Guyana Times Daily - March 30, 2015

‘Dirty Voters List’ claims

Granger making P excuses – Jagdeo

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2448

Monday, March 30, 2015

Thousands rally with PPP/C in Kitty

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...Ramotar plugs education reform

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ramotar, Granger P8 to face off in PSC Presidential debate

2,3&7

JAGS Aviation honours P16 pilots, engineers

DHB records increased traffic in P16 February

– Jagdeo slams Moses’ silence on PNC’s vote rigging, violence

Hundreds from G/town attend APNU+AFC Whim rally...

Leaders promise Berbicians jobs, better security

Pages 7&15

Police hail community partnership at first Youth Expo P16

2 news

monday, march 30, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

PPP/C Kitty rally

Continued education, infrastructure innovations will transform Guyana – President Ramotar

By Gomatie Gangadin

E

ducational reform, infrastructural expansion and the provision of jobs will be three of the major priorities of the government should the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) return to power.

This is according to current President and also the Presidential candidate for the PPP/C, Donald Ramotar, who was at the time speaking to a gargantuan crowd at the Kitty Market Square on Sunday when the party officially kicked off its elections campaign. According to Ramotar, his government has recognised that education was one of the keys to unlocking the potential of further growth and development of the country’s economy and as such, should the party accedes to governance again, it will ensure that the sector is reformed and that jobs are provided to the many who would have qualified themselves.

Pointing out that the government has already made tremendous strides in the provision of education; he noted that even more will be done especially in the primary and secondary education sectors. “Under the PPP

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar addressing the massive crowd at the Party's Kitty rally

Government, more children continue to be in primary and secondary schools… more children are going to school and soon all will be going to school. We will continue to refurbish schools… and provide education for all,” the President said. He noted that the country was already in the process of having universal secondary education, pointing out that this was a major achievement. The President had previously noted that one of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) Administration’s plan for the education sector is curriculum reform to build the human capital and to meet

the needs of different segments of the population, one of which is hinterlands students, and this was expected to have been addressed during the 10th Parliament, whose life was unfortunately cut short.

The President said curriculum reform was among some of his administration’s plan for the education sector during the 10th Parliament.

Among the bills which were to be tabled in the National Assembly was the new Education Bill which would have given consideration to the different areas of education and most importantly the relevant needs of various communities. The President

said when he made the decision to prorogue the 10th Parliament (in November 2014) he was hopeful that the combined opposition would have yielded to calls for dialogue with the aim of going back to parliament to deal with important pieces of legislation. In the meantime, President Ramotar said the administration is making small moves in this area as it has an agreement with the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) to have Portuguese incorporated into their curriculum.

The President noted that should be done by 2016.

Meanwhile the President registered his satisfaction

with the strides made in the education sector in hinterland communities. He noted that the hinterland has moved from a place with little to no school to where almost every Amerindian community has a primary and nursery schools. In the hinterland, there are 12 hinterland secondary schools with another coming on-stream soon.

In most regions there are secondary schools with dormitories where children are provided with free meals and textbooks to aid in their learning process. The $780M Kato Secondary School in Region Eight, with accompanying dormitory will soon be completed. This modern institution will cater for 400 students, 250 of whom will be accommodated at the dormitory. President Ramotar added that already these investments are speaking well for Guyana as it is the country in the Caribbean and South America with the lowest dropout rates.

In addition, Guyana is said to be the country in the Caribbean and South America with the highest enrolment rate for nursery education. Meanwhile in an effort to bring the hinterland students on par with the rest of the country, the

President noted that plans are on-stream for more technical institutes. Soon it is expected that such an institute will be established in St. Ignatius, Region Nine to benefit youths in that region.

Meanwhile, the President noted that should the PPP/C be re elected, it will build, with the help of financing from the government of India, a world class Information Centre for Technology , which will not only development and serve the needs of Guyanese students but will also be the best in the South American region. He noted that this will not only lead to the reform of the education sector and build the technological capacity of all but will also provide jobs and further develop the economy.

Meanwhile, he noted that it was important that the government regains the majority at the polls on May 11 in order to proceed with much needed projects like the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, the Airport expansion project and the Specialty Hospital so that the country is not only further developed but that jobs are provided and the lives of all are improved.

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 30 – 14:00h-15:30h and Tuesday, March 31 – 14:30h-16:00h The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 30 – 13:05h-14:35h and Tuesday, March 31 – 13:55h-15:25h

FERRY SCHEDULE Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on: Monday, March 30 – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h Tuesday, March 31 –05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Light to heavy showers can be expected during the morning and early afternoon hours, with outbursts of thunder during the morning hours. Sunny intervals are expected in the late afternoon. Cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Moses being muzzled by Granger

Jagdeo slams Moses’ silence on PNC’s vote rigging, violence

By Michael Younge

O

pposition Leader David Granger has been accused of silencing his running mate, Moses Nagamootoo and forcing him to stay away from addressing critical aspects of the People’s National Congress’ track record

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APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

which is marred by countless instances of vote rigging and post-elections violence.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is also an Executive Member of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), told over 10,000 people gathered for the Party’s first elections rally held at the Kitty Market Square that Nagamootoo has been lured into silence after he was made an offer that saw him bartering his memory, integrity and dignity for the acquisition of power and position.

“Comrades, Nagamootoo goes often on the platform and he says lots of disparaging things. But let me tell you what Granger has done with Nagamootoo. He has put a prime ministerial comforter in his mouth,” Jagdeo said to bouts of laughter and intermittent applause from the crowd. He went further by saying that “And so

whilst he is sucking on his potential Prime Minister comforter, he has forgotten the violence of PNC elections. He has forgotten that elections were rigged. He has moved away from every single principle in the past.”

Jagdeo slammed Nagamootoo’s drive for personal and Executive power, telling the crowd that they must never allow him or Granger to become Prime Minister and President in this country because of their dishonesty and inability to accept facts of the past and the roles they played. Taking another jab at Nagamootoo, Jagdeo reminded the crowd of the politician’s promise to deliver 11 per cent of IndianGuyanese votes to the PNC Reform-led coalition with the Alliance For Change. He also pointed to a recent article carried by this newspaper in which Nagamootoo said that he was not Indian.

“How can you not be Indian and you promise to take 11 per cent of the Indians to the PNC. This is not about being Indian.

It’s not about being Afro-

against the PPP/C, his Party could compete in any elections on its history in office, its policies and the transformation it has brought to the socio-economic landscape of the country.

National unity

He said that the coalition was fooling Guyanese as it was not interested in creating a Government of National Unity nor taking the country forward through positive change.

Jagdeo said that he was proud of his Party’s history because unlike the Opposition parties, the PPP/C has consistently fought for national unity.

“National unity does not come about because you take two rejects from the PPP/C and put them on a platform… (it) can’t come about if cut the $80 billion from the budget….can’t come about if you sabotage the Amaila Falls Project, which will bring cheaper electricity to people…can’t come about if you do not want to support the sugar industry when it goes into a crisis,” Jagdeo warned as he waded into

“And so whilst he is sucking on his potential prime minister comforter, he has forgotten the violence of PNC elections. He has forgotten that elections were rigged. He has moved away from every single principle in the past.”

Guyanese…It’s about the future of Guyana,” he explained.

Jagdeo told the crowd to “make sure that Nagamootoo does not get away with his rhetoric” by throwing all of their support and that of their family behind the PPP/C on May 11.

The former President said that regardless of all of the charges of corruption made

by Nagamootoo and Granger

their notion of national unity and change. He said that national unity, in Guyana’s context, can only come about if you respect people of all races and their work.

Investment, business

Jagdeo while underlining the importance of investment and business people accused the coalition of chasing away foreign direct investment and threatening business people who did not

want to give them money for their campaign or support their policies.

“They have a gang going around threatening business people and telling them that when we get into office, we are going to deal with you,” he told the crowd. Jagdeo warned against complacency explaining that too much was at stake and all the progress made by the ruling Party could be jeopardised if the right choices are not made. “You know what’s going to happen if they were to win the elections…three years after that we will have the exchange rate going 500 to one. They will eat up all the money that we have in the Central Bank…the interest rates are going to skyrocket again and then you will have a mass exodus…,” he predicted.

Security and violence

He said that the Opposition personalities seeking office were tainted and warned of the danger of having them run the country’s security sector.

Speaking more pointedly, Jagdeo said that Courtney Crum-Ewing, whether a patriot or criminal, did not deserve to die before asking citizens to ask themselves who benefited from his death as he suggested that the Opposition has gone back to its traditional ways of mobilising the support base through the instigation of violence and riots. “I was thinking. Why would someone want to kill an ex-solider? And I said, you know what, they want ex-soldiers and Police to become angry with us. They want to go around using this to carry the whisper campaign to the Afro-Guyanese villages they did in 2011…they need something to whisper about and mobilise people,” he warned.

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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

Rethinking higher education

T

he ongoing imbroglio surrounding the University of Guyana, should not only raise the issue of the governance and administrative structures at the institution, as suggested by the Vice-Chancellor.

As has been raised several times by his predecessor, it is more than high time we interrogate the very purpose of a university for our country. This is not to say that we do not need a university – but the question that must be asked is , “What exactly is the University supposed to produce for our country?”

We would then be joining a larger debate and discourse that is unfolding in the developed world. They have been forced into this introspection by their economic collapse and with no evident light at the end of their tunnel, they realise that much deadwood will have to be jettisoned.

And a good deal of that deadwood lies in the halls of academia. They are not just questioning the number of Ph Ds being churned out in obscure fields and even more obscure topics. A hard look is being cast at the relevance of the undergraduate programmes.

The bottom line, the powers that be are asserting, is whether the degree awarded is worth the investment. On their own, since the 2007 crash in the US, students have been asking this question. One of their response has been to abandon programs in ‘business’ and ‘language’ in droves and head into fields that are directly connected to available jobs such as in the health field. Suddenly, nursing schools are “in”.

In Guyana, the need for this sort of introspection seems to have escaped both students and administrators. Do we actually need all those graduates in Sociology or International relations? Are we not just creating trouble for ourselves when the young (and not so young) graduates in these fields cannot find employment?

Did anyone hear when a couple of years ago, the investors in the new mining venture complained that Guyana has practically no geologists? Are we going to wait until we strike oil before we have programs and qualified individuals in that field?

And we are not talking only of specialised knowledge in petroleum mining. What about skills in laying and connecting all those steel pipes that even lay-persons can appreciate will be needed in the petroleum industry?

But one development in the US that addresses the need to provide academic knowledge and industry-specific training points in a direction in which we have some experience and which we hopefully can introduce quite quickly: apprenticeships. And since we tend to only copy what is common ‘overseas’, maybe our educators may take notice?

In recent decades, we seem to have bypassed the apprenticeship system, introduced in the sugar industry since the fifties. We’ve opted for some nebulous “internship” system that really do not provide the background and training for its graduates to step into any available jobs.

They still need further academic “university” teaching.

Apprenticeships, of course, combine paid on-the-job training with college-level or trade-school classes. The Booker’s Apprenticeship Training Programme (now GuySuCo’s) was immensely successful for decades and can become the nucleus for expanding our apprenticeship schemes.

Apprenticeship programmes make economic sense because specific companies – such as the ones in the budding information and communication technology sector, for instance – do not have to look outside the country or towards retraining to fill their personnel needs.

In the US, the Department of Labour is trying to expand apprenticeship models in high-demand fields like health care, green jobs, transportation, and information technology.

One problem with the Technical Institute model that we are expanding at present is that it does not offer the graduates the assurance of specific skills that employers need.

The apprenticeship scheme, by combining the employers with the institutions and the specific training, removes that doubt. It also allows corporations, to more directly absorb the costs of training their employees.

Members of the Meadow Brook Church congregation re-enact Christ’s journey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, which marks the start of Holy Week and is celebrated the Sunday before Easter. It commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and is so called because of the palm branches the crowd scattered in front of Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem

PNC incompetent in the management of Guyana’s security matters Dear Editor, The PNC/APNU-AFC coalition boasts that if elected to Government come May 11 (never will), the crime situation would be effectively dealt with.

But while they are boastfully telling people what they would do and not do for them, they are not telling the people that it was Carl Greenidge, the PNC’s former Finance Minister, who ruined Guyana’s economy when he presented the ERP (Empty Rice Pot) budgets prior to

1992.

The same goes for Winston Felix, a former Commissioner of Police (COP) and PNC/ APNU Member of Parliament (MP) in the 10th Parliament, which was justifiably prorogued and dissolved by President Donald Ramotar.

In the 10th Parliament, Felix was the spokesman on security matters for the PNC/ APNU. When Felix was sworn in as the COP, he publicly declared to the Guyanese people, “Hold me accountable”.

But it was when Felix was the COP there was the politically-charged crime wave which rocked Guyana in the early 2000s. It was during this crime wave that Minister of Agriculture Sash Sawh and other relatives were killed execution-style.

Also there was the Lusignan massacre where many persons were murdered execution style and the infamous jail break prior to that, which occurred with fatal consequences from cold-blooded killings. The question is, were

the families of the victims granted justice by the former COP? He himself needs to publicly answer this question since he said “hold me accountable”.

This demonstrates the incompetence of the PNC, now calling itself APNU+AFC, in the management of Guyana’s security matters/affairs. This is why come May 11, the PPP/C shall by a majority win the elections.

Peter Persaud

What does Moses mean he is not Indian?

Dear Editor, Dr Baytoram Ramharack quoted my friend Moses Nagamootoo at an APNUAFC rally in Richmond Hill (March 22) as saying he told Indians in New Delhi at a GOPIO award recognition ceremony that “he is not Indian, but Guyanese”. But Moses went to India to be recognized for his work as an Indian to uplift the lives of Indians and he deserved it. A response was not published in another media.

It is strange, therefore, for Moses, who fought racism against Indians in Guyana, would make such a statement to a respected and influential gathering in Delhi.

Moses should be proud of his background and the contributions of his ancestors to world civilization and to Guyana in particular.

Few fought against PNC racism and for racial equality in Guyana like Moses, and fewer put in as many years as him in the struggle for restoration of democracy against the PNC dictatorship. I recommended Moses for the GOPIO honour (January 2008), as I did earlier for former President

Bharrat Jagdeo and later for President Donald Ramotar for the PBD Samman recognition as well as for honours by GOPIO (2004 and 2015 respectively; President Jagdeo was also honored in NY by GOPIO in 1999).

The GOPIO convention honours Indians for their outstanding achievements and or contributions to society in various facets of life. The recommendation of Moses for the prestigious GOPIO honor was on the basis of his Indian background, a prerequisite for the honour, for his immense contributions to national life in Guyana and to IndoGuyanese in particular.

The idea of honouring Indians in the diaspora was proposed and pushed by Dharamdat Durjan Sukhai (from Mahaica) and myself in discussion with Indian politicians (primarily from the BJP, including former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that launched the PBD in January 2003 and Dr Mukund Modi who founded the Overseas Friends of BJP) – recognize Indians in the diaspora for their work in uplifting the lives of others.

Ashok Ramsaran, President of GOPIO and a Letter Kenny villager, near Whim, was instrumental in convincing the GOPIO executive to honor Nagamootoo.

Dr LM Singhvi, eminent jurist and the original convener of the PBD who met with Indo-Guyanese in NY and Guyana to discuss issues starting the PBD, as well as Lord Rana of UK, Justice Minister Meira Kumar, as well as others, were all honoured with Moses that year for their contributions to the Indian diaspora.

Ashok and myself used our contacts to facilitate his stay in Delhi. GOPIO and the Indian Government must be disappointed to hear Moses does not define or see himself as Indian. Perhaps he needs to clarify his comment because I recall reading a piece Moses penned expressing pride in his ethnic heritage and (of meeting people from South India, where he traces his roots (a Madrassi or Tamil).

It is not un-Guyanese or anti-national or in any way conflicting to say one is Indian or Indo-Guyanese.

Almost everyone in America,

for example, is identified as a hyphen American. President Obama, as an illustration, refers to himself as American, African-American, BlackAmerican, Kenyan-American (father’s nationality), IrishAmerican (his mom is of Irish, Scottish and Welsh descent), and bi-racial.

Obama met with his ancestral cousins in Europe and Kenya and proudly identified with his father’s tribe.

Obama did not tell his village hosts or his African family he was not of their tribe, and he proudly partook in tribal and religious ceremonies they organized for him in a visit.

It does not make Obama less of an American in saying he was of African descent, and he did not run away from his multiple ethnic identities. Guyanese cannot understand why Moses would want to hide from or not acknowledge his Indian identity.

Afro-Guyanese or Chinese or Amerindian Guyanese don’t hide from theirs. Granger and Winston Felix are not ashamed to say they are African.

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Guyana is no longer Moses’ sermon on the mount a pariah nation Dear Editor, There is a saying that none so blind as those who would not see. This saying has much relevance in the context of a deliberate attempt to deny the role played by the PPP/C in the transformation of Guyana from a poor and backward country to one in which here is economic and social progress.

Who can deny that life in Guyana is qualitatively better than before which came about mainly because of the visionary leadership provided by the PPP/C administration?

Vision is the ability to see things not as they are but as they will be in time. It is that ability to see ahead and on the basis of a correct definition of the situation to plan and strategize on the way forward.

But vision is not enough to transform a nation. Good leadership is what is required to translate vision into reality and it is the ability to provide visionary and strategic leadership over the decades that has been the defining characteristic of the PPP and the PPP/C Administration.

There is a tendency by the political opposition aided and abetted by some sections of civil society to project a view that the PPP/C is found wanting when it comes

to transformational leadership.

Some even go to absurd levels by suggest that the PPP/C lacks the intellectual capability to develop the country and all manner of derogatory remarks are being made against some party members.

The facts however will reveal that whatever progress was made took place largely under the stewardship of the PPP both during the 1957-64 and the post-1992 period.

Under the PNC regime Guyana was reduced to a highly indebted poor country status. The country borrowed huge sums of money not only from multilateral financial institutions such as the IDB, IMF and the World Bank but also from several other countries.

At one time the country was deemed ‘uncreditworthy’ by the IMF after the PNC regime failed to repay loans and the high interest repayments which accumulated over the years.

The PPP/C Administration not only succeeded in writing off a significant proportion of the debt burden under the Highly Indebted Poor Country Initiative (HIPIC) but it was able to exit the IMF programme after the economy developed to a point where

there was no longer a dependence on IMF money.

This was a very significant development and a reaffirmation of the country’s economic sovereignty in terms of our ability to chart our own developmental path without external dictation.

These are some aspects of our developmental history which sometimes go unnoticed but which speaks to our capacity as a nation to assert our national independence not hitherto possible under the previous PNC regime.

Guyana is no longer a pariah nation which at one time was the laughing stock of the Caribbean and the world but a country that has become a respected member of the international community of nations.

This came about largely because of the efforts of the PPP and the PPP/C Administration to create a new society where there is full respect for the norms of democracy and the rule of law.

The PPP/C’s record of progress is unmatched when it comes to taking this nation along the path of sustainable development. This is why it is so important that the PPP/C is returned to power in the elections of May 11.

Hydar Ally

What does Moses mean...

While it is politically correct to say “I am Guyanese”, it does not define the ethnic identity of Guyanese for we proudly proclaim Guyana is a nation of six races. So why would it be wrong for anyone to say he is African or Indian, or Amerindian, or Portuguese or Chinese?

And there is no such thing as real American or real Guyanese or real

Canadian. We are Guyanese or Canadian or British (a national of those countries for passport purposes) by virtue of birth or naturalization; that does not identify our ethnic stock or origin.

Saying he is IndoGuyanese does not make Moses any less of a Guyanese; in fact, it allows him to develop strength in being Guyanese. Being Italian or

Dear Editor, Moses Nagamootoo, in his New York effort to convince the handful of Indians in the audience to support him, attempted to claim that he is more of a Jaganite than everyone else. He used his dirt filling of the lots that Dr Jagan built his house on as proof of his legitimacy.

He also spoke of Dr Jagan’s failed efforts to form a national front Government with the PNC and his (Moses’) involvement and effort in pursuing that goal.

Mr Nagamootoo is indirectly implicating the Father of the Nation as an incompetent Indian leader who only wanted power. He is standing on Dr Jagan’s grave and making these accusations.

He is using reverse psychology when he says, “I am not his biological son, but Joey Jagan is on the AFC platform”. It was Mrs Jagan with the other Central Committee members who refused Mr Nagamotto’s demand for the Presidency.

He complained that “I was robbed” of one and all, after my 40 years of dedicated service to the PPP dating back to when I was age 14”. He wants truth and change, but he cannot handle truth or change.

He is calling on 11 per

cent of Indians to vote for him so he can deliver them to the promised land (PNC rule). The other 89 per cent percent are wicked and evil people and will have to suffer. How do you identify that 11 per cent of good Indians, Mr Nagamootoo?

Is there a code in some secret book?

In the PNC/AFC meeting, he began playing up to the African audience by outlining his historical connection to David Granger.

He is trying to portray Mr Granger as a “Christ”, outlining his forward thinking policies and not looking at the rear view mirror.

Let the Brigadier offer his own apologies. Or is this a demonstration of your inferiority complex?

He wants to take a “selfie” and not look at the static picture in his old album.

“Selfies” can have adverse effects to one’s vision (is that the intent?) but that seems to fit comfortably into Mr Nagamotto’sworld view. He thinks that, by sweeping our past experience beneath the rug, it will disappear.

When we look at Granger, we see Burnham and miss Walter Rodney, and that is not going to be swept away. The Indians in that audience were there because they were traumatized by a generation of PNC abuse.

Just when they were beginning to be healed, there comes a charlatan named Moses. But we know in which hole the smart proverbial fly ends up.

But, if David Granger is “Christ”, there must be a “Judas”. So the reward of the Prime Minister ship amounts to no more than a figurehead, or better yet, a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Suffice it to say Mr Nagamootoo has left a trail of betrayal of his constituents and he is no Jaganite, not by any stretch of the imagination.

We dealt with Mr Nagamootoo on numerous occasions at PPP/C fund raising fairs and, my friend PremchandDass (God rest his soul), a confidante of Dr Jagan, always told me of how ambitious Mr Nagamootoo was. He always wanted to speak first and ride in the front seat with Dr Jagan.

He gives the impression that he was the closest to Dr Jagan and is the most qualified for the position than anyone else. But Mr Nagamootoo’s qualification can be described with one word “egotistical”.

Playing the role of Judas will get what my Nanie called katahar. Stay clear from the minotaur. Fill up the cup.

and South Asian.

WPA leaders David Hinds, Ogunseye, Eusi Kwayana, Robert Corbin and other Afro-Guyanese are not bashful about saying they are Africans and Guyanese.

Obama traced his roots to Europe as well as to Kenya.

Several Afro-Guyanese traced their roots to Ghana and are not ashamed to identify themselves with their

tribes from Africa. Moses should not minimize, belittle, undervalue, marginalize his racial identity.

The APNU-AFC alliance has been formed on the basis that the AFC (under Moses charisma and popularity among Indians) can bring its Indian support to the APNU’s African and Mixed support to defeat the PPP/C. Reports say Moses re-

peated that point to several gatherings in NY. How does he now say he is not Indian?

By discounting his ethnic identity, how would that help the strategically constructed racial alliance? So the alliance wants the Indian votes to win but they want nothing to do with Indians!

Latchman Mohabir

From page 4

African in America does not make one less of an American.

And someone from Guyana can have multiple identities. For example, AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan is Indian, Guyanese, Hindu, West Indian, Indo-Caribbean, and South American. Dr Ramharack can add to those identities American, IndianAmerican, Hindu-American,

Vishnu Bisram Letters continue on page 17

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Foundation

Nurturing your The mommy wars children’s passions

BY NAOMI DE LA TORRE

By Naomi De La Torre

H

Discover multiple intelligences

elp your child tap into their strengths through multiple intelligences. This concept was coined by developmental psychologist Howard

logical-mathematical intelligences, Gardner’s approach shows that this is not the only way to measure growth and learning. When you provide opportunities to engage all the intelligences, you can help your children to explore their full po-

adventures together. Watch to see what piques his interest. Be available to talk when your child has questions or just needs an ear to listen. In all these ways, you will be communicating your unconditional love for him as a human being and lighting the spark of selfempowerment and healthy self-worth.

Try new things

Children love to try new things. Use your imagination and take the time to expose your child to lots of new activities. Singing, dancing, cooking, playing an instrument, sports, board games, nature hikes… there are an infinite number of activities you can enjoy together. No one is great at everything, but you’ll never know what you are passionate about unless you explore.

Gardner in an effort to change how we understand “intelligence.” He described eight intelligences that people can possess -- linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic.

The idea is that everyone possesses all eight multiple intelligences in varying amounts, but that we are naturally inclined towards some more than others. For example, if you learn best while moving around, you are probably strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.

While traditional schools often focus on linguistic and

tential. Over time, you will discover which intelligences your child is drawn to most and you can tailor her learning to maximize her interests and natural abilities.

Stay engaged

The best way to nurture your child’s unique abilities is to stay engaged with your child. There are many people who will influence your child throughout the years – including teachers, coaches, mentors and peers – but no one’s influence will be as significant as your own.

Play with your child. Go on

Listen to your children

As a parent, it is sometimes hard to separate your own dreams from those of your children. It might be hard to swallow that your child just doesn’t like football when you live for Sunday nights.

Be sensitive and listen to your children. When you believe in your children, it helps them believe in themselves.

Follow their lead and you will help your children to blossom into the amazing, unique individuals they are destined to become. (www.

sheknows.com)

U

nder the shadow of the mommy wars and sensationalized media campaigns, it’s easy for moms to fall into the “Are You Mom Enough?” trap. But peer pressure and parenting is no joke. It’s time to cast away the judgment and embrace our differences. You are more than enough. We all are

Parenting under pressure From t a l k shows a n d p a r enting magazines, to baby g u rus and even the 50-yearold childless guy in front of you in the grocery store, everyone seems to have an opinion about how you should raise your children.

There’s attachment parenting, authoritative parenting, helicopter moms, tiger moms, elephant moms and well... you get the idea.

Parenting has been so fractionalised and polarised that even if you do feel strongly about your parenting style, it's hard to know where you stand.

Hot-button parenting But why is parenting such a hot-button issue? Perhaps it’s because,

of all the things we will do in our adult lives, parenting is one of the most consequential. Our parenting decisions don’t just affect us – they affect the lives of living, breathing little people who depend on us. They affect the future of the next generation. They affect the future of

the world in which we live.

But even without the pressure of social responsibility, parenting is hard enough. Children are not born with instruction manuals and even the most concerned, sensitive parent is going to make mistakes along the way.

In the uncharted territory of new motherhood, it can be easy to feel confused and disoriented by all the conflicting advice you will re-

ceive. Is breast really best?

Will my baby be in danger if I decide to co-sleep? Am I a bad mom if I can’t get my baby to stop crying? It’s not uncommon for new moms to feel overwhelmed when faced with the crushing responsibility of raising another human being.

How to cope with parenting peer pressure If you are feeling pressured and judged about your parenting, here are some ways to cope: Educate yourself While some books and magazines can have a judgmental tone, the abundance of material available on parenting is a bonus to modern parents. Take time to read up on different parenting styles, methods and techniques and discover what appeals to you and your family.

Accept change Remember that parenting is a work in progress.

As you learn and grow, you may discover new methods that work better than what you are currently using.

Don’t be afraid to change.

The best parent is the one who can accept her mistakes, make changes and move forward with grace and love.

Believe in yourself Parenting is personal.

How you parent is highly influenced by many factors – including your own upbringing, peer groups, lifestyle, education and popular culture, among other things.

Once you’ve found a parenting style that works for you, stand proud. Don’t feel the need to compare yourself to your friends, parents or anyone else.

If anyone questions you or criticises your choices, don’t be afraid to stand up for your beliefs.

Find common ground The mommy wars have reached their boiling point.

It’s time to put an end to pressurised parenting. We are all doing our very best to be good parents.

We are all more than enough. Be the parent you want to be and honor the parents around you with tolerance and acceptance.

Imagine how much more we could grow as parents and as a society if we take the time to listen and learn from one another before we ask, “Are you mom enough?” (www.sheknows.com)

news

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monday, march 30, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Granger promises Berbicians Harper to help better security, jobs push anti-domestic P violence agenda

By Alexis Rodney

By Devina Samaroo

P

rime Ministerial Candidate of the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Elisabeth Harper declared that she will personally ensure and push for a more rigorous campaign against domestic violence in Guyana, among many other pressing issues affecting various sections of society.

Harper was at the time delivering an extensive speech to thousands of supporters at the PPP/C campaign rally in Kitty on Sunday. Harper vowed to ensure that the rights of all Guyanese are represented and outlined the PPP/C’s policies for addressing, and potentially eradicating, the scourges in the Guyanese society. “Once elected, you have my personal commitment that I will continue to build on the foundation laid by the PPP/C to deal with these issues that are so close and personal to me,” she promised.

Starting with domestic violence, Harper said the PPP/C administration will embark on reviewing all the laws surrounding women to identify gaps and loopholes and consequently, address them accordingly to make certain women’s rights are strongly represented in Guyana.

Further, she said the PPP/C will establish a special crimes unit that will address issues related to domestic violence and child abuse.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand had spoken about this development before, noting that victims of abuse currently have to visit more than one establishment to relate their concerns, which, in most cases, discourage them from making a report in the first place.

“If you have one center, and it has a social worker, a nurse, the police, every-

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper

thing in one place, the victim will only have to relate his/her traumatising experience once, instead of visiting these difference places and saying the same thing over and over again,” she explained.

Additionally, Harper promised the party’s supporters that her administration will work towards strengthening the justice system so that victims can be represented fairly by the law.

It was previously highlighted by the Presidential Adviser on Governance and Former Home Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira that there is a low conviction rate when it comes to domestic and sexual violence cases because the problem lies in ensuring that justice is administered in a timelier manner.

Being a victim of domestic abuse herself, Harper noted that no woman should ever have to experience the feeling of being abused as it destroys her self confidence and her family.

She added that domestic violence even leads to the destruction of society.

Harper then went on to address the concerns of teenage mothers in Guyana, noting too, that her government

Jagdeo slams Moses’...

He called on the Police to work hard to solve the crime before urging them to remain militant and telling the crowd “that if they do that, you would be probably shocked to find out who killed this guy”.

“We can’t be docile and go around thinking that these people are nice and they would never do anything…nice old Grandfather Granger….these people are very dangerous,” he warned.

Jagdeo also expressed concerns over Granger’s comments about the Voters List to be used for the May 11 elections being dirty,

again telling thousands that the PNC and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have always used the list to create confusion and violence in the country whenever they lost elections.

“These are not the days of the past. We will not take violence sitting down”, he said. “Nagamootoo does not speak about that, and they are counting on us having short memory.... So we don’t have to go back 28 years to see the nature of the PNC. The nature of the animal has not changed. It is highly militaristic…and it will use violence to achieve its

has a plan to help them succeed in life.

“To those young women who would have had to leave school early because of becoming pregnant, you have another chance to continue your education, to develop your career and to provide for your family, you can lift your heads high. My party will ensure that there are opportunities to support you…,” she assured.

Moving on to the woes of single parents, Harper noted that the PPP/C recognizes the challenges they face and therefore will establish programmes to allow them to receive further education and training to better themselves which will ultimately reflect on their children.

She also disclosed plans to provide daycare services for those who work and seek to ensure the financial support for their children.

The Prime Ministerial Candidate also addressed the issues facing the elderly in society.

She expressed her party’s commitment in caring for the aging population and ensuring this section of society is treated with dignity and that their rights are protected.

“We will develop and enact laws for the protection of the elderly and the establishment and upgrade of retirement homes for senior citizens within the regions ensuring that caregivers are appropriately trained,” she said. Harper also noted that the PPP/C will focus on adopting programme for persons in preparation for retirement that will take into account their potential to continue to contribute to the country’s development efforts.

Harper added that the PPP/C will ensure that those who are differentlyable will be provided with skills training and more opportunities for jobs.

From page 3

means,” he said.

He told Guyanese that come May 11 they must vote to avoid such a future. The former President who served two consecutive terms in office said that he was throwing his full support behind Elisabeth Harper and Donald Ramotar. “I will be part of this race…I will put every bit of energy and strength that I have to ensure that Ramotar remains President of our country and Elisabeth Harper becomes our PM….I know with the two of them there, this country and its future will be safe”.

residential Candidate of the newly established APNU+AFC coalition, David Granger has promised Berbicians that his Government would restore the Corentyne district to its former glory as the “cutting edge of Guyana’s economy”.

His comment was welcomed with raucous applause from a massive crowd of persons at Whim Village on the Corentyne Sunday evening. The coalition had galvanised many supporters from Georgetown and along the way to Berbice, which significantly “padded” the crowd at Whim.

The campaign rally, the second of its kind to be held this month by the combined political body, was held in what is believed to be a nontraditional support base for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), particularly the People’s National Congress (PNC), the majority partner in the coalition. The coalition’s leader was among a list of dynamic speakers who were featured on the political platform, all with messages of transforming the Ancient County, should there be a victory at the upcoming Regional

and General Elections on May 11.

A bubbly Granger shaking smoothly to Edward Neblette’s “Love and Unity” evoked an overwhelming response from the colossal crowd when he moved to the podium. His message surrounded the idea that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has over the past 23 years, neglected the residents of Berbice, particularly those living along the coastland on the Corentyne.

Granger has already been challenged by former President Bharrat Jagdeo to address several pressing issues in connection with the village of Whim. Incidentally, Jagdeo challenged the party’s officials to explain the brutal killing of two civilians while trying to protect the integrity of the ballots in 1973. “Ten miles from Whim in 1973, two persons – Jagan Ramessar and Bholanauth Paramanand – were killed when they tried to protect the ballot boxes from being stolen, they were shot dead…,” he highlighted. On that note, he dared Granger and Moses Nagamootoo to stand on the platform at Whim and explain why those two men were killed. Despite many foreign territories indicat-

ing that elections were rigged in Guyana pre-1992, Jagdeo pointed out that Granger constantly denied those allegations.

“The PPP lost Corentyne, because they lost the love for the people… they replace truth with lies,” Granger told the sea of supporters at the rally. He said the coalition now had to do a major remake of the system, which has failed miserably for the residents of the Ancient County.

He noted that one of the major problems the current Government was unable to address was safety. According to him, Berbicians abroad are afraid to return home because of the spiralling crime situation in their homeland.

“People don’t want to come back here because they are afraid. People are panicking in the face of upsurge,” Granger said. And this had been confirmed during his most recent visit to the United States where he met a wide cross section of Guyanese.

He said many overseas-based Guyanese in discussions with him, had indicated their interest in returning home, either to invest or live, but were uncertain on account of the crime situation.

Turn to page 15

8 NEWS

monday, march 30, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ramotar, Granger to face off in PSC Presidential Debate Eyew tness

P

PPP/C Presidential Candidate Donald Ramotar

rivate Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Ramesh Persaud confirmed that the Presidential Candidates of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Donald Ramotar,

PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud and the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), David Granger, will face

each other to deliberate on their policies in front of a televised audience.

During a brief interview with the Guyana Times, Persaud disclosed that both Granger and Ramotar have expressed their interest in publicly discussing their policies ahead of the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

According to Persaud, the PSC already met with Ramotar and will be meeting with Granger today to discuss strategy and details surrounding the nature of the debate.

The PSC Chairman assured that more details will be made available in due time.

Globally, there is much excitement and anticipation surrounding presidential debates.

The topics discussed in the debates, particularly in the United States, are often the most controversial of the time, and arguably elections have been nearly decided by these de-

bates.

The University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) is also in the process of organising a presidential debate.

According to UGSS President Joshua Griffith, the organising committee intends to send out invitations to all the contesting political parties.

Griffith said they were planning to have presidential debates, prime ministerial candidate debates, and political youth activist debates.

The UGSS President said he was hopeful all the political parties would provide a positive reply.

bate would create a forum for discussion and interaction between students and representatives of political parties.

However, observers suggest that Ramotar will not likely participate in that debate. In 2011, the UGSS had organised and executed a presidential debate, but experts had said the event was poorly managed. During that debate, Ramotar was placed in an unfair environment as the audience at the event consisted mainly of Opposition supporters who did not give him a chance to speak.

His voice was drowned out by the heckling of the sup-

APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger

He indicated that an exercise like this, especially on a student-body level, will provide for the better conveyance of knowledge of Guyanese politics by exposing the younger population to a political environment.

Additionally, the de-

porters, marring the entire event. Since then, Ramotar has repeatedly said that he was up to the challenge of debating his policies on a public platform; however, he would not take part in the debate unless it was properly organised.

Politics on the ground...

W

...with the AFC

ith the elections under a month and a half away, the politicians are just beginning to hit stride. With the two big-time rallies last night at Kitty and Whim by the two elephants in the ring, we can see that it will be a "no holds barred" contest.

Even though your Eyewitness is writing this before those rallies are held, we can already see with the contest shaping up to be a close one - both parties will be going all out to give themselves a change to slip over the line first.

Whim is going to be a litmus test for the PNC-led APNU/AFC "coalition". And that's part of the problem right there, isn't it? The AFC is doing everything and then some to signal it’s supporters that it's not "really" in bed with the PNC. But no one's buying THAT fairy tale...especially since the big, bad wolf has never really been defanged.

What did Obama say about his opponent Palin trying to change her image?? "You can put lipstick on a pig....but it's still a pig!!"

And that's the story of the PNC that's become the dilemma of the AFC. The PNC could've done the "right thing" and apologise to the GUYANESE people - for their rigging, destruction of the economy, kick down the gang bandits, food bannings, mass migration etc... etc....

But Granger would have none of that. He still doesn't believe the PNC did anything wrong!! But yet, following Desmond Hoyte's "Reform", "1 Guyana" and other appendages to the PNC to suggest it'd changed its stripes - Granger took cover in an "alliance" with some midgets. Didn't fool anyone - the wolf still had its "big teeth" and the pig was still a pig.

And that's why the AFC didn't want to agree to a new, single name with APNU...It came up with the ridiculous "APNU+AFC"'to suggest it still has its own identity. But they think the people have forgotten that once you go to the polls as one "entity" the seats are allocated to that entity - and no one can walk out!

After the stunt that Ramjattan and Trotman pulled when they walked out from their respective parties that stable door was closed statutorily!!! No crossing of floors no mo!!

So with Whim, being the home of Ramaya and Nagamootoo, they'll get some curiosity seekers - what with all their Cha Chas and Chee Chees!! The PNC's also going to bus in lots of it's supporters from New Amsterdam. So they'll have a crowd. But they should remember what President Ramotar said at the same locale three years ago: Nagamootoo is doing to get Larwah!!

...with the PPPC

The PPP/C's suffering from the travails of incumbency. And with a party that's been in office so long, voters have things to criticise. After all it ain't possible for any Government of humans to do everything right. And folks will zoom in to those errors and shortcomings like laser-guided missiles!

For instance, hospitals?? Don't talk about building hundreds of hospitals and having ten times more doctors that before. How come I couldn't get my free diabetes pills within the hour! And so on and so forth.

The PPP/C will talk about their accomplishments at Kitty - but they've get with (modern) programme. Take a cue from the IRI that's drilling Opposition youths in the wonders of hyperspace communications. But the PPP/C have also shot themselves in the foot by ignoring their political base.

They should remember the veteran Boston Congressman Tip O'Neil's maxim: all politics is local.

...and over the air

The Muckraker's owner's still going on about "radio licenses". Did he learn how to fill out the application form yet?? Last we heard, Shadik had rejected the note, "Me waan fuh talk pan ray-dyu...me NA know fuh write in me pay-pa".

9 APNU+AFC coalition a threat to Guyana’s development – Ali news

monday, march 30, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

H

ousing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali said the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition is a major threat to Guyana’s development.

At the time, Ali was addressing hundreds of residents during one of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) public meetings at Hague, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Saturday.

The Housing and Water Minister said under the PPP/C Administration, Guyana would have experienced nine years of consecutive economic growth, but this progress can be hindered with a Finance Minister like Carl Greenidge. Greenidge, who is said to be APNU Shadow Finance Minister, had served as Finance Minister when the PNC was in power.

“Carl Greenidge was the Minister of Finance when rice had its worst days, the sugar industry collapsed, inflation was in triple digits, 65 per cent of Guyana’s population was in poverty and there was infrastructural collapse. Is that what you want as your Finance

Minister?”

The crowd responded with a resounding no. “If you look at our current Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh’s record; positive economic growth for the last nine years, foreign reserves approaching $1 billion, more than 12,000 new jobs in the last year alone, housing interest rates down from 30 plus per cent to 4.8 per cent and commercial interest rate down from 36 per cent to 11 per cent,” Ali said in his attempt to draw a comparison.

He also pointed out that the average age of owning a home in Guyana under the PNC was 55, but today, the average age of owning a home is below 35. “When the PPP/C came to Government there were more than 220 squatter settlements, today we have less than 20 squatter settlements,” Ali further pointed out.

Minister Ali further highlighted that about 30 per cent of Guyana’s children had access to primary education prior to 1992 but today the education system has been transformed.

“Many of our fore parents could have been doctors and lawyers, but they never had the opportunity to go to

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

Minister said PPP/C not only “talk the talk but walk the walk” unlike the PNC which forms a major part of the APNU coalition.

“The AFC promised the sugar workers 20 per cent increase before the 2011 elections, but the first thing they did while in Opposition was cut the money that was going to keep sugar alive… but the People’s Progressive Party would keep sugar alive, we will not allow the sugar industry to close.

We will do everything to protect the sugar industry. President Ramotar announced that in the next five years we will spend $20 billion more to keep sugar alive.”

He emphasised that the

APNU+AFC coalition is not to be trusted, even as he alluded to Linden deal that APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger had struck with the Government in 2012. Ali explained that behind closed doors with the Ramotar Administration, Granger had agreed to increase electricity tariffs in Linden and simultaneously reduce electricity subsidy for the town, but after this agreement, Granger proceeded to stir up tension in Linden resulting in the safety of thousands being compromised.

“Moses Nagamootoo spent his life writing about rigged elections and PNC dictatorship, and at the launch of the coalition,

Granger said there were no rigged elections and Nagamootoo stood up and clapped. What a hypocrite?”

Despite the challenges, Minister Ali said Guyana has recorded positive economic growth in 21 of the 24 years the PPP/C has been in power. Low monetary inflation, low interest rates, significant reduction in debt, non-discriminatory distribution of house lots, job creation and a continuous modernisation of physical infrastructure are among the things Guyanese are benefiting from under the PPP/C Government. He maintained that without a track record, the Opposition cannot compete with the PPP/C.

school, they never had the opportunity we have today.

Today 100 per cent of our children have access to primary education. This is the development that we have brought.” He added that the country is on the verge of acquiring universal secondary education.

“Children no longer have to go to school in Georgetown to do well at school; we have had top students in the country and the Caribbean coming from Region Three,” he said, noting that the success is owed to the investments made in the education sector by the PPP/C. The Housing and Water Residents during one of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) public meetings

10

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, march 30, 2015

News 76 single parents certified under BIT

‘Dirty Voters List’ claims

Granger making excuses – Jagdeo A I

n the wake of claims by A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Presidential Candidate David Granger of the voters’ list being “dirty”, former President Bharrat Jagdeo asserted that the Opposition was making excuses in the event it loses the upcoming General and Regional Elections on May 11.

In justifying his suspicion, Jagdeo pointed out that Granger had many an opportunity to question the voters list, yet he waited this close to elections to raise his concerns.

“Clearly, every rightthinking Guyanese must be saying ‘what’s wrong with Granger?’…You’ve had so many years and so many cycles of continuous registration to challenge the integrity of the voters list. You did not do so. You have three members on the Elections Commission

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

who represent your interest, you did not challenge through them the integrity of the list. There are claims and objections that we pursued, not once but several times, and you did not challenge the integrity of the list. Why now?” Jagdeo probed.

The former President noted that he was of the be-

lief that Granger has an ulterior motive for now questioning the integrity of the list.

“My feeling is that the motive is fear, fear of losing and trying as we know, in that past, the PNC (People’s National Congress) has often done, trying to make excuses for that failure…,” Jagdeo asserted.

According to Granger, the list has increased by more than 100,000 and this was alarming, given the fact that statistics have shown that the population in Guyana has been dropping over the years. “Do not take things for granted. Do not be complacent. The list has suddenly gone up by 100,000 to 567,000.

Keep your eyes open. We do not believe in that. How in three years in a country in which the population is falling, the voters’ list has gone up by a hundred thousand?” he asked.

However, analysts have

justified the integrity of the list by pointing out that the population decrease can be owed to fewer persons giving birth and the list increase be owed to longer life-expectancy.

Nonetheless, Jagdeo called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to defend the list just as vigorously as it did when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had raised concerns.

Throughout the last quarter of last year, the PPP/C had raised several concerns with respect to GECOM’s preparations for elections and the training and hiring of staff, as well as with the list of electors.

But, as pointed out by Jagdeo, GECOM had responded with vigour to the incumbent party.

“If we allow this to slide, these are dangerous grounds…,” Jagdeo warned, noting that the Opposition would definitely use this as a pre-emptive excuse for losing the elections.

GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally in responding to Granger’s comments had said there was no “dirty” list, noting too that all the while, Granger and the Opposition have been singing the praises of the Commission.

“We met over the past months and even though they had the list in their possession, they never once raised any questions or queried anything,” Surujbally contended.

Dangerous mindset

Granger had said if the coalition was voted into office on May 11, it planned to revamp the voters’ list.

But, as highlighted by Jagdeo, no Government has the authority to revamp the voters list and the fact that Granger was making such statements signalled the kind of dangerous mindset and intentions of the Opposition.

“That is how it used to be in the past ... that’s no longer the case, GECOM as an independent organisation decides about the list, not APNU and AFC…,” he stated.

Concerns are raised when a politician vying to become the President of a country makes a statement like that because it implies that he is “far divorced from reality”, Jagdeo declares.

s the nation continues to promote women empowerment, 76 single parents, from Soesdyke and neighbouring communities on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), were honoured with certificates after completing a cake decorating and pastry course under the Labour Ministry’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) programme.

The six-week course was conducted in collaboration with the Government of Guyana and the Soesdyke Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), and was aimed at empowering women with the necessary skills for self development and that of their families.

During a simple ceremony on Saturday at Camille’s Institute, the graduates in expressing their gratitude indicated that the programme was beneficial.

One of the beneficiaries, Dhannyie Austin said the programme has equipped her with the requisite skills and knowledge needed to create a business out of her talent.

“I feel proud, happy and excited. When I started the course, I didn’t know anything; I came here and learned everything. Now, I am equipped with a skill and I feel proud of,” Shirley Gibbons added.

Like Austin, Gibbons said she is in a better position now to start her own business.

Meanwhile, Tisheree Taylor said that this is her second certificate under the programme. While expressing gratitude to all those who made the programme possible, Taylor said that she will now be opening her own pastry shop.

In his address to the graduates, Junior Finance Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill said Government’s commitment to women empowerment is contributing to nation building.

“I believe in what we are doing as a Government to empower women because special emphasis must be placed on women...you are more than an incubator, you are persons with dignity and must be treated as such, a valuable contributor in national development and making the community better,” Minister Edghill said.

According to him, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has

always included women in policy making, noting that the late Janet Jagan served as the first female President and Prime Minister of Guyana. Even as the country is preparing for General and Regional Elections, he pointed out that the Prime Ministerial Candidate is also a woman.

“In the Ministry of Human Services there is a special department dealing with women, the Women’s Affairs Bureau. There are women leading in all sectors, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and agriculture...women have their individual responsibility, and are contributing to the development of Guyana, gone are the days when women were confined to being housewives,” Minister Edghill further noted.

He said in addition to the BIT programme, women would have also benefited significantly from the Women of Worth (WOW) programme; an initiative which resulted in more than 1000 women accessing loans to finance their business plans.

According to Minister Edghill, the BIT programme has provided an opportunity for women to receive the skills needed for them to venture into their areas of interest within the business arena.

Edghill urged the women to move forward and develop themselves, adding that they should not allow their past to define them.

“Your future is not determined by your past. The future is determined by the choices you make today. Out of this group, you might be the pastry chef at the hotels that will be built as a result of the extended runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) or you will be the cake decorating person for the next wedding, you must see yourself there,” Minister Edghill told the gathering.

Coordinator Rima Rohee posited that the programme has received great reviews, and has impacted many single parent women. She encouraged the graduates to take the skills back to their communities and empower other women. Recently, 50 women graduated under this programme in floral decoration.

monday, march 30, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

11

Feature

Times Notebook The obsession with Bharrat Jagdeo

T

here is really an unholy obsession with Bharat Jagdeo by a section of the media and by the Opposition and some of their cohorts. They live and breathe Jagdeo with their bitterness and venom that are unequivocally unfair to the former President, bad for them and certainly not helpful for Guyana.

There are constant, persistent and pernicious attacks on a man who has served Guyana with distinction and bring much honor to our nation.

First we want to quickly dismiss the absurd notion that Jagdeo has no more role to play in Guyana.

While they have not stated this directly, his critics seem to have concluded that since he cannot serve as President anymore in accordance with the constitutional provision of a twoterm limit, this somehow disqualifies him from any participation in Guyana’s development and politics.

We cannot be clearer – the Constitution may have limited Jagdeo to twoterms for the Presidency, but nothing in the Constitution or any law in Guyana, or elsewhere prohibits Jagdeo from being involved in Guyana’s politics and development.

The assertion by the Opposition and sections of the media that Jagdeo is imposing himself and seeking continued relevance in Guyana is not merely absurd, it is ugly, wrong and reprehensible.

The Constitution may now prohibit him from being President again, but the Constitution cannot prevent him from continuing his membership of the PPP/C and cannot restrict him from supporting and campaigning for the PPP/C in the upcoming elections or in any future elections in Guyana.

In seeking to restrict and prevent Jagdeo from doing his duty to his party, the Opposition leaders expose themselves – their stripes have not changed and their DNA runs deep in the tradition of dictators who live by the code of bullyism.

The Constitution, the law or political tradition in Guyana and around the world provides no argument against the participation of Jagdeo in support of his party or for him to assume political roles,

such as a Minister or a Member of Parliament.

Nothing in our laws or in global political tradition prevents the former President from assuming these roles. We are aware that Jagdeo has on many occasions stated as clearly as is possible that he is not interested in assuming a statutory role. But neither the Constitution nor the law prevents him from doing so.

So why is this obsession about him being on the PPP/C platform? Maybe those in Opposition think he is too popular among the Guyanese people for him to be in this campaign.

Maybe, they are fearful that he is too tough for them to debate. Maybe, it is that they know that he can easily and effectively destroy the arguments they make against this Government. But maybe they also wishfully think they can bully and intimidate him to stay away.

There is deceit and dishonesty in the Opposition’s arguments that there is no relevance for Jagdeo in this election. Desmond Hoyte was President of Guyana for a long time and he continued as Leader of the Opposition for almost 10 years. In the USA, Presidents who serve two terms are disqualified from running for the Presidency again, but nothing stops them from campaigning for their parties or for taking on any Government role they might be asked to serve in.

It stinks to heaven when the Kaieteur News carries a negative story, often a misleading negative story, in which Jagdeo has nothing to do with it, and in which his name is never mentioned, but they place his picture within the story.

Clearly, this is an effort to link Jagdeo to every negative thing in Guyana, including made-up negative things.

We are curious and we would like to see both the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News among the printed press explain to us why they have not questioned the wisdom of Granger and Nagamootoo and the APNU+AFC team being embraced by a New York Congressman who has been charged with corruption.

Recently, it was re-

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

vealed that the advisor on rice for APNU+AFC is wanted for incarceration in Florida, but these newspapers and TV newscasts choose to ignore this story.

Yet when certain individuals who did business with Guyana were similarly charged in the US, their transgressions became Jagdeo’s crimes.

The local newspapers and TV newscasts that seem to have orgasmic satisfaction with blaming Jagdeo for everything carried on for months and continue to carry on as if Jagdeo was the criminal in these

cases.

We need to stand firm and let Granger and Nagamootoo and their cohorts know that we would not be distracted by them and we are unmoved by their efforts to denigrate and diminish a great Guyanese son and a national hero.

We say to a man who has been described by CNN and Times Magazine as a “Champion of the Environment”, you are truly our hero.

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

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monday, march 30, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Scenes from the PPP/C rally at Kitty

A crowd of PPP/C supporters waving flags representing unity as they cheered their leaders on stage

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali acting as Master of Ceremonies at the rally

President Donald Ramotar speaking about progress under the PPP/C regime at the rally in Kitty

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee delivering his speech

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the huge crowd of supporters

Africo Selman talking about the extensive abuse she endured as a parliamentarian in APNU

An overhead view of the mammoth turnout at the PPP/C rally in Kitty

Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper hugs and greets supporters at the rally

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar

President Ramotar and his running mate, Prime Ministerial Candidate Elisabeth Harper wave to the crowd as they conclude the rally in Kitty

news

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monDAY, march 30, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Scenes from the APNU+AFC rally in Whim, Berbice

A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Presidential Candidate David Granger addressing the crowd at Whim, Berbice

Presidential Candidate Granger and Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo and their wives at the APNU+AFC rally in Whim

Some of the vehicles from Georgetown transporting APNU+AFC supporters to the rally in Whim, Berbice

Buses and supporters all the way from Linden joined the motorcade

A section of the crowd

Members of the APNU+AFC coalition seated on the platfrom

Khemraj Ramjattan (left) and Moses Nagamootoo (right) addressing the gathering

Other members of the APNU+AFC coalition on the platfrom

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guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, march 30, 2015

News

CJ to rule on challenge to twoterm presidential limit May 4 A

cting Chief Justice Ian Chang is expected to rule on the motion which was filed by civilian Cedric Richardson challenging the two-term presidential limit on May 4, a few days before General and Regional Elections are held in the country.

Lead counsel for Richardson, Shaun Allicock, told the Guyana Times from all indications, the matter will be dealt with expeditiously as a decision is expected on May 4. The defendants in the case, former Speaker Raphael Trotman and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, through their legal counsels, Ashley King and Ariane McLean had respectively requested of Justice additional time to file an affidavit in answer during the last hearing of the matter on March 16.

On Monday, February 2, Richardson, 50, of Lot 4 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, filed the motion in the High Court challenging the constitutionality of the limit which was imposed on Guyanese Presidents since 2001. The Speaker of the

Former Speaker Raphael Trotman and Attorney General Anil Nandlall are the named defendants

National Assembly and the Attorney General had eight days to file a response to the motion.

In his writ, Richardson claims that Act No 17 of 2001, passed by a two-third majority of members of the National Assembly that altered Article 90 of the Constitution, “curtails and restricts the sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect the person of former

President (Bharrat) Jagdeo as the Executive President of Guyana”.

Richardson contends that the Act diminishes and reduces the level of democracy enjoyed by the electorate prior to the alteration and, therefore, required for its legal validity, the holding of a referendum of the people for such alteration. Guyana’s Constitution, upon passing of the Act, states that a

person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for re-election only once.

The Constitution further states that a person who acceded to the presidency after 2000 and served therein for a single occasion for not less than such a period as may be determined by the National Assembly is eligible for election as President only once.

Attorney General Nandlall has consistently maintained that the changes to the Constitution were done in accordance with the law and as such, the motion had no weight.

Hidden agenda

Days after the motion was filed, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had flayed the sponsor of it, declaring that the timing of the challenge and the identity of the plaintiff were suspicious.

The Party said: “Clearly, this new development is an attempt to throw a spanner in the works. The sponsors of the legal challenge appear to have a hidden agenda in the real sense of the term other

than invoking or blocking the boogie of a “third term” for Bharrat Jagdeo.”

Jagdeo has repeatedly said that he was not interested in any constitutional position. According to the PPP/C, the interest of those behind the challenge lies in the “darkest and deepest crevices of a democracy comparable to the galleries of Hades”. The Party stated too that “Mr Bharrat Jagdeo had publicly affirmed time and again his respect for the Constitution and that he has no interest whatsoever in any so-called “third-term” Presidency”.

“It is now become obvious that Mr Jagdeo’s assertions fell on deaf ears and that his expression of disinterest in returning to the presidency notwithstanding, the modern-day Quislings working in close collaboration with the local satraps continue to generate and peddle this absolute nonsense, elevating it to useless legalistic twaddle.”

The PPP/C said since 2011, Jagdeo made clear his disinterest in this matter within the Party and be-

yond. “The Party wishes to state that while Mr Jagdeo remains a highly popular figure within and beyond the membership and supporters of the PPP/C, this popularity is in no way intended to be translated into a “third-term” candidature.

The PPP/C is aware of the fact that while many of its members and supporters hold the former President in high esteem and would have liked to see his return to the Presidency, they are very much aware that there are wolves in sheep’s clothing in our society who seek to sow discord and to engage in deceitful and artful fandangle aimed at misleading and confusing PPP/C supporters. While the other political parties are still dithering to name their Presidential Candidate, the PPP/C has already done so.”

The PPP/C said it has confronted much subterfuge in and out of elections season. “We fought off and overcame all of them. This new subterfuge will be fought off too and consigned to the dustbin of history,” the statement ended.

monday, march 30, 2015

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News

APNU+AFC Whim rally:

Nagamootoo says there will be no divorce

By Andrew Carmichael

P

rime Ministerial candidate of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) collation Moses Nagamootoo says the marriage between the two political parties must work. Speaking to close to thousands persons at a rally on Sunday at Whim Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) Nagamootoo said there will be no divorce.

Nagamootoo was at the time responding opposition political figures who had been questioning the union of the two groups. “They are asking whether this marriage between the AFC and APNU will work, but look who is asking… We have to make this marriage work because in the first one hundred days in office we have a lot of work to do.”

Nagamootoo is currently under pressure for remarking recently that he is not Indian but rather Guyanese.

Nagamootoo while speaking at a meeting held in New York to raise funds for the Opposition coalition group

APNU/AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate Moses Nagamootoo

ahead of the May 11 election invoked a trip he made to India to receive a prestigious award where he claimed to have first made the declaration. Nagamootoo insisted that that he did not see himself by being defined by his ethnicity but rather geography, explaining that he came to the conclusion after a process of introspection and searching for his identity. The organisation that was honouring him, specifically did so for his “community work as a Person of Indian Origin” and not that

Granger promises Berbicians...

From page 7

But the Presidential Candidate promised that in concert with remaking Corentyne the “breadbasket” of Guyana, his Government which he said has clean hands, “will clean this mess” ... “We will make it safe for fisher folk, we will make it safe for businessmen.”

Granger recalled several young girls on the Corentyne all lost their lives in the most savage ways after they were raped. He said nothing has materialised from these and many other criminal matters, simply because the Guyana Police Force (GPF) was “unable to do their work because the Minister of Home Affairs is not doing his job”.

The coalition leader related that Berbice’s population has seen a massive depression during the leadership years of the current administration. He noted that during the years of the PNC’s rule Berbice had close to 152,000 residents; however, this has fallen significantly to just over 120,000.

The Ancient County has also become the “suicide capital of the suicide capital”. “Young people can’t get jobs. They try to migrate and when try can’t get to migrate, they turn on themselves,” he noted, continuing that “We are going to stem the tide of suicide”.

He said Guyana was one nation divided in two with half of the population living in North America while the other half remained here.

He said that his Government would have much to do, but the new Government could only stem the rate of migration when Guyanese are made to feel safe and secure.

“We will support employment for youth, we will support agro processing...you don’t have to sell plantain chips at the bridge, these things could be produced and sold overseas. Anything produced here could be exported,” the leader noted.

Granger told the mammoth crowd that the evening’s event was a shocker to many naysayers.

According to him, no one could have believed that the coalition could be possible. The truth of the matter was very much evident and quite impressive, he said, since Corentyne has always been a multi-ethnic society.

“Tonight Moses and David have come back to Whim.

I am glad to have Moses by my side... I welcome you: we have now created history…

For the first time we have six parties together … I feel this as a homecoming. I will support this... Thank you for sending a message to the PPP that Guyana is ready for a change,” Granger said before the large crowd.

he was an “Indian National”.

Speaking to the rally in his home village, the former Government Minister said should the coalition wins the upcoming National and General Elections the

first goal will be to present a National Budget which will see Old Age Pensioners receiving increases and all public servants receiving better wages. He said too that the toll to cross the Berbice River Bridge will also be reduced by half within the first one hundred days should the collation win. “We will open land and give unused land to cane farmers and to investors.”

He told he told the gathering which included persons from the Corentyne, West Berbice, Linden, Essequibo and Bartica, but failed to mention anything for teachers, nurses and other Public Servants who were in attendance.

Nagamootoo who grew up in the Village of Whim said, “I have come back with clean hands.” He tried to silence his critics by introduc-

ing himself in a way he has never been presented before.

Ever since the two groups had been dating prior to their Valentine Day marriage, and after, critics have said that Nagamootoo was only after power. The politician in an attempt to set the records straight said that as a Minister in Government he refused an increase in salaries saying that the teachers and nurses first needed an increase.

According to him on two occasions he resigned as a Minister because he was not pleased with what was happening. Nagamootoo also said that during the reign of Dr Cheddi Jagan on two occasions he was nominated for national awards as a journalist but declined.

“Power did not corrupt me, and so I resigned and ever since I am being attacked

by the Peoples Progressive Party).” Nagamootoo who presented himself as the Prime Ministerial candidate took a shot at his opposing number, Elisabeth Harper Prime Ministerial candidate for the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic. He said that he is widely known in Guyana and asked whether persons knew Harper to which there was a resounding “no”. He said if his party wins corruption would be rooted out.

“When the new Government is formed corruption will be cut out. Unity is the only answer for corruption and violence.” Nagamootoo said as he delivered the prepared speech printed on several sheets of paper. He said the upcoming May 11 National and General Elections is one about ensuring that a real Government is in place.

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monday, march 30, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

JAGS Aviation honours Police hail community partnership at first Youth Expo pilots, engineers

J

AGS Aviation, last Friday, honoured a group of pilots and engineers after they would have completed a comprehensive training programme.

In his address, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Presidential Candidate, David Granger underscored the importance of the avia-

Granger said too that facilities should be put in place for emergency cases, noting that it is critical to have a safe aviation environment.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, in his address, encouraged members of the aviation group to make use of the opportunity at their disposal.

Bobby Vieira, who chaired the programme, said

JAGS Aviation's Cessna Grand Caravan 208B EX at the Ogle International Airport

tion sector.

“This is a big country by Caribbean standards, and it is a misfortune that most of the areas in our huge hinterland are accessed only by aircraft, this therefore means that the aviation industry is vital, and we need to ensure that we not only have the aircraft and pilots but we have the infrastructure on the ground,” he said.

as the company proudly celebrates the continued growth of its fleet and expected businesses, it is proud of its decision to adopt critical aspect of the aviation sector led by safety, maintenance and customer satisfaction, hence, its slogan “Exceeding your Expectation.”

“In order to maintain a trouble free airline and to be able to hold on to the highest

safety standards, one must first approach each area with urgency, commitment and a genuine sense of responsibility, therefore, a good maintenance profile will always be significant from their standpoint,” he said.

It was pointed out that in relation to international focus; JAGS Aviation has plans to move both passenger and cargo in and out of Guyana. Its immediate plans include establishing services between Guyana and Puerto Ordaz in Venezuela, as well as a weekly cargo service to Barbados for the movement of fruits and vegetables, while moving other types of cargo on the return.

Its sister company BK Air Inc; which will be launched later this year, will be joining in the promotion of Guyana’s tourism sector. This is to assist in helping the aviation offer a complete package when it comes to travelling in and out of Guyana.

Vieira also disclosed that a modern ambulance, which is owned by the BK Group, would be stationed at the Ogle International Airport.

The ambulance will operate under the guidance of the fire and rescue services at the Ogle International Airport and will be made available to all operators in the event of an emergency.

DHB records increased traffic in February

W

ith the number of vehicles on Guyana’s roadways rising daily, the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) Corporation has reported an 8.7 per cent increase in the number of vehicles travelling across the bridge in the month of February.

According to a release from the Public Works Ministry, approximately 262,544 vehicles traversed the bridge last month compared to 241,606 vehicles recorded for the same period in 2014. The Ministry further stated that a recent report also revealed that for six days in February, in excess of 10,000 vehicles travelled across the bridge in the westerly direction on a daily basis. This is a milestone for the 36 year-old infrastructure.

On February 19, the highest volume of traffic was recorded with 10,818 vehicles. This was followed by 10,361 vehicles on February 24; 10,241 vehicles on February 21; 10,174 vehicles on February 2; 10,173 vehicles on February 14 and 10,117 vehicles on February 20.

Back in December 2013, the first 10,000 plus figure was recorded when approximately 10,894 vehicles travelled across the floating bridge in the westerly direc-

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

tion.

The Works Ministry also reported that private motor cars (P) accounted for 51.55 per cent of the total volume of traffic while minibuses represented 14.06 per cent and hire motor cars (H) 13.31 per cent.

In its 2014 year-endreview, General Manager Rawlston Adams, reported that the DHB had an outstanding year, recording a 5.1 per cent increase in vehicular traffic with a total of 11,555 transited in one direction in December, which is the highest number ever recorded.

Adams also stated that marine traffic saw a decline from 1279 in 2013 to 1191 in 2014, which is a 6.6 per cent decrease. Marine toll for 2014 amounted to $20,266,000 while vehicular toll amounted to $462,446,099 in 2014. In

the case of other revenues, the DHB saw a total of $50,517,283 being generated in 2014, which brings the overall total amount of income generated last year to $71,095,477.

The harbour bridge expended a total of $337,324,874 on its capital works for 2014. These works included the fabrication of three pontoons and 10 transoms, servicing of 18 pontoons, fabrication of connecting posts ( 30 pairs ), supply of sheaves and shackles (120 snatch blocks ), fabrication of 60 buoys and the rehabilitation of one tug.

Measuring 1851 meters across, the floating bridge was declared opened on July 2, 1978 and is the main infrastructure, linking the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara to the rest of the country on the eastern bank of the river.

Some of the children interacting with the cartoon characters at the expo

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) successfully hosted a PoliceCommunity Partnership Youth Expo on Saturday with hundreds of youths in attendance at Thirst Park, Georgetown.

Youth groups from Albouystown, Agricola, Grove, Mocha, Soesdyke and Tiger Bay thrilled the audience with their performances. While some sang, others danced and even recited poems.

A Division Commander, Clifton Hicken, in his address, said that the GPF collaborated with a number of stakeholders to facilitate the expo.

He also explained that the initiative was aimed fostering a good relationship between the communities involved and the law enforcement in those areas. Commander Hicken also expressed his gratitude to the major sponsors

such as Digicel Guyana, Mohammed’s Enterprise, Queensway, Kissoon’s Furniture Store, Courts Guyana and the Georgetown Football Federation.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud said that the initiative would go a far way in establishing a strong bond between the communities and the Police, adding that the expo could make way for a reduction in the crime rate of these areas.

FAO Council finds historic consensus on work programme and budget

T

he United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Executive Council on Friday closed its week-long session by reaching consensus on the agency’s biennial programme of work and budget – an unprecedented move that reflects widespread appreciation for the leadership shown by Director General José Graziano da Silva since he took office in 2012.

In the past, budget negotiations have extended well beyond the Council session and were only concluded during FAO’s Conference.

“For the first time FAO members reached consensus on the budget level at Council. Congratulations!”

Graziano da Silva said in his closing address to what he described as a “historic” session.

“On behalf of FAO, I want to thank you for your trust in the Organisation and leadership,” he added.

The budget recommended by the Council for full delivery of FAO’s programme of work for 2016-2017 amounts to US$1.0357 billion. The recommended programme of work and budget level will be presented for formal approval by all members in June at the FAO Conference, the highest governing body of the Organisation.

The Director General recognised the challenges faced by many FAO member countries and underscored their efforts made in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding during the Council meeting. “I recognise the difficult global context and the little margin we

the setting up of a trust fund to ensure that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) receive increased support from FAO, in particular to adapt to climate change.

FAO is “more efficient and effective”

FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva

had to negotiate. I want to thank all of our members for the flexibility and readiness shown to support the consensus. We needed it.”

Graziano da Silva also welcomed the Council’s support to areas of higher priority identified in order to reflect shifting global trends and challenges, such as climate change and malnutrition. “I appreciate the flexibility to adjust our programme of work to emerging challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals,” he said referring to the new global development targets that are set to replace the Millennium Development Goals and in which agriculture and the fight against hunger are expected to feature prominently.

He also welcomed the Council’s decision to increase funding for the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) by US$6.1 million through extra-budgetary resources in 2016-17. The Council has also agreed to

In its final report for the March 2015 session, the Council said it appreciated “the transformational changes undertaken at FAO since 2012 (which) had resulted in a more efficient and effective Organisation.”

The report also underlined the “importance of continuity” in the strategic direction taken by FAO since 2012 which includes focusing the Organisation on five strategic objectives.

Another innovation introduced since Graziano da Silva’s appointment as Director General has been the establishment of partnerships with a broad set of stakeholders including the Private Sector, civil society and academic institutions – something the Council in its report said it would continue to encourage. It also said it supported FAO’s organisational restructuring proposals and emphasised the importance of consolidation of decentralisation efforts.

Many of the observations contained in the Council report are in tune with the recent findings of the Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN) – a network of 19 donor countries –which has noted how trust in the Organisation has been strengthened and how it has sharpened focus.

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monDAY, march 30, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

PPP/C always used budget to advance development agenda Dear Editor, When the PPP/C Administration assumed the reigns of power on October 5, 1992 after nearly three decades of undemocratic rule, one of the first tasks the newly elected Government embarked upon was the reconstruction and rebuilding of a shattered economy and the restoration of confidence and hope among the Guyanese people.

The vast majority of Guyanese people were demoralized and depressed but the new Administration assured the nation that the dawn of a new day was very much on the horizon. It was quite a daunting task given the depleted Treasury and the huge debt burden that the new Administration inherited.

The budget was used as the principal instrument for economic revival and income redistribution in favour of the poor and the marginalized. The first budget presented by the new PPP/C Administration saw a reconfiguration of government spending towards the social sectors in particular education, health, housing and water.

In addition, significant sums were allocated to the rebuilding of a collapsing social and physical infrastructure.

Salaries for public servants were also increased including the miserly pensions that were doled out to senior citi-

zens.

It is worth recalling that the budgets presented by the previous PNC Administration were highly skewed in the direction of the military and the paramilitary, the Foreign Service and Office of the President. In fact, the PNC spent more on the Foreign Service Ministry than on education, health, housing and water combined!

The social sectors were highly de-emphasized and housing was removed as a budget item, an indication of how much the then Administration cared for the Guyanese people, in particular the working people.

The main concern at the time was regime survival and the budget was highly skewed in order to ensure such an outcome. In fact, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs alone consumed more money than education, health, housing, water and agriculture combined.

The PPP ever since it assumed the mantle of leadership way back in the late 1950s always sought to utilize the budget to advance its development agenda even though it was not always easy sailing as during the turbulent 1960s when the budget was used as a pretext to destabilize the PPP Government although the budget proposals came out of the recommendations of Nicholas Kaldor, a Cambridge University Economist and tax expert whose services were

provided through the United Nations.

The budget sought among other things to prevent unnecessary outflow of capital, block loopholes in the tax system and prevent the evasion of payment of income and other taxes aimed at improving the country’s balance of payments position.

Today, fresh attempts were made by the combined Opposition to frustrate and possibly derail the government’s development agenda by using their one-seat majority in the last parliament which came about following the November 2011 elections.

The excuse given was lack of transparency and meaningful consultation.

Carl Greenidge, who is now the opposition spokesman on economic and budgetary matters would do well to enlighten the Guyanese people on the extent of consultations that prevailed during the time he was Finance Minister and how involved the PPP/C was in the budget preparations during those days.

Instead of attacking the PPP/C Administration and blackmailing the country, the Opposition parties if they were truly interested in the future of this nation would have lent support to create an investor friendly climate and support projects that are intended to modernize the country and create jobs for our young people.

Instead, they opted for a confrontational stance with the Government which resulted in some setbacks to the economy and by extension the well – being of the Guyanese people.

Sadly, the opposition has taken their hatred of the PPP/C Administration to absurd levels, forcing Predident Donald Ramotar to take preemptive action to prorogue and possibly dissolve Parliament thereby paving the way for fresh elections set for May 11.

The only way forward for this beautiful country of ours is for the current Administration to get a fresh mandate from the Guyanese people which among other things would make a clear statement to the opposition parties that it wants peace, progress and prosperity to continue.

Regrettaby, our last Parliament as configured had become a burden and liability on the nation instead of facilitative to our national development.

I take this opportunity to urge all Guyanese to cast their ballots on May 11 in favour of our President Donald Ramotar and the PPP/C Administration and by so doing allowing for the growth and development momentum unleased by this current Administration to continue.

Hydar Ally

Wrong message and messenger Dear Editor, I recently wrote a letter challenging the many statements, comments and opinions made in the press comparing the lifestyles of the Jagans to that of Jagdeo. I was of the view that the comments lack relevance seeing the individuals concerned were from

different time spans which makes it non sequitur.

I also remember associating the name Sadie Amin with the comment “Dr Jagan died rather than taking from the national treasury for his medical expenses”.

It has now been brought to my at-

tention that the lady in question did not make such a comment hence, my apology to her. I believe that in my analysis of the messages I might have inadvertently misquoted or misaligned the message with the wrong messenger.

Neil Adams

Being good I

t is very sad that the important things in life like being kind to each other and showing compassion for example are not being practice too often nowhere at all.

Many of us believe that being a good person is someone who doesn’t cause any harm to anyone, but when I think about it; it’s actually more than that. For example it is a big part about what we can also do for other people. Narine Dat Sookram The thing is we might not be a bad people, but at the same time the question is, how good of a person we really are?

I understand how challenging life can be, but at the same time it is important for us to look at the bright side of things. This is a tough one to do, because sometimes we fight even with the close ones to us.

But we should accept everyone around us as our brothers and sisters regardless of what race, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or culture they are. I am sure this is not the first time you hear me say this, but we have to realize that each and every one of us has feelings, and surely deserve to be treated with respect.

Many of us have the tendency to correct people when they are angry, but this is probably not the right approach, because in situation like this irrational answers can be given.

In many cases it is best to stay quiet and not say anything.

Sometimes just listening to someone is all that is required.

Another big problem is that we tend to compare ourselves with others. We have to realize that some people have a better life than us, but also many people have it much worse than us as well. When we are spending time comparing ourselves with others, we are basically not going anywhere. We’ll be better off to use our energy to build inner resources.

We can be a good person by respecting our elders.

We have to realize that we all will become old one day and may need some sort of help as well. There are many opportunities to help out in this area.

If we were to see a senior person struggling with something at the mall, then it’s an opportunity to help them carrying their bags for example. Another important piece is with people who are mentally challenged.

Be compassionate towards them as well, because they are people with feelings too, and they are someone’s brothers and sisters too. It is important that we take the time to smile to them and show them love and compassion as we look at them.

And one of my most favourite is to listen more and talk less. In other words it’s very important for us to follow what people are saying. Though these are simple things, it can surely determine the kind of person we truly are.

For questions, comments or feedback, send them to mcnarine@rogers.com.

Establish a registry of sex offenders Dear Editor, Up to date figures are not readily available for Guyana, but over the last three years or so there have been at least eight reported cases of elderly women found murdered, almost all of them after being raped. The latest such victim, was a 74-year-old pensioner at Richmond on the Essequibo Coast home earlier this month.

In fact sexual violence crimes against women in Guyana are escalating: a rise of one-third in rape reports (117 to154) occurred between 2000-2004 and a 16-fold rise in statutory rapes (two to 34).

However the rape rate in 2010 was 15.5 per 100,000 which would translate into a 124 rapes for that year – an almost four fold increase over 2004 figures.

Also according to the Guyana Times newspaper, from January to September 2014, Police stats indicate that there were more than

140 cases of rape reported, while from January to July 2013, there were 179 reported cases.

Also a 2007 report by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) analyzed sexual crimes between 2000 and 2004 and found that 92 per cent of all victims were females, 43 per cent were in the 12 to15 age group, and 26 per cent were in the one to 12 age group. It also found that Amerindian girls between 12 to 16 years were the most vulnerable group nationally.

Furthermore, while, it is well known that rapes are vastly under reported globally, more so in nations where family honor prevents victims from reporting; in Guyana rape is still considered taboo, too shameful to be made publicly known and a significant percentage of rapes is incestuous.

In fact the 2007 GHRA report found that more than two-thirds of sexual assault

crimes occurred in the homes of the victims while three out of four perpetrators were known to victims and one in every five perpetrators were related to their victims.

And while there is legislation pertaining to rape, with the Sexual Offences Act being completed in 2012, the conviction rate is abysmally low for a number of reasons: lack of rape kits at hospitals, flimsy evidence, an inefficient jury system, shoddy prosecution of such cases, reluctance of victims to give witness and discontinuance of cases owning to unwillingness of victims to pursue.

In fact, in 2014, Guyana’s Attorney General, Anil Nandlall reported that there had been no convictions for sexual offences since 2011.

And according to a 2005 study done by the Guyana Human Rights Association, entitled, “Without conviction: Sexual violence cases in the Guyana justice process”, Guyana only reached an av-

erage conviction rate of 1.4 per cent in rape cases.

Amidst all of this, emerge very disturbing trends. The rape/murder of the elderly is one such trend. Another is the rape, resulting in serious injuries, to small children less than 10 years old and as young as a few months old.

The latest victim is an eight year old, raped by an uncle who, to date has not been arrested.

Meanwhile, even after the child underwent surgery because of extensive bleeding, the bleeding was not fully stopped.

A third trend is the rape of teenagers, many of who end up pregnant, forever changing their lives and often times putting an end to dreams and aspirations. In most cases sex may have been consensual but the reality is that sex with anyone under 16 is statutory rape.

And in many cases the victims are bought off, with police often fostering

the ‘deal’ for commissions.

Sometimes families are also bought off after being intimidated, especially if the rapist is politically connected or comes form a family with status and influence.

In effect, in Guyana, issues such as poverty and complicity involving law enforcement officers also impact both the under reporting of rape and the conviction of rapists.

Furthermore, the Sexual Offences Act is still to be given teeth and too many police still do not enforce the provisions of that act; in fact sensitivity training with respect to provisions of the Sexual Offences Act, is still to be widely implemented.

Given these realities, there is really very little protection against rapists for communities across Guyana.

Thus, The Caribbean Voice and Save Abee Foundation have teamed up to promote an online petition to the Government of Guyana

to establish a registry of sex offenders in Guyana.

In the Diaspora, this petition is also being promoted by a range of media. We welcome the support of other institutions and organizations, including those from Guyana, for this campaign.

Also, we’re asking for the support of the public. Please click on the following link at www.change.org, or log on to www.caribvoice.org and click the petition link.

Institutions and individuals can also help out by getting handwritten signatures.

Please call 646-461-0574 (US), or 621-6111 and 2232637 (Guyana), or email bibiahamad1@hotmail. com or caribvoice@aol.com for printed copies of petition sheets as well as to become involved in promoting the campaign. We are aiming for 10,000 signatures by July 2015.

Bibi Ahamad

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, march 30, 2015

ARCHIE

A romantic relationship should take top priority. You (March 21- will serve as a positive role April 19) model for someone younger.

Moneymaking opportunities are apparent and within your reach. Send out your resume.

ARIES

You will have to take extra TAURUS care when sharing your opin(April 20- ions. Your words may be misMay 20) interpreted or misunderstood.

dilbert

Before making a major change, dig deep, do your research and proceed with caution.

A lucrative partnership will GEMINI develop as a result of a new (May 21acquaintance that you make June 20) while helping others. Through collaboration, you will be able to accomplish everything on your to-do list today.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Update your look in order to get positive feedback.

Financial planning should be your main priority. Look into real estate or investment opportunities. An innovative idea will pay off.

Your charisma will draw LEO the attention of someone in (July 23a position of authority. Share Aug. 22) your ideas, but don’t let anyone take over or take credit.

Your input will bring you recognition and rewards.

Calvin and Hobbes

Present your work. A colVIRGO league will try to damage (Aug. 23your reputation. Make sure Sept. 22) that whomever you work with or for is fully aware of your contributions.

LIBRA You need to put more en(Sept. 23- ergy into your relationships.

Oct. 23) Plan social events that include your loved ones. Mixing business with pleasure will pay off.

Do something nice for someone who offers to help you out.

SUDOKU

Admit that you don’t have SCORPIO all the answers. If change is (Oct. 24Nov. 22) needed, do whatever it takes to get the job done. Relax by spending time on an enjoyable creative project.

You will be outgoing and SAGITTARIUS in demand. Surround your(Nov. 23- self with inspiring people.

Dec. 21) Consider entering into a partnership or joint venture that offers financial benefits. Fix up your digs.

Don’t allow anyone to CAPRICORN push you into something that (Dec. 22- you are not ready for. You Jan. 19) will end up in a vulnerable position if you take on more than you can handle.

March 22 solution AQUARIUS

Keep your personal life to yourself. If you are feeling (Jan. 20- restless, a physical or mental Feb. 19) challenge will be stimulating.

Think matters through before making any major purchases.

PISCES You will have a lot on your (Feb. 20- mind, so make sure you put March 20) forth extra effort. Don’t let emotional or personal matters prevent you from doing your best work.

monday, march 30, 2015

19

Murray moves into final Vettel pays tribute to 16 of Miami Open Schumacher after win A S ndy Murray dismantled Colombian Santiago Giraldo’s hard-hitting game to claim his 499th career win and reach round four at the Miami Open.

The Briton, seeded third, won 6-3 6-4 and will play South Africa’s 15th seed Kevin Anderson in the last 16.

Another victory would make Murray the 46th man in the open era to reach 500 match wins.

Rafael Nadal is in action later on Sunday, while women’s top seed Serena Williams beat Cici Bellis 6-1 6-1.

Murray, 27, lost heavily to Giraldo in Madrid last year but made amends in Miami, where he lives and trains for much of the year.

The Scot attacked his opponent’s second serve from the outset, breaking in game six on his way to the first set and then powering 4-0 clear in the second.

There was a late revival from the now free-swinging Giraldo, who saved two match points and broke serve at 5-2 and saw off an-

Andy Murray

other two at 5-4.

It delayed Murray but did not derail him, and the world number four finally sealed victory at the fifth attempt thanks to a net cord.

Looking ahead to a potential landmark win on Tuesday, Murray told BBC Sport: “Getting to 500 wins

is a lot. There’s not loads of players that have done it.

“Hopefully it happens in a couple of days, if not then hopefully later on in the year I’ll win another match and have the opportunity to win many more.

“It’s a nice milestone to reach when I get there.” (BBC

Sport)

Yaya Toure considering Ivory Coast retirement trate on the club scene.

“The time for the youngsters will come soon and we need to let them go on alone,” added Toure. (BBC Sport)

ebastian Vettel paid tribute to his childhood hero Michael Schumacher after taking a “dream” first victory for Ferrari in the Malaysian Grand Prix.

He said it was an “incredible” feeling to beat Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton in only his second race for the team.

“It’s been my dream,” he said. “Michael was my hero.

All the kids at the go-kart track looked up to him.

“When he turned up to shake hands every year it made our lives. I don’t understand yet how special it is.”

Vettel is following in the Ferrari footsteps of Schumacher, who won five consecutive titles with the team from 2000-2004.

Schumacher sustained a severe brain injury in a skiing accident at Christmas 2013, and is still undergoing rehabilitation at home, adding to the emotion of the occasion.

Vettel said: “Michael left very large footsteps but the target is not to fill those but to leave some new ones.”

His victory marked a remarkable turnaround in form for Ferrari.

They had their worst season for 21 years last year, a performance that convinced Fernando Alonso that he had to leave the team after five years and move to McLaren.

Vettel was signed to replace the Spaniard and the team made major changes

Sebastian Vettel (left) shares a moment with Michael Schumacher a few years back

to their engineering department, sacking almost their entire group of senior engineers and changing team principal.

The German, who won four consecutive titles with Red Bull from 2010-2013 but decided to leave after a difficult 2014 in which he was out-paced by team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, said: “I’m speechless. Last year was not a good year for me. We had a great car but I was struggling to extract the performance. This year’s car suits me very well.

“It’s been a while since I was on the top step. The first time with Ferrari.

“We made big changes over the winter and the welcome the team gave me has been amazing. Great achievement. We have a great car.

“It is a bit emotional.

Today is a very special day and will always remain part of me.”

Vettel managed to beat Mercedes, who have dominated since the start of 2014, by having better tyre usage and strong race pace.

“The race, really spot on, the whole team was there - great strategy, great pace, we beat them fair and square,” he said.

“Our goal is to bring the World Championship back to Maranello, we know these guys are incredibly strong and very difficult to beat.

“The key was the way the tyres lasted. That’s where we were able to close the gap compared to Mercedes.

“It is a bit of a surprise for us but we need to take it. We need to confirm that and then try to catch these guys.” (BBC Sport)

Suarez admits to missing Liverpool

L M

Yaya Toure

anchester City’s Yaya Toure says he will decide about his international future with the Ivory Coast this week.

Toure captained his country to a first Africa Cup of Nations triumph since 1992 in Equitorial Guinea this year.

And the 31-year-old midfielder suggested he may now follow brother Kolo into international retirement .

“I think now my target

is done,” Toure told BBC’s Sportsworld programme. “I want to wait a couple of days for what I will decide for my future.”

Toure was speaking in Ivory Coast’s capital Abidjan, where he received the the Golden Lion award for Africa’s best player for the fourth year running.

His Manchester City contract is due to expire in 2017 and he is debating whether now is the time to concen-

uis Suarez says Liverpool is the only team he would play for in England if he ever returned to the Premier League.

Suarez left the Reds for Barcelona last summer and was back at Anfield on Sunday for an all-star charity game.

He told Liverpool TV: “You never know in football what the future holds but if I ever play in England again I will play for the Liverpool team and not another team.

“I’ve missed the fans.

They know they are in my heart.”

Suarez spent three and

a half years with Liverpool and scored 31 times in the Premier League last season as Brendan Rodgers’s side finished second to Manchester City.

The Uruguay international, 28, came on as a second-half substitute in the charity match between a Steven Gerrard XI and a team led by exLiverpool defender Jamie Carragher, which ended in a 2-2 draw Gerrard, who is currently serving a threematch ban for his sending-off in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat by Manchester United a week ago, scored two penalties for his side.

Luis Suarez

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli and Chelsea’s Didier Drogba had earlier put Carragher’s

team 2-0 up in the game, which featured six members of Liverpool’s 2005 Champions Leaguewinning side.

As well as Gerrard and Carragher, John Arne Riise, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia and Harry Kewell also appeared.

Former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Chelsea’s former England captain John Terry played in the game, which was a sell-out, with funds raised going to the Liverpool FC Foundation, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and other charitable organisations in Liverpool. (BBC

Sport)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, march 30, 2015

Australia’s youth suggests years of dominance I nside three balls, a world record MCG crowd of 93,013 saw precisely why Australia would be lifting the World Cup six or so hours later. Mitchell Starc was too fast, too accurate and too composed for Brendon McCullum, New Zealand’s warrior captain made to look foolish by the bowler of the tournament.

The sight of McCullum’s off stump tilted back was enough to sink New Zealand hearts and set Australian ones racing.

Michael Clarke’s team never quite came down from that high.

Australia won the World Cup final the way they won the tournament as a whole.

Fast bowling that was as aggressive as it was accurate, personified by Starc, agile and alert fielding accompanied by intimidatory snarls, and batting adequate for the task thanks mainly to the undeniable class of Steven Smith. There was strength in depth, underlined by the fact that every member of the final XI produced at

Mitchell Starc has personified Australia’s pace attack and has been accurate and relentless

least one match-turning display over the course of the tournament.

This was a most Australian team, playing in a most Australian style in Australian conditions. The coach Darren

Lehmann brought beers back into the dressing room, per Chappell, per Border.

Australia’s supremacy down under is yet to be followed up by consistent success abroad. It is also true that they are not the most

loveable bunch to set foot on a cricket field, and at times can be outright boorish. But on home soil they are Cup winners, a garland that can cover all manner of sins less enduring than defeat.

If this was the end of

the road for the captain Clarke, and probably others in terms of World Cups such as Mitchell Johnson, Brad Haddin and Shane Watson, it certainly was not the end of an era for Australia’s cricket. A victory built on pace bowling was also built on youth - Johnson is the only member of the bowling attack over the age of 25, let alone 30.

In Starc (25), Josh Hazlewood (24), James Faulkner (24), Pat Cummins (21) and the not selected James Pattinson (24), Lehmann and Clarke’s likely successor Smith have the sort of firepower to ensure they need only score a moderate amount of runs to remain at or near the top of world cricket for at least the next five years. Some had questioned the omission of Ryan Harris from the Cup squad when it was announced. On final day he was at the MCG commentating, and it reflected great credit on his younger compatriots that he was not overly missed.

Starc’s marriage of precision and penetration has been breathtaking at times. His dismantling of McCullum will come to be remembered as the moment Australia effectively won the final, for it was a blow as psychological as it was technical. Bowlers have feared for their own safety in McCullum’s presence this tournament, but in three balls he was as powerless against Starc as his lower-order counterparts had been in the frenzied finish at Eden Park.

The effect of the early wicket was to cause the rest of the New Zealand top order to retreat, and for Australia’s bowlers to swarm all over them. Short balls were avoided and parried but never taken on, dead bats and leaves were common, and when Glenn Maxwell came into the attack, a tentative Martin Guptill was bowled by a delivery that he might have struck for six during his double hundred in the quarter-final.

Clarke marshalled his troops as expertly as ever, using his resources so tidily that while Grant Elliott and Ross Taylor put on a partnership that saved

some face, they were never able to dominate. When Faulkner winkled out Taylor then zipped past Corey Anderson, Clarke recalled Starc and Johnson to round up New Zealand in a chillingly swift manner. The last seven wickets mustered just 33.

When Tim Southee and Trent Boult conjured early swing, as expected, and Aaron Finch and David Warner struggled initially to counter it, as expected, Smith served once again as Australia’s stabiliser in the best traditions of Nos. 3. Smith was the only Australian batsman in the top 10 World Cup run-makers, but critically the most spinal batsman of the tournament’s second half.

At the start of the event, Smith was slightly out of sync and somewhat wasted at No. 5, but his move to No. 3 following the loss to New Zealand in Auckland was arguably the moment at which Australia established their winning formula. In truth, he had looked the team’s best option at first drop from the moment he cuffed a fine hundred against Pakistan in Sharjah before the home summer, but it took some more travails for Shane Watson and defeat to New Zealand across the Tasman to put him there more permanently.

Smith’s assured bearing at the crease was not just reflected in his performances. By looking so calm and making his runs without undue risk, others were granted the freedom to play their own expansive games.

The ball from Matt Henry that Smith squeezed back onto his stumps without dislodging a Zing bail was the exception that proved the rule - he has passed 50 in all five innings since his promotion and offered barely a chance in doing so.

Watching Clarke try to muscle balls to the boundary, an emulation of other more powerful teammates, was like watching Shane Warne delivering a bouncer: the effort is obvious, but it’s just not his gig.

After a while at the crease Clarke grew comfortable, and pinged the ball down the ground with superb timing that illustrated why he should remain a fulcrum of the Test batting line-up for some time to come. By the end he was striking the ball sweetly, providing a fitting epitaph to his ODI career.

Clarke’s exit left little for Watson and Smith to do, but it was entirely fitting that the man to strike the winning runs would be Smith, swinging the ball away to square leg for the final boundary. Thus Australia’s victory was topped by the team’s outstanding bowler and tailed by their finest batsmen, both 25 years of age. World Cup finals signify the end of something, but for Starc, Smith and much of Australia’s XI, this giddy night will be the start of something too. (Cricinfo)

sports

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Luke Ronchi was caught sharply at slip off Starc early next over, and Daniel Vettori castled by Johnson in the 41st.

Elliott had played smoothly for his 82 ball 83, but was forced into a premature attack by the carnage at the other end, and was dismissed by a nowcombative Faulkner, before a Glenn Maxwell direct hit found a languid Tim Southee short of his crease to end the innings.

In the end it was a final almost completely devoid of David v Goliath romance. New Zealand had captured neutral support partly because of the spirit with which they had played this World Cup, but all through the final, there were touches of arrogance from Australia to go with their overpowering skill and strength.

Brad Haddin’s sniping from

21

from back page

in the first 10 overs. Having averaged more than seven an over through that period in the tournament, New Zealand were 31 for 1 when the field restrictions expired. Australia’s lively ground fielding ensured even rare loose balls were punished minimally.

Australia grew red hot with the scalps of Guptill and Williamson - the former inexplicably missing an innocuous Maxwell offbreak, the latter spooning a return catch to Johnson in the 13th over.

Elliott and Taylor combined to fight the fire, poking the first few runs through the offside with hard hands before Clarke slipped in a few overs from his supporting bowlers to inadvertently ease the pair in.

Elliott eventually took another top-edged six and laced a few through the covers to move

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand innings (50 overs maximum) MJ Guptill b Maxwell 15 BB McCullum* b Starc 0 KS Williamson c & b Johnson 12 LRPL Taylor c †Haddin b Faulkner 40 GD Elliott c †Haddin b Faulkner 83 CJ Anderson b Faulkner 0 L Ronchi† c Clarke b Starc 0 9 DL Vettori b Johnson TG Southee run out (Maxwell) 11 MJ Henry c Starc b Johnson 0 TA Boult not out 0 Extras: (lb 7, w 6) 13 Total: (all out; 45 overs) 183 Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-33, 3-39, 4-150, 5-150, 6-151, 7-167, 8-171, 9-182, 10-183.

Australia Bowling: MA Starc 8-0-20-2, JR Hazlewood 8-2-30-0, MG Johnson 9-0-

behind the stumps was nearly incessant, several New Zealand batsmen had words shot at them as they departed, and the David Warner blows that kick-started Australia’s chase smacked of disdain.

Luck too, favoured 21st century pragmatism over the fairytale. Daniel Vettori, the final’s oldest man, injured himself early in the second innings and could only pivot gingerly through his five overs.

Brendon McCullum had attacked relentlessly in the field right through this campaign, but the moment Warner’s assault bent his resolve out of shape, the next ball flew through second slip, where moments before a fielder had stood. Then the final slap in the face in the 15th over: Matt Henry’s ball dribbled onto Smith’s stumps, but did not dislodge the zing bails.

McCullum’s World Cup final innings was a high-octane blur. Starc bowled fast and full, straightening the ball only a touch, but menacingly late.

McCullum swung straight at the first, missed, then missed again when he advanced next ball. The third inswinging yorker clattered into the base of off stump. Starc took off toward square leg in celebration, the MCG’s mighty roar in his ears. McCullum left his side at 1 for 1, having been comprehensively outdone.

The early wicket helped weigh the New Zealand batsmen down, but Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson were also muted by impeccable pace bowling from Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and later Johnson. They collected only two fours and a top-edged six

30-3, GJ Maxwell 7-0-371, JP Faulkner 9-1-36-3, SR Watson 4-0-23-0.

Australia innings (target: 184 runs from 50 overs) DA Warner c Elliott b Henry 45 0 AJ Finch c & b Boult SPD Smith not out 56 MJ Clarke* b Henry 74 SR Watson not out 2 9 Extras: (lb 3, w 6) Total:(3 wickets; 33.1 overs) 186 Did not bat: GJ Maxwell, JP Faulkner, BJ Haddin†, MG Johnson, MA Starc, JR Hazlewood.

Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-63, 3-175 New Zealand Bowling: TG Southee 8-0-65-0, TA Boult 10-0-40-1, DL Vettori 5-025-0, MJ Henry 9.1-0-46-2, CJ Anderson 1-0-7-0.

to a strike rate of around 100.

He was the only New Zealand batsman to appear comfortable at the crease while Taylor plodded at the other end.

All through the partnership, Australia’s quicks would earn thick edges, but these flew fast and high over the infield.

Third man was a productive area for the batsmen.

Trent Boult raised hopes of an upset when in a scorching spell, he caught and bowled Finch to leave Australia 2 for 1. But Warner soon propelled Australia through the early overs, and Australia were not shaken after that. Warner was caught attempting a second pulled four for 45 off Henry, but Smith and Clarke combined to make 112 stress-free runs together to effectively close out the Cup. Clarke was composed to begin with, but a brace of late boundaries - including four consecutive fours off Tim Southee’s 31st over - he sent his side hurtling towards the trophy. He was out soon after for a 72-ball 74, but Smith capped a dream summer by completing his fifty the same over, then sealed the result soon after.

When New Zealand were all out for 183, the 1983 World Cup final was invoked. When Vettori began hobbling in what was probably his final international, comparisons with Muttiah Muralitharan’s plight in the 2011 final were made. Australia’s 1999 annihilation of Pakistan came closest to matching the narrative of this game. In the end, the final perhaps fit a 2015 tournament that has seen precious few close contests. (Cricinfo)

22 Bollers wins as Ferguson cramps up at HJ Sports

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, march 30, 2015

Kerwin Bollers starts an early celebration as Rawle Ferguson pulls up in the background

By Treiston Joseph

I

n a reverse of last year’s finish, Team Lightning’s Kerwin Bollers had sweet revenge on Team Quick’s Rawle Ferguson when the second annual HJ Day of Sports was held on Sunday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

Bollers was quick out of the blocks and held a comfortable lead at 50 metres before Ferguson held onto his left hamstring and hit the ground, assuring Bollers of an easy win. The race fin-

ished in 13.0s.

“It was a great race, I trained hard over the past year, put in the work, so coming close to the time, it was just about working on my technique,” Bollers noted.

While it was sweet revenge for Bollers, it was literally painful sorrow for Ferguson, who was unable to move after picking up the hamstring injury.

Bollers, who was concerned for Ferguson, highlighted that while it was sad to see his partner go down

with injury, such was part of the sport.

Meanwhile, Selector Carl won the DJs’ race, while national athlete and former Joint Services Champion Rupert Perry returned to some form by topping national sprinter Akeem Stewart in an athlete’s race with a 10.7s performance.

In cricket action, HJ Allstars demolished Guyana Media XI by 110 runs as West Indies all-rounder Christopher Barnwell topscored with a quickfire 80 not out.

Kiwis lack of aggression contributed to World Cup final loss

W

hether setting a five-slip cordon or smashing an 18-ball fifty, Brendon McCullum has flown through this World Cup at breakneck speed. Almost literally, in the case of his reckless diving attempt to prevent a boundary against Bangladesh. The aggressive style has swept the nation up along the way, and raised hopes of beating Australia at their own approach in the final.

That is why Sunday’s defeat was a letdown. That New Zealand lost in front of a record cricket crowd of 93,013 at the MCG was maybe not surprising.

That they did so by scoring just over four an over, by reducing the cordon to one slip in the fifth over of Australia’s chase, when David Warner’s edge flew safely to where a second would have been - these were the disappointments.

After ten overs of New Zealand’s innings, they had scored 31 for 1, the slowest New Zealand run since Mark Richardson raced Darren Lehmann in a beige bodysuit. It was less than half of the 77 that has been New Zealand’s average ten-over score throughout the whole tournament. At one point, they crawled along for 57 balls

Grant Elliott and Tim Southee reflect on what could have been

without a boundary, and they struggled to 66 for 3 after 20 overs.

On the eve of this World Cup final, McCullum was asked about New Zealand’s incessant attacking approach. Is there such a thing as too much aggression, someone enquired of him.

“I don’t think so,” McCullum replied. “For us, we need to play like that, that’s how we’re going to beat teams on regular occasions. We’re not afraid of losing. For us we think about what we can achieve. That’s not always going to work and there

are going to be times when we come out on the wrong side of it. But that gives us our greatest chance of success against big opposition teams on a regular basis.”

You have to wonder, therefore, if New Zealand really gave themselves their greatest chance of lifting the World Cup. To some degree, Australia just didn’t let New Zealand play that way. Mitchell Starc’s swing up front required serious negotiation.

At no stage in this tournament had New Zealand batted first against an inform attack. (Cricinfo)

Ponting endorses Smith as next ODI Captain F

ormer Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes there is “no doubt at all” that Steven Smith should take over from Michael Clarke as the team’s next ODI leader. Clarke retired from one-day cricket after leading Australia to victory in the World Cup final against New Zealand in Melbourne.

In the past, George Bailey has often filled in as captain during Clarke’s absence, and even led Australia in their tournament opener against England.

However, Bailey, who has captained Australia to 16 wins and 10 defeats in his 29 matches in-charge, lost his place in the playing eleven once Clarke retained full fitness.

“I am a huge George Bailey fan, we have played a lot of state cricket together,” Ponting told ESPNcricinfo. “He’s also been a great leader, but this guy, Smith, is just in the prime of his career right now. He is playing beautifully, and it looks like he has sewn down the No.3 batting spot, potentially even in the Test team. With Clarke making the decision to retire from one-day cricket, you would

Steven Smith

think he’s only got a couple of years of Test cricket left in him, so Smith should be serving as one-day captain to be totally ready to take over the Test job when Michael finishes.”

Clarke bid a teary goodbye to a record crowd at the MCG after top-scoring in the final with 74 off 72 balls to ensure there were no wobbles in Australia’s pursuit of a small target. Praising his successor in the job for his “terrific record” over the years, Ponting said Clarke would have dearly enjoyed being out in the middle when the winning runs were scored.

“The way he batted was a terrific way for him to

finish,” Ponting said. “The New Zealanders decided to attack him early so he had a lot of open field where he could score from freely.

He got through the initial 15-20 balls, then expanded his game and he would have loved to be not out at the end.

“Walk off the ground as the winning captain, maybe hitting the winning runs, but it wasn’t meant to be. He’s done a great job with the leadership of this team and you only have to look at his record. It’s a terrific effort by him.”

Ponting, who played in three World Cup winning finals, also believes Australia have the building blocks in place to dominate one-day cricket in the years to come. He credited Clarke and coach Darren Lehmann for ensuring the balance of the squad was “spot on” going into the tournament.

“It’s probably a better team than we give it credit for right now,” he said.

“Probably because it’s a young team that’s developing we probably don’t know just how good a team this is. I’ve sat back and looked at this one-day team over the last couple of years and it’s a very good team.

(Cricinfo)

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, march 30, 2015

23

Forde wins 1st Trevor Rose Memorial Race G

uyana’s best distance athlete Cleveland Forde ran away easily with the first edition of the Trevor Rose 5k Memorial Race on Sunday that started and finished at the Burnham Hard Court, at Parade Ground, Georgetown.

Forde basically ran unchallenged, showcasing his talent in the race in memory of the former President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), Trevor Rose who dies tragically last year.

Distance Queen Alika Morgan was the winner of the female version of the event as she too ran unchallenged.

The first basketball player to cross the finish line was Ron Campbell while the first Division Three player was Akeem Johnson. Akeem Bowen was the winner of the junior event.

The oldest player to cross the finish line first was Franklin Anchor.

Current GABA President Junior Hercules was pleased

All of the athletes before the start of the race

with the event, “It was the first of its kind by GABA or the Guyana Amateur Basketball

Clarke dedicates World Cup win to Hughes

C

Phillip Hughes

aptain Michael Clarke dedicated Australia’s fifth World Cup title to his former team-mate Phillip Hughes.

Batsman Hughes died at the age of 25 after being struck on the neck by a bouncer in Sydney in November.

“I’m sure everybody on this stage will say we played this World Cup with 16 players,” said Clarke after his team’s seven-wicket win over New Zealand.

“Hughesy used to party as good as any of them so I guarantee we’ll celebrate hard tonight.”

After Australia bowled out New Zealand for 183, Clarke led from the front with 74 as the hosts knocked off the runs in 33.1 overs at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Clarke, who read a moving eulogy at Hughes’s funeral, batted with a black armband carrying the player’s initials in his final oneday international.

“As you can see it’s got PH on it. I’ll wear it every game I play for Australia,” added Clarke.

“I think for everybody in Australian cricket it’s been really tough few months.

Tonight is certainly dedicated to our little brother and our team-mate Phillip Hughes.”

Paceman Mitchell Starc set the tone for a blistering bowling performance in the first over of the match when he bowled opposing captain Brendon McCullum.

Mitchell Johnson and James Faulkner weighed in with three wickets apiece as the Kiwis were bowled out in 45 overs.

“I think our bowlers have won us the World Cup,” said Clarke. “I think our batters have stood up and grabbed their opportunities, but I think our bowling performances in every single game have been exceptional, probably none better than today.”

David Warner cracked 45 at the top of the Aussie order before Clarke and Steve Smith (56 not out) steered the them to a comfortable win to the delight of a record 93,000 crowd.

“We’re really proud, it’s a wonderful achievement,” added Clarke.

“It’s a great thing just to make a World Cup final, but to be able to win in your own back yard in front of your family and friends is extremely special.” (Cricinfo)

Federation; we were able to attract some of Guyana’s best runners which was good for

us and the race was well-attended…we intend on making it an annual event,” Hercules

told Guyana Times Sport.

Rose’s family expressed their thanks to the GABA for

keeping the memory of Rose alive with the run. (Treiston Joseph)

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

monday, march 30, 2015

Majestic Australia win 5th World Cup I

t had been the World Cup of short balls. On a flat MCG deck, it had seemed bounce would be the bowlers’ major ally. But so cocksure were Australia’s pace phalanx of their quality, they left nothing to the vagaries of the surface, firing balls full, fast and straight to deliver Australia a seven-wicket win and its fifth World Cup in comprehensive fashion.

Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson shared five wickets, having sent down several spells of searing, swinging yorkers between them, and James Faulkner - slower but cannier than the other left-armers - claimed three scalps for himself. In all, eight wickets fell to full deliveries as New Zealand were felled for 183 in the 45th over.

There were early nerves in the chase, particularly when Aaron Finch fell in the second over, but Michael Clarke and Steven Smith stroked fluent half-centuries to run the target down inside 34 overs. Clarke, the depart-

ing captain, had a standing ovation when he left the field after his sparkling 74 from 72. Smith, his most likely successor, stayed at the crease to hit the last ball of the World Cup through deep square leg for four.

All through the tournament batting sides have broken games open in the final 15 overs of their innings, but Australia bent history in a different direction by blowing through New Zealand’s middle order and tail during the death overs.

New Zealand might have harboured hopes of a score of 250, perhaps even 300, when Grant Elliott and Ross Taylor’s 111-run stand had repaired early damage. But when the batting Powerplay came on at the 35th over, Faulkner claimed two scalps from three balls to send the opposition into a nosedive.

His slower ball first took Taylor’s outside edge en route to a diving Brad Haddin, before two balls later, Corey Anderson missed a straight yorker that made a mess of his stumps.

Australia celebrate a monumental win

turn to page 21

Golden Jaguars ANSA McAL launches Champions League promotion top Grenada – journalist wins foosball competition

A

2-0 for 2nd straight win

The winners of the event pose after the foosball competition at the launching of the Champions League promotion

NSA McAL under the Heineken brand launched its Champions League promotion on Saturday evening at the Gravity Lounge.

Heineken will be hosting numerous events where ardent football fans can enjoy the final stages of the tour-

nament.

To showcase the atmosphere fans will enjoy, the Heineken brand held a foosball competition for the sports journalists of the various media houses as well as other organisations from which Capitol News’ Esan Griffith emerged as

the victor. Gravity Lounge General Manager Navin Singh finished second while Chronicle’s Rawle Toney was third.

Heineken Brand Manager Robert Hiscock highlighted that he knew Guyana was passionate about football and wanted to

do something special for the Champions League.

Hiscock noted that the final would be different in many ways from last year’s edition with a few new additions.

The final of the championship is expected to be held on June 6. (Treiston Joseph)

T

Golden Jaguars pose after their victory

he Guyana Golden Jaguars topped Grenada 2-nil on Sunday evening at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence for their second consecutive win.

Both goals were scored in the first half of the game before Guyana held onto the lead in the final half with stiff defence.

See more details in tomorrow’s edition of the Guyana Times.

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