the ball away with it reversing and being so soft."

Australia fell four wickets short of victory when Smith bizarrely agreed to end the match early, with four overs remaining. It was a strange move for a team that usually prides itself on playing to win, but then, the whole day was a curious one by Australia's standards. (Cricinfo)

Barcelona appeal rejected

B

arcelona will not be allowed to sign any players in 2015 after their appeal against a transfer ban was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Spanish club was handed a 14-month ban in April after being found guilty of breaching Fifa's rules on the transfer of players aged under 18.

Fifa rejected an appeal in August but the pending appeal to Cas allowed Barca to sign players including Luis Suarez.

Barcelona has expressed its "utter nonconformity with the resolution".

The players concerned in the infringement of Fifa rules were registered and participated in competitions with Barcelona between 2009 and 2013.

Cas said: "The panel found in particular that FC Barcelona had breached the rules regarding the protection of minors and the registration of minors attending football academies.

"Accordingly, the Fifa decision is confirmed in full and the sanction remains in force.

"In view of the need to issue a decision before the opening of the next transfer window, the panel has issued its decision without the grounds. The full arbitral award, with the reasons for the panel's decision, will be issued as soon as possible."

A Barcelona statement added: "The errors that the club might have committed, and which have been recognised and argued before the corresponding authorities, are, in all cases, of an

administrative nature and to a large extent have been caused by the existing conflict between the Fifa regulations and Spanish legislation, along with the club's conviction that it was acting correctly.

"Therefore, FC Barcelona considers the sanction to be completely disproportionate as it supposes an excessive punishment for the club, when considering its trajectory and the circumstances of this specific case."

Barca went on a summer spending spree this year while the suspension went on hold during the appeals process, splashing out more than 150m euros (£117.5m) on Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Thomas Vermaelen, Claudio Bravo, Jeremy Mathieu and Alen Halilovic. (BBC Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, december 31, 2014

Horse racing on downward curve – legislation needed urgently

By Rajiv Bisnauth

T

he lack of adequate legislation and the absence of good manage-

there are some major areas that require attention and should be addressed before the start of the new season in order to raise the stand-

which was submitted to the Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony on September 10.

The draft document had

Loregnard.

However, the status of that draft document is unknown.

Another issue of conten-

This photograph shows Keran Razack from the Shariff Racing Stables, in possession of the electric device during a race meet

The Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) presented a copy of the draft Horse Racing Legislation to the Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony at his Main Street office

ment practices are responsible for the sport of horse racing not being a bigger

ards of the sport.

One such area is the legislation that governs the sport.

Dubbed the Sport of Kings, horse racing, since its resuscitation some six years ago, has been operating under a legal document that was registered under the miscellaneous Deeds Act.

Draft document

The new body had drafted a horse racing legislation,

regulated due to the lack of legislation, this particular practice could be difficult to detect and confirm.

Perhaps, the biggest problem of all is the contin-

a higher pedigree to really lift the standards of racing in Guyana, and at the same time create a level playing field for all.

Meanwhile, the attempt

taken pattern from two legislative models – one done

by Justice (retired) Cecil Kennard and the other, which is the Trinidad and Tobago legislation, compiled by Senior Counsel and horserace magnate, Marcel Crawford.

The draft document was also influenced by recommendations made by the Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority (TTRA), David

The continued violation of the track by punters and spectators remains one of the biggest problems of all Vic Oditt

success story in Guyana; however, there is no doubt that horse racing has become one of the major sport industries in Guyana.

The 2014 racing season can be classified as one of the busiest, but, at the same time, as a year of controversy for the sport.

Although the administration of the game was put into the hands of a new body, led by Vic Oditt,

Score’s Even was debarred from participating in a number of races because of her pedigree and experience

tion is the manner in which jockeys go to work. There should be a set of rules, if there is not one already, to govern the way jockeys dress. Just like every other sport, a code of dress is a standard requirement so the authorities must enforce the rules for jockeys and public safety.

There has also been talk of owners and handlers using performance enhancing substances on their horses, but with the sport still un-

ued violation of the track by punters and spectators.

This dilemma is a real one that many of the track authorities are either afraid to address or have no answers for. It seems that until someone gets injured, then and only then solutions will be found.

Though local owners are now more readily prepared and equipped to import horses from Trinidad and Tobago and beyond, the quality of the horses and the breeding stock should be of

by a few executives to improve their facilities to make all associated with the race activities comfortable is praiseworthy, but a lot more still needs to be done.

Finally, all tracks should also have a special area for media access and this particular issue had been raised before, but very little action was taken.

All in all the sport is growing in popularity and 2015 should see another packed calendar of events.

Real Madrid forward will never leave – Florentino Perez

G

areth Bale will "never leave" Real Madrid, according to the La Liga club's president Florentino Perez.

Welshman Bale, 25, joined Real from Tottenham for £85.3m in 2013 and has been linked with a move back to the Premier League with Manchester United.

"We have not received an offer from Manchester

or any other club for Gareth Bale," Perez told Spanish paper Marca.

"Just as I can't imagine Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo, I can't imagine Real without Bale either."

Forward Bale scored in both the Champions League and Copa del Rey finals, as he won a cup double in his first season at the Spanish club, as

well as finishing third in La Liga, three points behind champions Atletico Madrid.

"Bale is a key player.

He has already done so much for the team and is a key part of our club's future," added Perez.

"Every club knows that Gareth Bale will never leave Real Madrid and that the club will not discuss their star, no

matter how much is offered."

With the January transfer window about to open, United manager Louis van Gaal was recently asked about the prospect of signing Bale.

"I cannot discuss that with you," the Dutchman said. "I discuss that with my CEO and not with anyone of the media." (BBC

Sports)

Gareth Bale

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, december 31, 2014

23

Hundred in Port Elizabeth was my Lil’ Rick, Skinny Fabulous to perform after finals aim, says Samuels A Stag Super XVI Final NSA McAL, through its Stag brand that is known throughout the Caribbean, has ensured that fans will kick off the New Year in true Caribbean style with talented Caribbean artistes Lil’ Rick and Skinny Fabulous for a massive after-football show.

Ricky Reid, aka Lil’ Rick, a Barbadian by birth, is best known for his “wuk up” performance, a Bajan term used

Marlon Samuels

W

hile batting yesterday’s fourth day of the second Test, it was not lost on Marlon Samuels that he had narrowly missed out on three figures in his last innings at St George’s Park seven years ago.

The 33-year-old righthander was determined not to make the same mistake twice.

It was no surprise therefore when he unfurled a high quality innings of 101 to help propel West Indies to 275 for nine at the close.

“Last time I was here I made 94 at this ground and I’m basically sitting in the same seat,” said Samuels.

“I told myself when I get in the 90s again I am definitely going to be a little bit more positive and try and go to a hundred. So against a number one team with a world class bowling attack and getting a hundred, it’s a wonderful feeling.”

Resuming the day on 60, Samuels was positive in his stroke-play, cruising to his sixth Test hundred in style.

He cleared the ropes at long on with leg-spinner Imran Tahir before following up with a loft over mid-wicket for four a few balls later, to reach his landmark.

All told, he batted 160 balls, in 203 minutes and counted 14 fours and a six.

Samuels, a mainstay of the tourists’ batting in recent years, said he was enjoying the responsibility.

“I’ve been waiting for these opportunities and they are a lot of responsibility.

It’s a good feeling,” he told a media conference.

“I’ve been around for a while and I usually have young players asking me stuff and whenever they ask me stuff, it reminds me I have a big part to play.”

Samuels put on 176 for the third wicket with 22-year-old opener Kraigg Brathwaite who hit 106, his third Test century. The pair carried West Indies to 231 for two in the second session before being separated.

On a rain-hit day when only 35 overs were possible, West Indies suffered a collapse once Brathwaite and Samuels were separated, losing seven wickets for 44 runs.

They trail South Africa by 142 runs, after the Proteas piled up 417 for eight declared in their first innings, and Samuels believed if West Indies had not squandered crucial catches when they fielded, West Indies could have been in a stronger position.

“If we had taken those chances I think it would have been a totally different game, and again rain has also been involved for much of the time,” Samuels pointed out.

“If we had gotten South Africa all out for a lesser total and then matched that total or led by 100 runs and put them back into bat ... it would be a good Test match.

If there wasn’t any rain, I think we would put up a very good challenge against the number one team.”

(Jamaican Observer)

GAPA to start season early T

he Guyana Amateur P o w e r l i f t i n g Association (GAPA) will kick off their season early with a junior and novices’ championship set for January 25 at the National Gymnasium.

The competition will be hosted in order to select the national team for the male and female sub junior/junior as well as female open for the upcoming Caribbean Powerlifting Championships

slated for March 19 to 22 in Guyana.

The ladies novice category will enjoy automatic entry into the women’s team pending satisfactory performances.

Female lifters who missed the seniors are also invited to guest lift with a view to selection to a possible national team as the Federation aims to capture all team titles up for grabs in 2015.

to describe his enviable pelvic gyration. He has undisputedly earned himself the infamous title as the “Hypa Dawg”.

Football fans and players attending Thursday’s final of the inaugural Stag Super XVI knock-out competition at the Number Five Ground, West Coast Berbice will experience a massive treat after Grove Hi-Tech and Anns’ Grove clash in the final.

These two sons of the

Caribbean will add the final touch to what is anticipated to be an enthralling evening of football which will bring the curtains down on two weeks of exciting rivalry between 16 teams drawn from the Berbice, East Demerara and East Bank Football Associations which collaborated with ANSA McAL for this tournament.

Emerging as the finalists are East Bank’s Grove HiTech and East Demerara’s

Anns’ Grove. They defeated their Berbice opponents in their respective semi-finals at the Buxton Ground on December 28, New Amsterdam United and Cougars. At stake is a top prize of $1.5 million with the loser receiving $500,000.

The two semi-final losers will play the third-place game tomorrow from 18:00h, with the winner set to pocket $300,000 and the loser, $100,000.

GPF win MHA Inter Agency Dominoes title

L

ed by Richard Henry who won the maximum of games, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) romped to victory in the final of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Inter Agency dominoes competi-

tion played recently at the Ministry’s Brickdam canteen.

The GPF amassed 72 games to leave in its wake the Guyana Prison Service who totalled 67 games to narrowly beat into third

place the Guyana Fire Service by one game.

Carl Saul with 17 games and Linden Matthews with 16 games were the other contributors to the Police’s winning cause.

Leading the Guyana

Prison Service were Quain Proctor (14); Justin Amsterdam (14); and Lionel Cave with 13 games.

Despite Curtis Liverpool’s maximum 18 games, the Fire Service still brought up in the cellar.

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

wednesday, december 31, 2014

Test drawn after 5th-day washout A

Kraigg Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels added 176 for the third wicket before rain stopped play for good

Dhoni retires from Test cricket

M

S Dhoni has retired from Test cricket with immediate effect following the drawn Test against Australia in Melbourne. Virat Kohli will take over as India captain for the final Test of the series, which India have already lost, in Sydney.

Dhoni was batting on 24 when the Test was called off early at the MCG - four overs were left and India had four wickets in hand and he made no mention of his retirement during the customary captain’s press conference at the end of the match. The announcement was made via a BCCI press release shortly after and it cited “the strain of playing all formats” as the reason.

“One of India’s greatest Test captains under whose leadership India became the No. 1 team in the test rankings, MS Dhoni, has decided to retire from Test cricket citing the strain of playing all formats of cricket,” the board said. “BCCI, while respecting the decision of MS Dhoni to retire from Test cricket, wishes to thank him for his enormous contribution to Test cricket and the laurels that he has brought to India. Virat Kohli will be the captain of the Indian team for the fourth and final Test against Australia to be played in Sydney.”

In recent months Dhoni suffered from fitness issues, missing five ODIs against Sri Lanka in November be-

waterlogged outfield and persistent rain ruled out any chance of play on the fifth day of the Port Elizabeth Test, which ended in a draw with only 201 overs having been possible over five days.

Whenever play had been possible, the pitch threw up an excellent contest between bat and ball, with four batsmen scoring centuries, one tonking a 26ball half-century, and the bowlers responding with 17 wickets, but the weather ruined any chance of a result.

Replying to South Africa’s 417 for 8 declared, West Indies had ended day four on 275 for 9.

The umpires inspected the outfield at hourly in-

SCOREBOARD

West Indies 1st innings KC Brathwaite c Petersen b Morkel 106 DS Smith c Amla b 0 c du Plessis b Morkel MN Samuels lbw b Philander 101 S Chanderpaul b Imran Tahir 7 D Ramdin*† lbw b Imran Tahir 20 JO Holder c †de Villiers b Morkel 1 JE Taylor not out 10 SJ Benn c Petersen b Imran Tahir 4 KK Peters run out Steyn/†de Villiers) 0

tervals between 10am and 1pm, but there was no improvement in its condition. Play was called off at

Extras (lb 4) 4 Total (9 wickets; 79 overs) 275 To bat: ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-55 (Smith, 16.5 ov), 2-55 (Johnson, 16.6 ov), 3-231 (Samuels, 64.6 ov), 4-233 (Brathwaite, 65.3 ov), 5-260 (Ramdin, 74.1 ov), 6-261 (Chanderpaul, 74.3 ov), 7-265 (Holder, 75.1 ov), 8-270 (Benn, 76.6 ov), 9-275 (Peters, 78.6 ov) Bowling: DW Steyn (14-3-48-0); VD Philander (18-4-41-1); M Morkel (20-2-69-4); Imran Tahir (26-2-108-3); D Elgar (1-0-5-0)

1.05pm. Kraigg Brathwaite was named Man of the Match for his innings of 106. (Cricinfo)

WDFA VitaMalt Plus, Aqua Mist football tournament...

Teams receive winning cheques

MS Dhoni has a laugh after his final Test

cause of a hand injury, which also sidelined him from the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. In addition to the pressure of leading India in all three formats, and the Chennai Super Kings franchise, for six years Dhoni has also had to play an extraordinary amount of matches. Since the start of 2008 - taking into account international matches across formats, IPL and Champions League T20 games - Dhoni has played 398 matches, the most for any cricket during this period. Suresh Raina is second with 369 games.

Though Dhoni’s place in India’s Test side has not been under question, his batting form took a dip in 2014 and he averaged only 33 in 17 innings this year.

His wicketkeeping has also deteriorated, in particular his ability to move laterally to take testing catches. India’s overseas results have also suffered under

Dhoni’s leadership in recent years. Since 2011, they have won only two out of 22 away Tests and lost 13.

Dhoni, however, is India’s most successful captain, having presided over 27 wins in his 60-Test tenure, which began in 2008.

His first Test as captain was against South Africa in Kanpur in April that year, because of an injury to regular captain Anil Kumble, and he took over full time after Kumble retired following the Delhi Test against Australia in October. Dhoni led India to the No. 1 Test ranking in 2009, a position they enjoyed until the tour of England in 2011.

Overall, Dhoni played 90 Tests in a career that began in 2005 and scored 4876 runs at an average of 38, with a high score of 224 against Australia in Chennai in 2013. As a wicketkeeper, he effected 294 dismissals, the fifth highest in Test cricket.

(Cricinfo)

Aqua Mist Brand Manager Errol Nelson (right) hands over a cheque to WDFA President Nigel Garraway at the presentation ceremony

T

he top finishers of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Banks VitaMalt Plus/Aqua Mist Football Tournament received their cheques on Tuesday at the Banks DIH headquarters, Thirst Park.

Slingerz FC were the winners of the inaugural tournament while Dem Amstel finished second.

WDFA President Nigel Garraway was pleased with the tournament, calling it a

“massive success”.

Garraway thanked major sponsor Banks DIH as well as the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for their involvement.

“We must say thanks to Banks and all other stakeholders not forgetting the Police Force who readily agreed to come on board since this tournament was held in honour of the late Assistant Commissioner Derrick Josiah,” Garraway stated.

Brand Manager for Aqua

Mist, Errol Nelson was also delighted with the success of the tournament and pledged the support of his company in future tournaments.

Manager for the VitaMalt Plus brand, Clairmont McKenzie, also raved about the event. “It was a very invigorative and energy filled tournament; it was something that a lot of people admired and that is what VitaMalt Plus is about,” McKenzie noted.

(Treiston Joseph)

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