Guyana Times Daily - December 27, 2014

Suspect nabbed by Police in backlands

Tuschen triple murder:

Ramotar regrets Opposition stymieing of transformational projects

While Guyana has experienced significant economic growth and development throughout 2014, President Donald Ramotar has acknowledged that our country faced many challenges throughout this year.

President Ramotar was at the time greeting the massive crowd along Regent Street on Christmas Eve as they hurried through their last-minute Christmas shopping. During a brief interview with the Guyana Times as he strolled through the streets of Georgetown, the President expressed his regret that several projects were not able to be executed, particularly as a result of a lack of cooperation from the political Opposition. “I would have hoped that by now that we would have started constructing the hydropower station … I would have hoped that we would have passed the Anti-Money Laundering Bill so that our country would not have this shadow over it.”

The Government of Guyana has been pushing immensely to execute these and other crucial projects that could be of great benefit to the Guyanese populace. The Head of State noted that the hydropower station could have greatly impacted the high cost of electricity in Guyana.

Only recently, acting Tourism, Industry, and Commerce Minister Irfaan

President Donald Ramotar

Ali has said some investors remain reluctant to enter Guyana’s manufacturing and trade sectors because of the present electricity rates which by global standards are very high.

He had also explained that for Guyana to achieve its true levels of economic growth, there was need for Government and Parliament to be cognisant of the reality that some risks have to be taken.

“There are many, many other things that we should have been doing in our society, but, of course, you know we didn’t have the cooperation on the other side,”

President Ramotar noted.

However, he stated that because of these challenges in 2014, he was now determined more than ever to fulfil these promises in the new year.

“I’m even more determined now to go forward to

ensure that we bring these things to the Guyanese people.”

He highlighted that Guyana was rapidly developing and that his administration would continue to work to foster developmental opportunities for the nation. “Our country has huge potential to develop… and that is the direction in which we are going.”

He also noted that despite the massive downturn

in the economy of neighbouring Caribbean countries, and even in Latin America, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration still managed to offer Christmas bonuses to the public servants here.

“Some countries, thousands of workers lost their jobs; you also have workers accepting wage cuts…”

Overall, while this year saw mixed challenges, the

President was happy with the progress that was made and vouched to continue to invest in Guyana and its people.

Meanwhile, several members of the PPP/C Administration spent their Christmas Eve greeting Guyanese as they scurried along the bustling streets of Georgetown to complete their Christmas shopping.

President Ramotar stated that it brought him great

joy to be part of the vibrant Christmas festivities in Guyana as he wished the entire nation once again, a happy holiday season. Public Works and Transport Minister Robeson Benn and Minister Ali took the time out to extend warmest Season’s Greetings to Guyana as they look forward to a successful Guyana in the years to come.

Arbitration into Skeldon Estate fracas concludes …report

to be delivered on Monday

After several meetings, the arbitration between the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has ended, with the decision set to be handed down on Monday.

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

Former Chief Labour Officer Mohammed Akeel was the arbitrator during the proceedings and will be delivering the ruling on the matter at the GAWU office

in Kingston.

Following the incident, the worker was dismissed the following day when he turned up to work. This resulted in a five-day strike by the estate workers and those from other estates along the Corentyne.

Stephens’ dismissal was reduced to suspension after a six-item Terms of Resumption (ToRs) was agreed upon by the Union and the Sugar Corporation to end the protest. The ToRs outlined that conciliatory discussions were to 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, who had recommended that that the dock mill operator be reinstated, but GuySuCo had rejected this recommendation, hence a deadlock was declared on

the issue and it went to arbitration.

During the arbitration process, Akeel was guided by a ToRs “to enquire into the disciplinary action taken against Mr Daniel Stephens and having regards to the evidence and submission by the parties, make an award as the Arbitrator deems fit”. Akeel is expected to present the award on Monday.

Intractable

The Guyana Times was made to understand that during the conciliatory discussion, both GAWU and GuySuCo made presentations on their respective sides of the matter. GAWU had reportedly argued that the Sugar Company’s Code and Procedure Policy was not followed when disciplinary action was meted out to the worker; as such, the dismissal could not stand.

Additionally, the Union pointed out that Stephens was not given a chance to

relate his side of the incident. On the other hand, GuySuCo maintained that the dock mill operator was disrespectful and had physically attacked the manager hence the decision to dismiss him is substantiated. These positions by the parties have been maintained since.

On September 20, both factory and field workers from the Skeldon Estate took full strike action after the dismissal of Stephens, who reportedly verbally and physically abused the senior estate manager the night before.

However, workers at the factory claimed that the manager was intoxicated and had provoked the dock mill operator who retaliated by hitting him.

GuySuCo refuted claims that the manager was intoxicated and maintained that the dock mill operator was disrespectful and had physically attacked the manager.

Tuschen triple-murder: Suspect's son aided and abetted − Police to charge

The son of Joshua Franklin, the man who is accused of hacking to death three persons in Tuschen, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) is expected to be charged soon.

This is according to D Division Commander Ian Amsterdam, who pointed out that the Police will be charging the 21-year-old man on the grounds of being an accomplice to the heinous incident.

Last Thursday, Franklin went berserk and hacked to death Bibi Zalima Khan, 55, the mother of his former re -

puted wife; Floyd Drakes, 30; and Ashley Boodhoo, nine, all of Phase Two, Tuschen New Housing Scheme.

According to reports, the suspect and his reputed wife, Geeta Boodhoo, who was also injured in the attack but survived, had separated and she entered a relationship with Drakes.

The Divisional Commander related that the Police received information that Boodhoo has been discharged from hospital but were unable to verify the information.

Amsterdam explained that the relatives of the

injured woman are uncooperative with the Police as they might be scared, given the alleged threats that were issued by the suspect.

The Commander stated that he had even contacted the sister of the injured woman and her husband refused to disclose her location.

In addition, he revealed that efforts were made by the Force’s Chaplaincy to contact the other five children of Boodhoo for counselling but they were told that the children have been taken to a “safe place”.

GuySuCo and GAWU at one of the arbitration meetings

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, December 27 – 09:00h-10:30h

Sunday, December 28 – 10:00h-11:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, December 27 – 08:05h-09:35h

Sunday, December 28 – 09:00h-10:30h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika departure:

Saturday, December 27 – 21:00h and 08:00h

Sunday, December 28 – 22:00h and 09:00h

Supenaam departure:

Saturday, December 27 – 21:00h and 08:00h

Sunday, December 28 – 22:00h and 09:00h

WEATHER TODAY

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

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.02 and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 08:29h and 20:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.52 metres and 2.50 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 14:24h reaching a minimum height of 0.73 metre.

The above-normal high-tide warning ends today. Residents of coastal, low-lying and riverine areas are advised to take necessary precautions against possible flooding.

Paddy

Total paddy sales for this year is in the vicinity of over $42 billion, the Agriculture Ministry has said, although stressing that rice farmers are still owed billions despite Government’s interventions to help in the early payments.

On Wednesday, Government released another $1.5 billion to assist in paying off rice farmers. At the beginning of the week, Government intervened with about $600 million and Wednesday released from the PetroCaribe account advanced payments for another $1.5 billion, making the amounts so far for the second half of December $2.1 billion.

At the beginning of the week, farmers were owed about $3 billion and after payments of the latest advances which the Ministry hopes will be completed by next Monday, the amount owed to rice farmers will be less than $1 billion.

These are not loans, but payments made earlier so that millers pay off farmers.

According to the Ministry,

at present, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Producers Association (RPA) are working with farmers to ensure that millers complete all payments before year-end.

“We urge the millers to work through their bankers to make all outstanding payments to farmers. While the Ministry acknowledges that a valiant effort was made by millers, we still believe that they must ensure 100 per cent payment to farmers within the Rice Factory Act timeline. The accumulated sales of paddy by rice farmers to millers amounted to greater than $42 billion for the two crops in 2014. At this time, millers would have paid off more than $39 billion, or greater than 93 per cent. While this is commendable, the millers must make an even greater effort to meet their obligations to farmers,” the Ministry said.

It added: “Increasingly, the GRDB is making more rigid requirements on millers and we are cautioning millers that we will ensure that they pay interest on their debt to farmers in

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Agriculture Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy

2015.”

The industry has now closed off its harvesting, with a final production of 633,000 tonnes to date. This is almost 100,000 tonnes greater than the 2013 production and more than 200,000 tonnes than the 2012 production.

High yield

The yield this year was about 5.4 tonnes of paddy per hectare or about 35 bags per acre. Harvesting was from 93,000 hectares. In terms of paddy, the country is close to achieving for the first time one million tonnes of paddy production. This was thought to be highly impossible for a country like Guyana.

“Export stands today at 490,000 tonnes with further shipments to be made in the next week before the end of the year and we are confident of reaching a historic milestone of 500,000 tonnes export for 2014. Guyana’s market for rice has expanded to several countries in Central America and we are returning to pre-2010 export of rice to Haiti,” the Ministry said.

Brazil and Columbia are also growing destinations for Guyana’s rice. Guyana continues to engage several African countries which have expressed interest in Guyana’s rice. Most of these countries are in West Africa and the 2014 Ebola crisis in West Africa delayed progress on realising these new markets.

In addition, several Middle Eastern countries have approached Guyana and these possibilities have been dis-

cussed.

“In the meanwhile, we are settling the 2015 contract with Venezuela. Export to Venezuela accounted for almost 70 per cent of Guyana’s rice production in 2010. Today, the export to Venezuela is still one of our most important export destinations, but this destination only accounts for about 30 per cent of Guyana’s rice production,” the Ministry said.

Guyana’s rice industry is also poised for expansion into value-added products.

Bulk export

While bulk export of rice continues to be the main export from the rice industry, in 2014, the largest amount of packaged rice was sold. Packaged rice export amounted to about 50,000 tonnes in 2014.

“In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Commerce and IAST [Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology], rapid advances have been made in acquiring a rice cereal factory and we expect this to produce commercial quantity of rice cereal in 2015. At the same time, we expect the first major bio-energy plant replacing about 70 per cent of fossil fuel utilisation in the operation of a rice factory in Essequibo to be in place by the first quarter of 2015. The GRDB and the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the TERI Group is working to ensure at least three such bio-fuel substitution occur in 2015. The TERI Group is also working with us to establish a paddy husk pellet project to utilise paddy husk for generating energy off-site.”

In addition to Government’s enormous improvement of drainage and irrigation, increased production of high quality paddy seeds, expansion of research for new varieties and to fight pests and diseases, extension services, access to affordable fertilisers, for which the Government invests large sums of money, these investments continue to strengthen the rice industry and transforming it to a giant in the economic and social development of Guyana.

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

Resolutions

With two days of the holidays gone, the hustle and bustle of the shopping frenzy will now peter out before building up again toward New Year’s eve. But it never reaches the hype that precedes the Christmas excitement, and understandably so, as most people would have already completed their shopping for the season.

Then after the New Year’s celebrations, it will pretty much be all over as 2015 is ushered in to begin yet another year of challenges and opportunities, and hopefully corresponding resolutions to undertake those challenges and to take advantage of the opportunities. It too often all comes down to an anti-climax after all the anticipation.

The purists would argue that the commercialisation of Christmas and indeed many other religious holidays has contributed to a shifting away from the real meaning of what such occasions were truly meant to be and perhaps what was their original intent. One can only hope that in the midst of all the activity, the essence of every religious celebration will not be forgotten.

Amid the church-going, shopping and partying, many people will begin to look at the year ahead and start making resolutions one way or another for what they would all hope to be a better year in terms of their accomplishments, whether it be for their career, business, or personal life.

New Year’s resolutions essentially form part of a secular tradition, through which people endeavour to carry out some sort of action which will make their lives – or the lives of others – significantly better. It involves planning to embark on a determined effort to correct a particular area of one’s life which was found to be wanting in the previous year or years, or an undertaking to be more enterprising in one’s pursuit of a personal venture.

Although secular in origin, many groups, religious ones included, encourage their followers to make specific resolutions to deal with issues that may be afffecting them, or to chart an unambiguous course for the goals which they wish to achieve in the New Year.

Specificity often becomes the key word, as the more general the resolutions are, the more likely they are to be difficult to measure and, hence, difficult to achieve. Sadly, many such resolutions are too often forgotten before long and some people’s lives continue in the same way without any marked improvement, let alone those who continue to regress, in many instances ending in despair.

In 2007, a study conducted by Richard Wiseman of the University of Bristol in the UK surveyed 3,000 people and found that 88 per cent of those who make New Year’s resolutions fail. However, some 52 per cent of the study’s participants were optimistic that they would be successful when they originally set their resolutions.

The study also found that men achieved their resolutions 22 per cent more often whenever they were engaged in specific goal setting. Women were successful 10 per cent more when they made ther goals known and were supported by those they considered close, important or meaningful to them.

It was also found that discussing one’s goals or resolutions with a counselor, or someone considered senior, also helps to inspire people to keep their commitments, as they are then more accountable and answerable to someone who could keep checking on their progress throughout the year.

Studies have shown that young people in particular procrastinate with their resolutions, as in putting goals off to the following year, or ‘some other time’, since they tend to think, often sub-consciously so, that they have time on their side. Many older adults have confessed – only too late – that if they were to get the opportunity to ‘start’ all over again, tbey will do things differently and make use of their youthful time.

As 2014 winds down, young people would do well to learn from this ‘experience’ as they make their resolutions for the New Year.

NBS fraud and CIOG

Dear Editor,

I wish to clarify false allegations/scandals and state the facts pertaining to the involvement of CIOG in this matter.

I am a relative of Dr Safi who lost his savings G$70M at NBS. Having realized

Family

what transpired, he summoned myself for help.He was traumatized by this incident.

I took him to the CIOG’s office, why? We are Muslims and the CIOG has a mandate from the Muslim community to represent us.

At CIOG, the officials having heard Dr Safi’s story, promised to contact NBS officials to facilitate a refund which they did. This is the extent of the CIOG’s involvement. At no time the issue regarding who is responsible or charges were discussed.

Dr Safi and CIOG were interested ONLY in him getting his savings which he lost at NBS. T NBS did refund Dr Safi who has since migrated to Canada.

Mohamed Ally

and peer invalidation: A suicide and self-harm risk for teens

Dear Editor,

To all my fellow teenagers and those old folks who are young at heart, I would like to highlight a prominent issue in high school life: invalidation by family and peers – and suicide and self-harm risk for teens.

Teenagers who experience a lack of acceptance or feelings of invalidation from their family and their peers are at a greater risk for suicide attempts and selfharm. Invalidation could include active bullying or abuse from family or peers, or it could involve less direct forms of rejection.

For example, a teenager who is gay might feel invalidated by or fearful of coming out if family or relatives have expressed general disapproval of homosexuality.

A study was carried out by lead author Shirley Yen and her research team conducted a series of six-month follow-ups with 99 teenagers who had been admitted to a

psychiatric facility because they had attempted suicide, or were believed to be suicide risks.

They discovered that a sense of family and peer invalidation, even when no other risk factors are considered, is a strong indicator of suicide risk. In addition to assessing feeling of invalidation, the researchers also kept track of recurring suicide risk or attempts, and of self-harming behavior.

The teenagers were asked whether there were times when they did not feel accepted by their families or their peers, or times when they felt discouraged from expressing their inner thoughts and feelings.

The researchers also asked whether the teenagers ever believed that they would be rejected, mocked or even punished if they chose to express their true thoughts and feelings.

The results, after adjustment for other known risk

factors, showed that the teenage boys in the study who reported moderate to high feelings of family invalidation were more likely to have a later suicide event.

Both boys and girls in the study were more likely to engage in self-harming behaviour if they reported feeling invalidated by their peers. Both suicide and selfharm are all-too-common concerns for teenagers, and an increasing number of pre-teens.

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24. Only homicide and accidents are more common causes of death in this age group.

Self-harm is also a serious problem among teenagers. The most common selfharming behaviours are cutting and burning.

Growing numbers of teenagers experience one or more suicide or self-harm

risk factors, such as: depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse. This can make it extremely difficult to recognize those teenagers who are at severe risk for suicide attempts or selfharm, and to target those teenagers with intensive treatment and prevention efforts.

Distinguishing those teenagers who are at the very highest for attempting suicide could help doctors and psychologists save a greater number of young lives.

Harming yourself is not the solution to express your emotions. You can express your emotions in many ways: writing in a journal, talking to a trustworthy friend, composing a song or poem to say how you feel, or listening to music that expresses your feeling.

For all my readers, I wish you a merry Christmas

Andrea Balkissoon

Enjoying a ‘gyaff’: President Donald Ramotar and acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali enjoy the refreshing taste of coconut water straight from the nut and a light conversation with citizens during their walkabout on Regent Street on Christmas Eve

saturDaY, December 27, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

Prime Minister joins Dharam Shala residents for Christmas lunch

The Dharam Shala, Home of Benevolence for All Races which is the country’s longest existing humanitarian charity, on Thursday held a Christmas lunch at its residence, at which Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was present.

The ceremony saw recitations of verses from the Holy Bible, along with beautiful renditions of songs of worship. The Prime Minister during his brief remarks recalled his many visits to the institution and pointed out that there have been some changes.

He also noted that Christmas is a well-celebrated occasion which allows people to reflect on the year gone by, and their lives.

Remembering some of the great souls that were once a part of the institution but have now passed on, Prime Minister Hinds urged the gathering to make the most of the time they have.

He then reflected on the celebration of Christmas in the golden days when the country was not in such a good position and it was difficult to bake cakes because

butter was rarely available.

He said it was a pleasure to be a part of the ceremony and share in the spirit of Christmas. He then extended warm wishes on behalf of his family and self, as well as the Government to the gathering.

He also extended best wishes to the Ramsaroop family, and commended them for the wonderful job they have been doing.

One resident expressed gratitude on behalf of herself and other inmates to the Government and the facility for their undertaking and support through-

out the year. The Dharam Shala which in 2014 celebrated its 93rd anniversary is a charity which was founded in 1921 by the late Pandit Ramsaroop Maraj, whose heart was moved by

was also founded by him, and which in turn set up and managed the Dharam Shala.

His main focus was to have the organisation emphasise housing the

its service to Berbice with a building of similar capacity to its Georgetown counterpart, a Hindu temple and a chapel.

In October 1950 at the age of 60 after the Pandit

the plight of society, and gave up his trade as a jeweller and devoted his life to helping the needy. He was born on November 3, 1889 at Friendship, Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

His life’s work was conducted through the Hindu Religious Society, which

Town Clerk cannot act on the

Dear Editor, Much has been said and written about the non-payment of salaries to nurses at the City Hall. More recently, my attention was drawn to a recent letter in another section of the press.

In the letter, Mayor Hamilton Green would have the public believe that he sought the intervention of the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development on this issue to no avail.

To say that I am disappointed that the Mayor failed to inform the nurses and the general public that I did respond to his appeal would be an understatement of the fact. I am dismayed.

I did inform the Mayor that any Ministerial Order to the head of the Council’s administration, that is, the acting Town Clerk, to implement a decision of the Council must be an Order to comply with a valid order.

But in fact, nowhere in

the Council’s Minutes of its Statutory or Extraordinary or Special meetings for the period October 1 to present, which I have perused, is there any record of a Council approval or decision to employ the nurses that are the subject matter of the contention.

To the contrary, there is evidence of a discussion among City Councillors of the recommendation of the Personnel and Training Committee of the Council

Political party lying on the Police

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Police Force has observed that at least one political party has been lying on Police ranks in various aspects of their operations, the most recent being in regard to an armed robbery committed on businessman Latchman Pooran of Maida Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, on December 21.

In this instance, members of the political party wrongfully claimed that the Police took more than two and a half hours to respond to the report and then mobilised persons to picket the Whim Police Station and demanded that ranks be transferred from the station immediately.

In fact, the information

on the slothful response by the Police was a fabrication aimed at achieving political mileage.

To the contrary, the victim himself has indicated to reporters of the Kaieteur News that the Police took less than half an hour to arrive on the scene and has publicly praised the work of the Police, whom he said worked under stressful and strenuous circumstances.

The Guyana Police Force is appealing to members of political parties not to use the Guyana Police Force for political mileage and wishes to inform the public that it is making great efforts to improve the quality of service it provides and to gain public trust.

However, it is incidents like these that cause one to question whether some organisations in our society would like to see a secure Guyana or not.

The Guyana Police Force also wishes to advise of its mature stance whenever it is being criticised. Constructive criticisms are taken in good faith and necessary adjustments are being made to improve our services.

It would, however, be remiss of us if we do not seek to clarify misleading information being peddled with the intent of achieving some ulterior objectives.

Ivelaw Whittaker Public Relations and Press Officer

poor and providing religious, medical and educational facilities for them.

However, due to the unavailability of buildings and finances, the Dharam Shala commenced with a soup kitchen. The institution was officially declared open in 1929 and in 1941; the Dharm Shala extended

developed health-related complications, his work was continued by his son, Harry Saran Ramsaroop, who also dedicated his life to serving the less fortunate. The institution continues to grow, with11 different buildings across the country housing the less fortunate.

intent of the Council

that the nurses be employed. If indeed the Council did concur on their employment, it needs to be corrected and captured in the Council’s records.

The acting Town Clerk

cannot be asked to act on the intent of the Council, but on the legitimate decisions of the Council.

I ask of the Mayor that he moves quickly to correct this anomaly so that these nurses can be employed by the Council.

Norman Whittaker Local Government and Regional Development Minister

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds serves an elderly woman lunch at the Dharam Shala

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds greets a resident of the Dharam Shala

saturDaY, December 27, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

Seven Christmas babies born in Berbice

By Andrew CArmiChAel

Seven mothers in Berbice gave birth on Christmas Day and all were high in their praises for the nurses at the New Amsterdam Hospital where all of them delivered.

The nurses are said to have been very patient and tolerant despite being forced to stay up all night and monitor the mothers in labour.

Twenty-one-year Felicia Wilson of Mount Sinai delivered the first Christmas baby, a healthy three-kilogram girl at 04:55h.

Despite being given a due date of January 6, Wilson was admitted on Christmas Eve and hours later delivered her first child. “I was not much surprised when I started getting labour pains on Christmas Eve,” she said.

The new mother noted that the doctors induced labour and it was a very painful experience. “I did not expect to get a Christmas baby, but I am very happy”, she said, noting that Christmas is a time used to reflect on what God did by sending his son and also a time of happiness.

With the success of the first delivery, the nurses were marked for a successful day and just over two hours after, Owamattie Seepersaud, 20, of Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder delivered her first child, a boy weighting 3.4kg at 06:05h. She was just one day off her due date. She was admitted on Christmas Eve, and explained that she could not go to the Mibicuri Hospital because that hospital does not deliver first-time mothers. The experience is not

one she wants to remember. “It was too much of pain. I could not sleep all night, could not sit, could not stand… I had to walk all night.” But, the happy mother related: “The nurses treated me good.”

Less than an hour later, the labour room saw another newborn. Andrea Gaskin, 16, another new mother delivered a boy weighting 3.6kg. While there was some disappointment, since she wanted a girl, she was still very ecstatic when this publication visited the hospital on Christmas Day. “I really wanted a girl and bought everything for a girl,” she said.

Asked of her thoughts on delivering a Christmas baby, Gaskin said it was nothing special. “It makes no difference on which day the baby is born.”

at 07:15h. The 2.92kg infant was the third child for her. She said she knew it was a boy and wanted a boy. After being admitted at the Skeldon Hospital early Christmas morning, Mendonza was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital where the delivery was successfully performed. The transfer was ordered after doctors at Skeldon found that her blood pressure was low and dropping. The infant was delivered by midwife Candesa Caesar.

Neerupa Teekram, 18, of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, travelled to the New Amsterdam Hospital for her delivery upon the advice of the doctor at the Woodley Park Health Centre. Her delivery took place at 08:00h. She

Meanwhile, Shonette Mendonza, 25, of Moleson Creek, had her baby boy

said she wanted her second child to be a boy and so the baby was. Her due date was November 18. “I was starting to get worried, but the doctor told me not to worry, because boys take longer than girls.” She said when she went into labour on Christmas Eve, it eased a lot of stress and she was still contemplating for a name for the newborn.

Then it was time for a new shift and Nurse Marlyn Tinnie got her delivery at 10:00h when Denise La Fleur, 28, of Barakara, gave birth to a 4.2kg girl. It was her fourth child, but, according to her, the most painful delivery. “I am happy because next year I will have both Christmas and my baby’s first birthday the same day.”

The most experienced mother said that the treatment at the labour room has improved and she was pleased about it.

Delisa Haywood, 22, of Sandvoort Village, West Canje, rounded out the Christmas moms. She delivered her 3.16kg baby boy, her second child, at 15:00h to give the New Amsterdam Hospital a remarkable quota for Christmas Day 2014.

Christmas baby mothers (from left to right) Shonette Mendoza, Neerupa Teekram, Owamattie Seepersaud, Denise La Fleur and Andrea Gaskin

First Christmas baby mother Felicia Wilson

Delisa Haywood and her baby minutes after delivery with midwife Marlyn Tinnie

Suspect nabbed by Police in backlands

Just over a week after the gruesome murder of three people, including a nine-year-old child, at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, the suspect, Joshua Franklyn, was arrested on Friday morning in the backlands of the village.

The wanted man was apprehended by Police ranks that cordoned off the area after receiving a tip-off that he was hiding in the backlands. The arrest was made about 08:00h. Franklyn was wanted for the murder of his reputed mother-in-law, Bibi Zalina Khan, 55; his reputed wife’s lover, Floyd Drakes, 30; and his foster daughter, Ashley Boodhoo. The fourth victim, his reputed wife, Geeta Boodhoo, was severely chopped but survived and was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

She remains in serious condition despite a plea from the hospital for the public to donate ‘O’ Positive Blood to the Blood Bank since she had reportedly lost a considerable amount of blood.

The suspect’s arrest came days after he reportedly contacted a newspaper entity claiming that he would not surrender until he killed Boodhoo whom he claimed was unfaithful to him.

In that telephone conversation, he accused his dead reputed mother-in-law of inadvertently killing the nineyear-old daughter after she picked up a cutlass to attack him. He claimed that he had raised the child since she was one-year-old and questioned the rationale for him wanting her dead. It was also alleged that the

injured woman’s sister was the main problem between him and Boodhoo and he said he would not rest until he got her. He also accused the woman of breaking up the union he shared with his reputed wife.

During the interview, the suspect also claimed that Khan and Drakes, along with Boodhoo, were consuming alcohol and smoking ‘weed’ when he went to the house after receiving a tipoff from a taxi driver. The Police are now looking for the taxi driver who would have provided the information to the murder suspect.

Jealousy

The deceased, all of Phase Two, Tuschen New Housing Scheme, were hacked to death two Thursdays ago in their home. The chopping incident stemmed from a case of jealousy.

It was reported that while working at a popular drinking bar in the village, Boodhoo met the now

dead Drakes and a relationship developed. She would have shared an abusive relationship with the suspect for more than seven years, but was reportedly treated lovingly by the now dead Drakes.

She subsequently reportedly took out a restraining order against the suspect after he continued to assault her.

On the night of the gruesome murder, Franklyn broke several louver window panes to gain access to the home and started to chop the occupants indiscriminately. Nine-year-old Ashley was in the bedroom with her five siblings (two of the children are the suspect’s) when she heard the commotion and went to the aid of her mother, but not before instructing her brothers and sisters to hide under a bed.

As she went into the living room area, she was chopped several times by the suspect. In a bid to escape, she ran towards the kitchen area where she collapsed and later died. Khan, her grandmother, reportedly died in the living room while Drakes was found next to a toilet in the yard. Boodhoo managed to escaped and hid at a neighbour’s home.

The suspect’s son was earlier arrested by the Police and was expected to be charged with being an accomplice to murder, since it was him who reportedly told his father that the man was in the house with Boodhoo and the children (see story on page 2). Franklyn will now be slapped with three counts of murder.

Cruise ship Vista Mar docks in Guyana for third time

The internationallyknown cruise liner Vista Mar on Tuesday docked at the Demerara Sugar Terminal Wharf, Ruimveldt, allowing its passengers to enjoy the view of the capital city, Georgetown.

This is the ship’s third voyage to the country.

The four-deck ship has a carrying capacity of 400, and brought 320 tourists from varying countries including Germany from where the ship originates and the Philippines.

Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director Indranauth Haralsingh visited the ship and extended a warm welcome on behalf of acting Tourism Minister

Irfaan Ali to the crew and tourists.

Haralsingh also presented to the crew members tokens such as plaques bearing an impressive photograph of the majestic Kaieteur Fall and a bottle of one of the country’s finest rum, El Dorado 15 - Year Old.

The passengers were given the opportunity to go site seeing around Georgetown and visit the Essequibo River and the Kaieteur Falls, among other places.

He also expressed hope that the ship continues to make visits to Guyana and promote the country as a viable tourist destination.

He pointed out that the

country recently rebranded to ‘Guyana South America Undiscovered’, and noted that there are still many discoveries to be made as it is a little known destination. The Director thanked the crew for visiting Guyana and wished them a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Government has been working to create an enhanced environment, and has been marketing the country as a destination of choice or transit point. Vista Mar first arrived in Guyana in 2010 and its second visit was on February 5, 2012, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

One dead in Christmas night hit-and-run

Afamily of Perth Village on the Essequibo Coast is mourning the death of their 19-year-old son, who lost his life tragically Christmas night on the Exmouth Public Road.

GRA must tighten screws on VAT defaulters – Granger

By Jomo Paul

Opposition Leader

David Granger has said there was an overwhelming need for Guyana’s tax administration to be reformed with specific interest to be placed on the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT).

Granger, who is also leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), recently told the Guyana Times that while there have been some successes, there were still lapses in the tax system that needed to be addressed.

With specific reference to VAT, Granger underscored that more needed to be done to ensure that the monies paid by consumers over to businesses for the collection of VAT were conferred to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) at its due time.

VAT was introduced locally on January 1, 2007, together with an Excise Tax (ET) on motor vehicles, petroleum, tobacco products and alcohol. VAT, along with the ET, replaced six existing taxes, including Consumption Tax.

VAT was introduced as part of the Government’s plan to modernise and streamline the taxation system. The concept of VAT, invented in the 1950s, is now in operation, in one form or another, in more than 120 countries worldwide.

Since the fairly new tax was introduced, it has been a cause of worry to some sections of society and politicians who have noted that the tax should be lowered.

Granger told the Guyana Times too that there should be a 10 per cent decrease in VAT. He noted that this should be “across the board”

with all food supplies being zero-rated.

Cheats

GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur had confirmed that more than half of Guyana’s registered VAT collectors do not remit the money collected to Government at the scheduled time.

Sattaur, in an interview with this publication, said that some shrewd businessmen have found ways to cheat the system and keep some or all of the monies paid to them by consumers for themselves.

Sattaur stated that while the businesses are registered to charge VAT, most times the accounting systems are severely flawed which result in them not paying the full amounts collected to the Revenue Authority. This means that the Government gets cheat-

ed out of possibly millions of dollars in revenue each year.

He explained too that these businesses are able to thwart the VAT system with the aid of both complicit and unsuspecting consumers.

He told this newspaper that “some persons are willing to accept the option of not paying VAT as offered to them by the business, but they would not actually be sure whether they too are not being cheated”.

Despite this, he subsequently reported that the GRA is on course to meet its fiscal target of $135 billion in revenue collection for 2014 despite being plagued by a slew of challenges and an overwhelming number of tax evaders.

This would mean that tax collection would have increased by over $9 billion when compared to the 2013 figure.

Dead is Devindra Jaipaul,19, of Perth Village. The incident occurred around 19:30h.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the teen was riding his bicycle on his way to his grandmother in Exmouth when he was struck down by a prominent businessman’s son. Information revealed that the accident was a hit and run and to date no one is in custody for the incident.

Information further revealed that the businessman’s son who is from Charity revisited the scene

hours after by then the body of the teenager was already discovered. A family member related that the body of the teenager was found on the roadside not far from his grandmother’s residence.

His bicycle was also discovered by a resident from Exmouth village. Family members said that they received a call from a resident who made the discovery around 21:00h Christmas night. The teenager was a mechanic by profession and was the third child of his parents. He was described as a hard working son.

Tuschen triple murder:

Joshua Franklyn

The Vista Mar at the Demerara Sugar Terminal Wharf at Ruimveldt, Georgetown

President, daughter spread Christmas cheer at GPHC

Though in pain and distress, having to be away from home and their families, the smiles were evident on the faces of children at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) Paediatric Ward when President Donald Ramotar and his daughter Lisa Ramotar paid a visit.

During their visit to the children, some of whom were in the care of their parents, the Head of State and his daughter offered words of comfort and hope to both the children and their parents.

The children were also presented gifts as a token to lift their spirits in keeping with the festive season. Meanwhile, President Ramotar noted his pleasure at being able to visit the children and to contribute in some way to bring smiles to their faces.

“I’m very happy to do so to come to the hospital to spend some time with

those who are sick, and those who are away from home so that we can share with them the wonderful feelings of the season, of sharing, of giving and letting them know that they

are in our thoughts.”

The President also lauded the work of the nurses, doctors and other staff of the GPHC for their relentless efforts throughout the year and more so at

this time.

“I want to first of all on behalf of the Government and nation, extend a big thank you to them and let them know how much we appreciate what they are doing.”

Having being married to a nurse for more than two decades, the President said he is quite aware of the sacrifices made and the life of a nurse. He added too that his visit is simply continuing a tradition that has been ongoing for years by Presidents before him.

“This has been a tradition for a long time where Presidents will come to try to make some effort to assuage their suffering and pain and help our nurses to alleviate it in a little way.”

The President also visited the patients of the Intensive Care Unit as he sought to bring some amount of hope to relatives of those patients.

Haiti says played key role in restoration of Cuba-US relations

The Office of the President of Haiti has indicated that President Michel Martelly made a contribution to the normalisation of relations between Cuba and the US that led to the release from Cuban prison of US citizen Alan Gross.

“The Head of State congratulates the contribution of the Republic of Haiti, under his Leadership, in the process of negotiation, having achieved a rapprochement in the relations between the United States and Cuba, leading as well to the release of the American citizen Alan Gross,” the President’s

Office of Communications said in an official statement.

President Martelly had reportedly raised the Gross matter during a visit to Cuba in 2013, following discussions with Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson, who thought the President’s relationship with Cuba and the US would be helpful.

Following his discussions with the Cuban authorities, President Martelly signalled to Senator Nelson Cuba’s willingness to talk to the Americans and this was communicated to the White House. US Vice-President

Joe Biden subsequently called President Martelly to thank him on behalf of the United States.

Cuba had convicted Gross on espionage charges in 2009 and given him a 15- year prison sentence. His release on humanitarian grounds, formed part of the sweeping deal to restore diplomatic relations announced last Tuesday in simultaneous statements by Presidents Raul Castro and Barrack Obama.

The deal was worked out in wider secret negotiations between Cuba and the US which were hosted by Canada and pushed by Pope Francis.

The US broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961; two years after former President Fidel Castro and his fighters overthrew the Government and established a communist state. The Americans followed this up a year later with an almost total embargo on the island.

Caricom heads at the sixth Caricom-Cuba Summit on December 8 had restated their longstanding demand for “an immediate end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the Government of the United States against Cuba”.

Eyew tness

Paid jesters...

...protesting Mook’s whimpers

It’s verily said there’s no rest for the wicked. And so it was, even on Christmas Day, the Mook had his minions spewing filth in his Muckraker. In one piece, his lawyer Lalloo Ram cussed down (“out”?) the DPP. This was after the Mook, Ram and some other paid help “picketed” the DPP’s office.

They were protesting her ruling that there was no case on the “threatening language” charge Ram had filed against the AG for the call the latter had made to his “friend” Gildharie of the Muckraker.

This was the same expletive-laden call that’d caused the Mook to break down in tears after he’d given the Police a tape of the said call. Persons weren’t sure what’d caused the Mook to sob so tremulously that even his face rag couldn’t soak up his tears.

The Mook cried that he been “threatened” by the AG’s words. Since the AG had merely cautioned the Mook that he just couldn’t keep maligning people in his paper and that some people might just be pushed over the edge, this didn’t make sense. Most folks felt that the Mook, sensitive soul that he was, wasn’t used to such strong language, and was quite hurt!!

Anyhow the Mook had hired Lalloo Ram who’d filed the aforementioned “threatening language” case. This was the first signal that “things na regulah” with the case. Even though the Mook was pumping millions into the AFC why hadn’t Ramjattan and Hughes filed the case?? They obviously knew you couldn’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ears. All you can do with a sow’s ears is “sowse”.

Enter Lalloo Ram, fresh out of law school at the age of 70. As the old folks say...he doesn’t know “B” from “bullfoot” and doesn’t realise if you want to file a charge, it has to fit the “elements” of the crime.

In the crime of “threatening” language, the “threat” must be made to the person threatened. The Mook can’t bring a charge if the “threat” (assuming there was onewhich is another story) was made to a third party like the reporter.

Lalloo, understandably, must’ve nodded off when this was taught in law school. And he and the Mook are now miffed at being slapped down. But Lalloo should know about what constitutes “threatening language”.

In his divorce affadavit, his ex-wife recounts how Lalloo pulled a knife on their son, when he defended her from Lalloo’s blows.

Telling the boy that he (Lalloo) would “kill him” fulfilled the elements of the crime of “threatening language”.

Unfortunately, the ex-hadn’t pressed charges or Lalloo might’ve been taught a lesson in law!!

...announce arrival of “SuperMook”!!!

Is it a bird???!!! Is it a plane???!! No....it’s SuperMook!!!

In case you, dear readers, think your humble Eyewitness has gone stark, raving bonkers, this was announced on Christmas Day by the Mook’s Paid Peeper. As a God-fearing Christian, your Eyewitness knows there’ll be a Second Coming. He just hadn’t known the blessed event would be right here in good old Guyana!!

In the first go-around, the Saviour had appeared in a small country named Palestine. Super Mook had appeared in Guyana which was small. The Saviour had appeared in a stable and SuperMook came from Wakenaam when it was full of asses (donkeys) kept in stables. The Government (Herod) wanted to kill the Saviour. And the Peeper said the Government in Guyana wanted to do the same to the Mook.

This was too much to be coincidence. Your Eyewitness now knows the Mook’s shiny head wasn’t just due to light reflecting - it was a halo!!

...confirm Second Coming

The final confirmation was the Mook’s words quoted by his Paid Peeper: “If I stop today, what will happen to Guyana? What will happen to backtracking? Who will snitch on their friends??”

The Rapture was here!!!

President Donald Ramotar about to present a gift to a child

President Donald Ramotar offering words of comfort to a child on Christmas Day

GWI disconnects 1500 errant customers

The Guyana Water Inc (GWI) said some 1500 customers have been disconnected during its campaign on December 1 to recoup millions owed in water charges.

Of the number of persons disconnected, only a fraction was able to have their water supply reconnected for Christmas. On November 26, the utility company announced its decision to hold the disconnection campaign after timing for utilisation of the “Free Pass Promotion” Programme came to an

end. GWI’s Customer Services Manager Jeannette Thomas had said that in excess of 2000 customers countrywide responded to the Free Pass Promotion.

She added that “however, there are some customers who refuse to make contact with our customer services offices to settle their arrears. Hence, we are forced to execute our annual disconnection campaign to remove the services of those customers who simply refuse to pay for

GWI Customer Services Manager Jeannette Thomas

their service”.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, GWI Public Relations Officer Timothy Austin said the campaign is currently ongoing and will be heightened in 2015.

He added that of the vast amount of persons disconnected nationwide thus far, the majority of disconnections took place in Georgetown.

Prashad Nagar, Queenstown, Campbellville and South Ruimveldt are among the most disconnected areas.

To encourage customers to make payments before the annual countrywide disconnection exercise, GWI launched the Free Pass Promotion, intensified its community outreach programme ‘Community Connect’, sent payment reminder letters to customers and businesses, executed public announcements in rural communities, sent SMS/text messages to in excess of 200, 000 customers and invested in a public awareness campaign via radio, television, newspapers and Internet-based

media.

Austin added that GWI will be hiring additional persons to be a part of it Enforcement Unit to catch persons who have illegally reconnected their water supply after being disconnected.

The company will also be on the lookout for additional persons who are not paying water bills and continue to utilise GWI’s service.

Disconnected persons are required to pay a $6000 reconnection fee and $25,000 penalty.

Caricom to pursue “Single ICT space” next year – LaRocque

Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said the organisation next year will be pursuing aggressively a “Single Caricom ICT space” which he said will lower the cost of telephone calls and Internet access.

LaRocque made the remarks in a message to mark Christmas Day.

In a study by the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) this year, it was pointed out that Latin America and the Caribbean lag far behind developed countries in broadband penetration.

The study found Chile, Barbados and Brazil in the best position to take advantage of this vital development tool. The 26 countries of the region included in the index posted a score of 4.37 on the Broadband Development Index.

By comparison, the countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) rate an average of 6.14. Chile leads the regional ranking with a combined score of 5.57, followed by Barbados at 5.47 and Brazil with 5.32.

The index brings together 37 indicators, each with a score ranging from one (least development) to eight (most development), to come up with the overall index.

The indicators are chosen on the basis of four pillars: public policy and strategic vision, strategic regulation, infrastructure and applications and knowledge.

“In a modern society, broadband is the key ingredient of the public policy agenda for speeding up economic growth and reducing inequality,” said Antonio García-Zaballos, who is leading the IDB’s broadband initiative. Besides, according to a recent IDB study, a 10 per cent increase in penetration of broadband services carries with it average rise of 3.2 per cent in Gross Domestic Product and 2.6 percentage points in productivity.

Meanwhile, in his message, LaRocque said as “we come to the end of 2014, it must be marked as a milestone year for the Caribbean Community (Caricom).”

He said in July, Heads of Government approved the community’s first Five-Year Strategic Plan which covers the years 2015-2019.

The plan seeks to ensure that the community is in a position to withstand the effects of events such as the global economic and financial crises and provides the way forward for pursuing sustainable growth and development as a region.

“Growth and development are critical factors in providing jobs and business opportunities,” LaRocque said.

He said implementation of this plan is a major step in Caricom’s on-going reform process as it seeks to become more efficient, accountable and above all, increase its responsiveness to the needs of the community.

“You the people of the region should therefore more readily feel the difference that integration makes in your lives. You will continue to benefit from our collective efforts in health as demonstrated by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). We are also placing emphasis on developing our human resources, particularly our youth by taking a thorough look at our education system.”

The Secretary General said the exciting prospect of a single Caricom Information

Communication Technology (ICT) Space which would lower the cost of telephone calls and Internet access will be pursued. These possibilities have only become reality through us working as one, and more can be

achieved with your participation and support.

“The integration movement has never been more important than at this time. Integration is our route to achieving sustainable development and to delivering

the quality of life that our people expect and deserve.”

LaRocque said the coming year, therefore, “would mark for us in Caricom, the continuation of a dynamic period in our determined efforts to create a sustainable,

secure and viable community for all our peoples. I wish you, the people of Caricom, Happy Holidays and a prosperous and productive New Year”.

Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque

Single mother hopeful for bright New Year

By Erica Williams

Though some people see the Christmas Holidays as a time for relaxation and spending time with the family, some folks such as Yonette Louis beg to differ.

A pregnant mother of three, Louis said for years she has not truly felt the Christmas spirit. Some may wonder why? But Louis tells an entirely different story from the average person. A vendor by profession, Louis said her life is plagued with a host of unfortunate events.

After becoming a mother at a very young age, the woman said the atrocities that overwhelmed her life never seemed to thaw off.

“I have been facing challenges since I was very young, every time I think to myself it is going get better, it all falls through,” she said.

A resident of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Louis lives with her 82-yearold mother, who she is forced to work diligently to take care of along with her 62-year-old brother. Crammed in the tiny house, the woman also shares the miniature space with her sister-in-law and niece.

While some persons are fortunate enough to get up on the average morning, put on a suit and tie or a fancy dress and head to the office for a day of work, Louis gets up at 03:00h daily and starts cooking. Pastries, fried rice

and bake chicken are among the items she sells. At 46-years-old, Louis said she cannot fathom why she has not been able to acquire the material items many of her peers have acquired.

“I have been trying all my life but for some people it just does not work out I guess,” she said. Though discouraged at times, the hard-working woman is persistent. This quality, she told this newspaper she has instilled in her children. She has a goal! Acquiring her own houselot and at some point after that, constructing her own home. In addition to taking care of her family and sickly mother, the light at the end of the

tunnel Louis sees gives her strength to wake up each day and look at it as a new beginning.

She walks pushing her food cart from her home on a daily basis, all the way to the Mattai’s General Store on Water Street, Georgetown. The woman said she leaves her home around 09:00h and takes the journey, arriving at Water Street, sometime between 10:30 to 11:00h. At around 13:00h, just when the sun is at its peak, she ventures over to Bourda Market to catch the midday’s sales. A single mother with a baby on the way, the woman says she is accustomed to the harsh level of work and it does not affect

her present condition.

After working out of her humble little cart, the woman parks it and ventures into the markets to purchase vegetables, meats and other staples to prepare meals for the next day. After she would have completed her shopping, she packs her groceries inside her cart and pushes it back home. This journey takes her another hour and a half and she arrives home at night.

“Nah ask me about husband”

When asked of a husband, the woman said, “Nah ask me about husband! I ain’t want hear nothing about that.” Three years ago, the woman said she had managed to secure a small amount of money to make a down payment towards a plot of land. But much to her disappointment, she said the officials at the Housing Ministry at the time told her that they do not have low income houselots available.

On the brighter side, the woman said with a smile on her face, the officials nevertheless promised her a plot of land in January next year. The woman said she is in dire need for her own houselot since her brother, his wife and daughter have told her to leave their home. After being thrown out a number of times, family members would allow her back into the house after the cries of her aged mother.

The woman was working on Christmas Eve like any other day and her day was as any other one. Louis advised that all young women aspire for a bright future and to avoid becoming pregnant at a young age. While she describes her children as the “apple of her eyes”, she believes that her life could have been much less challenging had she waited just a bit longer.

Lalloo been takin a lotta fakin

After two back-to-back holidays is always a hard ting fuh some people to get back to wuk. On de one hand, some people had a liquor free two days of holiday, but on de other hand, some people had sheer free liquor fuh de whole two days.

And talkin bout free tings, Freedie de kiss man as usual was lookin fuh lil freeness. As far as Freedie concern, people de whole year round supposed to be free handed, and Christmas time should be double freeness.

Freedie was hopin to get double freeness from de paper man. But de paper man was too busy wid Lalloo tryin to scheme some ting outta nutten.

One man claimin that a man who ain’t even talk to he threaten he to tek he life and mek he eyes run plenty water. Only God in heaven know how a man coulda cry fuh some ting that never happen.

That sound like Freedie who claimin that he gotta doctorate that never happpen. Freedie might as well borrow a doctorate from Dr Dr Dr Flip Thomas. After all, both of dem done flip and trip.

Run Robbins ain’t got to look far fuh more actors fuh de Link Show next year, especially fuh dem parts wheh some body got to fake a lil cry or fake a doctorate. These could mek it fuh best actor award any where in de world. And when it come to actin and fakin, Lalloo could fake real good as a lawyer. Plus up to now, Lalloo does act like he never commit some of dem acts whah deh in certain court documents.

That is another actin performance fuh a possible best actor award. And de ting that mek Lalloo performance even better is that he doin this fuh he whole life and not just one day.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! A lil gyal a couple a years ago who used to wuk on Waterloo Street seh she had Lallo takin a lotta fakin, and since then he never stop fakin too!

Man remanded for three separate offences

A21-year-old resident of Vigilance Squatting area, East Coast Demerara, was refused bail on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition and attempted robbery, on Wednesday.

Royan Adams made his appearance before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The first charge alleged that on December 21 at Mazaruni (Region Seven), he had in his possession one .38 special revolver without being the holder of a firearm licence.

In addition to that, he was also charged with having in his possession a round of .38 ammunition.

His last charge read that on December 20 at Isanu Village, being armed with a .38 special revolver,

he attempted to rob Andre McKenzie.

The court heard that the victim was at home when the defendant went to his home and called out for him. Subsequently, McKenzie came out in his yard and approached Adams.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant said that Adams brandished the gun from his pocket and pointed it at McKenzie’s head and demanded cash and jewellery. At that time, Adams and a witness who was present git into a scuffle and the firearm fell out of his hands.

Adams was later arrested by a Constable and the firearm was retrieved.

The unrepresented man was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for January 8, 2015.

Vendor: Yonette Louis at her cart

saturDaY, December 27, 2014 | guYanatimesgY.com

Copa Airlines reaches out to Red Cross Society

Copa Airlines’ city ticketing office staff has donated a hamper of food, clothing and books to the Guyana Red Cross Society.

According to a release, the initiative which is led by the staff of the airline is in keeping with the company’s values of giving back to the society in some manner. The donation is expected to help the Red Cross to continue supporting the less fortunate.

Country Sales Manager Nadine Oudkerk said that “in this season of giving, Copa Airlines is very grateful for the opportunity to

add to the valiant efforts of the Guyana Red Cross Society and we hope that our small contribution can alleviate the needs of the less fortunate”.

He added: “May they also experience the joy of the Christmas Season through the hard work and support of the many kindhearted persons who work or volunteer at the Red Cross. Social responsibility commitments are an integral part of our company values and we will continue to add to the positive impact of such organisations in Guyana.

“On behalf of the Copa

Airlines team, I take this opportunity to wish our staff, partners and friends a Merry Christmas and a New Year that brings all the success and happiness that is wished for.”

In the New Year, the airline is expected to continue in the same vein and will be looking for other associations and areas in which it can make a contribution.

The release said Copa Airlines has established itself and believes that all companies must contribute to the communities they serve. In his statement on Corporate Social

Responsibility, Copa’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pedro Heilbron explained “Copa Airlines’ corporate social responsibility is an integral part of our effort to achieve our corporate vision of being the leading airline in Latin American aviation. Sustainable development is not only the responsibility of Governments and nongovernmental organisations. It is everyone’s task. For this reason, we strive to be responsible in all aspects of our business, channelling our efforts towards our pillars of youth, education, and the environment.”

Habitat distributes toys to children in Grove

Habitat for Humanity recently embarked on yet another project for the year, successfully executing a Toy Drive where they provided a number of toys and goodies for over 60 poor children.

The children were from the Grove squatting area, East Bank Demerara, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).

The project was executed just five days before Christmas and brought smiles on the faces of the many children, many of whom would not have received gifts for the holidays.

A father of seven children, who are all below the age of 12, said he was happy for the kind gesture as he could not afford to purchase gifts for his children for Christmas.

Many children danced in glee as they received their gifts which came as a surprise to them.

Meanwhile, volunteers from the Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Core noted that the project was

special as it warmed their hearts knowing that the children will enjoy their Christmas.

Teens most vulnerable to STDs – Dr Anthony

More often than not, youth come to the world’s attention as a result of their association with crisis: unemployment, involvement in violence, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and obesity to name a few.

The period of adolescence is a time of identity formation. It is a time where teenagers experience rapid physical, sexual, social and emotional change. The instability of such changes during this period definitely increases young people’s vulnerability to all kinds of risks.

“The period of youth is a vulnerable period,” Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said.

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times , he highlighted that teenagers are most in terms of transmission of STDs.

“Today, one of the challenges young people face is that they are still at risk for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).”

Furthermore, it is a known fact that mostly the poorest of society are even more susceptible to these risks.

Lifeline Counselling Director Gloria Joseph pointed out that while most, if not all of Guyana’s upper and middle class persons who are infected with the virus seek care and are able to carry on with their lives, the poor are often not so fortunate.

She elaborated that the less fortunate persons are not only less knowledgeably on HIV and its transmission, but are also many times not capable of dealing with the stereotypes. The issue of maintaining a healthy diet is a sore one when dealing with the less fortunate who are infected. Joseph explained that while the Lifeline Counseling Support Group will work with infected persons and advise them on the need for a healthy diet, “they can’t eat what we tell them to, if they can only afford carbohydrates”.

Vulnerable Children who grow up in less fortunate homes are also at a disadvantage in contracting HIV. Joseph explained that parents who have night jobs (security guards) have to be very careful about where they leave their children, especially at nights.

Joseph noted that children can be sexually molested and in the process contract HIV, noting that last year, 15 infected children who visited Lifeline Counselling were affected.

Dr Anthony noted that the Ministry offers a wide range of programme to address such situations and assist young people in

these transitions.

He said the Ministry provides programmes where young people are taught about self-esteem and development, noting that these are geared at educating them on critical issues.

Reports indicate that a recent study conducted by the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) shows that there are approximately 250 children across Guyana living with HIV/AIDS; a huge decline when compared to the prevalence recorded less than a decade ago.

Aside from HIV/AIDS, Minister Anthony said obesity also affects youths in Guyana.

“I think it’s because we are so greatly influenced by the American lifestyle and the music and what we see on TV because they promote beauty to be slim and fit and simply perfect so it’s something we as young people struggle with, when we really shouldn’t. We should be just care-free,” Cindy Singh, 17, told Guyana Times

According to the Minister, addressing obesity is done by educating youths about “youth health”, noting that it is part of the Ministry’s programme to promote fitness.

“The problem is, a lot of us turn to food to relieve stress, then there are persons who are really not fat but they think they are and so they starve themselves. There are so many issues surrounding youth health,” Singh noted.

As it relates to unemployment, the Minister highlighted that the Ministry of Human Services has a Data Bank that helps persons in finding a suitably job.

The Minister stated that all persons need to do is make contact with the various Ministries and they will be provided with all the information they need on these programmes.

“Those who have gone through the programmes can attest to how useful it has been to them,” Dr Anthony guaranteed.

Copa Airlines’ city ticketing office staff have donated a hamper of food, clothing and books to the Guyana Red Cross Society

Habitat volunteers distributing toys to a family along the squatting area behind the Diamond Diagnostic Centre

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

Unity stressed

… as 7-day Kwanzaa celebrations kick off

Kwanzaa Kareem was on Friday celebrated in great pomp at the African Cultural and Development Association’s (ACDA) Thomas Lands headquarters as the organisation kicked-off the seven-day festivities.

Kwanzaa, a black holiday acknowledged by a few in the Afro-Guyanese community, was given significance during the Black Nationalist Movement in the United States in 1960s. Proponents of the holiday say it gives people a means of connecting with the African culture and heritage.

At the Kwanzaa celebrations on Friday, Clementine Marshall, Coordinator of the holiday at ACDA, explained this to a number of persons in attendance.

She informed that the term Kwanzaa means first fruit of the harvest, in a bid to acknowledge the first position Africans have in the world -- being the fore parents of all other ethnicities.

The Coordinator explained in detail the seven principles that the Kwanzaa holiday embodies: (Umoja) Unity, Self-determination (Kujichagulia); Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima); Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa); Purpose (Nia); Creativity (Kuumba); and Faith (Imani).

Unity, the first principle on the Kwanza Holiday was highlighted at the celebrations and Executive Director of ACDA, Dr Eric Phillips stressed that unity is central to development and hoped that it “kicks off that spirit” as families, friends and communities were brought together.

Marshall continued with the other six principles by first bringing attention to Selfdetermination, the second principle. She explained that it represents all that Africans should be doing for themselves as a people.

Unity is brought to the fore in the third principle, Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima) as Marshall explained the importance of working together. She stated that “some of us want the responsibility but not the collective work or vice versa”, indicating that both needs the other to ensure true progress is made.

Alluding to another link to its predecessor, Ujima (the fourth principle), according to Marshall puts emphasis on building and developing through business ventures.

Build communities

Purpose, the fifth principle celebrated on the fifth day of the Kwanzaa Holiday, highlights that the collective vocation of people of African descent should be to build and develop communities. Marshall explained that this has the added potential to restore AfroGuyanese to their traditional greatness.

The Coordinator puts emphasis on children in this case. She stated that once the children are given this, it will enable them to be driven to succeed.

With such true Faith, Marshall said work can be done to propel “righteousness and victory”. Andrew Irving from IFA’s House of Santeria opened the ceremony with libation and songs. The programme was spiced with a number of songs and dances from the children. Besides, the Centre of Learning and Afro-Centric Orientation (COLAACO), founded by Brother Cook, entertained the numerous persons of African descent in attendance with a dramatic piece.

The piece told the enchanting story of ‘How Brer Anancy Got eight fine legs’. Bibi Natasha Azeez, who facilitated the children’s performance, explained the piece to the audience by elucidating on the fact that Brer Anancy is an African

Nevertheless, Marshall noted that the principle says nothing “about bringing anyone down but to build people up”.

The sixth principle, Creativity, Marshall stated implies Africans creativeness but she advises on the wise use of such creativity as it can result in more harm than good.

On New Year’s Day, the Kwanzaa Holiday will come to an end with the seventh principle, Faith (Imani). Marshall stated that this principle encourages believe “with all our heart” in leaders, teachers and ourselves.

An institution is no life for a child – foster parent

By AnAstAciA clementson

The phrase “Children are a gift” is used many times to detail how lucky persons are to have children around them. However, one would not think so based on the many children who are found in orphanages or foster homes.

Sharon McDonald, the foster parent of 18-year-old Rebecca, said that she was quite fortunate to have got her daughter through the Foster Care programme.

McDonald told the Guyana Times that she had applied to be a foster parent in 2012 and had to undergo a number of tests and interviews to be selected and declared compatible with Rebecca.

She had told the officials in the foster system that she wanted an older child as older children were not usually selected for adoption or even fostering. Also, McDonald said she had always been in a counselling position in one way or another to young people and saw it as an opportunity to continue doing

what she did best.

She shared that forming a bond with the teenager was not difficult; however, it was “challenging”. Rebecca had to adjust to her new home and new family but within six months both parties seemed to have adapted to the change.

McDonald said a change was noticeable in Rebecca when she stopped sucking her finger, which she had done every night as she slept. The teenager stopped this after six months.

McDonald said she was fully aware of the challenges of raising a teenager and believed that she has done quite well. She noted that Rebecca was not a bad child to deal with, even though she did bring some baggage with her.

The foster parent said this was expected and she “told (Rebecca) it’s okay to have memories” as the scars will always be there, but it is how one deals with it. McDonald stated that she believed Rebecca dealt with them quite well.

In instances of conflicts,

McDonald ensures Rebecca is fully aware of what is right or wrong by grounding her or taking away her phone for some days until she learns the error of her ways.

“She looks a whole lot like me,” McDonald proudly declared when she spoke of Rebecca. She elaborates that no one asks whose child she is or anything of the sort as they assume Rebecca is hers. Of course, Rebecca loves this as she refers to McDonald as her mommy.

McDonald told this publication that she and Rebecca would be going over to her parents’ house for the holidays, as it was a McDonald family tradition which she has entrusted Rebecca to carry on.

McDonald shared her firm belief that “an institution is no life for a child”. She called for more awareness of these children who have been neglected or orphaned and urged persons to get more involved in providing a home to such children.

PAHO preps Caribbean for potential importation of Ebola

Although the United States is the only country to date that has registered cases of Ebola imported from the current outbreak in West Africa, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are working with support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) to prepare for the potential importation of the disease. Ebola is a serious disease for which there is currently no vaccine or cure. In the current outbreak, it has a 50% fatality rate. Given that the possibility of an imported case in Latin America or the Caribbean cannot be discarded, PAHO/ WHO has been working with its member countries to ensure they can respond rapidly and effectively if such a case appears. Below are highlights of these efforts during 2014:

tective equipment (PPE) is the most important measure for preventing transmission to health workers assigned to care for Ebola patients. Experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Spain’s Carlos III Hospital in Madrid provided training for health professionals in how to put on and take off different types of PPE.

of health staff responsible for communication received PAHO/WHO training in principles of communication with the public during times of serious risks to human health.

Reliable information

creation that embodies the wit of Africans.

Meanwhile, at the Kwanzaa celebrations, Dr Phillips who is also Chairman of Guyana’s Reparation Committee announced the launching of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

He explained that three principles are being brought forward during the 10 years to highlight the problems that affect persons of African descent as well as to effect discussions on how such issues can be dealt with.

Teams of experts from PAHO/WHO and partner organisations travelled to some 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to provide technical support as needed for Ebola preparedness efforts. Cuban healthcare workers received training from PAHO/ WHO before travelling to West Africa to help with the Ebola response there. Ebola virus is transmitted through body fluids (feces, urine, saliva, semen) from an infected person who has symptoms of the disease. PAHO/WHO has trained medical and nursing professionals in the epidemiology of Ebola and in case detection and management. Proper use of personal pro-

Caring for patients with Ebola requires special units that have been designed or adapted specifically for this purpose. PAHO/WHO has shared best practices and provided technical support to help countries establish Ebola isolation units. Medical and nursing professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean participated in simulation exercises on clinical management of Ebola patients organized by PAHO/WHO, together with experts with experience in handling these cases. Participants in the exercise are expected to train others in their own countries.

Experts in laboratory diagnosis and management of biological risks were convened by PAHO/WHO to analyze procedures for safe management of Ebola and suspected Ebola samples and to define protocols for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring. Clear and transparent communication by health authorities is critical for maintaining the public’s trust, managing anxiety and promoting healthy behaviors. Ministry

A website devoted to Ebola virus disease was launched by PAHO/WHO to provide reliable and updated information to health officials, health professionals and the public: www.paho. org/ebola.

PAHO/WHO is working to mobilize resources in the form of direct funds and lines of credit to support country efforts to prepare for Ebola. Such efforts are an investment in public health preparedness in general, and especially for diseases that can have serious health, economic and social impacts. Experts from various PAHO technical areas have supported WHO’s response to Ebola in West Africa.

Controlling the outbreak at its roots is the top priority, both to save lives and to halt the disease’s spread. Efforts to prepare for the potential introduction of Ebola into Latin America or the Caribbean also help strengthen countries’ capacities to respond to other disease outbreaks and epidemics. The framework for these efforts is the International Health Regulations (IHR), an agreement signed by WHO Member States to promote an effective response to public health emergencies of international concern.

Brer Anancy asks Brer Snake for some food

Bishop Andrew Irving performing the libation ceremony to open the Kwanzaa Holiday

Stranded Dynamic Airways passengers may arrive today

The 100 passengers who had planned to return to Guyana for Christmas but were left stranded at the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York, will hopefully make the trip today on Dynamic Airways.

The Guyanese who had intended to experience an authentic Guyanese Christmas were left stranded in New York after the troubled airline yet again experienced difficulties. The Guyana Times was previously told by a source at the JFK Airport that the flight that was delayed on Sunday still had passengers who were rolled over to subsequent flights, so the backlog kept building up.

The New York Post had reported on Wednesday that yet another 100 passengers booked with the Dynamic Airways were supposed to board a jet to Guyana at Terminal 1 about 07:00h

that day, but were told that they will not be able to travel until the day after Boxing Day (today) since no other plane would be available until such time.

Speaking to the <<<Guyana Times>>>, Captain Gerry Gouveia, local representative of Dynamic Airways, explained that those passengers who unfortunately could not have made it home in time for Christmas were not left stranded as a result of overbooking. He pointed out that the aircraft had developed a problem, hence it could not have flown them. Gouveia disclosed that a substitute charter was acquired, but could have only transported 150 passengers when there were about 250 passengers waiting to travel to Guyana.

Problem resolved, Gouveia says Nevertheless, Gouveia

assured that the problem has been resolved and the aircraft was set to fly today. The flight is expected to leave the JFK Airport about 01:00h today and should arrive at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) around 07:30h.

Following the delayed flight on Sunday, which was caused by maintenance issues, some passengers were transported on Tuesday morning, arriving in Guyana about 09:45h. Another flight departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) later that day around 15:35h and was scheduled to return to Guyana with another set of passenger from the JFK Airport, but was unable to do so.

A few passengers related that they had to use Caribbean Airlines in order to ensure that they got home in time for Christmas. Since its return to the Guyana market with promises of new and improved services in late November after a suspension of service stemming from initial problems, Dynamic Airways has time and again been a letdown to the travelling public and failed to uphold its commitment of better service.

.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 22-June 9).

Elderly feted in Richmond Hill, New York

Aluncheon earlier this week in Richmond Hill ushered in the goodwill of the Christmas season bringing cheer to many seniors, whose faces lit up for the occasion.

Hundreds of seniors were feted at the luncheon on Sunday as well as given a gift at the Villa Russo in the heart of Richmond Hill. Besides Indo-

Caribbeans, several non-Indians (Italians, Irish, AfroAmericans, Hispanics) also attended the event, which saw Councilman David Weprin and a few other local politicians in attendance to bring cheer to the seniors. Weprin presented Certificates of Citation to several individuals for their volunteer work in helping to uplift the lives of their

ATC donates supplies to Mahaica Children’s Home

The Accountancy Training Centre (ATC) in keeping with the theme of Christmas has donated gifts and supplies to the Mahaica Children’s Home.

The Directors Jerry Persaud and Indranie Sookdeo expressed heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the students, staff, lecturers and corporate supporters for partnering with them in the gesture, a release from the school said.

“As part of our corporate social responsibility, it brings us immense joy and pleasure to include our stakeholders in our outreach programmes. We constantly strive to establish and maintain relationships and to enhance the lives of those we come in contact with,” the Directors said in the release.

ATC is currently preparing for the January 2015 term. In line with the services offered, the institution provides mentoring and career guidance to those who wish to plan their way forward and pursue a qualification in Accounting, Business, Marketing, Human Resource Management and Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Additionally, with the recent employers’ consultation with its international partner, ABE, it is work-

ing with employers to guide and support their training and coaching needs of their human resources, the Directors commented.

“We are available to host workshops and information sessions at organisations and our doors are al-

ways open to anyone with an interest in the respective fields. Persons can also call us, request a call back on our website or come in to our office to learn more about the opportunities and options we have available to them.”

Harbour Bridge suicide victim identified

Ocommunity members.

The luncheon was one of the largest hosted in the community. It was entertainment-packed with songs and dances interspersed with speeches from the community organisers. The luncheon also allowed seniors an afternoon to socialise and reminisce about the holiday. The elderly had a merry time celebrating the yuletide season.

The Christmas luncheon was organised by several volunteers. Local artistes from the community entertained the crowd for free. Frank Singh gave opening remarks and also emceed the event. Singh thanked the community organisations for their contributions to making the event a success, to show appreciation for the seniors who helped to make the community what it was. He also thanked those who gave donations as well as the host of volunteers who worked very hard to put together the programme and organise gifts for everyone. The event was much appreciated by the seniors.

ne day after a woman jumped to her death off the Demerara Harbour Bridge, she was positively identified as a mental patient of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Felecia Husain, 34, of Lot 438 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, was a regular patient of the psychiatric clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was treated. A source told the Guyana Times that the woman might have suffered from depression among other mental issues.

This publication understands that on the day of her death, the woman left her home with the intention

of visiting the clinic, but went to the Bridge instead. The family is reportedly in shock since the woman was ‘coming around’.

A friend, Ajay (only name given) told this publication that Husain would normally leave home, go about her business and return and he was not sure what triggered her to commit suicide.

Husain was reportedly seen climbing onto the rails of the Harbour Bridge by the driver of a car which was passing at the time. He immediately alerted Bridge officials who without any hesitation established rescue teams and went in search of the woman.

At the scene, the deceased’s footwear and an umbrella were found. After the more-than-45 minute search, the woman’s body was taken out of the river. She was reportedly clad in a pair of blue jeans and a pink top. General Manager of the Bridge, Rawlston Adams, when contacted, said they received the distressing news some time after 12:00h. Adams explained that as soon as they got the news, at least two rescue boats were deployed to the area, but they were unsuccessful in saving the woman. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) was also called in to assist.

Man arrested with Mosberg shotgun at Middle Mazaruni

Police are presently preparing charges for a miner after he was found with an unlicensed 12 Gauge Mosberg Shotgun at a mining camp at Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

According to information received, on Thursday, Police ranks conducted a search on a mining camp at Toraparu where the shotgun and two cartridges were found.

The miner, who was in the camp, reportedly told

Police ranks that he did not have a licence for the firearm. He was told of the offence, cautioned and arrested. He is expected to make his court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court in the new week.

Stranded holidaying passengers will arrive today – after Christmas

A representative of ATC (right) making the presentation to a staff of the institution

Some of the patrons strike at a pose

Ukraine and rebels trade prisoners in Donetsk

Pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine have exchanged scores of prisoners with the Ukrainian Government near the rebel-held city of Donetsk.

The deal was to swap 150 Ukrainian soldiers for 225 militants – the biggest exchange so far.

Ukraine later said 146 of its soldiers had been freed for 222 militants. The remaining releases are due on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Ukraine froze vital bus and rail links with Crimea, its southern peninsula annexed by Russia in March.

In another move, the world’s two largest credit and debit card companies, Visa and Mastercard, said on Friday they could no longer support bank cards being used in Crimea, following fresh US sanctions imposed this month.

The moves come ahead of the traditional holiday season in the region, when people travel to be with their families for New Year.

Inconclusive talks were held this week in Minsk, Belarus, on ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has claimed 4700 lives.

Although fighting has

lessened considerably, the conflict continues and more than 1300 people have died since a truce was announced in September, the BBC’s David Stern reports from Kiev.

Kiev accuses Moscow of actively supporting the militants with Russian soldiers and heavy artillery. The Kremlin denies this but says its regular forces are fighting in eastern Ukraine as volunteers.

The prisoner swap took place near the town of Avdiyivka, about 35 kilometres (22 miles) north of Donetsk. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The Indian Ocean tsunami, 10 years on

Beachside memorials and religious services have been held across Asia to mark the 10th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami that killed 220,000 in one of modern history’s worst natural disasters.

The devastating December 26, 2004 tsunami, triggered by a 9.3-magnitude earthquake, struck a dozen countries around the Indian Ocean rim.

It eradicated entire

coastal communities, decimated families and crashed over beaches full of tourists the morning after Christmas.

Survivors waded through a horror show of corpse-filled waters.

As part of Friday’s solemn commemorations, survivors, government officials, diplomats and families of victims gathered in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and else-

Around the world

Protests over Nicaraguan canal deepen as work starts

When one of the poorest countries in the Americas and a little-known Chinese businessman said they planned to undertake one of the biggest engineering projects in history, few people took them seriously.

A year and a half after the US$50 billion project to build a canal across Nicaragua was launched by President Daniel Ortega, the doubts have only grown.

On Wednesday, at least 21 people were injured as protesters opposed to the construction of the shipping canal clashed with Police, authorities said.

Protesters are concerned that their homes could be threatened by the canal which will run through rain-

where.

Moments of silence were planned in several spots to mark the exact time the tsunami struck.

Al Jazeera’s Step Vaessen, reporting from Indonesia’s Aceh province, worst affected by the tsunami, said an official ceremony there would be attended by the Vice President.

“There will be prayers, songs and poetry but most importantly most of the survivors will have their own commemoration services. They will have their prayer sessions in their villages, sometimes villages very near to the sea where they can remember what happened ten years ago,” she said.

Aceh was the closest to the earthquake epicentre. At least 170,000 people were killed there.

Sri Lanka is marking the anniversary with a symbolic ride of a train the tsunami had derailed, killing 1270 passengers.

The train will be powered by the same locomotive and feature five of the original carriages. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

forest and at least 40 villages.

Police fired rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas at hundreds of demonstrators as they tried to clear a roadblock on the PanAmerican Highway in El Tule, 260km from the capital, Managua.

Aminta Granera, Nicaragua’s Director General of Police, said 15 police officers and six civilians were injured as they confronted 300 residents.

Organisers of the protest said at least 40 demonstrators were injured.

Thirty-three protesters were detained by Police, Granera said, adding that they used guns, machetes, stones and sticks to attack the Police.

Organisers said their demonstration was peaceful. Nicaragua on Monday announced the start of the canal project, which is backed by a Hong Kongbased company.

The environmental, technical and financial studies of the 280-kilometre long route have been kept secret. The canal is expected to displace around 30,000 people, mainly poor farmers and native people, but could be a major financial boon for the Central American nation.

The proposed canal would pass through Lake Nicaragua, Central America’s largest lake, and would be more than three times longer than the Panama Canal.

Brazilian oil company Petrobras sued by US city

The US city of Providence, Rhode Island is suing the Brazilian state-run oil company Petrobras over investor losses due to a corruption scandal.

Unlike other class actions, some of the company’s senior executives have also been named as defendants.

Providence alleges that Petrobras made false statements to investors that inflated the company’s value. Its lawyers say that when the corruption scandal broke, the city’s investments plummeted.

So far, 39 people in Brazil have been indicted on charges that include corruption, money laundering and racketeering.

They have been accused of forming a cartel to drive up the prices of major Petrobras infrastructure projects and of channelling money into a kickback scheme at Petrobras to pay

politicians.

The executives could face sentences of more than 20 years in jail.

The case has shaken the Government of President Dilma Rousseff, who served as chair of the Petrobras board for seven years until 2010.

She has denied any knowledge of the scheme.

According to the Brazilian Federal Police, the group under investigation moved more than US$3.9 billion (£2.5 billion) in what Police describe as

“atypical” financial transactions.

Brazilian courts have blocked around US$270 million in assets belonging to various suspects. Federal agents revealed contracts worth US$22 billion are regarded as suspicious.

Former Petrobras Director Paulo Roberto Costa, who worked at the company from 2004 to 2012, has told investigators that politicians received a three per cent commission on contracts signed during this period. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Rebel gunmen escorted the Ukrainian soldiers to the release point

(Excerpts from Reuters and Al Jazeera)

Demonstrators block the Panamerican highway to protest against the Grand Canal construction in Managua on December 22, in this handout photo provided by La Prensa

Policemen joined those paying their respects at a mass grave in Aceh (BBC News)

“Fashion into the Night” will showcase art and fine wine at the Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara on December 30. Plans for the event are progressing smoothly.

One of the fashion designers, Nadia ThomasWinter, a Guyanese residing in the British Virgin Island (BVI) recently arrived here and continues to work with the models and her niece, Natalya Thomas, who will also be displaying her designs at the major end-ofyear event.

Thomas-Winter said the event will not only focus on fashion, but it also aims to promote the arts. Rehearsals are ongoing with the models night after night at the Water Chris Hotel.

The women are confident that Guyanese and women from all walks of life will enjoy the event as it would be one with a difference.

They designers are focused on giving back to women and empowering them. Some of the proceeds from the event will go towards the Cancer Institute.

Thomas-Winter also said they are hoping to make the fashion show an annual event and will continue to do-

iss Guyana Universe, 24-year-old Niketa Barker will soon leave Guyana for Doral, Miami where she will compete with 84 other delegates in the Miss Universe Pageant. The pageant is set for mid-January. Barker, who was recently crowned Miss Guyana Universe, is preparing her mind, body and spirit for the These three, she said, are important for any delegate who is preparing for an international pageant. She also plans to do some introspection leading up to the pageant. As a norm, Barker hits the gym on a daily basis to keep that

toned look.

More importantly, she intends to use the experience she gained from attending sever al training sessions in the United States and Trinidad and Tobago as a tool during the pageant. She is still receiv ing train ing on sev eral other aspects of the competition and hopes to be ready for pag-

The beauty queen said that immediately after winning the title, it was a different ball game. Balancing her studies and her responsibilities as queen became a bit challenging resulting in her taking time off school to fulfil her obligations as Miss

Guyana.

Wherever this stunning beauty shows up, she is recognised and is treated differently despite her telling them that she is the same Barker. Her experience thus far has been amazing. The beauty queen said she has met a lot of incredible people and even travelled to a few new places. She admitted that since becoming the title holder, her days have been filled with countless meetings and appearances at various events. This experience, she noted, has empowered her to move on to greater things.

A farewell and good luck party is slated for the beauty queen on Sunday, December 28 at the Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown.

nate some of the proceeds to the various local charitable organisations.

They focus on the many fashion pieces that will be displayed is for ordinary women for any event. The fashion designers want to empower women and they fully believe this happens when women look good.

“When women look good, they feel good and that’s what our brand represents. We are designing clothing for all women, every woman, so that they can go out there and run the world.”

The red carpet affair is dubbed “Fashion into the Night” and will feature a runway fashion show, wine tasting and art viewing segments.

Thomas-Winter is a proud descendent of Guyana’s indigenous people and is the last of 10 children. She is a wife, mother, educator, artist and designer. The designer graduated from the ER Burrows School of Art as Best Textile Student and went on to the University of Guyana, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.

She is a mother of three and currently heads the Visual Arts Department of a high school in the BVI. She is also a freelance artist/designer.

When Thomas-Winter is designing, she is inspired by the everyday woman. She strives to bring the everyday woman’s eclectic characteristics and natural beauty to light through art and fashion.

Natalya Thomas, 24, who is currently a Personal Relation Officer/Fashion Designer, wants to elegantly dress women in an effortless fusion of current obsessions and eccentric cultural flamboyance. Her clothing line is not just inspired by different cultures, but also an exotic expression of unique experiences, timelessness, genuine individuality and adventure.

In 2012, she was the winner of the Sonia Noel Competition Model Search and Designer Portfolio. She was exposed to the public through television shows and ads. The outfits will also be on sale at the event. Interested persons can contact Thomas-Winter on telephone number 6784451 for more information on the event.

The stage is set and tickets are going like hotcakes as the premiere of UNCENSORED 6 is ready to take of the ground. The hilarious standup comedy is set for this evening and Sunday evening at the National Cultural Centre.

Those who have witnessed that previous Uncensored shows are well aware that the shows were mind-blowing and would have thrilled the audience.

This time around will be no different; SIGNATURE Productions plans to end the year with a ‘BANG’ by producing yet another mindblowing event.

Since its debut about five years ago, the show has been a much anticipated event, attracting overwhelming public support.

UNCENSORED 6 is all

about sending serious messages under the guise of comedy and in the process discover new stand-up comedians. It is an adult-targeted stand-up comedy production showcasing Guyana’s vet-

eran comedians, along with the rising stars.

As always, the first night of the show this year will feature a competition between the junior comedians and the second night among those labelled as the heavyweights.

Approximately, 13 competitors will vie for the title of Guyana’s best uncensored comedian and the privilege to perform on the second

night of the show.

Performers include Henry Rodney, Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones, Leza “Radika” Singh, Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, Odessa Primus, Kirt “Chubby” Williams, Michael Ignatius, Max Massiah, Brian Goodman, Jermaine Grimmond, Floyd Martindale, Sean Thompson, Mark Luke Edwards, Savitri Singh, Adrian and Patrick Chanderban.

Tickets for the show costs $1000, $1500 and $2500 and are available at the National Cultural Centre, Giftland OfficeMax, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Gizmos and Gadgets, Payless Variety Store, Nigel’s Supermarket and from Sir Mars. The laughter starts at 20:00h and patrons are advised that dress code is in effect.

On December 31, usher in the New Year with Pulse Entertainment as it puts you into a spellbinding trance when the 704 Lounge comes alive as we flip the switch into the New Year.

Be charmed by the Fantasy Girls as they hand out complimentary “fairy dust” shots when the clock strikes 12. Get free enchanted party favours upon entry

and bottle specials all night long. Those attending are asked to dress elegantly casual and take the spotlight with a red carpet welcome. Doors open from 21:00h with the Pulse Entertainment DJs setting the tone for the right way to welcome 2015. Tickets cost $4000 in advance and are available at Movietown DVD Club, 704 Bar, Gizmos and Gadgets and Glamour

Designer Brands. Patrons will pay more at the door. Don’t forget the place to be this Old Year’s Night is the 704 Lounge, Lamaha and Albert Streets, Georgetown. The event is sponsored by Faxe, “Beer for Real Men”; Gizmos and Gadgets; Glamour Designer Brands; Real FM and BOOM FM. Midnight enchantment is powered by Pulse Entertainment.

Top Brandz Distributor is now giving Corona lovers a chance to win big as the company recently launched its Super Bowl Touchdown Promotion at the 704 Lounge, Lamaha and Albert Streets, Georgetown.

The promotion will see two lucky Corona buyers winning an all-expense paid trip to Trinidad and Tobago as the first prize in the promotion.

The second prize will also see two customers winning a trip to the Baganara Island Resort. There will also be 20 consolation prizes which will see customers winning coolers filled with Corona Beer and Trio Stout.

To enter the promotion, customers can place six Corona crowns in an envelope along with their names, addresses and telephone numbers and drop them into

any of the entry boxes located at outlets nationwide. There are about 40 of these. The grand drawing and Corona Party will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2015 at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown and 704 Sport Bar. The promotion will run from December 19, 2014 to January 31, 2015. Persons must be 18 years or older to participate in the promotion.

Buddy’s Night Club & TEAM MMR present “RDB Remember De Bacchanal” this evening at the Buddy’s Night Club, Sherriff Street, Georgetown. Party to all the hits you love and all the newest hits rocking the world. Ladies are FREE before 22:30h and the first 150 ladies will receive free cream liqueur upon entry.

Music will be provided by team MMR Selector Andy and Party Boss WR Reaz and the full crew, including

DJ Rocko. Admission to the event is $1000 all night as we celebrate the ending to the Christmas Season.

It’s the RDB party at Buddy’s Night Club -- remember the bacchanal and remember Buddy’s is the place to be!

In addition, this Old Year’s Night it is “Extravaganza” at Buddy’s Night Club. It is all about charisma, style and sophistication as we usher in 2015.

Team MMR with the hype radio duo Selector

Andy and party boss WR Reaz and DJ Steve will keep the music rocking as you party into the New Year. Tickets are $3000 and VIP tickets are $5000. Pre-sold bottle specials will be available.

It’s “Extravaganza”– the ultimate Old Year’s Night Dance Party at Buddy’s Night Club. Tickets are available at Buddy’s Gym, Mei Tung Restaurant and Pool Hall. Buddy’s is the place to be this Old Year’s Night.

Michael Ignatius

Max Massiah

Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones

Reigning Miss Guyana Talented Teen Reesa

Sooklall is ready to compete with 11 other delegates vying for the title of Miss Caribbean Talented Teen (CTT) on Tuesday evening in St Kitts-Nevis.

She is expected to leave Guyana today for the Caribbean island to start four days of competition. Sooklall is prepared and is focused, and is in high spirits to represent Guyana.

Her designer, Randy Madray, has outdone himself with a gown entitled “Life at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea”. The queen will be accompanied by Director of Simpli Royal, Pamela Dillon, who is also the franchise holder of the Miss Guyana Talented Teen Pageant.

Sooklall thanked her family, good friends and the Continental Group of Companies (her sponsor) for their support.

In St Kitts, she is expected to compete in the talent, introductory, evening wear and intelligence segments. The talent competition will be in the form of a theatrical presentation, while the introduction will require an ambassadorial speech. The Guyanese teen is set to compete with her talent of belly dancing, to a fusion of guitar strumming and congo drums played by eight-year-old Ricardo Stanton.

Sooklall, who was born on October 8, 1999, is described as an

outgoing, compassionate, vibrant, talented and down-to-earth teenager. Her upbringing in the quiet village of Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara has definitely shaped her outlook.

The 15-year-old is a proud third-form science student of Queen’s College and dreams of one day becoming an Obstetrician/ Gynaecologist.

During her spare time, she enjoys playing the guitar, dancing, skating, painting, playing with her pets or playing outdoor sports (her favourite outdoor sport is cricket). She also has a special interest in photography and making bracelets.

Her days are filled with school, lessons, guitar classes, dance classes, modelling classes and her sessions with children from her former daycare and her friends at the Child Care and Protection Agency. Sooklall is also living a childhood dream of being a model after signing with Traits Model Management.

The talented young woman is also an advocate for raising awareness on global warming and its effects, since it is a major concern in promoting a safe earth.

The 35th Annual Ms Haynes Smith CTT Pageant will be streamed live at www.zizoneline. com on Tuesday evening from 20:00h. Guyanese can be part of the action by subscribing to the site at a cost of US$19.99.

Carlsberg is doing it again and this time around, it will be one Old Year’s Night that you do not want to miss. In November, Southland International had the 704 Lounge rocking with a superb performance by International Chutney King Kris Persad and since then the group promised that several other artistes will be revolving around their brand.

This Old Year’s Night, Gravity Lounge will be the ultimate party hub as Patrice Roberts performs live in the spacious and illuminated environment. A “Little Whine Never Hurt Nobodyyyy” is the theme for the event and making that a reality will be no other than the Trinidadian Soca Sensation, who have sever-

al hits under her belt.

Born on April 14, 1986, Roberts currently performs alongside popular fellow Soca artiste Machel Montano in his band, Machel Montano HD. She is also a second cousin of singer Bunji Garlin. The talented artiste has competed in the International Soca Monarch contest in Trinidad on several occasions, enjoying much success. In 2006, she placed second alongside Zan with the track “Always Be” in the “Groovy” category.

Her collaboration with Montano, “Light it Up” placed fourth in the “Power” category in 2007. In 2008, she placed second in the “Groovy” category with her song “More Wuk”.

Her greatest achievement so far has been win-

ning the 2006 Road March competition with the song “Band of the Year”, a duet with Montano.

At A “Little Whine Never Hurt Nobodyyyy”, drink specials will be available all night and there will be lots of giveaways. It is going to be one amazing party to ring in the New Year. Patrons will also experience the fireworks display from the decks of Gravity Lounge.

Music for the event will be provided by Trinidad’s Duo “Nuphoric” and resident DJs Shizzle and Energy. Early-bird tickets cost $4000 and go on sale at Gravity Lounge, Camp and Regent Street; Exclusive Styles; Electronic City, Sheriff Street; and Oasis Café, Waterloo Street from today.

Jamaican Grammy-winning dancehall artiste Sean

Paul has been issued if he follows through with a scheduled New Year’s Eve performance in the Maldives.

The Jamaica Gleaner reported that the video threat was posted on YouTube by 'islam dheen', with the logo of a “Maldives jihadist group and had a cloaked person sitting in front what appeared to be a black flag, synonymous with the Islamic State (IS)”.

“Sean Paul, if you visit the Maldives, the world will see your burned and blood-drenched dead body,” read papers bearing the threat.

The 41-yearold singer was also accused of being a nonbeliever, whose presence will not be welcomed.

However, in a Facebook post, the group said it was not responsible for the video, the Gleaner reported. According to the newspaper report:

“Bilad Al Sham Media have nothing to do with this video even though it claims to be from us. Anything released by Bilad Al Sham Media will be done through our official Facebook page or Twitter account and no one should accept anything from any other source claiming to be from us," it said.

However, even as it denounced the video, the group said “we are absolutely against such filthy concerts”.

The Maldives is an Islamic country which lies off the Indian sub-continent.

The video bears the logo of 'Bilad Al Sham Media' (BASM) group – an organisation which claims to consist of Maldivian jihadis based in Syria and the Maldives.

Meanwhile, in a Twitter post, Maldives’ opposition leader and former President Mohamed Nasheed warned that tourism will be affected if threats against Sean Paul are not investigated.

A report on the Maldives website, Raajje, said show organisers will proceed with the concert despite threats.

The movie that has been creating some buzz on the big screen overseas is finally here at the Princess Movie Theatre with four big shows on any given day. The Hobbit can be view between Monday and Thursday at 13:00h, 16:00h, 19:00h and 21:30h.

Hobbit is a film series consisting of three epic fantasy adventure films directed by Peter Jackson. They are based on the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien.

Portions of the trilogy are also adapted from the

appendices to The Return of the King, which expand on the story told in The Hobbit The films are subtitled An Unexpected Journey (2012), The Desolation of Smaug (2013), and The Battle of the Five Armies (2014).

The films feature an ensemble cast that also includes James Nesbitt, Ken Stott, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace and Luke Evans, with several actors from The Lord of the Rings , including Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood and

Andy Serkis. The films also feature Manu Bennett, Sylvester McCoy, Stephen Fry, Mikael Persbrandt, Barry Humphries and Lawrence Makoare. Meanwhile, Night at the Museum 3 continues daily on Screen Two at 21:00h and 23:00h; Into the Woods at 13:00h and 15:00h; and Annie at 17:00h and 19:00h.

Tickets for the movies cost $1500 for adults and $1000 for children. All movies are 3D and are shown between Monday and Thursday.

A scene from The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Smith ton powers Australia

“Just give me a start.”

It can’t be known for sure whether or not Steven Smith has said this to his team yet, but on the evidence of the summer so far Australia’s new captain could be forgiven for uttering just such an instruction. Once again, Smith radiated certainty, adapting to the idiosyncrasies of the MCG’s dropin pitch, India’s persevering

bowlers and the occasion of Boxing Day, the biggest on the national cricket calendar. He did not walk to the wicket until the day’s 37th over due to important early innings from Chris Rogers and Shane Watson. Both men failed to go on from starts, and compounded the missed opportunity by falling in successive overs, but their work

against the new ball was critical after David Warner fell to the ball angled across him as India belatedly abandoned their around the wicket brainstorm.

Shaun Marsh helped Smith steady the innings and Joe Burns made a brief debut appearance, before Brad Haddin shrugged off another concerted short-pitched attack on his body - wearing one hefty blow on the back - to accompany Smith to the close. On a surface that has offered variable pace and bounce plus a modicum of movement for the pacemen, Australia’s tally is already useful, and they can rely on Smith to add to it on day two.

Recalled in place of Varun Aaron, Mohammed Shami bowled neatly for the visitors, while R Ashwin delivered long and teasing spells from the Great Southern Stand end of the ground. He was rewarded only with the wicket of Watson, who followed a familiar pattern by starting fluently, losing momentum then losing his wicket to a somewhat ambitious stroke.

The weather at the MCG was fair, and the pitch provided some early assistance for India’s seamers. Rogers was struck amidships by an Ishant Sharma delivery that cut back at him in the first over of the morning, and in the second Umesh Yadav found the perfect delivery from over the wicket, fast and seaming, to coax an outside

edge from Warner. Shikhar Dhawan held a fine catch, and amid India’s celebrations they might have wondered why this was the first time in the series that Warner was asked to face a ball angled across him rather than moving in from around the wicket before he had found his bearings. A sore thumb cannot have helped either.

Ishant, Shami and Umesh all delivered some vexing overs to follow-up, but found Rogers well attuned to the challenges of day-one batting at the MCG through his vast experience for Victoria. Watson was also fluent and alert, though fortunate that a few edges either did not carry or bisected MS Dhoni’s cordon.

Together, they took shine from the new ball while also scoring with a good degree of freedom - Rogers strong down the ground and through point, while Watson prospered through the pull shot and also manoeuvred the ball through midwicket without quite so much apparent risk of lbw as spectators have become used to.

Dhawan went from 100% to 50% when he dropped Watson’s edge from Shami 10 minutes before the lunch interval, taking three bites at the ball before guiding it to ground. This reprieve, and a few other misfields, left Rogers and Watson to amble to lunch in happier circum-

stances than they might have imagined when Warner was dismissed.

A boundary to Watson from the final ball of the second over after lunch seemed to herald more free-scoring, but it was in fact the last such scoring shot for more than 16 overs. Australian progress was stymied by Shami and, particularly, Ashwin, who used his height and variations in pace to good effect.

Rogers went to his 50, as did Watson, but neither would go on. A Shami delivery of teasing line and in-between length found Rogers’ outside edge on 57, and in the following over Watson swept across a straight ball from Ashwin and was lbw.

Understandably, Smith and Marsh took their time to avert further loss, but as tea loomed both had found something approaching a decent batting rhythm. Smith opened up the final session by sallying forth to deposit Ashwin into the long-off seats, but lost Marsh when he snicked Shami, firm-footed, through to Dhoni.

Burns was greeted by an optimistic MCG ovation, and looked compact and sure on his way to 13. But Umesh cramped an attempted pull shot and found the thinnest of bottom edges to send Burns on his way, no doubt hoping to improve on a first innings all too brief. Haddin weathered the short ball without looking entirely com-

fortable - he often turned his head away - but a straight six off Ashwin signalled he was feeling more relaxed at the crease.

Smith and Haddin negotiated the final few overs safely enough, and the day ended on the stroke of scheduled stumps. In its own way, this instance of timeliness was as notable as the rich vein Smith is currently mining. (Cricinfo)

Bravo’s sacking ‘travesty of justice’ - Gonsalves

Joining the chorus of opposition against the dropping of Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Darren Sammy from the ODI series in South Africa, St Vincent and Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has accused WICB president Dave Cameron for “dishonouring” the agreement that the players who abandoned the India tour in October would not be victimised.

According to Gonsalves he had organised a meeting as CARICOM representative to resolve the impasse arising out of West Indies’ premature termination of the India tour. In addition to Cameron and himself, that meeting, held at the Hyatt Hotel in Trinidad on October 23, was attended by Bravo, West Indies Test captain Denesh Ramdin, Ralph Thorne, the players’

legal counsel, West Indies Players Association president Wavell Hinds, and WIPA lawyer.

In a sternly worded two-paged letter sent on December 23, Gonsalves said Cameron had agreed that teams for the South Africa tour would be picked on “merit”. Yet last week the West Indies selection panel, chaired by former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd, appointed inexperienced 23-year-old fast bowler Jason Holder as the captain for the ODI side, indicating it was time to appoint a young leader.

“The meeting arrived at several conclusions or agreements. One of these was the solemn undertaking by the WICB, through you, that none of the “India 14” would be victimised or discriminated against because of the tour’s premature ter-

mination,” Gonsalves said. “Specifically, you agreed that the election of the teams (Test, One-day, T-20) for the imminent tour of South Africa would be done on the merit from the available pool of player, including “the India 14”.

“Your solemn undertaking was honoured by the WICB in the selection of the test team for South Africa. But it is evident to

all objective observers that the WICB has dishonoured the undertaking in respect of the recently-announced touring party for the ODI series in South Africa.”

Although Lloyd explained the reasons to pick Holder, he did not specify why exactly Bravo, Pollard and Sammy were dropped. On Wednesday, without explaining any reasons, the WICB issued a media re-

lease stating Sammy had been included as the 15th member of the ODI squad for the South Africa series. Nor has Cameron or any of the WICB executive made any public comments.

According to Gonsalves, relieving Bravo from ODI captaincy and sacking him as a player amounted to “travesty of justice” and was unjust especially since it came so close to the World Cup. “The peremptory removal of Mr. Bravo from the captaincy of the One-Day team and the non-selection of Messrs Pollard, Sammy and Bravo himself, all members of the “India 14”, to that team reeks of village vengeance, discrimination, and victimisation. It is inconceivable, that on the cusp of the World Cup, such a decision of folly could have been made or embraced. Since the decision glaringly lacks

cricketing merit, reasonable persons are left to conclude that there is more in “the mortar beside the pestle”. Gonsalves also said that the WICB could not hide behind the “fig leaf excuse” that the decision to drop the players was taken by the selectors. “At the end of the day, you and the WICB are responsible for this farce which is injurious to West Indies cricket.

“It is not too late for you and the WICB to correct the egregious error in respect of Messrs Bravo, Pollard and Sammy. I urge that you initiate steps to effect a reasonable corrective. The days of men riding horses with cork hats across plantations, are, metaphorically, over. The WICB must stop functioning as a virtual private club and be responsible and responsive to the people of the region.” (Cricinfo)

Steve Smith flicks one onto the leg side

Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard during happier times

Heat spoil James’ return to Miami NBA Roundup… Southee adds to NZ dominance

Having been battered and bruised on Boxing Day, the ball finally had its way in Christchurch. Trent Boult summoned swing, Tim Southee got it to seam and Sri Lanka's top-order collapsed. In addition to New Zealand's tail, six wickets fell for only 50 runs on the second morning. This after 429 was stacked up on Friday.

The first ball of the morning, at Angelo Mathews' gentle pace, had swung past the outside edge. The trend continued, only the tourists had face 13 straight overs of Boult and Southee manipulating their length and line to suit the swing on offer. They attacked middle and off stump, moving wide of the crease every so often to create difficult angles.

Dimuth Karunaratne had the courtesy one sighter before he was put under scrutiny. Boult's fourth ball of the innings threatened to shape away for three-fourths of

its journey, had a change of heart once it hit the pitch and jagged back to hit his pads in front of the stumps. A delivery that befit the occasion of Boult's 100th wicket, in only his 29th Test.

Boult's inswing was Kaushal Silva's undoing as well. The opener had got across too early and was unable to bring his bat around to prevent the ball striking pad. He did challenge the umpire's leg-before decision, hoping the exaggerated swing would save him but had to accept only his second single-figure score of 2014.

Kumar Sangakkara's mistake was in direct contrast to Silva's. His feet did not move in accordance with a teasing outswinger from Boult, especially considering the choice of shot - his favourite cover drive. Southee, at third slip, held onto the outside edge and Sangakkara, who had begun his innings 12 short of 12000 Test runs, was out for

6. Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne resisted until lunch, and the captain was able to strike the first boundary of the innings in the 14th over off a rare short and wide delivery.

Sri Lanka start would have disheartened them even further after their seamers had bowled better lines on the second morning to dismiss New Zealand's tail in under six overs.

There was no Brendon McCullum, there were no

ing the ball had swung too far in and would have missed the stumps.

Mathews had taken the new ball last evening and continued bowling with it. The decision proved fruitful when some extra bounce drew Southee's outside edge and it was taken quite well by Lahiru Thirimanne at second slip. Suranga Lakmal at the other end consumed Neil Wagner and delivered a lovely outswinger to hand a second-ball duck to Boult.

New Zealand's final five

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand 1st innings

TWM Latham c Kaushal b Eranga 27

HD Rutherford b Lakmal 18

KS Williamson b Prasad 54

LRPL Taylor run out (Silva) 7

BB McCullum* c Karunaratne b Kaushal 195

JDS Neesham c Sangakkara b Mathews 85

BJ Watling† lbw b Mathews 26

MD Craig not out 12

TG Southee c Thirimanne

b Mathews 0 N Wagner c Kaushal b Lakmal 4

TA Boult c †Jayawardene

b Lakmal 0

Extras: (lb 4, w 2, nb 7) 13

Total: (all out; 85.5 overs; 413 mins) 441

Fall of wickets 1-37 (Rutherford, 13.1 ov), 2-60 (Latham, 19.3 ov), 3-88 (Taylor, 23.4 ov), 4-214 (Williamson, 46.2 ov), 5-367 (McCullum, 65.5 ov), 6-420 (Neesham, 74.2 ov), 7-429 (Watling, 80.3 ov), 8-431 (Southee, 82.5 ov), 9-440 (Wagner, 85.4 ov), 10-441 (Boult, 85.5 ov)

Bowling: RAS Lakmal 19.53-90-3, RMS Eranga 18-1-821, AD Mathews 12-2-39-3, KTGD Prasad 12-2-62-1, PHT

specialist batsman left after wicketkeeper BJ Watling was lbw off what became the final delivery of Boxing Day. Although the decision could have been reversed, consider-

Kaushal 22-0-159-1, HDRL Thirimanne 2-0-5-0 Sri Lanka 1st innings

FDM Karunaratne lbw b Boult 0 JK Silva lbw b Boult 4 KC Sangakkara c Southee b Boult 6

HDRL Thirimanne c Craig b Southee 24 AD Mathews* not out 33 N Dickwella c McCullum b Southee 2 HAPW Jayawardene† not out 4

Extras: (lb 1, w 1, nb 1) 3

Total: (5 wickets; 31.1 overs) 76

To bat: PHT Kaushal, KTGD Prasad, RMS Eranga, RAS Lakmal

Fall of wickets 1-0 (Karunaratne, 0.4 ov), 2-8 (Silva, 4.2 ov), 3-15 (Sangakkara, 8.3 ov), 4-58 (Thirimanne, 25.2 ov), 5-60 (Dickwella, 25.6 ov)

Bowling: TA Boult 10-4-213, TG Southee 12-4-17-2, JDS Neesham 2-1-5-0, N Wagner 6.2-0-29-0, MD Craig 1-0-3-0

wickets were able to contribute only 21 runs, but what happened previously and a little bit later was more than enough compensation. (Cricinfo)

Man City win keeps pressure on Chelsea

Manchester City scored three first-half goals and survived a snowstorm as they beat West Brom to stay three points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Fernando hooked City ahead after Ben Foster dropped a Jesus Navas cross.

Yaya Toure made it 2-0 from the spot after a foul on David Silva, who added a third with a precise finish.

Heavy snow made conditions difficult after half-time and West Brom managed a late consolation when Brown Ideye netted from close range.

The win was City’s ninth consecutive victory in all competitions, equalling a club record and keeping the pressure on Chelsea, who had beaten West Ham earlier in the day.

Just as in their success over Crystal Palace last weekend, it came without the defending champions fielding a recognised striker.

But that made little difference to the fluency of the visitors’ attacks, with David Silva orchestrating play as they out-passed the Baggies before the break.

City were helped on their way by a mistake by West Brom keeper Ben Foster, who spilled a deflected Navas cross and allowed Fernando to swivel and score his first goal for City.

Five minutes later it was 2-0. Joleon Lescott cut out a Silva pass, but fouled the Spaniard as he pounced on to the

loose ball in the area and Toure converted the resulting penalty with ease.

West Brom could not live with the speed at which City were attacking, but fared much better when they came forward themselves.

Only poor finishing let them down, with Saido Berahino twice dragging the ball wide with only Joe Hart to beat.

James Morrison finally forced Hart into a stop of note with a fierce effort before half-time, but by then City were out of sight thanks to Silva’s deft curling shot. The weather meant the game changed completely in the second half, with snow swirling around the ground and making visibility difficult.

Snow also began to stick on the pitch,

holding up the ball and making it almost impossible for City to continue playing their slick passing game.

West Brom fared rather better but their finishing did not improve, with Silvestre Varela wasting another good opening when he fired wide at the far post.

Alan Irvine’s side had won just one of their previous seven matches and they never looked capable of the kind of comeback that would have allowed them to improve that record.

They did at least end the game on a high note, with Hart’s attempted punch eventually bouncing over the line off an unwitting Ideye, to give the £10m striker his first league goal since his arrival at The Hawthorns in the summer. (BBC Sport)

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade wrapped each other in a pregame embrace, chatted and laughed at halftime, then hugged again after the final buzzer.

Just like old times.

Only this time, just one got to enjoy a victory.

James’s return to Miami as an opponent was a success — for the Heat, that is. Wade scored 24 of his 31 points in the first half, Luol Deng had 25 points and dogged James defensively all night, and the Heat beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 101-91, in a muchhyped Christmas matchup Thursday in Miami.

‘‘We didn’t have a bad breakup,’’ Wade said. ‘‘We played against each other for seven years, man. The weirdness just wasn’t there. It wasn’t like we played against each other our whole career and the breakup happened. We played against each other for seven years, then with each other for a period of time, then he went back to the same situation and I’m in the same place.’’

Here’s an example of how their relationship has endured: When James, who returned to Cleveland in the offseason after four seasons and two titles with the Heat, and the Cavaliers landed in South Florida on Wednesday, the four-time NBA MVP went to Wade’s house for a night of Christmas Eve revelry.

James turns 30 on Tuesday. He had questions for the 32-year-old Wade about what changes at that age. That’s what they talked about, no smack about how the Cavaliers are perceived to be a championship contender and how the Heat aren’t even at the .500 mark.

‘‘We only play this game for so long,’’ said James, who got a warm ovation when a video of his Heat highlights played in the first quarter. ‘‘You’ve still got life afterwards. For us we’re going to compete, we’re going to go about our business and do what we need to do in our profession. You’ll never let friendship come in between that.’’

It was fitting that they talked about life after 30 — because for the seventh time in their head-to-head meetings, both scored at least 30 points.

James had 30 points and eight assists for the Cavaliers, who also got 25 from Kyrie Irving and 14 from Kevin Love.

‘‘Couple of the best in this generation,’’ Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said about the James vs. Wade nights. ‘‘Spectacular. I wish I could sit back and enjoy it like a fan, because it’s just fantastic basketball. ... However long these two guys play, you’ll get your money’s worth.’’

Deng also had eight rebounds and eight assists for Miami. Chris Andersen scored 12 for the Heat, who led by as many as 17 but trailed for a moment in the fourth quarter before gathering themselves and pulling away again.

Miami was again without Chris Bosh, still sidelined by a calf injury.

Bulls 113, Lakers 93 — Pau Gasol had 23 points and 13 rebounds against his former team and host Chicago beat Los Angeles without star Kobe Bryant, who was resting his sore body.

Jimmy Butler added 21 points, and Derrick Rose had 20 points and six assists to help the Bulls win their season-high fifth straight. With Bryant missing his second straight game, the Lakers were unable to pull off another upset.

They stunned Golden State on Tuesday night but came up short against the Central division leaders.

Gasol, a two-time champion in six-plus seasons with the Lakers, was 9 of 14 from the field in his first game against Los Angeles since joining the Bulls in the summer.

Wesley Johnson led Los Angeles with 19 points.

Bryant said his knees, Achilles’ tendons, feet, and back were all bothering him, and it is unlikely he will play against the Mavericks Friday night.

Thunder 114, Spurs 106 — Russell Westbrook scored 34 points as Oklahoma City beat host San Antonio in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals.

The Thunder earned their sixth straight regular-season victory over the defending NBA champions in the first meeting between the teams since San Antonio topped Oklahoma City in six games on the way to a fifth title.

The Thunder were without reigning MVP Kevin Durant, and the Spurs were missing NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard.

Wizards 102, Knicks 91 — John Wall had 24 points and 11 assists, eluding New York all day until getting knocked to the floor by a flagrant foul that sparked an altercation as Washington dominated at Madison Square Garden.

Wall toyed with the Knicks for 3½ quarters, highlighted by a spinning, 360-degree layup, before Quincy Acy knocked him down with a forearm shove with 5:31 to play.

Wall got up and pushed Acy, who responded with a punch that appeared to hit Wall behind the neck. Acy was ejected and Wall received a technical foul. Carmelo Anthony scored 34 points for the Knicks. (Boston Globe)

Brendon McCullum slaps one to the boundary

Dwayne Wade

Yaya Toure rocks the net for Man City

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Russia 2018 Organising Committee in budget deficit

The Local Organising committee for the 2018 World Cup in Russia will have a budget deficit for the next year, the country’s minister for sport said on Friday.

Mutko was speaking at a meeting held by the organization’s directorate of which he is a member.

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“We will have a budget deficit for 2015. The Organising committee is looking for support from independent sources,” the minister told the R-Sport news agency.

“The construction costs of the stadiums has not changed at the moment, however market prices could lead to changes in this respect.”

Mutko also said the opening ceremony could take place in the Dynamo stadium, which will not host any matches during the tournament, rather than the Luzhniki Stadium as was originally planned.

“The Organising committee is looking into the possibility of holding the opening ceremony a day before the opening match at the Dynamo Stadium.”

A contract was signed on Friday regarding the construction of the stadium in Rostov-on-Don, the last to be approved.

Elgar, du Plessis...

Later, missed direct hits reprieved Elgar (on 73) and Amla (on 5) when they went for non-existent singles. It can be argued that these were lesser offences, but both times the batsmen were stranded halfway down the pitch and the fielders had plenty of time to aim at the stumps. Instead, they snatched at the opportunities and threw off-balance.

For all the help they got, South Africa needed to show plenty of application to score as many runs as they did. Elgar, taking guard on off stump, stayed close to the line of the ball and played the rising ball with soft hands to keep the edges down short of the slips. Shortly after reaching his hundred, this meth-

od helped him survive an excellent delivery from Taylor, angling in from around the wicket and jagging away off the pitch.

Elgar waited for anything he could work off his pads, and anything he could pull - even the marginally short ball. The slowness of the pitch usually allowed him to do this, but uncertain bounce always lurked around the corner, and he topedged a hook into his helmet against a Shannon Gabriel lifter when he was on 83. Against Benn he used his feet well, and generally looked to hit down the ground.

Du Plessis scratched around when he first came in, and was on 6 off 35 balls at lunch. He remained jittery

after the interval, surviving those two drops and sending a leading edge off Taylor flying through the gap between point and gully. But he grew in fluency as his innings progressed, as any batsman of his quality will when given so many lives. The first session was a story of two halves. Taylor and Peters were a little loose at the start, and South Africa’s openers scored 40 in the first ten overs without really looking to score that briskly. West Indies then made a double change, and Gabriel and Jason Holder immediately settled into a rhythm, finding movement from a goodlength spot just outside off stump. They bowled 11 overs in tandem, giving away only 17 runs and picking up the wicket of Alviro Petersen. The dismissal was well in keeping with how the

that

could have easily ignored. He reached for it

Dean Elgar acknowledges the crowd

The 2018 World Cup will use 12 stadiums in 11 cities, including two in Moscow and one each in St. Petersburg, Samara, Saransk, Rostovon-Don, Sochi, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Volgograd, Nizhny Novgorod and Yekaterinburg. (Reuters)

Russia’s Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko (Left), President Vladimir Putin (Centre) and FIFA President Sepp Blatter (Second Right) listens to Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin at the Luzhniki Stadium, which is under construction, in Moscow, October 28

Ramdin calls for self-belief

After Christmas lunch, West Indies will have a talent show and they’re not talking about the Boxing Day Test in Port Elizabeth.

It is a tradition in their team to entertain each other with singing, dancing and even the playing of the saxophone over the festive season as they put cricket aside and celebration in front.

“Perhaps you should save the performance for the field,” some of the media suggested when Denesh Ramdin revealed their plans for their day off. The West Indies captain smiled politely in response, because he had already described their discussions for a mustwin—or must save-face as it being spoken of here— match.

“We’ve stressed on the

guys who got starts in the first innings that they need to kick on to 70 or 80 and then even to a 100. Carry on so the team won’t be under pressure,” Ramdin said. “And then we need to bowl a bit fuller on these pitches.

The South African guys play pretty good with the short stuff. The crowds want to see exciting cricket, the style of cricket we play but we are not consistent. We need to work on those areas consistently.”

A more compete performance from his team required what Ramdin called a mental shift. “We need to believe in ourselves a bit more.”

Although Ramdin acknowledged that Kemar Roach’s withdrawal from the tour through injury was a blow, he had full confidence in the men

who may replace him. “We have Shannon Gabriel and Kenroy Peters and either one of them could come into the team. They are both good enough to do the same job as Kemar.”

Similarly, Ramdin thought his batting line-up is equally equipped to deal with the South African pack, especially as a strong showing could earn them some much-needed kudos.

“When you do well against a team like South Africa, you get a lot of credit for it. Hopefully the guys will look deep into themselves and pull out that magical performance.”

There has only been one previous example of that by West Indies in South Africa. They won the first Test of the 2007-08 series, which was also played in Port Elizabeth. Ramdin was part of that win and although he remembers it for what it can teach the current crop, he has tempered his recollection with realism, which suggests he knows where the real talent show is.

“It was a good match for us. It was an overall team effort. Going forward, we need more team effort, being more consistent and having that selfbelief—knowing we can give South Africa a fight. Seven years ago, we had a result against them but that was seven years ago. They are the No. 1 team in the world.” (Trinidad Guardian)

Forward Smith set to join up with Rockets

Josh Smith, who was recently released by Detroit, has agreed to sign with the Houston Rockets, the NBA reported on its website on Wednesday. Smith is less than halfway through a four-year, $54 million contract.

While the Rockets have yet to announce their impending acquisition, Smith

has expressed his excitement about teaming up with close friend Dwight Howard, a team mate from their youth days.

The 29-year-old Smith is averaging 13.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists.

The Rockets are currently 20-7, and sit fourth in the Western Conference. (Reuters)

Chelsea tighten grip on Premier League

Leaders Chelsea tightened their grip on the Premier League’s top spot with a commanding victory over West Ham.

The Blues had already come close through Oscar and Gary Cahill when John Terry turned in Diego Costa’s header from close range.

After a tame first half, West Ham offered more in the second, but their hopes were snuffed out by Costa’s drilled finish just after the hour.

Morgan Amalfitano hit the post late on but Chelsea racked up 28 shots at goal.

Chelsea look set to finish 2014 at the top of the table - and the quality of their performance suggested they may well still be there in May.

Their manager Jose Mourinho accused West Ham of playing “19th century football” after the teams’ goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in January, but this Blues side, with the attacking threat Costa and Cesc Fabregas, never looked like being denied.

The visitors’ style has taken a quantum leap forward since - with 29 goals in their first 17 league games this season compared to 14 over the same

period in 2013-14 - but it was clear as soon as the team sheets were published that Sam Allardyce intended a defensive performance similar to 11 months ago.

The West Ham manager dropped Alex Song and Diafra Sakho to the bench ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal and told television before kick-off that “we have to stop Chelseait’s as simple as that”.

His ambitions were almost undermined by Carl Jenkinson’s lapse inside the first five minutes.

The right-back, on loan from Arsenal, allowed Oscar to dart in behind him and was relieved to see the Brazilian blaze over from six yards out after latching onto Willian’s floated ball in.

But it was only a temporary reprieve.

Gary Cahill thumped a shot straight at Adrian and the seemingly inevitable Chelsea opener arrived after Eden Hazard almost wriggled his way in on goal.

James Collins’ lastditch tackle had denied the Belgian on that occasion, but from the resulting corner the defender lost Terry, who was free to poke in as Costa flicked on.

The Blues did not let up and Costa punted over when well placed before Branislav Ivanovic appealed in vain for a penalty as he went down under Andy Carroll’s challenge.

For West Ham, with only 27% of possession, Chelsea’s slim scoreboard advantage was the only positive to take from the first half. The away side briefly flickered into life after the break and Terry had to be alert to cover across and block Valencia’s route to goal.

Sakho and Song were introduced for the Hammers but, just as a few concerns could be felt around Stamford Bridge, Costa’s dead-eyed finish ensured the home fans could enjoy the final half hour in comfort.

The Spain international’s dummy took Tomkins, Winston Reid and Carl Jenkinson out of the game before his fierce low drive did likewise for goalkeeper Adrian.

A late cameo for Didier Drogba was applauded warmly and West Ham were denied a late moodkilling consolation as Amalfitano’s flick hit the woodwork after a neat run took him past Terry and Cahill. (BBC Sport)

Arsenal win despite Giroud headbutt

Arsenal remain within touching distance of the Premier League’s top four after victory over QPR - but only after being reduced to 10 men and conceding a second-half penalty.

Alexis Sanchez missed a spot kick but later headed Arsenal into the lead.

Tomas Rosicky doubled their advantage after Olivier Giroud was sent off for a headbutt on Nedum Onuoha.

Then, in a nervy climax, Mathieu Debuchy felled Junior Hoilett and QPR’s Charlie Austin converted from the spot.

That was his 12th league goal of the season and set up a dramatic final 10 minutes, but QPR were unable to breach Arsenal’s defence for a second time.

A team which has yet to win a point away from home was just the sort of opponent Arsene Wenger’s side needed after a peri-

od in which the manager has come under heavy criticism.

But the Frenchman will not thank his compatriot Giroud for his senseless reaction to a Onuoha push, which forced the hosts to play the majority of the second half with 10 men, nor Debuchy for the penalty he conceded, adding needless drama to what should have been a routine win.

The Gunners have nine points fewer than at the same stage last season, when they were level with league leaders Liverpool.

Indeed, a Boxing Day victory was a must if title hopes were not to be completely extinguished before the end of the year.

Even after victory, which was Wenger’s 400th in the league, Arsenal remain 15 points behind leaders Chelsea and two points adrift of fourth-place Southampton, with every team in the top four also enjoying wins.

This was an improvement of sorts on last week’s display against Liverpool, but Arsenal are unlikely to come up against a team as obliging as QPR were in the first half.

Harry Redknapp men’s somehow soaked up wave after wave of attacks until, eventually, they caved in seven minutes before the break.

A lovely move, featuring Danny Welbeck, Santi Cazorla and Kieran Gibbs, was finished off by Sanchez to give his team a deserved lead.

That made up for the Chilean’s miss from the penalty spot after he was challenged clumsily by Armand Traore, with the diving Robert Green saving Sanchez’s tame effort.

A hint of the defensive frailties which have plagued the Gunners this season was given when Steven Caulker sneaked behind the defence and headed a fraction wide.

But although Giroud gifted the QPR a lifeline, the visitors were unable to test the Arsenal back four before Rosicky scored. Sanchez was the creator, elegantly weaving his way towards the box before releasing the equally impressive Czech, who swept home on his first league start of the term.

Until Debuchy was penalised for bringing down Hoilett - though replays showed the defender did make contact with the ball - QPR were unable to test Arsenal.

And although Austin, quiet for much of the match, scored to set up a grandstand finish, Arsenal held firm to inflict a ninth away loss on QPR. (BBC Sport)

Chelsea celebrates a goal in their dominant win

Josh Smith

Denesh Ramdin

Arsenal has only lost one Premier League match on Boxing Day

Running Brave: A 400m haven

By TreisTon Joseph

Few clubs in Guyana can assertively say that they are a specialist club, in that they have a knack for producing athletes for one specific event.

The Running Brave Athletics Club can actually boast the acumen for producing 400 metres specialists.

While the Police Sports Club and the Guyana Defence, the Mercury Fast Laners and even Linden can boast of having top talent such as the Winston George, Cleveland Fordes, Tirana

Mitchells and Cassey Georges of today… no club can really boast of consistently producing top talent over one specific distance or for a field event in the last five years like the Running Brave club. No, it is probably not the best club in the country, but it is on the rise and more interestingly, its 400

metres talent is impeccable. The club has produced the likes of Stephan James and Jason Yaw, both of whom have clocked under 47 seconds and done Guyana proud at international meets. It has also produced a number

GFA Banks Beer Cup

of females who have clocked under 56 seconds at various points in their careers such as Natricia Hooper, Jevina Sampson, Avon Samuels, and Alisha Fortune… if we are to throw in Neisa Allen during her heyday we can make it five since she was with the club at the time she clocked under 56 seconds for her personal best.

Added to that, the club can even boast of having a hand in the likes of Rawle Greene and Carifta gold medallist Jevina Straker, both of whom are capable athletes over the 400 metres distance.

So what makes the club so special? For one the club is based at a 400 metres track and while not the most perfect ground in the National Park, it is the perfect simulator for 400 metres running.

Coupled with the type of workload administered by the coaches, Julian Edmonds (a former national sprinter) and Sham Johnny (a former middle-distance athlete), it is no wonder the club excels at what it does.

In a conversation earlier in the year with Edmonds, he related that all of his athletes at some point or the other does 400 metres work.

One might wonder why that is so: unlike sprinting or middle-distance running, the 400 metres is the perfect event to build all facets

of a sprinter and to some extent, middle-distance athletes.

While the 100 metres might be the glamour event that involves speed and power or the 5000 me-

tres might be the ultimate test of endurance, there is no event that focuses on strength, speed, power, technique, speed endurance and even breathing quite like the 400 metres, which makes it one of the most unique events in track and field and more so underappreciated as well.

To make the perfect analogy, Usain Bolt started his career by

running both the 200 and 400 metres, the long-term plan by Glen Mills (his coach) was for him to develop in both events which they were working towards even in 2008, the very same year he smashed the 100 metres world record.

It is simple; the 400 metres builds sprinters and no club in Guyana boasts the depth in 400 metres running quite like the Running Brave Athletics Club.

Whether or not the club can continue to produce athletes at the distance with the calibre of James, Yaw or Hooper, it must be lauded for its ability… kudos.

Stag Beer ‘Super 16’ Knockout Cup

Pele win despite 2-man disadvantage NA United top Monedderlust on penalty kicks

Pele Football Club defended for their lives in an effort to reach the semi-finals of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Banks Beer Cup on Thursday (Christmas Day) at the Georgetown Football Club Ground.

Pele were able to defeat Riddim Squad 3-2 despite having nine men on the field in the final 15 minutes of the game.

Omallo Williams opened the scoring for Pele in the first half with a goal in the 36th minute after a slow

start to the game that ended the first half 1-0.

Williams would score again in the 61st minute to put Pele up 2-0 before Sheldon Hope’s goal for Riddim Squad in the 69th minute.

Konata Manning and Okeene Fraser were sent off in the 75th and 76th minutes respectively, as Riddim Squad went on the attack with a goal just after in the 79th minute from Julian Forris to level the score at 2-2. Deon Alfred would go on to score in the 81st minute to help Pele to the exciting

finish.

Meanwhile in the opening matchup of the night, Alpha United overcame the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) 3-0.

Dwight Peters rifled in a goal from the penalty spot in the 49th minute while Sheldon Holder and Dwain Jacobs sealed the hardfought win in the 76th and 83rd minutes respectively.

Alpha United will now await the winner of the Western Tigers and the Guyana Police Force showdown in the semi-final section.

New Amsterdam United were able to overcome the odds against favourites Monedderlust to win their quarterfinal encounter on Thursday (Christmas Day) when the Stag Beer-sponsored East Coast Football Association/Berbice Football Association/ East Bank Football Association (ECFA/BFA/EBFA) Knockout Cup continued in Berbice.

Both teams played attacking football, looking for goal-scoring opportunities

with every chance, once in a scoring position.

After a few missed opportunities in the opening minutes of the game by NA United, Monedderlust’s Leroy Halley netted a goal in the 24th minute to get the ball rolling for his side.

However, Monedderlust gave away a penalty one minute later that was positively struck by Adrian Adams to level the score at 1-1.

With the scores level, both teams played through the rest of the game in search of goals to no avail

as the game finished 1-1. NA United went on to win the encounter 5-3 on penalty kicks. Meanwhile, in the second game in the second matchup of the night, Buxton United disappointed their home fans as they lost to Grove Hi-Tech 1-0. Shermon Doris netted the fixture’s only goal in the sixth minute, compliments of a right -penalty kick conversion to the lower left-hand corner, after forward Domini Garnette was brought down within the penalty area.

Rooney revels in midfield role

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he could have asked for no more from Wayne Rooney, who played in midfield for United’s 3-1 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Rooney scored twice and created a third for Robin van Persie.

And Van Gaal was delighted with the 29-yearold’s contribution as his side took their unbeaten run to eight games.

“He scores two goals and gets an assist,” Van Gaal said. “What more can you demand as a manager?”

The Dutchman added: “In our last match against Aston Villa Rooney was a little bit too defensive so I asked for him to be more attacking.

“He has the lung capacity to run 90 minutes as a midfielder.”

Although he has tended to be used either as an orthodox striker, or in an advanced role just behind a front two this season, Rooney has been picked in

central midfield for United’s last three games.

The move has coincided with the combined absences at various points of Angel Di Maria with a hamstring injury; Marouane Fellaini with a virus; plus central defensive duo Chris Smalling,

who returned to the bench against Newcastle after recovering from a groin strain, and Marcos Rojo, who has a thigh injury.

Rooney, 29, is just six goals away from becoming the Premier League’s second highest scorer.

Robin van Persie, Juan Mata and Radamel Falcao have started the last two games as the front three. With Rooney, the quartet are responsible for all seven goals United have scored.

“I can also use him as a striker but for the team it’s better he plays in midfield at the moment,” Van Gaal said.

Rooney, who has scored eight times in his last eight games for club and country, has spoken in the past about his preference to play as a striker.

It put him into conflict with previous manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who felt Rooney had all the attributes needed to be an effective midfielder.

Rooney’s frustration at repeatedly being used in midfield lay behind his deci-

sion to ask for a transfer in the final weeks of Ferguson’s time in charge. here is no suggestion of similar disenchantment at present, even though Rooney’s status as a striker is unquestioned within Roy Hodgson’s England squad.

For now, the forward is happy to field questions about a comparison with Paul Scholes, a striker in his youth days but who eventually went on to become one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.

“Paul could see the ball when it was wide, see the space and run into it,” Rooney said.

“The manager has given me even more licence to get forward and get into the box.

“It is a role I have played many times.” (BBC Sport)

Stephan James

Jevina Sampson

Jason Yaw

Natricia Hooper

Wayne Rooney

Elgar, du Plessis deflate West Indies

Dean Elgar’s third Test century and an unbeaten 99 from Faf du Plessis put South Africa in a dominant position at the close of day one in Port Elizabeth. On a slow pitch that offered a bit of sideways movement and uneven bounce, both batsmen benefited from missed chances during the second session and powered on in the third to propel South Africa to 270 for 2 at stumps.

Kenroy Peters, the debutant left-arm seamer, struck in the 75th over to have Elgar edging behind, but by then he had made his highest Test score and added 179 for the second wicket with du Plessis. At 226 for 2 with the second new ball imminent, West Indies had a small window to force their way back into the game, but du Plessis and Hashim Amla saw the day through without too much bother. They may have been aided in their cause by West Indies only taking the new

ball in the 88th and final over of the day.

South Africa’s run rate, under three an over through the first two sessions, shot

up at the start of the final session as Elgar and du Plessis grew in confidence, and the loose balls grew in frequency. The shots that

had been shelved before tea came out of the kitbag, and boundaries flowed as chants of ole, ole rang out in the crowd, loud enough

to be heard above the brass band. Elgar reverse-swept Sulieman Benn past slip and cut him away behind point. Du Plessis clipped Jerome Taylor through midwicket and punched him off the back foot through square cover. Elgar drove Peters through the covers and past mid-on. Six fours had come in the space of four overs, and nothing was going West Indies’ way.

It could so easily have been so different. West Indies chose to bowl first, and their five-man attack bowled well enough for most part to justify that decision. But the fielders simply didn’t back it up. In the fourth over after lunch, du Plessis flashed at a back-ofa-length ball from Jerome Taylor and sliced it to the left of gully. Marlon Samuels only had a short way to fall to his left, and the ball was a good couple of feet above the ground, but he grabbed at it with anxious hands and couldn’t hold on.

Nine overs later, du Plessis ran down the track to Benn, and was beaten by dip and turn. Going hard at the ball again, the batsman edged it. This time, it went low and a fair way to the right of Devon Smith, but again he got his hands to the ball and counted as a legitimate chance.

Next ball, it was Elgar’s turn to rush out of his crease. He got too close to the pitch of the ball, and yorked himself. Elgar was stranded a long way down the pitch but Denesh Ramdin stood up too early behind the stumps - it did keep a little low, in his defence - and his gloves were nowhere near the ball, which instead thudded into his pads. Rubbing it in a little more, Elgar danced down the track and launched Benn back over his head to bring up his halfcentury. Benn took his cap and dragged himself away to his position at gully, and even his sunglasses couldn’t hide the wounded look on his face.

Score’s Even wins KMTC Boxing Day meet with ease

By Rajiv Bisnauth

In a comfortable finish in the final classic of the 2014 horse racing season, Score’s Even put in a superb performance to win the feature A1 and Lower race on Friday when the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) staged the annual Boxing Day horse race meet at the club’s track, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

Jockey Rad Drepaul took control of the animal from the second turn to win the one-mile event and first prize of $1 million.

It was no surprise for the packed turf club as the animal out of DeRoop’s Stable showed why she is the best racehorse in Guyana.

The animals were off to an even break, but as they approached the second turn, Score’s Even moved into the lead.

She maintained the lead up to the finish as Drepaul used all his experience to ensure the horse gathered strength and speed to complete the race with a perfect finish. Run Nana Run, also from the DeRoop’s Stable, settled for second, while California finished third.

Organisers had put together an eight-race programme, but owing to the reduced number of horses, the F1 and Lower race was cancelled.

Meanwhile, chief organiser and President of the KMTC, Cecil Kennard described the day’s event as a huge success.

Results for the other races are as follows: K and Lower – Royal Intention; G3 and Lower – Cassie; D3 and Lower – Right to Rule; J3 and Lower – Sunny Silent; G3 handicap – Silent Night; and I1 and Lower – Easy to Win.

Debutant Kenroy Peters appeals a wicket

Jockey Rad Drepaul pilots Score’s Even to an easy win in the feature A1 and Lower race

Connections from DeRoop’s Racing Stable collects the winning trophy after Score’s Even won the feature A1 and Lower event