Guyana Times Daily - January 3, 2015

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President Ramotar strengthens resolve guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2362

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Prison Service P5 operating under stress – Rohee

– stands firmly by PPP/C Govt’s track record

36 babies born on New Year's Day Page 12

GECOM opens new P7 $15M office at Charity

New Drug P7 Strategy Master Plan launched The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) welcomed the New Year with traditional fireworks at its Camp Ayanganna Headquarters, Georgetown Thursday morning and Guyanese citizens wasted little time in 'cashing in' on the action (Carl Croker photo)

3 murdered AFC pussyfooting on coalition over New Year's holiday talks – Granger Pages 9 and 10

Page 11

URP: another coalition option P13 … says current parties do not share its vision

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NEWS

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saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, January 3 – 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, January 4 – 14:30h-16:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, January 3 – 15:00h-16:30h and Sunday, January 4 – 15:40h-17:10h

FERRY SCHEDULE

The Management of the Transport and Harbour Department wishes to notify the general public that vessels operating the Parika/Supenaam services will no longer be operating according to tidal conditions.

The new daily schedules are as follows: Parika departure – 06:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h Supenaam departure – 06:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected in the morning, with heavy rain showers in the early afternoon. Thundery showers are expected in the late afternoon to evening hours over coastal region and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 03:05h and 15:19h reaching maximum heights of 2.40 metres and 2.55 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:51h and 21:21h reaching minimum heights of 0.80 metre and 0.65 metre respectively.

Wednesday, DECEMber 31, 2014

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President Ramotar strengthens resolve

– stands firmly by PPP/C Govt’s track record

BY MICHAEL YOUNGE

P

resident Donald Ramotar says that he has further strengthened his resolve this year in the face of mounting criticisms from the Opposition political parties about his term in office after his party won the 2011 General and Regional Elections.

Ramotar, speaking with Guyana Times during an exclusive interview on Old Year’s Day, said any careful and independent analysis of some of the criticisms made about his presidency and stewardship of the economy would reveal that they are unfair, unhelpful, lacking potency and opportunistic in nature.

He maintained that he has honoured all of his Executive and Constitutional obligations as President while working to further advance the lives of the Guyanese people.

He insisted that he would not allow himself to be distracted by those unconstructive criticisms, but will work to achieve the vision he has of a more developed and prosperous Guyana this year.

When questioned as to what was the greatest challenge he has faced since becoming President three years ago, Ramotar said it was working with an uncooperative Opposition which is bent on railroading development and crippling the country’s planned socio-economic transformation under the People’s Progressive Party Civic’s (PPP/C) Administration.

He admitted that this lack of cooperation eventually resulted in him making an Executive decision to prorogue Parliament with the intention of preserving that institution while opening the door for dialogue.

Ramotar said that when he reflects on his decision, he has “no regrets” because it exposed the Opposition’s double standards, lack of compromise and inability to put aside their partisan agendas to address issues of national importance.

He is not moved by some of the arguments and misinformation that

have been spread about his Government’s decision in this respect because he believes that all Guyanese fully understand the rationale behind the move.

Asked whether he was bothered by the Opposition’s allegations that as President he has been “weak and unable to carve out his own independent legacy”, Ramotar responded firmly in the negative.

He also poured cold water on the febrile arguments made by the Opposition that he “lacks independence” and is merely a “pup-

itiatives advanced by the PPP/C despite the continued criticisms he faces in the media from the combined Opposition political parties and other stakeholders.

“I will stand by all that Government has done since we came into power. In every area of life that you can think about, we have done remarkably well in helping our people to grow by lifting their standard of living,” he said.

Ramotar recommitted support for all the stalled projects started under Jagdeo. “I was elected by

President Donald Ramotar

pet on a string”.

In response, the President said: “I never bothered with those types of things. When former President Bharrat Jagdeo came into power first, they used to tell him that Janet Jagan and myself were pulling his string. I think anyone who is put into this position will have to deal with the derogatory remarks of the opposition. I will not be sidetracked by those types of nonsensical things,” he insisted.

The President made it clear that he is unwilling to jeopardize all of the gains made in Guyana’s development over the past 22 years. He declared unwavering support for the work programme, vision and in-

the people of Guyana to do a job and I was elected on a clear platform to try to continue and build on the achievements of the PPP/C Administration,” he stated.

The President, not for the first time since being elected, reiterated that he was part of the “whole process” to identity and select projects and initiatives that would develop Guyana even when Jagdeo was still President.

He disclosed that he was fully knowledgeable of all of the developmental projects

which are now being shotdown by the Opposition, which is alleging a lack of accountability and transparency.

Ramotar said, “Even when I was not yet the President and I was General Secretary of the party, I was an integral part of all the projects that were coming into being.

"I believe in those projects. I believe in Amaila Falls. I believe in the Marriott. I believe in the Specialty Hospital and Airport Expansion Projects," he said.

The President admitted that there is still a lot of work to be done to fast track development here. He admitted that corruption existed in the country but argued keenly that he had not turned a blind eye to it as some were proposing in various sections of the media.

“Corruption had become a norm under the PNC [People's National Congress]. We have done our best to wipe it out and we have come a far way in this regard. We have set up a lot of systems to fight corruption. I will not be naïve and say that corruption does not exist but what is not being said is how much we have done to fight it,” he said strongly.

Ramotar is Guyana’s Seventh Executive President and a former PPP/C General Secretary.

Since leading his party to victory in 2011, he has faced threats from the Opposition political parties here which control the legislature in the National Assembly to bring his Government down.

His style of governance and refusal to break away from the philosophy of the PPP/C and its governance strategy has earned him the ire of an impatient opposition which has used its one-seat majority in legislature to block all of his many developmental trump-card projects.

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saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015

Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Reflections on 2014

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015 is here, and certainly 2014 will be remembered as a year of mixed fortunes for all Guyanese. There were many highs and perhaps more lows, especially as it relates to the politics that confronted the nation.

The parliamentary gridlock resulted in much of the nation’s business being halted. Government’s patience was tested in every regard, but the President and Cabinet pressed on and did what they could have done within the laws of the country. Guyana’s development cannot be stalled because of a lack of political consensus.

One of the highpoints for 2014 was the President’s Proclamation on November 10 to Prorogue the 10th Parliament after being confronted with a No-Confidence Motion from the Opposition. The goal was to make way for political dialogue between major political players, but this was rejected by the Opposition.

The Opposition approached issues of national interest in a very partisan manner. Using their one-seat majority, they cut a large portion of the 2014 budget. These cuts affected key transformational projects such as the Amaila Falls Hydro Electricity Project, the Specialty Hospital, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion, airstrip maintenance across the country and Amerindian development.

2014 also saw a lack of support from the main Opposition on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Bill despite Government’s numerous efforts to reach consensus to prevent Guyana from being blacklisted.

Following commitment by the President to implement the action plan developed by Government and the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG), Guyana was granted a reprieve from blacklisting until September 2015.

The challenges were many, but there were many notable achievements. There was tremendous progress made in the education sector. The Hinterland Education Improvement Project (HEIP) was launched in several hinterland regions.

The HEIP targets improving the quality of teacher education, aligning teaching-learning resources to improve student outcomes, enhancing physical facilities, fostering community alliances and strengthening management supervision. For the fifth consecutive year, Guyana won a number of Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) awards.

As reported by the Government Information Agency (GINA), there were notable improvements made in the agriculture sector.

Rice and sugar have met their targets and are contributing millions of US dollars to the national coffers.

The health sector saw a number of improvements in 2014. In addition to the hundreds of newly trained health professionals entering the sector, facilities at most of the countries health institutions have improved. The year also saw some massive infrastructural works being carried out throughout the country, including roads and bridges.

Guyana’s housing drive continues to be a success story and a model for the region. During the past year, there was heavy focus on advancing the “Turn Key” homes, improving occupancy and building the assets of Guyanese citizens.

The first ever “Young Professionals” project was a major success and remains in high demand. The Housing and Water Ministry reported that it met its targets of offering 5900 houselot allocations and 5000 new titles.

Guyana has enjoyed eight years of consecutive economic growth, a highly sustainable balance of payment, a debt that is manageable, low interest rates, declining inflation and single digit increase in prices.

There were also many new investments and business expansions. Among these are ExxonMobil, Rubis, Guyana Goldfields, Troy Resources, Bosai Mineral, Rusal-Russia aluminum giant, Arrowhead Gold Group and Alicanto Minerals.

Considering the fact that Guyanese are likely to go to the polls in 2015, the level of political tension will certainly increase. We are convinced that this country has a bright future ahead, but our leaders must look beyond partisan politics and work together in the nation’s interest.

The political gridlock that existed last year must never be allowed to repeat itself in 2015. Other Caribbean countries are advancing and some are already miles ahead. Perhaps citizens may want to use 2015 to demand more responsible and mature behaviour from those who seek to govern us.

One of the many fireworks displays by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in Georgetown on Thursday morning (Carl Croker photo)

Remembering the period of banned goods under PNC misrule

Dear Editor, The holiday season is a time of the year when people do a lot of baking and cooking. It is a time when they look forward to eating apples, grapes, pears, walnuts, dates (cajoor), chocolate, imported candies, tasty canned cookies, Dutch head cheese, and chestnuts, among other exotic delicious goodies.

It is a time when we send out greeting cards and dress up the home and around the yards to reflect the yuletide season – wreaths, trees, and fancy colorful lights of all designs and shapes.

It is a time when there are colorful and fancy table cloths, napkins, window blinds, and other decorations reflecting the season.

It is a time when homes have unlimited supplies of toilet paper and gift wrap.

It is a time when we enjoy dhall, channa, bara, phulourie, samoosa, phera, gulab jamoon, rasmalai, and other Indian delicacies. It is a time when there are unlimited supplies of toys for children and exchanging of gifts.

It is a time when people drink cydrax, peardrax, Sherrey wine, and other tasty imported drinks. We are accustomed to plentiful supplies of spices (curries and massala) for food preparation and we look forward for tasty curried dishes. Food is very plentiful and everyone enjoys a hearty nutritious meal.

But this is not how it was during the period of PNC illegal rule (1968-92).

For those of us who lived through the era of PNC misrule, the season brings back

bitter memories of poor diet, hunger, starvation, lack of basic ingredients for meal and dessert preparation, and shortage of basic foods and drinks.

Under the PNC, we were denied the so many lovely tastes of the season.

Before the PNC came into Government in December 1964, everything one gets today was available in the shops. But right after the PNC came into office, basic foods and ingredients were taken away from us by the PNC during its period of brutal rule.

It was hard times under PNC rule, worse than it was in Cuba or the East Bloc countries during their hardest times. As I discovered in my study on the East Bloc countries and Cuba during the one-party communist governance, the people still got bread, cakes, cheese, fresh fruits, all kinds of nuts, candies, chocolates, dried fruits, and drinks associated with the season.

These were also available throughout the year.

But in Guyana, the PNC banned most foods and drinks associated with the season, making it a crime if found with or caught consuming banned goods. A basic item like toilet paper was banned and or virtually unavailable.

Matches to light a stove or Chula were scarce; some people resorted to rubbing stones for sparks a fire going. Spices and massala were scarce to prepare a nice curried dish. There was improvisation of materials to make curry powder.

Ghee, essential to

Indians for various forms of worshipping and preparing the dead, was not banned, but it was unavailable. Tea was not banned but it was in short supply and very costly with only the wealthy affording tea daily; the working class turned to bush tea.

It was not accidental that spices, curry, massala, ghee, massala were scarce – basic supplies utilized by Indians.

They supported the PPP. So why should the PNC make available items for Indians to enjoy a comfortable life?

The dictator, Forbes Burnham, associated all imports with imperialism. He described the consumption of imported foods, fruits and nuts as “white man” and imperialist foods and drinks.

But Burnham had plenty in his home.

When he consumed imported drinks and foods and shared them with his friends and family members, that was not as “white man” and imperialistic. It was only imperialist when the working class wanted to consume them.

Those who worked at his castle related how they got to take home nice cheese, apples, grapes, cookies, nuts, etc to their homes for their family members. Some staff talked about how good Burnham was when he gave them banned goods to take home – they forgot that others were not allowed access to those goodies.

Everyone wanted to work at Burnham’s castle so they could get goodies for the season. The top bureaucrats and Ministers and the top officers of the security forces also got access to banned

goods.

Today, many of us take the presence of homemade bread and cakes of the season and imported foods for granted and we enjoy the taste that come with the imported fruits and nuts in the mix. But during the time of PNC misrule, it was most difficult to bake the kind of cakes that we enjoy today.

Flour and butter – two essential items needed for baking – were banned.

Biscuits were unavailable.

Cakes were made with ground cassava and rice.

Channa, dhal, lentil, potato, garlic, onion were placed on the banned list. Dhal was made with black eye and yellow dhal was called “white man” soup.

Also banned were all kinds of imported nuts and fruits. Dried fruits needed for baking like raisins, currants, cherries, prunes, citrons, etc. were included on the banned. Corned mutton, corned beef, ham, sardines, and other canned food were added to the banned list.

Imported milk was disallowed; there was no condensed milk, Carnation Milk, hot chocolate, Milo, or Ovaltine. If caught with the banned items or eating prohibited goods, the penalty was stiff – a long time in jail and heavy fines.

Imagine it was a crime to eat roti, dhal and alou – basic foods, staples of Indians and others. Sweet drinks were also very scarce – and there was a time when one was lucky to get a Pepsi or a Coke because they were also imperialist drinks by imperialist “whites”. continueD on page 5

NEWS

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Prison Service operating under stress – Rohee

T

he Guyana Prison Service (GPS), over the past 12 months, has had to endure severe constraints in its operations, but has, however, managed to keep its “head above the water”.

Among the challenges facing the country’s correctional body are overcrowding, drug trafficking, escapes and unnatural deaths. But despite the numerous concerns, the institution’s overall performance for 2014 has improved significantly when compared to previous years’.

That information was disclosed on Wednesday as Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee reviewed his ministry’s performance for 2014.

The total population at facilities across the country stands at 1967 inmates with the total established housing capacity of 1522. According to the Minister, this shows an overcrowding of some 445 inmates. This is with the exception, however, of the New Amsterdam Female Prison, which can accommodate 120 inmates but only has 59 on

roll. The staff strength of the Prison Service is 404, representing a ratio of five inmates to one officer.

Another challenge faced by the facility is constant escapes.

For 2014, there were five escapes at the New Amsterdam and Mazaruni Prisons. From those escaped four were recaptured. The Minister expressed concern too for the unnatural deaths occurring at the institution and the free passage of illegal drugs and paraphernalia into the prisons. This, he related, is most often carried

Demerara Criminal Assizes

213 cases listed for January session

S

ome 213 cases are listed to be heard when the Demerara January 2015 Criminal Assizes commences on January 13, at the High Court.

Justice Navindra Singh, Justice Franklin Holder and Justice James Bovell-Drakes will be presiding over this assizes. The Demerara October 2014 Criminal Assizes ended on December 19, 2014 when the Gaol Delivery was done

by Justice Dawn Gregory.

During this session, Justice Brassington Reynolds, Madam Justice Dawn Gregory and Justice Navindra Singh shared the list of 226 cases that were listed to be heard.

A total of 25 matters engaged the court’s attention during the Demerara October 2014 Assizes. Of this, 16 matters were presented in the High Court; seven of which were completed by Justice Reynolds, three by Justice Gregory and six by Justice Singh.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Hack nolle prosequi (no longer prosecute) nine matters during this time also. Of the seven trials that were presented before Justice Reynolds, six of them were for the offence of murder and one for the offence of manslaughter. One of the murder accused, who had two separate court appearances before Justice Reynolds was committed to the National Psychiatric Hospital for treatment until such time that he is fit to stand trial.

Another murder accused was sentenced to death by Justice Reynolds after he was found guilty by the jury while a third murder accused was acquitted by the jury for both the offence of murder and for the lesser offence of manslaughter in a verdict proportion of 11 not guilty to one guilty.

The jury in another murder trial failed to reach a verdict and the accused was sent back to prison to await a new trial.

Meanwhile, in two other separate trials – one for the offence of murder and the other for the lesser offence of manslaughter – both accused were acquitted after the trial Judge upheld no

case submissions and directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty.

The three matters heard

by Justice Dawn Gregory were for the offence of murder. In two of these cases, the accused were acquitted after the jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty. The accused in the other matter was also acquitted after the presiding judge up held a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

Six cases for the offence of murder were presented before Justice Navindra Singh.

Of these, there were five guilty verdicts and one acquittal. In three of the five cases, the accused were all respectively sentenced to 83 years imprisonment. In the fourth matter, there were two co-accused. The first defendant was sentenced to 66 years imprisonment while his co-accused was sentenced to 50 years imprisonment. The fifth case saw the accused being sentenced to 66 years imprisonment by Justice Singh after the jury returned a guilty verdict. In the remaining murder trial, four murder accused were acquitted after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty.

The nine matters that were nolle prosequi by the DPP during this period were eight cases of carnal knowledge and one for murder. In the eight matters for the offence of carnal knowledge of girls under the age of 15, one Virtual Complainant (VC) indicated in writing that she no longer wished to proceed with the matter. The whereabouts of four other VCs were unknown while three other VC’s failed to attend court. The accused in the murder matter died while in prison awaiting his trial.

Meanwhile, during this time, the Berbice Criminal Assizes opened on October 21, 2014, with Justice James Bovell-Drakes presiding. He commenced three matters, two for the offence of murder and one for the offence of carnal knowledge.

In one of the murder cases, the accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced

to 13 years imprisonment. The other murder case was aborted by the judge after Juror number three reported to the court that the daughter and the sister of the two accused had visited her work place and told her that their father and brother were innocent of the charge. As a result, the Defence Counsel indicated that they believed the juror and it was prejudicial to both the defence and the State.

This is the second time this case was aborted after allegations of a person speaking to a juror.

The accused in the matter for the offence of carnal knowledge did not attend court after the jury was empanelled and Justice Bovell-Drakes issued an arrest warrant for the accused before he discharged the jury. The October 2014 Berbice Criminal Session will continue until February 2, after which the February Criminal Assizes will commence on February 3, before Justice Brassington Reynolds who will commence sitting in January 2015.

On the other hand, the Essequibo Criminal Assizes commenced on October 28, 2014, with Justice Franklin Holder presiding and completed three cases, two of which were for the offence of murder and the other for the offence of rape of a child under the age of 16 years.

One of the murder cases saw the accused being acquitted after the jury found him not guilty and the other case resulted in the two accused being sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each, after the jury returned a unanimous verdict of guilty. The VC in the matter for rape of a child under the age of 16 years testified that she no longer wished to offer any evidence against her accuser as they are now married and the trial judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The Essequibo October 2014 Criminal Assizes continues until February 16. Justice Sandra Kurtzious will be presiding over the February 2015 Criminal Assizes in Essequibo opening on February 17, however, she will commence sitting from January this year.

out in collaboration with staff members.

“The Ministry has a zero tolerance for this scourge and as such, those who were caught with illegal goods, be it drugs, cigarettes or other items, were placed before the court. This year, due to diligence on the part of the Prison Administration, there was an increase in the detection of cases and four Prison Officers were charged and placed before the court and three others were charged departmentally.”

Rohee said in order to “beef up the security infrastructure”, cameras, monitors and electronic scanners were installed at all prison locations and were complemented with regular body searches of both inmates and officers.

“Our efforts will continue in 2015 to make our prison

environment safe and secure.

Much emphasis will be placed also on training for officers and ranks, corrections and the rehabilitation of the prison, in keeping with the Service’s Strategic Plan”.

In 2013, the Ministry established a Standing Orders Committee to develop Standing Orders for the Guyana Prison Service. Work was completed in 2014 and a total of 43 Standing Orders were developed which will guide officers and ranks on their conduct in the execution of their duties. In fact, these Orders have laid down the rules and operational procedures by which the Guyana Prison Service is governed.

The Orders will be available on the Ministry’s website.

The Training, Sentence Management, Recruitment, Parole and Agriculture

Development Boards that were established by the Ministry are all chaired by civilian volunteers. These Boards held their statutory meetings, made visits to prison locations, and generally made a tremendous contribution to the work of the Guyana Prison Service, in keeping with their mandates The sum of $298,000,000 was allocated to the Guyana Prison Service for its Capital Programme for 2014. Of that sum $212,000,000 was spent on building projects, including the construction of the Brick Prison, Trade Shops and the Lusignan Prison, which has been identified as a correction facility particularly for young offenders.

Some $39,000,000 was spent on land and water transport and $47,000,000 was spent on agriculture and other equipment.

Remembering the period...

Peter D’Aguiar (Banks DIH) was described as the head imperialist and efforts were made to undermine his business empire.

Life was miserable under the PNC. People contracted wapia, rickets and white mouth; their eyesight blurred and their knees were shaking from weakness associated with poor diets.

Hospitals were overwhelmed with the sick, meek and weak that resulted from poor nutrition.

Basic medicines and health supplies to address treat the sick and disabled were non-existent.

Even bandages and plasters were in short supply. People improvised with a piece of cloth or home made medicine to address their ailments or broken bones or cuts. And when people died, there was hardly any coffee and tea or biscuits for wakes. People had to drink sugar water and eat cassava – oh yes, that was the period of progress we had under Burnham and the PNC.

But people found clever ways to overcome shortages and banned items and evade the food Police. Those who came from overseas brought flour, alou, dhall, bread, apple, grapes, and other banned goods – it was illegal but the food Police looked the other way once you gave them a “lil” thing.

Also, goods were smuggled from Suriname, Venezuela and Brazil often in ‘coffins’ (and were there plenty ‘coffins’ traveling from Skeldon to other parts of the country carrying flour, sardines, alou and other banned goods).

The price for these banned items was prohibitive. But people had no choice if they were going to eat a healthy meal and avoid malnourishment. Some were caught eating or selling imperialist food and spent time in jail or had to pay bribes to avoid jail.

Women submitted their bodies to the food Police to keep their children or husbands from

from page 4

jail. Hosts of Jhandis, Koran Shariefs, Christian services and weddings found creative ways to disguise puri, dhal puri, channa, bara, sirni and mohanbhog. Curried alou was hidden under the rice and eddoe.

Bribes, a hearty meal and bags to take home to their family members were used to keep the food Police at bay. At times, delicious foods were dumped in the latrine when the food Police insisted on carrying out an inspection of the premises for banned goods.

Imagine in the middle of a prayer or wedding, a family had to rush to dump food in the latrine!

What a nightmare! How could we forget it? That was life under Burnham and the PNC which was described as great by the then rulers. God help the nation if there is a return to that era!

Vishnu Bisram

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Foundation

A New Year’s Resolution for imperfect parents

By Tosha Schore

P

art of me can’t believe I’m writing this, yet I know how badly you all need to hear it. If I had not had the pleasure of supporting so many amazing parents in my career, I wouldn’t dare “out” myself. But I know we’ve all said or done things in our parenting that are, to be kind, less than stellar. And it is not my goal to offer you the illusion of my perfection. I, too, make horrible mistakes.

Last summer my son turned 12 and I called him a name. Not the birthday gift I had in mind.

Actually, it’s even worse than that.

He was driving us all so crazy with his in-your-face energy and his snarky remarks that his brothers and I had to leave the room. And then when one of them asked why he was acting “that way,” my feelings got the better of me. And after an hour of not hearing anything any of us were saying, he heard me loud and clear! Really!

Sometimes things just don’t come out the way we mean them to. Okay. That’s an understatement. Sometimes we just plain say nonsense to our kids that we shouldn’t! As I see it, we may get lots of support and generally do a pretty fabulous job of keeping our feelings in check and our parenting on track, but at some point we’re all going to blow it.

Changing behaviours

As 2014 comes to an end, I’ve been thinking about what resolutions I’ll be making, and it occurred to me that while I’m sure I can successfully resolve to sign up and show up for another series of swing dance classes, when it comes to changing my behaviours, I start to worry that I’ll fail. After all, I’m

doing the best I can. Otherwise, I’d be doing better.

So this year, rather than promising myself I’m never going to lose my patience with my boys, or some other equally impossible-to-fulfil resolution, I’m going to resolve to cut myself some slack.

Even though I’m sure I’m going to screw up again in 2015, I’m going to be compassionate with myself and chose to keep my “great mom” status regardless. Here’s why.

The not-so-great parenting moment

We were half way around the world from our home, recovering from jetlag, and finally putting on clean clothes now that our bags had arrived – three days after we landed. I was single parenting our three boys, and trying hard to get my website copy to my designer so that I could launch my new site by my selfimposed deadline. Still, I shouldn’t have been calling my kid a name.

My oldest son had slept in that morning, and I was trying to think of what I could do for him that would make him happy on his birthday, the first of which had been the m o s t earthmoving, life-altering, emotionally intense day of my life.

I came up with

a brunch. I walked to the corner store, to the neighbour’s, to my sister-in-law’s, gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools of the trade.

I walked back to my brotherin-law’s, where we were staying, rolled up my sleeves, and did what I least enjoy doing – I prepared a meal. I boiled and stirred and chopped and spread and rolled and sliced and set each piece carefully on a plate with flowered trim. And then the three boys and I sat down and ate. I’m not sure anyone said thank you, but I was happy to be able to offer them this special meal on that very special day.

This boy’s coming into the world changed me forever. Four days before his due date I weighed in at 202 pounds – 52 pounds above my normal reading. We sat down at the dining room table in my mom’s condo and we had a talk.

“Choco,” I said. (That was his inutero nickname.) “I know you’re not due for another four days, but I just want you to know that we’re ready when you are.” I sat with my hands on my full belly. And then I decided to walk the mile or so home on what must have been the hottest summer day on record in Oakland, California.

As I left the building, the doorman insisted that he hang a “Be Back Soon” sign on the door and drive me home. I insisted I walk.

And I did. Very slowly, but steadily, with only one stop at the convenient store for a Drumstick icecream cone right before the big uphill stretch.

Labour hurt, but was quick and efficient. I walked in the door at 4, and my son joined us at 8:01. He slid out (after some hellish back labour and hard pushing), I held him in my arms, and he looked me straight in the soul, if you know what I mean. I don’t think anyone had ever looked at me like that before. We all cried tears of joy.

And on his 12th birthday, I called this boy a name.

As I write this, I’m crying. How can we hurt someone so badly whom we love so much?

I wished I could take the words back.

I wished I could zap t h o s e brain cells of his that I imagined h a d

stored that horrible memory. But I couldn’t. The best I could do is the best that any of us can do: apologise, lean on my ever-supportive, amazing community of parents who I knew would never lose sight of my goodness despite my regressions, have self-compassion, and do better next time. And I have.

The Research

All parents screw up. Even if we had all the support we deserve, we’d screw up. So forgiving ourselves is a must.

Kristin Neff, PhD, is one of the world’s leading researchers on self-compassion and has concluded that it actually has a physiological underpinning. Self-compassion is now scientifically proven to be strongly linked to well-being, reductions in negative mind states, and increases in positive ones.

When we are compassionate with ourselves while we are suffering, we activate the mammalian care-giving system (aka the attachment system), and release the feel-good chemicals, oxytocin and opiates. This allows us to let go of our many inevitable mistakes and move forward without beating ourselves up.

How to be self-compassionate when you have a bad parenting moment

Dr Neff defines self-compassion as “treating yourself with the same kindness, care and concern you would treat a friend who was suffering in some way”, and suggests that a good place to start is to take a deep breath and imagine what you would say to a friend who did whatever you just did.

Would you attack, criticise, shame, put them down, or otherwise make them feel like crap? Of course not!

Instead, you would listen with a caring, compassionate tone. You would express empathy, and offer help if that were appropriate.

Neff suggests that when we are suffering, we should hold ourselves in “loving connected presence”.

By wrapping our arms around ourselves, for example, or by vocalising a soothing sound (like you would if someone else were suffering), we can activate our own attachment systems, and presumably get back on the road to parenting better.

Prologue

As I was writing this, my oldest popped his head into my office and saw the working headline, “You Won’t Believe What I Said To My Son On His Birthday,” across the top of my computer screen.

“What did you say to me on my birthday?!” He pleaded for an answer.

I asked him if he remembered. He didn’t. Then I asked him if he remembered the special meal I prepared for him to celebrate his 12 years. He didn’t remember that either.

So there you have it.

Happy 2015 from the “great mom” in the grocery line giving herself a big fat hug and cooing! (Huffington Post)

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saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

GECOM opens New Drug Strategy Master Plan launched new $15M office

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he Home Affairs Ministry on W e d n e s d a y launched the long-anticipated National Drug Strategy Master Plan.

At the Ministry’s yearin-review presentation at the Police Training Centre, Camp Road, Georgetown, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said that after almost one year of consultation and preparations, the strategic plan was finally completed.

“I hereby wish to announce the conclusion and commissioning of this National Drug Strategy Master Plan on this occasion,” he stated.

The five-year plan was compiled and presented to Cabinet for approval, which was granted without any amendments.

Previously, Rohee had stated that financial resources will have to be made available to the various Government agencies and departments that will be playing an active role in the implementation of the Drug Strategy Master Plan.

The Plan comes at a time when calls are being made by all stakeholders for Government to implement measures to curb the increasing narcotic trafficking activities in Guyana.

The final version was completed by the Task Force. The document will empower the necessary agencies to tackle the drug trade head on, and, more so, stipulate heavier penalties for those who are found culpable of trafficking narcotics.

It also focuses on how best to develop well-coordinated balanced strate-

gies that simultaneously deal with both supply control and demand reduction issues.

Additionally, new trends that broadly support shifts in drug policy with emphasis on public awareness education and early prevention measures are covered in the Plan.

Since the previous Plan expired in 2009, there has been talk about crafting a new plan. The last Plan

Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

was unveiled in 2005 and lasted for five years. The $650 million Plan had comprised extensive measures to eliminate the scourge of narco-trafficking and its attendant effects.

The Home Affairs Ministry came under fire after it was revealed that Guyana has links to the Mexican and Italian mafias.

Only in August last, during a search of one of the creeks branching off from the Waini River, a self-propelling semi-submersible vessel was discovered about two miles in, along with a camp con-

sisting of three structures, one for accommodation, the workshop and a generator.

In addition, there was a kitchen area. The site had the capacity to accommodate approximately 12 persons.

The workshop consisted of pulleys, power tools, paint, and several fibreglass materials.

Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit CANU) James Singh, had told the media that based on the items present, it was believed that the vessel found in the creek was built in the area and was intended for narcotics trafficking.

Concerns were expressed by the Opposition political parties as they reiterated calls Plan to be reinstated.

Opposition Leader David Granger only recently highlighted the importance of such a Plan to curb the illicit activity.

In the National Drug Report for 2012, compiled by the Task Force on Narcotic Drugs and Illicit Weapons, it was stated that CANU had intercepted 103.66 kilograms of cocaine valued some $93 million and 111.564kg of cannabis (ganja) valued in excess of $20 million.

During this period, 33 cases were made out and 36 persons were charged.

The Enforcement Unit of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) seized 561.78kg of cocaine, valued $504.9 million, for which two cases were made out and two persons were charged.

In total, 151 people were charged for cocaine trafficking and/or consumption, in a total of 139 cases.

Crabwood Creek murder suspect held

A

man is now in custody assisting police with the investigation into the death of a Crabwood Creek, Berbice woman.

The lifeless body of Mohanranie Udaray, also called “Sherry”, was discovered on December 18 in a pool of blood in the upper flat of the two-storey building at Grant 1780 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) where she lived.

On Friday afternoon, acting on information received, a party of officers arrested a close relative of the now dead woman. He has since been questioned

by Police and has denied killing the 28-year-old

Dead: Mohanranie Udaray

woman.

Udaray, a mother of one, was discovered around 19:30h after her landlord returned home and noticed

blood leaking from the upper flat.

When the Police arrived on the scene, they found the woman lying face down in a pool of blood close to the main exit door of the home. There was a trail of blood from the bedroom to the doorway where her body was found.

Udaray lived at the home with her reputed husband, Davendra Hansraj, also called “Dog man”.

The 43-year-old man who operates a boat between Guyana and Suriname had disappeared after the discovery and was believed to be on the run.

The Guyana Times has been informed that the man in custody would likely be charged for murder.

at Charity

I

The new $15 million GECOM office at Charity that was recently commissioned

n an effort to facilitate continuous registration countrywide, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) recently commissioned a spanking modern $15 million office at Charity in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

According to Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Vishnu Persaud, the establishment of the new office will enable continuous registration. Persaud, who formally opened the

branch office, said the office will offer services to the riverine communities in Pomeroon and villages on the Essequibo Coast.

Meanwhile, Logistics Manager Colin April, in his remarks, said GECOM saw it as important that a branch office be established on the Essequibo Coast.

He said GECOM was a permanent body with offices located at Mahdia and Lethem, and it was thinking of also opening another

branch in Anna Regina.

Senior Registration Officer at Charity, Doodnauth Singh said the land for the construction of the office was provided by the Region Two Administration.

Contractor Mohamed Sattaur commenced construction of the $15 million building in the last quarter of 2013. The one-flat concrete and wooden building was financed by the Government of Guyana.

8 NEWS Mason pleads guilty to narcotics possession, denies threatening language charge saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

A

ffiba Yankale, age 25, of Hadfield Street, Worthmanville, Georgetown was fined $3000 after pleading guilty a narcotics possession charge and was granted $25,000 bail for a threatening language charge, which he denied.

The defendant who is a mason stood before Magistrate Judy Latchman

Affiba Yankale

at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday morning.

His first charge alleged that on December 31, 2014 at Lot 66 Bent Street,

Georgetown, he made use of threatening language to Avinash Salim.

The other charge stated that on the same day, he had in his possession two grams of cannabis.

According to the facts read by Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt, on the day in question, the defendant was in Salim’s Shop smoking a cigarette when he was told

by Salim to quit smoking.

He then pulled out a scissors and threatened to bore him. The Police were summoned to the scene.

When the Police arrived, they arrested Yankale for making use of threatening language to Salim.

While arresting him, they decided to conduct a search on him and found two transparent ziplock plas-

tic bags containing leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be cannabis in his right side front pants pocket.

He was arrested and taken to the Alberttown Police Station where the suspected drug was weighed in his presence and amounted to two grams of cannabis.

There were no objections made by Prosecutor Hunt for the granting of bail.

In addition to the $3000 fine, the Magistrate ruled that Yankale do seven consecutive Saturdays of fourhour community service commencing from January 3 at 07:00h for the possession of narcotics charge.

On the threatening language charge, the matter is set for the commencement of trial on January 7.

Eyew tness Looking ahead...

E

...at gold

ver since Walter Raleigh set off from Merry Old England to find El Dorado in our dear old mudland, our fortunes seem to be inevitably intertwined with gold. Before paper was accepted as “money” - a medium of exchange - gold played that role.

The Europeans who “discovered” us were on their way to the “East” to trade for spices and all that stuff, which they had to pay for with gold. And silver. So when they found out they’d not only stumbled over some “new lands” but LANDS WITH GOLD, you can understand why small CHALLENGES - like wiping out complete populations - didn’t faze them. Gold can make you do some strange things.

Now while gold isn’t used as an actual medium of exchange any longer - or even to “back up” printed money - it’s still driving folks crazy. Since the old days, it has morphed the most widely used “store of value”. Worried about whether all those US dollars or Russian Ruble or Chinese Yuan will “lose their value” and you’ll end up with just coloured paper under your mattress?? Well hold on to gold!! Everyone still sees value in it!

And that’s still true today, even though there’re some folks predicting the “end of money” with its replacement by bits and bytes on computers’ hard drives. And we’re not even talking about Bitcoin.

So it’s this “socially” accepted quality of gold as a “store of value” across the world - more than any intrinsic physical quality that drives its price up ... and down. If the US economy’s doing well, or if it’s interests rates are lowered by their Fed - expect the dollar to rise and gold prices to plunge. There’s not anything we can do about it.

Now if there’s some sabre rattling - or better yet, an actual war among the big ones - then those folks trading in gold might be uncertain as to where the dollar or other major currencies will be heading. And voila!!! Up goes the price of gold!!

Right now in Guyana ... as we all know to our chagrin - gold prices have headed downwards for a while - from the US$1800 per oz a year ago to a miserly sub-US$1200 this morning.

Apart from the increased rate of murders in the bush, we’ve all seen the boost gold’s given to the economy. So what the heck do we do?? Telling miners to “cut cost” isn’t going to help out in the near term.

We’ll just have to provoke a war among the superpowers!! It’s our patriotic duty to push the price of gold up!!

...at campaign financing

Even though my Editor doesn’t accept it, these straightlaced reporting types are soooo behind the times!!

Imagine they’ve only now cottoned on to the Mook being one of the major funders of the Opposition parties!!

That’s been an open secret ever since the Muckraker’s owner got back his visa to the US. Hey...you don’t even have to talk about “quid pro quos”. “Mutual backscratching” is more like it!! The money’s got to be funnelled through SOMEBODY, no??

And not that the Mook’s arm had to be twisted to become the “bag man” for the Opposition APNU and AFC. Remember the old adage, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend”?? The tightwad has so much venom for Jagdeo and the PPP/C that he’d even opened up his own pocketbook.

The return of the visa was just so much gravy.

We hope the GRA will be releasing their audit of the Mook’s “legitimate” business and to see how he justifies all that cash flowing into his coffers.

We know the Sainted One multiplied bread and fishes, but even HE drew the line at multiplying money!! ...at elections Well...well...well! Seems that the United Republican Party’s the recipient of another miracle. They’ve risen from the dead. Let’s just hope they’re not zombies!!

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saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

East Coast man killed over old grievance A

n old grievance has caused the death of one man, with his assailant facing a murder charge following a stabbing incident on Old Year’s Night in Anns Grove, East Coast Demerara.

Twenty-two-year-old Errol Campbell, also called

to stab him about his body.

Campbell fell to the ground and the other person with the suspect collected a piece of brick with the intention of hitting him, but his sister reportedly barred the man from doing so.

With his faltering breath, Jones said, her brother asked her to solicit a taxi, but she told him she was not leaving. At that time, a publicspirited citizen was passing and helped them to the head

from an incident that occurred on Boxing Day at a party in the area.

Shondel Jones, a sister of the dead man, told the Guyana Times that on Boxing Night they were at a party in the village when her brother sprayed Bagon, some of which might have caught

Dead: Errol 'Bakie' Campbell

Relatives of the dead man converge at his house on Friday

“Bakie” of Lot 23 Anns Grove, was stabbed at least six times with an ice pick by his attacker, who was subsequently arrested by the Police.

The stabbing stemmed

the suspect, Simon Pompey, in the eyes.

This, she related, prompted an argument and a little scuffle. On the following day, her brother was walking along the road when he was

reportedly attacked by the suspect’s brother, who threw him into the canal and attempted to ‘bubble’ him.

He fought his way out, but as he reached land, another man picked up a piece of wood and allegedly struck him to his head, causing him to fall to the ground. He was taken to the hospital, but was treated and sent away.

On the day her brother met his demise, Jones said they were going to get something to eat when they were confronted by the suspect and another man, who intercepted them on a bicycle.

As they stopped, the suspect came off the cycle, pulled out an ice pick and reportedly dealt her brother one blow in the vicinity of his heart.

He allegedly continued

NWD peacemaker stabbed to death on Old Year’s Night

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logger met his demise after he attempted to bring peace during an altercation between two men at a popular drinking spot at White Water, Aracru, North West District (NWD) on Wednesday evening.

Fifty-two-year-old Augustine Samuels, also called “Jack” of Aracru Village, NWD, was reportedly attacked from behind and stabbed at least 14 times by the suspect, who went into hiding. He was later arrested by Police.

Reports reaching the Guyana Times revealed

that the victim and the suspect were imbibing at the shop when an argument ensued between the suspect who was only identified as “Tyrell” and the shop owner.

Within minutes, the argument escalated into a scuffle between the two men and in an attempt to bring peace between them, Samuels intervened, but instead, an argument developed between him and the murder suspect.

As Samuels turned away to avoid further confrontation, “Tyrell” pulled out a knife from his waist and dealt him several blows to

his back. Samuels fell to the ground and is believed to have died almost immediately while the suspect fled the scene.

The Police who are stationed at Mabaruma were summoned, but arrived at the scene some five hours later to investigate the murder. The drive to the scene from Mabaruma is estimated at one hour.

Samuels’ body was taken to the Mabaruma Hospital Mortuary to await a postmortem examination. The dead man leaves to mourn his wife and eight daughters.

of the road where they took a taxi to the hospital.

Minutes after their arrival there, the doctors informed her that her brother did not make it.

The main suspect is believed to have escaped from the scene, but was later arrested by the Police. At the home of the dead man, his grandmother sat on the steps and related that her grandson met a cruel death. She said that had they known

about the previous matter, things would have been different. She said her now dead grandson did not inform them of the incident.

A post-mortem performed on Campbell, who was employed at Industrial Engineering Limited (IEL), proved that he was stabbed six times and died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

The man leaves to mourn his parents and several siblings.

Balancing investment and protecting the environment a challenge – Minister Persaud

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atural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud highlighted that it is constantly a challenging task to encourage investment in the natural resources sector, while at the same time protecting it.

Nevertheless, Minister Persaud noted that Guyana has been performing significantly well in developing the sector and preserving the environment.

“It becomes a bit more challenging… and over the years, we have been able to demonstrate that we can overcome and address those challenges,” the Minister stated.

He elaborated that a “country such as ours”, with nearly 85 per cent of its landmass covered with tropical forests, such challenges will always exist and that the Ministry will continuously have to develop and implement renewed and innovative strategies to combat these difficulties.

“It’s not a one off, it’s not an effort that you can say well we’ve accomplished and let’s fold our arms, but rather its constant work and it varies in terms of intensity and it requires a bit more flexibility…”

Minister Persaud went on to say that one of the

Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud

ways in which the Ministry can see such results is through the attraction of local and foreign investment.

“That has been the main focus of the Ministry this year… when we started the year, we said that this will be the year of implementation… and the underlining objective or the underling thrust of that has been how it is we can ensure that we regulate that equilibrium in terms of environmental management and development of our natural resources.”

Guyana benefits through the development of its natural resources, as this

brings about economic benefits through the country’s eco-system and eco-services within the rainforest and rich biodiversity.

Moreover, Persaud noted that the Ministry has been focusing on attracting more investment, which proved to gain great improvements throughout the year.

He mentioned the progress Guyana has made with the European Union’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT) that focuses on legality within the forestry sector. This is expected to conclude in the last quarter of 2015.

Meanwhile, the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) which targets the mining sector is another global initiative that the Ministry has made progress with in 2014. EITI seeks to maintain a standard, assessing the levels of transparency around countries’ oil, gas and mineral resources.

Moreover, in 2015, the Ministry plans to continue to work to provide the legal frameworks and institutions to support growth to ensure the effective management of natural resources on which development depends, and protect the human rights of its citizens.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015

News

Miner charged for manslaughter, remanded

T

wenty-year-old Alex Higgins of Lot 542 D Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was remanded to prison after being arraigned on the indictable charge of manslaughter.

The unrepresented miner was lifted into the courtroom of Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry by investigating ranks at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

It was alleged that on December 27, 2014, at Komawaruk Junction, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), he unlawfully murdered Jevon Fraser.

Higgins was not required to plea since the offence is one of a capital nature. Police Prosecutor Michael Grant nevertheless objected to bail citing the seriousness and nature of the offence.

He also noted that the accused was charged based on a confession statement. Higgins stated that Fraser attacked him and he (Higgins) practiced self-defence.

The defendant was allowed to sit during the court proceedings since he was severely battered. The Chief Magistrate enquired about the defendant’s injuries. Police Prosecutor

Dead: Jevon Fraser

Michael Grant told the court that the accused had been chopped in relation to another incident by persons living in a nearby area.

However, eyewitnesses claimed that Higgins attacked Fraser. Grant added that once those statements are

forthcoming, a murder charge is likely to be instituted against the accused.

He stated that advice has already been sought from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and they are waiting for the results of further investigations.

The deceased Jevon Fraser, 26, was also a miner who resided at Golden Fleece, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

According to information received

by Guyana Times, Fraser was involved in an altercation with another man during which he was stabbed about the body. The incident took place on December 24, 2014 about 23:45h.

Both men were transferred and admitted at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where Fraser succumbed to his injuries at about 01:03h on Saturday morning.

The dead man is a father of one and lived alone since most of his immediate family members reside on the island of Nevis.

Bail was refused to the accused.

The matter is adjourned until January 19 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Policeman injured in drive-by shooting

A

Police Constable is now nursing a gunshot wound to his left foot after occupants of a motor car discharged two rounds at him along the Vergenoegen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo on Thursday.

Constable Mohamed Salim, who is stationed at D Division (West Demerara/ East Bank Essequibo) was reportedly in the company

of a friend when a dark-coloured motor car sped past and he heard two explosions.

After the car had passed, the Constable reportedly felt a burning sensation and it was at that time he felt and saw blood running down his left foot. He was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital from where he was transferred to the Georgetown Public

Hospital.

He reportedly told his superiors that he was unable to identify the occupants of the car owing to its heavily tinted windows.

Salim was discharged from the medical institution on Friday and told media operatives that he was not sure of the motive behind the shooting and was not even aware that someone wanted him dead.

He said that he was standing on the roadway when the windows of the car, which was being driven at a reasonable pace, came down and bullets were discharged at him and his friend. He thanked God for preserving his life, claiming that it could have been worse.

The Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

Rum Jhaat photo gon appear soon

D

e new year only just start and it look like people gone back to de same old habits arready. De old done tek over de new. One man seh he gon stop drinking fuh de new year, and that he gon stop at 12 midnight on Old Year’s Night.

Well, de year start wid he drunk and since then he ain’t sober yet. And it ain’t de Nagga Man, although he also ain’t sober up yet, just that he ain’t (and would never) mek any resolution like that.

Who ain’t fightin and killin one another, drinkin and drivin and then killin one another. One man fight in Mahdia over a woman and now he gone under de Earth and leff de other man to be both under and over de woman.

De Pullice at least puttin de photo in de papers of dem who tink dem can drink all dem want and drive wid all de speed dem want and kill whoever dem want. Hope when de Pullice also get ketch wid rum in dem mouth, dem photo gon also appear.

On Old Year’s Night a Pullice officer stop a vehicle on de road by Cuffy Square and give de driver a breathalyser test.

When de driver ask de Pullice to do de same test, de Pullice seh we could both put every ting to de test down de road by a sign board or up de road by Brickdam.

After de driver seh he prefer down de road by de sign board, de Pullice officer wuk done fuh de night, and de driver ain’t reach home till next morning empty pocket.

And both of dem pass ‘on’ de test.

It musbe a miracle how Rum Jhaat ain’t get ketch fuh de whole of 2014, when fuh de whole year he been drinking a whole set of rum and then droppin home a whole set of people before goin home to mek a whole set of trouble.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie!

Just look out fuh Rum Jhaat photo this year.

Man who allegedly wounded neighbour granted bail

Mahdia man killed over squib row A A miner was stabbed to death by another whom he had confronted about throwing a squib into his yard at Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro Siparuni). The incident occurred about 01:30h on New Year’s Day. Dead is Andre Britton,

50, of 111 Miles, Mahdia.

According to information received, persons in the village were celebrating the dawn of the new year when one man accidentally threw a squib into the yard of the now dead man.

After the squib exploded, Britton, who was in front

of his yard, reportedly confronted the man which resulted in an argument.

Sources said that during the confrontation, the now dead man started to use obscene language and “chucked” the suspect. The suspect reportedly left, but later returned, walked up

to the man and stabbed him several times with a knife.

Britton, who fell to the ground, was picked up and rushed to the Mahdia Hospital, but died on his way there.

The suspect has been arrested and has been assisting with investigations.

22-year-old man who resides at Lot 594 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was granted bail and bonded to keep the peace after denying a wounding charge brought against him by a neighbour.

The defendant, Michael Clark, who is employed as a clerk appeared at the Georgetown, Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Annette Singh on Friday.

The charge read that on December 21, 2014, at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Martian Lynch to which he pleaded not guilty.

His legal representative, Attorney Clyde Forde made an application for bail stating that his client is a single man who has a two-week old baby with no prior or pending matters in any court.

He further added that at the time of the incident, Clark was acting as a peacemaker in the incident. The defence council then noted that his client is not a flight risk and requested reasonable bail.

However, Police Prosecutor Kerry Boswick objected to bail citing the nature and seriousness of the offence, the fact that the defendant and the VC are

Michael Clark

neighbours and there may be a possibility of a reoccurrence of the incident.

Boswick noted that Lynch is an elderly man who must be protected in society, adding that if bail is granted, it must be in a substantial sum so as to teach the defendant a lesson.

Although no facts were read pertaining to the case, Boswick told the court that Clark allegedly pushed Lynch into a window causing cuts to his body.

Attorney Forde was successful in attaining bail for his client, which was granted in the sum of $70,000, along with a bond to keep the peace.

The matter is adjourned to January 13.

saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

News

AFC pussyfooting on coalition talks – Granger

APNU Leader David Granger

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eader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) David Granger on Friday confirmed that talks between the coalition and the Alliance For Change (AFC) on a possible coalition are yet to commence, indicating that the AFC has been pussyfooting on the issue.

At his party’s weekly press conference on Friday at the Office of the Opposition Leader on Hadfield Street, Granger said that the AFC was yet to state clearly what exactly its proposal for a prodemocracy alliance entailed.

He had said that while APNU remained open to dialogue between the two parties and civil society, it would like to know what ex-

actly would be on the agenda when the parties do meet for dialogue.

Granger was adamant that as it stood what was being proposed by the AFC was something that would have already been part of APNU’s charter. This charter was published since 2011 when the APNU coalition was formed with five political parties.

“There was an invitation, which was made at an inconvenient time and the two sides have been in touch seeking clarification on the proposal by the AFC,” said Granger on Friday.

Talks about talks

According to Granger, there have already been talks between the APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon and the AFC General Secretary David Patterson. “The talks have been about talks,” Granger said, adding, “We have not yet had any substantive talks.”

He affirmed that while the coalition has an open door policy, it will not sit and wait for talks to begin with the AFC while an election is fast approaching, with some political factions already commencing campaigning.

“We are waiting for the

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

talks to begin … but I cannot wait, the campaign has started. You can see what the PPP [People’s Progressive Party] is doing and we cannot sit waiting for talks to start,” the APNU Leader declared.

When questioned about the AFC opting to lead any coalition of the parties, Granger said while he was not willing to prejudice the talks, it would be expected that the larger party be given preference.

“APNU has four times as many seats as AFC, one would expect that consideration would be given to the majority,” he stated.

Patterson, had noted that among the invitees to

talks were members of civil society and trade unions.

He said six weeks have been set aside for talks on the pro-democracy alliance.

Thereafter, a decision should be announced as to whether there will be an alliance and of equal importance, the members of that alliance. Asked about possible outcomes, Patterson said: “I don’t want to speculate. There are ongoing discussions so we don’t want to speculate on the outcome.”

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan had said while the party remained open to discussions on a broad national alliance to govern the affairs of the country, it must be understood that the AFC would not be taking the back seat in any such alliance.

According to Ramjattan, the AFC has the capacity to deliver the leadership that is required to propel Guyana forward.

He noted that “hard decisions have to be made”, one of which is the possible coalition with other political forces in Guyana, in particular APNU. Observers have said that the minority Opposition party’s proposal is presumptuous given that it trailed APNU by a distance in terms of electoral support.

GRA says $135.3B in taxes was difficult to collect

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he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reported resounding success for 2014.

In a press statement on Friday, the GRA acknowledged that the task of collecting $135.3 billion was indeed challenging, but at no point indicated whether it was achieved.

However, it expressed satisfaction, noting that it had done exceedingly well in terms of the main goal of revenue collection for 2014.

When clarification was sought from GRA Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur, he would only endorse the statement issued, saying that it was up to the Government of Guyana to disclose the information.

“Speculation in the public domain had suggested that revenue collection for 2014 was waning, but we are satisfied with our achievement for 2014,” Sattaur said, noting that the GRA would continue to fulfil its mandate in collecting Government revenues in keeping with the estimate approved in the National Assembly.

In addition to the collection of revenue, the GRA said it has seen improve-

11

ment in the number of taxpayers who have been honouring their obligation to file returns. There was a record of 20,270 tax returns submitted at tax sites across the country for the April 30, 2014 deadline for Income Tax Returns.

“During 2014, efficiency and integrity also remained at the heart of the GRA’s operations, prompting the introduction of the Random Selection of Commercial Imports for Inspection, which solicits the public’s involvement in the selection and examination process,” the GRA further reported.

Achievements

The commissioning of a state-of-the-art Chinese manufactured mobile container scanner, which has the ability to electronically scan a maximum of 20 containers in one hour using the latest technology in xray imaging was among the achievements underscored for 2014.

In 2014, the GRA also achieved “significant success” in its move to roll out its Internet, tele-banking and other payment programmes in collaborating with financial institutions and service providers. This

move, the GRA said, provided taxpayers with a modern and secure alternative for paying taxes.

In March 2014, commercial banks and corporate entities were added as collecting agents for various tax types and licence fees.

Mobile Money Guyana, Bill Express, Demerara Bank, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, Republic Bank and the Bank of Baroda are among the entities on board with the GRA. “This initiative allowed taxpayers the option of paying various tax types via their computers or phones from any location, or at a convenient over-the-counter Bill Express location,” the GRA further explained.

Additionally, motor vehicle licences were upgraded to a plastic card in 2014, a move which prevents fraudsters from replicating licences. It was explained that the material used is difficult to reproduce and includes sophisticated features that could not have been included on the red-book licence.

Turning its attention to the much talked about Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) which offers concessions to first-time homeown-

ers, the GRA said it was decentralised for the benefit of applicants across the country.

“This year marks 15 years since GRA has been functioning as a semi-autonomous body with a mandate to promote compliance with the country’s tax, trade and border laws and regulations.

In keeping with its Information Communication Technology (ICT) modernisation plan, upgrades to its Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS) are being conducted for the GRA to facilitate webbased transactions. As such, TRIPS II is expected to roll out by mid-2015.”

As it seeks to capitalise on this technological age, the Authority is expected to implement a number of technological programmes, including the provision of electronic services such as the filing of Tax Returns. It also anticipates the opening of other Tax Centres.

During 2015, further enhancements are also expected to be made to the new plastic driver’s licence as the agency moves into phase II of the roll out, to allow for information sharing with relevant stakeholders.

Opposition funding by Glenn Lall:

APNU denies receiving FUCOP money

A

Partnership For National Unity (APNU) Leader David Granger has denied that the main Opposition party is being inpart funded by Publisher of Kaieteur News Glenn Lall or the newly established Funding a United Committee for Opposition Presidency (FUCOP).

The APNU Leader at a press conference at his Hadfield Street Office, Georgetown on Friday said that he does not know what FUCOP is or how it came into being.

According to the Opposition Leader, “A Partnership For National Unity has never received any money, any funding from Mr Lall or Kaieteur News. I don’t know what FUCOP is about.”

He went on to deny that the coalition has held meetings with the group that is believed to be funding it. Granger said, “I’ve never had any meetings with FUCOP.” Guyana Times reported on Thursday that the Kaieteur News publisher was funding the political Opposition. This support has been estimated by objective observers as totalling in the tens of millions annually.

When this newspaper spoke to Lall earlier this month, the publisher made a perfunctory denial of the charges and suggested he would not even vote for those parties at the upcoming polls.

This would certainly come as a surprise to the APNU and AFC since they, Kaieteur News and its publisher have supported each other’s causes for years – especially the concerted action to depose the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government.

In addition to monetary support, both of these parties have been given free columns in the Kaieteur News and their opinions are solicited on every possible issue that places the PPP/C in a negative light and then published with alacrity. The press coverage alone would be worth additional tens of millions, said one manager from the publishing industry.

Guyana Times was told by several businessmen that they

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

were forced by Lall to join the FUCOP. This is reminiscent of the Committee to Re-Elect the President (CREEP) – formed in 1990 by businessmen like C N Sharma.

But the actual funnelling of money to the Opposition coffers only began to surface in the wake of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) conducting an audit on Lall’s network of “businesses” in Guyana.

As reported earlier this month, this audit is still ongoing but this publication was able to learn that tens of millions were transferred to the political parties as “contributions to charitable organisations”. Political organisations are not categorised as “charitable organisations” by the GRA. The audit has been ongoing for quite some time, but the GRA appears to be trying to ensure that the labyrinthine interlocking of companies owned by Lall locally and in the US are clearly delineated.

Guyana Times understands that the commingling of funds between the two related groups of companies was done deliberately to evade taxes both in Guyana and the US. In several instances, the “corporate veil” will have to be pierced, to expose Lall’s direct involvement.

It is widely accepted by financial experts that the major reason why APNU and AFC opposed the passing of the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill in Parliament was because their trail of funding from illegal sources and Lall’s businesses, foreign and domestic, would have been exposed.

12 News

saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

36 babies born on New Year’s Day

BY ANASTACIA CLEMENTSON AND ANDREW CARMICHAEL

T

hirty-six babies were born on New Year’s Day at various hospitals across the country, the medical institutions reported on Friday. There were 15 babies born at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), six at Woodlands Hospital, one at St Joseph Mercy Hospital, one at Prashad Hospital, six at the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, four at the West Demerara Regional Hospital and three at the Suddie Regional Hospital.

Of course one needs to remember that home deliveries still occur in some re-

The New Year’s babies at GPHC and their mothers (from left to right) Adesa Johnson, Christine James, Bindiya Persaud, Vidawantie Sugrim and Adacia Persaud

The first baby to be born in the year, Anesha, with her mother Adesa Johnson

gions, however, the official number stand at 36.

At precisely 01:55h, the wails of a bouncing baby girl could be heard in the Birthing Room of the GPHC where Adesa Sealey Johnson had given birth to the first baby for 2015.

Johnson was in sheer delight with her bundle of joy when she spoke with Guyana Times on Friday.

She remarked that she got her heart’s desire in her daughter, her very first child. She said she had always wished for a girl as it was what her heart yearned

remembered teasing her spouse that he will be getting a New Year’s gift when he comes home, as he works in the back dams. Imagine James’ surprise when it actually came through.

Michelle Holder of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo currently holds the fourth place for having delivered her baby at 03:23h New Year’s morning.

Analisa Mansie, the youngest mother for the New Year told this publication that her daughter was expected on January 11, however 10 days earlier, her little girl had decided it was a good day. The young moth-

mother, Marisa Joseph informed Guyana Times that Terrence was not expected until the January 8.

However, while at home, she realised that her ‘water bag’ had broken.

Joseph, who is a nurse was quite fortunate for her profession and training, added to the fact that a midwife lived not far from her home in Tucville. She shared that the midwife road with her to the hospital in the Tundra, while her husband drove.

Little Terrence was born at 13:30h on New Year’s Day in the hospital compound.

His mother called his delivery “fitting”, stating that his

This baby was born in dramatic fashion: Terrence Manuel Joseph and mother Marisa Joseph

bonus.

She has not decided on a name for her little girl but is contemplating the name Anesha. She told Guyana Times that she already sees her daughter singing in the church, since she also grew up in church.

Christine James of Number One Canal, West Bank Demerara, who delivered her daughter at the GPHC as well, came in third place, as Marlyn Barly of West Demerara delivered her baby at 02:02h, making her bundle of joy the second baby for 2015. James delivered her baby at 02:30h.

At the New Amsterdam Hospital: (left-right) Pednawattie Nedlall, Alisa Narayan and Amina Harry

Anna Abdulla, along with baby and husband Kevin, after a successful Caesarean section (C-section) delivery

for and the fact that she was given this gift on such a blessed day was an added

James’ seven-pound baby girl was given a due date of January 17 but she

er wasted no time in naming her daughter, stating that her little bundle would be named Arianna Taamiya Mansie.

Little Arianna weighed seven pounds at birth.

Mansie indicated that little Arianna had shown tremendous strength in her bid to be born on New Year’s Day as she had travelled all the way from Essequibo to Woodlands Hospital where she had given birth.

Also, for New Year’s babies, little Terrence Manuel Joseph, came into the world in dramatic fashion after being delivered by a midwife in the back of a Toyota Tundra in the compound of the Prashad Hospital. His

father loves vehicles and is always careful with them.

Meanwhile, across in New Amsterdam, eight babies were born with the New Amsterdam Hospital leading the way with six. The first new life in the Ancient County was little Antonio Watts who was birthed at 04:40h by Midwife Devi Utam. Utam successfully delivered the baby of Sasha Dey of Mount Sinai. The 2.8kg boy was Dey’s third child and her easiest delivery. Despite having two boys before, the proud mother said she wanted another boy. “I will not be going for a girl,” the 21-year-old mother said. She described this birth as her best delivery,

gery, Abdulla agreed to cooperate with the doctor’s suggestion. This was her third child, with the previous two being delivered normally. “The nurses and doctor were very helpful. But they need to do something about the washroom,” the mother said. All the mothers told this publication that the washroom was flooded with water. This was confirmed by medical staff.

West Berbice got its first and only New Year’s baby when Priya Persaud delivered at 12:20h at the Forth Wellington Hospital.

Persaud of Whim Village, Corentyne, delivered her fourth child, a boy, weighting 4.3kg. She was discharged the following day. Jessika Ramkishan

saying “The nurses helped me all the way and here by my side all the time.”

Moments later, Ameena Mangru delivered the county’s second baby when Ward Sister attached to the Skeldon Hospital, Tamika Hemgry delivered the 3.1kg girl at the hospital. The baby was born at 05:50h when Mangroo, 21, of Skeldon successfully delivered her third child.

Anna Abdulla of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, delivered her baby by Caesarian section (C-secion) at 11:35h.

Gynecologist, Dr Vladamir Pino had to perform the procedure after attempts to lower Abdulla’s blood pressure were unsuccessful. After not initially agreeing the sur-

of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) got a scare when her baby ingested umbilical fluid. The baby boy was later taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the institution. “I was very scared because it was my first time. It was very painful. I want another baby but not for now,” the 21-year-old mother said.

Padnawattie Nedlell, 24, of D’Edward Village, West Bank Berbice, said the New Amsterdam Hospital was her hospital of choice for the birth of her third child which was delivered at 15:15h.

Her little girl weighed 3.3kg. The mother related that she was hoping for a boy since she already has two daughters. “I will not be going again. The three are enough,” Nedlell said.

Meanwhile, Alisa Narayan of High Dam, Mount Sinai, delivered 15 minutes after Nedlell, bringing forth another girl weighing 3.56kg.

She said she felt good delivering a baby on the first day of the year which will always be a holiday.

Ever as the nurses at the New Amsterdam hospital were preparing to close off what was a busy but successful day in the labour room, Anita Harry gave tested their skills with just minutes remaining in the day. The 25-year-old mother delivered a girl weighing 2.86kg at 23:57h.

news

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saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

URP: another coalition option … says current parties do not share its vision governance.

URP Founder Vishnu Bandhu

By Devina Samaroo

W

ith both major parties plugging a “united front” government as the way out of Guyana’s political problems, the resurrected United Republican Party (URP) will no doubt provide another option.

Both the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have put forward their cases for coalition ahead of next year’s General Election.

Speaking at Freedom House in August last year, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee had disclosed that the Party was on a path of establishing a broad national democratic front. Though declining to reveal details, Rohee had said that the PPP/C was “heartened” by the overwhelming interest shown by “a large number” of civic and political stakeholders in the establishment of such an alliance. “The Party is satisfied that its ideology, political principles and track record have managed to attract so many stakeholders who are interested in this national democratic platform to build and further develop Guyana,” Rohee told reporters back then.

On the other hand, APNU, a coalition which is dominated by the People’s National Congress (PNC), is also seeking alliances with other groups.

Its Opposition partner – Alliance For Change has been resisting invitations to join forces with the coalition, claiming in one of its most recent exchanges that it wants to “lead any APNU/AFC coalition”.

Back in 2011, the coalition comprising the PNCR; the Working People’s Alliance (WPA); Guyana Action Party (GAP); and the National Front Alliance (NFA) had said that constitutional and institutional reforms were necessary for the realisation of shared

No coalescing Meanwhile, URP executive member Vishnu Bandhu told the Guyana Times, in a recent interview, that the Party would not form any coalition with existing political parties as they do not represent an “honest democratic system”. Chairman Bandhu contended that the URP will secure maximum votes on its own at the upcoming General Elections; therefore, it does not wish to coalesce with any existing political parties at the moment.

“Not at the moment, we are not thinking about a coalition, because our ideology is a bit different than their ideology. Guyana needs a party that goes straight forward … our ideas and their ideas will not match,” Bandhu told the Guyana Times..

However, he stated that the URP believed in shared governance; therefore, should it be elected to be the Government of Guyana, it will include all other political parties in its operations.

“We will include all of them to be a part of this, but we will direct them on how it should go.” Bandhu further noted that the Party brought forth a spiritual essence, which he was positive will make significant history in the upcoming 2015 General Elections.

He said that all other presidential candidates are lacking a strong spiritual background which disconnects them from the people of Guyana.

Additionally, URP’s Secretary, Ras Leon Saul, who is also a cultural activist, reiterated that stance by noting that the time has come for spiritual people to participate in the political arena.

“We want to effect real change; a person like me representing the culture I’m from would not normally be in a political arena …

We have to put our shoulders to the wheel and bring whatever energies, fresh energies that we could to the present political situation.”

Younger generation Both representatives stressed on the importance of a new, honest and revived political party for the younger generation and those who are extremely “fed up” with the current political atmosphere in Guyana.

Bandhu pointed out that the present political situation involved a series of exchanges be-

tween the Opposition and Government over issues that mostly originated from prompting and promoting racial concerns.

He stated that the younger generation needs a party with a new demeanour without provoking the usual racial tension in the nation.

On that note, Bandhu is expecting to receive support from scores persons who are disgusted with this battle and are in need of a new administration with a vision for effective change.

Financially sound Asked about the Party’s

URP Secretary Ras Leon Saul

financing, Bandhu stated that the Party will be financially secured as it will be funded by several local businesses, members of the

public, and overseas-based Guyanese. However, he did not disclose the names of these individuals as he was fearful of some form of victimisation. “We are not allowed to do that. It was discussed and no names should be given at the moment.”

As of now, the URP is awaiting the announcement for a date for elections by President Donald Ramotar. Bandhu stated that until a date was set for elections, he would not disclose the other members of the Party, nor who will be the candidates for Presidential and Prime Ministerial positions.

He said that the members are currently having “bottom-house” meetings to discuss critical issues as it relates to campaigning and spending their funds. The URP was established in the USA in March 1985 and was launched in Guyana in May 1986 and formally registered in April 26, 1988.

It campaigned in the historic 1992 General and Regional Elections, which led to the removal of the PNC Government. Their motto reads “Onward, upward may we ever go!

United we stand, divided we fall! Equal rights and justice for all!”

14

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015

Regional

Cuban dissidents arrested Brazil: Rousseff vows to tackle fraud at swearing-in during protest outside jail

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B

razilian President Dilma Rousseff promised to tackle corruption and improve the country’s sluggish economy as she was sworn into her second term in the capital.

Rousseff promised to embark on an anti-corruption crusade on Thursday in response to a multibillion-dollar fraud scandal engulfing state-run oil company Petrobras.

Rousseff, who became the country’s first female President in 2011, took 51.6 per cent of the vote in a runoff election in October against business favourite Aecio Neves.

“We are going to rigorously investigate everything that has happened,” the 67-year-old leftist pledged at the oath of office ceremony in Brasilia, attended by 13 Heads of State as well as the US and Chinese Vice Presidents.

“We must investigate and punish, but without weakening Petrobras or diminishing its importance,” she added, drawing warm applause from the crowd at the ceremony.

Rousseff, who was Chairwoman of Petrobras when much of the fraud took

President Dilma Rousseff won re-election in October with a narrow margin that largely split Brazil between the poor and the rich (AP)

place, has denied knowledge of the corruption.

So far, only 39 people have been arrested in the scandal.

The Petrobras scandal, and the ongoing Police investigation, erupted just a few months before Rousseff’s hard-fought October victory.

In February, the Supreme Court is expected to reveal the names of doz-

ens of politicians who allegedly received funds from more than $3 billion in kickbacks.

For her second term, Rousseff has appointed a new minister tasked with breathing new life into the economy, pro-market economist Joaquim Levy, who has already drawn up plans to make public purse savings.

uban dissidents say Police have arrested a group of political activists who had been protesting outside a jail in the capital, Havana.

Dozens of dissidents have been taken into custody in Cuba since Tuesday.

The Police operation began just a few hours before a planned open microphone protest at Havana’s Revolution Square.

It comes two weeks after Cuba and the United States announced they had agreed to restore diplomatic and economic relations, severed in the early 1960s.

The protest, which never went ahead, was aimed at testing whether Cuba’s communist Government had become more open to politi-

cal dissent since the historic announcement of December 17.

The organiser, performance artist Tania Bruguera, was among dozens of activists detained on Tuesday.

She was re-arrested outside the detention centre, known as El Vivac, according to Cuba’s best-known dissident blogger, Yoani Sanchez.

The arrests have not been confirmed by the Cuban authorities or reported by state media.

On Wednesday, the United States said it was “deeply concerned” about reports of the arrests.

“We strongly condemn the Cuban Government’s continued harassment and

TT: Five murders in first two days of 2015

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bermuda to introduce new work permit policy sis.

The new policy also requires employers to advertise all jobs on the Government Job Board for at least eight consecutive days.

Under the new rules, businesses may be asked to participate in initiatives led by the National Training Board to boost the number of Bermudians employed in job categories where there are high numbers of work permit holders. (Excerpt from CMC) Bermuda Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy (Photo: bermudasun.bm)

H

ome Affairs Minister Michael Fahy says the Government’s revamped new work permit policy will come into effect at the beginning of March.

The implementation of the policy was halted after unexpected problems developed with a specific category of permit called the Bermuda Employment Visa, which has since been abandoned.

“It was about finding the right balance between assisting international business in getting the best employees they can in a competitive marketplace, while also ensuring that qualified Bermudians are given the opportunities we deserve,”

Fahy said on Wednesday. “A balance which I believe has now been found due to the extensive consultative process.”

The new rules include the introduction of the Global Entrepreneur Work Permit to allow individuals who are planning startup companies in Bermuda to apply for work permits.

Permit holders can live on the island while conducting their business planning.

The changes provide for a Business Work Permit for new companies to Bermuda to obtain work permits without advertising during the first six months of their existence. The permit will be available for new exempted companies on a limited ba-

repeated use of arbitrary detention, at times with violence, to silence critics,” read a statement issued by the State Department.

Washington said it would “continue to press the Cuban Government to uphold its international obligations”.

The crackdown was flagged

by Sanchez, on Tuesday.

She posted on Twitter that her husband, Reinaldo Escobar, and another dissident, Eliecer Avila, had been detained.

Sanchez, founder of opposition website Catorce y Medio, said she was briefly put under house arrest.

Escobar, a senior editor at the website, was released after several hours in Police custody. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Dorothy Rodrigo, 33, died after being shot several times by gunmen at this Jokhan Trace, Carapo home around 04:00h on Friday

T

he killings of Steven Fabian Carrington and Kevin Francis took the 2015 murder count to five in just two days.

Around 23:15 Thursday,

Carrington, 30, of Carolina Village, Couva, was found dead in the back seat of a white Nissan Almera parked on the northbound lane of the Sir Solomon Hochoy

Highway.

Petrotrin security saw the car outside the company’s fence and found Carrington dead with three gunshot wounds to the chest, according to reports.

Police said Francis, 23, of Duke Street, South Oropouche, was liming at a house party at Partap Trace when he went to urinate and was attacked. Passers-by found his body with a hole in the head at Maharaj Trace around 02:00h Friday morning and contacted the Police command centre. Oropouche Police went to the scene but Francis was already dead.

Police have no motive for the killings.

Police earlier confirmed the shooting death of Dorothy Rodrigo, 33.

Rodrigo died after being shot several times by gunmen at her Jokhan Trace, Carapo home around 04:00h on Friday. (Trinidad Guardian)

Jamaica: PM, Opposition Leader call for renewed focus in 2015

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rime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has urged Jamaicans to recommit to the Vision for Jamaica in 2015.

In her address to mark the start of the new year, Simpson Miller said 2015 was an opportune time to recommit to the Vision for Jamaica, “a vision in which our never-ending hope in a brighter future is based on a realistic and shared understanding of the present and our role in building that better future”.

She also pointed to

some of the achievements in 2014, noting that on the economic front, Jamaica recorded significant achievements and met targets under Jamaica’s Economic Reform Programme supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“The country successfully passed its sixth consecutive performance assessment by the IMF Board.

The visit during the year of the heads of both the IMF and the IDB (International Development Bank), signalled the internation-

al community’s respect and growing support for Jamaica’s discipline and success in implementing the painful but necessary economic reforms,” she said.

Concerning job creation, she said while still not enough, there was a reduction in the overall unemployment.

She added that the country welcomed new investments and built new infrastructure.

According to the Prime Minister, her adminis-

tration has resolved to “achieve greater levels of investment, economic growth and job creation in 2015, the government that I lead is also committed to preserving the social gains and the programmes to protect the less fortunate.”

Leader of the Opposition, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Andrew Holness, in his message, called on the Government to among other things focus on better management of the public health system. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the world

AirAsia QZ8501: Search teams find more bodies at sea

Relatives of those people who have been identified are being supported as they receive their bodies

M

ore bodies have been recovered from the Java Sea, five days after AirAsia flight QZ8501 crashed, bringing the total found so far to 30, Indonesian rescue officials say.

The Airbus A320 disappeared with 162 people on board while flying from

Surabaya in Indonesia to Singapore.

Operations to recover victims continue, but no survivors have been found. Specialist equipment has arrived to aid the search for the plane itself and its “black box” flight recorders.

However, officials said it could not be used on Friday because of high waves, Reuters reported.

The plane is almost certainly at the bottom of the relatively shallow Java Sea. The cause of the crash is not known yet.

In another development, it has emerged that AirAsia did not have official permission to fly the SurabayaSingapore route on Sunday – the day of the crash – but was licensed on four other days of the week.

The Indonesian authorities are suspending the company’s flights on this route with immediate effect pending an investigation, a Transport Ministry statement said.

Some 20 more bodies were found on Friday, as a massive search operation in the presumed crash area continued.

Some were reported to be still strapped into their seats.

The aircraft’s fuselage has still not been located, and it is thought most of the passengers could be inside.

“Waves were between three and four metres today, making it difficult to load bodies onto ships and [move them] between ships,” the head of Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US sanctions North Korea over Sony

U

nited States President Barack Obama authorised additional sanctions against North Korea in what he said was the first US response to the cyberattack on Sony Pictures Entertainment, the White House said on Friday.

The sanctions named three entities as well as 10

15

North Korean Government officials, including individuals working in Iran, Syria, China, Russia and Namibia, according to the Treasury Department.

It was not immediately clear what relationship the three entities, which were already under sanction for their links

to Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programme, had to the Sony hacking, although Washington said the Reconnaissance General Bureau, the military intelligence service, ran the North’s cyber operations.

The 10 named individuals were not part of the North’s top leadership and

were linked to the companies that have already been sanctioned.

Pyongyang has been sanctioned by the US since the 1950s and those measures have been tightened in the wake of the country’s three nuclear weapons tests.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Palestinians submit application to join ICC

The Palestinians intend to pursue a war-crimes case against Israel for its actions in Gaza last year (AFP)

T

he Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations has formally submitted Palestine’s application to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) to the UN Secretary General.

The Palestinians want to pursue war-crimes charges against Israel and challenge Israeli settlement building.

The UN confirmed receipt of the documents, and said the next steps were being reviewed. It will take a minimum of 60 days for the request to come into effect.

Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York on Friday, Riyad Mansour said pursuing the war-crimes case was an option that allowed Palestine to “seek justice for all those killed by the Israeli occupier”.

The move came two days

after the application for membership of the Haguebased ICC was signed by President Mahmoud Abbas.

“We are honoured that we are to be the 123rd state party to join the ICC, which will become effective about 60 days from now,” Mansour said.

“It is a very significant step which we will be taking. It is a legal option, it is a peaceful option, it is a civilised option and it is an option that anyone who upholds the law should not be afraid of.”

When asked about the possibility of Palestinian leaders, particularly members of Hamas, being pursued for war crimes, Mansour said that the option was “political posturing”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China demands answers India says Pakistani boat exploded off coast after stampede in I financial hub Shanghai

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hinese state media and the public criticised the Government and Police on Friday for failing to prevent a New Year’s Eve stampede in Shanghai that killed 36 people and dented the city’s image as modern China’s global financial hub.

Apart from Hong Kong, which is run as a separate territory, Shanghai is China’s most international and cosmopolitan city, a glitzy home to global companies with ambitions to become a world financial centre by 2020.

The official Xinhua news agency said the Government could not shake responsibility for what happened. It asked why there were apparently so few Police on duty for the tens of thousands thronging Shanghai’s famous waterfront, known as the Bund.

“It was a lack of vigilance from the Government, a sloppiness,” the news agency wrote.

Xinhua noted that the crush happened not far from a much trumpeted new free trade zone described as the “pride of the country”.

“The disaster, which happened in China’s financial hub

of Shanghai, served as a wakeup call that the world’s second-largest economy is still a developing country which has fragile social management,” it said in an English-language commentary.

Shanghai people echoed those complaints.

“There was not enough policing and planning. It is really sad to see a stampede happen in a big city like Shanghai,” said resident Tang Lifeng, 38.

The site of the stampede was cordoned off on Friday, with grieving relatives holding a candlelight memorial.

Most victims were students in their 20s. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ndia’s Defence Ministry says a Pakistani fishing boat bound for India blew up, killing all four people on board, after the Indian Coast Guard tried to stop and search it.

Indian intelligence said the crew was planning “an illicit transaction” when the vessel was intercepted on New Year’s Eve in the Arabian Sea, 365 kilometres off India’s western coast, according to a Government statement released on Friday.

In a first reaction, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said it was unclear whether the incident had happened at all.

It was not possible to verify independently the Indian Government’s account.

India put security agen-

India’s Defence Ministry released images purportedly showing the boat after the explosion on board (AFP)

cies on nationwide alert for an attack last month in the lead-up to a visit by US President Barack Obama at the end of January.

Ajay Kumar Pandey, a spokesman for the Indian

Coast Guard, declined to comment when asked whether the explosives suspected to be on board the boat were intended for use in a possible attack.

The Indian Defence

Ministry released blurred night-time photographs of a burning fishing boat, with time stamps of 4am on New Year’s Day. No name or other distinguishing characteristics were visible on the burning boat. No other physical evidence was presented by the Indian Government.

The Coast Guard chased the Pakistani boat for almost an hour and fired warning shots before it stopped, the Indian statement said, adding that the crew hid below deck and set the boat on fire.

India’s vulnerability to attacks along its long coastline was exposed in 2008 after the seaborne assault

by Pakistani nationals on Mumbai, the nation’s financial capital. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ebola outbreak will end in 2015 – UN’s Anthony Banbury

T

he deadly Ebola outbreak will be ended in 2015, the outgoing head of the United Nations team fighting the disease has said.

Anthony Banbury said the number of Ebola cases would be brought down to zero by the close of this year, but admitted that the end was “not close”.

“We are engaged in an

epic battle,” he said.

The virus has killed nearly 8000 people, mostly in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, where the disease started in December 2013.

Banbury admitted his three-month mission had failed to hit its target of 100 per cent safe burials and treatment of 70 per cent of infected people.

But he praised interna-

tional efforts and insisted “the global response to the Ebola crisis has been extremely successful”.

“Going forward it’s going to be extremely hard for us to bring it down to zero [cases], but that is what we will do,” he told reporters, adding: “I believe we will end Ebola in 2015.”

Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation

(WHO) said the number of people infected by the virus in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea had passed 20,000.

Ebola virus disease (EVD)

The WHO said more than a third of the 20,000 cases in West Africa were in Sierra Leone, which has become the worst-hit country.

Symptoms include high fever, bleeding and central nervous system damage Spread by body fluids, such as blood and saliva Fatality rate can reach 90 per cent – but current outbreak has mortality rate of about 70 per cent Incubation period is two to 21 days There is no proven vaccine or cure (Excerpt from BBC News)

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news

saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Still no sign of missing plane T

ransport Minister, Robeson Benn joined officials of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and members of the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) to a visit to the RCC’s sub-center in Mahdia on Thursday to assist in the search and rescue mission for the ASL’s aircraft which disappeared on Sunsay.

The aerial Search and Rescue operations based at Mahdia continued on Friday however, due to inclement weather and overcast conditions, the operations started late. Based on information received, the RCC identified further areas of interest in the Kurungiku Mountain, Black Water area and North Fork area. A party is currently on the ground conducting a search of the Black Water area after completing a similar exercise in the North Fork area.

In addition, a more intense ground search effort will commence tomorrow.

Other specialist teams have been mobilized and will be transported to Mahdia and other areas of interest.

The teams are drawn from personnel of the Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and Air Services Ltd. Further, more than 150 square miles were

covered in the Search and Rescue effort; and in excess of 60 hours of flight time were logged in the Search and Rescue mission for ASL’s Britten Norman Islander aircraft, bearing registration 8R-GE which went missing on Sunday 28th, December, 2014.

Benn at a specially con-

Norman Islander aircraft.

He explained that Suriname has assisted in the search and rescue mission with an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) to zero in or enhance any signal from the wreckage site. This he noted has not panned out as yet. Benn added that the rescue aspect of the mission

based on endurance and other issues relating to the aircraft”.

He went on to say that helicopters are used primarily because they can fly at a slow speed which gave them ample time to zero in on the areas of interest. Based on calculations, the RCC has plotted a search grid of 20

Transport Minister Robeson Benn observes operations at the Rescue Coordination Centre in Mahdia

vened press conference on Wednesday had disclosed that the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) at Timehri Control Tower has been in constant contact with their Surinamese counterparts and those from the United States Mission Coordination Centre as the search continues for the missing Britten

has passed and the mission has now gone into recovery mode, noting that the search will continue. “We have been flying systematic gridlines and we have been infilling those lines on a twomile separation and then we bring it down to a 1000 feet or 500 feet spacing in specific define areas of interest

miles by 20 miles from the last time the spot tracker located the plane. Up to Wednesday evening, there were no signs of any wreckage or any indication of a crash. Benn described the areas of interest as rough mountainous terrain, heavily forested with variable weather patterns which

pose a major challenge for the search team. Benn also lashed out at a media report which quoted ‘reliable sources’ contending that the only reliable sources are those who are operating out of the RCC. He related that the RCC is well coordinated by persons of several agencies including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Air Services Limited (ASL) and others who are behind the search and rescue mission. He said that the Centre has been doing all in its power to locate the wreckage, and as such, dispel any information that speaks ill of the operation.

Annette Arjoon, Air Services Limited representative had lauded the RCC for their efficiency in responding to the situation which arose on Sunday morning. She added that the ASL team has also been on the ground since the aircraft went mission. She also noted that they have been in contact with the two families updating them and more importantly taking them on their search mission to get an appreciation of the difficulties the search and rescue mission faces on a daily basis. They will continue to lend support to the families of 27-year-old

Nicky Persaud and 51-yearold, father of four, David Bisnauth. On Sunday last, the Timehri Control Tower lost communication with the Cessna Britten Norman Islander that was operating a flight between Mahdia and Karisparu, Region Eight.

Based on records, the aircraft took off from Mahdia at about 11:42h on Sunday on a routine local cargo flight and the last known position was spot tracker at 11:44h.

In addition, at 16:20h, Timehri Air Traffic Control Tower made contact with the aircraft operator to establish whether the aircraft landed before implementing a search and rescue operation. After no information was received, the Air Traffic control commenced an ‘Alert Phase’ and the Rescue Coordination Centre at Cheddi Jagan International Airport was activated. In the meantime, two Air Services Cessna 208 Caravan flying within the area were vectored to commence a search operation.

Presently there are six other aircraft and helicopters deployed to the area to assist in the search and rescue operations. These include three Belle helicopters, one Cessna Caravan and one Cessna 206 fixed aircraft.

Teen found at 'highway' creek East La Penitence man first road drowned – post mortem fatality for 2015

T

he post mortem examination performed on the body of Dhaniram Ramgopaul, also called “Ryan”, who was found dead in a creek along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway proved that he drowned, but his parents were not satisfied with the results.

His mother, Jankie Seecharam, in a phone interview with the Guyana Times on Friday, said that they would not let her son’s death go down easily. The angry woman suspected something “fishy” was going on since no family members was allowed to witness the post-mortem.

She added that they were left outside and after the autopsy had concluded, a Policeman came out and informed them that the pathologist gave the cause of death as drowning. The grieving mother also stated that based on the little she knows about drowning, her son was not a victim of drowning.

“How can you drown and when your body comes up, it is as fresh as ever… when someone drowns, their swollen body raises in three days … If he was under the water, why couldn’t we find him after almost two days of search,” the woman asked. She is maintaining that her son was murdered and then thrown overboard.

The teen, of 134 Phase Two, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, went missing on Sunday during an outing at a resort with his fam-

man and teenager are unknown. Efforts by this newspaper to find out the condition of these two persons proved futile. The driver of the motor car has been taken into custody and is assisting with the investigations.

When Guyana Times visited the scene, the wooden newspaper stall and a fruit stall that the car had also

Dead: Dhaniram Ramgopaul

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

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

Five persons were subsequently taken into Police custody, but were then released following the post-mortem report.

The Guyana Times was told that of the five, two of the teenagers who might have fabricated a story about a possible kidnapping would be taken for psychological evaluation.

Ramgopaul is expected to be laid to rest shortly. He leaves to mourn his parents and six siblings.

The stall that was uprooted after the car crashed into it on Cemetery Road

A

61-year-old man was this year’s first road fatality after he was struck down on Thursday morning on Cemetery Road, East La Penitence, Georgetown.

George Baker, of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was killed around 07:00h after a driver lost control of his motor car and hit four persons who were standing on the corner of the road.

Brian Devine, 62, of Lot 30 East La Penitence, another man, and a teenager who sells newspapers at a location residents call “market” on Cemetery Road, were injured in the incident.

The Police in a release stated that “investigations have revealed that the driver of a motor vehicle lost control of it, after sustaining a punctured tyre, and struck down

George Baker”. The Police added that the man was subsequently taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

However, eyewitnesses told this newspaper that the car did not suffer a punctured tyre but the driver was in fact speeding and was intoxicated. One man stated that he saw the car speeding along the road heading south and suddenly it ended up in the trench.

He recalled that when they got closer to the scene, they saw persons in the trench who they assisted out.

Baker, who lived alone, was described as quiet by neighbours. One woman related that she was shocked when she heard the news, noting that she and Baker grew up together.

The identities of the third

struck were damaged, with the former uprooted.

The fruit vendor said: “The whole shop damaged and I had to throw away some of my produce because they damage: all the watermelon had to throw away.”

“If I was only here, I would have been a dead woman. He would have killed me too,” she said.

Fire guts St Cuthbert’s Mission benab

A

fire which is believed to have been as a result of the illegal use of fire crackers resulted in the destruction of the St Cuthbert’s Mission Village benab on Friday.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Toshao Luke Simon said he was out of the community at the Soesdyke Highway when he received a phone call around 13:15h from a resident informing him of the fire. He explained that he was told by residents that he fire started around 12:45h.

Simon said by the time he arrived back into the village, the entire roof of the benab was gone. He explained that the walls of the one-year-old benab is still standing but is partially burnt at certain points.

The fire eventually subdued itself after the leaves used to build the roof of the

benab had completely burnt out. Simon explained that the type of leaves used to construct the benab prevented the fire from engulfing the entire structure and thus burning it to the ground.

Simon said residents related to him that boys between the ages of 12 to 15 were seen igniting squibs close by the benab when one of them reportedly arched the squib in the direction of the benab’s roof.

The roof subsequently ignited and because of the height of the structure, Simon said residents were unable to tackle the fire.

Simon said himself along with residents of the community built the benab to be used for various festivities.

The structure was 299ft in circumference and 50ft in height. There is no fire station in the community at present.

guyanatimesgy.com

Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant which was held in St Kitts/Nevis. She was also a guest model at several fashion shows.

In 2014, the well experienced group in pageantry coached Miss Guyana Universe Niketa Barker and is confident that she will make Guyana proud when the pageant is held in Miami in a matter of weeks.

Good things continue to happen as the group launched the Miss Guyana Mashramani Queen Pageant and showcased the “Sensational 7” vying for the chance to represent Guyana at the Mash Queen International Pageant and other pageants across the Caribbean.

With all those things accomplished, the organisation looks forward to the thrill and the excitement while they continue to empower Guyana’s youth.

Miss Guyana Universe, 2014

T

he Simpli Royal organisation, through its tireless efforts to empower Guyana’s beauty ambassadors, says those actions will have far reaching benefits for years to come for all involved.

The year 2014 began with a fantastic win for Alicia Bess, Miss PJD2 Caribbean Queen Pageant.

April saw the coronation of Miss Guyana Earth, Stacy Ramcharan. This was followed by the launching of the Mister and Miss Guyana Talented Teen pageants which culminated in July with the crowning of Delroy Walcott and Reesa Sooklall.

The crowned delegates got busy with their projects; some joint and others executed as individual activities.

The crowned king and queen planted 23 trees in the St. Joseph High School compound, gave motivational talks to the children of the Drop-In Centre, and visited a group of children from the Sophia Care Centre.

During this time, Sooklall trained for the Miss

Saturday, January 3, 2015

Miss Guyana Earth Stacy Ramcharan

T

he local entertainment industry will once again seek to make its presence felt today at the “More Beres” Concert, through its local ambassadors.

The local acts include upcoming dancehall bad girl Jackie “Jaxx” Hanover, who has been making the rounds recently with scintillating and memorable performances with her powerful vocals and pointed lyrics.

On the other hand, current hit maker Mystic, who has been off the local scene for a while now – returns with a performance that promises to be both entertaining and energetic. One of his hit tunes

Miss Talented Teen Reesa Sooklall

“Coolie Boy”, will most likely be a prominent part of his performance.

Last, but certainly by no means least, controversial but always entertaining Supa Ray band will be there to set the Guyana National Stadium alight with their explosive performances of popular hits and their own supremely trendy songs. More local acts are still to be added.

The local acts will supplement headlining acts, Reggae Icon Beres Hammond and smooth singing song-bird Romain Virgo. Beres Hammond remains one of the most requested acts in Guyana and is among the top performers to

ever grace Guyana’s shores, while Romain Virgo plans to hold his own in his first visit.

The “More Beres” concert is slated for the Guyana National Stadium today and tickets cost $3000 for general admission and $18,000 for stage front.

Among the many ticket locations are King’s Jewellery World, Clairan’s Boutique, Nigel’s Supermarket, Ashmin’s Trading, Matt’s Record Bar, Gizmos and Gadgets, White Castle Fish Shop, Giftland OfficeMax, Andrew’s Supermarket, KK Gas Station, August Beverages and Exclusive Styles.

Pamela Dillon, the driving force of Simpli Royal

Alicia Bess, Miss PJD2 2014

18 Feature

saturDAY, january 3, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

usher in 2015 in style

Worshippers greeted the New Year at the Carmel Seventh Day Adventist church (Carl Croker photo)

President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar; Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Mrs Hinds; Guyana Defence Force Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips and Mrs Phillips; and senior GDF Officers at the Old Year’s Night Ball at Base Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown (GINA photo)

Spectators at the Kitty Seawall on Old Year’s Night for the fireworks displays by the Guyana Defence Force (Carl Croker photos)

A couple at Palm Court’s “Las Vegas” Old Year’s Night Party

Patrons at the 704 Sports Bar on Old Year’s Night

G

uyanese ushered in the New Year in their own special way but as is the norm, thousands flocked the Kitty seawall to witness the Guyana Defence Force’s annual fireworks display.

The fireworks display which lasted about 15 minutes, put smiles on the faces of those who came out to witness the display, es-

pecially the children who stayed awake to witness the spectacle at the stroke of midnight.

With the various designs and kaleidoscope of colours, the display definitely added excitement to the evening. Apart from the fireworks display, the New Year also broke Guyanese in their respective churches listening to their pastors’ sermon while others

attended the numerous Old Year’s Night parties.

First, Patrice Roberts thrilled those you attended the Gravity Lounge with her spectacular performance. Dishing out some of her most popular tunes from yesteryear to present, without a doubt, she had the audience getting their grooves on as they welcomed the New Year in party style.

Across at the 704 Sports Bar, there was “Midnight Enchantment” powered by Pulse Entertainment. This saw the ladies and gentlemen, who were all decked out in designer brands, rocking throughout the evening into the morning.

Buddy’s Night Club hosted “Old Year’s Night Extravaganza” featuring WR Reaz and Selector Andy.

The two are masters when

it comes to real party vibes.

The duo had those present on the dance floor from the time they arrived to the time they were ready to leave.

For the third consecutive year, Palm Court executed their tradition ball drop which saw a crystal ball being lowered to the ground at the stroke of midnight. The night was labelled “Night in Las Vegas”.

The lit, well decorated ball symbolises the dawn of a new year with many well wishes for the coming year. In attendance were President Donald Ramotar, Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

There were other events where partyholics partied until sunrise. (See more

photos in Sunday's edition)

saturday, january 3, 2015

19

Pressure mounting on WICB Nikita Miller I revels in new skipper role nfluential pressure continues to mount on West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Dave Cameron and his directors for their handling of the team’s abandonment of the tour of India in October and the subsequent fallout.

Pat Rousseau, WICB president 1996-2001 and now a member of the Constitutional Committee, and Kittian Queen’s Counsel Charles Wilkin, who resigned from the governance committee after his commissioned report on the structure of the WICB was rejected by its directors last year, have both issued statements on the issue.

Rosseau asks searching questions of Cameron over the WICB’s lax adherence to its constitution and its disregard of its disciplinary committee.

He also wants Cameron to state whether he is paid, and how much, as executive president, a position for which, he points out, there is no provision under the constitution.

Wilkin, a former Cambridge University and Leeward Islands left-arm

spinner whose late father, Calvin, was long-standing president of the Leewards cricket association and member of the WICB, calls on Caricom governments to “use their leverage to force the board to become relevant” and for the people of the Caribbean to call for such intervention.

“If not, the time is not long when the other cricket countries will relieve West Indies cricket from its misery and force it into permanent second class status,” Wilkin adds. “That would certainly kill cricket as a regional institution.”

The two follow last week’s strongly-worded letter to Cameron from prime minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines, effectively accusing the WICB president of betraying an agreement between himself on behalf of his board, the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and the 14 players involved in India over the dropping of ODI captain, Dwayne Bravo, Keiron Pollard and, initially, Darren Sammy, from the team for the upcoming ODIs in South Africa.

The accord, brokered by Gonsalves at a meeting at the Hyatt Hotel in Port of Spain, stated there would be no discrimination or victimisation in selection for the Test and ODI series in South Africa. He called the WICB’s backtrack “village vengeance”.

Wilkin notes that 2015 is 20 years since the West Indies were beaten 2-1 at home by Australia, ending their record of 15 years without losing a series since when it has had six presidents and seven CEOs and been in “constant disputes with its players and suffered three player strike”.

“Now it is facing the mother of all law suits, that for US$41.9 million from India for the financial loss suffered

by WICB’s abandonment of the recent tour,” he added.

“That claim, which WICB has not challenged, makes it effectively bankrupt and exposes its directors to personal liability for its debts. But not even that will wake them up to the need for change.”

He added: “True to form, the president remains firmly in place despite his arrogance and ineptitude in deal-

ing with the latest crisis and despite his having insulted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and helping to bring on the law suit.”

Rousseau queries whether Cameron gave “any instructions or had any conversation” with chairman Clive Lloyd or members of the selection committee or whether there were discussions arranged through CEO Michael Muirhead prior to the omission of Bravo for the South Africa ODIs. He asks whether any perceived disciplinary breaches by the players in India were referred to the Disciplinary Committee, adding that any player’s exclusion from the South Africa ODIs “without a hearing is discrimination against the player”.

Rousseau claims there was a renewal of the Digicel contract with the WICB since Cameron became president and pointedly asks: “Does it contain the same provision requiring the sponsor to pay the sponsorship fee to the Digicel agent giving him authority to deduct money from that payment before paying the Board?” (Trinidad Express)

Shastri ‘bullish’ about India’s Test future I

ndia team director Ravi Shastri is “bullish” about the Test side’s future, saying that the key was to develop an attack that could take 20 wickets on a regular basis. The deciding factor in the ongoing fourTest series, which Australia won after maintaining their 2-0 lead by drawing the third Test at the MCG, according to Shastri, was the difference between the bowling groups: Australia’s had experience and India’s did not.

“There’s hard work ahead no doubt,” Shastri said in an interview to Ayaz Memon. “Primarily, we have to get or develop bowlers who can get 20 wickets regularly. But I am extremely bullish. The most important thing is we have got an aggressive mindset. Let’s talk 12-15 months down the road.”

India will be led by Virat Kohli in the final Test in Sydney, following MS Dhoni’s sudden retirement from Test cricket at the end of the third match in Melbourne, a development Shastri said had left the dressingroom “stumped”. However, he said the change in leadership was unlikely to affect the players’ mindsets.

“In my days, I played under several captains, none of whom were alike,” Shastri said. “Captains have their own personalities and the best ones make players adapt to their thinking and methods.”

Ravi Shastri

Kohli has been in the news on this tour not only for the runs he has made, but also for his aggressive behaviour on the field and a confrontational press conference in Melbourne, where he said he did not respect all the Australian players.

Shastri backed Kohli, despite the results not falling India’s way.

“That’s his personality,” Shastri said when asked if Kohli’s comments, especially those on Mitchell Johnson, had been unnecessarily provocative.

“He is aggressive, passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve. But he’s also prepared to walk the talk.

Remember also, he’s only 26 and still getting used to captaincy. With a little luck, the score line could well have been different. This is a young team that has acquitted itself very creditably.”

Shastri squashed reports suggesting Dhoni’s retirement could have been precipitated by the rising influence of Kohli in the dressing room, saying such speculation was “trash”.

“You guys have no idea of the respect Dhoni commands,” Shastri said, “not just from Virat but every member of the squad, support staff and administration.

When asked if he had an inkling of Dhoni’s retirement, Shastri said: “None. It came like a bolt from the blue. Not till after he returned from the post-match presentation did I come to know when he had a quick word with me, then the players. I understand he had not even spoken to his family about it.

“It was an unexpected decision no doubt, but a courageous one. In my esteem Dhoni has gone up by miles.

He hasn’t waited to complete 100 Tests and all such pointless statistical stuff. He didn’t want any farewell fanfare. That shows his character.

He’s different and quite remarkable.” (Cricinfo)

Nikita Miller

J

AMAICA’S 50-over cricket captain Nikita Miller stressed that he welcomes the team’s collective ideas for the Regional Super50 tournament set to begin two weeks’ time in Trinidad & Tobago.

Miller, who made his 50-over debut against Windward Islands in 2004 in Guyana, was recently announced skipper of the Super50 squad -- his first stint as leader of the team.

“It won’t be a Nikita Miller show; it will be a Jamaica team show,” Miller told the Jamaica Observer.

“I feel proud to be leading the team. It’s an honour because I’m among a select few who have had this opportunity and I’m happy.

Hopefully I can just do the best I can.”

The 32-year-old, the current skipper of local club Melbourne CC, said he will be open to advice from regular four-day cricket captain Tamar Lambert.

Miller, arguably the region’s top slow left-arm orthodox bowler for a number of seasons and a capable lower-order batsman, predicted there will be no hiccups leading his long-time skipper.

He added that former limited-overs captain David Bernard, as well as other more youthful players in the 14-man set-up, can also chime in with ideas.

“Playing with somebody who is a captain is nothing new for me and we [Lambert and I] have a good understanding. In four-day cricket he asks me for ideas and we bounce them off each other.

“We also have David Bernard who was a captain of the 50-over and Twenty20 team so a lot of support is there. Everybody can make an input, whether you are senior or junior. That’s the way I’ll deal with it.”

Jamaica, the regional powerhouses in fourday cricket are not nearly as dominant in the shorter format. While they have captured six four-day titles since the 2004-05 campaign, they have only won two 50over honours over the same period.

The former St Elizabeth Technical High School student, who is optimistic of the team’s bowling capabilities, said there is a good chance of winning the 50-over title if the batsmen come good.

“It’s a talented squad and we have good variety in terms of bowling and batting. We’ve struggled over the years in the limitedovers game. We haven’t won it a lot of times compared to four-day cricket.

“It may come down to how well we execute battingwise and the batters believing in themselves. If we can put up good scores I think we have the bowling that can back that up. I think in terms of ability the batsmen are up there with any other team in the competition, but they have to execute,” Miller said.

Though the competition is set to start on January 15, Jamaica will not open their Super50 account until a day later when they go up against Leeward Islands in Port of Spain. (Jamaica Observer)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, january 3, 2015

Williamson's 50 leads Kiwis Minimum ban for doping increased from two years to four G

D

rug cheats in sport face a minimum four-year ban under new rules which came into effect from 1 January.

Changes to the World Anti-Doping Code, which unifies anti-doping rules for global sports, have increased the suspension for doping from two years.

Other changes will see less leniency given for missed tests but possible reduced bans for helping investigators.

UK sports minister Helen Grant said the changes would “better protect clean athletes around the world”.

“Successful implementation will mean an innovative and robust anti-dop-

ing programme that reaches further than ever before, to more athletes, more support personnel and more sport lovers, all of who want to be part of sport free from doping,” she added in a statement via UK Anti-Doping.

“We will see tougher sanctions - not just for athletes, but also for those who assist in the doping process.”

The punishment for missing three tests within a 12-month period has been increased from 18 months to two years.

While deliberate cheating leads to a four-year ban, athletes guilty of “inadvertent doping” will receive a two-year ban - although they can get a reduction if they have “substantial proof

that they were not at fault or intending to cheat”.

Wada said the 2015 code had more incentive for anyone providing “substantial assistance” in uncovering doping.

“Admitting a violation can be rewarded with a reduced ban, with Wada having the final say. In exceptional cases, Wada has the power to eliminate a ban entirely and offer complete confidentiality for substantial assistance,” it said.

The revised code was agreed by the World AntiDoping Agency (Wada) in November after over 18 months of research by the governing body. (BBC Sport)

Gerrard confirms Liverpool exit

Steve Gerrard

L

iverpool captain Steven Gerrard called his decision to leave at the end of the season “the toughest” of his life.

The 34-year-old, out of contract this summer, joined the Reds aged nine and has scored 180 goals in 695 games.

“This has been the toughest decision of my life, one both me and my family have agonised over for a good deal of time,” said the ex-England midfielder.

He added he would continue to play but not for a potential rival as he could “never contemplate” facing Liverpool.

Gerrard is being linked with a move to Major League Soccer in the United States once the English season ends.

He stressed: “I won’t be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool.

“My decision is completely based on my wish to experience something different in my career and life and I also want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is eventually over.

“From now until the last kick of the last game of the season, I will be as fully committed to the team as I ever have been and giving everything I have to help Liverpool win games.”

Gerrard, born in the Merseyside village of Whiston, joined Liverpool’s academy when he was nine years old, making his firstteam debut as a substitute against Blackburn Rovers in

November 1998.

He led the club to the Champions League title in 2005, scoring his side’s first goal as they came from three down to draw 3-3 against AC Milan and then win on penalties.

He has also won the Uefa Cup, two FA Cups, three League Cups, one Community Shield and two Uefa Super Cups, and earned 114 England caps before retiring after the World Cup. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said: “It is almost an impossible task to find the words to appropriately sum up Steven Gerrard and his importance to Liverpool.

“This is an era where the word ‘legend’ is vastly overused, but in his case it actually doesn’t do him justice.”

Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert, a boyhood supporter of the club, described Gerrard as “Mr Liverpool”.

“He is number one for me and he always will be. He has meant everything to me growing up,” added Lambert.

“The nights he has given the fans are unbelievable.

I’ll never forget them and I know the Liverpool fans will never forget them.”

Reds forward Mario Balotelli compared Gerrard to Italian World Cup-winning midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

“I think of him as being at the same level as Pirlo,” said Balotelli. “Vision, technique but he is powerful as well.

“Steven can do anything, he is an amazing player.

It’s going to be very difficult for the team to find another player like him in the fu-

ture.”

Former Reds midfielder Terry McDermott put Gerrard above Liverpool greats Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Souness.

“Kenny and Souey shone in great Liverpool teams, but Gerrard has played in sides that were at best mediocre and he carried them to trophies,” said McDermott.

Speculation about Gerrard’s long-term Liverpool future intensified following a newspaper interview in October in which he said he would join another club if he was not offered a new contract at Anfield.

In December, Rodgers said the player had been offered a new deal, at the same time dismissing reports the pair had fallen out.

Gerrard was an unused substitute for Monday’s 4-1 Premier League win over Swansea, although he returned to the starting line-up for Thursday’s match against Leicester, scoring two penalties in a 2-2 draw.

Club owner John W Henry and chairman Tom Werner said in a joint statement that the news “stirs many strong emotions for all of us connected with the club”.

“There is sadness that such a great player and person is leaving and won’t be playing for Liverpool beyond this season,” they added.

“But there is also a sense of celebration and gratitude, that we’ve all been privileged to watch and work with one of the true greats, not just of this club, but the game in general.” (BBC Sport)

iven that there was not much difference in the colour of the pitch from the adjoining square, it was a “pretty easy decision” for Angelo Mathews to bowl after winning the toss at Basin Reserve. Add to that the overcast skies and the conditions appeared tailormade for the seamers, much more than they had looked at Hagley Oval last week.

With the New Zealand openers departing early, and Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor leading the team to a comfortable score at lunch, the first session followed a similar pattern to the last Test too.

However, there was one marked difference. The first over bowled by Suranga Lakmal was an indicator the bowlers needed to bide their time as much as the opening batsmen. None of Lakmal’s deliveries in the first over moved in the air or off the pitch and it was no different at the other end for Nuwan Pradeep, who replaced Shaminda Eranga for this Test.

As a result, there were only a couple of false shots in the first half hour and they occurred when the batsmen became ambitious.

One of them went over the slip cordon as Hamish Rutherford played a backfoot punch, chasing a delivery away from his body.

The other accounted for Tom Latham as he played at a back of length delivery from Lakmal from round the wicket.

New Zealand had quickly moved to 31 in seven overs before that dismissal but Sri Lanka’s seamers regained control by cutting down on fuller de-

Kane Williamson looking solid against the Sri Lankan bowling attack

liveries and only nine runs were scored off the next six overs. Williamson broke the shackles immediately after the drinks break and got off the mark after 16 balls, picking up consecutive boundaries off Mathews.

However, just as the scoring was picking up again, Rutherford committed the same mistake as Latham fishing at one away from his body - and fell after yet another start. It has been 16 innings since he scored his last half-century in Tests.

Williamson picked up three more boundaries - all of them through the thirdman region - but was mostly solid during his partnership with Taylor. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD New Zealand 1st innings TWM Latham c †Jayawardene b Lakmal 6 HD Rutherford c †Jayawardene 37 b Pradeep KS Williamson not out 58 LRPL Taylor b Pradeep 35 Extras (lb 1, w 2, nb 2) 5 Total (3 wickets; 2.5 overs) 141 To bat: BB McCullum*, JDS Neesham, BJ Watling†, MD Craig, DAJ Bracewell, TG Southee, TA Boult Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Latham, 7.1 ov), 2-62 (Rutherford, 16.6 ov), 3-141 (Taylor, 32.5 ov) Bowling: RAS Lakmal (122-41-1); N Pradeep (7.5-0-52); KTGD Prasad (8-1-39-0); AD Mathews (4-0-23-0); HMRKB Herath (1-0-2-0)

Australia to keep testing Kohli’s composure

A

ustralia will keep baiting Virat Kohli at the SCG after being convinced they managed to distract him from the task at hand midway through his commanding 169 in India’s first innings of the Boxing Day Test.

The coach Darren Lehmann had quipped “oh no, we haven’t even started yet” when asked whether his team had aided Kohli by giving him verbal ammunition to perform in Melbourne.

Mitchell Johnson confirmed the team’s view that there was much to gain from the tactic, even though Kohli has actively gone looking for confrontation at times during the series.

“He’s an interesting character and he really does like to get involved in it all,” Johnson said. “But I think you can get him to a point where the emotions do come in and that’s where you do want to get him to and that’s where the mind games come in so that’s why I think it’s all harmless.

“Firstly, we’re playing them on skill and that’s part of it, to try and get into his mind a little bit as well. We saw after I threw the ball

at the stumps and he happened to be in the way of the stumps he didn’t really like that too much. No one does like having a ball thrown at them. I apologised and moved on.

“I thought we’d moved on and he started to play a few rash shots after that so we saw him losing his cool a little bit then and then a few more words in the middle and then back to it. We saw an opportunity there and we’ll see how he goes as captain now.”

Johnson said that the verbal jousts in this series have been somewhat overblown by pundits, noting that no ICC fines were issued for events in Melbourne. This contrasted with Adelaide where instances of squabbling were recognised with fines.

“There’s a lot of talk out in the media at the moment on bad sledging and pretty full on stuff but it’s all pretty harmless,” Johnson said.

“Virat’s just been telling us how many runs he’s scored and we’ve just been saying we’re two-nil up in the series so that’s pretty much it.

It’s always been part of the game and always will be.

“Davey Warner got fired up with a bit of a send off [in Adelaide] and it got a bit too in-your-face sort of stuff. When there’s people touching each other and that, that’s crossing the line. I learnt my lesson at the WACA a few years ago, myself and Brad Haddin, you can’t put your hand on a player and I found out the hard way I guess so it’s all pretty harmless and we’ve got to beat them on skill and we have.”

Kohli has not been shy to remind Australia’s players of the 4-0 hiding they suffered in India, a reprise of the threats sent their way during the 2011-12 series along the lines of “wait until we play you at home”, but Johnson was unfazed.

“Virat has mentioned that a couple of times,” Johnson said. “He’s mentioned his scores, mentioned the 4-0, even the Swami Army (an India fan group) have mentioned it as well.

Keeps getting rubbed in a little bit but we just move on, we play each game and we try and win each game we play so we’re not too worried about it. (Cricinfo)

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Phone: 227-0704,

Andy Murray

A

ndy Murray beat a top-four player for the first time since the 2013 Wimbledon final when he defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-0 in the semi-final of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.

The Scot, 27, was too strong for Nadal, who displayed signs of rust in his first match since October.

He faces Novak Djokovic, who he beat to win Wimbledon, in Saturday’s final.

“It was closer than the score suggests. While he had a lot of break points I won the important ones,” Murray said.

“You never know how you will get on until it comes to match conditions, but it

seems that all the pre-season hard work is paying off.”

The six-man exhibition event is the unofficial season opener with top seeds Nadal and Djokovic receiving byes to the semi-finals.

Murray had beaten another Spaniard, Feliciano Lopez, 7-6 5-7 6-4 in Thursday’s opening match and that outing clearly benefited the world number six, who looked far sharper than his opponent.

Nadal was playing his first match since losing to 17-year-old Borna Coric in the Swiss Open, and his lack of game time was evident as he failed to convert any of his 12 break points.

Murray raced into a 3-0 lead and broke Nadal twice as he comfortably took the

first set.

The Scot broke again in the second game of the second set and after saving five break points in the next game, broke again to take a 4-0 lead.

He was struggling with his first serve, but Nadal again failed to convert another four break points in the next game before Murray broke the Spaniard for a fifth time to seal victory.

In the other semi-final, world number one Djokovic played his first game in six weeks but continued his impressive 2014 form as he restricted last year’s Australian Open winner Stan Wawrinka to just three games in an impressive 6-1 6-2 victory. (BBC Sport)

WI slow out the gate...

Smith’s caressed off-side drives were the main feature of the morning, but impatience cost him as he was bowled by Harmer with the last ball of the session. South Africa’s captain, Hashim Amla, attacked as lunch loomed, and Smith could not resist seeking a boundary which would have taken him past 50 for only the seventh time in a 38-Test career. It was a cramped stroke, with Smith eyeing the open spaces on the off side and the ball struck the top of middle via a slight bottom edge.

Harmer had struck in only his fourth over, but there would be more than a few Newlands members who would be muttering as they observed a bared midriff in the process of delivery that now he had graduated to the Test match club, it was high time he learned to tuck his shirt in.

Johnson scooted to fifty as West Indies played freely after lunch, but he also needed dollops of fortune against the short ball as South Africa set two men back for the pull and he allowed himself an escapade or two. That half-century, only his second in Tests, came with a chancy drive against Harmer over cover before the bowler outdid him in the flight to win an lbw verdict.

Marlon Samuels’ tendency

to aberration was illustrated when he responded to the fall of Johnson’s wicket by clearing his front leg in the next over, from Morkel, and attempted to slog him into the crowd. He failed to make contact, but South Africa were put on alert. Perhaps a blow on the helmet from Morkel had unsettled him.

It was not just a fluke therefore when Samuels, on 43, frustrated by a lengthy period in mid-afternoon when South Africa had dried up the runs, found the 120kph fill-in medium pace of Stiaan van Zyl irresistible. His first ball was a sedate wide half volley, which began wide and went wider and which Samuels slapped obligingly to cover. What goes through the mind of the The Crab, Chanderpaul, when he

from back page

sees such waste? Does it wash over him or does he re-mark his guard with boiling frustration.

Ramdin, sinews stiffened by New Year resolutions about better times ahead, had perceived a day ripe for batting and would have hoped for better. When Chanderpaul was prised out, half the side had gone for 172 and calamity beckoned.

But Jermaine Blackwood, back at No. 6 in a stronger batting line-up, joined Ramdin a stand of 94, only for the captain’s sensible knock to end with a return catch to Steyn shortly before the close. It was South Africa’s only breakthrough with the second new ball, but Steyn’s neck bulged red with pleasure all the same. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies 1st innings KC Brathwaite c Elgar b Steyn 7 DS Smith b Harmer 47 LR Johnson lbw b Harmer 54 MN Samuels c du Plessis b van Zyl 43 S Chanderpaul st †de Villiers b Harmer 9 J Blackwood not out 45 D Ramdin*† c & b Steyn 53 JO Holder not out 5 Extras (lb 3, w 8, nb 2) 13 Total (6 wickets; 90 overs) 276

To bat: JE Taylor, SJ Benn, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Brathwaite, 13.2 ov), 2-80 (Smith, 26.6 ov), 3-131 (Johnson, 38.3 ov), 4-162 (Samuels, 51.1 ov), 5-172 (Chanderpaul, 56.1 ov), 6-266 (Ramdin, 85.2 ov) Bowling: DW Steyn (21-5-59-2); VD Philander (16-2-54-0); M Morkel (18-1-74-0); SR Harmer (25-5-67-3); S van Zyl (8-213-1); D Elgar (2-0-6-0)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

saturday, january 3, 2015

UDFA GT Beer ‘Supa 16’ football tournament...

GFA Banks Beer Cup ...

Winners Connection Alpha rout GDF repeat as champions to win title

Dwight Peters’ shot eludes the keeper, sealing Alpha’s empathic 3-0 win against GDF

By Treiston Joseph

Banks DIH Aqua Mist Brand Manager Errol Nelson (right) presents the winning cheque to Winners Connection just after the game

W

inners Connection won their second consecutive Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) /GT Beer ‘Supa 16’ title on Thursday when they needled Hi Stars 1-0 in the final at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground.

A dry and passive game for the first 45 minutes was brought to life for one moment in the second half when Rawle Gittens scored in the 65th minute.

Leading up to the penalty, Gittens blew past a defender inside the 18-yard box, but was brought down

inside the penalty area, resulting in the referee signalling for a penalty.

Gittens took the penalty calmly, placing the ball to the right of the outstretched keeper, who had to watch as Winners Connections celebrate the only goal of the game.

Gittens was in top form during the evening’s match displaying his dribbling skills as well as creativity, but had dull moments with his finishing with the exception of his game-winning penalty.

The win meant that Winners Connection was

$1 million richer after their hard-fought victory.

Meanwhile, the earlier third-place game saw traditional powerhouse Top XX trouncing Eagles United 3-0.

Shawn Daniels was the danger man, scoring in the 16th and 60th minutes to record a double, while Terrence Aaron scored the third goal in the 29th minute to help Top XX cruise to an easy win.

UDFA President Collis Gifth said the presentation of individual prizes will be done on a date to be announced later.

Builders Lumber Yard continues support of D’Andrade

A

lpha “The Hammer” United proved that they are Georgetown’s best football club by demolishing the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) 3-0 in the final of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Banks Beer Cup on Thursday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

With a loud crowd in attendance, the final got off to a passive start for both teams as they sought a rhythm to their play.

Alpha United went on the attack early and seemed the more aggressive of the teams as they created a few chances that fizzled out in the end.

However, GDF was on point with their counter attacks managing a few shots in the direction of goal that had no opportunity of troubling Alpha’s keeper, Ronsford Williams.

The first half played out to an uneventful 45 minutes with no team able to trouble the score sheet.

The halftime break seemingly rejuvenated the Alpha players as they upped the tempo of the game from the get go of the second half.

Their passes were more

fluent and on target, while GDF struggled with keeping possession of the football.

Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson then created some magic controlling the ball on the left side of the field and released a brutal shot that rocked the lefthand corner of the net in the 63rd minute of the game to wild celebrations in the stands.

Four minutes later in the 67th minute, Richardson down the same left-hand side again dribbled past two opponents and released a shot just inside the 18-yard box that rocked the bottom right-hand corner of the net to put Alpha in a commanding position as the game got lively.

Moving from scorer to orchestrator, Richardson collected a low pass, dribbled to the right of the field, found his way into the 18yard box and delivered a sweet pass onto the boot of Dwight Peters, who made no mistake, slotting it into the right side of the goal to put Alpha up 3-0, sealing the win in the 87th minute.

With the win, Alpha were awarded the $3 million firstplace prize, while GDF received $1.5 million for their second-place effort.

Meanwhile, in the thirdplace playoff, Pele FC topped the Western Tigers 1-0 to finish third in the tournament and receive a $1 million prize.

The game was played in the mid-field as both teams search for openings, constantly exchanging possession of the football.

It would take a Deon Alfred goal in the 57th minute of the game to seal the close win for Pele.

Western Tigers received $500,000 for finishing fourth in the tournament.

Speaking with the owner of Alpha United, Odinga Lumumba, he praised the prowess of his team, “Alpha has proved that we are not just the best side in Guyana but in the Caribbean as well and this is just a warm-up: we will be in CONCACAF again,” Lumumba noted.

Alpha’s Daniel Wilson was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy of the tournament as well as joint highest goal scorer, alongside Dwayne Jacobs, with 10 goals each.

Alpha’s Williams was awarded the best goalkeeper prize, while Black Water were named the most disciplined team.

Podolski travels to Inter Milan for talks

L

Lionel D’Andrade (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Marketing Manager of Builders Lumber Yard, Shivani Salim

B

uilders Lumber Yard renewed its sponsorship deal with top distance athlete Lionel D’Andrade on Friday in time for his season opener on Sunday.

D’Andrade, who opens his 2015 campaign with the Bigi Broki Waka 10km race in Suriname, has a longstanding relationship with Builders Lumber Yard.

The well-known lumber

yard has been supporting the athlete for the past decade despite him being based in Trinidad and Tobago.

Marketing Manager of the lumber yard, Shivani Salim, revealed the reason for the business’s continued support of D’Andrade.

“We’ve been supporting him as one of his major sponsors over the years, because we believe that he is talented and has a good career. We

want to continue to support him, since we believe that it is this support that will help him become the best,” Salim stated.

D’Andrade thanked the company and noted that it was because of Builders’ continued support that he has been able to participate in many international meets and remain competitive among the top regional distance athletes.

ukas Podolski moved a step closer to leaving Arsenal after travelling to Italy for talks with Inter Milan.

The Germany forward was greeted by fans at Milan airport and wore an Inter scarf as Arsenal consider an improved offer from the Serie A side.

Podolski, 29, has failed to start a Premier League match this season and missed the New Year’s Day defeat at Southampton with a “tight groin”.

The World Cup winner has scored 31 goals for the Gunners in 82 games.

Speaking on Thursday about Inter Milan’s interest in Podolski, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: “The first proposal was farcical; after, they came back a bit more serious.

“We will see what happens. Inevitable?

Not in the transfer market. It’s very difficult to say, but we’ll see.”

Podolski was an £11m signing from Cologne in 2012 but has made just 39 starts in the league under Wenger.

At a press conference on 30 December,

Lukas Podolski

Wenger described reports linking the striker with the Italians as “a joke” because “Inter Milan is not serious”.

Podolski was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 2-1 win at West Ham on 28 December, with his last action for the North London club coming in the 4-1 victory over Newcastle on 13 December. (BBC Sport)

saturDAY, JANUARY 3, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

Stag Beer Super 16 football tournament...

23

Grove Hi-Tech demolish Ann’s Grove Brathwaite jumps to to become inaugural champs career-best, Shiv slips R

New Amsterdam United pose with the officials of ANSA McAL after receiving their trophy

D

omini Garnett seemed like a man possessed as he was the engine behind Grove Hi-Tech’s 5-0 demolition of Ann’s Grove in the final of the Stag Super 16 football tournament held on Thursday at the Number Five Ground, Berbice.

Awarded a penalty early in the game, Garnett displayed his striking power to net the game’s first goal in the 13th minute from the penalty sport.

The teams continued to jockey for position as they battled tirelessly, but ended the first half 1-0 with no major moments happening after the penalty strike from Garnett.

In the second half, the game turned into the Garnett show as the talented striker netted four goals in the space of 13 minutes.

The onslaught started at the 66th minute mark when Ann’s Grove goalkeeper made a crucial mistake by missing a cross right in his path that fell on the head of Garnett who niftily scored the header.

The 71st minute marked Garnett’s hat-trick as he was led to goal by a brilliant cross and scored despite the keeper’s attempted rush.

Five minutes later, on the 76th minute mark, Garnett was left all alone with the goalkeeper who was beaten yet again for a helmet trick.

The frustration of Ann’s Grove defence was at an alltime high as they committed a frustration foul inside the penalty box that resulted in the referee pointing to the penalty spot.

Garnett would have his initial shot blocked by the keeper, but scored on the rebound for his fifth goal of the game in the 79th minute.

The win earned Grove Hi-Tech the top prize of $1.5 million, while Ann’s Grove took home $500,000.

Meanwhile, New Amsterdam United routed Cougars FC 5-1 to finish third in the tournament.

Leonardo Adams opened the scoring in the third minute for the victors, while

Rondel Hazel made it 2-0 two minutes later.

The goals kept coming as forward Adrian Adams netted in the 10th minute through a penalty kick to end the half 3-0.

Cougars showed signs of life with a goal in the 48th minute from Alvin Reynolds to give the team some hope of getting back into the game.

However, that hope was soon snuffed out with a goal from Adams in the 87th minute to put the game out of reach.

Hazel then scored in the 90th minute to ensure New Amsterdam’s third-place prize of $300,000.

ookie West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite has jumped 11 places in the International Cricket Council batting rankings, and into the top 40 for the first time in his career.

The 22-year-old is now ranked 37th in the World, alongside West Indies teammate Marlon Samuels who also moved up seven spots in the latest rankings released on Wednesday.

Their upward movement comes after both batsmen struck hundreds in the second Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth, which finished in a draw on Tuesday.

Samuels hit 106, his third Test century, while Samuels fashioned a bold 101, his sixth Test hundred. The pair put on a record 176 for the third wicket.

However, there was no such luck for veteran lefthander Shiv Chanderpaul who slipped one place down to sixth. The 40-year-old has struggled on the tour, with scores of 21 and four in the first Test in Centurion, and seven in Port Elizabeth.

South Africa strokemaker AB de Villiers has claimed top spot in the rankings from Sri Lankan star batsman Kumar Sangakkara who is now second.

Chanderpaul is the only West Indies batsman in the top 30.

Kraigg Brathwaite

In the bowling rankings, fast bowler Kemar Roach remains in the top ten but has fallen three places to tenth. The rightarmer made bright start to the first Test with two early wickets but picked up an injury late on the first day and has been since ruled out of the series.

Left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn remains unmoved at 21st with offspinner Shane Shillingford, who is not on tour, ranked 23rd.

There is no other West Indies bowler in the top 50.

South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn continues to lead the rankings. (Trinidad

Guardian)

Treacle digs deep to win top prize at Rising Sun Turf Club J3 and Lower – Speed Vision, Smarty Light, Royal Intension and Red Region; E and Lower and Threeyear-old West Indies bred – Unsettle, Swing Easy, Rosetta and Spit Fire; Twoyear-old West Indies bred – Settling Star, Loch Song and It’s My Choice; G and LowerAppealing Harvest, Release the Beast and Caisse; and J and Lower – Red Jet, De Gump, Royal Cash and Smarty Light.

Jockey Richmond rode his way to championship honours.

Sheena Bacchus of the Organising Committee presents the Two-year-old trophy to a representative of the Shariff Stable for Settling Star’s victory

By Rajiv Bisnauth

I

t may not have been the biggest horse race meet in Guyana, but the feature event will be on the lips of many horse racing fans for years to come.

On Thursday, Treacle – classified as a D3 class horse and of Mahendra Dookie stable – gave everything to emerge as winner in the feature race at the Rising Sun Turf Club ‘New Year’s Day’ one-day meet.

In the feature D and Lower race, Treacle pulled off a thrilling victory over her seven other running mates.

All the animals were out of the starting gates in an even break. However, down the back stretch all guns were firing as Treacle came up to challenge.

Jockey Randy Richmond took control of Treacle as the animal was approaching the second turn.

Richmond angled the

race horse to the outside and maintained that lead to pass the finish line to win the one-mile event and first prize of $1 million.

CP Got Even had to settle for second, while Curfew Tower and Grande Roja rounded out the horses that won prize monies.

Seven races were billed for the day and results from the other races are as follow: G3 and Lower – She so Special, Send from Above, Super Bowl and Marian;

Unsettle winning ahead of Swing Easy in the race for E and Lower and Three-year-old West Indies bred horses

A Dookie Stable representative elated at Treacle’s victory in the feature D and Lower race

saturday, january 3, 2015

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

GFA Banks Beer Cup...

Alpha rout GDF to win title Page 23

The winning Alpha United team celebrate with officials from the GFA and Banks DIH

WI slow out the gate in 3rd Test against SA

D

ale Steyn’s two wickets were the sole rewards for South Africa’s quicks on the opening day of the third Test - enough to take him past Makhaya Ntini’s 390 Test wickets and go second in South Africa’s all-time list - but as respectable as that sounds for West Indies when pitted against the No. 1 Test side in the world, they frittered away the chance to go big on a peaceable Newlands surface.

Four of the top seven batsmen fell between 43 and 54 including Denesh Ramdin late in the day - and three of them should have left with self-recrimination. There has been a giddiness about West Indies’ cricket in South Africa, a batting side seeking to attune itself to the rhythms of Test cricket and never quite managing it. Just as they seem to be dancing efficiently to the right tune, somebody momentarily puts the hip hop on.

But the first day also sur-

rendered to a debutant offspinner putting his first imprint on Test history. Simon Harmer had burst into tears in

a supermarket when he heard the joyful news of his Test call up, and already he has heard the kerching of three West

Indies batsmen dropping into his trolley.

Twice Harmer struck to peg back the West Indies just

Leon Johnson produces a fighting half century during a tough first day of West Indies

as they hoped to break free, firstly Devon Smith tempted into an indiscreet cut on the stroke of lunch, then Leon Johnson lbw to one that skidded on in mid-afternoon.

Occasionally, his sunglasses bounced up from his nose as he delivered, offering him the chance to view his wickets as they happened in two different shades.

His third wicket was a collector’s item. Shivnarine Chanderpaul had only been stumped once before in 272 Test innings, but Harmer caused him to overbalance against the first ball after tea as he flicked helplessly to leg for AB de Villiers to pull off a neat stumping. Figures of 3 for 67 in 25 overs represented a good day’s work and suggested subtleties of flight that made him worthy of selection.

South Africa were grateful for his incursions. Vernon Philander and Steyn began with bowling averages at Newlands under 17 and 22 re-

spectively, but Steyn was not taken by the pitch, providing a salty assessment of its worth after only three overs when he banged one in halfway and was rewarded by the ball barely rising stump high.

The Wynberg End proved more to his liking. It took two balls after a switch of end to remove Kraigg Brathwaite. A century in the rain-wrecked affair in Port Elizabeth had underlined his resilience, but his dismissal fitted a recognisable pattern: drawn into a drive, the batsman edged to Dean Elgar at gully.

Two balls later and Steyn hollered for the wicket of Johnson, but this time, ironically, there was too much bounce and South Africa did not review umpire Paul Reiffel’s decision. But they did review when Morne Morkel jagged one back to rap Johnson’s pads on 4, failing to overturn the decision by the narrowest of margins.

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