Guyana Times Daily - February 16, 2015

Newly crowned Carib Soca

(Carl Croker photo)

monday, february 16, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP/C facing consequences of passing him over in 2011 – Nagamootoo

Newly-selected

Prime Ministerial candidate of the new Opposition coalition, Moses Nagamootoo on Saturday said if the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had not rejected him as their Presidential Candidate in 2011, he would not have been running against them today.

Nagamootoo made the comments in an attempt to defend himself against accusations that he was “power drunk” and his thirst for power had begun in the PPP/C. Observers said that his utterance confirmed the long-held view that he was still a PPP man at heart, but his lust for power might have forced him to join the Opposition ranks.

Under the newly formed A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition agreement, David Granger will be the Presidential Candidate, while Nagamootoo will be the Prime Ministerial

Candidate.

Faced with questions about his quest for power on Saturday, the former long-time PPP/C member told the media that the PPP/C had an opportunity to select him as the Presidential Candidate back in 2011, but it fell short, hence, the Party was facing the consequences. “We would have not been here, if I didn’t table a motion of no confidence, we would have not been here discussing a new election,” Nagamootoo explained.

Prime Minister handed enormous power

However, in what observers described as “tremendous concessions”, the AFC was able to have APNU agree for the President to delegate a large chunk of his responsibilities, which hands the Prime Minister enormous power should the new coalition win. Should the coalition win, Nagamootoo would be responsible for the domestic affairs of the

country; chair the Cabinet; recommend ministerial appointments and provide the organisational structures of ministries for the approval of the President. He will also appoint heads of agencies and non-con-

stitutional commissions with the required and agreed democratic mechanisms of consultation and appoint as well as domestic security. Observers said these powers would give Nagamootoo the kind of influence that could “go to his head”.

Nagamootoo said too that if he had been “power drunk”, he would have never allowed APNU’s Leader, David Granger, to become the Presidential Candidate for the newly formed alliance. His denial comes less than five years after he walked out of the PPP/C after not being selected as Presidential Candidate for the 2011 General

Elections. The PPP/C had decided to go to the polls with current President, Donald Ramotar, passing up Nagamootoo, Clement Rohee and Ralph Ramkarran. While Ramkarran stuck with the Party for nearly two years before resigning, Nagamootoo jumped to the AFC mere days after he was rejected as the PPP/C candidate.

Controversy had also erupted some years ago when Nagamootoo had claimed that Dr Cheddi Jagan had selected him as his successor. He had said that Dr Jagan had him in mind a long time before he took ill. However, Mrs Janet Jagan had report-

edly produced a letter by Cheddi, purportedly written on his death bed, selecting his wife as his successor. Nagamootoo disputed this.

Critics said Nagamootoo was not the only “power drunk” individual within the AFC, as they alluded to the Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, and General Secretary, David Patterson, who had, on numerous occasions, told their supporters that the AFC would win the elections on its own.

Just days before the announcement of the Cummingsburg Accord, Ramjattan reiterated his initial position that the AFC would not take a back seat in any coalition, although aware that the fairly new party barely managed to secure seven seats in the National Assembly after the 2011 Elections. He had even denied having discussions with the APNU in the initial stages, although the coalition had announced talks during one of its many press conferences. But when asked about this position, he said “that was our maximum position, but during the process of the negotiations we could not have obtained it”.

“But in view of the fact that there has been a tremendous climb (sic) to the powers of the Prime Minister, we feel that it was an acceptable proposal and that is why we signed on,” he added.

Security Guard shot during Louisa Row row

Asecurity guard was shot and injured to his groin by another man during a row at Louisa Row, Werk-enRust, Georgetown. The incident took place at about 23:30h at a shop in the area on Saturday.

The bullet reportedly grazed the thigh of Phillip Bobb, 52 of Lot 51 Louisa Row, Werk-en-Rust. However, he was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) where he was treated and sent away. The alleged shooter has not been arrested.

According to information received, Bobb was in the company of a group of friends when he was shot. When Guyana Times vis-

ited the area where the incident occurred, Errol Trotman, a friend of the injured man, explained that there was a barbeque in at his premises, and at about 23:00h he heard an argument coming from the upper flat of the house.

As he enquired, he saw a relative arguing with a guy who had gone to see her. The argument continued in the yard and it was during this period that Bobb attempted to intervene.

“Phillip ask the young man what was the problem but the young man say, you see any problem… you see any problem and walked up to Phillip… As he point his hands in

Phillip face, Phillip collect he hand and chuck he… He fall to the ground,” Trotman recalled. Upon getting up, the young man reportedly whipped out a gun and discharged a round at Bobb which caught him between his legs. After the gun went off, the music stopped and everyone went to the assistance of the injured man while the shooter escaped. Bobb was taken to the hospital where he was immediately treated. The Police were informed of the incident and have launched an investigation. Trotman stated that Bobb is out of danger and has returned to work.

Opposition Leader David Granger flanked by AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and the newlyappointed Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, February 16 – 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, February 17– 14:30h-16:00h

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

Monday, February 16 – 14:25h-15:55h and Tuesday, February 17 – 15:15h-16:45h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings at 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, with sunny weather expected in the late afternoon. Thundery showers can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 14:44h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 08:15h and 20:47h reaching minimum heights of 0.78 metre and 0.58 metre respectively.

AFC/APNU Govt proposal too bloated

...obsession with positions rather than policies

By Gomatie GanGadin

Political commentators and analysts contend that the proposed coalition government between the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) was too bloated criticising the three Vice Presidents posts and the delegation of presidential powers to the prime minister.

The commentators also chided the new coalition of Opposition parties for not addressing policies in their first announcement of their deal, but rather remaining obsessed with positions and power. Speaking to Guyana Times on Sunday, well known political commentator, Ramon Gaskin related he was deeply disappointed with the manner in which the discussions between the parties took place.

According to Gaskin, despite the fact that the two parties have been preaching that they wish to see a government of ‘national unity’ and wanted what was best for the Guyanese society, this was not reflected during or after their dialogue. According to him, it would appear that the political parties were only fighting for positions and their piece of the ‘meat’.

“I noticed that in the coalition talks, they were only talking about who gets what and what goes to whom. I

Ajoint drug eradication operation on Saturday along the SoesdykeLinden Highway has led to the arrest of four persons following the discovery of a firearm and a quantity of marijuana.

The exercise involved ranks from the Guyana Police Force’s Narcotics Branch and the Guyana Defence Force. With the use of one helicopter, the ranks covered the Millie’s Hideout area along the Highway during which they found fields of marijuana.

Upon closer inspection, an area comprising about 12 acres was found under cultivation. The field contained

am very disappointed with that because in the entire discussions, all they could have said was that this goes to that person, he gets that, she gets this and nothing is said about the needs of the Guyanese people”, Gaskin related.

He noted that it would appear to him that the two political parties seem to have the procedure all wrong and had placed self-interest first as he strongly believes that a programme or agenda on the needs of the Guyanese should have first been worked out, before positions and leadership were discussed.

“They should have first worked out a programme for what is to be for the good of Guyana. You are preaching that you want the good of Guyana then show that! Have discussions on the University of Guyana, the

approximately 80,000 cannabis sativa (marijuana) plants, some of which stood at a height of about 11 feet.

Law enforcers destroyed the field of marijuana plants along with two abandoned camps that were found nearby. Also, a .22 Taurus revolver along with three shotgun cartridges and a cell phone were discovered in one of the camps.

In addition, a motor vehicle was searched along a nearby trail in which 550 grams of marijuana were unearthed. The four occupants are in Police custody assisting with the investigation, while the vehicle was seized.

Guyana Sugar Corporation, the Guyana Power and Light, the Amaila Falls project and what will be done about the situation before moving on to decide who gets what and what goes to who. Those things should have been in the discussions. In my opinion, they did it the wrong way around,” Gaskin intoned.

Programme

Meanwhile, former Foreign Trade Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey, weighing in on the subject questioned the relevance of the coalition having a prime minister as well as three vice presidents. “Guyana is a very small country so vice presidents and three for that matter, is completely unnecessary. It is going overboard. It shows that they are more interested in creating seniority

and positions more than anything else”, the former minister expressed.

In the construct of a new Government, APNU will be allocated one Vice President while AFC will be allocated two Vice Presidents, both of whom will be members of the Cabinet, Opposition Leader, David Granger said on Saturday.

On the issue of not outlining their programme, Dr Jeffrey said as far as he was aware, there were discussions held on the matter during the dialogue between the two parties. “According to my knowledge, they did work on a programme so discussions did take place.”

According to Dr Jeffrey, even if the deliberations did not address the issues of the country first, there is nothing wrong with the manner in which the negotiations were conducted, since the Guyanese would first expect the coalition’s leadership to be announced before the matters which it intends to address are looked at.

“First of all, from my knowledge, I think they did work on a programme but even if they didn’t and they worked on the leadership first, that isn’t a problem because as Guyanese the first thing we look at are the personalities or the people that will be filling that position so I don’t think anything is wrong with that,” Jeffrey said.

Political commentator Ramon Gaskin

Former Foreign Trade Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey

Editor: Nigel Williams

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Editorial

The cycles of history

Tomorrow, hundreds of thousands of citizens in Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname – who happen to be Hindus will commemorate their annual festival of Maha Shivaratri.

This ‘great night of Lord Shiva’ acknowledges the Hindu cosmological understanding that the entire universe –and indeed its multiverses – emanates from the Divine Consciousness, is then sustained for billions of human years in it, and then eventually subsists back into its primordial state for an equivalent time before being projected once again.

“Shiva” is the name of that aspect of the Divine Consciousness that achieves the ‘dissolution’ of the cosmos.

In the last century, modern science has come to a similar explanation with its ‘big bang’ theory. Claiming that the universe as we know it came out of a ‘singularity’ that expanded with alarming rapidity in a process that is still going on, they posit also that eventually, billions of years from now, the universe will collapse into itself and return into a ‘singularity’.

While it is said that man created cosmic explanations from his earthly experiences, it is rather surprising that in the present there is very little discussion of cycles in the affairs of men and their ‘civilisations’.

This is rather unfortunate because if man accepts that ‘nothing lasts forever’ and that ‘what goes up must come down’ not only with gravitation but in human ventures, the world might be a less violent place. But it appears that we have a blind spot where history is concerned, and in every age every leaders act as if he and his country will continue into infinity.

In the early 19th century the poet Shelley wrote his classic short sonnet, “Ozymandias”, which reflected on the inevitable decline of all leaders, and of the empires they build, however mighty in their own time. He was prodded by the history of Egypt written by the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus almost 2,000 years before him.

Siculus himself had translated the inscription at the base of the statue of the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II: “King of Kings am I, Osymandias. If anyone would know how great I am and where I lie, let him surpass one of my works.” Ramesses himself, called ‘the great’, had lived 1200 years before Siculus.

Shelley’s great poem, of course, offered a most graphic picture of what happened to the King of Kings:

“I met a traveller from an antique land/ Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone/ Stand in the desert.../ Nothing beside remains./Round the decay/ Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare/The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

But while Britain celebrated Shelley’s poem in 1818, its import was lost to itself. It had just completed the conquest of India and created an empire, boasting in echo of Ramses II, “the sun never sets”. It had also not heeded the lessons of its most famous historian Gibbon, who had published in 1776 his magisterial three-volume, “Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”. Rome, on which Britain consciously patterned itself, had lasted 400 years.

But Britain was to hand over the baton to the US - its colony that had declared its independence in 1776, just a century after Shelley’s poem following WWI. Now today, after a mere half a century or so, the US appears to be on the downward spiral, but doing its darndest to delay the process.

We hear today about a “Chinese century”, but it would serve their leaders well if they were to remember the cycles of history, which appear inevitable. We hope from their own experience they remember the fate of their “Middle Kingdom” and would not want to repeat history. This time, as their inspirer Marx suggested it might end as ‘farce’.

The lesson of history is that, unfortunately, leaders are very short sighted and so create vicious circles within the cycles of history. Our own leaders are no exception.

Polls put Kamla ahead in Trinidad

Dear Editor,

The findings of an opinion survey conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) (February 2-6) reveal overwhelming support for Trinidad Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar’s handling of a controversy involving two cabinet Ministers – both of whom she fired. She also called for the investigation of the Chair of the country›s Police Complaints Authority. Another poll, conducted by a research Center of UWI placed Kamla in the lead over the Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley in elections due by September.

In contrast, a poll conducted by NACTA, in Guyana found voters fearful of the return of the PNC to office in elections sched-

uled for May 11. The PNC governed Guyana as a dictatorship banning essential foods, rigging elections, and making national service (where ethnic rapes were common) mandatory for students.

In Trinidad, NACTA found some 79 per cent support of the population approve of the firing of the two Ministers (Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Security Minister Gary Griffith), with 12 per cent in opposition and the rest not offering a response.

On whether the PCA Chair should resign or the President revoke his appointment for his involvement in the controversy, 42 per cent said yes and 39 per cent said no, with 19 per cent not offering a response.

The Chair did not inform anyone of the relevant lead-

ers that he tendered a statement in the lawsuit. Some 59 per cent feel he should have disclosed (with 28 per cent saying no) to the President, Prime Minister and Opposition Leader that he tendered a witness statement in the RamloganRowley defamation lawsuit.

Almost everyone feels West waited too long to file a criminal complaint against Ramlogan, raising suspicion about his intention.

The UWI poll on preference for PM placed Kamla above Rowley 31 per cent to 21 per cent. In terms of popular support for the elections, according to UWI, the incumbent Peoples Partnership leads the Opposition PNM 32per cent to 21per cent with ILP one per cent.

The latest NACTA polls had a closer outcome with

Kamla leading in the preference for PM, 37 per cent to 29 per cent and the PP leading the PNM 41per cent to 37per cent with ILP five per cent.

In Guyana, voters are divided in their views on whether there will be a recurrence of rigged elections and the re-establishment of a dictatorship under a PNC (APNU) Government should it win the next election.

Nearly half the voters, those supporting PNC, as saying they don’t feel the PNC would return to the infamous method of rigging in order to win post 2015 general elections or regenerate the dictatorship.

NACTA will conduct tracking polls on the Guyana and Trinidad elections.

Vishnu Bisram

The 12 Nepalis did not warrant jail

Dear Editor,

I appreciate reading the report the Court ordering release of 12 Nepalese held in lock-ups for months. I was wondering what happened to these hapless souls.

I read about the demise of these Nepalese when I was in Guyana last December. I tried hard to get some info about their whereabouts, but was not successful, as I desperately wanted to help out if I could. At least I could have communicated with them (through the medium of Hindi, as most Nepalis know some Hindi). If it is true what Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway stated – that Magistrate Ann McLennan

“exceeded her powers” –then it is truly unfortunate.

The 12 men had to the endure the hell of a Guyana jail cell – and had to be in situation where they could not speak the language, nor were they familiar with the culture of the country. I am not sure how they retained their sanity, as their transgression did not warrant jail for such a long time.

The question begs, why pick on the Nepalese? Other ethnicities seem to be given preference, and their papers quickly “regularized”. They enter and leave our borders without much commotion.

So why are the Nepalese so singled out? Is it because of their difficulty with the English language? Is it be-

cause they don’t have much clout?

Indian businessman John Chowdhury must be commended for taking time and money to help with the release of these 12 men, whose detention was deemed “unlawful” by Chief Justice Ian Chang.

Nepalis are known for their hard work, their skills, and their dedication. (Nepali soldiers (the “Gurkhas”) are famed for their bravery and courage, and have been an integral part of the British Army for decades).

I trust that religious organizations in Guyana would reach out to these men, and give moral and practical support, where possible. Businesses should try to secure jobs for these

men, as they can contribute with their skills and superb work ethic. I have travelled dozens of times to Nepal, and stayed in cities and villages of the country. The Nepalese people are generally very friendly and hospitable. India and Nepal have a very ‘open’ border, and it is not difficult to traverse the border, though one ought to check in with immigration authorities if one is not a Nepali or Indian citizen.

I suggest that Magistrates and others do not “exceed” their powers, but use it to make prudent decisions, especially when it comes to a group like the 12 Nepali men.

Devanand Bhagwan

Members of a military band jazzing it up at Camp Ayangana, Georgetown (Carl Croker photo)

Maha Shivratri – ancient festival

has relevance today

Dear Editor,

In 2015, February 17 falls on the 14th day of the last month of the Indian calendar. Around the world, devotees of Shiva bathe upon arising, perform ceremonies of worship, fast all day, and remain awake all night chanting and singing.

They are celebrating the festival of Maha Shivratri, or the Great Night of Shiva, the Great God. This day of religious significance commemorates, as such festivals always do, someone great who once did something; something great that once occurred.

Time’s passage has left clues about this being and these events only in the form of legends. Such clues point, as do legends and scriptural stories of all faith traditions, to timeless and universal spiritual truths significant to all people everywhere.

What significance might this festival hold for us, liv-

ing on this third Tuesday in February 2015?

While space in this column does not permit full description of the legends, in essence they describe the advent of God. The name Shiva has three intrinsic meanings: Point, Seed, and the “One who benefits all”.

The Upanishads describe Shiva as being “minutest of the minute”, the One who, in the midst of chaos recreates the world; the Benevolent Being from whom everlasting peace is attained by those who know Him.

This Great God appears at midnight, the time of greatest darkness – which symbolizes the darkness of ignorance, injustice, irreligiousness, chaos and violence.

In one legend, He manifests as an endless form of light, proving Himself to be more unlimited than any other being. This corresponds to God’s appear-

ance as Light in virtually all faith traditions, and references His unlimited capacity for love, truth and wisdom.

The legends indicate that He does wondrous things when He appears. He grants release from suffering to a soul who worships Him inadvertently, indicating how easy He is to please; He saves the world by drinking the poison which is about to engulf it; He brings to a parched, senseless earth the life-giving waters of the Ganges, the river of wisdom.

He weds Parvati, symbolizing God’s reunion with souls who are regenerated following the destruction that ensued when irreligiousness and defamation of God reached their peak.

We are living today –even in this relatively serene, lovely urban environment – in dark, treacherous times. It is a good day to cleanse ourselves of selfish-

ness and greed by inwardly cultivating simplicity and generosity; a very good day to count our blessings and fast from anger, arrogance and desire.

Though the world seems close to being engulfed by poison, let us remember that the night is darkest just before the dawn. Let us meditate on the redeeming Light of truth, love and mercy, pray for the advent of the Seed of wisdom and claim peace from the Benevolent Being –remembering that God rewards even inadvertent attempts of the sincere heart to stay “awake”.

Brahma Kumari Sister Kiran

This piece was updated from the original, written by Sister Kiran and published on March 1, 2003 in the “From Heart to Heart” column of the Eugene RegisterGuard.

Too many songs brought forward from last year in Adult Calypso competition

Dear Editor,

I begin by saying I am a culture lover, especially for the arts, drama and calypso; since the 1970s to date I have always supported these events whenever and wherever they are hosted.

Over the years, I’ve learned that all kinds of people make up an audience; there are some who don’t know when to laugh, everything is a joke; and we have those who do not know when to stop laughing.

In drama, especially with a serious role being played, can draw laughter from some of the audience, when it really shouldn’t and basically, many of them are not on par with what is really going on.

I am always happy whenever the Adult Calypso Competition is hosted in Bartica and on February 7 was no different. In excitement and anxiety myself and a few relatives along with two teenage overseas relatives couldn’t wait for night to come to attend this excit-

ing event.

I compliment all the contestants for their genuine efforts to please the crowd while on the stage, and it was a good contest. Only in my assessment, songs from most of the political structured songs were like brought forward food from last year’s competition.

It was the same old nonsense even if laughter was heard. There was nothing new offered and when the decision finally came from the panel of judges, it was laced with injustice.

There were a few messages that could have made a difference by not only reducing the high figure of politically structured songs that were sent to the final, but also bring a refreshing breeze to the final leg of the competition, thereby making the competition less boring to the audience and saving them from having to listen to the same thing over and over about the Government. For me it was just too much.

There were also two real

sore issues I just couldn’t accept and felt that these matters should be highlighted and if possible, be fixed by the Minister of Culture and the designated officials.

The first was advancing a very vulgar female contestant to the final. Calypso has managed to remain pure for most of the years. It is the only art one can take one’s children to and not be afraid of the vulgar contents or smut of lyrics embedded in our society.

Her rendition was pure smut and belonged to the gutter or wherever these acts take place. Of course, the ability to invoke laughter made it okay for the judges and some warped minds in the audience (this is Guyana.)

The second was sending a junior monarch to the final, who clearly was no match for some of the songs that were eliminated. (Is this competition a joke?) These judges should be sanctioned.

The general public is

being denied the pleasure of listening to the winning song every year. In one of the daily write-ups on the competition, it was a weak, lame excuse by them on the elimination of the songs that differ and a false cry of too many political songs. They are the ones who keep setting the stage for this every year. Isn’t there a wild card system to bring back songs that had the quality to compete? Even if, as the judges claim, the contestants eliminated messed up big time, in all fairness, there were no major glitches.

In summary, the judges are the ones who are encouraging the political pile up of songs in the final and this must be stopped, only a certain amount of political songs must be sent to the final, thereby giving other capable songs a fighting chance to compete.

Not everyone in the audience is politically deranged.

B W Thom

Shiva

Shiva, with a thousand resplendent names Cosmic Dancer, Nataraja, of eternal fame, From Thy damru, OM, sound of creation Thy ring of fire, universal dissolution, Thy uplifted hand and raised foot

Assuring protection and universal good, Hair arranged in a coil of matted locks

Adorned with crescent moon and the Ganges, Ash- colored and in perpetual peace Thou art the treasure Thy votaries seek. Shiva, Lord of the mystics and yogis Of ever fresh, eternal blissful body, Radiating knowledge,mystical melody Thy grace brings opulence beyond measure, Yet Thou art bereft of any earthly shelter

A garland of skulls, a serpent around Thy neck, In the crematorium grounds ever so content Parvati’s spouse supreme in renunciation, Easy indeed to win Thy benediction

The Lord who weights not our transgressions. Shiva, paragon among the gods Mahadeo, gloriously unique, unsurpassed, Thy benevolence eternally unmatched With power of yoga supreme, Drank the ocean of poison to redeem

The universe and all living beings, Most awesome Thy power to subdue

The glorious Lord whose neck is blue, Who bore the weight of the mighty Ganga Descending to earth in flow of stupendous power. Siva, Lord of the masses, of beings incorporeal Kartikeya, Thy son, supreme among generals.

Gifted the divine pasupata weapon to Arjuna

The famed hero of the Mahabharata, Thou art but Shri Vishnu transformed Most magnanimous, of supremely effulgent form, Orchestrating all material manifestations

The cosmic rhythmic interplay of life and death, Yet remaining ever changeless Peerless in all the worlds, for eternity.

Cecil Ramkirath

I

was chased out of Suddie Police Station

Dear Editor,

On February 9, at around 10:00h, I was chased out of the Suddie Police Station by a female Corporal of Police, whose actions make me feel as though it was not within my right to be there.

There was no conversation with the rank who showed a profound sense of indecency from nothing else beside ignorance and arrogance when she made the order by saying in a voiceferous manner: “Get out of the station and go and stand in the shed out there.”

There was no justifiable reason for her action but nonetheless, it was complied with, despite it being most unacceptable, hostile and embarrassing.

My sister-in-law and I were seated peacefully on a waiting bench to get word

as to the reason why my younger brother was taken into custody earlier in the morning.

The information was not provided and this is definitely a worrying situation when you can’t just go at a station to enquire about any family member being in custody. Only family members can be help during the period of incarceration.

Nothing is wrong for the Police to do their work, but there was no need for me to be treated so, and worst yet I was subjected to hostile expletives and embarrassment to the extent of me being called an “a**” during two searches at my home for my brother who lives neighbouring to me.

Mickey Pilgrim

Page Foundation

BY MOLLY EDMONDS

Start the countdown

Parents are full of hopes and dreams for their children. They may imagine their daughter becoming the first female President, or their son finding the cure for cancer. No parent holds a newborn and wishes that the child will become a troubled teen. Unfortunately, despite parents’ best efforts, it’s possible for a teenager to exhibit some terribly frightening behaviours. An out-ofcontrol teen may be verbally or physically abusive, dive into dark worlds of drugs and alcohol, drop out of school or run away from home. He or she might acquire a criminal record. Parents may feel helpless and hopeless when it comes to the troubled teenager in their family, and it’s unlikely that there’s a quick fix or a cure. Still, we can provide you with some tips for helping a teen in crisis.

Take control

The title of this article refers to the belief that troubled teens are “out of control,” but in fact, the most dangerous teens are often in control of the entire family. They hold their homes hostage with their disturbing and frightening behaviour because parents may be too fearful to assert their power. It’s important to remember that you, as a parent, control the home. You set the rules and the consequences for breaking those rules, and you are responsible for ensuring that your home is a safe and secure place. If you’ve been too permissive with your children in an effort to be their buddy, you may have to make some changes in yourself. Parenting classes or parenting coaches who specialise in teen behavior can help you learn how to modify your behaviour. Don’t allow yourself to be held a prisoner in your home; take control for what happens within it, even if you can’t control what your teen does outside of it.

Underlying issues

There are many different reasons why teens have behavioral problems. Medical problems like bipolar disorder, depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be present and inadequately treated, as the symptoms of these conditions affect behaviour. Teens may be troubled by problems at home, both present and past. If divorce, sexual abuse or violent death lurk in your family’s past, that might be an issue. Drug use will also affect his or her behaviour. Addressing these concerns may make a real difference for your teen, which means you’ll need to see a doctor and consider a range of solutions, including medication and counselling. While working on these issues may help your teen, you shouldn’t consider them an excuse for bad behaviour, but rather as one of many factors in your situation.

Pick your battles

Parents of out-ofcontrol teens can usually make a long list of things they want to change about their child. It’s normal to want to completely reform a troubled teen so that he or she resembles the good child you once knew. However, parents aren’t going to be able to get everything they want, so it’s important to distinguish between the issues that need to be addressed (such as drug abuse, risky sexual activity and criminal acts) and those that really aren’t important. Parents may have to accept that they’ll never like their children’s friends, appearance or grade-point average again, but these issues are secondary to teenagers’ safety and security. Parents should avoid nagging their teenagers about the superficial things and save their ammunition for the big battles.

Consult a therapist

A therapist or Psychologist can play an important role in getting your teen and your family back on track. Regular therapy gives your child a space to work out his or her issues with an objective third party, and therapists can teach your teen how to recognise and change destructive behaviours and how to find better ways to solve problems. Parents may also benefit from having someone to talk to about their problems, and it’s possible that family therapy, in which the teen and

as a car, a cellphone or the ability to watch television or play video games. It’s important for parents to teach their teens that such things are privileges, not rights. In treating car keys, a substantial allowance or a cell phone as rights, parents may play a part in enabling their teen’s destructive behaviour. Privileges can be rescinded if certain rules aren’t met, and sometimes these privileges will be so important to a teen that going without them will provide a wake-up call. Parents need

the parent see a counselor together, may be beneficial. When choosing a therapist, parents need to do some homework. Research the counselor’s background to ensure that he or she is familiar with the kind of issues you face as a family, and you may want to interview the professional before commencing therapy. And trust your gut – if a therapist doesn’t seem like a particularly good fit for your family, try another one.

Clarify the difference between rights and privileges

Many out-of-control teenagers believe they’re entitled to things such

to be consistent in their rules and the privileges associated with them so that teens see clear cause-andeffect relationships between their behaviour and the consequences.

Let your teen experience consequences

Parents want to protect their children from the bad in the world, and that instinct doesn’t cease even when the child in question is destructive and dangerous. As a result, parents end up sheltering out-of-control teens from the consequences of their behaviour; for example, they may not call the

police when the teen runs away, or they may put up bail money over and over so that the teen doesn’t have to spend a night in jail. At some point, parents have to stop shielding their teens, which means they may have to sit back and watch a black mark go on the teens’ records. Don’t try to negotiate with school officials or law enforcement officers if your child has done something wrong – instead, let your teen face the music.

Consider a wilderness programme

Therapeutic wilderness programmes are a popular option for troubled teens. These programmes, which may last anywhere from two to 12 weeks, combine therapeutic techniques with outdoor activities. Teens are expected to take responsibility for tasks like preparing their own meals and camp sites, but they also learn how to work as a team with the other people in their programme. Researchers have presented differing reasons as to why nature is such an effective therapy locale; some theories include the idea that the wilderness can be a humbling place, allowing teens to experience vulnerability, or that the wilderness is free of distractions of the modern world.

Stop looking for shortcuts

In this article, we’ve talked about therapists and wilderness programmes – and families on a budget might be getting nervous. It’s true that programmes for troubled teens can get quite expensive, but unfortunately, trying to take shortcuts that make things cheaper or quicker won’t work. Parents can’t necessarily pick the least expensive residential programme for just a few weeks and think everything will be better. And though it may be expensive, parents should seriously consider working with educational consultants and lawyers when trying to decide on an out-of-the-home programme. Consultants are trained to find the right programme for troubled teens, while lawyers may be able to get the teen’s school district to cover some of the costs of alternative education. Parents shouldn’t expect to have instant peace just because they’ve sent a troubled teen away, either. Many programmes require hard work from the parents as well, including family therapy and parenting classes. It may seem like you’ve been walking this hard road forever, but dig in – the journey is not over yet.

Don’t give up

Out-of-control teenagers aren’t pleasant to be around. They say rude, nasty things to their parents and cause the people around them interminable grief and heartbreak. Though it may seem like you’ve lost your beloved child forever, don’t give up. Let your child know that you’ll always love him or her, and you’ll always be there. Parents may need to seek out a support group of others who’ve been through the same thing; not only will other parents have helpful advice, but they’ll help you realise that you’re not alone. Jettison those people in your life that want only to blame you for your teen’s actions or question your methods, and take it one day at a time.

(www.howstuffworks.com)

Princess Hotel receives Tourism Accommodation Licence from GTA

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has presented Princess Hotel with its Licence under Tourism Accommodation Establishment.

In handing over the certificate – the second such licence issued to date, GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh posited that the certification will indeed lift the standards of the hotel, particularly as the entity will soon be rebranded.

He noted that this was indeed an achievement for the establishment, one which should be emulated.

At the simple ceremony on Thursday, the hotel’s General Manager, Ugur Turetgen, graciously accepted the licence while noting that it was a high achievement for Princess.

US-based hotel group Ramada will be spending US$7

million to rebrand the Princess Hotel and Casino at Providence, East Bank Demerara to Ramada Georgetown Princess, officials had announced at a news briefing.

The rebranding mission has already taken effect and arose following an agreement between the Providence entity and Ramada, which is a subsidiary of the Wyndham Hotel group of New Jersey in the United States.

The agreement is a work in progress in which the two have partnered on Princess’ existing hotels in Europe and the Caribbean.

The GTA has, to date, presented certificates of conformity to Wilderness Explorers, Rock View Eco Lodge and Resort, Roraima Tours and City Inn Suites.

NJASM Mission guarantees 50 jobs at Port Mourant project

Some 50 jobs are expected to be created in the Port Mourant area shortly. This will be through a project currently being undertaken by the New Jersey Arya Samaj Mandir (NJASM) Humanitarian Mission. The project, which is the brainchild of Pandit Surish Sugrim, will see a welding and wood joinery shop, skills training centre and an old folks home being opened at Babu John, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Phase one of the $38 million project is nearing completion and is set to be commissioned in July. According to Pandit Sugrim, there are many young persons who have completed school and

cluding by building houses and donating the necessities to send children to school.

“In 2011, we realised that handouts are not the solution to the problems and, therefore, [needed] more effective means of being able to change lives. That gave birth to the idea of an empowerment centre,” Pandit Sugrim said.

Currently, a two-storey building is being constructed for the project. “We have come to realise that instead of giving a man a fish, you teach him how to fish and this is the whole concept behind the project. We no longer believe in handouts. There are only two categories that still benefit from your handouts, that is, the

for six young men. There will also be a welding and wood joinery shop in a section of the building that will also cater for another six persons.

On the second floor, there will be about 30 sewing machines which will create jobs for 30 females in the community. There will also be an embroidery room where special embroidery will be done using computerised machines. Those machines have been donated by the Canadian chapter of the Humanitarian Mission.

There will also be a counselling centre in the lower flat where issues such as suicide, domestic violence and other things which have created an epidemic that is de-

cannot find jobs. He said through the benevolence of donors the mission would create jobs in the community along with a skills training centre that will empower the young minds.

The NJASM Humanitarian Mission has been working in Guyana over the years, spending millions of dollars providing for the needs of persons in-

bedridden child and sick adults.”

According to Sugrim, as long as one has health and strength and is ready to be motivated and willing to make a change in life, the Mission is willing to work with that person to empower them to be an independent individual. On the lower flat will be a fabrication room which will provide jobs

stroying families will be addressed. Construction of the $23 million building started in October 2013 and is expected to completed and fully furnished within three months and should be fully functional by July. Sugrim noted that labour for constructing the building is being provided by volunteers.

Phase two of the project will see a benevolent home for

seniors being erected at a cost of $15 million. It is being funded by Guyanese Canadians. It will consist of 40 rooms, some of which will be double to accommodate husbands and wives. It will also cater for re-migrants. “Some of the older folks who cannot live in Toronto and other cold places and those who cannot get along with their son-in-law or daughter-in-law and they have to come back home and have no immediate sibling with them, this will be a home also for them.”

Thus helping to also create jobs as there will be full-

time nurses and staff. “The patients who will be there will have to pay a minimum cost for their upkeep which includes food and the persons who take care of them. Because we can’t afford to do everything for free – it is very difficult for us to be begging all the time – so we have to look at the project as one that can sustain itself,” he added. Phase two of the project is expected to commence in September of this year, while completion will depend on the availability of funding from donors and fundraising events.

Volunteers working on the project

Pandit Surish Sugrim

The Princess Hotel and Pool side

Old Mahaica Bridge rehabilitation taking shape

Rehabilitation works commenced last September

The 118-year-old Mahaica Bridge will be re-opened to vehicular traffic by April monthend, according to Khiraj Bisesar, a Ministry of Public Works (MPW) Engineer overseeing the project.

The railway structure is 175 feet long. The $33.9 million rehabilitation of the landmarked bridge, which connects Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice), started in September 2014,

but faced a delay due to unforeseen structural decay.

“We had anticipated a February month-end completion. However, there was structural decay not visible during our inspection. Only when the timber deckings were removed, we found a number of badly deteriorated beams. Minister Benn was duly informed and an extension is being sought. It is apt to note there is no cost overrun, just an extension to com -

plete the works,” Bisesar explained.

KB&B Contractors is executing the project. Workers are currently removing the deckings and replacing them with reinforced concrete. Damaged beams are being replaced or chipped and cleaned. A pedestrian foot bridge was constructed for pedal cyclists and pedestrians.

“There is the Bygeval Secondary School on the

eastern side of the bridge, and there are many individuals, including students that live in Helena and other communities that find the footbridge to be more convenient to access Mahaica,” the Engineer said.

The new US $3.5 million Mahaica Bridge stretches 440 feet over the River, and was officially opened by then President Bharrat Jagdeo, on May 26, 2005.

Eyew tness Arranged marriages...

...in politics

While gradually arranged marriages have fallen out vogue among the nobility and even the great unwashed, it seems to be having a revival among the political class. The nobility wanted to ensure their wealth and social standing were augmented via marriages - which were therefore strategic alliances more than anything else. The "benefits" of marriage were sought outside the marriages.

Ordinary folks in Guyana and the Caribbean practiced arranged marriages to "move up" in society: you married someone "fairer" and more educated. Other folks did it out of tradition: it was the way things were done "back in the old country". However as we became "modern", the individual and his/her right to choose took precedence and arranged marriages were seen as backward.

In politics, since we arrived late to the game, we began with politicians doing their own thing with their parties going to the polls on their own. The British and Americans (mainly the Americans) organised the first political arranged wedding when they convinced the PNC of Burnham to hitch up with the UF of Peter D'Aguiar. No one would've predicted THAT union when D'Aguiar launched the UF four years before.

The UF was rich and "fair" while the PNC was "dark" and poor. When the possibility of marriage was first raised, D'Aguiar promised he'd provide all the funding if Burnham would accept his leadership. Burnham swore that it would never happen - they just belonged to radically different social classes. D'Aguiar, he sniffed indignantly, wanted to buy him and his party "like a carton of used Banks bottles"!!

But the Americans convinced Burnham to swallow his pride and reservations and marry D'Aguiar and the UF. It was the only way they could defeat the PPP. "The enemy of your enemy is your friend," and all that.

So the marriage was duly consummated. And as has to happen in all marriages - no matter what pre-nuptial agreement is hammered out beforehand - one party got screwed (a more scatological verb beginning with "f" is commonly used) and the other did the screwing (the "effing").

In this case, the UF had demanded control of the Finance Ministry before the marriage since D'Aguiar said Burnham's people couldn't handle money responsibly. So as soon as the honeymoon period was up...Burnham threw D'Aguiar out on his ear.

During the honeymoon, he'd bought over most of D'Aguiar's assistants and there was nothing the "sweetdrinks" magnate could do about it!

Exactly 50 years later, Burnham's heir just formed a union with the Berbician Nagamootoo to throw out the PPP/C. We shall see who will "screw" and who will be "screwed".

...with the taxman??

Never let it be said that we don't give Jack his jacket... or in this case, the Stabber its cummerbund. The rag broke with the Opposition ranks and did a pretty decent review of the stunt Mook Lall has evidently pulled through an arranged marriage to the taxman.

Mook Lall, of course, has set himself up as the defender of transparency and bureaucratic rectitude. And yet, here he is - refusing to disclose the terms of the "settlement" he proposed to the GRA on the $100 million tax fraud he and his cronies perpetuated on our country. What makes him different from the persons who he's persecuted over the years for "milking the system"?? Sure the country loses revenues when contractors collect monies but don't do the job.

But when Lall scams the duty free concession that's supposed to encourage Guyanese to return home with their resources and skills to develop the country, that's OK??

But like in all arranged marriages, someone's gonna get screwed. The arranger??

...and beauty products

Avon just announced it's pulling the plug on its operations in Guyana. Must be because of the end of regular arranged marriages. But with the just consummated political marriage, who's going to supply the lipstick Obama spoke about??

The damaged beams, which will be replaced or chipped and cleaned

AFC/PNC/APNU coalition:

Will abolish “winner takes all” politics – Granger

The signing of the “Cummingsburg Accord” marks the end of the “winner takes all politics in Guyana”, Opposition Leader David Granger claimed, moments after signing the agreement for his coalition – A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – and the Alliance For Change (AFC) to team up for the upcoming May 11 elections.

Granger said too that should the new coalition succeed, it would give greater impetus to the long-held quest for a Government of national unity. Signed on Saturday, the Cummingsburg Accord marks the marriage of the two political groups, which will see Granger contesting as the Presidential Candidate and AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo as the Prime Ministerial Candidate on a joint slate.

According to Granger, Guyanese are at their wits’ end with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), which has been in Government since 1992.

“We have not contemplated the possibilities of defeat; if you go through this

country from Region Nine to Region Six, people want this thing badly, people want a coalition. They do not want five more years of the PPP… and we are very confident that we are going to win on May 11,” the Opposition Leader told reporters.

He said too that Guyanese have been longing for the end of the “winner takes all politics” that Guyana has been plagued by for decades. “We have closed the door on winner-takes-all politics… Winner-takes-all politics is finished in Guyana … I am saying to you, if this alliance wins 52 per cent of the votes, we are not going to lock out 48 per cent of the people, that is my promise to you.”

Granger said the alliance would welcome the input of every section of society, including political organisations, in its quest to uphold Article 13 of the Constitution which alludes to inclusionary democracy. He made it clear that the PPP/C was no exception.

During the joint press conference at the Georgetown Club on

Saturday, Nagamootoo, who was sitting besides his Presidential Candidate running mate at the head table, echoed similar sentiments. “We are not here

tors.

Jumping ship

Questioned whether there have been “back-door meetings” with current

to lose, this is the winning team you are looking at,” the Prime Ministerial Candidate told reporters. Alluding to inclusionary democracy, like Granger, he assured the press that the newly built alliance had an open-door policy but said executives were on the lookout for detrac-

members and supporters of the Government who would want to “jump ship” like he did in the leadup to the 2011 General Elections, Nagamootoo said several persons have approached him. According to him, several “elements” have been in contact with the AFC, not-

ing that some have specific interest. Nevertheless, he maintained that the alliance would practice what it preached – inclusionary democracy.

“There will be no discrimination, no recrimination and no vendetta. No one has anything to fear, no one has anything to lose, especially if you are honest and have conducted yourself within the law,” he emphasised. He said while talks were ongoing with these former and current “PPP/C supporters and members”, the AFC has not made a formal decision. But Nagamootoo fell short of building on his credibility by failing to name some of the persons with whom the party has been in contact.

“I am not going to deal with names, but we have heard from former Ministers to people who are former stalwarts of the PPP. They’ve all indicated that they would like to come on board. Now that we’ve had this national alliance, I believe it would add new energy to their interest and we’re hoping as the campaign kicks off,

you will have some surprises on the platform,” he added.

Shared governance has been a long debated subject in Guyana’s politics dating back to1957 when the PPP under the leadership of the late Dr Cheddi Jagan attempted to form a broad united front to contest the General Elections, a move which would have seen a Government of National Unity. At the time, Linden Forbes Burnham had rejected the notion of “shared governance”.

But the method proved to be effective when PPP coalesced with the Civic in the leadup to the 1992 General Elections thereby “bringing down” the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration, which had been in power for 28 years. APNU reintroduced the concept in 2011, calling for a Government of National Unity but fell short of defeating the PPP/C. APNU is a coalition which is dominated by the PNC, a party formed following the 1957 General Elections by Burnham.

PAHO cites gaps in measles fight in Region

Recent measles outbreaks in the United States and Brazil suggest that immunization rates in some areas have dropped below levels needed to prevent the spread of cases imported into the Americas, Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) experts said last week.

“Thanks to high levels of immunization, the Americas have been on track for more than a decade to be formally declared free of measles,” said Dr. Cuauhtemoc Ruiz, head of PAHO/WHO’s immunization program. “Maintaining high levels of vaccine coverage is key to preventing and halting outbreaks and to protect our populations from the constant threat of imported cases.”

Measles has been considered eliminated from the Americas since 2002, due to the absence of endemic transmission of the disease. An international verification committee has been compiling evidence to support a formal declaration of the region as measlesfree. This would make the Americas the world’s first region to eliminate measles, in line with its similar achievements in eliminating smallpox in the 1970s and polio in the 1990s. Currently the region is also

on track to be certified as free of rubella.

All these achievements have been the result of the region’s success in achieving high levels of immunization, through routine immunization programs and mass vaccination campaigns such as the annual Vaccination Week in the Americas, which PAHO/ WHO has spearheaded for the past 13 years.

Now, measles elimination “is facing major challenges, with several ongoing importations of measles in some countries,” PAHO/ WHO said in an epidemiological alert distributed yesterday to member countries across the region. The alert urges countries to strengthen measles surveillance activities and to “take appropriate measures to protect residents in the Americas against measles and rubella.”

The PAHO/WHO alert reports a total of 147 confirmed measles cases in four countries of the Americas this year, up to February 8. Of that total, 121 cases were in the United States, linked primarily to an outbreak that began at Disneyland in California last December. A single case in Mexico was also tied to that outbreak. Of the remaining cases, 21 were in Brazil and four were in Canada.

The cases in Brazil are

part of a larger outbreak that began in early 2013, which has sickened more than 700 people in 31 municipalities. Between 2003 and 2014, the Americas registered a total of 5,077 imported measles cases, most of them in 2011 (1,369) and (1,848). “Countries in the Americas have reported cases imported from other regions every year during the past decade, but until recently, they did not lead to significant outbreaks,” said Ruiz. “The current outbreaks point to gaps in immunization that could allow measles and other vaccine-preventable diseas-

es to take hold again and begin spreading in our hemisphere.”

Measles vaccine has been used for more than 50 years and has proven to be safe and effective. Globally, measles vaccine prevented an estimated 15.6 million deaths between 2000 and 2013.

PAHO/WHO recommends that children receive two doses of measlescontaining vaccine before their fifth birthday and that levels of coverage with two doses be maintained at 95% or more to prevent the spread of imported cases. Currently, an estimat-

ed 92% of 1-year-olds in the Americas receive a first dose of measles vaccine.

In view of the recent outbreaks, PAHO/WHO is also urging health authorities in its member countries to: maintain high levels of measles vaccination coverage at the national and local levels; advise travelers going to regions that have measles circulation to be sure they are current on their measles vaccines. (This does not apply to infants under 6 months of age, who should not be vaccinated.) Inform travelers of measles symptoms and what they should do if they suspect they have

the disease; require proof of measles immunity from workers in the healthcare sector (including medical, administrative and security personnel), and advise tourism and transportation personnel to be fully immunized; sensitize private sector health personnel on the need to immediately report any suspected cases and if imported measles cases are detected, conduct contact tracing and, depending on contacts’ travel history, inform health authorities abroad about the possible location of contacts in their countries.

Presidential Candidate of the APNU-AFC coalition, David Granger and his Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo shortly after signing the Cummingsburg Accord at Georgetown Club

Essequibo Hindu community celebrates World Hindi Day

By IndrawattIe natram

Scores of Hindus from across Region Two (Pomeroon- Supenaam) joined with the Guyana Hindi Prachaar Sabha in observance of World Hindi Day.

At the celebration, Prachaar Sabha President Beni Singh called for the preservation of the Hindi language and advocated for it to be taught in schools. Singh, during his address to young children from various mandirs, said he was not satisfied with the way persons were learning the language and called on parents to send their children to Hindi classes. He said “Hindi” is a mother tongue and parents should encourage their children to take up the language seriously: “Hindi Sliko, Hindi Bholo (learn Hindi, speak Hindi)”.

He noted that the Hindi language was brought from India with Indian ancestors, who arrived in then British Guiana on May 5, 1838. Singh said that Hindi was important and it was the root of all other sounds in Hinduism. “Most of the prayers are in Hindi; yes, there are translations, but if you learn the language, then you can able to understand and appreciate the rich legacy that was left by the Indian ancestors,” he explained.

The Hindu advocate said

the Sabha was sending persons on scholarship to India to study and speak the language and they will return to serve their society.

He added that presently the Sabha was focusing on building a Logie at Enmore which will showcase aspects of Indian culture and have archives of information on the Indians who came in 1838. It will be opened on May 5, 2015 – Arrival Day, which commemorates the arrival of Guyanese ancestors.

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha Essequibo President Pandit Prakaash Persaud has given his full support to the Guyana Hindi Prachaar Sabha for the Hindi language

to be taught in the school system. He complimented the Prachaar Sabha for its efforts to teach Hindi throughout Guyana.

“Teaching the language of Hindi will be a new direction and a new revival in the Indian Culture,” Persaud said, as he called on young people to be ambassadors of Indian culture.

The event, held at the Affiance Hindu Mandir on the Essequibo Coast, featured songs, Hindi reading, Hindi dialogues, short addresses, classical dances from the Swarsawattie Dance Academy, raamaayan chaupaayees and presentation of Hindi certificates.

Nagga gone under

De weekend was a good one fuh plenty people. It was Valentine’s Day weekend, plus more people gon finally be able to see de Cricket World Cup. Never mind a letter writer seh de other day that both de GCB and de WICB goin under.

That is why de Big Bird Garner tryin to go over in de WICB to save it from goin under. That could mean that Cameron gon have to go under, even as de Cricket World Cup playin Down Under. But right here in GT, de new cricket laws gon mek plenty people go under.

Talks were also made by representatives from Sanatan Dharma Par Upkaaric Sabha, Prachina Dharma Samprasaaran Sabhan and Satya Sai Baba Organisation who all supported the teaching of the Hindi language in schools.

According to India’s External Affairs Ministry, World Hindi Day is a relatively new celebration that started on January 10, 2006 in the state of Nagpur, India. The world’s first conference on Hindi was established on that day and its success resulted in it being acknowledged as World Hindi Day. World Hindi Day was officially celebrated in January; however, Essequibo has held a special programme in observance to spread Hindi awareness.

Well, as fuh Valentine’s Day, it had a lotta dealin wid under and over at de Georgetown Club. Green Jah and Nagga Man had call all de media over to de Club, but by de time de media people reach, some late as usual, de news was all over.

And de news was that Nagga Man agree to go under Green Jah, and when dem done agree, both of dem hug up and start to smile. Wid one man slim and tall and de other fat and short, Nagga almost bite up Green Jah pun he chest, but some body seh Green Jah accustom to that.

Every body see it was real tight hug in public, so imagine whah used to go on in private. After all, both of dem been talkin in secret fuh de past couple of weeks, and when two people deh in secret, it does never be talkin alone. Just ask Uncle Rafeel and C-Hen.

According to dem fellas (and ladies too) in de Gee-D-Eff, is always rough goin under a Army man. And worse yet in he old age.

Well, to tink that de Old Soldier had seh he always want a young ting fuh de elections, if Nagga was de youngest ting he coulda find, then de Old Soldier musbe losin he stripes, among other tings whah he done lose.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And it musbe Nagga Man love to go under, not only on Valentine’s Day.

Hindus to observe Shivratri on Tuesday

Hindus across the world will be observing Maha Shivratri on Tuesday, February 17, as they celebrate the reverence of Lord Shiva who married Goddess Parvati on this day.

The Maha Shivratri festival, also popularly known as Shivaratri/Shivratri or “Great Night of Shiva”, marks the convergence of Shiva and Shakti.

Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals of Hinduism glorifying Lord Shiva, who is known as the Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity: Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Protector and Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer). For Hindus, Shiva is the Lord of all things in the universe, including its originator.

Hindus worldwide pour in by the millions into temples throughout the day to take part in fasting and praying. Shivaratri obtains its name from the word rath which means night. So Shivaratri is observed in the evening, but puja is also performed the following morning before sunrise.

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Maagha as per Amavasya-ant month calculation. As per Poornima-ant month calculation, the day is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi of Hindu calendar month Phalguna, which falls in

February or March as per the Gregorian calendar. Of the 12 Shivaratris in the year, the Maha Shivratri is the most holy.

The festival is principally celebrated by offering Bael leaves to Shiva, all-day fasting and an all-night-vigil (jagaran). All through the day, devotees chant “Om Namah Shivaya”, the sacred mantra of Shiva. Penances are performed in order to gain boons in the practice of Yoga and meditation, to reach life’s highest good steadily and swiftly.

On this day, the planetary positions in the Northern hemisphere act as potent catalysts to help a person raise his or her spiritual energy more easily. The benefits of powerful ancient Sanskrit mantras such as Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra increase greatly on this night.

In Nepal, millions of Hindus attend Shivaratri to-

gether from different parts of the world at the famous Pashupatinath Temple. Thousands of devotees also attend Maha Shivratri at the famous Shiva Shakti Peetham of Nepal. On Maha Shivratri, Nishita Kala is the ideal time to observe Shiva Pooja. Nishita Kala celebrates when Lord Shiva appeared on the Earth in the form of Linga. On this day, in all Shiva temples, the most auspicious Lingodbhava Puja is performed.

In Guyana, Hindus spend the auspicious night in over 400 temples across the country, offering special jhalls to Lord Shiva. However, the biggest festival will be held at the Cove and John Ashram, East Coast Demerara. Thousands of Hindus converge there throughout the day in long lines waiting to perform oblations to the Murthi (idol) of Lord Shiva, singing praises (bhajans) in his name.

A section of the gathering at the event

The Cove and John Ashram last year

Times Notebook

A total betrayal of AFC’s supporters

After having promised their supporters first that they would not join an alliance with APNU and second that if they have to be in an alliance, they would have to be the lead political party, AFC betrayed their supporters by now agreeing to be a part of APNU under the leadership of the PNC’s Granger.

They have betrayed their supporters many times before, but now they have not only betrayed, they also abandoned their supporters.

AFC and APNU have been in secret and not-sosecret talks for a while to establish a coalition in preparation for the 2015 general elections. This in itself is a tacit confession that by itself neither of the two political parties believes that it could win an election.

Having brought elections earlier than they were prepared for, they found themselves in a desperate situation – staring another electoral defeat to the PPP/C.

The desperation to avoid electoral defeat at the 2015 elections demanded a desperate move – try something, anything that will be different from being defeated as APNU and as AFC. Now they have both conceded to their supporters that they were lying when they both claim that they will win the 2015 elections.

Nagamootoo and the AFC claimed on many oc-

casions that they did not need an alliance to win the elections. AFC became so desperate to escape another electoral defeat that it is willing to betray its supporters by now fully becoming assimilated into the PNC.

They have now consecrated their natural position as the poodle of Granger and APNU, settling for the Prime Ministerial candidate. APNU itself is so desperate to avoid another licking at the polls that it dumped Rupert Roopnarine and the WPA, even though APNU had grandiosely pronounced AFC as a small party in no position to make demands.

Dumping is a natural part of the genes of Granger’s party. Remember they royally used the EF and then ignominiously dumped them after they got what they wanted. Like WPA, the AFC will be another in the line-up.

Dr Roopnarine and the WPA have been sidelined and placed in the dustbin. They were used by APNU and now they are dirty linen ready for the garbage bin. This is the fallout of a desperate move by APNU and AFC to save faces with their supporters.

Nagamootoo, Ramjattan and many others in the AFC spoke eloquently of rigged elections and terrorism in Guyana. We can recall those blazing speeches made by Nagamootoo at the Number 63 Ballot Box Martyrs.

But now their

Presidential candidate is Granger who was a leader of the army that executed the martyrs to steal an election for Burnham and the PNC.

Now the AFC has joined with those who brutally foisted a dictatorship in Guyana and by this desperate move they now have blood on their hands. How will they separate themselves from those who assassinated Rodney and dozens of others?

They have to now go to their supporters whose families were brutally beaten and jailed, not only

for supporting Jagan, but for trying to get simple food for their families, like flour and sardine. They have to go to their supporters whose families before had to obtain a PNC party card to get a job or to get foreign currency to leave the country.

The AFC has been bribed with the promise of Prime Ministership and another Vice-President. Two power hungry groups were suckered into a partnership that already looks like the PNC of those terrible dictatorship years –years in which there were

five Vice-Presidents.

Has the WPA been promised anything? Surely, they too have been promised seats, cabinet positions, or Vice-Presidency?

The AFC’s bravado that the only way they will form a coalition is if APNU joins the AFC was part of a smoke screen, a wicked game of deceit, because these two groups were working together before the 2011 elections.

In the 2011 elections AFC’s role was to focus their total attention in areas where the PPP/C was strong. That ploy was in-

tended to deplete the PPP/C votes and allow APNU to win a plurality. This time, they believe that they can come together and the AFC will deliver 11 per cent of votes to APNU and, therefore, allow APNU to win.

There is one little problem – they cannot deliver innocent people into the belly of this beast because we live in a democracy and the people will have the last laugh on May 11.

Readers are invited to send their comments by email or Facebook to times. notebook@gmail.com.

Leader of the Opposition David Granger greets his new counterpart Moses Nagamootoo

monday, february 16, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Opposition nudges GECOM to up voter education campaign

Despite saying that it has full confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to conduct free, fair and transparent elections when the process is held on May 11, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has now raised concerns with regard to the lack of voter education by the Commission.

According to Opposition Leader David Granger, who was speaking at the coalition’s weekly press conference on Friday, APNU has serious concerns with the level of voter education which being done by the Elections Commission.

“More needs to be done on the part of GECOM for voters’ education. We have been going into some com-

munities and we are being asked how to vote,” Granger said.

According to APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon, the bits and snippets which were being published in the local media were simply not enough and the Commission must put adequate systems in place to address this. Other parties have, on numerous occasions in the past, criticised the Commission for what they deemed as unpreparedness for the holding of General and Regional Elections in Guyana and have also called on the Commission to improve its provision of voters’ education.

UN mission

Meanwhile, the Partnership on Thursday met with a United Nations Electoral Mission in advance of the May 11 General and Regional Elections in Guyana, at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. The UN team was headed by Richard Gee, Electoral/ Political Affairs Officer in the Electoral Assistance Division, Department of Political Affairs, the United Nations; and included Lea Zoric, Elections Department of Political Affairs; and George Wachira, Policy Advisor, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Guyana.

The Head of the UN Electoral Mission, in out-

lining the main purpose of the team’s visit to Guyana, said that it was primarily a ‘needs assessment’ mission, in support of the electoral process. Gee stated that particular attention was being paid to the interest of political and other stakeholders and an assessment was being made of the pre-election environment, while it was also part of the team’s mission to provide support for the electoral institutions like GECOM.

Granger, who headed a team of APNU Members of Parliament, welcomed the UN team and provided a historic overview of the political circumstances which led to President Donald Ramotar naming a date for General and Regional Elections. The APNU team outlined several matters of concern including the lack of access to state media; the need for more voter education, the timely declaration of election results, the inadequacy in the allocation of resources to Returning Officers, and the Government’s use of State resources for the purposes of campaigning.

APNU and GECOM are expected to meet soon to deliberate on the matters of concern raised. The APNU team included Executive Basil Williams, Harmon, Chief Whip Amna Ally, Campaign Director Winston Felix, and Desmond Trotman.

Monument for slavery victims to be erected at UN HQ

In its first action for the International Decade for People of African Descent, the United Nations (UN) has decided to remember the sufferings of Africans during slavery by erecting a permanent monument in their honour at UN Headquarters in New York.

According to a Caribbean News report on Saturday, the monument is slated to be commissioned on March 25 for the International

of No Return.”

Leon said the design acknowledges the tragedy of the Slave Trade through a map in the interior of the memorial that depicts the vast scale of the Slave Trade and its impact on Africa.

He continued that the second part of the design confronts persons with the inhumanity of the trade and its bodily experience. While the third section, a reflective pool asks visitors to medi-

Caricom, at the 66th General Assembly (GA) Plenary Meeting in December, 2011. However, the Caribbean news report indicated that it was Jamaica who inspired the idea of the memorial, which other Caricom and African states quickly endorsed.

During the Assembly’s debate on adopting the resolution in 2011, a number of UNGA delegates had said it was the “least the United

Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The monument, which was designed by HaitianAmerican architect, Rodney Leon, will be called the “Ark

tate on the experience and to imprint the memory of this human tragedy in their minds.

The idea for the monument was put forward by Guyana, on behalf of

Reparations on agenda for upcoming Caricom Summit

Reparation for slavery which is being sought from the United Kingdom, Spain and France, is said to be on the agenda for the upcoming Caricom Heads of Governments Meeting slated for next month in The Bahamas.

According to the Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Committee, Dr Eric Phillips, in a telephone interview on Wednesday evening with the Guyana Times, the Commission has executed and completed its research and its mandate as was laid out by the Caricom Reparations Committee since July last year. He noted that a comprehensive report was subsequently put together and then forwarded to the Culture, Youth and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and President Donald Ramotar for perusal and to be forwarded to the Caricom Reparations Commission.

Phillips related that this has been done and the Commission reported that the matter would be extensively discussed when the Heads of Governments Meeting convened to plot the way forward for the Caribbean Community.

According to the Chairman of the Committee, Caricom will be sending off the report to the monarchy of Great Britain and France

after the meeting to begin the process of seeking reparations. In the meantime, Dr Phillips related that the Institute of Black World, an organisation based in the United States of America, in collaboration with the various reparations commissions, would be meeting in April, to discuss the issue so that a conclusion could soon be drawn.

“The Institute of Black World, along with Mr Ronald Durand, a Congressman in the United States, has agreed to meet with the various reparations commissions. The organisations which will be going to that conference in April are the Caribbean Reparations Commission, a delegation from Brazil because a group in that country is seeking reparations too; there will be a delegation from the United States and the United Kingdom will be sending a delegation also so that extensive discussions on the matter can take place,” the Chairman related to this newspaper.

The Reparations Committee is also working on engaging a few young minds to be part of the reparations movement. Thus, the mobilisation of youth has been ongoing for some months in the Committee’s efforts to have a youth component established this week.

Phillips explained that youths were part of the Committee, but the numbers were not what they would like them to be. Thus, the Committee has seen it fit to open its mind to the modes of communication that are exploited by young people like Twitter and Facebook. Phillips told this publication that the race for a youth branch of the Reparations Committee was a result of Professor Beckles’ call for more youths to be engaged since they play a key role in society and the fact that the Reparations Youth Conference will be held by Caricom in 2015, and Guyana will be vastly underrepresented if steps were not taken to shore up

representation. Also, a more youth-oriented committee in Guyana will keep the reparations movement informed about the needs and thoughts of young people, and be able to give effective representation of the younger generation.

The Guyana Reparations Committee was established under the Caricom Reparations Commission in October 2013 following the mandate of the 24th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government held in Trinidad and Tobago last year.

Task

The Reparations Committee was established to seek compensation for the wrongs which were inflicted upon the indigenous people and Afro-Guyanese during enslavement by the Spanish, English and French. The Committee had been tasked with the preparation of a report via research on four key areas. These are to create a detailed historical narrative of indigenous genocide and African slavery, to create linkages from past discrimination to present-day inequality, to define and prove the nature of modern-day equality, and to denote policies adopted by the European countries to continue this process.

In presentation of the re-

port, the Caribbean countries will be seeking an apology rather than a Statement of Regret, an admission of wrongdoing, a commitment to reasonable reparation and a commitment of nonrepetition of the sin against mankind from the countries named. It is expected that whatever reparations are given, they will be used for the development of citizens in the country, particularly the descendants of the people who were once enslaved. If the Governments refuse to follow the path of reparations, Phillips disclosed that Caricom was prepared to take the Governments, in Guyana’s case, Great Britain to the International Court of Justice since they have built their economies from the enslavement of the ancestors of the Caribbean people. Heading the Caribbean Regional Commission is Professor, Sir Hilary Beckles, who is also Principal of Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, in collaboration with Assistant Secretary General for Human Development, Douglas Slater, a Vincentian who served as Health Minister in the Ralph Gonsalves Administration. Dr Gonsalves was one of the persons who had advocated reparations and whipped up support in the Region.

Nations could do” to honour those who forcibly became part of the global African Diaspora. To select the design, an international competition was launched in September, and a Trust Fund was established to support its construction. Numerous delegations stressed the importance of contributing to the fund to raise the $4.5 million needed to complete the project.

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Arnold J Nicholson, who had made the disclosure on Tuesday, urge states who have not contributed to the fund, to use the small window so the project can indeed be a success come March.

The International Decade for People of African Descent was officially launched in December, 2014. According to the UN the decade will focus on three main objectives, the strengthening of the national, regional and international action and cooperation by people of African descent with their full and equal participation in all aspects of society.

Education is the second objective, as the UN detailed that it will foster respect for diverse heritage, culture and the contributions that have been made by people of African descent to the development of societies. The third objective focuses on relevant frameworks in accordance with the Durban Declaration, the Programme of Action and the International Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Racial Discrimination.

The designs of Architect, Rodney Leon’s Ark of No Return

Opposition Leader David Granger

Dr Eric Phillips

AFC wants parties to be on their “best behaviour” for elections

The Alliance For Change (AFC) has called on all political parties and journalists to exhibit the best standards of behaviour for the upcoming General and Regional Elections slated to be held on May 11.

Speaking at the party’s weekly press conference on Thursday at the Georgetown Club, Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo encouraged fair and unbiased behaviour given the sensitivity associated with this period. He noted that there was an existing Code of Conduct for both of the groups and as such, this should be respected and practised, before and even after the elections.

“In the spirit of creating a safe environment, where citizens can go and exercise their vote, we should support the initiative. The Code of Conduct is a voluntary subscription to modes of behaviour and our modes of behaviour ought not to be invented and new. Our mode of behaviours must comply with the best of standards and the best standard are those applicable to the world,” he shared.

Nagamootoo further related that the issue of race

ions, manifestos and ideas and the people of Guyana, and the families of public officials and politicians should never be used in this process to simply receive an advantage.

He is hopeful that the election period will be one free of unrest, violence and negativity.

“Life will have to go on after elections. The parties will have to exist in the same environment and so in the elections, there should only be a disputation of ideas, contest as against the benefit of one platform as against another platform, contest in relation to our manifesto and programmes and therefore we, the AFC, would hope that itself do not convert into an occasion for verbal abuse, personal attacks, gutter kind of vendetta,” the practising attorney outlined.

Meanwhile, AFC Member of Parliament Cathy Hughes underscored that while the Code of Conduct lacked legislative support, every media personnel and politician should be ethical.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) only recently noted that there was need for the political

especially should not be taken advantage of and used as any trump card in soliciting votes since it can cause unrest and division in the country. “No one should use racism and racial advocacy in an election or outside of the elections. If the Constitution recognises that this country can be devastated by race hate, advocacy of race, using race in speech, in language that offend, hurt and destroy, then the Constitution must have thought seriously about the conduct during elections,” the Vice Chairman told media operatives.

Free, fair and violence-free

He noted that the only conflict political parties should be having was the one involving their opin-

$152M approved for 8 Region 5 NDCs

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on Friday handed over the approved budgets for eight of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Five, Mahaica-Berbice.

The brief ceremony was held at the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) boardroom. At the ceremony Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Norman Whittaker presented the representatives of Woodlands/Farm, Hamlet/ Chance, Mahaicony/Abary, Profit/Rising Sun, Union/ Naarstigheid, Woodlands/ Bel Air, Zeelust / Rosignol and Blairmont/Gelderland with their 2015 budgets after they were reviewed and approved by the ministry.

Speaking to the gathering, Minister Whittaker pointed out that the ministry will be considering an increase in their annual

subvention; however this depends on their performance. He urged the representatives to work harder and ensure that more taxes are collected.

He added that staff should report to work on time as it is often noted that lateness is a recurring problem and is also a major contributor to late collection of taxes. Further, he urged

them to come up with ideas to encourage persons to pay their taxes such as creating payment plans and striking deals to allow persons to pay the outstanding amounts in parts. Other issues discussed by the minister include that of funds for maintenance. He called on the representatives to take good care of the brush cutters among other tools and

equipment that have been provided to the NDCs. The staff of the various NDCs was also given the opportunity to raise concerns and seek clarification on issues. Also present at the ceremony was Region Five Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth among other representatives of the Regional administration.

PAHO launches guide for early detection of childhood cancer

Anew manual for healthcare providers, Early Diagnosis of Childhood Cancer, has been published by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) to improve early detection of childhood cancer and help reduce child mortality in the Americas.

“The purpose of this manual is to improve the knowledge of primary healthcare teams about the signs and symptoms of pediatric cancer and about treatment referrals, to ensure that all children benefit from early diagnosis and timely treatment,” said Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of the Department of NonCommunicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO/ WHO.

Cancer is among the leading causes of death in chil-

dren over 1 in many countries of the Americas. In 2012, some 29,000 children under 15 were diagnosed with cancer in the region. Leukemia is the most common type of childhood cancer, followed by tumors of the central nervous system and Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Pediatric cancer is not considered preventable, but early detection increases the chances it can be cured. In recent years, advances in treatment and new clinical protocols and guidelines have contributed to improved survival rates. The most common type of cancer in children is acute lymphoblastic leukemia, once considered a fatal disease. Today its 5-year survival rate is over 70%.

The situation is different, however, for children in lower-income countries, where

cancer survival rates are 10%-20% lower than in higher-income countries. Reasons for these poorer outcomes include late diagnosis, limited access to treatment, and disease recurrence. The new PAHO/WHO manual tells health professionals how to identify suspicious signs and symptoms. It provides comprehensive information on the most common cancers in children and the main risk factors for cancer. It teaches how to assess the possibility of cancer and gives health providers information and tools to manage children with possible cancer or with signs indicating they require immediate medical attention. It also provides information on follow-up and post-treatment care at the primary care level for children diagnosed with cancer.

International Childhood Cancer Day is commemorated on February 15 each year to raise awareness of this issue and the need for all children to have access to proper diagnosis and treatment. PAHO works with its Member States in the Americas to strengthen policies and programs for cancer prevention and control, including for childhood cancer. These include policies for tobacco control, reduction of harmful use of alcohol, and promotion of physical activity and healthy diets. PAHO/WHO also works with Member States to improve quality of and access to cancer screening programs, especially to improve early detection of breast and cervical cancers, and to improve cancer treatment and palliative care.

parties to return to the Code of Conduct they signed to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. The endorsed Code of Conduct for political parties acknowledges the leadership of the parties recognises that peace and public order, freedom of political campaigning, and compliance with electoral laws and regulations are essential and are of paramount importance to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.

In furtherance of these objectives, the leadership of each party declares and affirms its party’s belief in the sanctity of human life, and the abhorrence of taking human life. The parties are also expected to denounce the violation of anyone because of political allegiance.

AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo

A section of the Region Five staff at the Ministry of Local Government & Regional Development’s Budget approval and handing over ceremony

Regional

Facing cover-up allegations, Argentina’s Fernandez says she’s “tough”

Argentine President Cristina Fernandez struck a defiant note on Sunday in her first national address since a prosecutor announced he would continue to investigate allegations she tried to cover up a 1994 bombing, saying harsh Patagonian winters had taught her to be tough.

The accusations –first brought by a State Prosecutor whose mysterious death last month threw the Fernandez administration into turmoil – were deemed credible on Friday by a newly-named prosecutor who said he would press on with the investigation.

In a televised speech,

Fernandez did not refer to the probe. But she made it clear she would not bend under the mounting political pressure.

“Some are amazed at how I can endure all I have to endure,” said Fernandez, speaking to a crowd at hospital she had just inaugurated in her adopted home province of Santa Cruz.

“I tell them it was here in Patagonia – with the wind, the cold and the snow – that I learned that I can endure anything,” she said. “To live in southern Argentina you have to be tough.” Fernandez’ image has taken a hit from allegations that she tried to whitewash

the alleged involvement of a group of Iranians in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, in which 85 people died.

She denies the accusation, which was first levelled by State Prosecutor Alberto Nisman.

Nisman’s body was found on January 18 in his Buenos Aires apartment, a bullet in his head and a pistol by his side. The following day he had been scheduled to appear before Congress to present his case that Fernandez conspired with Iran to clear the bombing suspects in order to clinch a deal to trade grains for Iranian oil. (Excerpt from Reuters)

OAS to visit Antigua

An Organisation of American States team will be in Antigua in March to see if the Government has followed through on commitments to tackle corruption.

Public procurement, hiring of public servants, whistleblower protection and the criminalisation of acts of corruption under the Inter-American Convention against corruption will come under the microscope. This is the fifth round of reviews and the OAS says

provisions also call for a study of preventive measures that take into account the relationship between equitable compensation and integrity.

Last October, Attorney General, Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin said the Legal Affairs Ministry was in the process of setting up an anticorruption unit.

OAS officials were helping to set up the unit which was to be headed by Attorney, Annette Mark. (Antigua Observer)

Mexico bus-train crash kills 16 and injures 30

At least 16 people have been killed and 30 others injured in a collision between a freight train and a bus at a level crossing in northern Mexico.

LIAT aims to cut over 150 employees reducing costs by EC$13 million per year

The financially strapped regional airline, LIAT, has announced plans for a voluntary separation package (VSEP) that could result in more than 150 employees being removed from the company’s payroll.

“We will embark on a process of cost reduction right across the airline, but that will also include a reduction in the number of people that we employ in the business.

“We will embark upon that process in full consultation with our staff themselves, and also their representatives. We would wish to achieve these reductions, where possible, on a voluntary basis and that will be our aim,” said Chief Executive Officer David Evans.

Chairman of the shareholder governments, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines, speaking at the end of a meeting, said he

plans were to reduce the airline’s debt significantly.

He said it would involve reducing the staff number from 800 to about 620, “which should save us about EC$13 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) per year.

“Of course, we’ll have to pay the severance cost of about EC$22 million.”

The meeting was also attended by host Prime

spending an estimated 27 per cent of revenue on staffing. (Excerpt from CMC)

Avon ceasing operations in 16 Caribbean nations

Avon Products Inc, the world’s biggest direct seller of cosmetics, is pulling out of 16 Caribbean nations including Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas.

A spokeswoman told The Associated Press that the company would no longer accept orders from these nations. Spokeswoman Lindsay Fox said Friday that the company will still serve eight islands including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. She declined to say how many sales representatives would be affected.

The unexpected move, which was announced on January 29, took effect on Thursday, the Barbados Nation reported. It has left Barbados distributor BioKal Ltd’s managing director Cecily Reid-Sealey “extremely disappointed and deeply saddened”.

The move came after a drop in Avon sales. Active representatives were down per cent and volume fell three per cent. Regional sales fell across the board, dropping 15 per cent in

Latin America and 12 per cent in North America. Fox says Avon will focus its resources on improving its US business.

Avon’s departure was communicated by Avon North America President Pablo Munoz. While Munoz, who is responsible for the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, did not give a reason, it is believed that Avon officials were concerned that its products were underperforming in the region for some time. (Green Bananas Media)

Brazil drought prompts drastic measures to save water

Brazilians are hoarding water in their apartments, collecting rain water and taking other emergency measures to prepare for forced rationing that appears likely because of a drought.

In Sao Paulo, the country’s largest city with a metropolitan area of 20 million people, the main reservoir is at just six per cent of capacity with the peak of the rainy season now past.

investigators were looking into whether the bus driver had tried to beat the train to the crossing.

A statement by the train’s operator, Kansas City Southern de Mexico, confirmed there had been “a lamentable accident” at about 17:25 (23:25 GMT) on Friday.

A Mexican official quoted by AP news agency said

Pictures showed the bus split in half by the force of the crash, in the town of Anahuac in Tamaulipas state. Local reports said the driver of the bus may have ignored the stop light at the crossing. The bus was reported to have been carrying about 60 passengers although it only had seating for 40.

Local Mayor Desiderio Urteaga said two children were among the dead. The bus driver was reported to have survived.

The bus had been travelling north from the city of Nuevo Laredo in Tamaulipas to the state of Coahuila. (BBC News)

Other cities in Brazil’s heavily populated southeast, such as Rio de Janeiro, face less dire shortages but could also see rationing.

Uncertainty over the drought and its consequences on jobs, public health and overall quality of life have further darkened Brazilians’ mood at a time when the economy is struggling and President Dilma Rousseff’s popularity is at an all-time low.

After January rains disap-

Uncertainty over the drought and its consequences on jobs, public health and overall quality of life have further darkened Brazilians’ mood at a time when the economy is struggling

pointed, and incentives to cut consumption fell short, Sao Paulo officials warned their next step could be to shut off customers’ water supply for as many as five days a week – a measure that would likely last until the next rainy season starts in October, if not longer. State officials say they have not yet decided whether or when to implement such rationing, in part because they are still hoping for heavy rains in February and March.

(Excerpt

Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner gestures after inaugurating an amphitheatre in the Patagonian Argentine city of El Calafate, February 14

Minister Freundel Stuart and his Dominican counterpart Roosevelt Skerritt and Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation Robin Yearwood. Evans said the airline had no choice but to trim its workforce given the fact that it is

Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin (File photo)

Both sides say Ukraine truce largely in force

Ukraine’s Government and pro-Russia rebels have said that a ceasefire that began at midnight local time (22:00 GMT) is holding, but that there have been some violations.

The ceasefire is seen as a first step in a peace plan aimed at ending 10 months of conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Within two hours into the ceasefire, which came into effect on Saturday at midnight local time, Kiev reported attacks by proRussian separatists in the Luhansk area.

“Pro-Russian militants used artillery, mortars and grenade launchers to attack the Ukrainian positions ... near Zolote, Sanzharivka, Popasna, Chornukhine by 2am,” said tweets by Ukrainian army early on Sunday.

A pro-Kiev official said that two civilians were killed by rockets fired by rebels shortly after the start of the ceasefire, but most of the frontline had fallen si-

lent.

An elderly man and woman died after Grad missile fire hit the town of Popasna in the Lugansk region about 20 minutes after the truce came into force, local Governor Gennadiy Moskal said.

The firing reportedly came from an area that Kiev says is under the command of a renegade group of Cossack fighters who insist they will not obey the ceasefire.

Meanwhile, rebels accused the Ukrainians of deploying artillery shortly after midnight, the AP said.

Anxiety remains high that unrest could be sparked anew by rival claims to Debaltseve, a strategic railway hub now controlled by the Government.

On Saturday, intense fighting persisted around Debaltseve, in the eastern part of Ukraine, which has been besieged by separatist forces. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

India: Building collapse kills 13 in Uttar Pradesh

Abuilding in northern India has collapsed, killing 13 people believed to be from the same family.

The three-storey building in Uttar Pradesh state was near completion when it fell on a family of weavers asleep on the ground floor, police said. At least three escaped unhurt when the structure came down in Dulhipur village near the city of Varanasi.

India has suffered a series of similar incidents,

Disneyland

blamed in part on poor regulation and housing pressures.

Twelve people died at the scene and one in hospital, officials said.

Local Police Superintendent Chandauli Muniraj said construction appeared to have been hurried.

Police are looking for the building contractor and an investigation has begun.

Among the victims was the building’s owner, Mohammad Kamarrudin,

Around the World

New Sri Lankan President in India for first foreign trip

Sri Lanka’s new leader has made his first official overseas trip as President, visiting India in a move that underlines its importance as a regional ally.

Maithripala Sirisena was welcomed on Sunday evening by officials in New Delhi as he arrived for a four-day visit.

A ceremony and banquet for Sirisena will be held today as well as top-tier meetings befitting the countries’ “unique” historical and cultural ties, Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said.

The visit follows years

of uneasy relations between the two countries and international pressure to speed up post-civil war reconciliation efforts at home.

Sirisena has said his Government will review the loans and projects approved under his powerful predecessor and one-time ally, Mahinda Rajapaksa, whom he defeated at the polls last month.

Relations between India and Sri Lanka had become tense in recent years, as China grew cosier with the island nation, long considered by India as being within its traditional sphere of influence.

Last year, President Xi Jinping became the first Chinese leader to visit Sri Lanka in 28 years as he courted Colombo’s support for a maritime trade route.

Sri Lanka also irked New Delhi by allowing two Chinese submarines to dock along its coastline, and by brokering deals for billions in Chinese loans and infrastructure projects.

While campaigning for the election, Sirisena had criticised the Chinese projects as debt traps, but he has since announced plans to visit China after his India trip. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bid to save at least 1000 migrants in Mediterranean

The Italian Coast Guard is conducting a major rescue operation to try to save more than 1000 migrants in difficulty on the Mediterranean Sea.

Search teams have helped get at least 130 people to safety so far and are working to reach more, officials said.

and two children, Supt Muniraj said.

A local unit of the National Disaster Response Force helped in the rescue operation and mechanical diggers were deployed to retrieve bodies.

Many such incidents in India are attributed to substandard building materials and lax safety standards.

The city of Chennai was the scene of a major collapse in July 2014 when an 11-storey building gave way, killing 61. (BBC News)

Paris coach blast: Stockton mother tells of dramatic escape

Amother has described her dramatic escape from a coach that was destroyed in an explosion on the way to Disneyland Paris.

Kayleigh Wilkinson and her daughter Amelie-Jayde, four, were among 39 people on board the National Holidays coach which crashed with a tanker and lorry in France on Friday.

Two people involved in the crash died. All the bus passengers were unharmed.

The pair still went to the resort to “salvage what we can from the holiday”.

Wilkinson, 27, from Stockton, was asleep at the time of the crash on the A1 near Paris.

She told BBC Tees: “The next thing I knew was hearing a really loud crash and the bus jolted forward.

“Bags were going everywhere and people were shouting.”

Wilkinson, who was also travelling with her sister, said the driver had to smash the emergency door

The coach carrying 39 people was engulfed in flames after being hit by a tanker and lorry

as the tanker had come to rest against one side of the coach.

She said: “A passenger behind us said ‘Everyone needs to get off right now because that tanker is on fire’.

“Everyone flew to the front of the bus and a gentleman and I were passing children between each other before the adults got off.

“We were shouting ‘Give me the kids!’ We were throw-

ing children over the door to them to safety.”

Moments after all passengers were off, the tanker exploded and engulfed the coach in flames, destroying everyone’s luggage, including many passports.

Wilkinson said National Holidays was providing people with money and supporting all the passengers while arranging trips home. (Excerpt from BBC News)

There were reports that rescuers were threatened by armed men who approached them in a speedboat from the Libyan coast.

Earlier this week at least 300 migrants perished in the Mediterranean Sea

They had been travelling in dinghies which ran into trouble during stormy weather after leaving the coast of Libya.

Sunday’s rescue attempts took place in the seas south of the Italian island of Lampedusa, officials said.

The rescue attempts come after hundreds died earlier this week

According to Italy’s Transport Ministry, four men with Kalashnikov rifles sped out from the Libyan shore during the rescue and ordered the coastguard to return a boat that had been emptied of migrants.

More than 200,000 people were rescued during the same period.

Many were plucked from the sea as a result of an Italian operation known as Mare Nostrum, which was launched in October 2013 in response to a tragedy near Lampedusa in which 366 migrants died. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The UNHCR says almost 3500 people died attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe in 2014, making it the world’s most dangerous sea crossing for migrants trying to enter the European Union.

Rail cars ablaze after crude train derails in Ontario

Seven rail cars were on fire in northern Ontario after a train carrying crude oil derailed late on Saturday night, Canadian National Railway said on Sunday.

The train, heading from Alberta to eastern Canada, derailed shortly before midnight about 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Timmins, Ontario, a CN spokesman said. Canada’s largest rail operator said 29 of 100 cars were involved and seven were on fire.

“The derailment occurred in a remote wooded area and there are no reports of injuries. There is a fire at the scene,” Patrick Waldron said in an email.

Investigators from the Transportation Safety Board have been sent to the site, the agency said on Sunday.

CN, which has dispatched firefighting and environmental crews and equipment to the scene, said the train had been visually inspected four times, most recently on Saturday, and had passed over a wayside safety detector about 20 miles before the derailment with no issues identified.

A boom in oil shipments by rail and a spate of derailments across North America have put heightened focus on rail safety. In 2013, 47 people were killed in the Quebec town of LacMégantic after a train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded. (Reuters)

Merkel’s conservatives suffer blow in state vote, eurosceptics gain

The anti-euro Alternative for Germany (AfD) party looked set to win its first seats in a regional assembly in the west of the country on Sunday after an election in Hamburg which also saw Angela Merkel’s conservatives suffer their worst result since World War Two.

Exit polls showed the AfD just above the five per cent threshold needed to enter the state Parliament. If con-

firmed, the result could help establish the anti-bailout party as a force beyond the former communist east, where it posted big gains in three regional votes last year.

The Social Democrats (SPD) handily won the vote in Hamburg, a northern port city that has traditionally been a stronghold for the centre-left party, winning around 47 per cent of the vote. To stay in office, popular SPD state pre-

mier Olaf Scholz will probably have to form a coalition with the environmentalist Greens. Chancellor Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) were the big losers on the night, coming in a distant second at about 16 per cent.

Still, Merkel remains hugely popular in Germany and experts had cautioned ahead of the vote that the result should not be seen as a reflection of the national mood.(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukrainian servicemen play football on a road approaching Debaltseve on Sunday, on the first day of the truce

monday, february 16, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt, Opposition at odds over “spending” rights

Since acting Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled that Government’s spending of $4.5 billion from Guyana’s treasury was unconstitutional, varying interpretations and explanations have issued from politicians and the general populace.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall; and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) General Secretary Joseph Harmon and Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge have provided contradictory analysis of the ruling.

Minister Nandlall has acknowledged and accepted the ruling that the Government violated Article 217 of the Constitution which prohibits spending without parliamentary approval.

Article 217 clearly states: “(1) No monies shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except –(a) to meet expenditure that is charged upon the Fund by this Constitution or by any Act of Parliament; or (b) where the issue of those monies has been authorised by an Appropriation Act; or (c) where the issue of those monies has been authorised under Article 219. (2) Where any monies are charged by this Constitution or any Act of Parliament upon the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund, they shall be paid out of that fund by the Government of Guyana to the person or authority to whom payment is due. (3) No monies shall be withdrawn from any public fund other than the Consolidated Fund unless the issue of those monies has been authorised by or under an Act of Parliament. (4) Parliament may prescribe the manner in which withdrawals may be made from the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund.”

dy that can count. The court said that Parliament may determine whether they may want to impose any other remedy, but the point is that (Article) 218:3 provides the mechanism for which cures non-compliance of (Article) 217 of the Constitution and that has been the position of the Government from the inception, that (Article) 218:3 provides the mechanism for the Statement of Excesses to be used,” Nandlall highlighted.

However, Nandlall is maintaining that Article 218:3 of the Constitution includes provisions for the violation of Article 217. He said upon violation of Article 217, the Government had since adopted a constitutional “curative mechanism” by way of Statement of Excesses to correct this. “A curative mechanism was employed by Government by the Minister of Finance in laying of the Statement of Excesses and that the court has no power to pronounce upon whether the Statement of Excesses as prescribed by the Constitution, whether there is any other reme-

Therefore, he contended, all along the Government acted within the Constitution and the declarations by the Opposition that the Government was liable for criminal charges were incorrect and greatly misleading to the public.

Approved by Parliament

Meanwhile, Greenidge is asserting that the Statement of Excesses has to be approved by Parliament in order for the spending to be legal. He explained that the Statement of Excesses did not have any effect until such time that it is approved by the House. “The Statement, first of all, was laid after the deadline by which it should have been laid. It, having been laid, was never approved by the

Collision at Brickdam leaves 1 injured

Achild has sustained minor injuries following a collision between a Route 48 minibus and a Toyota Raum at Austin Place, Brickdam on Sunday morning.

The name of the child was not immediately available to Guyana Times but based on reports, the injuries were not life threatening. The child is said to be about nine years old.

When this newspaper arrived on the scene, the owner of Raum was furious while the driver was being questioned by Police ranks.

Adeola Griffith explained that she left her car to be cleaned at the wash bay on Austin Place, and went to attend a meeting at

the Guyana Public Service Credit Union Building on Hadfield Street.

This, she noted has been a regular practice. However, she told Guyana Times that while in the meeting, she received news that her car was in an accident which she thought was not possible since it was at the wash bay.

As she walked towards Brickdam, she saw her car with the left side damaged and as she looked closer, she noticed a minibus with its front damaged. Upon enquiring, she was made to understand that one of the employees at the wash bay left with her car and after some time elapsed, another employee when to collect the

House before the House was prorogued although the House met at least three occasions after the Supplementary Provision was laid. So, on all counts it’s illegal,” Greenidge argued. But Nandlall is insisting that the Statement of Excesses does not need parliamentary approval. He explained that approval by the House was not outlined in Article 218:3 of the Constitution.

Article 218:3 of the Constitution states: “(3) If in respect of any finan-

cial year, it is found that –(a) ... the amount appropriated by the Appropriation Act for any purpose is insufficient or that a need has arisen for expenditure for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated by that Act; or (b) That any monies have been expended for any purpose in excess of that amount appropriated for that purpose by the Appropriation Act or for a purpose by which no amount has been appropriated by that Act, a supplementary estimate or, as the case may be, or a statement of excess showing the sums required or spent shall be laid before the Assembly by the Minister responsible for finance or any Minister designated by the President. But despite this, Harmon said preliminary works were under way to file a criminal case against the Government, particularly those accountable for the unconstitutional spending. He disclosed that their lawyers were working persistently to build a case against the Government. Harmon made reference to Section 85 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act which states “An official who – (a) falsifies any account, statement, receipt or other record issued or kept for the purposes of this Act, the Regulations, the Finance Circulars or any other instrument made under this Act; (b) conspires or colludes with any other person to defraud the State or make opportunity for any person to defraud the State; or (c) knowingly permits any other person to contravene any provision of this Act, is guilty of an indictable offence and liable on conviction to a fine of two million dollars and to imprisonment for three years.”

Regional Govts take steps to better manage natural resources

Authorities from several Latin American and Caribbean countries and ECLAC advanced towards creating a regional agenda leading to a compact on the governance of natural resources, at a meeting held at the headquarters of this United Nations regional commission in Santiago, Chile last month.

(EITI), the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

car from him.

It was while he was returning to the wash bay; he swerved in front of the minibus which was heading in an easterly direction. Police have confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol. Due to the collision, the child who was sitting in the back seat at the time received injuries.

The driver of the car has since agreed to repair the two vehicles. The Police are continuing their investigations.

One woman at the scene commented that it was not the first time, employees of the wash bay use vehicles that are left there to wash. She urged drivers to be cautious of this practice.

Ministers, UnderSecretaries and experts from international agencies took part in the high-level roundtable ““Towards a LAC Vision on Natural Resources Governance for Equality”, organized by ECLAC in conjunction with Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Participants were informed about Norway’s experiences in social and political compacts to harness the benefits of exploiting natural resources, and asked ECLAC to keep on working on such an important subject of the development agenda arranging an exchange between the national authorities of Latin American and Caribbean countries to create a common vision and a reflection forum about the compact on natural resources governance.

The meeting was attended by Ministers, UnderSecretaries and senior representatives from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Norway, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela, as well as officials and experts from the World Economic Forum, the World Bank, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

The event was opened by Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC, who stated “We need to make definitive progress towards greater and better governance and use of natural resources, so that the latter can contribute to a more diversified economy that is more environmentally sustainable, and that creates synergies in terms of employment, wellbeing and sustainable longterm economic development for the region”.

Ms. Bárcena said that ECLAC’s governance proposal sought to govern ownership, appropriation arrangements and the redistribution of productivity gains, so that all of society benefits from the endowment in natural resources. The Executive Secretary added “Improving the governance of natural resources in the region requires countries to build the political consensus and compacts needed for States to capture and channel investment from resource income efficiently into achieving their goals of sustainable and inclusive development”.

Ms. Bárcena explained that Latin America and the Caribbean was rich in natural resources, and some of its countries are among the world’s main producers of

copper, iron, silver, molybdenum, lead and tin, while in 2012 it had the world’s second largest tested oil reserves (after the Middle East) - with 20% of the earth’s total - and 52% of the world’s soya production (16% for meat and maize and 11% for milk). The region also has a third of the earth’s freshwater reserves and 15% of the planet’s farmable land, as well as being a major source of biodiversity. Norway’s Ambassador in Chile, Hege Araldsen, described her country’s experiences in ensuring that the benefits from exploiting natural resources were enjoyed by the entire population.

According to the Ambassador “Achieving this objective necessitates an inclusive and democratic system, robust and competent public institutions and a society that effectively controls its energy resources”.

At the round table, ECLAC presented its vision on natural resource governance and highlighted the following elements required to build a compact in this area: creating a long-term State policy and strategy to ensure that extraction industries contribute to development goals through productive diversification, structural change and social inclusion; updating countries’ tax frameworks to achieve greater progressivity in State participation; institutionalizing long-term mechanisms for the stabilization, saving and investment of this income; and bolstering the capacity of public

APNU Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge

The damaged car belonging to Adeola Griffith (driver in short pants with hat)

Jumo rules with “Unruly” at Soca Monarch

– calls for an end to ‘bashing’ lyrics

Thirty-nine-year-old

Jumo ‘Rubber Waist’

Primo has proven that he is the best in the local soca industry when the 11th Edition of the Carib Soca Monarch was held at the National Park on Saturday evening.

Primo who performed “Unruly” outshone his 14 other rivals thus taking over the monarchy from Kwasi Ace Edmondson who reigned for one year. This is the third time Primo will rule the

and when artistes ridicule each other, it paints a bad picture. “These performances will be on You Tube… what you think the world will say… Do we look like a nation that will move soca music to another level?’

One of the high points of his energetic performance was the fact that he did not respond to the other performers’ “bad mouthing” and thought that playing it cool and simply would have won the audience and the judges’

monarchy with Edmondson in second command.

Former junior calypsonian, Ernesta Nelson has joined the kingdom for the first time as third in command and Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Robertson settled for 4th in command. The best new comer’s award was given to the ‘fireman’, Jory Hector who performed “Whistle.”

Primo walked away with $1.5 million in cash while Edmonson will receive $500,000, Nelson pockets $250,000 and Vanilla will uplift $100,000. The new comer is expected to receive $100,000.

Moments after being crowned Soca Monarch, Primo called on the artistes to end the “ridiculing” since it does not augur well for the local industry.

He said that there was a time in Guyana when artistes performed “real soca music” during the competition but it has now become a “free style” competition and more so a “sound clash”

In this regard, he stated that the world is watching,

hearts.

Time for this nonsense, he strongly suggest, must stop and urged the artistes to work in unity to develop

that aspect; since they went over the stipulated eight minutes.

The night started with a usually hyped performance by members of the Heatwaves Band comprising Tenecia De Freitas, Calvin Burnette and Mark Batson. Their energetic performance set the tone for the evening.

First to take to the stage was the then defending champion, Edmondson who set the bar for the other contestants to follow. At that point in time, persons thought that the only contestants that could have better him were Primo, Bonesman and Vanilla.

The newly crown king also believes that those who wish to participate in the 2016 Carib Soca Monarch should submit their entries in September. This, he noted will give the selection committee enough time to review the songs and give positive criticisms.

“Tell them if their tune need some modifications… send them back and let them get it right… once this is done, the competition will be much cleaner”, the king stated.

However, the final of the 2015 Carib Soca Monarch turned into a sound clash and free style competition. Several of the artistes went on stage “talking” and for a moment, persons thought

the industry. Nevertheless, he thanked his sponsors, family, friends and fans for believing in him. Now, he has the chance to represent Guyana at the International Soca Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago in 2016.

that they were listening to a standup comedy show.

The artistes were judged on a number of criteria, including clean diction and originality; timings also played a critical role.

Several of the contestants received low scores in

monday, february 16, 2015 |

Love

Valentine’s Day is unique in a sense that many people around the globe celebrate it by showing their appreciation for the ones they love. Some people go as far as to propose or even getting married, whereas others take their loved ones for a special romantic dinner.

Narine Dat Sookram

It is not uncommon for people give greeting cards and roses to that someone ‘special’ person in their life. And for those who are not in any sort of ‘romantic’ relationship, the tradition has gone as far where many people will take the time to show appreciationto their close friends as well.

I am not too clear as to how Valentine’s Day originated, but many sources believe that it stems from the story of St Valentine, a Roman priest who was martyred on or around February 14 in the year 270.

How he became the patron saint of lovers remains a mystery, but one theory is that the church used the day of St Valentine’s martyrdom to Christianize the old Roman Lupercalia, a pagan festival held around the middle of February. Regardless of how it originated many people use symbols of hearts, the colors red and pink, and roses to celebrate this romantic tradition.

I was very curious to get people’s views on what their thoughts on love is and this is what they had to say:

“Love is one such thing essential to survive as air and water do. Really, for all the problem we have every day, love is the only means that could soothe us.”

“Honestly without love, you’d probably feel discouraged and would not be all that successful in life. Your parents want you to be successful. Without their love though would you be thinking is it really worth my time going to school? Without love there’d just be hate.”

As the competition went full steam ahead, some performers sang off key, their stage presentations were outrageous and their vocals were not up to standard. Some of the artistes also politicised the monarchy as though it was a calypso competition.

President Donald Ramotar was featured in a few of the songs which were described as distasteful.

George Anthony Abrams had a fantastic stage presentation but for some reason, he did not garner the crowd’s support with his tune titled “Mirror”. The crowd also booed off Levar Gittens who was a wreck on stage. NCN’s Avalanche did not do justice to his performance and as such, some of his fans thought that it is time he steps up his game.

Nelson joined the flock of ‘talkers’ to bash media reports about her performance at the semi finals of the competition held in Berbice, which was totally uncalled for, claiming that the reports were inaccurate and bias.

Lady ‘T’ on the other hand performed satisfactorily to the audience but the crowd was paying more attention to one of her dancers, who was slinging from the beams of the stage.

Another performer who would have performed credibly was ‘Bonesman’ with his tune ‘Ebola’ but coming down to the end of his performance; he took time to freestyle hitting back at the pervious performers, especially Edmondson.

While Jory Hector is a new comer to the competi-

“Love is a bond between anything and everything, so it is said by some saints love is God and God is love. So one can understand its importance.”

“Because love only can make you and others happy, sadness can make only cry others, if you spread love to others it will double itself and so on. Love is important for peaceful and happy life.”

Based on the amount of love I see during Valentine’s Day, it’s very easy for me to say that love is universal, which can be felt by every living being in this world. Even for love, I don’t think there is any definition to describe it feels, but it can certainly be characterized as a sense of affection towards somebody we love for example. I actually wrote a whole book about love particularly, because I think that love satisfies our emotional needs as a human being.

I think it’s important for us to remind ourselves that we as human beings, we have that natural ability of giving and feeling loved.

For example, when a child is born, parents will sometimes forget to eat, but will make sure the child is well fed. I hope everyone have had an opportunity to show love in an effective way on Valentine’s Day, because this is what is missing from our society today.

For questions, comments or to suggest a topic, please email them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

tion and has performed satisfactorily, there is room for a lot of improvement. His performance mirrors a clash between him and Magnum. His dancehall skills were evident and the soca hardly came over to the audience.

Vanilla’s performance was very creative from the beginning to the ending. She is indeed a veteran in the

game but for some reason the judges always score her less that her rivals as was seen in Saturday’s competition. She, however, has her eyes on becoming the Road March Competition come February 23. The event came to an end just after 4:45h without any recorded incidents.

Jumo "Rubber Waist" Primo being carried by his supporters after being crowned king on Sunday morning

Ernesta Nelson performing her piece titled “Ain’t stopping”

Second place winner, Kwasi Ace Edmondson performing "Forking"

Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Robertson during her performance at the National Park on Sunday

George Anthony Abrams performing his tune "Mirror"

Letter writer

was selective as a historian

Dear Editor, I currently hold the PPP/C sole appointment since 1992 of Secretary to the Defence Board of Guyana. I have served under five Executive Presidents/ Commanders-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and five Chiefs-of-Staff of the GDF since October 1992.

I disclose those credentials to support my unique perspective into Guyana’s civilian-military relationships and its development. A letter writer, Mr Branch, like so many others, is selective as a historian and sadly lacking in his appreciation of sociological norms.

To merely describe the years of the PNC’s party paramountcy as a “horrible wound” panders to impressions of denial. Sociologically, to expect the history of that era to be easily vitiated by current interventions is without foundation and precedence.

What the goodly writer has missed is the PPP/C’s careful cultivation of civilian-military relationships over the past 23 years, promoting the very healing to which he apparently subscribes.

I contend that a regime that was committed to divisiveness and entrenching ethnic insecurity would have kept the military bogey man alive, quite the opposite to what the PPP/C Administration had done and is doing.

I defy any reasonably Guyanese knowledgeable in matters concerning the military and the PPP/C civilianmilitary relationship to establish PPP/C policies and practices that diminish the status of the GDF.

As an amateur sociologist, I lament and repeat the disappointment I personally felt by my friend, Brigadier (ret’d) David Granger’s design to lead a political party that is attracting openly managerial support from other retired military servicemen and women and assumedly from active ones too.

He too disregarded sound sociological principles that I fear has the potential of negatively impacting on citizens’ confidence in their military.

Dr Roger Luncheon

Head of the Presidential

Secretariat

Guyana’s LCDS is well on track

Dear Editor, Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) launched by former President Bharrat Jagdeo on June 8, 2009 is so far well on track. Guyana’s deforestation rate of 0.068 per cent continues to be one of the lowest in the world, which tells of the hard work and commitment of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) to continuously achieve good forest performance to fight against global climate change.

The European Union (EU) Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) process in Guyana continues to move forward with continued relevant stakeholder consultations with the active participation of Guyana’s indigenous/Amerindian communities.

Led by the GFC, with over sight functions by the National Technical Working Group (NTWG), the FLEGT/ VPA process will be completed by 2016, with the signing of a VPA with the EU to ensure continued good forest

This Feb 2014 Essequibo

Coast accident needs investigation

governance and that all forest products from Guyana entering the European market have been legally harvested, since the FLEGT/ VPA agreement is about combating illegal logging, thereby stopping the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

This is why the EU FLEGT/VPA is an enabling activity of Guyana’s LCDS supported by both Guyana and Norway.

Unfortunately there are unpatriotic elements among us in Guyana who are wickedly bent on stopping Guyana’s FLEGT/ VPA process, since initially they were unable to stop the agreement between Guyana’s and Norway for Guyana’s LCDS.

But these hindrances to Guyana’s Forest protection programme lack credible reasons for doing so and it is important that the forest experts from the EU recognise this before they themselves become counter-productive to Guyana’s EU FLEGT/ VPA process.

Peter Persaud

Dear Editor,

The Police file which was sent to the DPP’s office for advice almost one year later in relation to the death of seven-year-old Adre Daniels in an accident with a hire car on the Goodhope Public Road, Essequibo Coast in February 2014 has been returned to the district with instruction to hold an inquest.

During the entire period, the victim’s mother, Anita Lucas, claimed that updates were never given to her by investigating ranks from the Suddie Police Station, which she deemed to be very much unacceptable. She is being restricted from going places due to her financial position.

Out of sympathy for the woman who suffered an irreparable loss of her child, contact was made by me with the Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis to ascertain the present position and he was very

helpful and co-operative in providing the information.

With her frustration and stress mounting all the time to know what was really taking place with the matter, she related to me that a female villager was generous to take her to the DPP’s office during the latter part of last year, and there it was revealed that the arrival that the file was still being awaited.

From all appearances, it would seem that after almost one year after, the file was sent only last month. What could have caused the protracted delay remains unknown, but its return was done expeditiously.

The victim was said to have just entered the main road walking out of a side street when he was involved in an accident with a hire car at about 6:30h.

For reasons best know to the driver, four days later, he

Real empowerment

Dear Editor,

The recent promise of the 10 per cent reduction in electricity rates is a very refreshing piece of news for all of Guyana. I really started thinking about some things, when I learned about this drop, which has already started to have positive trickle down effects on all of Guyana. I cannot help but be grateful for the general boost to the entire public.

Already, I am hearing of the ease of private vehicle owners (when they go to fuel up) and I am very puzzled why taxi drivers and minibus drivers are still not lowering their fares.

We must remember that electricity is a contentious issue in Guyana, and it was addressed at the macro level, time and time again. I note that the President spoke of empowerment, referencing to this lowering of fuel price, with a simple fact that “a penny saved is a penny earned”.

Very simply put, and in my case, I am saving $2,000 per tank (small one too) at all of the Guyoil gas stations. It means that I have more disposable income, and this, in a very basic way is one facet of empowerment.

I now go to the big picture and I think of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project and its huge potential for Guyana.

This project will generate electricity for the national

grid (Guyana Power and Light) with future expansion capacity to power major industrial growth projects within the country.

Current power demands also exist in the bauxite and gold mining industries, In fact, at the production level, every aspect stands to benefit.

As of now, the fuel price is down, but this may not be sustained. This makes mandatory this hydro project. Guyana is spending about a quarter of its Gross Domestic Product to purchase fuel, and most of this (anyway) is going to fossil-fuelled electrical generation equipment.

Outside of the economic advantages where hydropower is concerned, we are all aware of the fact that there is no air nor water pollutants to worry over. We can quit worrying too about greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide, and happy that the natural balance in an ecosystem is not disturbed.

To make matters very clear, where the hydropower project is concerned, all of Guyana will benefit in a massive way - people will have more to spend and the government will have more to invest.

I add the great environmental benefits to accrue, and I say that this is what ‘empowerment’ is really all about. Yet, the opposition parties are adamantly blocking this pivotal

signed a document under the bold heading: “Agreement to settle Police matter”, which was drafted by nearby Justice of Peace (JP). Such a document to the best of my knowledge is not legally binding and was absolute rubbish to be put in the waste paper basket, but quite manifestly it was done for monetary gains with no one in authority to protect the society from the ongoing malpractice.

In the agreement, copy of which is in my possession, the victim’s father, Leroy Daniels signed to settle the matter for $300,000 of which and advance payment of $200,000 was made.

No date was mentioned for the payment of the remaining balance of $100,000, which still remains unpaid up to this day, with the victim’s mother not knowing what to do, or who she could approach for assistance to get the money.

project.

I mean that almost everybody, if he/she is in the right frame of mind, agrees that Guyana is in great need of hydropower. This project is the most viable solution for Guyana’s electricity needs.

I was reliably informed that if hydropower should come on stream, then the cost for electricity for consumers for the first seven years of the operation of the project would be down by 40 per cent; “not ten and not temporarily.” I add this that after the next 13 years, the cost will be down by a massive 70 per cent.

I point out that the government subsidises GPL every year, but if the hydropower project is here, then this hefty sum can be put to other use. GPL will by then be quite viable, as the money earned from selling electricity will pay the loans.

What a bigger relief when all debts incurred will have serviced. It means even more money in Guyana.

I remind readers that the few people from the opposition, who are condemning the project, were at one time in full support of it.

They know the value of this project and to find that they cannot relent and allow it to go forward, is a clear indication that their politics is about personal grudges, vendetta and lust for power.

There is no rationale for thwarting this plan of action. Even now as the electorate,

The diver never made contact with her since he signed the agreement on February 18, 2014 and according to her, he was not detained nor put into custody, as would normally be done in such a serious matter.

In my humble opinion, this JP needs to be investigated and charged with preventing the course of justice by stating in the agreement that no further Police or legal action will be taken in the matter. It would be useful for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, or any other person in authority, to look into the predicament of the victim’s mother, whose husband is working away from the home presently.

“Who feels it knows it” and she rightfully deserves much assistance, having to take care of three other children as well.

Baliram Persaud

all across Guyana, are enjoying the benefits of this lowering in their expenditures, they need to realize what great benefits are in store for them and their country, that is, if the PPP/C is allowed the chance to pull it off – the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Power Project. I, therefore, join Government in reminding all of Guyana that the drastic fall in fuel prices on the world market will not remain in the current state forever, and therefore, Guyana should be looking ahead for ways and means of generating electricity at a lower cost.

The funny thing is that the hydropower project is all about our own permanent good; it is empowerment at every level, and yet A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are seeking to derail it.

I am glad that President Ramotar himself said that the Government is looking to restart work on the Amaila Falls Project.

I recall that both the AFC and APNU had promised the electorate in their respective manifestos in 2011, to bring hydro-power on stream, in recognition of the need to provide energy at a cheap cost.

They know the truth, but their evil politics is taking precedence. So all I can say is that the population must be wiser that time – May 11, 2015.

Raghunandan Singh

Dear Editor,

A lot of slackness which enables Government employees to enrich themselves by dishonest practices in breach of the law is taking place in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), with yet another one surfacing at the Fire Station in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, where receipts are not issued for the payments made by members of the public.

Just over a week ago, it was at the Public Health Department, in the same town, where millions of dollars over the years were

fraudulently obtained from business owners for the issuing of Sanitary Passes, which are absolutely free. But they had to pay between $500 and $1,000 annually to get one.

From complaints reaching me about the malpractices taking place at the Fire Station, I had a discussion with the officer-in-charge whose response was utter nonsense.

According to the officer, the department was not issuing receipts for payments made because the person do-

ing so never made a request for this to be done.

As far as I am aware, the Department is duty bound in keeping with financial regulations to issue a receipt for any transaction, and it is very much absurd for persons who made the payment to make a request to get a receipt.

In the absence of not being provided with receipts, the monies collected cannot be accounted for, with Government being taken for a ride, and losing cash which it badly needs to improve the welfare of the

country all the time. As a guide to the public in years gone by, notices were posted at conspicuous places in Government offices to obtain a receipt for any payments made, but in its absence problems will be inevitable.

The responsibility lies on the Government to ensure that this anomaly is rectified once and for all.

Balliram Persaud

Windies ready to go – Holder

Captain Jason Holder says West Indies have turned the page on the turbulent last four months and are hoping to use the ICC Cricket World Cup as their renaissance. Caribbean cricket has been embroiled in chaos since last October when the one-day squad, of which Holder was a part, walked off the tour of India in protest over an unresolved contracts impasse.

However, the newly installed skipper believes the chaos was now behind them and that Sunday’s opening game against Ireland would be a turning point.

“Everything is done and dusted in my opinion. We’ve moved on from it … we’ve put it behind us and we’re ready to go [for Sunday’s game],” Holder told reporters.

The aborted tour was followed by a standoff between the players, the West Indies Cricket Board and players union, WIPA, which required the in-

tervention of St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

One-day captain Dwayne Bravo, spokesman for the players on the India tour, and senior player Kieron Pollard, were then both controversially axed for the five-match one-day series in South Africa and the World Cup campaign.

The inexperienced 23-year-old Holder was named to replace Bravo, and oversaw his side’s 4-1

thrashing in the South Africa series.

Holder said he had taken the events of the last few months in stride and insisted it was crucial to the side’s World Cup chances that they also move on from the debacle.

“It’s not that hard in my opinion [to move on]. Obviously you go through tough times in cricket and it is important that you just move on from it,” Holder explained.

“You take what you can

Volcanoes beat Jamaica in 3 days

from it and then move on positively. In the sense that we’re starting a new campaign [in the World Cup] I think it is important that we all just put our minds on it and play some good cricket for West Indies.”

He was also quick to dispel the idea that the senior players in the side were not pulling their weight.

“The commitment from the senior guys has been there all the time,” Holder stressed.

“The guys have been very energetic and they’ve put in a lot of work behind the scenes. Obviously we didn’t get the results we wanted previously but we’re upbeat about [the start of the World Cup].

West Indies play Ireland at 11 am (6 pm Eastern Caribbean time) at Saxton Oval.

They have been installed in a tough Group B alongside the likes of reigning World champions India, South Africa, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and United Arab Emirates. (Windies Cricket)

Red Force headed to thrilling end against Barbados

Rookie Shai Hope finally delivered on his immense promise, stroking his maiden regional first class hundred to put Barbados Pride in a strong position to beat Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in their sixth round WICB Professional

Cricket League contest.

The right-handed Hope finished unbeaten on 111, an innings that propelled the hosts to 278 for five declared, on the third day at Kensington Oval here Sunday.

Carlos Brathwaite smashed an entertain -

SCOREBOARD

M Richards 9-3-30-1, I Khan 26-7-74-2, D Davis 11-131-0, Y Cariah 7-2-28-0. T&T Red Force 2nd Innings (Target: 336) E Lewis Retired Hurt 4 I Khan not out 12 M Richards not out 1 Total: 0 (8 Overs) 17 Barbados Pride 2nd Innings Bowling: M Cummins 3-0-120, J Warrican 3-2-1-0, A Nurse 1-0-1-0, R Chase 1-0-3-0.

ing unbeaten 59, Roston Chase got 46 while Kirk Edwards scored 24.

Leg-spinner Imran Khan picked up two for 64.

At the close, Red Force were 17 without loss in pursuit of 336 for victory, with Monday’s final day looming.

Resuming at their overnight 15 without loss, Barbados slumped to 57 for three in the second hour.

Kyle Corbin failed to add to his overnight four, bowled off stump by fast bowler Shannon Gabriel at 17 for one in the day’s fourth over.

In the next over with no runs added, captain Kraigg Brathwate was taken behind driving at seamer Marlon Richards for seven and Kirk Edwards’ run of poor form continued when he was stumped off Imran Khan at 57 for three.

Hope then came to his side’s rescue in an innings that spanned a shade under five hours, lasted 221 balls and included eight fours and two sixes.

He shared two three significant partnerships that hurt Red Force. He added 88 for the fourth wicket with Chase who hit four fours and a six off 97 balls in nearly two hours at the crease and the put on a further 45 for the next wicket with Shane Dowrich who made 19.

However, it was the 88run, unbroken sixth wicket stand between Hope and the aggressive Brathwaite that deflated Red Force.

Brathwaite faced just 61 balls, crunching three fours and five sixes, to dominate the partnership.

He reached his fifth first class half century with two successive sixes.

(Windies Cricket)

West Indies offspinner Shane Shillingford grabbed a six-wicket haul to become the leading wicket-taker in regional first class cricket, as Windward Islands Volcanoes crushed Jamaica Franchise by an innings and 22 runs inside three days here Sunday.

The Dominican finished with six for 31 – his 28th five-wicket haul in first class cricket – to send the visitors tumbling for a disappointing 102 in their second innings on the penultimate day off the sixth round clash at the Arnos Vale Stadium.

In the process, Shillingford surpassed Guyanese leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo’s record of 325 wickets.

Carlton Baugh top scored with 24 and John Campbell got 22, but they were the only batsmen to pass 20 and two of only three to get into double figures.

Volcanoes had earlier wrapped up their first innings for 328, with Andre Fletcher converting his overnight 102 into 124.

Alston Bobb added just two to his overnight 21 while seamer David Bernard claimed five for 57 and leg-

spinner Odean Brown, three for 83.

Leading by 124 runs, the Windwards quickly pressed home their advantage by grabbing wickets at regular intervals.

The rot started when Nkrumah Bonner offered no shot to one from left-arm seamer Kenroy Peters and was lbw for 18 with the score on 25 for one.

In the next over, Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood was caught at short leg by Tyrone Theophile off Shillingford for five at 30 for two and Jamaica were in strife when captain Tamar Lambert was run out for one by Keddy Lesporis’ direct hit from mid-off.

Tottering on 47 for three at lunch, the slump continued after the break as Shillingford continued to run through the innings. The 31-year-old went past Nagamootoo’s record when he removed Campbell shortly after the resumption and Lesporis’ brilliant onehanded catch at the edge of the boundary to account for Horace Miller for two off left-arm spinner Bobb, reiterated Jamaica’s fate. (Windies Cricket)

Jason Holder

India trounce rival Pakistan in World Cup opener

If Adelaide had never seen anything quite like it, the noisy hordes of India and Pakistan supporters were well and truly familiar with this tale. A Virat Kohli hundred and supporting hands from Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina lifted India to 300 for 7, and the task of claiming victory proved beyond Pakistan for the sixth time out of six in this most intense of World Cup fixtures.

Just as the “sell-out” crowd of 41,587 fell some 10,000 short of Adelaide Oval’s capacity, the contest did not quite reach the heights many had hoped for. Pakistan’s chase of 301 was too jittery, and the captain Misbah-ul-Haq was left in the familiar position of keeping his head while all around him were losing theirs. Misbah’s innings ran Kohli’s close for the best of the match, but it was the collective effort of India’s batsmen that made the difference - Dhawan and Raina also contributed substance.

MS Dhoni then marshaled his men skilfully, cajoling strong spells out of Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma and R Ashwin on a surface that slowed a little as the match wore on. India received one helping of assistance when Umar Akmal was given out caught behind off Ravindra Jadeja via DRS referral, based on evidence that seemed circumstantial at best, but in truth the match had already begun to slope away from Pakistan.

The loss of Ahmed Shehzad followed by Sohaib Maqsood in the space of three balls from Umesh, after the establishment of what seemed a sound platform, was the hammer blow to Pakistan’s chase, leaving too much for the middle order to do in a team featuring the explosive but never completely reliable Shahid Afridi as high as No. 7. Shami’s four wickets were a just reward for his efforts, which began with the early wicket craved by MS Dhoni, when Younis Khan mis-hooked and was taken behind by India’s captain.

That sort of a start had been made all the more important due to exemplary death-bowling by Pakistan. As well as Kohli played in a worthy reprise of his twin hundreds on this ground in last year’s Border-Gavaskar Test match, India did not

SCOREBOARD

India innings (50 overs maximum)

RG Sharma c Misbah-ul-Haq

b Sohail Khan 15

S Dhawan run out

(Misbah-ul-Haq) 73

V Kohli c †Umar Akmal

b Sohail Khan 107

SK Raina c Haris Sohail

b Sohail Khan 74

MS Dhoni*† c Misbah-ul-Haq

b Sohail Khan 18

RA Jadeja b Wahab Riaz 3

AM Rahane b Sohail Khan 0

R Ashwin not out 1

Mohammed Shami not out 3

Extras: (lb 2, w 3, nb 1) 6

Total: (7 wickets; 50 overs) 300

Did not bat: UT Yadav, MM Sharma

Fall of wickets: 1-34, 2-163, 3-273, 4-284, 5-296, 6-296, 7-296.

Pakistan Bowling: Mohammad Irfan 10-0-58-0, Sohail Khan

10-0-55-5, Shahid Afridi

8-0-50-0, Wahab Riaz 10-049-1, Yasir Shah 8-0-60-0, Haris Sohail 4-0-26-0.

Pakistan innings (target: 301 runs from 50 overs)

Ahmed Shehzad c Jadeja b Yadav 47

Younis Khan c †Dhoni

b Mohammed Shami 6

Haris Sohail c Raina b Ashwin 36

Misbah-ul-Haq* c Rahane b Mohammed Shami 76

Sohaib Maqsood c Raina b Yadav 0 Umar Akmal† c †Dhoni b Jadeja 0 Shahid Afridi c Kohli

b Mohammed Shami 22

Wahab Riaz c †Dhoni b Mohammed Shami 4 Yasir Shah c Yadav b MM Sharma 13

Sohail Khan c Yadav

b MM Sharma 7

Mohammad Irfan not out 1

Extras: (lb 1, w 10, nb 1) 12

Total: (all out; 47 overs) 224

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-79, 3-102, 4-102, 5-103, 6-149, 7-154, 8-203, 9-220, 10-224. India Bowling: UT Yadav 10-050-2, Mohammed Shami 9-1-35-4, MM Sharma 9-0-35-2, SK Raina 1-0-6-0, R Ashwin 8-341-1, RA Jadeja 10-0-56-1.

quite get away as they would have wanted on a hot day and a blameless pitch. This was down largely to some excellent work with both new and old ball by Sohail Khan, supported by Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz.

When Raina and Kohli were motoring towards the end of their 110-run stand, it seemed as though 330 was plausible. As it was, only 21 runs came from the final four overs. Sohail claimed five wickets when he did MS Dhoni for too much pace and then Ajinkya Rahane for too little with the first two balls of the 50th, narrowly missing a hat-trick when his yorker beat not only Mohammed Shami but also the off stump.

It may even have been better for Pakistan. Kohli offered a pair of difficult chances, and Pakistan needed to clasp at least one of them in order to restrict India to a less lofty total. Yasir Shah could not hold onto a running chance at deep midwicket when Kohli had made just three, and on 76 a well-pitched, left-arm orthodox from Haris Sohail evaded the gloves of Umar Akmal.

Misbah might also have miscalculated slightly when he gave the ball to Afridi before Yasir. While Afridi’s greater experience merited his introduction, Yasir was not called upon until Kohli and Dhawan were well set, and struggled to contain rather than seeking wickets against batsmen less sure of themselves - his final figures a barren 0 for 60 in eight overs.

Masses of spectators from India had assembled at the Oval’s southern plaza before the match, with another gathering at the Rotunda in Elder Park across the Torrens River. Pakistan’s gathering was smaller but resplendent in a mass of green shirts in the lower tier of the eastern stand. (Cricinfo)

Miller, Duminy dominate to lead SA to World Cup opening win

Adecade. That’s how long it’s been since Zimbabwe had South Africa four down with the team’s hundred still a way away. Opportunity beckoned, but David Miller and JP Duminy heard the call louder. Their counterattacking centuries reinforced the skill that runs down this mighty batting line-up, as a score of 83 for 4 grew into 339 for 4 and the world record for the fifth-wicket partnership was updated to 256 off 178.

Perhaps Zimbabwe took heart from that. Perhaps the team talk was if their opposition could do that with a poor start, what might happen if the top order stood up to be counted. Chamu Chibhabha, back after nearly two years in ODI exile, and Hamilton Masakadza, playing his first World Cup in a 13-year career, decided

to test the theory. A refreshing partnership began, but it could only extend to 105, and the ones that followed were cut short before they could pry the match from South Africa’s hands as they won by 62 runs. Zimbabwe lost it when their bowlers lost it in the final overs. The result was a numbing mix of sixes off over-pitched balls, sixes off full tosses and sixes off short balls. The wresting of momentum appeared very stark as the fielders began giving up on chasing the ball once it cleared the infield. And those were the lucky ones for Zimbabwe. Miller tonked one that soared over the square-leg boundary and may well had disrupted the traffic outside the ground. Solomon Mire was the bowler and this was how that over, the 48th of the innings, went: 6 4 4 6 4 6 - that’s more

SCOREBOARD

South Africa innings (50 overs maximum)

Q de Kock† c Ervine b Chatara 7

HM Amla b Panyangara 11

F du Plessis c †Taylor

b Chigumbura 24

AB de Villiers* c Ervine

b Kamungozi 25

DA Miller not out 138

JP Duminy not out 115

Extras: (lb 1, w 16, nb 2) 19

Total:(4 wickets; 50 overs) 339

Did not bat: F Behardien, VD Philander, DW Steyn, Imran Tahir, M Morkel.

Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-21, 3-67, 4-83.

Zimbabwe Bowling: T Panyangara 10-2-73-1, TL Chatara 10-1-71-1, SF Mire

6-0-61-0, E Chigumbura

4-0-30-1, SC Williams 8-044-0, T Kamungozi 8-0-341, Sikandar Raza 3-0-19-0, H Masakadza 1-0-6-0.

Zimbabwe innings (target: 340 runs from 50 overs)

CJ Chibhabha c Duminy

b Imran Tahir 64

Sikandar Raza b Philander 5

H Masakadza c Amla

b Imran Tahir 80

BRM Taylor† c Philander

b Morkel 40

SC Williams c †de Kock

b Duminy 8

CR Ervine c de Villiers

b Steyn 13

E Chigumbura* run out

(de Villiers) 8

SF Mire c de Villiers

b Philander 27

T Panyangara c de Villiers

b Imran Tahir 4

TL Chatara c & b Morkel 6

T Kamungozi not out 0

Extras:(lb 13, w 9) 22

Total: (all out; 48.2 overs) 277

Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-137, 3-191, 4-214, 5-218, 6-236, 7-240, 8-245, 9-272, 10-277.

South Africa Bowling: VD Philander 8-0-30-2, M Morkel 8.2-1-49-2, DW Steyn 9-0-641, F Behardien 5-0-40-0, JP Duminy 8-0-45-1, Imran Tahir 10-0-36-3.

than South Africa made in the first 10 overs. Zimbabwe bowled 23 overs for under six. Eight was the most they had given away until the 37th cost 10. After that, there was a batch of fours between the 45th and 48th that bled 80. While batting, they had been ahead of South Africa’s 262 at the end of the 46th over. The question of ‘what if’ must be haunting them. Miller and Duminy, meanwhile, would be sighing in relief. Their firepower should be celebrated and their patience in constructing a suitable launchpad should not be overlooked. There were 69 balls without a boundary in the middle overs before the tap was turned to full. They blunted some balls that held onto a slow pitch, pinched singles off others to push the run rate higher, and eventually ended up with a score that was nearly a hundred runs more than what they had hoped for.

Duminy was injured when South Africa were knocked out 4-1 in Australia during the lead-up to the World Cup, and today was a measure of how much he contributes to balancing this team. He matched Miller shot for shot in the final overs, might have been better than his partner at exploiting gaps along the ground, and was building himself a useful reputation as the man South Africa like to have in the latter stages of the innings. He was 29 off 37, with one lone four after 30 overs. He finished 115 off 100, and improved his boundary count by 11.

A couple of other vital cogs for South Africa did not have the best day. Dale Steyn’s sting was reduced on a sluggish pitch and Masakadza felt good enough to race down the track and hammer a six to long-off to reach his fifty.

(Cricinfo)

Virat Kohli celebrates his century

David Miller and JP Duminy starred in a world record fifth-wicket partnership of 256 off 178

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VACANCY EXISTS FOR

Neymar scored the opener with an effort that spun in off his foot, before Messi drilled in, tapped home his second and then made it 4-0 from the spot.

Luis Suarez scored the goal of the game when he acrobatically volleyed in.

It was a stunning finish by the substitute that mirrored the excellent performance by Barca, who have now won their last 11 games in all competitions – equalling the streak in 2008-09 under then coach Pep Guardiola.

Barca opened the scoring in rather fortunate circumstances when Neymar’s strike, from Messi’s delivery, spun up in the air before dropping just over the line.

Less bizarre was the Barcelona’s second. Messi was again alert to what was going on behind him, latching on to Marc Bartra’s pass before firing in.

And it was 3-0 14 minutes after the break, when the Argentine forward tapped in after Pedro brilliantly diverted Sergio Busquets’s chipped ball into his path. The 27-yearold then completed his hat-

The

summer signing Suarez. The Uruguay forward, who had only scored four times this season, marked his cameo appearance with on outstanding goal, converting Adriano’s cross from the left with a scissor-kick volley. (BBC

from back page

Simmons, Sammy...

Then there were rumours of unrest in the West Indies side. The moment Ireland invited West Indies to bat, it was going to be a contest between the industrious but limited Ireland who could come undone at any given time against any of the power hitters.

For the first half of the innings the workmen ants had the lumbering elephant in trouble. First it was Dwayne Smith but capable of playing some awesome shots. Only two fielders are allowed outside the circle in the first 10 overs. When one of them is at long-on, it takes some special skill and thinking to hit a catch down his throat. You'd venture a batsman with such skill and thinking won't be averaging more than 20; Smith averages 19 and scored 18 here. Later in that over, Darren Bravo, another talented batsman but possibly the worst runner going around in international cricket, took some time taking his eye patch off and registered the first diamond duck of this World Cup.

Chris Gayle played his slowest innings against a nonTest-playing nation, 36 off 65, avoiding the singles like a faithful married man before holing out to deep midwicket. When Marlon Samuels was caught plumb later in the same over, he proceeded to display self-indulgence by wasting a review. Denesh Ramdin went on to sweep without getting outside the line and missed. There would have been a message in there for Samuels had Ramdin actually got outside the line and missed out on the review, but West Indies until then were too woeful for that.

There was redemption in the air for Ireland until then.

Andy McBrine, the offpsinner chosen ahead of Craig Young and Alex Cusack, known better for his 24-run over in their rout by Netherlands in the World Twenty20, turned the screws on. He began with a maiden to Gayle before running Bravo out. George Dockrell, the other spinner who was bowled for only three overs in Ireland's defeat to West Indies in the last World Cup, then handcuffed the other big hitters and took the three wickets in the middle overs.

The last of those wickets brought together Simmons - second cousin of Ireland's coach, Phil - and Sammy in the 24th over with the excellent DJ at the ground playing Get Up, Stand Up. Sammy and Simmons got up and stood up all right. Sammy edged the first ball he faced, but it went to the left of the first

West Indies innings (50 overs maximum)

DR Smith c Mooney

b KJ O’Brien 18

CH Gayle c KJ O’Brien

b Dockrell 36

DM Bravo run out (McBrine) 0 MN Samuels lbw b Dockrell 21

D Ramdin† lbw b Dockrell 1 LMP Simmons c Dockrell

b Sorensen 102

DJG Sammy c Dockrell

b Mooney 89

AD Russell not out 27

JO Holder* not out 0

Extras: (lb 1, w 9) 10

Total: (7 wickets; 50 overs) 304

Did not bat:KAJ Roach, JE Taylor Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Smith, 7.3 ov), 2-31 (Bravo, 7.6 ov), 3-78

slip. That was about the only mistake he made. In being 8 off 6, Simmons had already shown the urgency some of his senior team-mates hadn't. Sammy hit Dockrell over longoff early in the innings but the two went without a boundary for the next 6.2 overs. It was only when Max Sorensen was brought back to provide West Indies with gentle medium pace that Sammy hit his second six.

It was almost Powerplay time by now, which West Indies began 137 for 5. The field had been set for the first ball of the Powerplay, Dockrell was about to bowl the first ball of it when Sammy realised the fifty of the partnership had come up and took a break to shake Simmons' hand. Sammy had been dominant with 33 off 34. He continued to be dominant through lusty hitting with the 43-run Powerplay. Sammy scored 29 of those.(cricinfo)

(Gayle, 21.2 ov), 4-78 (Samuels, 21.4 ov), 5-87 (Ramdin, 23.3 ov), 6-241 (Sammy, 44.4 ov), 7-302 (Simmons, 49.5 ov) Bowling: JF Mooney 7-1-591, MC Sorensen 8-0-64-1, AR McBrine 10-1-26-0, KJ O’Brien 9-0-71-1, GH Dockrell 10-0-

trick with 26th league goal of the season – a penalty after Ivan Lopez had bundled over Neymar.

Brazilian was later taken off and replaced by £75m

Sport)

Lionel Messi

Belvedere Primary wins GT&T softball cricket

Banks support RHTY&SC anniversary celebrations

Belvedere Primary School, led by a brilliant all-round performance from the talented Harrinarine Adolphus, easily defeated Port Mourant Primary in the final to lift the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Inter-Primary School softball trophy in honour of the Silver Jubilee Anniversary of Guyana’s leading youth organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC).

Playing at the Area H Ground in front of a large and supportive crowd, Belvedere won the toss and restricted Port Mourant to 82-4 off their allotted 10 overs. S Khan top-scored with 30 and received support from T Rahaman (20).

Bowling for the champions, Adolphus took 3-9 from two impressive overs. In response, Belvedere raced to victory with Adolphus returning with the bat to score 35 not out, while his brother, Adrian Adolphus, supported with 21 not out.

Earlier in the morning, Rose Hall Town were defeated by Belvedere Primary with the home team only managing 54 in their 10 overs, with

past Tain 14 runs to win the semi-final match. Port Mourant ended at 16-1 off five balls.

In the third-place match, Tain Primary defeated a hapless Rose Hall Town Primary by 23 runs

appealed to them to stay in school and obtain an education and to Say No to Drugs and Suicide and, most importantly, to believe in God. He expressed gratitude to the management of GT&T for its con-

Adolphus taking three wickets and Haresh Singh making an impressive 27.

Belvedere reached 55-1 as Davesh Singh (24 not out) and Arjune Harrinarine (15 not out) batted well to secure victory in 6.3 overs.

In the other match, Tain and Port Mourant played to an exciting tie. Batting first, Port Mourant rattled up 104 in their 10 overs, with S Khan (40) and Ramaldo Persaud (30) topscoring. Tain responded with 104-4 off their 10 overs, with Devendra Singh making 34 and Eshwar Persaud, 20. The teams then played a Super Over with Port Mourant easing

to make sure the host Primary School ended in the cellar position.

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, said the tournament was a great success, and stated that the cricket coaches of the Club were able to identify several promising cricketing talents for the future.

“The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club hopes to establish from next month a cricket development programme for 40 Under-12 cricketers in an effort to develop players for the future,” he said.

Speaking directly to the young cricketers, Foster

tinued confidence in the RHTY&SC, as the company has been an official sponsor of the club since 1992.

Special thanks were given to CEO RK Sharma, Ajni Hackett and Allison Parker of GT&T.

Meanwhile, the female Inter-Primary School Tournament sponsored by Imran Hamid and Sons General Store will be held on February 26 at the Area H Ground. The Club on March 4 will also be hosting a day of cricket for teachers at the Area H Ground. The main aim of the tournaments is to promote the importance of sports as an alternative to a life on the streets.

Support for Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) as it celebrates its Silver Jubilee Anniversary continues to pour in as the two major banks in the township of Rose Hall Town have come onboard.

Recently, representatives of the banks handed over financial donations to the Club’s Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster during two

Foster hailed the contribution of both Banks and labelled them friends of the RHTY&SC. The Demerara Bank-sponsored Silver Jubilee Spelling Bee Competition will involve the top 12 primary schools in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). The top three schools along with the top students will receive trophies and special prizes.

The RHTY&SC is also receiving support from the Region Six Education Department to organise the Spelling Bee

ceremony, Scrabble competition, educational summer camp, cricket commentary, and annual youth review magazine.

Foster expressed gratitude to the management of the Republic Bank Rose Hall Town branch, especially Manager Harry Das Ghaness, Administrator Seema Brijmal, Supervisor Samantha Leitch and Secretary Karen Seepersaud for their cooperation over the years.

Republic Bank’s support for the Silver Jubilee

simple presentations.

Demerara Bank is the sole sponsor of the Club’s Silver Jubilee Spelling Bee competition for primary school children, while Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited is co-sponsoring the Club’s 25th anniversary souvenirs magazine. Republic Bank has also donated trophies for the Club’s Tribute to Heroes Programme.

Competition, which will be held very soon. Foster expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors and the Management of Demerara Bank for their support over the years.

Republic Bank has been an official sponsor of the RHTY&SC for over the last decade and over the years, has sponsored numerous programmes for the Club, including the annual award

will enable the RHTY&SC to successfully publish its souvenir magazine and host its Tribute to Heroes award ceremony.

Representatives of both banks congratulated the RHTY&SC on achieving 25 years of success and stated that they were proud to not only fulfil their corporate responsibilities, but also to be associated with the RHTY&SC.

GT&T’s representative Lisa McLean hands over the award to the player of the final, Harrinarine Adolphus

The successful Belvedere players pose with representatives of GT&T and the RHTY&SC

Demerara Bank Rose Hall Town Manager Earlene Dawson hands over the sponsorship cheque

Republic Bank Rose Hall Town Manager Harry Das Ghaness presents his company’s contribution to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

Hooper, Stuart running well to start season

By TreisTon Joseph

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) sprint

ace Akeem Stuart is tremendous form, winning one of two 300 metres runs on Sunday at the second development meet held by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) at the GDF Ground, Base Camp Ayanganna.

In the first of the 300 metres races, Stuart clocked a fast 34.6s to win the event to follow up his 300 metres win two weeks ago at the first development meet held at the same ground.

The second 300 metres was won by Bevon Noble of Linden who went a little faster than Stuart, clocking 34.5s.

Meanwhile, Running Brave’s Natricia Hooper is definitely looking to be one

of Guyana’s top youth athletes with her current form, winning the women’s 300 metres in 39.1s. Teammates Avon Samuels and Andrea Foster ware second and third respectively.

Sprint queen Alisha Fortune made her 2015 debut with a solid win in the women’s 80 metres dash, clocking 9.7s to win the event ahead of junior sprint ace Tirana Mitchell, who clocked 10.0s for second.

Natrena Hooper was third with a time of 10.2s.

Winston Missinger easily captured the men’s 2000 metres with a time of 6:01.08s to finish ahead of Odwin Tudor and Larry Nicholas.

Distance star Alika Morgan won the female version of the 2000 metres race, clocking 7:17.1s for the win.

Kezia Morgan was second, while Nikita Wilson was

third.

Devon Barrington made a successful return to the track after a one-year hiatus by winning the men’s 600 metres at the event.

Carifta triple gold medallist Cassey George also looked in decent form by winning the female version of the 600 metres event.

Triple jumper Maurice Gibson is making the transition to the track with a good run in the men’s 80 metres, winning the event in 8.9s to top Ian Campbell who finished second in 9.1s. Devin Collymore was third in 9.2s.

Davin Fraser also seemed in top shape easily winning the men’s 150 metres, looking strong as he pulled away from the field in the final 30 metres.

The AAG will host its third development meet on February 22.

GCB Inter-County U-15 Cricket Tournament... Bowlers give Demerara easy win over

Adisciplined bowling performance from Demerara helped them register an easy seven-wicket win over the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President’s XI on Sunday, at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground.

The game marked the commencement of the GCB Under-15 Inter-County 50over Competition.

Led by left-arm spinner and Captain, Ashmead Nedd (3-1), Demerara, the defending champions, first restricted their lesser opponents for 91 in 41.5 overs.

Jospice Jones (3-22) and Pradesh Balkissoon (2-11), were also among the wickets as the Demerara bowlers were on the money from

the start, denying the opposition the freedom to play their shots.

Sachin Persaud (36);

Milo Under-20 School Football Tournament... Tucville Secondary destroy David Rose 12-0

By TreisTon Joseph

Adisplay of total domination allowed Tucville Secondary School to trounce David Rose Secondary 12-0 when the Milo Under-20 School Football Tournament continued on Sunday at the Ministry of Education Ground.

Led by Shaquan Williams with four goals, Tucville looked liked giants among men as they easily dominated the encounter against David Rose.

Williams scored his quadruple in the 49th, 58th, 60th and 62nd minutes to help outplay a disjointed David Rose side.

Nathan Saul notched a hat-trick in the win with

goals in the 1st, 16th and 25th minutes while Kegan Howard scored a double in the 19th and 32nd minutes.

Dexter Nelson, Jermaine Jack and Dolphin Dominique score a goal apiece in the 50th, 59th and 64th minutes respectively.

Meanwhile, Morgan Learning Centre continued their momentum in the tournament with a 4-0 win against Christ Church Secondary.

Ronaldo Dover’s hat-trick led the way with goals in the 20th, 42nd, and 54th minutes while Wayne Murray scored the opening goal of the game in the 3rd minute to complete the routing.

Former champions St George’s Secondary trounced

Brickdam Secondary 6-0.

The game started terribly for Brickdam as they gave St George’s a gift in the 14th minute of the game with an own goal from Romel Persaud.

However, St George’s showcased their dominance, led by a double from Travis Cottam in the 56th and 65th minutes.

Joshua Williams, Carlton Christian, and Adolph George each had a goal, in the 26th, 60th and 61st minute respectively.

Meanwhile, in the closest game of the evening, St Joseph High School edged Kingston Secondary 1-0 with the lone goal being scored by Lancelot Barker in the 18th minute.

Anil Singh (13); and Christopher Harry (10), were the only batsmen to show some gritty determination.

Demerara then comfortably overhauled the winning target with 27.1 overs to spare. Robin Williams (16); Adrian Hinds (15); and Avin Gangadin (10) were the batsmen dismissed.

Alphius Bookie (13) and man-of-the-match Nedd (3) were the not out batsmen.

Captain Joel Spooner (111) was the only successful bowler in the losing cause.

The other match in round one will be contested on Monday at the Wales Community Centre Ground between Berbice and Essequibo.

Akeem Stuart eases across the line to win the men’s 300 metres

Some of the action during the day’s play

Ashmead Nedd

Simmons, Sammy revive WI; post 304

It was as if West Indies had a long night out in Nelson but forgot to invite Darren Sammy and Lendl. The rest sleepwalked to 87 for 5 through some woeful shots and thinking against Ireland who were accurate with the ball and excellent in the field. Sammy and Simmons, though, rescued them with a 154-run partnership off 21.1 overs, which gave them a shot at avoiding an embarrassing defeat. Sammy's 89 off 67 was highest score for a No. 7 in World Cups, Simmons scored his second ODI hundred, and West Indies scored 167 in the last 15 overs.

Having received treatment on his back a day before the match, Sammy batted through the pain, scything vicious arcs with his bat, kept on punching the air with every shot even

as he limped through for his runs, cursed himself audibly after mistiming one, hit nine fours and four sixes and provided great drama when it seemed West Indies were not going to answer the count. If it reiterated what a grave mistake it was to strip Sammy of the ODI captaincy, Ireland provided a timely reminder of what an error it is to turn the World Cup into a 10-team event come 2019. The Ireland attack was made up of quicks who bowl in the mid-120s and spinners who don't turn the ball. They were going to rely on accuracy and tenacity and clever changes of pace. West Indies had stacked their batting up with many capable of clearing any field in the world, leave alone the pocket-sized but beautiful Saxton Oval in Nelson.

Bishoo spins Guyana to easy win

SCOREBOARD

200

Extras: (9b 2lb 0w 0nb 0pen) 11 Fall of Wickets: 1-28, 2-76, 3-80, 4-104, 5-106, 6-115, 7-119, 8-122, 9-135, 10-200.

Guyana Jaguars 2nd Innings Bowling: R Beaton 8-5-9-0, R Reifer 7-4-13-0, V Permaul 29-14-57-3, D Bishoo 30.15-82-6, N Deonarine 8-217-1, C Barnwell 6-3-11-0. Guyana Jaguars 2nd Innings (Target; 73) V Singh not out 22 R Chandrika c D Thomas

b G Tonge 7 L Johnson* c H Walsh Jr b R Cornwall 36 N Deonarine not out 4

Total: for 2 wkts (19.2 Overs) 73

Extras: (4b 0lb 0w 0nb 0pen) 4 Fall of Wickets: 1-14, 2-67. Leeward Islands Hurricanes 2nd Innings Bowling: G Tonge 4-0-15-1, J Louis 1-0-2-0, R Cornwall 9-3-30-1, S Peters 2-06-0, H Walsh Jr 3.2-0-16-0.

Leg spin ner Devendra Bishoo took six wickets to lead Guyana to an easy win against the Leeward Islands when the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-Day tournament continued on Sunday with its sixth round.

Bishoo took six wickets to bundle out the Leewards Islands for 200 runs in their sec ond innings, leaving the Jaguars with just 73 runs to make for the win.

Sherwin Peters was the highest runscorer for the Leewards with 46, but fell to Veerasammy Permaul, who ended with figures of 3 for 57, while Bishoo had figures of 6 for 82.

Middle-order batsman Leon Johnson steered Guyana home with the bat,

victory.

the

Hooper, Stuart running well to start season

Upcoming World Cup matches (with Guyana time)

Today: 6th Match, Pool A - New Zealand v Scotland University Oval, 18:00h

Tuesday: 7th Match, Pool A - Afghanistan v Bangladesh, 23:30h

Wednesday: 8th Match, Pool B - United Arab Emirates v Zimbabwe, 18:00h

Thursday: 9th Match, Pool A - New Zealand v England, 21:00h

Friday: 10th Match, Pool B- West Indies v Pakistan, 18:00h turn to page 21

Natricia Hooper crosses the finish line to win the women’s 300 metres

Devendra Bishoo scoring 36 to help Guyana breeze to

eight-wicket

Darren Sammy in action as West Indies post a total of 304