Guyana Times Daily - January 29, 2015

President to dissolve Parliament early February

GPL to slash electricity tariffs

Bandit nabbed after breaking into Survival Supermarket

18 Cadets promoted to Ensigns Paris-based call centre talks up Guyana as investment hub NAACIE supports urgent inquiry into sugar industry

thursday, JaNuary 29, 2015 | guyaNatimesgy.com

Paris-based call centre talks up Guyana as investment hub

By Gomatie GanGadin

Despite investigating and refusing to enter the Guyanese market several years ago, citing infrastructure deficiencies, customer services giant, Teleperformance is now slated to open doors in early May, said Executive Vice President - Operations, Teleperformance USA, Mike Corrigan.

The call centre which has its parent company in Paris sought out Guyana as the location for the company’s newest branch based on the fact that it has prime factors which are undeniably attractive for businesses.

According to the Executive Vice President, the company recognises that Guyana was fast becoming a business hub, stating that “Guyana was chosen for our investments because for starters, it is the only native English speaking country in South America. Guyana also has a very high literacy rate and proficiency rate.”

He noted too that the geographical location of the country was also taken into consideration since it is a known fact that Guyana experiences few or no natural disasters. “It’s ideal geographically speaking,

outside the hurricane zone with no natural disasters.

Guyana’s time zone location and accessibility to services in the US market is also a major advantage,” the Executive Vice President said.

He noted that there has been significant political and economic growth with heavy Government input in investments and support of technology, communications and education. Corrigan adding that Guyana has a high US cultural affini-

ty with neutral English accents and as such, will be able to promote the business’s services. He went on to explain that from a transportation perspective, Georgetown is easily accessible via a direct flight from Miami or New York.

Jeff Balagna, Chief Executive Officer of the English-speaking and AsiaPacific region related that the company was happy with its new investment in Guyana, noting that it was not an investment just for

are not only making an investment in capital, we are also investing in the people in Guyana,” Balagna expressed.

Questioned on the cost of the company’s investments in Guyana, Corrigan stated that it was a significant, multimillion-dollar investment.

Streets, Georgetown and is owned by Fazwan Khan, Proprietor of the Discount Store on Regent Street.

the company but for the people of Guyana as well, since the company will be here for a long time to come.

“With English as the official language of the country, Guyana offers an educated workforce, strong infrastructure and a stable overall environment. We are definitely pleased to expand our operations in Georgetown, Guyana, not to just build a facility but also a great longlasting relationship with the local community. We

“We are investing in building a six storey, 48,000 square foot facility with the most current technology and infrastructure available in modern multichannel contact centres. We are trying to create the kind of work place and work environment that we know people will enjoy coming to work every day and our clients will enjoy both visiting... we will also see tangible business performance results,” he said.

This investment which comes at a time when Guyana is battling to reduce its unemployment rate, will be creating some 1500 much needed job opportunities for young Guyanese.

The company has hired a local recruitment agency to staff its operations. The company’s operations will be housed in the six-storied building currently undergoing finishing touches at the junction of Camp and Robb

Teleperformance is a global company, worldwide leader in multichannel customer experience. Founded in 1978 by Daniel Julien, the company currently specialises in customer service, technical support, call centre, debt collection and social media.

The company operates about 135,000 computerised workstations, with more than 175,000 employees across 270 contact centres in 62 countries.

The company conducts programmes in more than 63 different languages and dialects for a wide variety of global companies in various industries.

The company is known to have operations in the United Kingdom, Albania, Brazil, Chile, India, Philippines, China, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Nigeria, Norway, Italy, Portugal, the USA, Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic, Australia and The Netherlands as well as Egypt, Russia, Sweden and Germany. The company has copped several awards over the years including Best Employer Award.

Govt pleased with drop in crime rate

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon has declared that the period of November 15, 2014 to January 15, 2015 saw the lowest crime rate in Guyana dating back to November 2013.

Dr Luncheon on Wednesday during the Post Cabinet Press briefing said that the Government is satisfied with this decrease. He explained that the period from November 15, 2012 to January 15, 2015 was specially treated by law enforcement in Guyana.

He stated that “serious crimes and criminal activities all fell when compared to earlier months in 2014 and also to the same time period in 2013/2014.”

The Head of the Presidential Secretariat attributed this decrease to the increased presence of Police Officers during and after the Christmas season. “During and after that period, law enforcement presence was ramped up and the results are interesting but not unexpected,” Luncheon said.

Dr Luncheon was adamant that more Police presence equals more crime prevention, which he said is vastly supported by the highlighted period of 2014/2015. He said towards the end of last year, the Government increased the establishment of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Special Constabulary and the Customs AntiNarcotic Unit (CANU).

This declaration was made despite what may appear to be the recent crime surge, especially in the case of armed robberies. As recent as January 12, Patricia Sanasie, the wife of a city businessman was executed in front of her Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara home, months after she was accused of paying a “hit man” $6 million to have her husband murdered. Five bullets were removed from the dead woman’s body during her autopsy.

In addition, prior to January 15, 34-yearold Ryan Couchman was shot in the chest after Police Officers suspected him of committing a robbery.

The shooting took place a short distance from where the Soesdyke/Linden Highway meets the East Bank Public Road.

On December 30, 2014, the Police issued a statement which related that a security guard was shot dead during a robbery as well. A father of six was shot in his left leg on December 5, 2014 during an attempted robbery. He fortunately survived.

These occurrences are just a few robberies that took place during the November 15, 2014 to January 15, 2015 period of heightened Police presence.

Teleperformance will be creating some 1500 job opportunities for young Guyanese

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon

Guyana again urged to abolish death penalty

By Svetlana MarShall

Guyana has been commended for the gigantic steps taken since its first Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2010 but it is being urged to institute the requisite mechanisms that would result in the abolition of the death penalty.

This call was renewed as the country’s human rights record was placed under the microscope on Wednesday by the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review Working Group. Leading the Guyanese delegation was Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett who delivered a comprehensive report on the country’s progress before the recommendations were issued based on the assessment. Ireland and Italy were among the 54 countries that advocated for Guyana to establishment a legislative framework that would see the complete abolishment of the death penalty in keeping with the recommendations that were given during the first review.

Ireland’s Representative Breda Lee recalled that Guyana had committed to the holding of public consultations on the death penalty, noting that the country should make good on its promise. “We urge Guyana to commence this process and to introduce a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to abolish it.”

Minister RodriguesBirkett in delivering the nation’s report recalled that Guyana had voluntarily committed to consult on 28 of the 55 recommendations tabled, of which 14 were based on the death penalty.

It was explained that subsequent to the holding of General and Regional Elections in November 2011 and the commencement of the 10th Parliament, a decision was made to present the recommendations to the National Assembly, where a motion was tabled by the Government to have the recommendations sent to the Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC).

Approval was granted by the House on August 9, 2012, and a nine member parliamentary committee was subsequently appointed. Though the work of the Committee commenced in November 2012, deliberations at that level have not concluded to date.

“Although the Parliamentary Special Select Committee did not complete its mandate with regard to the recommendation on the abolition of the death penalty, I wish to report that the Criminal Law Offences Amendment Act of 2010 removed the mandatory death penalty for persons convicted of murders,” the Foreign Affairs Minister told the UN Human Rights Council’s UPR Working Group.

She further pointed out that the amended legislation has made provisions for life imprisonment and imprisonment with the possibility of patrol. “The death penalty was retained in limited cas-

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett in delivering the nation’s report recalled that Guyana had voluntarily committed to consult on 28 of the 55 recommendations tabled, of which 14 were based on the death penalty

es such as murder of a Police Officer on duty, a judicial officer or treason,” Minister Rodrigues-Birkett further explained.

As a result, during the past five years, over 15 prisoners on death row had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment. In the next three years, some of these prisoners will be entitled to patrol. In 2012, one of the prisoners who was on death row was exonerates in 2012, the Minister further revealed. “Amnesty International met the Government in 2014 and is working with the justice institute to advocate for an official moratorium on the death penalty with the aim of its ultimate abolition.”

Other issues that were raised by the participating states related to discrimination against women; discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; alleged Police abuses, including unlawful killings, torture, and ill-treatment; combating all acts of violence against women and girls and supporting victims; prohibiting corporal punishment; access to clean water and sanitation; reducing maternal and infant mortality rates; access by women and girls to reproductive and HIV health services; reducing school dropout rates among girls; improving literacy rates; and Amerindian land rights and mining activities in indigenous traditional territories.

Corporal punishment

In response, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett disclosed that the recommendations on the abolition of corporal punishment, the decriminalisation of consensual same sex adults’ sexual relations, discrimination against

Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and the age of criminality were also submitted to the PSSC.

“The Committee did not conclude its work at the time of reporting but had commenced by focusing firstly on the abolition of corporal punishment, public hearings were held and submissions were received from Government agencies, civil society and experts,” Minister RodriguesBirkett explained.

Based on the consultations done thus far, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said it is evident that the abolition of corporal punishment in schools remains an issue on which sections of society are “staunchly and equally divided.”

She added, “There has been no general consensus in civil society or in the parliamentary committee on the way forward thus far.”

However, she urged the UN Human Rights Council’s UPR Working Group to be cognisant of the fact that the Guyanese Government had instituted the Juvenile Offenders Act of 2010 which

abolished corporal punishment in juvenile correctional institutions. Additionally, the new Childcare Development and Services Act of 2011 prohibit corporal punishment in institutional residences. “We believe that these small yet significant steps have moved Guyana closer towards implementing these recommendations based on a democratic process,” the Minister further told the review group.

Guyana is among 14 states that are being reviewed by the UPR Working Group. The documents on which reviews are based on are the national report (information provided by the State under review), information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and finally information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organisation and civil society groups.

The UPR is a unique process which involves a periodic review of the human rights records of all 193 UN member states. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN member states have been reviewed during the first UPR cycle and 112 thus far during the second cycle. The second review of states aims to highlight human rights developments in the country since its first review and provides an opportunity for states under review to spell out steps taken to implement recommendations posed during their first reviews. The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations of Guyana on January 30.

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

India-US ties

In what has been dubbed a “bromance”, the bonhomie displayed between President Barrack Obama and PM Narendra Modi of India, during the latter country’s Republic Day celebrations, marks a remarkable quickening of the relationship of the leaders of the two largest democracies in the world.

When Obama first acceded to office back in 2008, he made a conscious decision to improve India-US ties, but for various reasons - including the lacklustre chemistry between Obama and the then PM Manohan Singhrelations flagged.

When it comes to relations between a superpower like the US and any other country, too much cannot be read into personal relations. But the evident respect displayed between the two leaders has to have a positive impact on a relationship that is quite vital to US strategic interests.

It was very significant that, for the first time in any meeting between Indian and American officials, Pakistan did not figure on their agenda. It indicates that the US is prepared to engage India into a wider framework that is global in its reach. This is the second summit between the two leaders in six months.

From the reaction of the elephant in the roomChina - to the closer ties implied by Obama’s historic observation of the India Republic Day Parade“superficial”, wider ripples have already been made. It was the first observation by a US President.

It was certainly not a coincidence that while Obama was delivering a Town Hall address to an Indian audience, reflecting the democratic traditions of the two countries, the non-elected Chinese Government was hosting the Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Armed Forces, the power behind the scenes in that troubled neighbouring state.

Apart from the remarkable turnaround in the status of Mr Modi who up to last year was persona non grata in the US, the visit will most definitely improve some critical matters that had been left hanging for some time.

The first one, which should have some impact on our own concerns in the area has to do with nuclear power and climate change. The Indians were pressed to involve US nuclear power generating companies in their drive to move away from the carbon-generating fossil fuel coal, which is their energy generating mainstay.

But they balked at the insistence of the US Government to control the nuclear by products that could be used to create nuclear weapons and their moves to avoid liability for mishaps. In a deal that is not fully fleshed out, it was announced that agreement has been reached to break the logjam. Guyana can benefit if relations between the US and India are less tense on environmental issues, since India plays a crucial role, along with China, in the global negotiations to get the new Climate Change Protocol we all need in place.

The second area is on weapons system procurement and this must have been brought home to Obama when be observed first hand that almost all of India’s military hardware was from Russia.

From the 1960s onwards, when Pakistan and India fought the first of three wars, the US chose to interpret India’s “non-alignment” stance as anti-US and in siding with Pakistan in those conflicts, emerged as the main supplier of arms to that country. India had to turn to Russia, but is interested in manufacturing advanced weapons under US license.

Combating global terrorism would be the third issue that the US and India can find common ground. However, India is home to the second largest population of Muslims in the world and will have to be careful not to fall into the simplistic “clash of civilisations” thesis that appears to have grabbed some influential power centres in the west - including the US.

In the end, President Obama might have offered the best advice to India when he said the latter should avoid a religious schism in its populace.

Kaieteur News article was speculative

Dear Editor, Cognisant of a publication made in the Kaieteur News of January 27, 2015, under the headline, “All disciplinary matters against ‘stripped’ Inspector were dismissed”, the Guyana Police Force wishes to address a number of speculations made in the article.

Firstly, the Police Force wishes to state that Sergeant Alwyn Hoyte was charged on the basis of recommendations made by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) arising out of an investigation into alleged misconduct.

Disciplinary proceedings were instructed by the then Commissioner of Police.

Secondly, with regards to his promotion, the Police Service Commission had requested the personal file of Sergeant Alwyn Hoyte.

The file was retrieved from the custodian, the Staff Officer ‘Administration’ 1, by the Assistant Commissioner ‘Administration’ who dispatched it to the Police Service Commission.

Thereafter, Sergeant Alwyn Hoyte was appointed to the rank of Inspector by the Police Service Commission.

The Commissioner of Police (acting) subsequently informed him of the appointment by way of letter.

The Police Service Commission then rescinded his appointment and Sergeant Alwyn Hoyte was also informed by way of a letter.

At no time prior to the dispatch of Sergeant Alwyn Hoyte’s personal file to the Police Service Commission, nor after the dispatch of the file, were there any discussions between any member of the Police Service Commission and the Administration of the

Guyana Police Force in the persons of the Commissioner of Police (acting) and the Assistant Commissioner ‘Administration’, regarding the promotion of Sergeant Alwyn Hoyte.

The decision of the Police Service Commission to appoint, as well as to rescind the appointment, of Sergeant Alwyn Hoyte to the rank of Inspector were made independent of the Force Administration.

Ivelaw Whittaker Police Public Relations and Press Officer

Poaching versus competitive recruiting

Dear Editor,

The complaint from the Pegasus Hotel management which was headlined in a KN article that the Marriott Hotel is “deliberately stealing employees from local hotels” is tantamount to shooting at the wrong target.

Subject to doing so within the laws of the land, Marriott Hotel, like any other employer, is at liberty to offer prospective employees whatever type or level of compensation, benefits, working conditions etc it can afford in order to attract, recruit and retain

the employees they need.

(Of course, if these are conspicuously out of sync with what is being enjoyed by relatively comparable employees in the same organization then that opens another ‘can of worms’.)

What the newspaper report referred to as “pouching”, obviously meaning ‘poaching’, is not different from what Human Resource practitioners typically call ‘headhunting”, a practice that is au courant among progressive employers, especially those in the competi-

tive, global market place for much needed, desirable employees.

This is a more direct, deliberate, focused form of ‘confidential recruitment’ which is in vogue among the most decent, morally upright and progressive employers around the world; some even offer ‘inducements’ which are legal but might still be regarded by the more ‘prudent’ as unethical; they are still ‘fair game’ in the increasing competition for scarce, top flight human resources.

This is not to deny the inalienable right of the management of our Pegasus Hotel to complain about the reported unfair actions of our Government in the context of alleged unjustified, improper, preferential ‘fiscal concessions” and tax exemptions being allowed to the Marriott Hotel Inc.

However, as was pointed out above, this is another set of issues unrelated to poaching or stealing of employees from local hotels.

Nowrang Persaud

One of the worst acts of hatred and inhumanity

Dear Editor,

One of the greatest human tragedies inflicted on man by man took place 70 years ago in a concentration camp in Auschwitz, Poland.

Many of the survivors of that holocaust, now in their sunset years, have issued a call not to allow a repeat of the crimes that took place

during those sordid years at a memorial ceremony held recently at the site where the holocaust took place.

Over a million lives were lost mostly Jews between 1940 and 1945 when Soviet troops liberated it.

It was undoubtedly one of the worst acts of hatred and inhumanity. Those who

survived the holocaust were children at the time but the scars of that period remained fresh in their collective memories.

Regrettably, the lessons of Auschwitz has not been fully heeded as manifested in so many acts of terror and savage brutality inflicted on people in so many

parts of the world. Despite the International Criminal Court in the Hague crimes against humanity continues unabated.

This is why the call by the holocaust survivors must not be allowed to fall on deaf ears.

Hydar Ally

Engineers test-drive a petrol powered Salamander, an amphibious tricycle, at Taal lake in Batangas city, South of Manila in the Philippines. The vehicle, which was invented by H20 Technologies, is capable of travelling on both land and water, and can be used for rescue operations during flooding (BBC News)

Blizzard, snow storm and New York Guyanese

Dear Editor,

The blizzard like snow storm that hit New York City on Monday and Tuesday shut down large regions of America including schools, parks, public transportation, and most businesses and offices closed but the worse projection of the storm did not pan out sparing the city of further paralysis.

The storm affected everyone including the large Guyanese community in the city. In the little Guyana section of greater Richmond Hill/Ozone/Jamaica/ Woodhaven, most people welcome a day off from duties and Guyanese students from school. But they were forced to be indoors because of the heavy wind, subfreezing temperature, and blocked traffic.

Nevertheless, youngsters braved the dangerous outside elements to have fun in the snow. Conditions were slippery and peoples were seen slipping and falling down on the ice. Youngsters were happy for the snow for it gave them a day off from school and an opportunity to earn money cleaning snow for homeowners and also to have fun playing in the fluffy white stuff.

Guyanese homeowners and family members were seen outside shoveling snow in front of their home, driveway and sidewalk so they can get around outside.

Some people went out to clean snow three or four times during the storm. Some homeowners used snow blowers to clean pavements and driveways and some hired youngsters to clean the snow.

Kids bundled with layers of clothing to store body heat had a fun time in the snow. Some made snowman in front of their home and in the park. Some were seen playing in the snow making snowball and pelting them at each other. Many were on snowboard skiing in the snow. Some improvised with cardboard boxes skiing down slopes in the parks.

Officials ordered government workers to go home early on Monday, banned travel after 8:00, closed certain bridges and tunnels, and assembled the largest contingent of snow clearing vehicles and workers, and even recruited temporary workers to help shovel snow.

They city was like a ghost town on Monday after 16:00h; offices and business were shuttered and delivery

of packages was placed on hold. Trains were slow and were overly packed.

Many Guyanese said it was a struggle to commute home from the city to Richmond Hill.People scrambled to get home. Trains and buses were jam packed from as early as 3:00 P.M. Drivers were warned to stay off the road after 8:00 P.M and some counties declared a state of emergency making it illegal to be outside.

Certain roads and highways were completely shut to vehicular traffic and made accessible only to emergency vehicles.

It was also dangerous with heavy wind and snow whipped across one’s face with piercing hits. At times, it was blinding walking the street in sub-freezing temperatures.

Shops in the Guyanese community also shuttered early and few dared to open on Tuesday morning; even roti shops and restaurants delayed opening on Tuesday. But the bars and rum shops were back in operations on Tuesday afternoon.

Guyanese and students of other background were glad state exams were cancelled on Tuesday hoping they would be granted an exemption for graduation requirement. But they are unhappy to find out on Tuesday that the exams had been rescheduled for Thursday.

The delayed exam made some students nervous. The extra time should make them better prepared to pass the exams required for graduation. Guyanese teachers were glad for a day

off hoping it will not have to be made up in an extended academic year like what happened when Hurricane Sandy struck three years ago.

Guyanese passengers have also been affected by the storm with airports closed and millions of passengers stranded in the northeast.

Thousands of flights were cancelled including Caribbean Airlines which had scheduled services to Guyana and Trinidad. The airline announced it would waive change and cancellation fees for stranded passengers or those re-booking. It was also offering refunds for a $50 service fee.

Weather forecasters warned there would be “crippling amounts” of snow approaching three feet (when piled up becomes a mountain of over many feet). But thankfully it did not pan out that way as the winds blew most of the snow to Long Island (bore the brunt of the storm) and out to sea.

Nevertheless, the Mayor of NY City urged people to stay indoors. Trains were back in operations on Tuesday mid day and roadways were reopened to traffic. Parks were also reopened Tuesday afternoon for youngsters to have a fun time.

What a respite that the snow ended quickly especially for those Guyanese who remember the terrible snow storms of last year and earlier years that shut down the city for days.

In a press conference after the storm queried whether he had concerns about the extra prepara-

West Indies cricket needs complete overhauling

Dear Editor,

There is no doubt that West Indies cricket is getting bad to worse - even the most ardent crickets fans are fed up with both the administrators and the cricketers... two or three decades ago we were the world champions - today we are at almost the bottom of the ladder. What a shame.

Our current players are more concerned with dollars and cents rather than to play for pride and the love of the game. Moreover T20 seems to be “killing” test cricket mainly because of the mighty dollar and the spectators prefer to see the shorter version of the game rather than to witness a five day match.

tions and precautions, the mayor said it is better to err on the side of safety than be sorry later if the worse happened or if tragedy struck.

The Guyanese community was back to normalcy on Wednesday, but it was a battle to navigate the treacherous roads with heavy clothing to stay warm.

Vishnu Bisram

Our players prefer to play T 20 matches for IPL and other sponsors because they are well paid. Keiron Powell for instance is a top T20 player and never played a Test match.

Dwayne Bravo and Dwayne Smith are outstanding T20 players and are being overlooked for Tests and star batsman Chris Gayle is now more recognized as a T20 blaster than an accomplished test player.

Andre Russel who has been described as one of the best all rounders in the

world prefers to play T20 rather than Tests.

Despite the fact the West Indies have outstanding T20 players, as a team we are still at the bottom of the ladder and one wonders what is the problem. The administrators were blamed and there was a complete break down between the players and the West Indies Cricket Board which ended up in a disgraceful spectacle in Dharamsala India when the players refused to play in the midst of a tour and as a result the Indian Cricket Board is claiming US42 million financial loss as a result of the aborted tour.

Fans feels that there should be a complete restructure. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves is calling for the removal of the WICB President Dave Cameron because he failed to honour his agreement.

The entire Board needs to be overhauled, new selectors should be named and the disgruntled players should be banned for life. We do not need three captains and former outstanding West Indies players should be tapped to be administrators.

Oscar Ramjeet

An airport worker de-ices an airplane at LaGuardia Airport, New York (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton)

Page Foundation

Kitchen tasks for different age groups

The following are suggested tasks for each age group. Of course, maturity and dexterity differ in each child. It’s up to you to determine what’s appropriate for your child.

Two to three-yearolds and up

Most toddlers enjoy helping in the kitchen. They are very tactile and love the concept of eating their art project. This age group, however, needs very close adult supervision since their dexterity and motor skills are still developing.

This age group can do the following tasks with minimal assistance: Squeezing lemons or limes, using a plastic juicer, washing produce in the sink, drying produce in a salad spinner; picking fresh herb leaves off stems, ripping them into small pieces; tearing up lettuce, sprinkling dried herbs and salt, using a pepper grinder, kneading dough, scooping potatoes or yams out of the skins, brushing (or “painting”) oil with a pastry brush, using the rolling pin for dough or puff pastry, whisking together vinaigrettes, squeezing water out of thawed spinach, stirring, and mashing.

They will need close supervision to grate, peel, chop

vegetables and herbs with a knife, and break eggs.

Four to five-year-olds and up

In this age group, there is a lot of variability in motor skills, independence,

They also excel at: Dicing and mincing vegetables, grating cheese; peeling raw potatoes, ginger, mangoes and other fruits and vegetables; slicing and scooping out avocados, greasing

and the ability to focus, which means that some children will continue doing the two to three-year-old tasks, and others will feel ready to move on to the six to sevenyear-old tasks.

Six to seven-year-olds and up

This age group usually has developed fine motor skills so they can take on more detailed work, like using measuring spoons and forming evenly sized patties. They may still need reminders to watch their fingers during grating and peeling.

pans, using a microplane zester, de-seeding tomatoes and roasted peppers, draining and slicing tofu, rinsing grains and beans, forming cookies and patties, pouring liquids into small containers, and garnishing (or “decorating”) dishes.

Eight to nine-year-olds and up

There is a wide range of skills in this age group. Some eight-year-olds are not mature enough to work at the stove. Others have the focus and diligence of an adult. You’ll have to decide

if they should continue with the six to seven-year-old tasks or if they are responsible enough to do more. This group can take on more sophisticated tasks such as: Using a pizza cutter and can opener, scooping batter into muffin cups, scraping down the (unplugged) electric mixer bowl and food processor bowl, putting away leftovers, pounding chicken, proofing yeast, skewering food, slicing bread, and chopping hot chili peppers (latex gloves are a good idea!).

10-12 year olds and up

This age group can usually work independently in the kitchen. Before letting them do grown-up tasks on their own, they should have close adult supervision to assess whether they can follow basic rules such as tucking pan handles, unplugging electrical appliances, and safely using a chef’s knife. Once they pass a few of these “tests,” they can move onto basic tasks at the stove (stirring, making eggs) and oven, or using a chef’s knife, without close adult supervision. However, it is recommended that there still be an adult in the house in case of emergency. (www.thekidscookmonday. org)

Kitchen safety basics

(Continued from Wednesday)

Refrigerator and freezers

• Use a childproof door latch, Velcro or buckle type, to secure the door shut.

• Remove refrigerator magnets. Children can choke on small items, and colourful refrigerator magnets are particularly enticing. Warn children not to touch ice-cold surfaces with their tongues. Your child’s tongue will stick to the surface.

For added precaution keep glass bottles and jars off easily accessible shelves and never store batteries or film or other interesting inedible objects in the refrigerator. Remove doors from old appliances you are replacing as soon as the new ones arrive.

Refrigerators as well as coolers, freezers, and other larger airtight appliances can entrap a child who many crawl inside and be unable to get out. Also, as soon s your child is old enough to understand, instruct her never

to hide in any appliance.

Small appliances

Unplug toasters, blenders, coffee makers, food processors, and other small appliances when not in use and store them out of the reach of children.

Use cord shorteners to take up the slack in appliance cords so that the cords are less likely to dangle. Never use a knife or other metal object to unclog a toaster. This could cause electrocution. If something becomes lodged in a toaster, unplug it and wait a few moments before trying to extract it. Shake it loose, or use a wooden spoon to dislodge it.

Dining area

Whether you have an eat-in kitchen or a separate dining room, observe the following:

Repair or dispose of rickety chairs.

• Shove chairs back in place flush against the table when not in use. Don’t let them stand out from the stable where they may be treated as steps for a toddler to climb. Secure tables with center pedestals. Tables that have center pedestals rather than corner legs are more likely to topple over if a child’s weight bears down on the sides. Teach your child never to lean on the table’s edge.

• Make sure tabletops are securely anchored to bases. Be wary of folding or collapsible tables and chairs. Brace them so they are secure around children or remove folding tables and chairs when not in use.

Check for protruding nails, splintered wood, staples, sharp bolts, and jagged edges. Get down on all fours and take a look at the undersides of your tables and chairs. Place fine china, glassware, and other breakable items safely behind closed doors.

• Do not keep a cloth on the dining table. Toddlers are likely to pull it –• and everything on it –down off the table and on top of themselves. (Parents.com)

Region 8 yet to catch election fever – REO

By Alexis Rodney

Regional

Executive Officer

(REO) of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Ronald Harsawack said the political mood has “not yet kicked in” for residents of that region, as they are more concerned these days about addressing pressing issues facing the community.

The REO made the comments during an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, highlighting some of the challenges in the region.

“In terms of the feeling that an election is three months away, I don’t think that has been absorbed fully into the minds of the people of Region Eight as yet," Harsawack told this publication. He opined that it might change as the date

draws closer.

According to the REO, “people are more interested in the day to day activities; to ensure that their child goes to school, to ensure that there is electricity at home, and ensure that proper service is offered when they visit the hospital. That has been the focus up to this point in time”.

Challenges remain

He explained that Opposition parties have been frequenting the region, particularly the community of Mahdia, with what he described as “ad hoc” meetings. He noted that while he was not “too impressed” with the reception they have been receiving, he has noticed that the Opposition has laid out some plans for the region.

The REO related that

while the region has been able to achieve much success over the last year, there remain a number of challenges which prevent officials from working effectively. Potaro-Siparuta situated at the North Pakaraimas is mountainous and highly inaccessible.

Harsawack said the geographical landscape of the region is among the numerous hardships faced by his administration in its attempts to access the two districts which comprise the region.

According to him, sub districts one and two could only be reached by road or air. He said however, that there is a $600 million road network that is currently under construction, and which is expected to be completed in less than two months. At the end of that project, residents

will be able to see trucks and other heavy duty vehicles traversing the area with some level of “ease”.

Telecommunication remains another major challenge in the region, the REO

said. He related that this makes it difficult especially in the event where the administration wishes to make contact with the hinterland villages, or if there is a health emergency. The only access to telephone service is in the Mahdia district, he related.

“So in the North Pakaraima region, there are no telephone providers, cellphones are out. It makes our job more difficult.” This restriction, he said, burdens the regional administration with additional costs to reach residents.

“Notwithstanding, I think we have been doing a credible job in terms of reaching these people”.

Apart from those geographic issues, the REO said there are also concerns in the area which is predominantly a mining district.

He explained that there is a high influx of “coastlanders” who would frequent the district. He said that poses a challenge since persons would bring with them their unique values and norms which he said, puts a strain on the social atmosphere.

The REO, giving an appraisal of 2014, said the administration was able to expend its entire capital budget of $163 million with the construction of roads, bridges, schools and health centres. The region has also seen a steady increase in budgetary allocation for both the “recurrent and capital side”.

“That simply means we were spending more, we were giving more money to the schools, more money to the health centres and more monies to the capital projects and so on,” he said.

Govt debunks claims of discrimination against LGBT community

By sVeTlAnA MARsHAll

The Guyana Government on Wednesday debunked claims that the Administration discriminates against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community here when it came under review at 15th Meeting of the 21st Session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group.

Guyana was represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. In addressing the forum, the Foreign Affairs Minister said her Government is unaware of discrimination claims made by the Society Against Sexual Orientation (SASOD).

At the time, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett was referencing a report that was submitted by SASOD on June 15, 2014 to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council. “The Government wishes to reiterate that the State does not discriminate against persons based on their sexual orientation, and that every Guyanese is entitled to their right to freedom of expression, employment, housing, medical care, as provided in the Constitution, laws and policies of Guyana,” the Minister said in response.

According to RodriguesBirkett, the Government is also unaware of complaints that it discriminates in employment with regards to the LGBT community in Guyana. “Regrettably, these complaints have not been brought to the attention of the Chief Labour Officer, the Public Service Commission or the court’s attention,” the Foreign Affairs Minister told the UPR Working Group.

She emphasised that aggrieved persons in Guyana are free to approach the courts with constitutional motions on their human rights. “To date, there has been one such case in

February 2010, seeking constitutional relief in relations to four men found guilty of cross dressing.”

However, she said Guyana will not deny that there are interpersonal prejudices based on cultural attitudes and religious beliefs. Referencing a survey conducted in 2013, the Minister said it is estimated that 25 per cent of Guyanese are homophobic, thus the model of consultation chosen to deal with this matter.

It was explained that in August 2012, recommendations on the decriminalisation of consensual same sex adult sexual relations and discriminations against LGBTs were sent to a Parliamentary Special Committee (PSSC) after a motion was passed by the

National Assembly. “The mandate of the parliamentary committee also included receiving or hearing submissions on the attitude of Guyanese to changes in the legislative provisions and the criminal code, regarding consensual adult same sex relationships and discrimination perceived or real against LGBT persons,” she explained.

The Foreign Affairs Minister told the URP Working Group that there is nothing in Guyana’s laws prohibiting consensual adult female same sex sexual relations.

She said too that during the period under review, there has been “free and unfettered freedom of expression” by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in-

cluding SASOD, religious organisations and the media on these issues.

Due to the prorogation of the 10th Parliament by President Donald Ramotar, the work of the PSSC has ceased, however, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said Government remains hopeful that issues surrounding the LGBT community will be resubmitted to the National Assembly following the holding of General and Regional Elections which is billed for May 11.

Still dissatisfied

Despite her lengthy explanation, many countries on the Working Group signalled their dissatisfaction, stating that Guyana is among countries that still criminalise same sex sexual relations. “Ireland is gravely concerned that consensual adult same sex relations are criminalised in Guyana. Ireland recommends that Guyana repeal all provisions that discriminate against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity, particularly those which criminalise consensual adult same sex relations,” the country’s representative Breda Lee said.

Similar sentiments were echoed by representatives from Italy, Kuwait, Mauritius and Maldives, among other countries.

However, Jamaica’s rep-

resentative, Cherryl Gordon, like other nation representatives, applauded Guyana for the progress made thus far in meeting the recommendations that were tabled during the first review in 2010.

“We are especially appreciative of the comprehensive information provided in Guyana’s National Report, which gives a very candid and profound summary of Guyana’s economic, social, political and cultural revolution… and the concurrence progress in the country’s human rights architecture. Jamaica notes in particular that Guyana accepted many of the recommendations made during its first UPR and followed through in the promotion and protection of human rights,” Gordon said on Wednesday.

Unreported

Meanwhile, SASOD, which was recently honoured with the prestigious Red Ribbon Award for its work in the category of advocacy and human rights, said research shows that LGBT youths in Guyana face severe discrimination which often goes unreported. According to the organi-

sation, LGBT people have no legal protection on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace.

“The State has failed to address this problem due to a lack of political will and leadership and resource constraints… LGBT youths in Guyana face higher levels of unemployment, underemployment, and if employed, are paid lower wages.”

In the long run, it negatively impacts their ability to access housing, which then affects other key aspects of their lives, SASOD said.

It was highlighted that access to housing, especially for LGBT youths, cannot be overshadowed, particularly, as it relates to building resilience against HIV.

“LGBT youths are ostracised by their families and communities… Without a safe place to stay when faced with homelessness, these youths are likely to drop out of school, become involved in sex work, and use dangerous drugs. These social factors are significant drivers of HIV and cause LGBT youths to come into conflict with the law.”

Region Eight REO Ronald Harsawack

Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

Bandit nabbed after breaking into Survival Supermarket

One bandit was arrested while two others managed to escape following a brazen robbery on Survival Supermarket on Sherriff Street, Georgetown in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

The three men reportedly gained access to the supermarket by cutting the chain-linked fence and then a glass. They were reportedly armed with handguns. The security guard on duty heard strange sounds and went to check, discovering the fence was vandalised and the window cut. As he continued to scan the premise, he saw the three men in the building and advance towards them but the men retaliated by discharging several rounds in his direction.

The men then went in separate directions and it was during this, the security guard managed to hold onto one of them while his accomplices escaped. The bandit, who is in his early twenties, was apprehended and handed over to Police ranks. He is assist-

ing with investigations.

A bag containing several food items that was packed by the bandits was retrieved by the police. When Guyana Times contacted management of the business entity, they refused to give a comment.

This robbery comes days after Marvin King was shot during a robbery at Choke’s Service Station at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara. King and his accomplice, who managed to flee the scene, drove into the service station and held a pump attendant at gunpoint. They took away an undisclosed sum of money and the woman’s mobile phone.

The owner saw what was happening and discharge several round in the direction of the bandits hitting King. He drove off the scene but was later found on the railway embankment with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Man accused of calling woman false names gets bail

Christopher Small was placed on $5000 bail after being charged for harassing a female individual when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on Wednesday.

It was alleged that on January 18 at Carifesta

Avenue, Georgetown, he called Alesha Hodge “a man”, knowing that is not her name with intent to insult or annoy her.

The defendant pleaded guilty with an explanation to which the Magistrate allowed. Small narrated that he was at the seawalls in traffic while Hodge was be-

Port knocker granted bail for allegedly stealing clothes

Thirty-one-year-old

ed $50,000 bail after being arraigned on a simple larceny charge.

He appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore. His charge alleged that on January 25 at Tamakay Landing, Cuyuni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), he stole four jerseys valued $20,000 and two pants valued $20,000 which belonged to Aleem Joseph. There were no facts read in relation to the matter nor were there any bail objections by the prosecution. Watson was then granted bail in a sum of $50,000. The matter will be heard again on February 2 before the Chief Magistrate.

hind. She began to blow her horn to which he got annoyed. He told the court that he came out of his vehicle and rapped at her window but she refused to pull it down. He then went back to his car and drove away. The next day, the Police came to his home and told him that he had to go to court.

The Magistrate entered a not guilty plea based on the explanation that Small gave. There were no objections to bail being granted by the prosecution.

Small was granted bail in a sum of $5000 and is expected to make his next court appearance on February 2.

Son who threatened father, damaged property granted self-bail

– father pleads with court to warn him

Mulchan Sankar, 23, of Lot 40 Agricola Public Road, Greater Georgetown, was placed on a one-year bond to keep the peace after his father Sookdeo Sankar made the request.

The unrepresented defendant appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The cattle herder pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on January 25 at Lot 40 Agricola Public Road, he made use of threat-

ening language to the Virtual Complainant (VC) Sookdeo Sankar.

The other charge read that on the same day, he damaged one kitchen sink valued $10,000, which belonged to Sookdeo Sankar.

The father told the court that is son is a wrecker and that he wants him to get a warning and be placed on a bond for one year.

The Magistrate then released him on self-bail and bonded him to keep the peace for a year.

Eyew tness Free enterprise...

...and a firm handshake

In New York City...otherwise known as Region 11, one old retort to flowery good wishes and praises for a job well done was: “THAT and 50 cents’ll get me on the subway!” “50 cents” wasn’t the hip-hop singer, but the money you needed to get into the subway. The point is - Americans are quite sceptical of empty words - actions are what matters. In their more recent vernacular, “Money talks and bullshit walks!!”

So you could tell there was a whole lot of bullshit spewed and “mamaguying” going on at the just concluded US-Caribbean Energy Security Summit in Washington, when all Guyana got was a picture-op and a warm handshake for PM Hinds. That and US$1450 would get him back to Guyana! What a let down after all the build up. What we’d been told...wink...wink...was the Americans wanted to wean us off those big, bad Venezuelans who’re plying the Caribbean with cheap oil - just to take advantage of us. This, of course, would be so different from what the Americans’ve been doing in the region after they announced their “Monroe Doctrine” back in 1823.

Since then we’ve had their “talk softly, but carry a big stick policy”, “good neighbour policy” and finally a bit of benign neglect following Reagan’s invasion of Grenada in 1983.

Be as it may, we were still the poster boy for “underdevelopment” after all that attention. So when the Americans rolled in last year promising Energy Freedom, you could forgive the sceptics in our midst who figured we received attention the last go around because of communism, and this time because of “Chavista”.

And once Chavista crumbled, so would we... in the eyes of the Americans. But anyhow folks from our littles specs of land in our archipelago trooped expectantly up to Washington. Hope beats eternal and all of that.

And all we got from the US Vice President, the World Bank, OPIC, the State Department and so on and so forthin the inimitable word of Prezzie predicting Nagamootoo’s fortunes when he jumped the PPP/C ship for the AFC - was LARWAH!!! The big Dick!! Jamaica “got” a loan for a wind farm, we heard, but when you read the fine print - it’s an American company that owns the entity.

As for Guyana, you would’ve thought since we were close to Venezuela (literally and figuratively), we would’ve been worth a bribe, no?? But not even a “freck” was extended. We know that Sam doesn’t look like he’s for sale. But wasn’t Lambada also there??

...and labour

AFC’s número uno supporter of the AFC Badal - who funnels his money through FUCOP - is up in arms about the Marriott’s hiring practices. Now Badal’s the owner of the Pegasus and the AFC’s supposed to be the greatest defender of the free enterprise system. They were sponsored - as they’re never tired of reminding everyone - by the Americans, no? But here’s Badal complaining that the Marriott’s “poaching” his workers.

Now let’s back up a bit. Poaching?? What is this?? Badal OWNS these workers?? Did we bring back chattel slavery just when we declared the “Decade of African People’s?? Last time we heard, the Marriott placed advertisements in the papers for qualified workers in the hospitality business. Now who the heck do you think fits that Bill?? Well...duh!! If workers from the Pegasus and other hotels decide to apply to Marriott, under what law would Badal have the Government prevent them from doing so??

Look Badal... As your leader would say, “Haul yuh ass!!”

...and real emancipation

David Granger’s reported to’ve said that less emphasis should be spent of commemorations of “Decade of African Peoples” and more on developing entrepreneurship in Afro-Guyanese communities. This Eyewitness isn’t sure these two goals are mutually exclusive.

Or is it that Granger can’t chew gum and walk at the same time?

Derrick Watson, a port knocker of Charity Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was grant-

Derrick Watson

Survival Supermarket on Sherriff Street, Georgetown

Boodoo in running to be PPP/C’s GECOM Commissioner

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is currently considering candidates to replace Dr Keshav “Bud” Mangal as one of its commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission.

Dr Mangal had resigned from his post at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Monday citing ill-health. The 77-yearold has been serving as a Commissioner since 1990. He along with Mohamood Shaw and Athmaram

Mangar were the PPP current members at the Commission.

Guyana Times was told that the party might be courting former Chief Elections Officer, Gocool Boodoo, as a possible replacement for Mangal. When contacted, President Donald Ramotar told this newspaper that they are currently working on finding the best suitable person for the position. Asked whether they might be considering the former CEO, the President stated that they are look-

gocool Boodoo

Ministry to hold training sessions with private schools

The Ministry of Education through its Planning Unit has embarked on a programme to update its database on private schools and to conduct a series of training sessions with them so that they can provide the information that will be required by the new Education Bill.

The Education Bill 2014 provides for the inspection of private educational institutions with a view to their being granted a permit to operate; establishment of PTAs; granting permits issued by the Minister for the institution or school. This Act applies to every private educational institution or private school providing all or any of the following education-

al services -(a) pre-primary education; (b) primary education; (c) secondary education; (d) special education; (e) instructional services in general education at the tertiary level; (f) instructional services in vocational edu-

cation; and (g) training at the secondary, tertiary and adult levels.

Training has begun with private schools in Region 4 and will commence in Region 6 on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. Dates for the start of training sessions with private schools in Georgetown and other Regions will be announced in the coming weeks. The Ministry of Education is inviting all private education institutions to make contact with the Department of Education in their respective Region to ensure that their school is on the list of participants. The Education Bill of 2014 was read for the first time in June 2014 in the National Assembly.

Govt to work with external contractor to correct fibreoptic cable defects −HPS

Repairs to the high speed fibre-optic network, spanning from Lethem to Georgetown, will be facilitated by Government in partnership with an external party.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon made this disclosure on Wednesday whilst addressing the media at his weekly post-cabinet briefing at the Office of the President.

In 2011, Government began the installation of infrastructure networks inclusive of fibre-optic cables and twin tracks, for the realisation of high speed delivery of e-Government content and internet products across the country. The project comprises three components: high speed fibre optic back haul network connecting Moleson Creek to Anna Regina, working in connection with a data centre for the development of e-Government content with high speed wireless access using a 4G network. The third component is another, high speed fibre-optic network spanning from Lethem to Georgetown, but with dropoff sites in Lethem, Annai, Kurupukari, Mabura and

Linden.

The media was advised before of the status of the Lethem to Georgetown cable, (with Government quoting the engineer, who studied the existing layout,) that there was need for a significant amount of defect to be corrected along the installation spanning Lethem to Georgetown, Dr Luncheon reminded.

He said that two proposals for the repairs to the cables were placed before Government. One is that Government itself moves to do the correction or that Government, in conjunction with external parties does the rectification. Dr Luncheon said that the number one option that is on the table right now is for Government to work with an external party. He said that the parties are still in discussions, and as such, he is not at liberty to give more details at this time. He did however, note that work will be done to completely rehabilitate and restore the defected cable to serviceability and that under those conditions, the partner; to be identified will be provided with a consideration ap-

ing at a number of persons “and Boodoo might be one of them”. He however pointed out that they are yet to select anyone specifically.

Meanwhile, PPP/C’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, when contacted, also reiterated that the party is yet to “settle the matter”; adding that he is unable to say how soon this will be done. Questioned about Boodoo being the preferred choice for the party, the General Secretary opted not to comment. Chairman of GECOM Dr Steve Surujbally

explained to this publication that the PPP/C has made no indications to the Commission about whether they have selected anyone or when they intend to do so.

The Chairman noted that while there is no timeframe for the new commissioner to be elected, he suspected that the party may want to do so at the earliest possible time given the fact that the country will be heading to the polls on May 11.

Dr Surujbally disclosed that he received the resignation letter from Dr. Mangal on Monday and shared it with the other commissioners the following day. He noted that the long serving Commissioner had showed no indications that he was going to resign. According to the GECOM chairman, the resignation of Dr Mangal will not hinder the preparedness of the Commission for the upcoming elections if a quick replacement is made. Boodoo’s contract with GECOM, which ended in April 2013, was not renewed.

Pensioner accused of using abusive language released on self bail

Gillis Malony, 64, of Lot 3475 Coastal Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was granted self bail by Magistrate Fabayo Azore when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The pensioner was arraigned with an abusive language charge.

The charge alleged that on January 24, at Coastal Housing Scheme, North Ruimveldt, he made use of

threatening language to the Virtual Complainant (VC) Bevon Miller to which he denied.

The court heard that the two men are immediate neighbours and on the day in question at around 15:30h, the defendant was abusing the VC and calling him names which grew his annoyance. He reported the matter to the Ruimveldt Police Station which led to the defendant’s subsequent arrest.

However, Malony stated that Miller is lying. He noted that the VC is in the habit of provoking him. He continued saying that he is an old man and all he wants to do is to ‘live in peace’ and added that Miller was placed on a bond and he needs to stop. There were no objections to bail by the prosecution. He was released on his own recognizance and the matter will be called again on February 2.

propriate to the expenditure that they would be incurring in correcting the defects.

Government’s e-Governance project started in late 2009 with a concept that was designed over a yearand-a-half, but actual work on the programme began in late 2011. The project allows for a 4G network cloud system that will serve as the premier data centre for all Government information and for the provision to Guyanese and local businesses of faster and more efficient internet access.

The cables will hook up Government entities across the country, providing them internet accessibility for activities such as video conferencing and document signing via electronic signatures, hence precluding the need for hinterland or far off residents to travel long distances to access same. Recipients of Government’s One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) initiative are too set to benefit as well as students, who stand to benefit significantly from the electronic library that will be created utilising open software from the e-Governance programme.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

GPL to slash electricity tariffs

B y E rica W illiams

Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has agreed to reduce its electricity tariffs, in response to a proposal made by President Donald Ramotar, who during negotiations alluded to the significant drop in fuel prices on the international market.

The price for fuel has been dropping around the world since last June, with the latest price of fuel in Venezuela being recorded at US$39.19 per barrel, the lowest in almost half a decade.

Head of the President Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon made this disclosure on Wednesday during his post Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President.

“GPL… has practically under taken to have electricity charges for consumers across the board adjusted downwards,” Dr Luncheon told reporters as he broke

the news. But he said the power company has not disclosed the new tariff structure or the implementation date.

Citizens across Guyana have repeatedly complained about the high cost of electricity. Due to the high electricity tariffs charged by GPL, some consumers have resorted to electricity theft.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)

General Secretary Joseph Harmon had also called on the Government to find ways to reduce electricity tariffs and “get off Guyanese backs.”

With decreased electricity tariffs, Guyanese will likely pay less than many Caribbean countries, especially those whose generation of power is based on petroleum products.

While the Government is pleased with the decision taken by GPL, Dr Luncheon said Cabinet expressed its disappointment that the 30 per cent decrease in fuel

prices is not adequately reflected at private fuel stations.

Earlier in the month, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh announced that gasoline will be sold at cost of $695 per gallon at Guyoil pump stations from a high of $995. Further, he had declared that diesel would be retailed at $694 per gallon, from a high of $985 per gallon.

On Wednesday, Dr Luncheon further disclosed that the cost of cooking gas has also been reduced by 13 per cent. This 13 per cent decrease would see consumers paying approximately $3500 per 20 pound cylinder of gas as opposed to $4000.

The 30 per cent reduction was done with the hope that the reduced fuel prices at Guyoil would have created competition and force private gas stations to effect similar changes, however, to date only Sol Petroleum Guyana has followed in the footsteps of Guyoil.

Dr Luncheon also expressed disappointment that many public transportation owners are refusing to lower their fares, although they are benefiting from the reduced prices.

The HPS said while some persons have lowered their fares, “other categories of operators and owners have adamantly refused to make any change in fare structure.”

The HPS was adamant that the refusal to drop the fares by the public transportation sector is a betrayal of what was expected. “When fuel prices go up, there is a demand for increased fares but when fuel prices go down, it is like pulling teeth, fares lowered.”

Even in the aviation sector, the drop in fuel prices on international market is not being reflected adequately, Dr Luncheon said. He explained that only Guyoil’s newly established fuel plant at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) has reflected the decrease.

President to dissolve Parliament early February

The Head of the Presidential Secretariat has disclosed that President Donald Ramotar intends to dissolve Parliament during the first week of February in keeping with Guyana’s constitutional requirements. Dr Luncheon on Wednesday during the Post Cabinet Press Briefing at the Office of the President, reiterated what he felt is a known fact that Parliament has to be dissolved on or before three months prior to Election Day.

This means, Dr Luncheon said, that Parliament will be dissolved on either February 8 or 9. “Three months counting backwards from May provides the drop dead date for dissolution. So three months from the date you arrive at would take you back to when polling takes places,” Dr Luncheon explained.

While Dr Luncheon believed the issue of when Parliament will be dissolved should not generate any significant amount of controversy, members of the Opposition feel otherwise.

Last week, President Donald Ramotar responded to criticism levelled against him over the dissolution of Parliament, informing that he would dissolve the legislative body when it was constitutionally due. On Tuesday, the Head of State also signed the proclamation order declaring May 11 as the date for General and Regional elections in Guyana.

The proclamation will be soon be gazetted as stipulated by the Constitution. The Head of State during the signing of the proclamation reiterated the Education

Minister’s statement on the selection of an election date. He said the date was chosen, based on the available dates that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) provided, all of which fell within the examinations period.

However, President Ramotar had said he is pleased with the preparations and alternative arrangements put in place by the Education Ministry to have the examination dates rescheduled.

The President also emphasised that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), will base its campaign on its track record of development, “even though the last three years were very constrictive because of the fact that the joint Opposition got a one-seat majority in Parliament, I’m still very proud of what we were able to achieve in the circumstances,” President Ramotar stated. He added that he was also proud of the PPP/C’s record in office, particularly since the party

has transformed the country, “So I think I’m running on solid ground”. With regard to the political Opposition, President Ramotar said he was not certain about what they wanted, “because sometimes they want elections, then when you call elections, they

don’t want elections, but they have to face the music anyhow. We all have to face it”. The President will be leading his party’s campaign as it seeks another term in office in an effort to continue Guyana’s developmental progress.

De runnin done start

It gotta man in GT who name begin wid “r”. De next two letters is a “o” and a “b”. Is not Robert de Minister, although people seh he does do de same things whah this robbin man does do. And that is, “run”.

One robbin man does run gold and de other robbin man does run de PegASS. Incidentally, both gold and de PegASS runnin down right now. Some body seh one of dem robbin man gon also run in de elections, but he ain’t know from when and fuh who.

It look like if not even Cement Roti, who plan to do a lotta runnin fuh de Pee-P-P, know bout this other runnin. Cement Roti call some other names who runnin. But one robbin man ain’t hear he name call in de runnin. So he end up runnin to some body.

But de some body who he run to, turn round and run dem mouth. Now that is de word runnin around in some quarters. Now it ain’t look as if de robbin man know exactly to who he should run and fuh who he should run.

So de campaign ain’t start properly yet and he done tired from runnin. But de real robbin man does run he mouth a lot. He run he mouth like a kochure in de Kocheur which is owned by a big Kocheur bout some kinda US$8 million de other day. Then he run he mouth again that some lawyer name Rum Jhaat got de US$8 million and that some body can run and collect it. If any body ever give that lawyer US$8 million to keep, he gon keep runnin fuh sure, and not de kind whah he plan to do fuh elections.

Now de robbin man seh some body runnin down he PegASS staff and that dem runnin away. Whah he should do now is run and collect de US$8 million and run back and pay he staff dem properly.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And run wid de rest to look after de run down PegASS.

OAS/CICAD delegation discusses further cooperation with Guyana

ome Affairs

HMinister Clement Rohee on Wednesday received a courtesy call from InterAmerican Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD Assistant Executive Secretary Angela Crowdy and Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) Specialist Karen Adriana Sanjines and Jean Ricot Dormeus Director of the Office of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Guyana, at his Brickdam Office.

Crowdy said that Guyana’s participation with CICAD is a very valuable one, hence the delegation’s visit to discuss further collaboration and cooperation. She said that CICAD and the OAS have a new 2016/2020 plan of action, which they are crafting, and it is important for all members of state to be actively involved in that document. She said they are also here as well, “to present the results of the multi-

lateral evaluation mechanism which has published its report on the 34 member states, regarding drug control progress in the hemisphere and implementation of the plan of action’s objectives.” Minister Rohee, during brief remarks said that the Home Affairs

Ministry was very pleased to welcome the delegation from CICAD, the body that deals with the fight against narcotics within the hemisphere. He said that Guyana looks forward to strengthening its partnership with CICAD/OAS as it had pledged to do, noting that

the country launched the National Drug Strategy master plan that seeks to impose upon the country the necessity to promote international cooperation with all bodies around the world, including hemispheric bodies such as the OAS and CICAD.

From left; Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) Assistant Executive Secretary, Angela Crowdy; Director of the Office of the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Guyana, Jean Ricot Dormeus; Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Multilateral Evaluation Mechanism (MEM) Specialist, Karen Adriana Sanjines during a courtesy call from the officials at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Brickdam

President Donald Ramotar

Sooba, Green at odds over signing of payment vouchers

The Local Government Ministry has been written to in connection with the Mayor and City Council refusing to sign payment vouchers.

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba during a press conference on Wednesday disclosed that a complaint was made to Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker about the Mayor and City Council’s refusal to sign payment vouchers for crucial purposes.

Sooba said Mayor Hamilton Green and his Councillors have no interest in running the Council the right way, but instead want to hinder progress.

“They were not tasked with the responsibility to withhold their signatures from signing payment vouchers for essential expenditures… It is quite evident that they have no interest in running this Council…” Sooba said.

The vouchers that need signatures are petty cash vouchers, money to be paid to media houses for advertisement for tenders, for garbage collectors and garbage removal, for toddlers’ needs at daycares, payment for contractors, among others.

Sooba stressed that the approval and signing of these vouchers are essential in improving services.

“Departments are without drinking water, people are working without pay… it is a pathetic situation,” Sooba stated.

She said the Council has been refusing to sign vouchers since October last and as such, a complaint was finally made to the Local Government Ministry.

Meanwhile, speaking with Guyana Times shortly after, Minister Whittaker confirmed that an oral complaint was made and he subsequently advised the Town

He said both Sooba and Green are making contradictory statements regarding the situation, and as such, a detailed report will need to be submitted before any further action can be taken.

Whittaker noted that as soon as the report is submitted, an assessment of the situation will be made to determine the necessary course of action.

The first step would be to study and assess the situation based on the reports to extensively understand the nature of payments and to figure out whether or not they are in order.

NAACIE supports urgent inquiry into sugar industry

Some two weeks after the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) called for a comprehensive inquiry into the sugar industry, the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) has extended its support for a probe into the sector.

According to NAACIE, 2014 recorded the second lowest production in 24 years.

“Senseless pre-harvesting of pre-ripened cane causing poor quality production, also compromising quality and production potential of the 2015 first crop.

"Fundamentally flawed management, unprofessional economic decisions to reject the Tate and Lyle three-year contract in late 2012 for a mere one-year agreement thus resulting in significant financial loss to the Sugar Corporation for 2013 to 2015 inclusive,” the Union stated.

NAACIE noted that it is against the litany of

poor board level and management decisions, that it is throwing its unstinted and categorical support towards calls for an urgent Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Guyana’s besieged sugar industry. “A national expert, impartial inquiry must be mounted now. Not so much to cast blame now so obvious but to rescue this vital industry which offers succour to thousands and to the Nation’s life source still,” it stated.

The Union, which also represents key employees in the sector, is of the view that the industry is indeed besieged and under siege by the atrocious decisions by its board of directors and management.

“NAACIE has observed one small but vital detail in recent times. There is woefully inadequate expert management monitoring of the husbandry in the fields. The results are poor plant nurturing, poor roads, poor punt maintenance – all resulting to poor quality product,” it mentioned.

Additionally, NAACIE went on to claim that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Board has been repeating policy and management blunders on a yearly basis while the sector’s employees, suppliers and the general population feel the economic squeeze.

The Union also highlighted that the annual budgetary subvention from the National Budget is not stopping the haemorrhaging at the Corporation.

Caricom, Austria strengthen diplomatic ties

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) on Tuesday strengthened almost 15 years of diplomatic cooperation with the Republic of Austria, when it accredited Gerhard Mayer as its new Plenipotentiary Representative to Caricom.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that emphasised cooperation in disaster management and sustainable energy was signed between Caricom and Austria in 2008. Caricom Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan, addressing Mayer as he presented his Letters of Introduction at the Caricom Secretariat, said it may be appropriate to revisit the MoU to better align it with Caricom’s priorities as set out in the strategic plan for the period 2015-2019.

She said Caricom was looking forward to Austria’s favourable recognition of the special circumstances of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as the international community negotiated the Post-2015 Development Agenda. Caricom was hopeful, Ambassador Soeknandan added, for Austria’s leadership in advocating on the Community’s behalf in the European Union and G20, for the use of other criteria concerning the EU’s policy of graduation of middle-income countries from access to development financing based solely on per capita income.

“The EU has followed this

trend by introducing differentiation in its new development policy which will almost certainly result in diminishing resources being available to middle-income countries such as ours at a time when these resources are most needed,” the Deputy Secretary General told the newly accredited Ambassador.

She expressed the Community’s appreciation for the benefits that have been derived from cooperation with Austria in disaster management and capacity building, and scholarships in hotel and tourism management and Diplomatic Training from which the Caricom Secretariat has also benefited. “Austria’s Development Aid Agency (ADA)

has provided financial support for the Community’s Earthquake Readiness Programme. Your friendship and solidarity towards the Community were also shown through Austria’s generous contribution to the relief efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on 12 January 2010,” she stated.

Ambassador Soeknandan acknowledged as significant, the step taken by Austria to enhance relations with the Community by proposing a joint Office in Vienna. She said while no final decision has been taken, it continues to be an important issue under consideration by Caricom Foreign Ministers.

The Austrian Ambassador noted that Vienna’s role as one of the United Nations headquarters has gained importance in recent years with the focus on energy, combating crime and corruption.

Since his Government believes that those issues are of great importance for the Caribbean region, Austria would be happy to support the opening of a common representation office of Caribbean countries in Vienna, he said.

He indicated Austria was pleased with the progress of the Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and Framework and was ready to continue its support for the creation of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, which he said was an important initiative.

Given the positive feedback by both the participants to the Executive Training Programme for Junior Diplomats and Civil Service Officials at the Vienna Diplomatic Academy and to a workshop on international law, Austria will continue to offer those initiatives as well, Mayer stated.

Clerk to submit a written report.

Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

Mayor Hamilton Green

NAACIE General Secretary Kenneth Joseph

The Plenipotentiary Representative of Austria to Caricom, Gerhard Mayer, presents his Letter of Credence to Caricom Deputy Secretary-General Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan, on Tuesday at the CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown

thursday, JaNuary 29, 2015 | guyaNatimesgy.com

18 Cadets promoted to Ensigns

Eighteen Cadet

Officers currently on the verge of completing training on the Standard Officer Course (SOC) Number 47 have graduated to the rank of Ensigns.

The Ensigns, two of whom represent the Belize Defence Force and another from the St Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, were decorated with their new badges of rank following a simple ceremony held at Base Camp Stephenson on Monday, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said in a release.

UG Vice Chancellor to reopen talks with unions … as sit-ins continue

The Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Guyana (UG), Jacob Obadeyi, sent a two point proposal to the unions on Monday informing that negotiations will resume with the University Negotiation Team but with the UG Worker’s Union (UGWU) only.

In a bid to end the current industrial action at the tertiary institution, the VC sent the unions a proposal stating that negotiations will resume between the administration of the university and the unions but the Vice Chancellor had stated that the negotiations will be led by the UGWU, with no mention being made of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA).

The release indicat-

ed that the University’s Administration will need to meet with the UG Council first before moving forward.

However, once this has been done, negotiations will begin. In answer to this proposal, the unions – UGWU and the UG Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) –held a meeting on Monday midday to discuss with its members the way forward. According to a release sent by both unions, the proposal was welcomed, however, members did not wish to meet with the negotiation team without both unions being present. The release stated that prior negotiations had been made by the UGSSA, which they said was already familiar with what to expect and will thus be able to give a justified representation of the members. Nevertheless, the sitins will continue until the

negotiations commence on February 13.

Meanwhile, members of the unions want the Vice Chancellor to pay attention to their complete demands that were submitted to his office since November 2014, with particular emphasis being placed on the 60 per cent increase for all employees. It was stated that the demands were titled a ‘Memorandum of Demands for UA and UB employees of UG’. The release further stated that they hope the Opadeyi will not disappoint again as with the admittance of their demands in November. The VC had informed the unions then that preparations will be put in place to ensure that the relevant demands could have been met by December 2014.

Woman who jumped off DHB identified

The woman who jumped off the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) on Tuesday has been identified as Patricia Lowton of Grove, East Bank Demerara.

According to information received, the woman was mentally ill and was suffering from several illnesses including diabetes, high cholesterol and other complications. Guyana Times was told that earlier in the day prior to the woman jumping off the Demerara Harbour Bridge, she had visited the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and found out that she had arthritis. A relative stated that this might have pushed the woman to commit suicide. The woman leaves to mourn her four children and close relatives.

Lowton took the fatal plunge on Tuesday afternoon by climbing onto a section of the bridge, referred to as ‘Retractor 11’. It was reported that bridge officials became aware of the woman’s intentions after seeing her climbing onto the bridge and alerted security officials. However, upon seeing the security guard approaching her, the woman jumped into the Demerara River. Her body was later recovered in the vicinity of the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard Base, at Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Up to late Tuesday afternoon, the woman

was not identified but her body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home. She was positively identified on Wednesday morning by her eldest son. On December 24, 2014, Felicia Hussain of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara jumped off the DHB. The woman was reportedly battling with mental illness and might have suffered a relapse. It was reported that on Christmas Eve Day, at approximately 13:00h, Hussain was seen

jumping into the Demerara River, minutes after she had walked onto the bridge after exiting a minibus at Bagotstown.

The woman’s body was pulled from the river after an alarm was raised. She was clad in a pink top and a pair of long blue denim jeans. Her handbag and shoes were found on the bridge. A post-mortem examination performed on her body proved that she died from drowning.

He pointed out that the Ensigns were being decorated at a time when the Force is in its 50th year of service to the nation and when it has committed to being more transparent and relevant. In this regard, he told them that they were expected to offer greater accountability of resources and assets entrusted to them as they assume leadership as young officers.

The SOC Number 47 commenced on March 21, 2013 with a total of 40 participants but only 17 have endured and they have been joined by Officer Cadet Farley Grant who completed a Degree at the Oscar Lucero Moya University in Cuba. In his address to the Ensigns, Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips alluded to the hard work and dedication that they have shown in satisfying the primary objectives of the course. “It means you have already developed character and you understand the duties of being good citizens and patriots. Your training to date should instil in you, a strong sense of moral courage, integrity, commitment and loyalty. You are expected to be strong, resolute and clinical in all your duties towards your country and the Force,” he noted.

Further, Brigadier Phillips stressed the need for the Ensigns to possess distinct qualities in order to be successful. He emphasised on qualities such as leadership, integrity professionalism, proper conduct and honesty. “Be disciplined young officers and focus on learning,” he charged. SOC covered a number of subject areas including an intense programme of military skills and tactics, vigorous physical fitness and team activities assigned to provide stamina and group spirit, leadership and command method, management techniques, military law and national policy.

The Officer Course provides a solid foundation for subsequent professional development of all Cadets entering the GDF. Many senior Officers of sister services have also received this training. The course is also highly recognised by sister Militaries in the Caribbean and Associate nations who have sent and continue to send ranks to undergo training.

Firemen put out small blaze at Noble House Seafoods

The Guyana Fire Service averted what could have been a major tragedy on Wednesday morning when a fire broke out near several fuel tanks at Noble House Seafoods, in Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara.

The inferno started at about 07:45h, however, quick response from members of the Guyana Fire Service resulted in the blaze being put out and work continued as normal within an hour. Based on information received, the fire started in the parking lot area while a welder was attending to one of the four tanks.

A source told Guyana Times that the man was performing welding work on one of the tanks which sparked the fire. “After the spark happen, it caught onto the ground and the whole place went up in flames,” the source ex-

plained. A generator is attached to the company’s main stores and employees said if it had exploded the scenario would have been very different. After the fire started, Guyana Times understands that the employees were asked to evacuate the post and were placed close to a reservoir in case of any further explosion. When this publication arrived at the location, the fire tenders had already left and workers were continuing to perform their duties. At the security check point, the guards on duty stated that management wished not to give a comment on the incident. Several calls to the company’s General Manager, Leslie Ramalho proved futile. The fire service has launched an investigation into the incident with primary focus on occupation health and safety.

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips and senior officers along with training staff of CUPOCS and the newly promoted ensigns

UG Vice Chancellor Jacob Obadeyi

Tuesday was the second time in less than a month that a woman jumped off the Demerara Harbour Bridge

Guyana poised for further growth – BoG Governor

Despite financial tribulations on the Global market, Guyana is poised to significantly improve its economic growth, stability and development in the coming years.

This is according to Governor General of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga. Dr Ganga was at the time speaking at the launch of the Bank’s logo and celebratory ceremony to commemorate its Golden Jubilee or 50th anniversary on Wednesday.

According to the newly appointed Governor General, since it came into existence on October 16, 1965, the bank has been playing a major role in advancing the growth of the economy and will play an even greater role in the coming days. “Fifty years is a major milestone for any institu-

with a high level of independence.

“The bank evolved from one that provided traditional central functions such as the issuance of currency, Banker to Government and commercial bank as well as discharging monetary and exchange rate policies to one with the added responsibilities of maintaining monetary and financial stability that includes the commercial banking system, insurance and the pension schemes. The bank also evolved from one that was highly regulated to one with a high level of independence from the perspective of the legal, operational, management and in terms of its ability to conduct monetary and exchanger policy and the use of various tools”, Dr Ganga intoned.

tion but more so, the Bank of Guyana given its historical significance and the important role it plays in guiding monetary policies, regulating and supervising the financial sector and maintaining monetary and economic stability. Since then, the Bank of Guyana has quietly discharged its duties, laying the foundation for financial development, price stability and economic growth”, he said.

He noted that this growth and development is due to the fact that the bank has advanced significantly in its functions and has moved from a position of being highly regulated to becoming one

He also disclosed that that the bank has recently concluded preparations on a strategic plan which is aimed at shuttling the economy’s growth in about three years’ time.

“The bank has prepared a strategic plan which explains how the Bank of Guyana intends to uphold its mandate with respect to continued development of sound, progressive and efficient financial sector, maintain price stability and economic growth over the next three years”, the Governor said.

According to him, the bank will be recommitting itself to preserving the integ-

rity of the preeminent institution and will be working closer with other stakeholders especially in the licensed financial institutions, the Finance Ministry and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) so that the aim is not only achieved but its regulatory and supervisory framework of ensuring its financial safety and stability will be progressively and efficiently fostered.

Perseverance

Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh who gave brief remarks told the audience that the importance of the Bank of Guyana can never be underestimated since it would have played a role in the country’s independence and has since persevered in serving the needs of the country’s financial sector.

He also noted that the bank has played the most integral role in the growth the country is currently experiencing and will continue to experience due to the fact that there are strong financial systems and regulations in place due to the legislation which the Government had passed.

He noted that while every other country is currently experiencing financial crisis, Guyana can boast of a good economy due to the establishment of the systems and preservation measures which the Bank of Guyana made sure were in place. He expressed

his congratulations to the Board with the charge that it must continue to work to ensure that the country’s wellbeing is maintained.

Meanwhile, the Bank’s new logo has been described as a ‘true depiction” of what the Bank stands for. It was stated that the logo had several symbols, some of which included gears, an upward sloping chart, financial markets and a Sundance.

The gears, Dr Ganga said represented the bank’s role as an underlying propeller for financial development; the financial markets emphasised the modern means of financial transactions that including e-commerce, treasury bills, bonds, etc; the upward sloping chart which was an indication of the overall growth that is being fostered through the bank’s objectives, policies and goals while the Sundance represents the tenancy and projection of financial prosperity.

In the center, is the bank’s old logo indicating the bank’s embodiment of a propelling force towards financial growth, development and prosperity.

A series of activities have been planned to celebrate the bank’s Golden Jubilee including the publication of a book detailing the bank’s history, financial conferences, a national essay competition, an award ceremony for senior outstanding employees as well as a national debate competition.

Elections 2015:

Roopnaraine to remain Granger’s No 2

General Secretary of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Joseph Harmon on Wednesday said he is not aware the party would replace Dr Rupert Roopnaraine as its Prime Ministerial Candidate should the proposed coalition between itself and the Alliance For Change (AFC) fail to get off the ground.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Wednesday, Harmon said that there are no plans to replace any of the party members from their respective posts. It was reported last November that the major Opposition party might be heading into General Elections without Roopnaraine being its Prime Ministerial Candidate. Noting that Roopnaraine has enjoyed the confidence of the coalition, Harmon said he will not be replaced.

Asked whether the APNU has any policy on choosing its Prime Ministerial Candidate based on ethnicity, Harmon answered in the negative, although since 1992, the People’s National Congress Reform has always campaigned with someone of East Indian ancestry at the polls.

The Member of Parliament also noted that the party has a special select committee that selects their candidate and whoever is being selected will then be placed on whatever post they are selected for. Harmon said that Roopnaraine has always maintained a high profile at the coalition’s activities. In Granger’s absence, for instance, he has always been the last speaker at public meetings.

On Monday, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee said that they are still discussing who will fill the Prime Ministerial Candidate slot for that party, but acknowledged that a number of persons are lining up. Rohee, himself a onetime Presidential Candidate contender said the party’s Executive Committee was still meeting to settle the is-

sue. “Those issues are being discussed at the leadership level. Nothing is decided until everything is decided upon”, Rohee said. Asked about the procedure used to select the Prime Ministerial Candidate, Rohee maintained that the Central and Executive Committee has always been involved in that process and that the tradition of the Prime Ministerial post being filled by a member of the Civic arm of the Party is likely to be maintained. “We believe in a PPP/Civic alliance. If the PPP has the Presidential Candidate, traditionally the Civic component has had the Prime Ministerial candidate and I don’t believe that would change”, he said.

Meanwhile, current Prime Minister Samuel Hinds who has held the position since the PPP/C came to power in 1992 is thought to have “called it a day” as Prime Minister but there are strong sentiments that he should make one last run. He is widely respected as a very decent, credible and incorruptible individual. He is still the strongest candidate and since it is widely expected that the PPP is facing a very strong challenge in the upcoming election, it has been suggested that he be the candidate. He has been the longest serving Prime Minister within the Caribbean.

Man accidentally shot during Police chase

Amentally-ill man was on Wednesday morning accidently shot to his left leg by members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) during an attempt to arrest a robbery suspect in Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The injured man has been identified as Nabaclis resident Sherwin Jack, age 37.

Based on information received, the Police acted upon information and went to the home of a robbery suspect referred to as “Boyo”, and upon seeing the lawmen, the man ran in a bid to escape. The Police reportedly gave chase.

During the chase, the suspect reportedly ran through Jack’s yard and upon seeing this, he followed suit. The Police then retaliated by discharging several rounds in the direction of the suspect but Jack was shot instead. Nevertheless, the suspected bandit was subsequently arrested.

The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by the ranks where he was admitted. He is expected to undergo surgery to remove a bullet that is lodged in his leg. However, the Police Force in a release stated that ranks were investigating the robbery

committed on three men on Monday at Haslington, ECD where they were relieved of their mobile phones and jewellery by two men armed with handguns. Based on information received, the Police ranks suspected that one of the bandits was in a house at Nabaclis Middle Walk. As a result, a party of Policemen went to the area in an effort to arrest the wanted man. He retaliated by attacking one of the ranks with a knife forcing the Police to use force.

A Police rank, the statement added, discharged a round which accidentally hit Jack, a bystander to his

left foot. The Police added that efforts by Police to take Jack, who is reported to be mentally unstable, for medical treatment were unsuccessful as he refused the assistance of the officers. The incident drew a huge crowd and prevented the Police from so doing. Instead, Jack was taken to the Enmore Clinic for treatment but was later transported by an ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He has been admitted for medical attention. The suspect has been arrested and is in Police custody assisting with the investigations.

Injured Sherwin Jack

APNU’s Prime Ministerial Candidate, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

The newly launched Bank of Guyana logo

Governor General of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga

Barbados Govt tables legislation to abolish mandatory death sentences

PM thanks US Congress for supporting Jamaica’s IMF programme, encourages investment

The Barbados Government has tabled legislation aimed at abolishing mandatory death sentences.

“We have been at this for the last four years where we’ve been mandated to take these legislative measures to address the issue of the court’s decision and, notwithstanding the fact that we had sent signals to the court, we are now better positioned, once this amendment is adopted by this House, to send a message to the Inter-American Court on Human Rights (IACHR) that we do intend to comply with its judgement,” Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite told Parliament.

He said the amendments

to the Offences Against the Person Act would remove the obligation of a judge to sentence to death a person convicted of murder.

Braithwaite, tabling the legislation in the absence of Opposition legislators who continue to boycott Parliament as long as the Speaker of the House Michael Carrington remained in his seat, said that the Freundel Stuart administration was not getting “soft on crime” or moving towards abolition of capital punishment.

Brathwaite told legislators that the changes would bring Barbados in compliance with a ruling of the IACHR, to which this country is a signatory.

The IACHR in a case – Boyce et al v Barbados –ruled that the mandatory death sentence imposed on all persons convicted of murder in Barbados violated the right to life as it is arbitrary and fails to limit the application of the death penalty to the most serious crimes.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

St Kitts-Nevis elections set for February 16; boundaries injunction discharged

Election Day in St Kitts and Nevis is Monday, February 16, as had been widely speculated for the past couple of weeks.

Nomination Day is Friday, February 6. The dates were announced in a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office late Tuesday afternoon.

Traditionally, elections are scheduled on public holidays in the United States, as many nationals living there travel home to vote. February 16 is the last long weekend in the US for the next few months.

Meanwhile, the court in-

junction granted on January 16 to Opposition MPs against the proclamation of new boundary changes into law has been discharged.

In delivering her ruling on Tuesday, Justice Marlene Carter said the Governor General’s proclamation of the changes does not rely on the gazette announcing the changes being made available to the public.

That had been a key argument of Christopher Hamel Smith SC, who represents the Opposition MPs.

Justice Carter also indicated that the court accepted

Prime Minister Browne tells US that energy security requires finance

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has told the United States that its proposal for achieving energy security in the Caribbean overlooks the most important constraint, finance.

Browne was among regional leaders attending the first ever Caribbean Energy Security Summit in Washington, DC, which was hosted by Vice President Joe Biden.

In his remarks, the Antigua and Barbuda leader told the Barack Obama Administration it was placing too much emphasis on regulations, even though “most, if not all of our

Governments have already embarked on regulatory reform.”

“Our countries need funding, both grant and concessionary, to catalyse investments in renewable energy sources and to mitigate the risks involved with the development of some of the technologies, such as geothermal,” Browne told the meeting.

While noting the importance of achieving energy security in Antigua & Barbuda, Browne said “the majority of Caricom countries have been unable to transition to renewable energy, not because of a lack of commitment but because of a lack of capital, especially access to concessional funding.”

He added that the proposed declaration from the summit outlines the architecture of cooperation to address energy challenges facing the region, but “it does not go far enough.” (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

evidence from the attorney general that the injunction was granted well after the proclamation was signed.

In responding to the judgment, Douglas Mendes SC told the judge that his side intends to appeal the ruling.

He said they were concerned that elections could go ahead on the changed boundaries without an appeal court ruling.

Douglas said that, while the government lawyers pointed to a post-election petition as the way to go, an appeal was the best option.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has thanked members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in the United States House of Representatives for their support when Jamaica sought to secure funding under an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2012.

Noting that the country was now focused on achieving higher levels of growth and job creation under the IMF-supported economic reform programme, she enlisted the help of the CBC in encouraging more US investors to invest in Jamaica.

“Your support to the Government and people of Jamaica has spanned a long time and extends over

a range of issues, causes and interests,” the Prime Minister said as she addressed member of the CBC, other leaders in Congress and the officials of the IMF and the US Department of State at Capitol Hill, in Washington DC, on Monday, a news release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) stated.

Acknowledging that their confidence and support were well placed, Simpson Miller said since assuming office three years ago, the Government had embarked on an economic growth agenda anchored in a sustainable debt reduction plan.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to the reform programme for the benefit of all Jamaicans and we continue to be grateful for the critical support of the IMF and other multilaterals for the programme,” she added.

Simpson Miller reported that Jamaica was consistently meeting the targets agreed with the IMF and had so far passed all of the six quarterly reviews by the Fund. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

US offers Caribbean new oil deal

The United States has rolled out a new initiative for Caribbean countries to ensure energy security in a move widely seen as distancing the Caribbean from Venezuela for their oil and energy needs.

United States Vice President Joe Biden, addressing the first ever Caribbean Energy Security Summit here, told Caribbean Community (Caricom) coun-

Suriname, Islamic Bank explore funding expansion

On Monday, a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) was in Suriname and held meetings with the Regional Development Minister, Stanley Betterson, and Suriname’s Deputy Governor to the IsDB, Dr Anwar Lall Mohammed, to explore areas of further financial cooperation between the bank and Suriname in the areas of education, transportation, water, energy, community development.

The IsDB delegation comprised Walid Abdel Wahab, Senior Director of Infrastructure, Atiq Ahmad, Director of Infrastructure, and Transportation Specialist Irfan Bukhari. It was the first meeting between the bank and the Regional Development Ministry of Suriname.

Betterson and the

IsDB discussed possible new financing of projects between the Islamic Bank and the Regional Development office of Suriname in the areas of solar and hydro energy, and roads.

The meetings also addressed ongoing projects and concerns.

The Inland Development Fund of Suriname (FOB) has its eye on several projects in the interior, including the generation of solar energy. FOB also made the proposal that some pilot projects currently being carried out be extended to a larger area. The Surinamese Government and the IsDB agreed to a loan for the execution of such projects.

The Regional Development Ministry can tap the Islamic Bank funding through the Central Bank of Suriname

tries that there are more options at their disposal now for natural gas delivery than they have ever been.

“You can now purchase gas on the open market from many countries including your neighbour Trinidad and Tobago right now. There is also LNG exporters in the United States with licences to export to any of your countries whether you have a free trade agreement or not. If you want gas go talk to them.

“Meanwhile we are in the midst of a seismic shift in the global economy, the as-

cendancy of the Americas as the epicentre of the center of energy production in the world.

“We have more oil and gas… than all the states in the world combined. Mexico Canada the United States is the new epicenter of energy,” Biden said.

Regional countries have in the past relied on Caracas for oil and petroleum products under the PetroCaribe initiative, an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

El Salvador gang leaders seek talks with Government over violence

Leaders of El Salvador’s main street gangs on Tuesday urged the Government to begin a dialogue to reduce violence and tone down its tough stance against their members after the vice president said police could open fire on them if necessary.

Violence in El Salvador has jumped over the past year after a 2012 truce between the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and rival gang Barrio 18 started to unravel, and last Wednesday Vice President Oscar Ortiz said Police should respond with force “without any fear of suffering consequences” if threatened by gang members.

The following day, authorities registered no murders in the country for a 24hour stretch, the first time that had happened in more than two and a half years,

according to the Police. In a statement, the gang leaders said “the difficult situation the country is going through requires proactive steps and messages in support of peace, not desperate steps that only bang the drums of war and thus fan the flames of violence”. However, the Government rejected the approach from the gangs, whose turf wars have helped make El Salvador one of the most violent countries in the Americas.

“The Government of El Salvador reiterates what was said at the start of this year by President Salvador Sanchez Ceren, that it does not negotiate, nor will it negotiate with criminal groups of any kind, but will fulfil its obligation to apply the law,” Sanchez Ceren’s office said in a statement. (Reuters)

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

Around the World

3 killed as Israel, Hezbollah clash on Lebanese border

Two Israeli soldiers and a Spanish UN peacekeeper have been killed as Hezbollah militants trade fire with Israeli forces on the Lebanese border.

A spokesman for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) urged “maximum restraint to prevent an escalation”. The peacekeeper was killed close to the disputed Shebaa Farms area, where an Israeli convoy was earlier hit by anti-tank missiles, killing two soldiers.

The Israeli military responded by firing shells into southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah said it carried out the missile attack in retaliation for an Israeli air strike that killed six of its fighters and an Iranian Revolutionary Guards general in the Syrian Golan Heights 10 days ago.

The cross-border violence erupted when Israeli

military vehicles were hit at about 11:35h (09:35 GMT) near Mt Dov, in the Shebaa Farms area, a tract of land where the borders of Israel, Lebanon and Syria meet.

The Israeli military said two soldiers were killed,

identifying them as Maj Yochai Kalangel and Staff

Sgt Dor Chaim Nini. Seven others others were injured, two of them moderately.

But the military rejected a report by Lebanon’s official National News Agency that

one had been captured.

Just over an hour later, mortars hit an Israeli military position on Mt Hermon, prompting troops to close the site and evacuate civilians from a ski resort in the area. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Artificial Intelligence no threat to human life, says Microsoft

Microsoft Research’s Chief has said he thinks artificial intelligence (AI) systems could achieve consciousness, but has played down the threat to human life.

Eric Horvitz’s position contrasts with that of several other leading thinkers.

Litvinenko autopsy was world’s most dangerous, UK inquiry hears

Pathologists examining the body of exKGB spy Alexander Litvinenko, poisoned with a rare radioactive isotope nine years ago in London, carried out the world’s most dangerous-ever autopsy on his body, an inquiry into his killing heard on Wednesday.

They also said they would probably never have discovered the way he had died had unusual tests not been carried out just before his death. British police say Kremlin critic Litvinenko died three weeks after drinking tea poisoned with polonium-210 at the plush Millennium hotel, which they believe was administered by two Russians Andrei Lugovoy and Dmitri Kovtun.

At its opening at London’s High Court on Tuesday, the inquiry was told Litvinenko had told Police Russian President Vladimir Putin had personally ordered his death.

His widow’s lawyer said

this was to partly to cover up Kremlin links to the mafia which the former spy was going to help Spanish intelligence to expose.

Russia and the two suspects have repeatedly rejected any involvement in the death. Litvinenko’s health deteriorated rapidly after his meeting with Lugovoy and Kovtun on November 1, 2006 and he died later that month having suffered multiple organ failure.

The inquiry was told “an inspired hunch” by Police led them to bring in atomic scientists who found Litvinenko tested positive for alpha radiation poisoning two days before he died. Lead pathologist Nat Cary said without that, the cause of death would not have been discovered in a post-mortem, adding he was unaware of any other case of someone being poisoned with alpha radiation in Britain, and probably the world. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Last December, Professor Stephen Hawking told the BBC that such machines could “spell the end of the human race”.

Mr Horvitz also revealed that “over a quarter of all attention and resources” at his research unit were now focused on AI-related activities. “There have been concerns about the long-term prospect that we lose control of certain kinds of intelligences,” he said.

“I fundamentally don’t

think that’s going to happen. “I think that we will be very proactive in terms of how we field AI systems, and that in the end we’ll be able to get incredible benefits from machine intelligence in all realms of life, from science to education to economics to daily life.”

Horvitz heads up a team of more than 1,000 scientists and engineers at Microsoft’s

research wing.

The division’s work on AI has already helped give rise to Cortana - a voice-controlled virtual assistant that runs on the Windows Phone platform and will shortly come to desktop PCs when Windows 10 is released.

Mr Horvitz said that he believed Cortana and its rivals would spur on development of the field. (Excerpt from BBC News)

South Sudan militia frees first group of child soldiers

ASouth Sudanese militia has freed 280 child soldiers as part of a wider deal to release about 3000 underage fighters, the UN’s children agency Unicef has said. More releases will occur in the coming weeks, said the agency, which helped

negotiate the children’s freedom. The soldiers were recruited into an armed group which has now made peace with the government. Other rebel militias have been locked in a civil war since 2013. Fighting began after President Salva Kiir accused his deputy of trying

to foment a coup, triggering a descent into nationwide violence and forcing about 1.5 million people from their homes.

According to Unicef, around 12,000 children have been forcibly recruited by armed groups in South Sudan over the past

year. The 3,000 young fighters due to be released were members of a militia called the South Sudan Democratic Army Cobra Faction.

The group, which had been fighting to win greater rights for the Murle ethnic group, did not join the wider rebellion that erupted in December 2013.

Led by David Yau Yau, it was often involved in cattle raids and deadly revenge attacks and had been fighting for almost four years in Pibor county in Jonglei state.

“These children have been forced to do and see things no child should ever experience,” said Unicef’s South Sudan representative, Jonathan Veitch.

Unicef said it was trying to reunite the demobilised child soldiers with their families. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Michelle Obama caught in Saudi TV blurring and headscarf controversy

Afurore has erupted over whether Saudi state television blurred out the image of US first lady Michelle Obama in the broadcast of her and President Barack Obama’s meeting with new Saudi King Salman yesterday in Riyadh.

Saudi officials deny the claim. The new king shook hands with President Obama at the Erga Palace but didn’t acknowledge the first lady at all during a very brief meeting on the side of the funeral for King Abdullah.

Barack and Michelle Obama cut short their trip to India to attend the funeral. Other news organizations, such as Al Jazeera, showed the meeting without obscuring Michelle Obama’s face.

Several videos posted on Saudis’ Facebook sites were removed shortly after they

were posted. The Arab news service Mashahead posted on YouTube a video allegedly taken from the Saudi government television broadcast showing the blurred spot.

But Nail al-Jubeir, information director at the Saudi Embassy in Washington, wrote to me that “Saudi TV has been showing the total arrival ceremony at the airport and at the Palace and nowhere is anything blurred.”

CNN’s Hala Gorani, however, tweeted that her colleague Nic Robertson, in Riyadh, saw non- blurred images on Saudi TV.

Other versions of the Some Arab media outlets criticised Michelle Obama for wearing a blue dress, rather than a black one, which some say would have been more appropriate for a funeral. (Excerpt from NZ Herald)

Lebanese officials said dozens of shells were fired by the Israeli military in response

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama stand in a receiving line, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

South Sudan militia frees first group of child soldiers - UN

thursday, january 29, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

What do you think about the West Indies' chances at the World Cup?

Maria Karew

“I think they have a chance. I have my hopes up that they will make it far. This year, the team members changed, they have a new captain so I think they have a chance.”

Marjorie Baburam

“I think they could make it you know, I always liked the West Indies, they will definitely make it far, they won’t be the first set of people to come out.”

Salman Khan

“Well, I don’t really keep up with the cricket that much but I think they are the underdogs and you never know what could happen. I think the selection kind of fluctuating right now but still, they could do something better and they need more practice and to implement better strategies.”

Bharat Omarow

“I think their chances are fairly there but the disappointing thing is that there are no Guyanese there. But to be honest, I don’t think they will win but they will make it far. But I think South Africa and Australia are my teams.”

Herica Jones

“Maybe if they put aside fear, then they will be able to focus and play the game good and to their best.”

Jollian Dawson

“Well I think they will perform very well. I have confidence they will make it far and if they make it far then good for them.”

and

“I think they will play alright, they already have an international team already, if it’s the West Indies therefore they have some good players in it. Most likely they will do well. They will not come out of the game first.”

Anil Persaud

“The West Indies team is and in my opinion will forever be a strong team and with lots of hard work and determination along with the definite support they receive from their home countries, although no Guyanese on the team, they will be able to make it far and even when they get knocked out, they can say that they made their home countries proud.”

Nabaclis back dam main road not on rehabilitation list

Coordinator of Works at the Public Works Ministry, Geoffrey Vaughn told Guyana Times that the southern section of the Nabaclis main road, on the East Coast of Demerara, is not presently on the Public Works Ministry’s list of roads to be fixed. He said

the northern section of the main road will be rehabilitated instead. Vaughn, in a telephone interview with this publication on Wednesday disclosed that a number of roads were put on the 2014 list of roads to be rehabilitated. However, this was not completed due to

a number of delays from contractors. He said that the roads were thus given priority in December 2014 and reconstruction of the northern section of the Nabaclis main road should start any day now.

Unfortunately, this list does not include the southern section of the main road. He said this section will need to wait to be put on the 2015 year’s list.

Residents of the Nabaclis Village have complained of the state of the southern section of the main road for a number of years, as most of the village’s population can be found in that part of the village. Residents also expressed their frustration over the fact that the road has not been rehabilitated for some years now.

In justifying his decision to fix the northern sec-

tion of

Centre and the Nabaclis Nursery School are located on that section of road. He added that this part of the road is quite important to patients and the school children, hence the priority given.

He gave an example of pregnant women travelling on a badly patched

road and the effect it may have on their pregnancies. Thus, he said that emphasis is placed on the northern section of the road rather than the section used by residents who simply have to use the road to get home.

The Overseer of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Ms

disclosed

to Guyana Times that the northern section of the road indeed requires fixing due to it being the main entrance to the health centre and nursery school, stating that this should be priority for the contractors.

Nevertheless, Corletta (only name given), a resident of the southern section of the road spoke to this publication in a recent interview about it. She said she has been a resident of the village for over 50 years and she remembers the southern section of the main road being fixed twice only, while the northern section has been fixed for quite a number of times.

She relayed that both sections of the Nabaclis main road require rehabilitation, however she emphasised the deplorable state of the southern section of the road, with its numerous potholes and eroded areas.

Kim Williams

“I have confidence in the West Indies. I think they will perform fairly well with Chris Gayle in. They are all very talented

skillful.”

Isaiah Beckles

The C C Nicholson Health Centre

The southern section of the Nabaclis main road

the Nabaclis main road, Vaughn said the C C Nicholson Health

Marva Simon

Climate Change unit holds awareness session in Kamarang/Warawatta

As government continues on its efforts to address climate change while promoting economic development, residents of various communities in Region Seven, were on January 26 educated on climate change and the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), as the Office of Climate Change (OCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs took its awareness sessions to the region.

Head of OCC, Gitanjali Chandarpal in her presentation at the stakeholder outreach awareness session, which was held at the Kamarang/Warawatta Multipurpose building, explained what climate change is to the gathering, and indicated that the climate has been changing rapidly due to

help to contribute to national development, she added. Guyana is not industrialised like some developed countries, and does not contribute to relatively high levels of greenhouses gases globally. However, climate change poses a threat to every country, and therefore, each country, including Guyana, has a role to play in curbing the problem.

In 2009, Guyana and Norway signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which resulted in a commitment from the Kingdom of Norway to provide Guyana with up to US$250M by 2015 for its work on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). Guyana has thus far received US$150M of that sum. This money has been

Further, finance from the GRIF is also used to fast track the Amerindian Land Titling process. Touching on some of the other measures undertaken by government to combat climate change, Ms Chandarpal noted that the Amaila Falls Hydropower project was a key renewable energy project.

Meanwhile Ms Yvonne Pearson, Liaison to the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai who represented the Minister at the meeting emphasised that “climate change is real” and it affects everyone. Therefore, it is important to understand what it is, its consequences and prevention measures that can be taken to address the issue.

She added that consultations are important, because it is critical to hear from

global warming which is a result of an increase in greenhouse gases.

She stated that over the last century there has been an increase in the Earth’s temperature by approximately 1 degree Celsius, and there has been a 40% increase in the Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere over the past 100 years. She added that this is resulting in the rising of the sea levels, which can adversely affect Guyana. Furthermore, the increase in temperature and CO2 has resulted in unusual and extreme weather patterns such as intense rainfall, which has led to flooding. These extreme weather patterns not only pose a threat to the agriculture sector, but also to human health and its existence. She added that by the end of this century temperatures can rise by up to 4 degrees Celsius.

Noting this, she pointed out that there are two actions that can be taken to address these concerns; mitigation which includes reductions in the levels of carbon dioxide and adaptation, which is understanding the situation and adjusting to cope with it.

Ms Chandarpal pointed out that Guyana has been sustainably managing its forest through sustainable forestry practices and by creating strategic partnerships. By addressing climate change, one can

used as investments in priority projects under the LCDS such as the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF). To date, 26 communities are in the implementation stage of the first phase of the project. The project is funded under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) for the provision of funding to support the socio-economic development of Amerindian communities and villages through the implementation of their Community Development Plans (CDPs). Phase 2 of the project has commenced and approximately 160 remaining communities will begin to receive funding to implement their CDPs. The communities will receive funding of up to $5M each for the village’s development of a community based project.

Another very important project under this agreement is the Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project, which is expected to improve the drainage capacity of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) system. Also, projects such as the Biodiversity Research Centre project, the Ecotourism Development project, the development of an aquaculture project, the development of a Climate Resilience Strategy and Action Plan and Implementing the LCDS Outreach Programme are also funded under GRIF.

Fire Service opens $139M training complex at Leonora

The Guyana Fire Service’s (GFS) training complex, at Leonora will enhance the service’s ability to execute its mandate in facilitating training of ranks for the roles of Fire and Rescue Service operatives.

Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee declared open the $139M training complex facility, located in the Leonora Fire Service compound on Monday. He said the facility is testimony to the Government’s commitment to modernise the GFS, to transform it to one that is a fully fledged Fire and Rescue Service, offering a variety of emergency services to the citizens of Guyana. He said, “It is very disappointing though that there are a few persons who have vested interest in stymieing the modernising process of this important disciplined service.”

the people, share ideas and work out solutions. She emphasised that it is important to engage people in discussions, in order to determine the next steps for the country. With respect to land titling, the former Toshao noted that there are challenges. She pointed out that the process is time consuming and it requires a lot of work hence the residents are asked to be patient and to cooperate with the Ministry.

Also, Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and member of the LCDS’ Multi Stakeholder Steering Committee (MSSC), Derrick John, in brief remarks at the meeting, noted that 2014 was the hottest year on record, which could be an indication that temperatures are rising.

In addition, Mr David James, an MSSC member, urged the villagers to come together and speak with one voice on the issue of climate change as it cuts across race, religion, ethnicity and political preferences and therefore, it affects everyone. The gathering of representatives and residents of communities such as Chinoweng, Paruima, Waramadong, Wax Creek, Kako, Phillipai, Kambaru, Quebenang, Wayalayeng, Jawalla, and Kamarang/Warawatta, among others participated in the outreach session and had interactive discussions.

However, he said that the Government cannot continue to deny the citizens access to better emergency services such as an ambulance service, rescue from vehicles involved in accidents, collapsed buildings and structures, and other services that the GFS undertakes. Since its ascension to office in 1992, Government has constructed nine new fire stations, eight living quarters, and renovated other buildings. Additionally, it has provided 46 fire tenders, 5 aircraft and rescue tenders, 1 hydraulic platform, 3 all terrain tenders, 2 trailer pumps, 4 water bowsers and 4 ambulances. Over 168 ranks were also exposed to overseas training, and the strength of the service grew from 368 to 511 during that period. Minister Rohee explained that prior to 1992, the GFS was operating from two fire stations, one fire tender and a pick up vehicle in Georgetown, and three other operational stations at

New Amsterdam, Timehri and Leonora. Training was also done on an ad-hoc basis at fire stations because there was no established facility to undertake training.

Since then, the GFS has established working relationships with the Caribbean Fire Service, the French Guiana Fire Service and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, and the Severn Park Fire and Rescue Training Center, and has benefited from positive initiatives from these relationships in the form of training and exchange visits. “The Ministry and the Guyana Fire Service have realised that there is the need for a new approach to modernise the service and has just completed a new five-year strategic plan, to bring the service up to date with the modern methods of a fire and rescue service. These are just a few highlights of the Government’s commitment to make our citizens safer,” the Minister emphasised. He urged the residents to assist the service in its quest to make the country safer.

Meanwhile Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle expressed gratitude to the Government for this initiative, noting that it will be developed into the only state-of-the-art fire training complex in the Caribbean. He said that the complex has received great reviews from its partners and will be willing to facilitate other smaller states interested in using it.

A unit of officers is currently undergoing training in the United Kingdom, and Gentle said that they will be returning to assist in manning the facility. Gentle also said that this facility is another step in the modernisation of the fire service into a fire and rescue one, as it will also be facilitating remedial training for emergency ambulance workers.

The Fire Chief noted that the fire service must be cognisant of the pace of development in Guyana, as this will dictate the pace at which it will be rolling out its services. He noted that a fire station is currently being constructed at La Grange and will become operational soon.

Government says Cops who burnt teen were already punished

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said the Government is satisfied with the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) contention that the two Leonora Police ranks who burnt the teen back in 2009 were dealt with in accordance with the law.

This was Dr Luncheon’s response, during the post Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, when asked about Cabinet’s position on the promotion of the two Police ranks, Narine Lall and Mohanram Dola.

Lall and Dola were recently promoted from Sergeant to Inspector and from Constable to Corporal, respectively.

“The PSC having satisfied itself that the matter had been concluded and all charges were cleared from

the Police Officers, they were no longer susceptible to disciplinary treatment,” he said.

Dr Luncheon further explained that the Cabinet was informed that the Commission acted from this perspective while addressing the adverse, superb and adequate functioning of the officers.

“There was satisfaction with the PSC’s contention that the law had taken its course,” Dr Luncheon said. He added that Cabinet did not see the need to deny the officers their promotions which would have been a form of additional disciplinary action.

After an internal investigation found the men to be guilty of burning a 15-yearold boy on his genitals while in custody back in 2009, the case was thrown out of the court after the teen failed to

testify. However, the recent promotions had resulted in condemnation by sections of society. In response, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee disassociated himself and his Ministry from the issue, saying that the matter lies with the PSC and the Guyana Police Force.

However, some persons sought to compare this issue to a similar issue involving Policeman Alwayn Hoyte. According to reports, Hoyte’s promotion was rescinded after it was found that he was involved in a pending disciplinary matter. The withdrawal is however, temporary until the matter is resolved, according to reports. In this regard, Dr Luncheon said the issue ought to have been thoroughly investigated before a decision was taken.

A section of the gathering at the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), awareness session in Region Seven

The new recruits during their drill exercise at the commissioning of the Guyana Fire Service training complex at Leonora

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

You can make professional gains if you talk to your boss about your findings. Promotions will be yours if you have acted competently in times of crisis.

Reading books on philosophy and self-awareness will bring about a definite change of attitude. You can influence those around you by sticking to your convictions.

Your curiosity will force you to do some research. Your interest in a moneymaking opportunity looks prosperous, as long as you do your homework.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Romance will find you if you participate in group events. Don’t be too eager to talk about yourself. If you listen, you’ll learn a great deal about others.

Deception is apparent if you are dealing with your peers. Don’t give away your secrets if you don’t want them circulated. Jealousy is likely among co-workers.

You may want to change your direction. Don’t be afraid to try something totally new. Your interesting approach to your work will be appreciated by the right boss.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Don’t be too quick to make decisions regarding legal matters. You will have to go over contracts with a fine-toothed comb. However, if it all pans out, you could sign the deal of a lifetime.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Expect your partner to be unstable. Empathy will be a must when dealing with loved ones. Give them a chance to explain the way they feel. You can probably help them by providing some tender, loving care.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Don’t let love interests at work stand in the way of your performance. You need to do the best job possible if you want to hang on to your position.

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

Spend time making personal improvements that will help you feel better about yourself. Changes in your domestic scene will be necessary, even if you don’t welcome them.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Be prepared to face opposition. Family members will not be happy with the number of hours you have been spending at work. Try to free up more of your time.

Don’t give away your secrets. You can prosper if you focus energy on your work and present your accomplishments independently. You need to make professional changes.

GEMINI

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

dilbert

arCHie

Barca top Atletico in thriller

Barcelona overcame nine-man Atletico Madrid in a fiery Copa del Rey quarter-final to seal a 4-2 aggregate victory.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Fernando Torres drove Atletico level inside a minute but Neymar quickly swept home a Barca counter-attack.

Atletico led again through Raul Garcia’s penalty but Miranda’s own goal and a second for Neymar left the hosts needing three to progress at the break.

Gabi was sent off in the tunnel at half time and Mario Suarez saw red late on. Their dismissals were in keeping with an ill-disciplined Atletico performance and when Neymar argued with home players on his way to the tunnel at the interval, he drew a cursory point of the finger from Gabi, who did not return for the second half.

Atletico midfielder Arda Turan threw his boot in a bizarre moment of anger as the game slipped away from his side and the home side’s hope had been extinguished by the time Suarez collected a second yellow card for a foul on Lionel Messi.

It was Barca’s third and decisive goal on the night which seemed to ignite tempers as Jordi Alba created a tap-in for Neymar, seconds after appearing to handle a goalbound Antoine Griezmann shot inside the area.

From that moment, petty fouls underlined Diego Simeone’s side’s frustration as Barca eased to a lastfour meeting against either Getafe or Villarreal, who lead 1-0 from the first leg.

The angry end to the night was in stark contrast to the beginning, when Torres pulled down a long ball, flummoxed former Liverpool team-mate Javier Mascherano and drove in

off the post inside a minute.

It was the striker’s third goal since his return to his boyhood club but Barca looked imperious on the break and when Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar combined, the Brazilian swept a classy leveller across the keeper from 12 yards.

Garcia’s penalty - earned when Mascherano appeared to foul Juanfran outside the box - rekindled home hope but Miranda hooked a Sergio Busquets glancing header into his own net to dampen spirits.

The breakaway goal, started by Alba’s controversial block, then arrived but little should be taken away from the Barca leftback who ran the length of the field to collect Messi’s pass and deliver a cross for Neymar to finish a blistering counter.

Luis Enrique’s side are now one tie away from a fifth Copa del Rey final in seven seasons. (BBC Sport)

NBA roundup… Cavaliers extend win streak to 7

Kyrie Irving matched his season high with 38 points and LeBron James added 32 to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to their seventh straight NBA victory Tuesday night, 103-95 over the Detroit Pistons.

The Cavs avenged a 23-point home loss to Detroit late last month. That game was part of a seven-game winning streak for the Pistons, but now Detroit is struggling to overcome the loss of Brandon Jennings, who ruptured his left Achilles tendon last weekend and will miss the rest of the season.

James fell to the floor near the basket during the final seconds of the third quarter and got up grimacing, apparently concerned about at least one of his wrists. He went to the bench, but only briefly. His two-handed breakaway dunk early in the fourth put Cleveland up 80-68.

Bucks 109, Heat 102 Brandon Knight had 17 points and six assists and the Milwaukee Bucks put seven players in double figures on the way to beating the Miami Heat.

Khris Middleton also scored 17 for the Bucks, who got 15 from Jerryd Bayless, 14 from O.J. Mayo, 13 from Giannis Antetokounmpo, 12 from John Henson and 11 from Chris Dudley.

With fighters Floyd

Windies unable to stop...

He came to the crease in the tenth over and initially took his time to get going as he moved to 25 off 42 balls before collecting his first six off Narsingh Deonarine. He then quickly started playing catch-up, reaching fifty off 60 balls before helping himself to 23 off Andre Russell’s sixth over. His pulling stood out as he repeatedly flicked balls off his hip from a regular supply of short deliveries, but there was also a fair smattering of stinging straight drives as he batted with a freedom that he has rarely shown early in his career. Understandably, he slowed a little as three figures approached, taking 11 balls to go through the 90s,

but his hundred came with a brace to deep midwicket and he was soon unleashing again as he took two fours and two sixes off the 37th over bowled by Jason Holder.

The game, meanwhile, was running out of superlatives to describe Amla’s batting. This was his fourth innings of the series and he has not failed to pass 61. By the time he fell in the 41st over his series tally stood at 413 runs at 206.05 - his other dismissal being a run-out in Durban - the most runs for a South Africa batsman in a bilateral series (overtaking his own record of 402 against West Indies in 2010).

After the early loss of

de Kock - who top-edged to point when beaten for pace and bounce - on his return from an ankle injury, Amla was soon ticking along at a run-a-ball or better as he feasted on bowling that was soon either too full or too short and wasted helpful conditions.

Amla’s early momentum helped Rossouw settle but he was also content to sit back and watch his young team-mate cut loose first before using his experience expertly to ease the pressure of him as three figures approached by taking charge of dispatching the bowlers. Three sixes came in seven balls against Sheldon Cottrell and Darren Sammy; all of a sudden it looked as

though he may beat Rossouw to three figures.

In the end he was the second man there, from 92 balls, and what followed was a destructive display of batsmanship that is not readily associated with someone like Amla whose trademark is steady accumulation. Alongside the avalanche of fours there was an extraordinary one-handed six over third man as he stretched to reach a wide delivery from Russell.

West Indies’ innings began in curious a fashion, and a disappointing one for those hoping for a close a match although Gayle’s ODI record in the last two years does not suggest a rollicking hundred was an immi-

Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao watching courtside, Milwaukee beat Miami for the third time in as many meetings this season, moving three games clear of the Heat in the race for No. 6 in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks’ bench outscored Miami’s 44-13.

Chris Bosh had 26 points for Miami. The Heat lost Dwyane Wade in the third quarter with what the team said was a strained right hamstring.

Grizzlies 109, Mavericks 90

Zach Randolph had 22 points and 10 rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies handed the Dallas Mavericks their first three-game losing streak of the season.

Marc Gasol added 15 points and a game-high six assists for the Grizzlies, who won their fourth straight and eighth in their past nine games a night after finishing a season-long five-game

nent prospect. This time he reached for a wide delivery first ball, the South Africans went up in appeal but the ball was called wide. Amla reviewed and Snicko showed a toe-end from Gayle as he ended with 71 runs at 14.20.

Although Deonarine and Dwayne Smith played their shots, taking early toll on Kyle Abbott and Marchant de Lange, who had been called in from the South Africa A squad, the pressure of the target was always going to be too great. Aaron Phangiso produced a lovely delivery to remove Smith and then Marlon Samuels was involved in his fourth run out of the series to send Deonarine back.

Samuels and Denesh

homestand. The only loss in that stretch was to Dallas last week at home. Chandler Parsons and Monta Ellis scored 19 apiece to lead the Mavericks, who failed for the third time to get coach Rick Carlisle his 600th career victory.

Nick Calathes had season highs with 13 points and 27 minutes for Memphis.

Raptors 104, Pacers 91

DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points and Kyle Lowry added 19 to lead Toronto to the win.

The Atlantic Divisionleading Raptors (30-15) overcame a sluggish first quarter to pick up their third straight win. The victory also gave Toronto a franchise record for most wins before the All-Star break.

Rodney Stuckey scored 22 points and Solomon Hill finished with 15 to lead Indiana (16-31), which has lost eight of nine. (The Vancouver Sun)

Ramdin added 91 in 13 overs to at least keep South Africa’s second-string attack on their toes. It was Parnell who gained most when wickets started to tumble, the most eye-catching delivery being the short ball which climbed at Ramdin and was fended away to midwicket. After claiming two more in four balls in his seventh over he should have completed his five-wicket haul, but Duminy spilled a chance at deep square leg much to the bowler’s annoyance, although he soon found a smile and even received a consoling pat on the back from Sammy. After another crushing defeat, though, it was really West Indies who needed the consoling. (Cricinfo)

Neymar now has 21 goals this season and both his strikes at the Vicente Calderon arrived to end blistering counter-attacks

Kyrie Irving

Mayweather, Pacquiao exchange

phone numbers at Heat game

Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao have finally met — in person.

And now talks might get serious about them meeting in the ring.

The fighters were both sitting courtside, directly across from one another, at a Miami Heat game on Tuesday night. Mayweather went over to Pacquiao at halftime, the men shook hands and chatted briefly, then exchanged phone numbers.

“He gave his number to me and said we will communicate with each other,” said Pacquiao, adding that he had never before met Mayweather in person.

Asked to clarify if the exchange meant the two would negotiate directly about meeting in the ring, Pacquiao said that was the case.

Mayweather did not respond to a question asked by an AP reporter. “Not now,” one of his security guards said, as Mayweather fiddled with his phone.

A bout between the two would almost certainly be the richest ever in boxing, potentially grossing as much as $250 million. Mayweather’s take alone could exceed $100 million.

Mayweather said last month that he’s ready to make the fight happen May 2. Asked Tuesday if that date can finally be the one, Pacquiao — who has said it’s time to give boxing fans what they want — nodded and said “yes.”

When Mayweather said

he wanted the May 2 fight to happen, he said Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum had been the main obstacle for it not coming together in the last five years. Mayweather repeated his old charges about Pacquiao not wanting to do blood tests prior to the fight for it not happening five years ago.

He also has no doubt that he could beat Pacquiao.

“I know that he’s not on my level,” Mayweather said last month.

Pacquiao has a similar confidence, saying on Twitter recently that “I can easily

Chelsea striker charged for alleged stamp

Diego Costa has been charged for violent conduct after an alleged stamp following the Capital One Cup semi-final with Liverpool on Tuesday.

The Chelsea striker, 26, faces a three-match ban for his challenge on defender Emre Can during the 1-0 victory.

The Spaniard could miss Saturday’s league match with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge if he is found guilty.

He has until 18:00 GMT on Thursday to respond to the Football Association’s charge.

He is being charged for the first of two alleged stamps that were not seen by referee Michael Oliver.

He also appeared to stand on central defender Martin Skrtel in the Liverpool penalty box in the second half.

The first-half incident involving Can took place close to the technical area and prompted an angry response from the Liverpool player.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers said at his postmatch press conference: “He could easily hurdle over the

young player and he directs his studs right on to his ankle, which could’ve been nasty.”

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said after the game that he feels the Brazil-born Spain international is being targeted unfairly.

The Blues, who won 2-1 on aggregate, will face the winners of Wednesday’s second semi-final involving Tottenham or Sheffield United, in the final at Wembley on Sunday, 1 March. (BBC Sport)

beat @FloydMayweather, I believe that.”

It appears to be happenstance that Mayweather and Pacquiao were together on Tuesday.

Pacquiao has been in Miami for several days, after serving as one of the judges in the Miss Universe pageant at Florida International University. He was supposed to leave Tuesday night but said his flight was canceled — as many were in South Florida because of the crippling effects felt nationwide by the havoc a winter storm caused

in the New York and Boston areas.

So Pacquiao decided to come to the Heat-Milwaukee Bucks game. He’s a noted basketball fan and has a good relationship with Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who is of Filipino descent.

Mayweather has been a regular courtside attendee at Heat games for several years.

And it just so happened they picked the same game. Pacquiao said he didn’t expect to see Mayweather — who had a seat just a few feet from Spoelstra’s spot on the side of the court where the Heat have their bench.

Spoelstra met with Pacquiao before the game and said he was “totally shocked” to see Mayweather on the same night. If the fight happens May 2, it would occur somewhere around the end of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

“I hope we’re extremely busy at that time, May 2,” Spoelstra said, “and I hope they’re very busy as well.”

Mayweather, the WBA and WBC welterweight champion, hasn’t lost in 47 fights. Pacquiao, the WBO welterweight titleholder, is 57-5-2 in his career.

Even the Heat in-game marketing arm weighed in on the buzz surrounding the potential fight. They put photos of both fighters on their video screens during a first-half stoppage in play, with the caption “Coming in 2015?”

There’s no sure answer — yet. (Yahoo Sports)

Keys top Venus to set up semifinal with Serena

Madison Keys beat Venus Williams to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final and end the possibility of an all-Williams contest at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The unseeded 19-year-old came through 6-3 4-6 6-4 in one hour and 54 minutes.

The American goes on to face top seed Serena Williams, who swept past 11th seed Dominika Cibulkova 6-2 6-2.

Defending champion Stan Wawrinka beat Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-4 7-6 (8-6) to set up a semi-final with Novak Djokovic.

Keys overcame a recurrence of the upper leg injury that hampered her at

Figo to challenge Blatter for FIFA’s top position

Portuguese great Luis Figo has become the latest shock candidate for the role of Fifa president.

The ex-Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan forward, 42, wants to replace Sepp Blatter as boss of world football’s governing body.

Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) president Michael van Praag also said on Wednesday he will be a candidate.

Blatter, 78, has been Fifa boss since 1998 and said in June 2014 that he intended to run for a fifth term.

Retired France international player David Ginola and fellow Frenchman Jerome Champagne, a former Fifa executive and exdiplomat, have already announced their intention to stand against him, along with Prince Ali of Jordan

Mourinho has offered his support to his fellow countryman’s presidency bid.

He said: “Luis Figo’s candidacy is a great step forward for football. His career over many years grants a better future for Fifa.

“I believe in his character and determination, as well as his passion for the game. He will be a president focused on football and its general improvement, acting closely with all federations.”

KNVB chief Van Praag says he wants to clean up Fifa’s sullied image and expand the World Cup if he succeeds Blatter as president.

The Dutchman, 67, said that under Blatter’s stewdardship, Fifa “is doing badly and has lost all credibility”.

He added: “Fifa is constantly under suspicion. Of

who is backed by the Football Association.

Van Praag, meanwhile, is backed by the Scottish Football Association.

Figo is standing after Blatter was criticised for Fifa’s handling of Michael Garcia’s report into alleged corruption during the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

“Football has given me so much during my life and I want to give something back to the game,” the ex-Portugal international, who won 127 caps, said in a CNN interview.

Wimbledon last year, requiring a medical timeout off court during the second set.

“It was definitely kind of a flashback to Wimbledon for me,” she said. “I have had some problems with that part of my leg, so it was kind of an overwhelming moment.

“It was kind of scary but luckily I was able to catch it before I did any real damage to it.”

Serena Williams fired down 15 aces in a comprehensive 65-minute win over last year’s finalist Cibulkova.

The 33-year-old American has won the title on all five occasions she has made it past the quarter-finals. (BBC Sport)

“I look at the reputation of Fifa right now and I don’t like it. Football deserves better. In recent weeks, months, and even years, I have seen the image of Fifa deteriorate.

“As I speak to many people in football - to players, managers and association presidents - so many of those people have told me that something has to be done.”

Figo won the Ballon d’Or in 2000 and was Fifa world player of the year in 2001.

In 2000, he made a controversial move from Barcelona to bitter La Liga rivals Real Madrid for a then world record fee of £37m, and won the Champions League with Real in 2002.

Chelsea boss Jose

conflicts of interest, of nepotism, of corruption.”

Van Praag said he submitted his candidacy to Fifa this week with backing from the necessary five federations - Belgium, Sweden, Scotland, Romania and the Faroe Islands - as well as the Netherlands.

Scottish Football Association president Campbell Ogilvie said: “We believe Michael has the experience, integrity and gravitas required to expedite the modernisation of world football’s governing body.

“Having known him for more than 20 years, I believe he is the right candidate at the right time to restore harmony to the game.”

Harold Mayne-Nicholls, the former head of Fifa’s technical committee had been expected to announce his candidacy but the Chilean said on Wednesday that he will now not add his name to the ballot because he would not expect to beat Figo.

All potential candidates have to register their interest in standing before Thursday’s deadline. According to Fifa electoral committee member Dominico Scala, all confirmed challengers must pass an anti-corruption test.

(BBC

Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao exchange numbers at a Miami Heat game. Saved as mayweather, Pacquiao

Luis Figo

Madison Keys

Diego Costa

Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

Shalom Driving School, lot 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. Enjoy 20% discount. Phone: 227-3869, 622-8162, 644-7052, 227-3835

Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

2007 pitbull minibus, BRR series. In excellent condition. $2.8M. Phone: 678-6720.

1 evolution, two turbo charger, megrim, airbrush, DVD players, amps, speakers. Call 626-2095

& Visa

We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

For love, unity and peace- science of spirituality, Guyana on facebook, website www.sos.org email darshan1409@hotmail.com Tel 2250630 / 698-0582 Kenneth Daniels Harmony through meditationScience of spirituality Sundays 15:00-16:00h. Monar Educational Institute. 192 Lance Gibbs and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown. www.sos.org No charge. Call: 2250630 / 698-0582

Learn transcendental meditation and gain deep rest, eliminate stress, increase creativity & Intelligence; improve memory, self confidence & relationship; improves health & longevity. Reduces Insomnia & Hypertension. Bring peace and happiness. For new introductory lecture. Contact the teacher Ashoke 609-3701, Sherlock at 225-2243 or Elton 609-3443

thursday, january 29, 2015

Located in Republic Gardens, Peters Hall, EBD. Interested persons contact 231-5359 or 6727189

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, MetenMeer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

two flat executive concrete house; three bedrooms upper, two bedrooms lower (separate flats). Price negotiable. Tel: 602-2135

Eccles: Build your own home in a modernized, gated community. Lot size 60’x100’ $7.5M. Call: 2272913, Cell: 689-3033. Eccles: Commercial lots $14M. Call: 227-2913, Cell: 689-3033

One two-storeyed concrete building with four apartments at Fort Ordinance Canje. Size: 50 x 30 feet. Contact Indera Gupta at Telephone: 627-3095 for further details.

One business/ residential transported property located at Friendship Public Road, East Bank Demerara. Property presently houses a variety store and beer garden. Price negotiable. Call 661-8802 for more information.

Two storey house in good location; Lot 55 Section ‘B’ Non ParielFirst Street, ECD ($12m or best offer. Quick sale preferred. Contact 651-8901.

Computer repairs and computer training as low as $3,000. 2273091, 622-7036, 661-0515

At home practical electrical installation. Lowest prices contact 2273091, 622-7036, 661-0515

Setting up point of sales and Accounting software with on hand training. Call 669-9342

Online shopping and Logistics services in Mahaicony. Call 669-9342

Jean offers courses in dressmaking, curtain, floral, cake-decoration. Phone: 670-2653 / 618-1706

A&Z Terrazzo provides quality designs & construction of terrazzo. Also regrinding, cleaning and polishing of existing terrazzo floors. Contact Athlone Bacchus on 6422289/660-7486.

or 227-2100

We can help you- remove evil spirit, bad luck, blockage, reunite family and lovers, money problems, jobs, pregnancy, uplift business, skin problems, sexual problem, legal matters and much more. Call today for tomorrow may be too late. Call 674-5317/ 683-5228/ 612-1975

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit; bad luck; evil sickness; spells; reuniting lovers and prosperity to business etc, Call 6126417, 220-0708.

Cleansing of spiritual problems of all kinds. Powerful Ifá protection against evil. Get help to overcome problems with love, relationships, legal, sexual, pregnancy, business, sickness, jobs, enemies, work, money. Call 592-690-1824 from 10:00-16:00h Email:anew-life@ live.com

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 6794672

135 tractor and plough for sale. Need repair. Price negotiable. Call 216-0671/ 622-0267/ 692-8464

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

wAnTed

VACANCY EXISTS FOR ONE OPERATOR FOR EXCAVATOR, TRACTOR AND SKID STEER EQUIPMENT. MUST HAVE BASIC MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN SERVICING AND MAINTAINING EQUIPMENT. VALID DRIVER LICENSE REQUIRED. APPLY IN PERSON WITH WRITTEN APPLICATION TO MAYS SHOPPING CENTRE. 98 REGENT STREET, GEORGETOWN One dispatcher call: 611-1018

Djokovic through to semifinals of Australian open

Four-time champion Novak Djokovic dismantled the big serving of Milos Raonic to reach the Australian Open semi-finals.

The world number one needed just one hour and 55 minutes to beat eighth seed Raonic 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 6-2.

Djokovic, 27, is through to his 25th Grand Slam semi-final as he chases an eighth major title.

He will next face defending champion Stan Wawrinka for the third year running in Melbourne.

“I take a lot of confidence,” sad Djokovic. “I try to carry that in every next match, next challenge. Obviously I’m going to play Stan, who is the defending champion here.

“We played five-set matches in 2013 and 2014 Australian Open. I’m going to be ready for a fight. But knowing that I have raised the level of performance tonight, and probably playing the best match of the tournament so far is affecting my confidence in a positive way.

“Hopefully I can carry that into next one.”

Raonic, 24, went into the match with 99 aces to his name and having dropped

serve just twice in four matches.

Djokovic’s return proved too much to handle, however, and while lacking the Canadian’s service speed, the Serb moved into the last four having been broken just once in the tournament.

There were moments of frustration for Djokovic as four break points came and went in the first set, but a wild Raonic forehand at 3-2 down in the tie-break handed over the initiative.

Djokovic capitalised, before taking an even firmer grip on the contest with a brilliant cross-court backhand winner to finally break at the start of the second.

Raonic, who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon

last year, could not hurt the top seed and failed to muster a single break point as the match raced away from him.

Djokovic broke twice more as he cruised through the third set, sealing victory with a backhand volley to reach his fifth Australian semi-final.

“He just didn’t allow me to organise my game. Even when he was returning well, by the end of the match he was doing a good job of playing deep and never allowing me to go forward,” said Raonic.

“Obviously if you watch the footage, he was pretty much on the baseline the whole time and I was further back.” (BBC Sport)

ronaldo suspended for two games

Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a two-match ban after his sending-off for kicking out at Cordoba defender Edimar on Saturday.

The forward, 29, will miss the next two La Liga games against Real Sociedad and Sevilla but will be available for the derby against Atletico Madrid.

The Portuguese, whose earlier punch at Jose Angel Crespo was missed by the referee, was dismissed on 82

6227097 / 624-7111

Walsh tips pacers ahead of World Cup

Former Paceman of West Indies cricket team Courtney Walsh has advised to all fast bowlers to be prepared mentally and physically for the tricky conditions of New Zealand and Australia.

Courtney Walsh said that conditions of New Zealand and Australia can be tricky so one has to be prepared mentally and physically for the challenge. Generally the white Kookaburra ball offers a bit while it is new and hard, and the pitches will also, especially if the game starts early. Day-night games are a bit different as the ball will do less. In New Zealand if the dew comes into play then all your skills will be tested.

“The pitches might not

be as bouncy as in Australia but you will get some assistance early in both countries,” he said.

Walsh said “My advice is to try and maximise all your advantages by trying to strike early with the new ball, even if you have to be a bit more aggressive than

usual with both the bowling and field placings.”

The bowlers will have to bring their ‘A’ games and try to out-think so many world-class batsmen, he added.

Talking about the dangerous players such as AB de Villiers, Aaron Finch, Chris Gayle, David Warner and Brendon McCullum, to name just a few, are the kind who, on their day, will make bowlers pay dearly

“you try to restrict the use of their arms as they are so powerful and they’re always trying to be one step ahead of the bowlers. So it’s very, very important you try to out-think them.” As a bowler you have to try to be one step ahead all the time. Try to plan well. (Windies

Eccles:

Novak Djokovic

minutes.

The World Player of the

Year apologised after the game, which Real won 2-1.

Cricket)

Ronaldo tussles with Jose Angel Crespo, who he also seemed to throw a punch at earlier in the game

Courtney Walsh

Jaguars’ preparation a work in progress, says Shabazz

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, Jamaal Shabazz, said getting the team to peak condition is a work in progress as they prepare to depart for this weekend’s international friendly against hosts Barbados.

During a visit to one of the training sessions earlier this week at the Guyana Defence Force ground, Shabazz highlighted that ever since the camp started last Thursday, the focus has been on getting the players to an acceptable level of fitness.

The local based players have been inactive for close to a month following the conclusion of the various year-

end tournaments by the subassociations, while the few foreign players joined the camp with match time in their legs.

“We’ve not achieved the point to where we would like to be because you know

you could only push them so much because they’re not horses, they’re not animals, and I would have liked to be in a lot earlier.

“But having said that, I’m still happy that we can go to Barbados and give a

good account of ourselves,” Shabazz said.

The travelling squad, comprising 18 players, will be announced today, and according to Shabazz, the Technical Team has a fair idea of the composition of that squad. The Golden Jaguars are slated to depart Guyana on Friday afternoon onboard a LIAT flight from the Ogle International Airport at 14:50h.

The game is the Golden Jaguars’ first on a path to upward mobility on the FIFA rankings after they would have dropped from an all-time high of 86 in November 2010 to a current position of 167.

The Bajans are ranked 143. The game will be played at the Barbados National Stadium and kick off time is 19:00h.

The preliminary squad reads: Christopher Nurse, Jamaal Smith, Emery Welshman, Brydon Caeser, O'Neil Carter, Oswald

Lithcott, Dwain Jacobs, Amos Ramsey, Daniel Wilson, Keron Solomon, Sheldon Holder, Clive Nobrega, Colin Nelson, Dwight Peters, Tishard Joseph, Dwayne Lawrence, Domini Garnett, Travis Hillman, Rawle Gittins, Denver Dennis, Calvin Sheppard, Joshua Brown, Eusi Phillips and Vurlon Mills.

The Technical Team comprises Jamaal Shabazz (Head Coach), Wayne Dover (Assistant Coach), Claude Bolton (Technical Director), Trevor Burnett (Manager - Equipment), Faizal Khan (Manager - Commercial and Administrative), Mark Xavier (ManagerOperations), Anson Ambrose (Trainer), Andrew Hazel (Goalkeeping Coach) and Debita Harriprashad (Physiotherapist).

Close finishes mark 2nd night of action

West Side Ballers won the most lopsided game of the evening with a 3-1 win against Samaroo Dam 3-1 on Tuesday evening in front of a packed crowd at the Pouderoyen Tarmac.

Anthony Harding opened the scoring in the fifth minute with an easy goal before teammate Quessey found the back of the net in the seventh minute only to have Samaroo Dam pulled a goal back in the eight minute from Kishawn Critchlow.

Harding would score his second goal of the match in the 15th minute to secure the win for West Side Ballers.

Den Amstel was able to top Showtime 2-1 in a thrilling game that had the crowd engaged with the action.

Delon Lanferman opened the scoring for Den Amstel in the fifth minute but played some lackluster defence that allowed Mark Boyce to score down the middle of an empty goal after stealing the ball in the 10th minute.

Kester Dundas would save the day for Den Amstel netting a goal in the 18th minute that eventually won the game. Raiders upset Majee Street 2-1 as Adrian Birch notched the first goal of the game with a goal in the sixth minute of the

match while Sean Swan doubled the scoreline in the 18th minute.

Majee Street would eventually pull one back in the 22nd minute through a right sided Morvin Henry shot into the left corner.

Admiral United downed Uitvlugt 2-1 on penalty kicks after normal time ended 1-1. Uitvlugt would begin the shoot-out in the worst possible manner as they missed in the opening round from the distance.

Devon Jansen scored the opening goal in the third minute while Owen McGarrell equalised in the 12th minute with a powerful

Trophy Stall Doubles tennis tournament… Leacock, Fenty cop Men’s Open title

The Leyland Leacock/ Nicholas Fenty duo brought down the curtains on the 2014 Trophy Stall Doubles tournament, copping the Men’s Open Doubles title after defeating the Khalif Gobin/William Spangler pair 6-4, 6-2.

The match was played in the evening under floodlights at the Le Ressouvenir tennis courts. The expression in tennis, which says

Doubles category concluded with fierce competitiveness in their encounters, much to the delight of the few spectators who felt that this was a breath of fresh air to rejuvenate veteran tennis in Guyana.

The oldest partnership of four years in the category, the dominant team of Godfrey Lowden/Omar Persaud, was the main attraction on court as they

strike as the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

In the sixth game of the evening, Pouderoyen Showstoppers squeaked past Jetty 3-2 on sudden death kicks after normal time ended nil all.

In other results, Patentia Street Ballers squeaked past Demerara Speedboat 4-3 on sudden death kicks after normal time ended nil-all while DeKinderen United edged Brothers United 2-1.

The final round of group games is scheduled to commence today at the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac with eight matchups from 19:00h.

that the score does not reflect the match, was applicable to this game since spectators witnessed momentum shifting, punctuated with the ability of all of the players to drop big serves.

Spangler served first and was broken, but managed to return the favour to Leacock’s service game, levelling the scores 1-1.

Junior national squash player Gobin held service for his team with his flavour of powerful serves, which were later answered by Fenty’s signature kick serves. The game continued to progress at a balance 4-4 until Fenty and Leacock broke and sped away to win the first set 6-4.

They seemed more determined in the final set and took an early break towards finally securing the second set at 6-2.

The Over-35 Men’s

played a more aggressive game and made significantly less unforced errors. They battled in their last match to eventually score the most wins in their round-robin group.

They defeated Sam Barakat/Lineu De Paula 6-3, 6-4 and Albert Razick/ Bo Arbogast 7-6 (8/6), 6-4. Albert Razick/Bo Arbogast defeated Sam Barakat/ Lineu De Paula 6-1, 6-1. In the Mixed Open Doubles category, the Leyland Leacock/Afruica Gentle pair defeated Orande Dainty/Aretta Dey 6-4, 6-2 to grab the title.

This highly anticipated doubles tournament completed the GTA activities for 2014 which were extended to January for completion after being plagued by bad weather during mid-December.

Cornett, Omallo Williams, Travis Henry, Solomon Austin, Kris Camacho, Quincy Madramootoo, Trevon

Jamaal Shabazz

The Golden Jaguars players have been in training for the past week

West Demerara Guinness Greatest of the Streets tournament...

Leyland Leacock (left) and Nicholas Fenty

Godfrey Lowden (right) and Omar Persaud

GRFU shortlists 31 females for national duty

The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has shortlisted 31 females with the aim of deriving at a national squad to take part in the upcoming NACRA sevens in June.

The female national squad will be heading for their fourth title after winning the event in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Further, the women will have a chance to play in the Olympic qualifiers depend-

ing on whether or not they finish in the top three of the NACRA Sevens.

The national team will be sporting a blend of experience as well as newcomers as the cost to get the team to the NACRA Seven’s are set at USD $43,000 according to the GRFU.

The list of 31 are as follows: Carren Carter, Tricia Munroe, La Toya Hamilton-Cordis, Collette Hope, Nicole Nero, Natasha Andrews, Alicia Fortune,

Shennel Daniels, Alicia Mentore, Carren Skeete, Sabola Gray, Andrea Lashley, Grace Jarvis, Princesa Wilkie, Vionette Profitt , Cloetta Dublin, Theresa Torres, Cindy Fraser, Abassie Bobb, Marva Chase, Natoya Norville, Keaisha Erskine, Temika Thornman, Kateyka Jeremiah, Natyor Carbon, Sophia Vanderstoop, Kateja Hall, Delicia Harding, Nicketia Jonas, Fiona Ward and Alana Phillips.

WICB seeks...

Cameron sent this proposal through an e-mail to BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel on Tuesday, the last day of the week-long deadline set by BCCI in its ultimatum to the WICB sent on January 20. In that letter, which was also addressed to inter-governmental community (CARICOM) secretarygeneral Irwin LaRocque, Patel had said the BCCI would press legal proceedings in the Indian courts if the WICB failed to propose how it would pay the $41.97 million claimed as damages.

“We reiterate our position that Indian courts lack jurisdiction in this matter given the parties’ agreement to submit disputes of this nature to binding arbitration,” Cameron told Patel in the e-mailed letter, a copy of which was made available to ESPNcricinfo.

Cameron also expressed surprise about Patel insisting, in his letter on January 20, that the BCCI had received no constructive response from the WICB. Patel had pointed out that the BCCI had been lenient and even allowed a 40-day grace period at the request of CARICOM, and stated that there had been no prog-

ress in finding a solution acceptable to the BCCI.

Cameron, however, did not agree and cited various “informal discussions” between the boards. “We are surprised that your letter makes no reference to our letter dated 7 November 2014 or the matters to which it refers, including our formal written proposal for progressing matters. Your letter also makes no reference to the numerous earnest but informal discussions, which have taken place between our respective Boards exploring possible solutions, including various ‘cricketing solutions’ that are practical and fair to the BCCI and all stakeholders,” he said.

Outlining the proposal set in the November 7 letter once again, Cameron said the WICB was happy to sit with the BCCI to find an appropriate solution.

“Our position in law remains as set out in our letter dated 7 November 2014,” Cameron said. “Without admitting any liability to the BCCI, we reiterate our willingness to participate in bilateral or multi-lateral discussions, or in mediation or such other suitable form of ADR as may be appropriate,

GFF saddened at passing of former Treasurer

Chairman Clinton Urling and members of the FIFA appointed Normalization Committee (NC) have expressed sadness at the passing of the former Treasurer of the Guyana Football Federation Aubrey Henry.

“During our interactions with Mr Henry, we always found him to be humble, well-spoken, knowledgeable and a calming influence in what can sometimes be a chaotic environment.

“He was always willing to lend his expertise for the benefit and development of

football in Guyana. The local football fraternity has indeed lost a valuable asset,” A GFF release stated.

In addition the Normalisation Committee wished the family and friend of the late treasurer their deepest condolences at this particular time.

“The Chairman and members of the NC wish to extend sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Aubrey Henry and hope that those who he has taught and influenced will continue to serve football with equal dedication, pride and humility.”

Henry

guyana Jaguars to...

The teams for the match will be selected from the following players: Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Ronsford Beaton, Shivnarine Chanderpaul,

Trevon Griffith, Keon Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Rajendra Chandrika, Paul Wintz, Vishaul Singh, Raun Johnson, Anthony Adams, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Amir Khan, Steven Sankar, Kevon Boodie, Gudakesh Motie, Ricardo Adams, Jason Sinclair, Kemol Savory, Krisendat Ramoo, Shemroy Barrington, Kandasammy Surujnarine, Robin Bacchus, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer and Kemo Paul.

as the alternatives would be of no benefit to either Board or the larger cricketing community.

“We would like to propose that we (WICB and BCCI) meet at the earliest available opportunity but in any event within the next 60 days, as we remain of the view that the issues between us may best be resolved through dialogue, facilitated or otherwise, with the aim of jointly coming up with appropriate ‘cricketing solutions’ that will meet the legitimate interests of all stakeholders including the BCCI.”

Cameron’s response to an annoyed and indignant BCCI could come as a surprise for many as India has cancelled all bilateral tours pending a resolution to the matter. Yet Cameron and WICB remain positive. In a separate media release, WICB said that Cameron had met “some of the directors of ICC” in Dubai this week and sought their intervention. The release also said the WICB was “hopeful of finding a workable solution and to this end will send a delegation to meet with the BCCI in the coming weeks.” (Cricinfo)

The Rugby women’s team in their glory days

Aubrey

Windies unable to stop SA, lose series 4-1

Aperformance of allround quality to match their huge win at the Wanderers

83-ball hundred provided him the highest peak of an undulating start at ODI level and he joined forces with

wicket.

South Africa piled up a gargantuan 361 for 5 and the carnage in the second half

South Africa ended their season on a high with a 131-run win in Centurion in their final international before the World Cup. Rilee Rossouw's

the peerless Hashim Amla, who played with rare abandon during his occasionally brutal 133, as the pair added a record 247 for the third

of the innings brought back memories of the Wanderers as West Indies' bowlers were flayed, powerless to stop the onslaught. At the 20-over

mark the score was 105 for 2, a modest run-rate of just over five-an-over, but the last 22 overs of the innings brought 256. The innings concluded in a fitting manner as JP Duminy smote a straight six, the 17th of the innings. A full innings, and 439 would have been threatened.

Chris Gayle's miserable series then concluded with a first-ball duck and though West Indies flung the bat the effect was never going to be enough. Wayne Parnell, one of South Africa's squad bowlers who could yet makeor-break the World Cup campaign if injuries come along, then earned himself a valuable confidence boost with 4 for 42 during a spell of eye-catching pace. As evidence around the world is showing, a left-arm quick can be priceless.

Still, Parnell is likely to start the World Cup as a reserve. It will be fascinating to see if the same is true of Rossouw after a series including two hundreds. He would probably like to play all his cricket on the Highveld and his second ODI ton followed the one he made in Johannesburg

Guyana Jaguars to recommence training for Regional 4-Day PCL

The Guyana Jaguars will recommence their preparations for the resumption of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL)

Regional Four-Day tournament with a three-day practice match, starting today at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

According to a release from the Guyana Cricket Board, play will start at 10:00h each day and will consist of all applicable 4-Day Regional match rules.

“The match is being used to assist the players in effectively making the transition from One Day matches to the longer version of the game. Further, during the course of the match, the players will simultaneously benefit from the availability of the Demerara Cricket Club ground for specific individual and group exercises,” the GCB release outlined.

The Guyana Jaguars are leading the 2014/2015 WICB PCL Regional 4-Day tournament point standing with 57 points, seven ahead of Jamaica. Notably missing from the group of players selected for the practice game are batsmen Narsingh Deonarine and Leon Johnson, who are on West Indies duty in South Africa, and the injured Assad Fudadin.

Test batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, one of three Guyana Jaguars batsmen to score fifties in the

recently concluded NAGICO Super50 tournament, will be part of the practice match, as well as Barbados batsman Raymon Reifer.

which was subsequently overshadowed by AB de Villiers' record-breaking hundred. Then he was opening, this time he was No. 4 after a reshuffle of the order

SCOREBOARD

South Africa

Q de Kock+ c Carter b Holder 4

H Amla* b Russell 133

F du Plessis c Cottrell

b Russell 16

R Rossouw c Carter b Russell 132

D Miller c Ramdin b Holder 23

JP Duminy not out 18

F Behardien not out 5

Total: 5 wkts (42/42 Overs) 361

Extras: (lb 7, w 20, nb 3) 30

Did not Bat: W Parnell, A Phangiso, K Abbott, M de Lange. Fall of Wickets: 1-6 (de Kock, 1.3 ov), 2-59 (du Plessis, 9.6 ov), 3-306 (Rossouw, 38.4 ov), 4-330 (Amla, 40.2 ov), 5-345 (Miller, 41.2 ov).

West Indies Bowling: S Cottrell 7-0-68-0, J Holder 9-0-77-2, C Brathwaite 9-0-46-0, A Russell 8-0-85-3, D Sammy 7-0-590, N Deonarine 2-0-19-0. West Indies (Target; 362 (42 Overs)

C Gayle c de Kock b Abbott 0

N Deonarine run out (Amla/Phangiso) 43

D Smith LBW Phangiso 31

M Samuels b Abbott 50

D Ramdin+ c Amla b Parnell 40

A Russell c de Kock b Parnell 24

J Carter c Abbott b Parnell 0

D Sammy b Behardien 27

J Holder* c Rossouw b Parnell 0 C Brathwaite c de Kock

b de Lange 1

S Cottrell not out 2

Total: All Out (37.4/42 Overs) 230

Extras: (lb 2, w 10) 12 Fall of Wickets: 1-0 (Gayle, 0.1 ov), 2-77 (Smith, 12.3 ov), 3-81 (Deonarine, 14.2 ov), 4-172 (Samuels, 27.3 ov), 5-176 (Ramdin, 28.1 ov), 6-177 (Carter, 28.6 ov), 7-196 (Russell, 30.1 ov), 8-196 (Holder, 30.4 ov), 9-214 (Brathwaite, 33.4 ov), 10-230 (Sammy, 37.4 ov). South Africa Bowling: K Abbott 7-0-59-2, M de Lange 8-0-34-1, W Parnell 9-042-4, A Phangiso 8-0-53-1, F Behardien 5.4-0-40-1.

WICB seeks mediation with BCCI

Dave Cameron, the president of the West Indies Cricket Board, has told the BCCI that the WICB cannot be dragged into the Indian courts for damages related to West Indies’ pullout from the India tour midway into the series in October last year. Cameron urged the BCCI to sort the issue through a bilateral discussion or a third-party mediation over the next two months. The WICB also said that it had sought the intervention of the ICC in the matter.

Raymon Reifer

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Dave Cameron

ensured

to accommodate the returning Amla - who had been rested for the Port Elizabeth match - and the fit-again Quinton de Kock.

A dejected Chris Gayle heads to the pavilion as South Africa rips through West Indies