Guyana Times Daily - December 16, 2014

Wanted cop, accomplice shot dead by Police

Govt has 7 days to respond to Granger’s injunction

By Erica Williams

Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang on Monday granted the Government seven days to file an affidavit-in-answer following the move by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to the courts

to the Opposition’s claims of $4.5 billion of unapproved funds being spent up to June, following this year’s budget.

He further explained that in the ruling, the Chief Justice pointed to the Constitutional provisions which allowed Singh to re-

over what it terms unauthorised spending by the Government.

APNU is accusing the members of the Government of spending the billions of dollars that were disapproved in the National Budget earlier this year. Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall; Finance

Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman were the defendants in the matter brought to the court on behalf of Opposition Leader David Granger.

Following the in-Chambers proceedings, Nandlall said he was baffled by APNU’s move to the courts. Nandlall was not sure what the issue was since funding through the national budget has been cut and legally restored in the past. He noted that past restorations have been approved by the Opposition.

“Those were monies that were restored by the Minister of Finance pursuant to a ruling of the Honourable Chief Justice, the very judge before whom this matter is being held,” Nandlall said in response

store the monies that were removed unlawfully and unconstitutionally from the budget.

“So I don’t know what the issue is, but the identical thing was done in 2012 when monies were excised from the budget. Those monies were restored and the very Opposition Leader and Opposition Parties in the National Assembly supported the Government’s restoration on all of the monies.”

This sequence of events repeated itself during 2013, while in 2014, some of the monies were restored with the Opposition’s approval.

Minister Nandlall then reiterated his uncertainty about the cause for the current court matter. He sought to point out the lack of merit in the Opposition’s case by stating that “the restoration of monies is supported by the Constitution, the Chief Justice judgment sanctioned it and the Opposition also supported it in the past.”

In the past, Chang had ruled that the Opposition has no right to cut the Government’s budget.

Nevertheless, Attorneyat-Law, Basil Williams, an executive of APNU, filled for an ex parte application for an interim/conservatory order to stay all spending and/or any further spending by the Finance Minister or other Ministers of Government until the conclusion of the matter.

But, Nandlall and Chief Counsel Ashton Chase, who represented Singh, asked for the matter to be interpartes. They then filed for leave to bring forth an affidavit-in- answer.

This request was granted and they were given seven days to produce and sub-

mit the document, while Williams was given five days to respond if necessary. The matter will return to the Chief Justice’s Chambers on December 29 for reports, and a date will be fixed for arguments.

Statement of Excess?

Williams further said one issue is to verify whether Singh’s claim to have spent the monies under the classification of Statement of Excess is supported by any financial provision within the Constitution. “Our position is that it is not, because there are two aspects of these statements,” Williams contended.

He explained that if financial needs exceeded budgetary allocations, one would spend outside of the budgeted amount and then soon after, such would be taken to the Parliament to be approved or rectified. He noted that this only applied to small amounts of money. He went on to explain that another aspect of the Statement of Excess caters for unexpected expenditures, such as floods. “A Statement of Excess is then brought forth after the fact,” Williams said. He was adamant that in the current matter, neither of the two aspects was applicable. “These pro-

grammes were considered in Parliament and National Assembly and were not approved. So there is nothing unforeseen about it.”

He said his party is contending that the Government’s spending was not constitutional. The combined one-seat majority Opposition has disapproved approximately $37 billion in funds in the budget. However, since the $4.5 billion was spent, Williams said his party believes that the Government still continues to spend. He said the move to the courts was made because of the prorogation of Parliament. He believes that the prorogation has robbed the Opposition of their ability to scrutinise financial bills, etc. “So we want to have this matter expedited.”

Attorney General Anil Nandlall and Chief Counsel Ashton Chase during a discussion following the court proceedings on Monday at the High Court

Attorney-at-Law Basil Williams

Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman

and

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Tuesday, December 16 from 12:10h-13:40h and on Wednesday, December 17 from 13:00h-14:30h

FERRY SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2014

Parika Departure - 23:50h and 12:00h

Departure - 23:50h and 12:00h

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014

Parika Departure - 13:00h

Supenaam Departure - 13:00h

Monday, December 15, 2014

Civil society umbrella group floated – a new ‘Reform’ for PNC/R

Billed as a forum to formalise the over “4000” registered civil society organisations here, the shadowy Guyana National Council on Public Policy (GNCPP) engagement on Wednesday is being seen in many circles as an attempt to create another group similar to that of the defunct 'REFORM' group, which joined up with the Desmond Hoyteled PNC in 2001 in an effort to oust the PPP from office. From that time the PNC called itself PNC/R.

From the names of the persons identified, it is quite clear that the new entity is meant to provide further cover of the PNC/R.The old "REFORM' group had started out as a civil society organisation that spoke to improving Guyana from a non-partisan standpoint.

It included Stanley Ming, Eric Phillips, Jerome Khan, Peter Ramsaroop, Dr Mark Kirton and Supriya Singh. All of them were to depart the PNC/R even though the suffix was retained. The PNC/R then attempted to secure cover by inviting "coalition partners" from existing "parties" to form A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in time for the 2011 elections.

Since the formation of APNU, the PNC/R has been embarrassed by the exposure that its "coalition partners"' are all "one-man" paper organisations with the exception of the WPA, which might be a "five man" organisation. Only this weekend, former Speaker Ralph Ramkarran, who is now very supportive of the Opposition positions and critical of his old party the PPP, made the latter point.

Of recent, the Alliance for Change has proposed that it can coalesce with the PNC/APNU but has demanded the leadership. Not surprisingly, this has raised many eyebrows in the APNU including that of its leader David Granger and its deputy leader Rupert Roopnaraine, since the AFC is deemed too minuscule to make such demands.

For its part, the AFC appears to believe that it has leverage because its leader Khemraj Ramjattan has selected his Berbician friend Moses Nagamootoo as its Presidential candidate and will deliver Indian votes to the APNU.

In a studied imitation of the REFORM, Thomas appears to be putting together a group to camouflage the PNC/R in case the AFC offer is rejected. In some of the daily newspapers on Sunday the barely known Thomas published a full page advertisement listing among other names of persons he said were nominat-

ed to Guyana National Civil Society Advisory Council Board and the Guyana National Civil Society Council.

A number of the individual listed have confirmed with this newspaper that they were not contacted on their nomination and have no interest in being part of the organisation. Asked to respond to this on Monday Dr Thomas said that all the individuals were actually nominated.

Too docile

However, he said it is left up to them to respond. “If they attend the conference they have a choice of declining the invitation or accepting it,” Thomas said. The overwhelming sentiments of the persons on the list such as Christopher Ram and Dr Clive Thomas all oppose the PPP government.

Dr Thomas criticised

civil society organisations for being too docile in a time when their voices need to be heard. He said out of the over 4000 registered civil society organisations, only 22 per cent are active, but they are notably silent on matters of public concern.

Some of these organisations heatedly denied this accusation. Dr Thomas explained that the GNCPP has recognised the deficiencies in society and "has since been taking corrective steps".

Passive

According to Dr Phillips, local civil society organisations have become passive over the years, and it is time to change. He said: “We never stood up the way we should have stood up… when we stand up and we raise our flag and we let it known that we have now come to do what is re-

quired of us”, people will listen. GNCPP, according to its website is a platform for members, who include all of Guyana’s civil society, including educators, students, journalists, businesses, professionals, ordinary citizens, religious organisations and public officials, believing in a democratic, free and peaceful Guyana.

The organisation, among other things, proclaims that human rights, social justice, the rule of law, pluralistic democracy accountable Government and environmentally sustainable development are common values, to which all Guyanese subscribe.

Most persons interviewed posit that if the organisation gets off the ground, since elections a will be held within the coming year, after a short period of activity, it will join the PNC/APNU coalition.

Dr Phillip Thomas speaking at a press briefing on Monday

Editor: Nigel Williams

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Editorial

What could have been

President Donald Ramotar reviewed the just completed three years of his Presidency and from his comments, he appeared rueful, if not regretful. He was evocative of the line by Whittier: "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'it might have been'."

With elections looming, the President was refreshingly honest in conceding that more could have been achieved by his Administration. But he was also honest to point out the role the Opposition played in torpedoing those plans.

In these matters we have to start at the very beginning, when, during the elections, the Peoples National Congress (PNC) and its alter ego A Partmership for National Unity (APNU) trumpeted a platform of "shared governance". They promised to cooperate with other parties, including the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and even bring them into the Government if they were to win.

The Alliance For Change (AFC), for its part, conceded that it was a minor party, but if it held the "balance of power" between the PPP/C and the PNC - it would vote along with the one presenting the better option for the country.

The President would have regretted that when he won the Executive Presidency by a plurality and invited the leaders of the PNC/APNU and the AFC into the Tripartite Talks to reach consensus on the Budget of the country, they both ended up launching protests in Linden that ended with three persons losing their lives, and billions going up in smoke.

He would have wondered where Guyana might have been today, if APNU's leader David Granger's initial quid pro quo agreement had not been undercut by the AFC's Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo.

That initial Tripartite forum was "the road not taken" by the Opposition - but it is clear that they have no regrets about their choice. From that aborted beginning, both the PNC and AFC took as their guiding principle Raphael Trotman's articulation of the PNC's mission: "To expose, oppose, and depose the PPP/C."

There would be no quarter spared towards this end. It is obvious from his interview that President Ramotar still harboured hopes that the Opposition would not completely jettison their earlier promise to work out a modus vivendi with his Government for the good of Guyana.

The President specifically cited the Opposition's strangulation of the Amaila Falls Hydro-Electric Project (AFHEP). This one had to have stuck in the President's memory: AFHEP was, and remains, a linchpin for the future development of Guyana. For us to move from being pricetaking primary producers of raw materials for export, we have to add value to the supply chain and this means massively increasing energy-intensive manufacturing operations.

But we suffer from a tremendous comparative disadvantage - our energy costs are higher than any of our regional neighbours. AFHEP would not just have produced power from a renewable resource - river water - but would have freed us from the albatross of securing foreign currency to pay for the oil that fuels our generators.

Just as he had done with the Tripartite Talks on the Budget, the President broke new ground on AFHEP - he provided all the contracts and background information to the Opposition, which they protested, had been withheld from them. But after the initial, guarded commendation, they quickly reverted to their reflexive position to "expose, oppose and depose" the Government.

Their recalcitrance raised the political risk factor so high that when they threatened to revisit the Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) private-public-partnership contract with the reputable Sithe company, a member of the Blackstone Group, the latter walked away.

The President must have also regretted the Opposition's refusal not to even listen to the international community, which spoke as one, on the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. How could he not?

Which other group in the world would want their country to be blacklisted by the international financial community?

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Guyana

Dear Editor, I read (in Guyana Times) that the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi will visit South America sometime in the New Year, and is likely to visit Suriname and Guyana to expand bilateral relations. Such a visit to our country should be encouraged as it will result in huge dividends.

Guyana is a strategically important nation for India because of its location in South America, which has been the focus of India’s attention in recent years for trade. And India should be among Guyana’s priorities because of India's influential role in the global arena, and because of the large amount of assistance she provides Guyana.

A Modi visit will be an opportunity for our nation to engage the leader of the world's largest democracy and one of Guyana's most important international partners, as well as an aid donor that would prove to be critical for our future well being, especially that India is expected to be the next economic powerhouse for the next two decades.

Such a visit by Prime Minister Modi will also boost cultural relations with Guyana; much of Guyana’s culture originated in India and that was brought by indentured labourers between 1838 and 1917.

Modi visited Fiji last month for a day and delivered a long list of goodies to that nation. He signed several memoranda of understanding. He also visited Burma and announced a package of goodies, including a hydo power plant that would be built on grant from India.

In Fiji, Modi committed US$5 million to be distributed as grants to small businesses. And he also announced a multi-million dollar energy project that would meet the needs of that nation.

He met with leaders of Pacific mini-states and also announced a package of assistance for them from India. And he pledged to host an India-Pacific summit (of leaders of small states) in Delhi next year.

Modi is the second Prime Minister of India to visit Fiji since the late Indira Gandhi's visit in 1981. Should he visit Guyana, he would be the second PM to do so after Ms Gandhi during the 1970s. Modi also visited Myanmar recently and announced a financial package of over US$100 million for that country. If the Prime Minister comes to Guyana, he will also come with a huge gift bag.

Guyana and India relations go back for some 175 years when Indians began coming as indentured laborers in 1838 to rescue the sugar industry. Organizations in India monitored the conditions of the laborers throughout and after the indentured period.

So both countries are linked by culture and a common colonial history and they have cooperated with each other ever since Guyana became independent; India advocated for Guyana’s independence.

Formal diplomatic relations were established after Guyana became independent in 1966, although an Indian representative was resident in Guyana while it was still a colony. A Modi visit will help to renew and

reinvigorate the relationship.

Relations took a dive during the period of the dictatorship when the PNC persecuted and oppressed Indians. Co-operation between the two countries needs to be strengthened.

A Modi visit will provide an opportunity to renew the old relationship and laid the foundation for a stronger partnership in trade and global diplomacy.

Such a visit to Guyana could see its role in international and multilateral institutions increased, giving it an influential voice and major clout in addressing global challenges.

A Modi visit will go a long way in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries and in romping up the amount of assistance given to Guyana.

His presence will strengthen Guyana's global relations and political clout. His visit will help to improve understanding and relations between the IndoGuyanese diaspora and the Indian diaspora, especially in England, US and Canada.

His visit could lead to a partnership between the private sectors of both countries. Indian companies could pour money in the Guyanese economy. There could be agreements and exchange between academic institutions in Guyana and India.

There could also be an increase in scholarships and cultural exchange – a goal we lobbied for as diaspora-based Guyanese in the US whenever we meet Indian Prime Ministers and Ministers of Government.

Modi could be invited to address our Parliament,

a rare honor given to leaders of major nations. In his meetings with our elected leaders, global issues like pricing for sugar and climate change could be topics of discussion.

Recent global political developments could be discussed, as would such topics like India-South American relations, the state of the global economy, international trade, diplomacy at the United Nations, reform of the UN and support for India’s bid to be a permanent member of the Security Council.

India wants to strengthen its relations with South American nations. Guyana could serve as a hub for stronger Indian engagement with South America and the Caribbean, especially that we are a member of UNASUR and Caricom.

India could help with defence and security co-operation of Guyana and the region, including providing assistance in defence training. Modi could host an India-Carcom summit in Delhi similar to the one hosted in Delhi for leaders of African countries five years ago when India committed several billions of dollars in financial aid for them.

Overall, a visit by the Indian PM will provide major benefits to our nation and the Government should go all out to lobby the PM to make a visit.

Mr Modi has been eager to visit countries where large numbers of Indians are settled announcing large amounts of aid packages. He would only be too happy to make the journey to Guyana.

Vishnu Bisram

Among straw huts on a floating village on Lake Titicaca, Reuters photographer Enrique Castro-Mendivil captured the re-enactment of the legend of Manco Capac, the mythical founder of the Inca dynasty, and Inca goddess of fertility Mama Ocllo. Legend has it the pair emerged from the lake carrying a golden staff, instructed by the ancient Incan sun god Inti to create a temple in the spot where it sank into the earth (Reuters)

Guyana’s mixed races may be both the problem and solution

Dear Editor,

“In the ‘War of the Worlds’, H G Wells once wrote about a blind village where a sighted man tried to rule. After all, in the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. The ‘king’ soon realized that in a land of blind people, he has to learn to live with his own ‘disability’ - vision. The alternative was to make a change, and have his own eyes taken out. Simply put, circumstances alone define disability - not the actual disability itself” (BBC).

The circumstances in Guyana are disabling it. But these circumstances, brought on by the extremism of race and thought can only be changed by the good people themselves and not outsiders or racists.

How capable are battle weary Guyanese up to the challenge? Anyone, on reading the comment that: “The tragedy in this country, and it is perhaps the most chilling and profoundly philistinic irony of Guyana, is that we probably need the Amerindians and Mixed Races to form their own political movements to shatter the hegemony of race,” could reasonably believe, it’s coming from one much aggrieved by Guyana’s race based divisionist politics.

Indeed, are the “Mixed” and Amerindians in greater torment, but yetexpected to resolve Guyana’s problems by making lemonade from Guyana’s bugbear race lemon proliferation? Race as the problem has already been proposed as the solution by partition, power sharing and federalism. But race alone does not define each or every Guyanese.

The writer’s comments could be motivated by the most noble of intentions rather than just making “Maxwell’s lemonade”, no offence intended.

We do not know for sure M Maxwell writing in the SN of December 13, titled, “The irony is that we need the Amerindians and Mixed Races to form their own political movements to shatter the hegemony of race”, may have already gotten, ironically what he wished for, but which he does not know.

Completely under no weird compulsion to find “Mr” Maxwell’s peepshow defrocked, my inquiry is more holistic whether he is “mixed” and by how many?

In which case, he should be in full support of the AFC’s little engine that could and should lead any AFC/APNU coalition; just so Guyanese will finally realise how the PNC hiding in APNU clothing is still anyway serious and sincere about looking past race.

With their AFC/APNU Indo Guyanese Presidential Candidate and whomever the PNC wants as the Black Prime Ministerial Candidate they could really show who’s boss.

Again the WPA will demonstrate its supposed sincerity and commitment for race equality which it demanded from the PPP/C prior to the 1992 election for half of the cabinet! They will of course be in full support of the AFC’s proposal.

They have already ‘jumped the broom’ despite their leader’s assassination.

Mr Maxwell’s comments were prompted due to a letter from Medino Abraham in the SN of on December 10, titled, “What if the Amerindians could unite and have their own political party?”

Whether both writers know it or not, President Donald Ramotar, by Mr Maxwell’s recommendation is Guyana’s best hope by his genetic mixed racial constitution. Will the President suddenly be deemed overqualified and bad by any ‘prescriptive rights’?

Whether the PPP/C croons about the Amerindian, Black, Portuguese and Indian ancestry of the Guyanese President and with his unique currency, effectively lock up the coming elections is anyone’s guess.

They get more than their usual share of race bashing, which they can now share to the needy. Many in the PNC in APNU, not all now, continue to believe that Guyanese can yet live in harmony with mutual respect.

But those in the current WPA, afflicted by their own historical bitterness are yet to emerge from and move past their own blinding prejudices even in today’s 21st century. Rather, they expect those with one eye to conform themselves as disabled.

Progress must cease with none moving ahead, if they can help it. To find Mr Maxwell going cliche by his equality of blaming “the monster of racial politics and ethnic power struggles the PPP/C and PNC have

created and perpetuated for the past 60 years (that) is now coming back to haunt them when they are in demographic decline” was disappointing.

Crediting those two behemoths for ‘creating’ racism is unfair. Both in 1953 and 1964 outsiders were guilty. Sustainer is probably correct, but it’s still debatable.

Further Mr Maxwell cautions that “if Mr Abraham gets his wish and this country fragments politically into four distinct political brands, all linked inextricably to race, there is no winner-takes-all ever again”.

Is Mr Maxwell in lament or glee or convinced federalism is inevitable?

Mr Maxwell has completely ignored that the “mixed” makeup is with Black presence as the common proliferation denominator of transition in Guyana.

Black is indeed beautiful but it continues to gamble to lose its ‘eyesight’ magnificence by rushing to become ‘blinded’. President Obama is popularly considered America’s first Black President of African pride, despite a white Irish mother and Kenyan African father.

In Guyana where the race factor is reversed, the PPP/C government may be either damned or blessed.

After Jagan from Berbice, Jagdeo from Demerara, Guyana’s current Essequibo born President Ramotar is a PPP/C “Mixed” or Black man heading his country’s Government with a Black Prime Minister, a Black Home Affairs Minister, an Amerindian Foreign Minister and Dr Roger Luncheon who beats them all being Black and Red with a grey beard.

The lone ranger Indian at the top is a cuss bird, so what? He is another minority for sure. Many should, by now, be on cloud nine you would think?

Sultan Mohamed

Their silence speaks volumes

Dear Editor, I read with utter amazement the letter written by Abudul Jamal Khan, headlined, “Ramifications of Ram” and published in another section of the media.

The letter detailed a rather appalling affidavit about Christopher Ram. What is perplexing, is the deafening silence of all

those human rights and women’s rights bodies that usually speak rather furiously and forthrightly on these matters.

I have not heard or seen any comments from Red Thread, the Guyana Women’s Lawyers Association, the Guyana Bar Association (of which Mr Ram is the secretary),

the Women and Gender Equality Association, the Guyana Human Rights Association, and other vocal defender of women’s rights.

If it is a case where they choose to remain silent on this tragic issue, then their silence speaks volumes.

Richard Mendoza

Things will never change if APNU is propelled into power

Dear Editor,

The APNU is trying desperately to cajole certain members within its fold, exhorting them to forget what happened in the past. Some have willingly joined, no doubt, with expectations of the largesse, reminicient of those who joined in the past.

We all know what happened to some of them and their wives with Vincent Teekah being a prime example. One man reportedly even drank kerosene because of his wife’s improprietary. So, has anything changed since then to now apart from the PNC being baptized as APNU?

Relationships are built on trust, accountability and transparency, and require significant changes in perception based on positive outcome.

But, how can we envisage positive outcomes from APNU when you have the

very leader who supported the worst dictator in the Caribbean through rigged elections; a fossiled Mayor who allows his kith and kin vendors to illegally squat on the pavement spilling garbage and obstructing legitimate businesses; an overripe Economist who plunged Guyana into bankruptcy; a former Police Commissioner who allowed criminals to roam freely in Buxton while brutalizing and murdering people; a lawyer now masquerading as an AFC (birds of feather flock together), who influenced a juror to free a mass murderer and an alleged paedophile presiding over the business of Parliament.

How can we expect change where similar incidents of “slo fiyah, mo fiyah” recurred at Linden and Agricola, with all the trappings of the past such as looting, arson and sexual assault?

How can we expect change when kick down the door bandits are now replaced by bandits with AK47 rifles in which they are robbing, brutalizing and murdering innocent people?

Then we had Burnham and his godson Ram riding horseback at Hope Estate, cowering public servants into submission, and now we have Rambo, Ramjhat and Lalloo Ram.

So voters, beware, things will never change if APNU is propelled into power or obtains another majority status in Parliament with help from the AFC.

On the other hand, the PPP/C must pay some attention to the needs of their constituents and obliterate this perception of corruption in order to win the next elections, or as the saying goes, “cat will eat your dinner”.

D Singh

The development of human capital

Dear Editor,

His Excellency President Ramotar must be complimented for stressing that “ the most important factor for development is our people” and that the main goal of his Government is “the development of human capital”.

Such assurances are like music to the ears of professionals in the field of Human Resource Developmen. Therefore we can applaud and take comfort in all such statements coming from the highest office in our country.

It is opportune to remind ourselves that the effective development of human capital is not limited to the acquisition of academic knowledge and technical or vocational skills. It must also include the necessary elements of proper attitude such as punctuality, regularity, honesty, courtesy, discipline, dedication and above all, work ethic.

The curricula of our teaching, training, learning institutions must include the KSA tripod (Knowledge/Skill/ Attitude) of Human Resource

Development with equal if not greater emphasis on the attitudinal aspects.

Admittedly, it is not easy to ‘teach’ these; they are best imparted through exemplary behaviours which must start from the top. In this regard, our politicians, community leaders, teachers, parents and all managerial/supervisory personnel have a collective responsibility to ensure that they represent the best role models in our society.

Nowrang Persaud

Guyana inches towards sugar production target

– Minister confident of achieving objective

Agriculture

Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has once again expressed confidence the Sugar Industry would achieve the 2014 production target of 216,000 tonnes.

As of Friday, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) recorded production of 212,000 tonnes. “When we add in the weekend production, we would move closer to the 216,000 target,” he told reporters on Monday.

Questioned about the adjusted target of 219,000 tonnes, which was touted by GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rajendra Singh some months into the year, Minister Ramsammy said the revised target was never approved by the Ministry; hence, the initial target remains in effect.

“They are confident that they will surpass the 216,000 tonnes target, but I just want them to meet the 216,000 target,” he said.

The first crop production target of 75,000 tonnes was surpassed by some 5000 tonnes, prompting the Corporation to revise the 2014 target and raising hopes that the industry was beginning to turn the corner after a dismal 2013. Last year, sug-

ar production came in at 186,500 tonnes – the worst performance in 22 years according to the sugar union. Guyana has been taking steps to turn the tide of the industry’s fortunes and meet a production target of 300,000 tonnes soon, and is projected to reach its 400,000-tonne goal by 2020.

Financial woes

GuySuCo, however, continues to operate at a loss, even with more than 15 years of billions of dollars in investments. Back in 1995, the Corporation was producing sugar at a relatively high cost; to-

day, the situation remains the same. From 1995-1996, the cost of production was US$0.23 per pound with the figure dropping to US$0.22 by 1997.

When compared with production costs in Guatemala, the United States, North-East Brazil and India, the cost of producing sugar in Guyana is most unfavourable.

Appearing before the Economic Services Committee back in July, Dr Singh had disclosed that the cost of production stood at US$0.34 per pound of sugar.

Recognising the high cost of production, he assured the Committee that mechanisms were in place in the 2013-2017 Strategic Plan to reduce the figure to US$0.26 per pound. Singh had said that the industry has a history of poor profitability. With the exception of 2006 and 2007, GuySuCo has operated at a loss for the past 10 years.

After investing approximately $9 billion into the industry in 2005, GuySuCo recorded a profit of $476 million in 2006. In that same year, an additional $12.5 billion was pumped into the industry, leading to a profit of $630 million in 2007.

PPP/C heartened by GECOM’s response to calls

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said it was pleased with the positive responses it has been receiving from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), noting that its numerous calls have been bearing much fruit.

The Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, on Monday told reporters that almost all the concerns it raised were addressed by the elections body. He cited the request for an extension of the sixth and seventh cycles of registration, an investigation into the missing water tanks, and a request for an adviser to overlook the preparation of GECOM –which were all granted.

He recounted the growing concern the Party had over the employment of Public Relations Officer Richard François. According to him, this is now being addressed “and they have said when he finishes his probation period, they will review his contract, whether they will renew it or not is another matter. We will continue

to raise these matters in the public domain...,” Rohee said at his Robb Street office.

It has been observed that over the past three months or so, the Party’s General Secretary has been raising concerns with the Elections Commission, seeking out avenues for free and fair elections.

Rohee said his Party has been bearing fruit and its “track records can so speak”.

Observers

Meanwhile, the Party has called on GECOM to engage the international community to lend support to the Elections Commission and the electoral process for free and fair elections and to invite friendly Governments and reputable international organisations to send observers for the General and Regional Elections expected early next year.

“PPP reiterates its call to the Guyana Elections Commission to ensure that all mechanisms are in place to ensure free and fair elections.”

He said there were still a

large number of persons that are to make transfers especially in the new housing areas and within the context of hinterland to coastal migration.

“The Party calls on GECOM to vigorously pursue the issue of transfers so that persons can be listed correctly and afforded the opportunity to vote close to their place of residence. The elections commission should dispatch mobile teams in these areas,” he said.

Rohee said the Party fought for and fostered the culture of democratic elections long before it came to office some 22 years ago. He also bashed the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), which, he said, purports to be acting in the best interest of free and fair elections.

“The PNC/APNU track record says action speaks louder than words and does not speak to stellar performance. Calm can only exist if the process is transparent and fair and the results are accepted by all political parties.”

Murder accused's relatives picket Police Station, Magistrate’s Court

Relatives of murder accused, East Canje goldsmith Dean Sunthgolam on Monday picketed the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam and the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court seeking justice.

The gathering backed by the Alliance For Change (AFC), is claiming that Police had beaten Sunthgolam, forcing him to sign a confession statement.

Sunthgolam has been charged for the murder of Terrence Mc Lean, 62, of Number Two Village, Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The body of McLean was discovered in his home on December 3, with stab wounds.

When the matter was first called on December 5, the accused told Magistrate Rhondell Weaver that he was ill-treated by the Police when he was in custody.

“Two lash with the helmet… is a big helmet, he slap me up,” Sunthgolam told the Magistrate.

Meanwhile, when the matter was called on Monday, Attorney Charrandas Persaud representing the accused asked the Police to produce the medical certificate.

Magistrate had instructed that the accused be taken to the hospital for medical attention after he mentioned being hit.

The medical certificate was not produced by the Police, prompting Persaud to contend that the Police are using delay tactics.

The accused will have to return to court on Christmas Eve when Police are expected to be in receipt of the certificate.

Meanwhile, Commander of B Division (Berbice), Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph said officials from the Office of Professional Responsibility will be at the Reliance Police Station today to investigate the allegations of assault.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Whittaker blasts

City Council for poor functioning … GLGOU salary increase in jeopardy

BY ROYDEN JAMES

Local Government and Regional Development

Minister Norman Whittaker on Monday blasted the Mayor and City Council for its poor functioning and failure to carry out their duties in a timely manner and within budget.

Whittaker was at the time speaking at a press conference at his Kingston office.

According to the Local Government Minister, the demands made by a non performing Council are just too ridiculous.

“My position is that the

The Minister also made it clear that the salary increases have to be confirmed by him. He noted that after disapproving the salary increase for the GLGOU in 2012, he thought they would have done the sensible thing and call an orderly meeting to discuss the issues facing them.

It is against this backdrop that Whittaker pointed out his difficulty in understanding whether the GLGOU wants a salary increase or a Christmas bonus.

On the other hand, Mayor Hamilton Green at a press conference at the City Council on Monday morn-

around a paper to be signed, we all did not sign it because that’s a total eye pass. I then write Miss Sooba informing her that we will have a meeting on Tuesday, she said she is not interesting in any meeting, but the meeting was mainly to approve the salary increase for the workers. All we need is proper documentation, we cannot afford to pay out all this money by just signing on a paper, we needs records,” the Mayor pointed out.

Meanwhile in another interview with the Acting Town Clerk, she maintained that the intention of the Mayor and his followers is

demands of a cash trap, mind you I said cash trap, non performing, inept council that has been unable to garner over 50 per cent of it budgeted revenue and which had found itself hard pressed to deliver basic services and maintain basic infrastructure, the demand is ridiculous,” he said.

Whittaker said that negotiations between the Council and the GLGOU have seen many uncalled for issues factoring into the bargaining process.

He maintained that the personnel training and the finance committee had arrived at a consensus, noting that the same process which led to the agreement for the increase in wages for the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) is the same process they are using to ensure that the GLGOU receive their increases.

The Minister made it clear that the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are looking more into matters that will benefit them and not the interest of the people, noting that the Council set preconditions for approval, including the increase of duty, travel allowances and gratuity payment to Councillors.

ing said that he will not be approving a salary increase without any proper documentation. Green noted that he had sent numerous letters to the Acting Town Clerk requesting formal talks concerning the salary increase, all of which she ignored.

The City Mayor said subsequently to his dispatch of letters, Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba sent around a sheet of paper for Councillors to sign, which was to serve as approval for the salary increase, but the Mayor said that was unacceptable.

He further noted that he sent Sooba another letter on Monday, stating that he will be calling a meeting on today, but she rubbished the letter saying she will not be involved in any meeting.

The Mayor said the purpose for the meeting was to approve the salary increase since he cannot afford to allow millions of dollars to be paid out, just by signing one piece of paper.

“The disrespect continues with this woman, and it’s a shame that the honourable Minister interprets thing the wrong way, after the Town Clerk had send

Chief Librarian Gillian Thompson remembered

– family sets up literacy foundation in her honour

Almost one year to the day she died, Chief Librarian Gillian Thompson was remembered in a ceremony at the National Library as a great asset in Guyana’s fight against illiteracy.

Family, friends and coworkers honoured the vibrant woman, who gave her life to ensuring the education of Guyana’s youths and making sure everyone in her vicinity wore a smile. Thompson was killed on Tuesday, December 24, 2013, in a twovehicle accident at the corner of New Garden and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive on her way.

Petamber Persaud, Chairman of the National Library Committee and a man known for his unique way with words, was at a loss on Monday when he tried to reflect on the great contributions of Thompson, a woman

to benefit themselves. Sooba noted that she had already done her part it is now up to the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor to decide if they will suffer the workers or if they approved their increases.

The Acting Town Clerk said that most of the ‘talks’ that the Mayor is speaking about are being conducted by the Deputy Mayor, adding that this should not be, since the Deputy Mayor is just an ordinary Councillor.

Also speaking to Guyana Times was President of the Guyana Local Government Union (GLGOU) Dale Beresford who vented his frustration over the situation. Beresford said that he is disappointed at the behaviour of high ranking officials within the City Council, noting that the approval of just one paper should not be going through all the back and forth process.

As a result of the salary increase not being approved, workers attached to the GLGOU have since gone on strike, resulting in the closure of two city markets and the Municipal Abattoir. The workers have said they will not return to work until they receive their increases.

with a unique sense of duty and consideration.

He reminisced that she was always on the go and much involved in accomplishing the goals of the National Library to educate youths, and this in itself had prevented him from getting to know her as much as he would have liked.

He spoke of a particular opportunity he had to share opinions on a number of topics while getting to know a remarkable woman that the Library will indeed miss.

Persaud said Guyana would have been a far better place if there were more persons like Thompson, who with her “personal touch” made lives better.

“If we can show that people matter, it will mean a whole lot to them, like Gillian did,” Persaud had posited.

In her remarks, acting Chief Librarian Emily King

elaborated at length on the many contributions of her late colleague, directly and indirectly, to youth literacy development.

Thompson’s brother, Clement, later informed those in attendance that Gillian will still continue to be a source of joy though the Gillian Thompson Literacy Fund (GTLF), which her family has set up in her honour in pursuance of her noble goal of getting persons to realise the joys of reading.

The foundation’s website lists it as a medium to positively impact the literacy of students, children and families, with particular focus on those aged 15 and below. Its mission is detailed as improving literacy by facilitating reading and writing success of students, children, and families across communities, regions, the nation and the global diaspora.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker pointing out some of the laws governing the Council and their involvement in approving and disapproving issues to media operatives at his office on Monday

The late Gillian Thompson contributed enormously to literacy in Guyana through her work at the National Library

Minibus conductor charged with robbery under arms on $200,000 bail

Joel Prescott, a minibus conductor, who resides at Lot 275 Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to a robbery under arms charge when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday morning.

The charge read that on November 28 at Georgetown, being in the company of another and armed with a knife, he robbed the Virtual Complainant (VC) Govinda Narine of two cellphones valued $115,000, one gold band valued $20,000, one gold chain valued $60,000 – a total value of $235,000 and the property of Narine.

Prescott asked the court for an opportunity to ex -

plain himself and it was granted. He narrated that on the day in question, he and the VC were sitting and some guys came up and robbed him. He also noted

that Narine told the Police that he (Prescott) was not involved in the robbery.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that an identification parade was

not carried out and objected to bail on the grounds of the penalty that the offence attracts. The Prosecutor further informed the court that Narine and Prescott are known to each other, adding that the defendant may tamper with the victim.

The prosecution’s objections were overruled and Magistrate McLennan told Prescott that the court was giving him the benefit of the doubt and was granting him his pre-trial liberty for the sum of $200,000. He was also ordered to report to the Brickdam Police Station every Friday, until the completion of the trial.

The unrepresented man will make his next court appearance on January 7, 2015, before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Fisherman accused of $3M robbery

Afather of 10 was granted $200,000 bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan on a break and enter and larceny charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, on Monday morning.

Rohan Phillip Khan, 53, of Lot 365 Section D, Non Pariel, East Coast

Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on December 11, at Hinck Street, Georgetown, he broke and entered Super Bets, Sport Betting Building and stole two safes containing $3 million, the property of Super Bets, Sport Betting. His Attorney told the

court that his client, who is a fisherman, denied the allegation against him and was willing to defend himself. He added that the Super Bet Sports Shop is new to Guyana and the safes are heavy, indicating that one man alone cannot lift one, much less two, as is the allegation against his client.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones did not oppose bail; however, he requested that bail be granted in a substantial amount. The defendant was ordered to submit his passport to the court and the matter was transferred before Magistrate Judy Latchman for January 5, 2015.

Ghanaian national fined $30,000 for illegal entry

AGhanaian national was fined $30,000 after being arraigned with an illegal entry charge when he appeared before by Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

Henry Vanderfly, 37, who is a trader by profession, ad-

mitted to the charge when it was read to him. The charge alleged that on November 29 at Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice, he entered Guyana by sea and failed to present himself to an immigration officer.

Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that the defendant came to Guyana

by means of boat but failed to present himself to an immigration officer. He further explained that the Police conducted a raid on December 13, in Dennis Street and found the defendant.

He was asked to produce his documents, which he failed to do.and further in-

vestigation was conducted hence the present offence.

The Ghanaian apologised to the court, saying he was sorry for entering Guyana illegally, adding that he recently moved in Suriname.

He was fined $30,000 and ordered to remain in Police custody until he reaches the nearest port of exit.

"Fat" talk is cheap...

...says Granger

If we didn't know better, we'd have thought David Granger made a "snap". He said all these proposals about constitutional change flying all over the place - is nothing more that "beer garden" talk!!! He was referring to the politician and ex-Company Secretary (Nigel Hughes), the (ex??) businessman (Yesu Persaud) and of course political gadfly and pot-salt Lalloo "Suspenders" Ram.

We can understand Granger's dissing Hughes (upstart hanging on to his wife's coat tails!!!) and Lalloo ("wannabe politician without the necessary cojones) but Persaud??!! Hey ...with elections nigh upon him, isn't he going to need DDL's contribution?? Even though Ramjattan and Nagamootoo, Granger's bête noire who want to oust him from the Opposition Leader's saddle, also are high pushing the Constitutional Change panacea, Granger couldn't possibly be dissing THEM. For that he'd have referred to "rum shop talk"!!!

Even though most of the spoutings from the chatterati are to show they are "high thinkers" ...all it does is make them look "high". We just can believe that a group of grown men would think that by making scribblings on paper they can solve Guyana’s political problems!! Just for a start, a good bit of these changes will need a 65 percent majority. Meaning that the PPP/C will have to be brought aboard. Now how the hell is this going to be done, when every single proposal has to do with getting the PPP/C out of office?? What's in it for the PPP/C?? Then how silly can the Changers be to suggest they'll get the ball rolling by clipping the powers of the President! Wasn't this done in 2000??? Did Hughes just wake up from a deep slumber?? But more importantly, forget the PPP/C: how're they gonna persuade Granger??

The man was a General for Chrissake!! If you think the powers of the President are over the top after the 2000 changes, you haven't read ANY army manual on Generals!! Those fellas are like GREEK Gods!! Unlike the President of the country, Generals can shoot their charges LEGALLY for disobeying their orders. Granger's never going to agree to a reduction of the powers of the Presidency once he thinks there's even the SLIGHTEST chance of him slipping into that position.

But this bunch of Constitution Changers are just literally a bunch of wankers. Or at best a bunch of armchair politicians. The sad truth is, they can change all laws they want - including the Constitution.

But since the Opposition politicians have shown they don't give a damn about Guyana - voters KNOW it's all about getting THEIR hands of power. Bun them!!!

...by AFC newbie

Out of the mouth of babes!!! A new Executive Member of the AFC, who like most of the others won his spurs by writing fervent letters to the press, wrote another that's VERY revealing. On the letter-writing qualification - don't forget that leader Ramjattan told Granger he doesn't need to show up at Square of the Revolution to protest. HIS revolution will be waged through letters and press releases!!

Anyhow back to the AFC newbie's letter. Fella confessed he "was astonished when Ramjattan talked about corruption"!! We understand. He obviously knows how corrupt Ramjattan is and doesn't think such a character should speak about corruption! The best he could say about Nagamootoo was his "sparkling opening speech". Nagamootoo's erstwhile comrades in the PPP/C always said that all Nagamootoo could do was "talk"!! Confirmation!!

Nigel Hughes talked about his obsession - Constitutional Change. But who was it that dismissed this as "beer garden talk"??

The newbie was understandably confused and referred to Cathy Hughes as "Sister". Maybe he thought he'd joined the WPA?

...with GPSU ultimatum

Someone pointed out that the GPSU's "48 hour" ultimatum had expired and the Government hadn't done anything. Wasn't it the GPSU that had to do something to be spared from being dubbed, "Christmas blow blow"??

Joel Prescott

GRA’s audit of Glenn Lall’s 'business'...

The money trail should lead to US Federal Prison

The State audit against Glenn Lall’s business, Kaieteur News, is still on the cards, officials at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) have confirmed.

Guyana Times was also told that any investigation over in the United States could lead to the funds that were allegedly used to pay for the two Lexus SUVs which Lall is accused of importing under the guise of the Government-run Remigrant Scheme. He can face jail time in the US.

Recently, the Government had said that Lall was running scared of the impending audit of his business, adding that in anticipation of the GRA audit, which is a statutory obligation of the Authority carried out on a routine basis on taxpayers, KN had resorted to fabrication, hacking of email exchanges.

The state audit was prompted by a series of alleged shady practices by Lall, none more glaring than the importation of two luxury vehicles through a US-based couple under the Remigrant Scheme. Lall; his wife, Bhena; and the USbased couple are currently jointly charged with knowingly committing fraudulent evasion of import duties. The charge stated that between June 18, 2013 and September 21, 2013, together with others unknown at Lot 200-201 Camp Street, Georgetown, they knowing-

ly aided and abetted each other, in the fraudulent evasion of import duties of customs due and payable to the Revenue Authority on two Lexus LX 570 motor vehicles with engine capacity 5700 cc, and chassis numbers JTJHY7AX6 D4094851 and JTJHY7AX6 D4096745.

The Lalls are charged jointly with two counts of knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the Revenue Authority of duties on the said motor vehicles. The particulars of the offence read that between June 18, 2013 and August 30, 2014, at Lot 110 Regent Street, Georgetown, they knowingly dealt with goods with intent to defraud the Revenue Authority of duties on the two vehicles.

US businesses

Guyana Times was told that Lall operates numerous others questionable businesses as a front to shield his shady money, as well as ownership of several properties in Guyana and the United States. Reports are that Lall or his wife, or both in some cases, reportedly owned, or used to own, four properties in Liberty Avenue, Lefferts Boulevard, Hollis and Sutter Avenue in New York.

Lall also only recently sold the property on Lefferts Boulevard for close to US$500,000 in August in what appears to be an effort to get rid of some of the ‘assets’ in his or his wife’s name before any audit is conducted.

According to information received, Lall is also desperately trying to sell

the

Guyana Times has a picture of the property with the ‘for sale’ sign bearing his wife’s name. Lall also reportedly owns a commercial building in Coral Gables, Florida, where he runs a business operation which is not making a profit currently. Three other businesses are believed to exist under the names Bhena and Glenn Investments, Bhena Lall Inc and Bhena’s Footwear Inc in the United States and each of them seems not to be generating a profit. Lall also paid US$1 million in cash for a property on Regent Street, Georgetown, making it a pattern of paying for the properties he owns in US dollars (cash), said one Guyana Times source. Over the years, Lall has also acquired a number of properties in Guyana, totalling in value of over G$2 billion. He also recently opened a confectionary factory in the name of his daughter, saying the investment was worth US$2 million.

Questions have surfaced as to whether the primary income from his newspaper operations and Bhena’s Footwear could legitimately generate all that money to fund all the schemes with which he is allegedly involved.

Commissioner General of the GRA Khurshid Sattaur, had launched a probe into alleged tax fraud involving the importation of two vehicles by a remigrant couple. Lall at one time had resorted to blackmail by hacking emails and printing them in his newspaper.

Cop accused of stealing prisoner’s lotto ticket

Aman who was refused bail of Monday by Magistrates Rabindranauth Singh is accusing the Police of stealing his lotto ticket.

Collin Park, 44, of Kingston, Corriverton, Corentyne, Berbice, appeared before Magistrates Rabindranauth Singh and Charlyn Artiga at the Whim Magistrate’s Court on Monday to answer a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that

on December 11 at Number 77 Village, he had in his possession a narcotic, that is to say, 36 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. The defendant told the court “Your Worship, the Police stop me an search me on the road an din find anything,” adding that he was harassed, resulting in his clothes being torn.

“Afterwards when I look fo mi lotto ticket, it come out ah mi pocket.”

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sherriff told the court a different story. He said that the defendant was driving

motor vehicle PLL 3085 when he was stopped by Police. “He acted in a suspicious manner and was instructed to drive to the Springlands Police Station.”

According to Sherriff, that is where the search was carried out and the accused had a transparent plastic bag with suspected cocaine in his pants crotch.

Parks, who was unrepresented, will return to court on January 12. The matter has been transferred to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.

tuesday, december 16, 2014

AHI debunks KN article on Marriott equity

Atlantic Hotel Inc (AHI) on Monday debunked another report by the Kaieteur News, this time under the caption “Locals want $8M Marriott equity,” in its Thursday December 11, edition.

According to AHI, the information peddled in the article is “untrue and completely misrepresents the facts.”

According to the Kaieteur News article, NICIL has turned down a ground of local investors who had demonstrated an interest in participating in the project.

“The publication of this article itself serves to emphasise the deliberate policy of Kaieteur News to ignore the facts which have already been published in the media, including in its own newspaper, on the process of selecting the investor, and the announcement of the arrangements already in place many months ago. It underlines the absolute failure of Kaieteur News to publish objectively and truthfully and the newspaper’s determination to continue to publish miss-information on the investment in this project,” AHI said as it lashed out at the newspaper.

It was pointed out that since 2009, when the hotel project was first envisaged, Government advertised for partners to design and implement the project. With Marriott announcing its decision to operate the hotel in 2010, AHI published both internationally and locally, a series of advertisements, on 12 separate occasions, between January and March 2012, setting out the terms and conditions for an investor or investors calling for expressions of interest to participate in AHI’s Marriott Hotel Project Private Equity.

The advertisements were also placed with all of the Government’s embassies and consulates.

“The advertisements invited bids for one or more participants to invest in 67 per cent of AHI’s equity in the Marriott Hotel Project for an amount of US$8 million with the Government of Guyana, through NICIL, owning 33 per cent of AHI’s equity from an investment of US$4 million.”

The information contained in the advertisements was made available to the National Assembly by the Finance Minister in a detailed response to questions submitted by the Opposition parties in March of 2012. On that occasion, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh undertook to provide Parliament with a closed door presentation of the Feasibility Study, independently conducted in 2010 by HVS Consulting and Valuation.

However in May, 2014, AHI and Republic Bank Limited, responsible for concluding the arrangement of the US$27 million in debt financing for the Hotel Project, jointly announced the names of the investor.

“The opportunity, therefore, for a local investor or investors to participate in the ownership of equity in the Marriott Hotel Project has been in the public domain, in fact, since 2009 without the submission of a single serious proposal from a local investor.”

According to AHI, nothing has changed since then, positing that it had not received a single serious professionally documented proposal from any source, local or otherwise, in response to its advertisements up until an agreement was entered into with the current investor.

“Interestingly, the Kaieteur (News) report coincides with correspondence recently received by NICIL from a person identifying himself as Guyanese living in Canada, purportedly acting as a broker and requesting information about the possibility of investing in the hotel project. The individual concerned has received a response pointing out that the opportunity for investing in the hotel project had been advertised extensively over the last few years and that an investor has since been announced.”

one on Sutter Avenue.

An aerial view of the Marriott hotel under construction on Kingston

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

One of the vehicles which were seized as part of the investigations into Glenn Lall’s alleged criminal activity

Country’s fundamental principles sacrosanct – Rohee

Barring claims by Opposition Leader David Granger that the Constitution needs to be strengthened, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Clement Rohee said the country’s fundamental principles are not to be tampered with.

He also fired back at the Opposition Leader for even suggesting that ordinary citizens were left out of the consultation process during the last reformation.

Rohee was addressing journalists at his weekly press conference on Monday, where he pointed out that his party has taken umbrage in the utterances of the APNU’s leader, who sought to imply that the ruling party has not been meeting with the people.

“It is a slap in the face of Guyanese and their representatives, all of whom spent countless hours to put together the amended 2001 Constitution which has become acceptable to all, unlike the imposed 1980 Constitution. The current Constitution between 1999 and 2001 has benefitted from numerous consultations from a wide crosssection where religious organisations and cultural organisations participated,” Rohee told reporters.

Opposition Leader David Granger last Friday had bashed the Government for not “hearing the voices of the people”.

“We need to move away from the beer garden talks and find out from the people themselves what re-

forms they really want. We can’t have a cut and paste Constitution, we have to meet the people and hear what they want.”

Granger said many issues surrounded the fact that many of the reforms which were recommended in 2001 have not yet been implemented.

“So we need experts, we need to go back to the people to find out what they themselves want. Not what was discussed in some ‘beer garden’.”

Overhaul

He concluded that his party, after election, would be pressing for a complete overhaul of the Constitution.

But Rohee said the Constitutions are not to be tampered with “whimsically or capriciously” simply because of political disagreements on issues of governance or because of

the “powers of a Head of State”.

He related that if such were to be, then the people should have the last say.

“At some point in time, the people will have to decide on whether they want constitutional changes and reform again after 13 years and we will always have to have a two-third majority in the Parliament. Government and Opposition will have to be at one as they were in 1999 and 2001.”

In fact, the party’s General Secretary reasoned that compared to other parts of the world, Guyana today has one of the more “advanced Constitutions in our region, if not beyond, which is a far cry from what has been described as a messy, horrible and a 17th Century Constitution, and therefore at complete odds at the suggestion of the need for

a new Constitution where all fundamental rights are clearly defined”.

He maintained that the 2001 amended Constitution is one of the better ones too because of the nationwide consultations conducted by the Committee back then, seeking out the views of the people.

“That was done between 1999 and 2001 and we spoke to the people and got the views of the people and organisations. It was debated in the National Assembly and was later adopted in 2001. That says there was national consensus on the present Constitution,” Rohee said.

He pointed out that there is no “perfect Constitutions” and in order for any change to come, there must be a two-third majority in the Parliament.

“Many people are cognisant of the fact that there is no perfect Constitution in the world. No perfect Constitution. Many other countries around the world have changed their Constitution. Not because there are differences in political views on how the governance institution ought to function, we must run to reform the Constitution to make these changes,” Rohee told reporters.

Nagga does hear whah no body else can’t hear

After all de confusion bout pole sharin by G-Pee-Hell and G-Tea-an-Tea, one man gone and get de shock of he life pun a G-Pee-Hell pole. Thank God fuh de young man, it look as if he okay fuh now. Old people does seh all’s well that ends well.

Hopefully G-Pee-Hell gon look after de man, although dem don’t look after no body. Even a union get chase out de other day, so imagine whah does happen to de wuk men. Dindhaal was ready to blame G-Tea-an-T, but he suddenly realise that dem R-Kay phones don’t wuk wid current, or in fact dem don’t wuk at all in most places.

Nuff man does wanna talk bout pole, but this was one pole Dindhaal wish he didn’t know any ting bout. Is when he try to pull a fast one pun he boss man Brass Man, he realise that he had to back track and tek blame fuh de pole.

Well, talk bout boss man and back track, Rum Jhaat been all de way to he home county to collect a so-called award fuh he boss man. Well, is not technically he boss man, but whenever that boss man seh jump, Rum Jhaat does have to ask how high.

And this Rum Jhaat is a man who had wanna be de Prezzi fuh this country. Well, at least he try a ting and he realise he ain’t fit a ting at de last elections. Now fuh de next elections he tryin a different ting wid a different ting, which is de Nagga ting.

Nagga was de man who seh de late Prezzi Cheddi had tell he before he dead that de next Prezzi supposed to be he...that is, de Nagga Man. Apparently, only de Nagga Man hear that ting whah he claim Prezzi Cheddi tell he.

It mean that de Nagga ting got to have some real big ears to hear whah no body else hear.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! That musbe de reason Prezzi give he a name in Berbice! Is de ears!

Odyssey Transport Services hosts children’s party

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Odyssey Transport Services Feroze Barakat and family recently spread cheer and joy to over one thousand children at their annual Christmas party held on Sunday at their Meten Meer Zorg, West Coast Demerara residence.

A similar exercise was held at the company’s Jet Boat Port (wharf) at Lookout, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. The children were treated to toys, food and goodies by Santa.

According to Barakat, his family and company always look forward

to the festive time of the year when they are given a chance to put smiles on the face of the children. He also noted that in this year’s event, he has seen more children and reiterated his commitment to host the activity on a yearly basis.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

Santa with a child at the party last Sunday

Community representative says Plaisance remains vigilant on NDC, land issues

Plaisance residents who have been up in arms over the use of their backlands by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the operations of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) are keeping an eye on the situation.

Just over two months ago, villagers protested over what they said was Government’s attempt, through the Agriculture Ministry, to seize their backlands despite the known history of the community. They also accused the Government, through the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, of trying to impose an overseer on the community.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Plaisance Community Representative Shawn Austin urged leaders and members of communities across the country to be vigilant and protect the lands which belong to them.

According to reports, Police had carried out an eviction exercise while squatters on the backlands were asleep. More reports suggested that women and children were also assaulted in the process. Fearing for their lives, the squatters left.

Austin, speaking to Guyana Times on Friday, said: “We are calling on other villages because it is quite appalling to know that several communities are facing similar problems...

We are asking community leaders to protect what belongs to them.

“Our ancestors bought this land, the land of Plaisance was bought by 65 freed slaves and we have to make our ancestors proud. And at no time, we will allow them to turn in their graves,” the community representative declared during one of a series of protest actions in October.

Apart from the Police intimidating the more than 400 squatters who were occupying the backlands, residents contend that the Agriculture Ministry permitted GuySuCo to flood their backlands. They, however, remain resolute in the face of these challenges, maintaining that they would not surrender.

Villagers have organised a series of meetings aimed at strengthening the community’s capacity to defend

their rights and promote self-sustenance and entrepreneurship.

Questioned about the way forward now that there has been a lull in protest activity and Government appears to be reviewing the situation, Austin said while there may be calm at the moment, “the protest has not stopped in Plaisance; when one protests, one protests against the illegality of the system”.

“We are still vigilant and looking on,” he stressed. Austin noted that since the protests started, the Sugar Corporation has also declared that it was no longer interested in two portions of the land in question. “So in that right, we are comfortable,” he said.

He reminded that villagers had received all necessary documentation from an office in London, England about the boundaries of the

village and its environs. He said too that community members are still working on other issues pertaining to the development of the village.

The situation in Plaisance sparked major condemnation from sections of society, including APNU Leader David Granger, who had said that the crisis pointed to “the rotten state of the local government system as a whole” and called for an investigation into the matter.

Granger had bashed Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker, who he said had failed to consult with residents of the community before instituting changes. “And as far as APNU is concerned, we call for an investigation into the circumstances under which those decisions were made and for greater consultation between the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry and the community,” Granger had said.

“We have called for more information and we are in general support of the residents of that community and we feel that if there were better communication between the two sides then we would not have had the crisis that we have here.”

Granger had also demanded that an investigation be carried out to confirm to whom the lands in dispute really belong.

Whittaker had later met with residents to iron out some of the issues.

Fear still exists after post-elections period – Dr Thomas

Guyana National Civil Society Council (GNCSC)

Chairman and Cofounder, Dr Phillip Thomas said there are many issues in society which are yet to be fixed, particularly when it comes to building trust.

Addressing the media during a press conference on Monday, Dr Thomas pointing out that many persons are still fearful of victimisation after elections.

“In order to maintain peaceful, sustainable, democratic processes, civil society individuals are required to play a role to ensure sovereignty belongs to us. Historically, we’ve never guarded our sovereignty, we have always relinquished it.”

He said many persons flee the country out of fear, under what he termed as “forced migration” owing to the post-electoral atmosphere.

With the formation of a Civil Society Council, he said efforts will be made to safe guard and protect the fundamental rights of society in order for Guyanese to enjoy a better life.

Asked if the GNCSC will be the new GUARD, an organisation formed by now Prime Minister Samuel Hinds in the 1990s, which later formed the civic component of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr Thomas said: “I would see to that to some extent that sovereignty belongs to us. So yes, this civil society, the formation of this Civil Society Council will now step into their fiduciary duties, roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and protecting what they have been doing all along, their fundamental rights to have a better life in this country.”

The Council is slated to have 62 members, who will be mandated to speak in unison as they represent the collective interest of civil society in accordance with the law.

During a sensitisation exercise, where over 400 organisations were registered, many entities have submitted names of who they think have potential to serve in such a capacity, to be a part of the Council.

“When a name was submitted, it is a potential nominee. The individuals, if they’re going to accept, they will be present at the summit.”

Subsequently, the body will present the final list of Council members, which will then be published.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Dr Thomas explained that the GNCPP has recognised the deficiency in Guyana’s society and has since been taking corrective steps.

One of those steps is the formation of a standard representing body for civil society organisations, which is to be discussed and finalised at a three-day summit slated for Wednesday to Friday at the Liliendaal International Conference Centre, Greater Georgetown.

Dr Thomas pointed out that exhaustive efforts were made to ensure members of the 10th Parliament are invited to attend the summit where discussions can be made regarding the best interest of society.

The Guyana National Civil Society Council is a body under the Guyana National Council on Public Policy (GNCPP). Its aim is to take corrective steps to rid the many deficiencies in society.

Community Representative Shawn Austin

tuesDAY, December 16, 2014

One Mile Primary rebuilding: Committee says money well spent

Members of the Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice)

Rebuild Our Future Committee said monies garnered since its establishment in 2012 were satisfactorily spent, as it continues to be involved in community development projects.

The Committee said a total of $6.5 million was garnered towards the establishment of the “Rebuild our Future Programme” following the July 2012 protests which saw the torching of several prominent buildings in Linden, including the One-Mile Primary School.

Committee Chairman Maurice Butters speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, said the body was not only tasked with rebuilding the school, but also establishing research centres in Linden and construction of the July 18 Martyrs Monument Park, among other projects.

Work on the region’s television station is about 60 per cent complete.

He disclosed that a total of $97,795 remains from the sum that was collected by the Committee from public-spirited citizens across Guyana and the diaspora, towards the rebuilding effort.

In a release, the Committee said it has a responsibility to society to account to citizens for its performance and how the monies accrued are being spent.

“Having experienced public officials failing to account, this Committee has taken a deliberate position to be different and vow that appropriate audited accounts shall be provided for public scrutiny,” it stated.

Butters, along with other members, including Debbie Evelyn (Secretary) and Alishaw Barker in an effort to update the public on progress of the works of the Committee, said it has been engaged in several community enhancement projects.

“… we believe in accountability. When we took the oath of office in 2012, that was one of our foremost outlines, to be accountable to

the people of the region…. We have fulfilled our obligation to have our accounts audited,” Butters said.

He added: “There has been the establishment of reading and research centres, two of which have been completed as we set a goal for 10 to be placed in different locations of the region. These centres will contribute immensely to a more informed society… are outfitted with computers, books and an area for basic needs training. We have begun work in Christianburg and have already identified two other locations. These projects are being funded by kind-hearted persons, both locally and overseas…”

Assessment

Butters said an assessment of funds is expected to be carried out for the research centres, where the cost for each will be assessed.

In response to a question as to why the Committee did not release the information earlier, Butters said members of the Committee have other responsibilities, apart from the rebuild programme, which poses a challenge.

“We had to wait until we were able to meet, get someone to go through our accounts, to prepare the accounts, after having it prepared, we had to get someone to audit it and we had to depend on these persons to do these things.”

He said the decision to have the accounts audited was a conscious one taken by the Committee so that the information could be made public.

The rebuilding effort began in 2012 with the reconstruction of the OneMile Primary School where Lindeners sought to rebuild the school through self-help.

Some 500 persons were involved in contributing their services during the weekends.

According to members of the Committee, persons who volunteered technical services were given a stipend, paid from the monies which

Police, Berbice businesses “holding one head” on crime fight

The West Berbice Chambers of Commerce (WBCC) recently met with senior officers of B (Berbice) and C (East Coast Demerara) Divisions to discuss matters of security, particularly during the festive season.

Some of the pressing issues affecting the business community included the Police’s slow response to crime, infrequent patrols, robbery, drug trafficking and traffic-related issues.

WBCC President Shabeer Baksh said the business community was concerned by the manner in which the Police operate.

were accumulated.

The project moved at a snail’s pace before it went to a standstill. Government took a decision to rebuild the school to the tune of $165 million and the Committee has decided to utilise some of the funds towards the technological enhancement of the school after it is completed.

It also intends on utilising the sections where the self-help reconstruction had commenced, for the establishment of a research centre for One-Mile Primary School students.

Some 95 per cent of the persons who were involved in the self-help effort are employed on the reconstruction of the school, the Committee said.

The Committee was selected through the guidance of Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon, who is expected to deliver a statement on Wednesday.

He made reference to two recent robberies in the area and the lengthy period it took the Police to arrive. Baksh noted that several calls were made to the Police Station, but the line was busy most of the time.

Addressing the issue, Deputy Commander of B Division Marlon Chapman said at the time of the incident, only one patrol vehicle was available.

He said it is an excellent opportunity for the business community and Police to work hand-in-hand and any assistance from the Private Sector to address the issue of inadequate transportation is most welcome.

In response, one member of the chambers said he was willing to provide a vehicle to assist the Police in patrols.

Other members of the chambers also said they would assist in raising money to purchase additional vehicles as they believe with

more vehicles, the Police would be able to respond to crime faster.

The chambers also raised questions about the Force’s plan for the holiday season. To this, the B Division Deputy Commander posited that the Police have intensified patrols, both on foot and vehicle throughout both divisions.

Further, the Police have been conducting regular raids, search and drug eradication exercises, which to date have been fruitful. Another concern raised by members, include the shortage of staff at the Blairmont Police Station.

The chambers also believe that when activities are held at the Rosignol Stelling, many crimes are committed, and residents who live in proximately are affected by the noise nuisance.

Put a stopping They called on the authorities to stop shows at the venue.

Deputy Commander Chapman in response said the issue regarding the shortage of ranks will be raised with the Force’s senior managers.

However, he noted that only recently, the station received a boost with three senior officers.

Additionally, one recommendation made by the Force was for the business community to equip their premises with surveillance cameras since this is a known method to thwart illegal activities.

“I believe everyone is sat-

isfied one way or the other, we are here to support the chambers and the community on the whole and we need the support from you guys too, I always say it’s a handin-hand thing, we work together; hence, we have the requisite success. I want to emphasise if you think at the lower level there is a breach of confidence, use the phone and call us directly. We must trust each other so not because the junior ranks erred means we do too, you trust us and we deliver,” Deputy Commander Chapman said.

WBCC President Shabeer Baksh said, “We are here because we see it right if the chambers could work together with the Police Force, we could see in what manner we could move forward in a positive and effective direction.”

Meanwhile, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Chairman Bindraban Bisnauth complimented the recently resuscitated chambers.

“By putting yourself in a body, you can now have more interaction and dialogue, you can move mountains, this first dialogue will go a long way, not forgetting the three Ps Public Private Partnership, that is what we are advocating, once we can have the Public Private Partnership, we can move to greater heights. I want to pledge the RDC [Regional Democratic Council] support wherever possible.”

The meeting concluded with both groups pledging to support each other in fighting crime.

Caribbean banks urge Govts to sign on to FATCA

The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) has strongly urged Governments in the region, which have not yet completed the process towards a signed Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) under the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) with the US to do so speedily before December 31.

FATCA was enacted by the USA to target non-compliance by US taxpayers using foreign accounts. FATCA requires Foreign Financial Institutions (FFIs) to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) information about financial accounts held by US taxpayers, or by foreign entities in which US taxpayers hold a substantial ownership interest.

The impact of FATCA is far-reaching and affects any person, US or foreign, who

is involved in making or receiving payments that fall within the scope of FATCA.

Failure to comply with FATCA could result in a 30 per cent withholding tax levied on withholdable payments. It may also result in the potential loss of correspondent banking relationships for banks, which are critical to facilitate business transactions with the US.

IGAs make it easier for partner countries to comply with the provisions of FATCA. Under an IGA, FFIs in partner jurisdictions will be able to report directly to a local competent authority; who in turn will report to the IRS.

The latest IRS announcement states that, after December 31, countries that have not signed an IGA will only be treated as jurisdictions with an “IGA in effect” provided that they demon-

strate “firm resolve” to sign the intended IGA as soon as possible.

The US Treasury will review the list of jurisdictions having an agreement in substance (but not yet signed), on a monthly basis, to assess whether any of the jurisdictions should be removed from this list.

Caribbean countries affected by this announcement include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

Financial institutions in the region have spent the last few years making the necessary preparations to ensure that they are ready to comply with FATCA. It is now time for their governments to support this work by moving quickly to com-

plete the process of establishing a signed IGA with the US.

Caribbean Association of Banks Inc is a community of banks and other financial institutions in the Caribbean/ Caricom region, which provides opportunities for discussion on issues impacting the regional banking/financial services community as well as for the sharing of experiences and networking.

CAB is an organisation dedicated to the advocacy of national and institutional adherence to AML/CFT. It recommends and supports full compliance with the AML/CFT standards in order to protect all financial systems, within the region, from ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks offering ongoing training and education for its members.

Rebuild Our Future Committee Chair Maurice Butters and Committee members Alishaw Barker (centre) and Debbie Evelyn at the press briefing on Saturday

Rice farmers owed $3B ... despite exports topping 500,000

With Guyana’s rice exports expected to exceed 500,000 tonnes for 2014, it’s troubling to know more than $3 billion is still owed to farmers.

Addressing a press conference at his Regent Street Office, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy disclosed that harvesting for 2014 is 99 per cent complete, with a production of 633,000 tonnes of rice; 100,000 tonnes more than in 2013.

As of Friday, rice export stood at 481,000 tonnes but this is likely to exceed 500,000 tonnes by December 31. It was explained that several shipments are set for this weekend and the coming week, in compliance with contractual agreements.

Initially, it was projected that the industry would

ly to small farmers. “These millers need to be more vigilant in their payments,” the Agriculture Minister lamented.

The Agriculture Ministry will be hosting a meeting this week with farmers to facilitate the establishment of a payment plan.

Additionally, the Ministry has distributed 7000 tonnes of fertilisers to millers for farmers at the cost of $5000 a bag.

“This will ensure that some of what the millers owe to the farmers is discounted through this process, farmers themselves would not have to pay,” Minister Ramsammy said.

Though Guyana continues to surpass the set production targets on an annual basis, the towering cost associated with rice production continues to cripple its

have produced approximately 614,000 tonnes of rice while exporting 461,000 tonnes.

Minister Ramsammy further disclosed that the sale of paddy by farmers would have exceeded $45 billion, with export earnings standing at US$250 million. However, he expressed disappointment that some millers are still indebted to farmers.

“As of Friday, we have an outstanding payment of about $3.5 billion from the millers to farmers. I am hoping that at least half of the amount would be paid off this week,” said an optimistic Dr Ramsammy.

He said while approximately $43 billion of the $45 billion has been paid to farmers for 2014, the outstanding $3.5B is still a significant amount, especial-

tonnes

into our domain and that represents a major challenge for us,” the Agriculture Minister said as he sounded an alarm for Guyana to take stock.

The Minister said that while Guyana has the ability to expand its premium market share, the cost of production must be addressed, in an effort to withstand the challenges within the global industry.

Prior to 2010, Europe was the largest importer of Guyana’s rice, but subsequent to an agreement between former President of Guyana Bharrat Jagdeo and the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, 70 per cent of the country’s rice and paddy went to Venezuela. At the time, Venezuela was buying the rice at better prices.

Market recovery

Dr Ramsammy recalled that back in 2010, many rice farmers and millers abandoned their Caribbean and European markets when Venezuela started to tap into 70 per cent of Guyana’s rice and paddy industry. In an effort to cushion the impact, over the past year, Guyana was forced to recover some of those abandoned markets while expanding its market share. Haiti, Panama and Belize are among the new importers of Guyana’s rice and paddy, while negotiations continue with Guatemala and several African countries.

In 2013, the country produced approximately 535,000 tonnes of rice, of which 395,000 tonnes were exported, raking in approximately US$240 million in revenue.

GPL worker survives electrocution

– NAACIE calls for stringent intervention with GPL

AGuyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) employee was left hanging from a utility pole on Sunday at Cinema Road, Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, after he came into contact with a live wire while performing his duties.

According to reports, the man who was rendered unconscious was rushing to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) by coworkers who came to his aid. He was treated and sent away.

The power company and their workers Unions, the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), are currently in the midst of a feud as GPL refuses to meet with the unions to conduct joint-negotiations concerning its workers.

General Secretary of NAACIE, Kenneth Joseph has since proclaimed that GPL is afraid of the combined power of the unions because they continue to do “nonsense” as it relates to their workers.

Speaking with Guyana Times after this incident, Joseph declared that this is the kind of “nonsense” he is referring to and noted that it is a grave matter that needs intervention from higher heads.

“The Ministry or just somebody needs to intervene,” Joseph said.

Firstly, Joseph noted that GPL often sends workers into the field without any “proper” training, adding that that is totally unac-

ceptable.

He also noted that it is “ridiculous” that only one person was there on the pole.

The General Secretary declared the situation a “lucky one”, as he pointed out other instances where persons died or were severely injured due to such or similar instances.

According to reports reaching his publication, the matter is being investigated to determine how exactly the man was electrocuted.

Meanwhile, unions have been trying for more than a year now to jointly negotiate with GPL, but the compa-

ny never accepted such requests.

However, according to a statement from GPL, there is nothing in the existing collective labour agreements with the unions, or in the laws of Guyana that require the power company to agree to joint negotiations.

GPL maintained that it has “distinct and separate Collective Bargaining Agreements with each of the two unions”, noting too that each union has distinct certificates of recognition as sole bargaining agents for different categories of workers.

Millions of youths out of decent work – ILO ... because of lack of tertiary education

Yability to compete on the world market.

“The rice industry’s biggest challenge is finding the right market. We can sell but for us to sell we have to compete against Thailand and Vietnam at prices that are not favourable to us, so the issue is finding the right market and reducing the cost of production,” Dr Ramsammy had explained to a Parliamentary Committee earlier this year.

But even as Guyana struggles to reduce the cost of production, the big producers of rice on the world market are creeping in on the Region’s market share, placing the country at greater risk.

“While Guyana has focused entirely on premium price market, some of our world market price competitors are beginning to enter

outh with post-secondary education living in middle and low-income countries have a much higher chance of finding a decent job than those with only secondary or primary education, said a new ILO publication “Is education the solution to decent work for youth in developing economies?”

Building on the results of school-to-work transition surveys conducted in 28 countries worldwide in 2012-2013, the study highlights that having the highest level of education “serves as a fairly dependable guarantee” towards securing a formal job.

On average, eight in 10 (83 per cent) young people with post-secondary education were in non-vulnerable employment in the 27 low-to-upper middle income countries examined.

The “guarantee” was slightly less prominent among low-income countries, but still 75 per cent of

young workers with university degrees managed to find a paid job.

Completing secondary education is not enough to ensure that youth in low-income countries achieve better labour market outcomes.

Only four in 10 young secondary-school graduates were engaged in non-vulnerable employment, compared to seven in 10 in lower and middle-income countries.

More worrisome is that among the low-income countries in the study, one in four young people has no education at all. In some countries, the share of uneducated young people is as high as one-half.

“Increasing the level of education of the emerging workforce in developing countries will not in itself ensure the absorption of higher skilled workers into non-vulnerable jobs,” warned Theo Sparreboom, author of the study.

“Yet, it is clear that continuing to push forth un-

dereducated, under-skilled youth into the labour market is a no-win situation, both for the young person who remains destined for a ‘hand-to-mouth existence’ based on vulnerable employment, and for the economy which gains little in terms of boosting its labour productivity potential,” he added.

The study also points out that the nature of “skills mismatch” varies a lot between advanced and low-income economies. In advanced economies, “mismatch” often refers to “over-education”, that is, the difficulty to absorb higher skilled young people who then take up jobs for which they are overqualified.

On the contrary, in lowincome economies, the main concern remains the “undereducation” of young workers who have no option but to take vulnerable jobs in the informal economy. The lack of education is largely fuelled by poverty, since youth do not attend school

because they cannot afford the costs or because they need to work to help their families. The lack of education feeds the perpetuation of poverty across generations, as unskilled workers earn lower wages and are unable to fund the schooling of their children.

“The report confirms the role of education in shaping labour market outcomes of young people. It also highlights the need for more investments in quality education, from primary through academic levels,” said Azita Berar Awad, Director of the Employment Policy Department of the ILO.

The study is part of the Work4Youth project, a fiveyear partnership between the ILO Youth Employment Programme and The MasterCard Foundation that aims to promote decent work opportunities for young men and women through knowledge and action.

The GPL employee hanging from utility pole in Melanie Damishana, ECD

A farmer harvesting the field

Rice being exported to Venezuela

Montrose supermarket robbery... Wanted cop, accomplice shot dead by Police

By Jomo Paul

Police Monday night

mortally wounded two bandits – one of them Warren Blue, a former Policeman who was wanted for the slaying of Agricola teen Shaquille Grant back in 2012. The men were killed during a confrontation in the Montrose, East Coast Demerara area shortly after they had shot and injured the owner of Lahago Supermarket following a robbery at the business place.

The attack on the business would be a cause for concern for citizens as well as the business community as it comes just one week after a large gang invaded Sterling Products Limited, Providence, East Bank Demerara, killing a security guard and seriously wounding another staff. Police are yet to find the perpetrators of that attack.

Meanwhile, the other dead bandit is yet to be identified and is of East Indian descent, the Police said in a statement. The incident all began to unfold about 19:00h when the two men armed with guns entered the supermarket and held up the owner Latchmie Baburam, 52, of Montrose. The perpetrators took $140,000 from the woman during which time she was shot and

wounded to her left foot.

Public-spirited members of the community and Police ranks who responded quickly to the report confronted the perpetrators during which the two suspects were fatally shot. Two unlicensed .32 Taurus pistols with five rounds were recovered by the Police along with a number of .32 spent shells. The bodies are at the Lyken Funeral Parlour. Baburam has been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital and the investigation continues.

Police in October 2012 had issued wanted bulletins for Blue and another rank Jamal Lewis, the two ranks involved in the Agricola shooting that left

17-year-old Shaquille Grant dead on September 11. Both had been absent from court since the case had been first called.

The Police said that Blue’s last known address is Lot 30 Second Street, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. Blue stood at 171 cm, was medium built and brown in complexion. Lewis is also said to be of African descent. His last known address is South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara; he’s thin built and stands at 5’7?.

On Tuesday, arrest warrants were issued for Blue and Lewis by Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Grant was shot three times – to the head, chest

and abdomen. The ranks reportedly said they received information that Grant and his friends, who were at the time of the shooting seated under a shed in a yard in Agricola, were plotting an armed robbery. The Police surrounded the yard and it was during this time that Grant was shot dead; one of his friends was shot in the head but survived. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had advised that the three ranks be charged for Grant’s death.

Large crowd

Meanwhile, when Guyana Times visited the scene, a large crowd had

converged on the public road discussing the crime.

In addition to Baburam, her daughter Anupia along with two other employees were roughed up and beaten in their heads. Up to press time, they were all at the Georgetown Public Hospital receiving treatment.

Guyana Times understands that the men arrived in a dark-coloured vehicle and parked in an unlit street adjacent to the supermarket. They then proceeded to force their way in, pointing the guns at the four women.

According to one of the employees, the men asked for cash and started beating the older Baburam. At this point, her daughter rushed to her aid but was gunbutted to the head while her mother was shot in the thigh. During the scuffle a silent alarm was triggered, which alerted ranks at nearby police stations who responded to the alarm.

Confrontation

On arrival the lawmen were greeted by gunfire from the men who were still in the store. According to witnesses, both the Guyana Police Force and MMC security officials responded with gunfire shooting the unidentified man in the process.

Witnesses say that it was not until a while after everyone thought the shoot-

ing had subsided that Blue emerged from a cupboard in the store opening fire on the Police officers.

Blue, who was decked out in a yellow T-Shirt and hand gloves and a mask to complete his attire was shot by Police in return fire. During the second hail of bullets, onlookers, including media operatives, had to seek cover. A still shaken employee recounted that she had been employed with the business for over a year and this was the second time during her tenure that the establishment was stormed by gunmen.

Robbed six times

Meanwhile at the hospital, Baburam’s husband said that since opening his establishment in 2007, it has been robbed six times.

According to Hemat Baburam, the last time the establishment was robbed was about two weeks prior to Diwali. He told reporters that in one instance two men were charged and sent to court, but were only sentenced to two months in prison.

“The last time she did get beat up, up to now, she still suffering headaches from the last time,” the husband said. He reported that his wife’s condition was listed as stable and she was conscious.

Strike shuts down city markets, other facilities ...Govt blames dysfunctional M&CC

The two main municipal markets – Bourda and Stabroek were closed on Monday as workers of the Mayor and City Council downed tools in protest for higher wages.

The strike action also affected the operations of the Municipal abattoir located on Water Street.

In an interview with this publication on Monday, some of the stallholders vented their concerns. According to one woman, Alicia Curt, it is unfair for matters which are affecting higher authorities to affect vendors.

“This is totally unfair to the staff at the Bourda Market and wherever else they close down: we are paying for our spots in this market and it is not fair for issues which are affecting persons in the higher authority to affect us; we need something to be done about this.”

Shanty Hussain, another vendor, said it seemed

as though their Christmas would be different from everyone else’s. “It is clear that vendors in this market will be having a hard Christmas. We stock up our stalls for

the holidays; we have perishable goods – if we lose, who is going to pay us back?

The Bounty Supermarket just open across the road: that mean all of our custom-

ers would now go there,” she said.

Meanwhile, pandemonium broke out when the stallholders visited the City Council’s office to get a word

with the Acting Town Clerk, Carol Sooba on the status of the markets. Waving banners and placards, the stallholders protested in the compound of the council, noting that they needed immediate action to be taken and the markets to be reopened.

“This is eye pass, this is outright nonsense; if there is a matter affecting this council, why the market had to be closed? When we get our issues in the market, we sort it out there so why can’t these people sort out their money issue here in the council?” another stallholder queried.

Blame game

Sooba told Guyana Times that the current situation at the markets is as a result of the negligence of Mayor Hamilton Green. When asked what measures will be put in place to ensure that the situation returns to normal, Sooba maintained that the

ball was in the court of the Mayor and it was now up to him to decide if he was going to approve the salary increase so that the local government staff could be back at work as per normal or if he was going to put both the stallholders and local government staff out of bread for the holidays.

But as the blame game continued, Green said that it was up to Sooba to decide whether or not she would call a formal meeting so negotiations could continue between the two parties and work can get back to normalcy or the markets remain closed.

However, Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker also noted that whenever the stallholders returned to work, they would be greeted by new and improved markets as his Ministry was looking to carry out rigorous works to ensure that the facilities remained up to standard.

One of the stall owners bemoaning Mayor Hamilton Green's ineffectiveness

Persons converged at the scene of the shooting on Monday night

Police storm Sydney cafe to free hostages

Hostages being held by a gunman in a Sydney cafe have been freed following a Police operation. Gunfire and explosions were heard as the Police moved in to end the hostage crisis that had stretched for 16 hours.

Al Jazeera’s Andrew Thomas reporting from Sydney said there were reports of two people, including the hostage-taker being killed. Television images showed hostages streaming out of the Lindt Chocolate cafe. Some were taken out in stretches as ambulance sirens wailed.

The hostage crisis had begun early on Monday. Australian media, quoting a Police source, identified the hostage-taker as Man Haron Monis, an Iranian refugee with a criminal past. Our correspondent said there had been no official confirmation of this information.

“This is a very disturbing incident,” Tony Abbott, Australia’s Prime Minister, said hours after the hostage crisis started. Abbott said the gunman had claimed a “political motivation,’’ but he stopped short of making any reference to concerns of a terror plot.

Earlier, Andrew Scipione, New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner,

said Police did not know the hostage taker’s motivation. “We’re dealing with a hostage situation with an armed offender.”

Hundreds of police flooded into Sydney’s business district, streets were closed and offices evacuated. The public was told to stay away from Martin Place – the area where the Lindt Chocolate Cafe is located. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ebola serum supply reaches Liberia

Liberia has begun treating Ebola patients with serum therapy – a treatment made from the blood of recovered survivors. Doctors hope the experimental treatment could help combat the virus that has been sweeping West Africa and killing thousands of people.

Up to December 13, 6841 people had been reported as having died from the disease. The total number of reported cases is more than 18,000.

If a person has success-

fully fought off the infection, it means their body has learned how to combat the virus and they will have antibodies in their blood that can attack Ebola.

Doctors can then take a sample of their blood and turn it into serum – by removing the red blood cells but keeping the important antibodies – which can be used to treat other patients.

Ebola patients treated in the UK and the US have already received this type of treatment. Doctors in Liberia will monitor how

US asks Vatican for help with Guantanamo inmates

The United States, which is seeking ways to close Guantanamo Bay prison camp and to transfer inmates to third countries, asked the Vatican on Monday for help finding “humanitarian solutions” for inmates, Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said.

US Secretary of State John Kerry made the request at a meeting with Vatican counterpart Cardinal Pietro Parolin at the Holy See.

While the Vatican gave no details on what kind of help the US was seeking, a senior State Department official said Kerry reiterated Obama’s commitment to closing the centre and described recent progress in diplomatic efforts to transfer detainees to third countries, including Uruguay.

The United States asked for “the Holy See’s assistance in seeking adequate humanitarian solutions for current inmates”, Lombardi said in comments published on the Vatican Radio website.

US President Barack Obama has been trying since he came to the White House in 2009 to shut the camp where terrorism suspects have been housed without trial since the 9/11 attacks, but has so far failed, partly because of resistance from Congress. It currently houses some 148 inmates. (Reuters)

Around the world

Another secret USAID project against Cuba revealed

The Associated Press (AP) has revealed yet another covert attempt by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to destabilise the Cuban Government, this time through hip-hop music.

AP reported that USAID hired a group of urban rappers to create dissent within the Cuban youth movement that would supposedly break the Government-imposed information blockade and promote social change.

The secret hip hop op-

eration proceeded simultaneously with two other operations sponsored by USAID, namely, a Twitter clone called ZunZuneo and the dispatch of young Latin Americans to Cuba to destabilise the island.

Following research carried out by AP, USAID confirmed in a written statement that these programmes were part of a four-year contract that ended in 2012, but denied they were illegal.

Initially, the hip-hop operation was run in Cuba by

Serbian contractor Rajko Bozic. His project was inspired by the protest concerts of the student movement that helped undermine former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic in 2000.

The programme involved Creative Associates International, a contractor established on March 23, 2009, in Panama but run out of Washington, DC, that was paid millions of dollars to undermine Cuba’s communist Government. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Palestinian President presses for UN vote on Israeli withdrawal

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, is pushing for a vote in the United Nations Security Council – as early as Wednesday – on a resolution calling for a deadline to end the 47-year-long Israeli occupation.

safe and effective the serum treatment being given at the ELWA Hospital in Monrovia is.

A number of Liberian health care workers have been trained to give the therapy.

Dr David Hoover, the programme’s Director, said: “This will empower local health care systems to become more self-sufficient and better serve their patients during this current epidemic as well as in the future.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

The move, disclosed late on Sunday night by the chief Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, comes as Israel’s Prime Minister vowed to reject any attempt to set a deadline for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders or a timeline for ending the occupation.

Binyamin Netanyahu’s comments came as he flew to Rome for a meeting with the US Secretary Of State, John Kerry, to discuss Palestinian moves at the UN. Kerry will later meet with Arab Foreign Ministers and Erekat in London.

The push to hold a vote on Wednesday comes during a period of intense diplomatic negotiations over two rival draft texts for a resolution. The first, sponsored by Jordan at the behest of the Palestinians – envisages setting a November 2016 deadline for ending the occupation. The rival proposal, drawn up by France, would

only set a deadline for an end to negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians. Kerry’s sudden involvement in talks around the resolution is being seen as an attempt to manage a process the US fears could raise already high tensions and in which according to one quoted official it sees only “bad scenarios”. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Grenada and St Kitts-Nevis become full members of ALBA

Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis were expected to be accepted as a full member of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of the Americas (ALBA) at the summit of the alliance on Sunday in Havana, Cuba.

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell is participating in the summit, and was due to deliver his country’s acceptance remarks.

ALBA, founded in 2004, is an initiative of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, and

former Cuban President Fidel Castro. The movement’s focus is the social, political and economic integration of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.

With the incorporation of Grenada and St Kitts and Nevis into ALBA, Sunday’s Summit will mark the completion of all independent members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) being full members of the bloc. (Caribbean News Now)

Lima climate change talks reach global warming agreement

International negotiators at the Lima climate change talks have agreed on a plan to fight global warming that would for the first time commit all countries to cutting their greenhouse gas emissions.

The plan, agreed at United Nations talks on Sunday, was hailed as an important first step towards a climate change deal due to be finalised in Paris next year. The proposals call on countries to reveal how they will cut carbon pollution, ideally by March next year.

“As a text it’s not perfect, but it includes the positions of the parties,” said Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, the Peruvian Environment Minister, who presided over the talks.

However, negotiators acknowledged they had put off the most difficult deci-

sions for later. And with 2014 on course to be the hot-

test year on record, campaigners warned the plan was far too weak to limit warming to the internationally agreed limit of two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, or to protect poor countries from climate change.

“It’s definitely watered down from what we expected,” said Alden Meyer of the Union of Concerned Scientists. They also warned negotiators had left too many contentious issues unresolved before the deadline for reaching a deal in Paris. “The countdown clock to Paris is now ticking. Countries had the chance to give themselves a head start on the road to Paris but instead have missed the gun and now need to play catch up,” said Mohammed Adow, Christian Aid’s senior climate change advisor. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Two people including the hostage-taker are reportedly killed as Police move in to end 16-hour-siege in Sydney

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (right) with Saeb Erekat at an emergency meeting of the Arab League in Cairo in November

COP20 President and the Peruvian Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar, claps after approving the proposed compromise document

tuesDAY, December 16, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com

UG Rotaract celebrates 9 years of volunteering service

The Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana (RCUG) last Tuesday celebrated nine years of providing voluntary service to Guyana.

Since RCUG was chartered in 2005, becoming the eighth Rotaract club operationalised in Guyana, it has contributed to the social and physical fabric of the University.

According to RCUG President Delon Earle, such a statement can be rightly made without any conscience pangs as the club recruits present and past students of the University to not only give of themselves but to become edified, providing a range of activities that target the environment, the

mind and values.

He says that the club allows students to grow as productive members of society, becoming true professionals in the process.

One project of RCUG’s most successful projects for which it has been greatly recognised is the Victoria Literacy Project, which Rotary International honoured with the 2013 Rotaract Outstanding Project Award (Latin America District). It was lauded as a great initiative that has seen great results for the children it targets.

RCUG is also quite concerned about the campus experience of students, recognising that university life is a great opportunity to gain a tertiary education and learn to express one’s opinions independently.

A number of projects were successfully undertaken aimed at improving life on campus and developing “rounded” students, including a Breast Cancer Lecture during Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a self-awareness workshop; and courses on public speaking, accounting, and resume writing.

The club has also sought to refurbish some University facilities and has been involved in the

International Coastal Clean Up Campaign, joining the throng of other environmentally conscious organisations that want to see Guyana litter free, starting at the sea walls.

The RCUG President said he was happy with the progress his club has made thus far and expected it to achieve greater heights in

the years to come.

RCUG is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Georgetown, one of three city-based Rotaract Clubs.

The Rotaract Clubs host youths between the ages of 18 and 30, and are part of the wider Rotary family of 1.2 million strong worldwide.

The organisation start -

ed with the vision of one man – Paul P Harris, a Chicago attorney. The service organisations began on February 23, 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary’s name came from the group’s early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.

Rotaract originally began as a Rotary International youth programme in 1968 at Charlotte North Rotary Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, and has grown into a major Rotary-sponsored organisation of over 9539 clubs spread around the world and 219,397 members. Rotaract focuses on the development of young adults as leaders in their communities and workplaces.

The meetings of RCUG are held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at 16:30h at the University’s Campus.

Whim Police donate to the elderly, needy

In the spirit of the holiday season, Officers at the Whim Police Station have ensured that the elderly and the needy are not forgotten.

On Friday last, they handed over several hampers containing food supplies and other items needed for the holiday season to the elderly as well as single parents from Black Bush Polder, Number 60 Village, Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant, Letter Kenny and Albion.

According to one of the recipients, Sumindra Sarjou, 89, she was moved to tears by the kind gesture of the Police.

“ I feel so loved and appreciated by all of you here; this donation will help me so much. I want to thank you all for taking your time out to do this for us,” she said.

Officer In Charge of Whim Police Station,

Terrence Browne, told those gathered he was honored to be among persons in their 80s and 90s. “It is you (the elderly) we gather wisdom from and for that we want to say thank you .It is hoped with this donation it would bring some comfort to you, we wish we could have done more.”

Officer Browne says that although the Police are tough when it comes to crime fighting, they also have a soft side. “We in the number two sub-division have joined together to give you a Christmas cheer; seeing the happiness in your faces is what is special to us.”

An overjoyed 94-yearold recipient said with God’s blessing, she will be back next year. All the recipients expressed gratitude to the Police and asked that they continue to increase their good works.

Lions Club hosts annual children’s Christmas party

The Christmas season is one for giving and sharing, and in keeping with this spirit, the Lions Club of Georgetown Stabroek hosted its annual children’s Christmas party on Sunday at the St Steven’s Primary School.

Over 250 children from various sections of the Capital City were part of the annual party hosted by the Club. The children were treated to goodies and games, face painting and a chance to meet Santa Claus and Minnie Mouse.

Vice President of the Club Hemraj Seelall said they will always be motivated to host the party as it puts a smile on the faces of the children who attend.

Santa Claus playing with the children at the Lions Club Annual Christmas Party for Children

“Well, we’re always excited at Christmas. It’s

something the kids look forward to. When you come

here and see all of this, there’s nothing more pleasing than

RCUG Rotaractor Samuel (far right); Director Shaka McQueen (second right); Director Elon Alonzo(centre); RCUG President Delon Earle with Minister Leslie Ramsammy showing the sign for the fight against polio, a signature Rotary project

A recent meeting of the Rotaract Club of the University of Guyana. Members, prospective members and guests appeared engrossed in the session

The Officer In Charge of Whim Police Station, Terrence Browne, hands over a hamper to an elderly member of the community

this here,” the Club’s Vice President said.

UNASUR ProTempore Chairmanship passed on to Uruguay

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett led a Guyana team to meetings in Ecuador which demonstrate both regular business and progress of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

On December 4, at a meeting of heads in Guyaquil, the annual ProTempore Chairmanship of UNASUR was passed from President Desi Delano Bouterse of Suriname to President Jose Alberto Mujica Cordano of Eastern Republic of Uruguay.

On December 5, in Quito, the new modern magnificent headquarters building

of UNASUR was inaugurated during day long ceremonies of great pomp and splendour.

The location known as the “Centre of the Earth” lent greatly to the grandeur of the occasion, set at the foot of a low hill leading to a temple to the Sun God, amid peaks of the Andean mountain range; the equator is marked on a line through the Centre of the Temple.

The 12-member UNASUR comprises: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, Colombia, Chile and Bolivia.

Fisherman claims to see massive whale

Afisherman who hails from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has reportedly seen a whale approximately one and half hour from shore on Friday night, Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy disclosed on Monday. According to the fisherman, the whale which was twice the size of his 45-footer boat was trapped in his seine.

However, when the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) revisited the site

New $11B cement factory opens in Berbice

By Andrew CArmiChAel

Caricom Cement Company Inc on Saturday commissioned its new $11 billion cement plant at Everton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The new facility will allow the company to produce 500,000 metric tonnes of cement annually. This is double the requirement for Guyana. Chairman of the company, Dr Joshua Safeek speaking with Guyana Times said the plant is a gift from Berbice to the rest of Caricom.

The facility, the first complete cement plant in Guyana was built by Guyanese and employs in excess of 250 persons from Berbice, Georgetown, Essequibo and Suriname.

“Caricom Cement Company Inc has been in operation for the past four years and during that period we were bagging cement under the brand names West Indies Cement and Titan Cement,” the company said in a release.

It added: “The main purpose of the cement plant is to make cement affordable to all Guyanese, taking into consideration the construction boom that our country is undergoing at this time.”

The plant was built in three phases and start-

ed in August 2010 at the abundant old bauxite plant (Bermine), which was developed in phase one.

The first part of the current operations saw a bagging system being purchased and installed at the Everton plant. Phase two saw a Portland plant being added to the system while the machinery was being built for phase three, which commenced in December 2013 with the installation of the new plant.

The plant was then upgraded with a kiln and cooling system and a grinding capacity of 50 per cent.

The kiln will be working

at 1700 degrees before the cement is sent to the cooling system.

Meanwhile, Dr Safeek said the company was able to take advantage of the billions of dollars which Government has been investing in the education system.

“There are a lot of youngsters who are being trained at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute and GuySuCo Training School and at the end; many of them don’t get jobs. We were able to find jobs for many of them by the transferring of technology from engineers and chemist.”

Meanwhile, the facility

will add greatly to the development of Berbice and moreso the East Bank where most of the employees are from.

“When we started operations, there it was a depressed community with jobs only being available at GuySuCo, which is seasonal. We inject about 1$ billion annually into Berbice. You know in a few years what that will do for the community?”

Meanwhile, the Everton plant is to start operating on a 24-hour basis as from next year. This, the Chairman said will require the services of about a 100 more employers.

Guyanese tourists entertained by “Pavitra Rishta” stars, other Bollywood actors in India

Agroup of Guyanese tourists in India were recently entertained by stars from the soap serial “Pavita Rishta”. The group also used the visit to honour Guyana-born bhajan singer Nandanie Saran who makes India her home.

The group of 32 tourists spent over two weeks experiencing the rich culture and diversity of India, the land of their ancestors. They said they learnt a lot about India from the trip.

The group comprising Hindus, Muslims and Christians took a bath in the cold water of the holy Ganges and witnessed the beautiful aartee at Haridwar. They also visited the majestic Akshardham with its splendid architecture; Jama Masjid; Taj Mahal; Gandhi’s Memorial; Christian churches; and Lake Pichola. A trip to Bollywood was also on the agenda.

half of the group and other Guyanese fans.

on Sunday by air and neither the whale nor the seine could have been found.

In addition to the Agriculture Ministry and GDF, Conservation International is investigating the report.

With Conservation International and other regional organisations already involved in the verification process, Dr Ramsammy said the story could evolve into one of international prominence.

They performed sewa to a group of underprivileged giving them food and money. They were given time to go shopping and enjoy the bargains of traditional Indian clothing worn at special events.

The group dropped in to see the legendary actor Manoj Kumar who is not too well but who still decided to welcome them at his home in Mumbai.

Tour organiser Ramesh Kalicharran, formerly of Essequibo, presented Manoj Kumar with a plaque on be-

At a farewell reception, the tourists had the good fortune to meet with Arjune, Purvi and Abha of the popular Indian soap opera “Pavitra Rishta”. Actress Varsha Usgaonkar, who was accompanied by her husband, Ajay Sharma (film producer & director) rendered a few songs. The movie, “Super Nanny” in which she appeared was released the following day. Also at the farewell ceremony was Guyana-born Mandeni Sharan (wife of the late Shri Hari Om Sharan) who was presented with a Kali Bharat Yatra citation by Guyanese Nandanie Singh of Florida. She was hon-

oured for preserving the legacy of her husband, who was considered a bhajan samrat. The dancer Simiran, who appeared in Bollywood films, also performed for the tourists.

Another surprise was organised with Pandit Ashook Sharma conducting a renewal of marriage vows (after 23 years) between Geeta Bisram and Vinod Bisram at Jaipur Palace. Geeta and Vinod are from the popular Angels Caribbean Band that performs regularly in Guyana. Geeta entertained crowds everywhere on the trip including at the famous Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh and at the Jaipur Palace.

Some in the group were

lucky to meet Indian cricketers at the Country Inn Suites in Delhi.

Popular singer Geeta Bisram expressed her gratitude to Kali: “I was accompanied by my husband Vinod Bisram and my mother Sainwantie Narine. Vinod and I couldn’t help but to say thanks to Uncle Kali several times”. The rest of the group also expressed gratitude to tour organiser Ramesh Kalicharran, for facilitating the tour that provided them with a lifetime of memories. They said the tour was beyond expectation with delicious meals, fantastic hotels, first class transport, and magnificent monuments.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, beside the equatorial line, in two different hemispheres, the Southern and Northern respectively

Nandini Sharan receives an award from Tour Director Ramesh Kalicharran for her contribution in preserving the legacy of her late husband Hari Omsharan. Also in photo are Dilip Sirwani, Geeta Bisram and Mumbai Film Director and Producer Ajay Sharma

The $11 billion cement plant at Everton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) that was commissioned on Saturday

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Form a bond with someone who interests you romantically or professionally. Don’t allow a minor setback to prematurely end a project. You will receive help if you ask the right person.

You will gain greater insight into a situation developing behind the scenes. Medical, financial and business matters are your responsibility. Don’t entrust your private information to a stranger.

You should make changes that will raise your standard of living. A few adjustments may be all that is needed to improve your position. Don’t tolerate anyone who reneges on a promise.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Don’t settle for the status quo. Changes are inevitable, and it’s important to keep looking into ways to improve your current job or obtain a new one.

You will be in the limelight today. This is a great time to show off your leadership abilities and problem-solving skills. Take advantage of an offer and move forward.

Creativity and romance are highlighted. Dispense with your usual chores. You will want to make your living space welcoming for the festive season. Enjoy the company of family and friends.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You may feel unsettled, but if you are patient, things will turn in your favour. Being oversensitive will put you in a vulnerable position. Broaden your professional independence.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

You can make extra money. This is a fine time to cement a deal that’s in the works. You will receive wise advice from an older or experienced individual.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

It’s important to stay one step ahead of the competition. Be fearless and aggressive as you face challenges and competition. The end result will be an amazing revelation. Money can be made.

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

Some of your confidential information will be divulged. As long as you can keep your financial matters a secret, you will land on your feet. Try not to overreact. The less said, the better.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

You will be surprised by an unexpected gift, win or bargain. Making the right choice now will ensure that you end this year on a high note.

Don’t let personal matters get you down. Communication and group get-togethers will be complicated and frustrating. Sit back and let things unfold naturally. Choose your battles wisely.

GEMINI

MONDAY'S WORD

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

dilbert

arCHie

Bryant surpasses Jordan on NBA’s all-time scoring list

Kobe Bryant surpassed Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list Sunday and moved into third place behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.

The Los Angeles Lakers star, now in his 19th season, passed the Chicago Bulls legend (32,292 points) and the player to whom he has long been compared with a free throw in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center.

“I’m just honored to be here, man, to still be playing,” Bryant said. “I appreciate being able to play this long. Careers normally don’t last this long. I really appreciate the opportunity to still be out there playing and performing and doing what I do.”

Bryant, 36, entered Sunday’s 100-94 win eight points shy of Jordan’s mark. He finished with 26 points on 7-of-20 shooting to go along with six rebounds and two assists. Bryant now trails only Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Malone (36,928) in career NBA points.

For Bryant, the mile-

stone is no small feat, as he forged his Hall of Fame career in Jordan’s shadow, with every achievement measured against his idol, almost since the day Bryant entered the league in 1996 at the age of 18.

“I congratulate Kobe on reaching this milestone,” Jordan told the Associated Press in a statement. “He’s obviously a great player, with a strong work ethic

and has an equally strong passion for the game of basketball. I’ve enjoyed watching his game evolve over the years, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.”

“He knows how much I’ve learned from him,” Bryant said of Jordan. “From the other legends, but him in particular.”

Phil Jackson coached both players in the NBA. he won six titles with Jordan’s Bulls and five with Bryant’s Lakers, and he wrote in his book “Eleven Rings” that Bryant was “hell-bent on surpassing Jordan as the greatest player in the game.”

Bryant disputes Jackson’s claim and has downplayed topping Jordan’s scoring total for weeks. “It’s really not a big deal to say I passed him for something like that,” Bryant said. “It’s a great accomplishment, but the true beauty is in the journey.”

To commemorate the achievement, Nike, which sponsors both athletes, put a special edition “Mamba Moment” shoe on sale online for $245. (ESPN)

Clarke to undergo surgery to repair hamstring

Michael Clarke’s chances of leading Australia in their home World Cup campaign appear extremely slim after Cricket Australia confirmed he would have surgery on his injured right hamstring on Tuesday.

Clarke suffered the injury on the fifth day of the Adelaide Test, and scans have revealed a tear and what CA has described as “substantial damage to a key part of the hamstring tendon”. Steven Smith will captain Australia for the remainder of the Test series against India but the selectors might also be forced to decide on a new captain for the World Cup as well.

For major hamstring surgery, recovery is usually a matter of months rather than weeks, and Australia’s first match of the World Cup is in less than two months. More likely than Clarke rushing back for that campaign is that the Australians will aim to have him available for the Test tour of the West Indies in June, which is followed by the Ashes tour of England.

“Michael was assessed by a surgeon in Melbourne early this evening and will be undergoing surgery tomorrow

to repair his injured right hamstring,” Australian team doctor Peter Brukner said.

“Whilst surgery is not always required with hamstring injuries, Michael has substantial damage to a key part of the hamstring tendon and it was felt the best course of action was to surgically repair the damaged area. His recovery and the timing of his return to play will be dependent on the surgeon’s advice and how well he recovers in the coming weeks.”

After suffering the injury in Adelaide, a despondent Clarke conceded that he might have to consider his cricket future given the recurring nature of his injuries, and he admitted that he might have played his last game for Australia. However, writing in his column for Tuesday’s News Ltd newspapers, Clarke confirmed that he still had the desire to return and play for his country again.

“I will be going under the knife today so that I can get back on the park as soon as possible,” Clarke wrote. “I will be doing everything in my powers to get back doing what I love: playing cricket for Australia.”

Clarke has struggled with a chronic back problem for more than a decade and it is related to the hamstring issues that have troubled him in recent times. He injured his left hamstring at Australia’s first training session in Harare in August ahead of their one-day triseries and reinjured it when he played his first game of that tournament against Zimbabwe.

Although Clarke was able to get through the Test series against Pakistan in the UAE, he again injured his left hamstring in Australia’s first home ODI of the summer, against South Africa in Perth. The latest injury, which requires surgery, is to his other hamstring.

If Clarke is unavailable for the World Cup, the ODI vice-captain George Bailey would be the logical standin to lead the side, although Bailey’s own recent ODI form has been lean compared to that of Smith. On Monday the team performance manager Pat Howard said that Smith’s appointment as vicecaptain to Clarke was only for Test cricket at this stage. (Cricinfo)

Atkinson success –a case for reflection

Jamaican Alia Atkinson’s world record equaling swim at the World Short Course Championship at Doha, Qatar drew much attention in the international media for being a black swimmer as for her breathtaking swim.

Atkinson’s victory in the final of 100m breaststroke in Doha, Qatar, not only equaled the world record held by Lithuanian Olympic champion Ruta Meilutytes of 1:02:36 minutes but also ensured she became Jamaica’s first-ever gold medalist at the World Short Course Championships. She also became the first black woman to win a world swimming title.

Many scholars such as Carrington, Calhoun, Coakley, Hartmann-Tews and CLR James, to name a few, have examined how sports in North America and Europe is socially constructed along the lines of how society is organized. In other words, sports is connected to the interplay of social class, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexuality and disabilities.

Some sports such as swimming, golf, equestrian, tennis, and even cricket are viewed as middle to upper class and white dominated. Basketball, baseball and rugby are seen as lower class.

Swimming has been traditionally dominated by whites and in recent years, swimmers from China and Japan have also been at the forefront.

However, there have been few noteworthy black swimmers.

Enith Sijtje Maria Brigitha representing Holland at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada became the first black swimmer to medal at the Olympics when she won bronze medals in the 100 m and 200 m freestyle.

T&T born Anthony Nesty, swimming for Suriname at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea defeated the American favourite Matt Biondi by one one-hundredth of a second to win the gold medal in the 100m butterfly.

American Cullen Jones has also won gold medals as part of the American 4x100m freestyle team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 4x100 medley team at the 2012 London Olympics.

Atkinson’s recognised

that her accomplishment was more than about swimming but also providing an avenue for other Jamaican’s to follow in her footstep.

She was quoted in the Jamaica Observer newspaper as saying that her win should “ignite others, especially those in the so called non-traditional sports to try even harder because now they can see for themselves that significant achievements can be attained.”

As much as there is excitement about Atkinson’s success in Jamaica and throughout the region, the fact that sports is social constructed, it is important that singular stellar performances do not blind our understanding of reality.

Individual performances offer the hope of change but it is structural changes

England, Sports Canada and the Australian Sports Commission have engaged in numerous studies to ascertain who are playing sports in terms of age, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality and religion to be in a position to inform policy to increase participation.

Have the Ministry of Sports and or its related sporting agencies conducted similar studies? If so are they up to date? What has the data being used to do? Have sporting bodies conducted similar studies on their own sporting discipline?

If so, how have they used their data to incorporate more persons across different socio-economic backgrounds? Or are they comfortable with the current status quo?

through intervention that can result in greater involvement of people and by extension the potential for greater participation.

During Apartheid in South Africa, cricket was a white dominated sport. Since the dismantling of Apartheid, the South African government and officials have embarked upon a direct interventionist approach of a racial quota.

In May of this year it was proposed that franchises may be required to field a minimum of five players of colour per match, and provincial amateur teams at least six players of colour for the 2014-15 season.

The policy of positive discrimination as in the case in South African cricket is one way that social imbalances can be addressed in sports. Other means that are available involve a deliberate attempt by sporting bodies as well as the Ministry of Sports to get more persons participating in all sports.

For instance Sports

A former director of sports once told me that ethnicity, gender, class, religion etc. had nothing to do with sports participation.

He believed that genetics and the individual will power was most important.

His response helped me understand why there was not any rich socio-demographics data about sports participation at the Ministry of Sports.

The naïve assumptions of understanding sports participation would have also resulted in poor and reactive policy construction.

Additionally, this would have paved the way for poor policy implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

It is hoped that the international headlines of Alia Atkinson, the first black female World swimming Short Course Champion may cause the various powers that be in sports in T&T to reflect as to whether or not they are happy with the socio-economic composition of participants in their disciplines. (Trinidad

Kobe Bryant acknowledges the cheers of the fans

Alia Atkinson

5 Windies out of IPL contracts

West Indies

Twenty20 captain Darren Sammy is among five Caribbean players released by their Indian Premier League franchises, ahead of the new season which bowls off next April.

The former Test skipper has been joined by pacers Ravi Rampaul, Jason

Holder, Krishmar Santokie and Kevon Cooper, as players who will be seeking a new franchise for the upcoming IPL season.

Since his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, Sammy has plied his trade extensively in the T20 leagues around the globe, playing for Sunrisers

Hyderabad in India, Glamorgan in England and more recently, Titans in South Africa.

A big-hitting lower order batsman who bowls deceptive medium pace, Sammy is already a seasoned campaigner in the game’s shortest form, having already played 143 T20s.

However, he spent just two seasons with the Sunrisers franchise.

He and Holder, who has 52 T20s to his name, are among ten players let go by Sunrisers.

Meanwhile, left-arm Santokie is among eight players released by giants Mumbai Indians with Rampaul among seven let go by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Cooper, meanwhile, will be on hunt for a new club after spending the last three seasons with Rajasthan Royals.

He was this year reported in the IPL for having a suspect bowling action.

Lara strokes classy 51* as Legends lose

Perth, Australia -

A bumper crowd has packed Perth’s Aquinas College to watch some of the greats of past and players of the present as the Perth Scorchers beat the Australian Legends by 50 runs in the WA Festival of Cricket Twenty20.

The match pitted the KFC T20 Big Bash League reigning champions Scorchers against an all-star Legends XI led by Adam Gilchrist, but it was the youth of Ashton Turner that stole the show in a match that featured West Indies champion Brian Lara and Australian legends Dean Jones, Andrew Symonds, Andy Bichel and Michael Kasporwicz.

Turner blasted 75 from 38 balls in a knock that included four fours and six sixes, taking Symonds and Bichel out of the ground on several occasions.

The 21-year-old capped off the day with the prize wicket of state and BBL coach Langer, though not with his best delivery, securing the wicket with a floating full toss that the batsman top-edged to fall for nine.

A spectacular one-handed grab from evergreen veteran Brad Hogg removed Gilchrist for one, much to the dismay of the enthusiastic crowd, but the keeper’s wicket brought Lara to the crease.

The West Indian struggled for timing early, relying on the pace of the bowlers to guide and glide his way into his innings before upping the ante in the final stages to bring up his fifty and remain unbeaten on 51 as the autograph-hunting crowd members invaded the field.

The trial match was the first hit out for the

Players, coaches and directors named in match fixing probe

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is one of 41 players, coaches and directors named in a match-fixing investigation in Spain.

Prosecutors allege almost one million Euros was used to pay Levante players to lose their match against Zaragoza at the end of the 2010-11 season.

Swansea City winger Jefferson Montero is also among those named by prosecutor Alejandro Luzon.

The BBC has asked Herrera’s agent for a response.

A Swansea spokesman said: “We have had no contact... regarding this matter.”

Prosecutor Luzon filed the case at a court in Valencia on Monday.

The court document alleges Herrera was one of 10 people who withdrew tens of thousands of Euros funded by Zaragoza in order to pay bribes.

The 25-year-old left Zaragoza to join his hometown club Athletic Bilbao in August 2011, before signing for United in June 2014.

Montero, who joined Swansea from Mexican club

Monarcas Morelia in July, was in the Levante side beaten 2-1 by Zaragoza on 21 May 2011. It is alleged Levante’s players were paid to lose the match, which Zaragoza needed to win to avoid relegation.

Montero’s alleged involvement is not described in the prosecution case. Also named in the document are the current Atletico Madrid captain Gabi and Zaragoza’s former coach, Javier Aguirre - now manager of the Japanese national side. (BBC Sport)

2 Kenyan runners slapped with 2-year ban

Two Kenyan runners, Viola Chelangat Kimetto and Joyce Jemutai Kiplimo, have failed drug tests and been banned for two years, Athletics Kenya has said.

Both women tested positive for norandrosterone, a metabolite of nandrolone.

Kimetto failed her test at the Macau marathon in December 2013; Kiplimo failed a test taken after the Yangzhou half-marathon in April.

Neither runner has commented on the test results.

Athletics Kenya said it was also investigating five other athletes.

It said they had been told to report to its office by Thursday over “particular issues revolving around doping cases” raised by the organisation’s anti-doping unit.

Kimetto and Kiplimo are the latest in about 40 Kenyan athletes to fail doping tests in the past two years.

Shortcut to wealth?

Olympic champion David Rudisha said last week his country was not doing enough to tackle doping among runners.

His warning came almost two years after Moses Kiptanui, one of the most successful runners in Kenya’s history, alleged doping was rife among athletes there.

The three-times 3,000m steeplechase world champi-

Champions League…

new Scorchers recruits Michael Carberry (28 off 17), Michael Klinger (18 off 16), Andrew Tye (1-17) and James Muirhead (0-35), the latter the first player traded in the competition’s four year history, swapping with left-arm spinner Michael Beer to the Melbourne Stars.

One-day wizard Jones couldn’t get his mojo going, out for 16 off 25 balls. Sporting a GoPro on the top of his helmet, Symonds typically muscled three boundaries, but was bowled by the impressive left-arm pace of Jason Behrendorff.

The Scorchers won last season’s BBL title, but they will start their Championship defence missing star players Mitch Marsh (Test duties), Shaun Marsh (Test duties) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (hamstring). (Cricket Australia article)

on and coach alleged many athletes have been using performance-enhancing drugs as a shortcut to wealth.

Two months ago, Rita Jeptoo, winner of the Boston and Chicago marathons for the past two years, became one of the highest profile Kenyans to fail a test. She was suspended from competition pending testing of a B sample due to take place later this week. (BBC

man city to clash with Barcelona in last 16

Manchester City have been drawn against Barcelona in the Champions League last 16 for a second consecutive year.

Chelsea will play Paris St-Germain, while Arsenal face Monaco in ties to be played in February and March.

Champions Real Madrid will face Schalke, with last season’s beaten finalists Atletico Madrid taking on Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayern Munich play Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus face Borussia Dortmund, while Basel are up against Porto.

Manchester City recorded a fine win over Roma in the final round of group games to progress.

But finishing second to Bayern Munich meant there was always a chance of meeting a top side like four-

time European champions Barcelona.

In last season’s first knockout round, the Catalans beat City 4-1 on aggregate, winning 2-0 at the Etihad and then 2-1 at the Nou Camp.

Chelsea, who finished ahead of Schalke in their group, are up against Paris St-Germain for the second consecutive year.

The Blues beat the French champions in dramatic circumstances in last year’s quarter-finals.

There is added interest in that game as Chelsea sold defender David Luiz to PSG for a reported £40m in the summer.

Arsenal, who finished below Borussia Dortmund in their group, come up against Monaco, who were managed by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger from 1987 to 1994.

Monaco scored only four

goals in their group but still finished top.

Arsenal club secretary David Miles said: “We’ve picked some of the biggest teams in Europe over the last few years, but we are not taking anything for granted. Monaco have earned the right to be at this stage.”

Reacting to Manchester City’s draw, director of football and former Barcelona player Txiki Begiristain told Sky Sports News: “Every tie in that draw is the same. It’s fantastic, so we’re looking forward to it.

“We have plenty of confidence with the way we qualified, beating Bayern Munich at home and Roma away.”

Chelsea secretary David Barnard was happy at being drawn against PSG, adding: “It’s a good draw logistically, too, for our supporters.” (BBC Sport)

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harry wins Maersk inaugural golf tour nament

The ground was a little wet in some spots than desired, but the infectious goodwill of the Maersk Guyana representatives and the enthusiasm of the golfers caused Saturday’s play to be exciting and refreshing.

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The Danish company, Maersk, considered the largest container shipping company in the world, sponsored their first golf tournament in Guyana last weekend.

Sam Harry, who placed third in the previous Saturday’s tournament, emerged champion by delivering an inspiring

12/67, as he brushed off the keen challenges from second place Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud 26/68, third place Rabindranath ‘Pandit Ravi’ Persaud 25/68, fourth place Kalyan Tiwari 20/68 and fifth Jetendra ‘Naro’ Danpat 9/71. Nearest-to-the-Pin was Ramesh Anirude, while Best Gross of the day was won by reigning Guyana Open champion Avinash Persaud 2/76. Captain Chatterpaul ‘Chen’ Deo was pleased at the good turnout and the highly competitive performance of the golfers and conveyed his best wishes

for the season to all present. Both he and Club President David Mohamad expressed gratitude to Maersk Guyana for coming on board and looked forward for a long and great relation between the company and the Lusignan Golf Club.

Robin Muneshwar of Muneshwar’s Shipping of 45-47 Water St., Georgetown, the local agents for Maersk, expressed the company’s pleasure at supporting golf in Guyana and assured those present that it will look at repeating the good experience.

West Indies still carry the Ambrose effect

Whatever state West Indies cricket is in, there are some players from the islands who will never lose their aura. Curtly Ambrose is one of them, particularly for South Africans.

The four wickets Ambrose took on the final day of South Africa’s comeback Test in 1992, which took his innings tally to six and his match haul to eight, derailed a South African chase which seemed certain to reach the station. Ambrose’s achievement that day was down to the same thing he said has contributed to the South African pace pack’s successes: “Consistency”.

He admitted that ingredient alone will be required by the West Indian batsmen to bring out their “A game” if they hope to compete against South Africa but cautioned against writing the visitors off completely. “I feel very confident with where we are at the moment and I believe that we are going to do well, contrary to what others may believe,” Ambrose, who is West Indies bowling consultant said. “We all know South Africa is the No. 1 team in the world but we are prepared.”

South Africa have already identified the West Indian bowlers as a bigger threat than their batsmen and the knowledge they are being mentored by Ambrose may only underline that.

But Ambrose did not want to put too much emphasis on his coaching, describing it as much tougher than actually stepping on the field on match day. “It’s a lot different coaching than bowling,” he said. “It can be frustrating as a coach because as a bowler I have always believed I can work magic with the ball in my hand. As a coach you can take to the guys and if they are not doing what you ask, it can become frustrating. It was easier being a bowler than a coach.”

But he current crop of West Indian quicks have not given Ambrose any “trouble” and he praised them for “working hard and showing improvement”. He did not want to compare them to the great packs of the past or to name individuals who he thought would make the biggest impact, instead preferring to preach the collective philosophy. “It’s a different era and we have to work with what we have. I don’t want to single out any one. Its all about the team,” he said. “No one bowler can win a game for you, it takes a team. As long we play together as a team, we will do well here.”

His advice to them on South African wickets, which are among the spiciest they would have played on is “not to get too carried away” by the assistance. “The most important thing is to maintain your focus,”

he said. “Even though the pitch is bouncy, you have to put the ball in the right areas consistently. You won’t see us doing anything out of the ordinary.”

That may also mean West Indies will not opt for an all-pace attack even though that formula was how they won their only Test in South Africa in 2007. “It doesn’t mean because we won with four fast bowlers last time that we are going to win again,” Ambrose said “I’m a bit of a realist. It depends on the track you are going to play on and the conditions. That will determine your bowling line-up.”

SuperSport Park’s healthy green covering was all but completely stripped off on Monday, two days before the match. Some regrowth may still be left on it for the Test match, which is why Ambrose said he “tries not to look at the wicket prior to the game. I wait for the morning of the game and make assessment then.”

One thing he could confirm was that the West Indian bowlers will approach this series in the same way Ambrose approached bowling throughout his career. “We’re not going to bowl any lengths for them to drive,” he said. And as he did, some of the old snarl snuck back out and the South African batsmen may have had reason to shudder, even if only for a moment. (Cricinfo)

Saturday’s winners along with staff of Muneshwar’s Maersk subsidiary

West Indies must aim to compete

– Caribbean side to battle tough conditions, statistics and a rampant South Africa side

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Mere months after curtailing what was gearing up to be a tough Test series against hosts India, a West Indies team missing several key players find themselves in familiar territory: staring down the barrel of heavy defeat in an away series.

It does not inspire much confidence that the Caribbean side, plagued by the India tour pullout and the apparent division following Marlon Samuels’ subsequent public utterances, is faced with a situation that connotes a simple case of battle of survival, rather than realistic hopes of victory.

The first of three Tests against the ICC number one ranked nation South Africa starts on Wednesday morning; a series that quite frankly promises to be a gross mismatch given the

West Indies sorry state at number eight in the rankings.

It does not help the situation that the final day of the only three-day warmup game against the South Africa Invitation XI was washed out, despite Samuels and Devon Smith helping themselves to huge hundreds and Sheldon Cotterell bagging a five-wicket haul.

As Chairman of Selectors

Clive Lloyd mentioned, one warm-up game is never enough for a touring team.

“I think it’s wrong. I think we should have had at least three games surrounding this Test series,” he said.

“If somebody is out of form, they can go into a four-day game and get back into it, but we don’t have that. You can’t tell if a player is doing well in the nets. It’s not the right place. Match situation is what it’s about.”

In this season of good-

will it would be dim-witted to think the Proteas would be Santa Claus during the series; after all they have a ranking to protect and a World Cup in less than two months, in which they are pipped as one of the favourites, to get fully prepared for.

It’s a situation that has become all the more bleak for the West Indies with the absence of a supposedly injured Chris Gayle, the promising Darren Bravo due to ‘personal reasons’ and the mystery spinner Sunil Narine, currently rectifying his bowling action.

Since gaining re-admission to the Test fold in 1992, South Africa have met the West Indies in seven series, the first of which was a oneoff Test in Barbados, which the visitors lost by 52 runs.

Since then, the Proteas haven’t lost a series to the

Stag Super XVI Football Tournament…

Caribbean side, and unless something seriously dramatic happens, that record is set to remain intact. In 25 Tests between the two teams in just over two decades, South Africa have won 16; West Indies three.

Five of the six drawn encounters have taken place in the Caribbean, while only once have the West Indies won a Test in South Africa- in Port Elizabeth in December 2007.

For the West Indies, it has been the continuation of a downward spiral. For South Africa, a progressive march to the pinnacle of world cricket.

When combined, the personal statistics of the players set to appear in at least the first Test reveal another telling story, and again, it’s South Africa leading the way.

The West Indies 15-man squad have a combined experience of 422 Tests, 158

alone by the indomitable Shivnarine Chanderpaul, followed by skipper Denesh Ramdin on 61. Samuels with 52 is the only other player with over 50 appearances.

South Africa have a combined experience of 417 Tests, with four of their major players, AB deVilliers (95), Hashim Amla (79), Dale Steyn (75) and Morne Morkel (59), accounting for a whopping 308.

With five Tests less over-

all, South Africa have eight more centuries, 51, as compared to West Indies’ 43, a staggering 30 of which is by Chanderpaul, followed by Samuels on five.

For South Africa, Amla (22) and deVilliers (19) account for the bulk of the centuries, with Alviro Petersen (5), Faf duPlessis (3) and Dean Elgar (2) being the others with hundreds, but it’s the bowling numbers that

really demonstrate the disparity between the teams.

Stunningly, Steyn’s 383 wickets is 22 more than all the West Indies players combined. He is followed by Morkel’s 204 and Vernon Philander’s 115 in a combined haul of 758 wickets.

By contrast, West Indies have 361 altogether, led by Kemar Roach’s 111, Jerome Taylor’s 100 and Benn’s 79. Samuels is the next highest with 34.

With all the numbers stalked in their favour and familiar home condition being an added advantage, the Proteas are sure favourites to not just win, but win convincingly.

Miracles do happen; cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties, but for diehard West Indies fans, hope might be the only real form of optimism over the next three weeks. For starters, the West Indies must aim to compete.

“This is truly a national tourney,” says ANSA McAL PRO

The first three-way tournament between the Berbice, East Demerara and East Bank Football Associations sponsored by Ansa McAl Trading was officially kicked off by the sponsor’s Public Relations Officer Darshanie Yussuf on Sunday at the Number 5 ground, West Coast Berbice.

Delivering feature remarks, following the colourful match pass of 15 of the 16 participating clubs, Yussuf reminded the players, officials and fans gathered that her company was pleased to be associated with a tournament that was truly national.

“We believe that our Stag Beer Super 16 Football Challenge is truly the national tournament as it brings together three of the country’s associations with 16 of their teams. People sometimes run away with the idea that Georgetown represents the entire Guyana; our tournament proves differently,” she remarked.

The gathering was told that Ansa McAl’s commit-

ment to the development of football and sports in general was quite obvious in this competition as they would like to ensure that the game of football and players from every association are given the opportunity to play the sport that we all love.

“Over the past 10 years we at Ansa McAl have sponsored successful football tournaments in Guyana, but more so, on the East Coast and the East Bank Demerara. This is our first major partnership with football in Berbice and it

is our pleasure to do so. This tournament promises to be an exciting one, giving the smaller football associations the opportunity to thrive in this national event.”

Yussuf declared that her company, whilst wishing the footballers and coaches the best, is expecting nothing but the best from the players as they and the loyal supporters will be cheering them on every step of the way.

to the management and staff of Ansa McAl Trading were Berbice FA Secretary

Joseph Simon, East Bank Public Relations Officer

Also delivering remarks and expressing gratitude

Kevin Anthony and East Demerara FA President Aubrey Hutson.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Marlon Samuels

Hashim Amla

Kemar Roach

AB deVilliers

Dale Steyn

Ansa McAl Trading’s PRO Darshanie Yussuf officially kicks the ball off to signal the start of the inaugural Stag Super XV1 Football Tournament in the presence of Soesdyke Falcons and Cougars

Topp XX off to winning start in GT Beer “Supa 16”

Topp XX got off to a winning start on the opening night of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) 2014/2015 GT Beer “Supa 16” football tournament on Sunday at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden.

Young striker Duquan Hercules scored the game winner in the 9th minute of play to secure victory for Topp XX against Amelia’s Ward Panthers in the first official game of the competition.

The tournament’s open-

ing ceremony saw a march past of the 16 competing teams and remarks by Minister of Public Service, Dr Jennifer Westford; Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon; Banks DIH Limited Communications Manager, Troy Peters; GFF Technical Director Lyndon France; and President of the UDFA, Collis Grith.

Minister Westford also performed the ceremonial kick off ahead of an exhibition match played between two veteran teams from the mining town representing North and South.

The Minister congratulated the executives of the UDFA for organising the tournament and she urged members of the community to attend the matches.

Minister Westford thanked main sponsor Banks DIH Limited for supporting the tournament.

Solomon said the tour-

nament will showcase the talents of Region 10 (Upper deme as football returns to the community at year-end where it has been popular for the past two decades.

Peters said that Banks DIH Limited is committed to the development of sports in Linden and he commended the UDFoA for showing

foresight and fortitude in organising the tournament against the backdrop of other tournaments being hosted around the country at this time of the year.

The competition continues on Wednesday evening with a double-header card at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Blueberry Hill FC will battle Canvas City Vasco at 18:00h, while the second game will bring together Block 22 Goalgetters and Ituni Peacemakers at 20:00h.

Matches will also be played on December 19, 22, 25, 26 and 28 with the grand final set for January 1, 2015.

Stag Super XVI Football Tournament…

Contrasting wins for Monedderlust, Cougars...

The tournament got going when Cougars tore apart East Bank’s Soesdyke Falcons 3-0 to secure their place in the quarter-finals at the Victoria ground on Boxing Night.

Monedderlust, still licking their wounds inflicted by another East Coast side, Victoria Kings, who defeated them in the final of a recent knockout tournament, were in no mood to let another rival team have their way.

But for sometime in the encounter, Golden Stars were holding their own; as a matter of fact it was the East Coast based unit that took the lead when they were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute.

Emitt Leacock was tasked with the responsibility of taking the spot kick and he

made no mistake in burying the shot past custodian Elvis Rutherford. The home fans were left to ponder as to what would be the response of their team who were now found trailing on home turf.

Golden Stars had quite a few chances to increase the lead, but poor decision making in the attacking third undermined their hold on the game early on. The fast paced exchanges, end to end, proved that neither side was willing to allow the other any time to settle.

The picturesque venue under clear night skies was just warming up to the task of a mouth watering showdown and so it turned out. The first half ended with the visitors still ahead but not

comfortable.

As the minutes ticked away, the pressure began to mount on the home side with the fans becoming restless knowing that an early exit was not something they even wanted to think about. Their anxiety would have been eased to a great extent in the 71st minute when the neutralising goal was realised through a Travis Henry shot to level the scores.

The game was on and it was going to be the more focused team that would go on to win the war as the battle intensified. When referee Sherwin Johnson sounded the whistle for full time, the scores were still unchanged which meant that an additional 30 minutes (15 min-

utes per half) were required to decide the winner.

Towards the end of the first period of extra time, Clifford Campbell would give the home team and fans something to shout about as they took the lead for the first time, his goal in the 103rd minute served as a huge deflator for Golden Stars as they were not able to respond which meant that Monedderlust emerged victors by a 2-1 margin.

They have now moved on to the quarter-finals and will face the winner of next Sunday’s Round of 16 clash between Timehri Panthers and New Amsterdam United on Christmas Day at the Buxton Community ground.

The competition’s first

game saw Soesdyke Falcons putting up stern resistance early on, but once Cougars got warmed to the task at hand, the East Bank side never had a chance as they found themselves on the defensive.

Cougars cracked the defence of Soesdyke with four minutes remaining in the half, Sherwin Parris having the distinction of scoring the tournament’s first goal. That advantage would increase to two in the first minute of added-on time when Albert Anderson rocked the nets with his shot past goalkeeper Javier Greene.

Soesdyke tried for all their worth to pull one back in the final half, but were denied by the home side. As a

from back page

matter of fact, the third goal was as a result of a Soesdyke mistake in the 77th minute.

Cougars have now earned themselves a place in the next round (Boxing Day at Victoria ground) against the winner of the match between Mahaica Determinators and Rosignol United, who will clash on Sunday at the Number 5 ground. Meanwhile, the action will continue on Friday evening when Round of 16 play continues at the Grove Community Centre ground with two more matches. Agricola Red Triangle will face off with Ann’s Grove from 18:00h with the feature game between Grove Hi Tech and BV Triumph United at 20:00h.

Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford during the official kick off

Milerock Football Club during the march past at the opening ceremony of the Upper Demerara GT Beer “Supa 16” football tournament

Guinness “Greatest in the Streets” futsal tournament…

Late goals from Grant, Gittens crown North Ruimveldt as new champs

North Ruimveldt pulled off a thrilling 2-0 win against Festival City Warriors to be crowned as the new champions of the Georgetown Zone “Guinness Greatness in the Streets” futsal competition on Sunday at the National Park tarmac.

The game was played at full throttle from the start as both teams showed intent to win.

However, it was Festival City who started to create chances early in the game as they moved forward on every possession, keeping North Ruimveldt on their heels as the first half played out to a nil all draw.

The second half was more of the same as both teams continued to gnaw at each other’s defence with North Ruimveldt quickening the tempo.

As the game seemed

headed to overtime, Gerald Gittens struck suddenly for North Ruimveldt in the 37th minute that sent the crowd into frenzy.

The glum look on the face of the Festival City players only worsened two minutes later as Travis Grant added insult to injury with a 39th minute goal to end the contest.

Meanwhile, in the third pace play-off Leopold Street defeated Sparta Boss 2-1. Omallo Williams and Claudio Rajkumar were the goal scorers for Leopold Street while Sheldon Shepherd was the lone scorer for Sparta Boss.

Guinness Brand Manager, Lee Baptiste was impressed by the teams in the Georgetown final and attributed “motivation” for the tournament having new winners each year.

Stag Super XVI Football Tournament…

Contrasting wins for Monedderlust, Cougars on opening night

Ttion pleased their supporters’ hearts as

North Ruimveldt celebrate their win on receipt of their trophy and prize money

he inaugural Stag Super XVI knockout football tournament kicked off in fine style at the Number 5 ground, West

Ron Wilson (#11) of Cougars is airborne as he aims to head home this corner kick against Soesdyke, but the ball was saved by goalkeeper Javier Greene