Guyana Times Daily - August 28, 2015

$23B “allocation” for rice farmers not in estimates

Guyana possibly on JetBlue radar

Fourth accused remanded for attack on Land Court Judge GRA “perturbed” by allegations of gold smuggling

UG urged to explore new income-generating ideas

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine is urging the cashstrapped University of Guyana (UG) to explore revenue-generating ideas, as a means of bringing additional resources into the institution.

The University of Guyana is financed mainly by a subvention from the Government and from students’ tuition fees. Recent incidents at the University have revealed that the institution’s total income has been dwindling, and for some time now has been inadequate to cover its operating costs.

This has resulted in payment issues relating to salaries, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions and income tax deductions, and utilities services, as well as neglect of routine maintenance works.

Minister Roopnaraine held the view that the simple answer, for the lack of resources at the University was not

the Government’s pumping of more money into the campus, “although Government probably should”.

“What it means though is that the University has to begin to embark on its own income-generation activities,” the Minister said, during an exclusive interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA). He posited that the institution should be looking at areas such as consultancies, fund raising and other services.

The Education Minister said that the standards of the University have undoubtedly fallen. He pointed out, however, that what “Universities essentially put out depend on what they take in.”

Expounding on his earlier assessment, Minister Roopnaraine clarified that “if you have problem with the school system, in terms of what you are delivering to the University, you cannot expect the University to produce gold at the end of four years”.

The University of Guyana does not fall under the remit of the Education Ministry; instead, it is run by a Council. From the Education Ministry and the Government side, Minister Roopnaraine recently appointed two representatives to the Council: Vincent Alexander and the Permanent Secretary (PS) Delma Nedd. Minister Roopnaraine believes that the Council needs to be autonomous and free from Government influ-

ence. “I have been very wary. I have sat on the University of Guyana Council for many years, and I know that the last thing that the University Council needs is to be Government-directed.”

He, however, expressed the view that what the Council needed was to be strengthened, in terms of the

persons who are put on the board. “We are putting excellent persons on the Council, and I know that the Private Sector has very good and active people who serve on the Council.”

In October, the likelihood exists that the Council would be looking for a Vice Chancellor, as the current

Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi is expected to leave the University. “This means that we will have to go through an entire process of advertising and getting applications, and so we can choose someone for the University; one who will make a difference (at the University),” Minister Roopnaraine said.

Man accused of stealing from Survival cries 'foul'

Ahomeless man is crying foul after he was accused of stealing $10,000 worth in Vitamalt from Survival Supermarket. The accused told the court all he did was sleep a corner away from the store.

Keion Crandon, age 36, told the court that he did not steal the Vitamalt. He said that he was sleeping when one of the employees of the store dropped the stolen items next to him.

Also, the accused complained to the court that he has not been allowed to call his family. He said that he was told that he cannot

make any cellphone calls, adding that his relatives do not have a landline telephone.

Magistrate Alex Moore, who presides in Court 10 stated that he will enable the accused to get his phone call. However, upon hearing that a cell call is what is needed to enable he gets bail, Magistrate Moore released the accused on his own recognisance.

The Magistrate urged Crandon to return to court on September 10 for his trial or else after being called once it will proceed without him and he would not be able to lead a defence.

Thief caught by public spirited citizens still denies charge

Athief was caught red handed by public spirited citizens on Monday after he broke into a car on Thomas Lands, Georgetown. However in Court on Thursday, the accused said he was not guilty.

Alton Goulding, who is 30 years old and from Craig, East Bank Demerara, survived the indignity of being caught stealing earlier in the week by several persons who accosted him after he had broken into a vehicle – bearing registration plates PRR 3254 – owned by the Virtual Complainant (VC), Allison Williams. He is charged with break and enter and simple larceny after he removed $6000 from the vehicle. Goulding

was stoic as he tried to convince the court of his innocence. However, Prosecutor Gillian Simmonds told the court that on the day in question, about 16:45h, the VC left home to go exercise and parked her motor car on Thomas Lands. When she returned she was told that her car was broken into and her phone, a Samsung Galaxy S5 was retrieved from the accused before he was taken to the Albertown Police Station. He was not represented by an Attorney. Nevertheless, the court granted him bail in the sum of $10,000 and ordered him to return to court on September 14.

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

The University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus

friday, august 28, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Friday, August 28 – 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, August 29 – 14:30h-16:00h

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

Friday, August 28 – 15:20h-16:50h and Saturday, August 29 – 16:00h-17:30h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, with heavy to light rainfall in the afternoon, with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

High Tide: 03:10h and 15:39h reaching maximum heights of 2.66 metres and 2.68 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:11h and 21:31h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre at each scheduled low tide.

Tale of deception continues…

$23B “allocation” for rice farmers not in estimates

...no “real money” just “fluff and rhetoric” – Jagdeo

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

ice farmers, and by extension the rest of Guyana, have been deceived into believing that $23 billion was allocated to the rice industry. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), which now sits on the Opposition side of the House, on Thursday confirmed that no such provision was made for the industry.

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo in an early morning interview with the press said Finance Minister Winston Jordan was unable to point out the $23 billion which was promised to rice farmers during the consideration of the Budget Estimates. According to him, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government has misled the nation into the believing the $23 billion was real money.

“What he is effectively doing is bringing in the PetroCaribe proceeds as a public debt,” Jagdeo explained. In support of the Opposition Leader, former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill, during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, iterated that government is trying to dupe Guyanese.

“When the question was asked last night [Wednesday], no sensible answer was given. Then you have in the budget speech he made references to budgetary allocation, $23 billion for the rice farmers... low and behold we cannot find this $23 billion anywhere in the estimates, that is a serious indictment on the public accountability system in our country and it makes hollow the commitment of this Finance Minister,” he said, noting that the budget pres

and rhetoric.

“... $23 billiob for rice farmers... there is no such allocation in the budget... so rice farmers what they got was nice gaff...,” he said.

Following the announcement by Finance Minister Jordan that rice farmers will be receiving $23 billion, Opposition Leader Jagdeo had expressed his satisfaction with the provision, lauding the Government for actually keeping its promise.

“I hope that it’s real money, because it will allow APNU/AFC to pay the $6000 and $9000 bag per paddy they promised the farmers. We will support it. We hope that it is real money and beginning next week, we will have the disbursement of $23 billion to the farmers. We are in support of that,” Jagdeo noted.

Government had in early June allocated the $800 million to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to begin paying millers, who would in turn pay rice farmers. Millers had reportedly owed rice farmers across the country some $6 billion for the supply of paddy.

Several rice farmers recently complained to Region

PPP/C Councillor Sobodh Kishore about being owed monies. Kishore said many farmers were still owed millions by prominent millers and commercial banks were calling those farmers who took loans for repayment.

Kishore said the situation was very frustrating and called on Government to assist the farmers.

The millers in Guyana seem to be developing a reputation of failing to pay rice farmers on time. Owing to the millers’ constant fail-

ure to pay rice farmers over the years, the amount owed

lion, which they were unable to settle because of the outstanding amounts owed to them by the Government.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had explained that the money owed to the millers by the Government was not a “stop and wait” situation as monies were constantly coming in to pay them. Holder explained that the amount owed was constantly fluctuating, because when the Government received money from the markets and paid off the millers, the outstanding amount decreases. Whereas when the Government collects rice from the millers on a credit basis to supply the markets, the outstanding figure increases.

For years now, many have been complaining of the exploitation of the rice farmers at the hands of millers. They argueD that the millers continuously ignore the Rice Factory Act, which stipulates that rice farmers should be paid in full within 42 days of receipt of produce and, if not, the miller is bound by law to pay farmers interest that is two per cent higher than the going interest rate of the Bank of Guyana.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill

Rice farmers deceived into believing that $23 billion was allocated to the rice industry

Editor (Ag): Michael Younge

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Unpopular decisions

The newly-elected A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government since it took office last May, has been making quite a number of unpopular decisions as it tries to get its feet firmer on the governance in this country. Almost every week, it’s another unpopular decision. One is therefore forced to ask if it’s a case of Government functionaries giving little or no thought as it relates to the policy direction of the administration, or is it a case that they just do not care about how these decisions will affect the populace now that they are at the helm of Government.

For example, amid the rising crime rate, not long after he was appointed Government’s point man on national security, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan took a decision to enforce a 2am curfew for bars and night clubs. This of course did not go down well with partygoers and sections of the business community.Ramjattan’sjustification for this move was that crime would be reduced.

We are all well aware that crime in Guyana has taken on new dimensions and hence, requires modern, strategic thinking and effective policy decisions matched by the necessary resources to confront it. Certainly closing bars at 2 am will definitely not solve the problem. To date, neither the Minister nor his Government have come up with a concrete plan to address the various forms of criminality affecting citizens of this country even though they had boasted on the campaign trail of having an effective national security plan.

Also, in preparation of the 2015 budget, the Government signaled its intention to discontinue the $10,000 voucher programme launched under the previous Government. It’s justification for this move was that this programme was designed by the PPP to win votes at the last elections. A promise was then made by the Government that instead of continuing theprogramme, it would increase the Uniform Voucher Allowance given to students. To the nation’s disappointment, when the budget was finally presented in the National Assembly, it was confirmed that a meager $500 was added to the $1500 uniform allowance that was already there, bringing the total sum to $2000. Every parent knows that $2000 cannot meet the basic uniform needs of a student.

It should be noted too that the Administration has managed to fire thousands of workers from the public service and within Government’s employ. Many of them coincidentally or not have been East Indians and Amerindians who supported the PPP/C. They have done so at a time when thousands of young persons are looking for employment across the country.

However, one of the most unpopular decisions thus far, is to imposeregional flags. The move to assign flags to every administrative region across the country has not settled well all of the regional leaders some of whom have already rejected the plan.

No other than former President and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo has slammed the move and pointed out that it could be dangerous for Guyana as it could put the country’s sovereignty at risk and reinforce Venezuela’s attempts to win over the Essequibo through encouraging secessionist tendencies.

There are countless other unpopular decisions made since the APNU/AFC government took office three months ago, but space in this column is not enough to detail them. What is even worse is that most, if not all of the decisions so far have been imposed on the population without any proper consultation being done.

In any democratic society, one expects the Government to consult with the citizenry, especially those aspects of the population that will be affected one way or another. The Government has not done so and as such, risks failing the people.

Monitoring the President’s “new

10-point

strategic plan for Hinterland Development”

Dear Editor, President David Granger’s “new 10-point strategic plan for Hinterland Development” speaks, inter alia, of ‘a Hinterland and Indigenous Peoples Lands Commission and Hinterland Language Cultural and Sport Service”; as if the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had neglected these very important areas of hinterland development. May I remind His Excellency who revels in research and rewriting history that while our Indigenous peoples were marginalised under the People’s National Congress, the PPP ensured that they took their rightful place in our country’s history, that is, as Guyana’s first people.

Specifically, Dr Cheddi Jagan, the then Prime Minister of Guyana ensured that Amerindian culture, art and craft, cuisine, music, dances and other aspects of their traditional lifestyle were kept alive when he officially designated September as Amerindian Heritage Month in memory of Stephen Campbell, the first Amerindian to enter the Parliament of then British Guiana. This is quite apart from the several other support measures of the PPP/Civic Government to ensure that our first people were able to access social services viz: education and primary health care, ex-

tended and improved infrastructure, support for the village economy.

Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations also provided opportunities for Amerindians and was another way of bringing Amerindian people and their communities into the mainstream of national development. There was no need to wait until August 2015 to hear of a plan to advance development of our Amerindian people, their language and heritage. It must be noted that the rotation of the designated Heritage Village from year to year provided opportunity for Guyanese , including our Indigenous people themselves, to experience and to learn more of the culture and way of life of our Amerindian people. It allowed them to market their villages, its people and what they had to offer in terms of goods and services. In short, Amerindian Heritage Month was also a medium for promoting hinterland tourism.

I previously drew attention to the Constitution of Guyana through Articles 35, 149 G and 212 S which focus respectively on the very issues which the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) are now seeking to highlight in this 10-point plan . These include our ‘indigenous people’s right to the protection, preservation and promulgation of their lan-

guage, cultural heritage and way of life’. There was already established under the PPP/C Government an Indigenous Peoples Commission which was already involved in work aimed at addressing the needs of and enhancing the status of our Indigenous people.

Our Amerindian people’s ownership of their lands including the forests resources thereon and their right to plan and manage the use of these resources, and to negotiate in mining, are enshrined in the 2006 Amerindian Act drafted through the consultation and input of Amerindians and Hinterland residents. This is a reflection and a representation of the nature and extent of the progress the PPP/C made as a Government and with the involvement of our indigenous leaders and their people.

Integral to the acceleration of the development process in the villages and communities has been the PPP/C’s greater focus on economic activities that create employment and generate income for the people who must live and work in the hinterland communities.

The National Hinterland Secure Livelihood Programme initiated through the Amerindian Affairs Ministry of also sought to address some of the challenges of economic devel-

opment in the hinterland. These challenges included the inefficiency of some traditional farming methods and practices, limited knowledge of managing nontraditional crops, inadequate diversification, absence of food processing technology to cater for “periods of shocks” and the need for our farmers to develop an appreciation for enterprise.

These diversified activities lead to the creating of more opportunities for income generation among our Amerindian people, increasing accessibility to goods and services while improving the standards in the communities.

There is concern that the APNU/AFC by their political and ethnic discriminatory actions directed at our Amerindian people because of their massive support for the PPP/C at the recent 2015 General and Regional Elections have determined to remove these gains and take such punitive measures against our Indigenous people such as terminating their employment.

However, the PPP/C stands by its commitment to the hinterland population and our first peoples, in ensuring that the APNU/AFC’s actions are closely monitored, examined and upbraided where necessary.

Sincerely, Norman

Whittaker

Stabroek Market: the market that never sleeps

Call to Priya Manickchand to represent the people of Mahaicony creek

Dear Editor,

We were very happy, when we had a visit by the Public Health Minister and the Regional Health Officer of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) some time back during the floods, in Mahaicony Creek, East Coast Demerara.

We had discussed many issues affecting communities in the Mahaicony Creek, including the shortage of doctors at the heath centre and the price for paddy.

We the residents of Mahaicony Creek are suffering from non-access to health care, because there is no doctor or Medex at the health centre to provide service to the people. We are paying high costs for transportation to access health care at the Mahaicony Hospital.

The Public Health Minister and the Regional Health Officer during discussion with us, promised

that next week a doctor will dispatched to the health centre to provide service to the residents in the Mahaicony Creek.

We have been trying since then to make contact with the Minister, but our efforts were futile. His office keeps insisting: “you have to make an appointment.’’ Residents of Mahaicony Creek are still waiting on the service of a doctor, promised by the Public Health Minister. We want to urge the new Government not to make promises you cannot fulfil. We are now calling on our Region Five Member of Parliament Priya Devi Manickchand to make some additional representation for her people in Mahaicony Creek.

Sincerely, Concerned residents of Mahaicony Creek

Poll: TT People’s

Partnership barely ahead

Dear Editor,

An ongoing opinion tracking survey being conducted by New York-based North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) has found the ruling People’s Partnership (PP) of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar is barely ahead in several critical marginal seats necessary for victory in the September 7 general elections.

The UNC is ahead in Pointe-A-Pierre and four other marginal seats (Mayaro, Moruga/ Tableland, Barataria, and St Joseph) while the Opposition PNM is leading in two marginals (San Fernando West and Tunapuna) since the final list of candidates were announced two weeks ago.

The candidates of other parties and independents are trailing in these seats and on course of losing their deposits (one eighth of the votes is necessary to retain one’s deposit). Two critical marginals – Chaguanas East and LaHorquetta/ Talparo – are being polled and the findings will be released in a follow up report. Other marginals in Tobago show People’s National Movement (PNM) in huge leads.

The poll interviewed an average of 120 likely voters in each constituency to reflect the demographic com -

Need for better road conduct

Dear Editor, Driving in Guyana calls for extraordinary skill. If one can master the art of driving on these roads and sharing the roads with daily bullies, then one can probably drive anywhere in the world.

Not only are there crater-like holes on most streets in Georgetown, but there are also hardly any road signs to guide drivers, especially remigrants who aren’t familiar with the host of unspoken road rules. One often has to guess if streets are one ways or not, and often, when the City declares new measures to change directions, no notice or signboards are installed.

When a regular citizen invests in a vehicle, the duty is already exorbitant. However, the maintenance and reparation costs which soar as compared to other countries with acceptable infrastructure, makes owning a vehicle almost a

luxury.

Dysfunctional traffic lights are also a constant frustration in Georgetown’s busiest spots, as well a grave health hazard and an ideal battle ground for daily bullies.

Lack of adequate road signs and dysfunctional traffic lights together constitute a cocktail for the regular chaos one encounters in the nasty, disorganised capital.

In addition to this, dealing with impolite drivers who sometimes are downright road bullies, ready to spit racist remarks and graze the vehicles of others, is quite a normal scene. Where there might be road signs, there is hardly any respect from drivers.

Then, the attitude of pedestrians and cyclists and motorbike users also calls for reprobation as none seem to quite understand the concept of having to share a common public utility which is the road

space. From pedestrians overstepping in driving lanes, to riding in the middle of the road and crossing when lights are red, the behaviour of too many is favourable to road accidents. Also, Government institutions contribute to the chaos by monopolising the road space for parking. For instance, there are always way too many vehicles parked on Upper Brickdam where the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry is located. Taxis are accommodated on the opposite side of the road leaving no space for pedestrians and creating bottle necks on a daily basis.

The Guyana Revenue Authority, despite having two car parks at its disposal, clogs Camp Street every day and still finds the means to appropriate parking spaces in front of homes and businesses, much to the loss of other users.

Indeed, the road culture in Guyana is unacceptable and depicts a very negative image of Guyanese which they seem to be comfortable with, particularly in Georgetown. It is the duty of the Government to reign in those who disobey simple road rules. It can boast of a clean, garden city, but Georgetown is neither clean nor in the least way comparable to a garden, and it is surely not a safe or friendly place to drive. The APNU/ AFC Government, quick to boast of its famous action plan has forgotten that the path to development lies in a solid and functional infrastructure.

Road users in Georgetown should adopt a better, healthier attitude and the Government needs to “haul [it’s] ass” to quote Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

Sincerely, Stacy Cheong

Re: Laura George’s timely letter a breath of fresh air!

position of the population. The poll has a margin of error of four per cent.

The latest poll finds the UNC (PP) ahead in PointeA-Pierre, Barataria, St Joseph, Moruga, and Mayaro. The PNM is ahead in Tunapuna and San Fernando West. In none of these seven seats has any party (candidate) crossed the 50 per cent magic mark to secure it suggesting all the seats are still in contention and are likely to go down to the wire.

An average of 18 per cent of the voters is still undecided and they may well determine the faith of the candidates (or parties). The PNM is winning in two Tobago seats by a landslide.

Overall, the NACTA poll is showing the PP leading 19-18. Of two seats not recently polled, earlier polls showed the PP and PNM winning two each making the final outcome possibly 21-20 in favour of the PP.

But two more weeks till election’s day is a long time in politics, and the chance of the third force ILP led by Jack Warner in a few seats is good as many voters say they would like to see divided power so that no party has an overwhelming majority in Parliament.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, No sport writer or Journalist has resorted to the practice of investigative journalism, towards highlighting publicly the major inefficiency and unprofessionalism that occurred, in the recently concluded Digicel Secondary Schools Championship KO Football Tournament. Consequently, Laura George must be commended on the bold initiative for the publication of a letter the letter: “Who gives athletes hot dogs for breakfast?”, published on August 8 in another newspaper.

Indeed, Digicel’s involvement on an annual basis is indeed commendable. But with administrative glitches continuing unabatedly, much is left to be desired. Moreover, the individual tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the tournament, which attracts financial remuneration, from all indications is not well rounded in the overall administration of the sport, despite the fact of the numerous portfolios held (Sports Organiser, UG Vice President, GFA, and Executive Member, Fruta Conquerors).

With this being my first letter on this year’s tournament, I must reiterate that a collaborative effort is needed among the Department of Sport within the Education Ministry, the Guyana Football Federation and Digicel towards improving the coordination of the tournament. Seminars, workshops and courses in Administration, Coaching,

Nutrition, Physiotherapy and Match Commissioners are all essential components that have to be addressed.

Is a detailed competition’s report submitted at the conclusion of the tournament, in addition to an audited financial statement of expenditure, compatible with the budgeted sum? For transparency and accountability, this question begs an answer, since the nation’s largest School Tournament, if continued to be coordinated in an adhoc manner, will continue to tarnish the image of the sport and the sponsor.

Finally, as the Liaison Officer of the Kashif and Shangai (K&S) Organisation and previously having had the privilege of working with Waramadong Secondary,

a few years ago in a K&S School’ Tournament, I can attest to the fact that of the 16 participating schools, Waramadong was the most disciplined, cultured and well mannered. It is disappointing to read of the treatment meted out to Waramadong Secondary.

By relevant comparison, accommodation was provided at Dawn Cari and Wind Jammer Hotels instead of the Young Women’s Christian Association. Meals were catered for by both hotels, laundering was under the supervision of the team’s management, utilising the services provided. Transportation, compliments of the Ministry (sponsorship) along with payments to George’s Transportation Services, in

pursuit of training, matches, plane tickets and the National Cultural Centre, for an Adventist Church Convention. In relation to medical treatment, physiotherapists were present at all matches. While one was specifically assigned to Waramadong, since a few of the players came to Georgetown, with niggling injuries. Also mention must be made of one player, who upon arrival was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for evaluation by a medical practitioner for an ankle injury. Gratitude must also be expressed to individuals for providing sponsorship for paid dinners on two occasions.

Respectfully yours, Lester Sealey

Page Foundation

Try as we might, all of us sometimes have less than optimal interactions with our children. Remember that each one of those interactions that leave anyone feeling bad require five positive interactions to restore a positive valence to the relationship. These can be little – a smile or pat on the shoulder – as long as you make sure they have a positive impact.

One caution – don’t be tempted to buy five presents, even if you goofed royally. Occasional gifts for no reason are fine, but all children distinguish between emotional connection and things, and they always notice when parents use money to buy their goodwill. They won’t turn down the gifts, but it’s a net loss to the relationship’s emotional bank account.

7. Don’t take it personally

Your teenager slams the door to her bedroom screaming, I hate you, you never understand! What’s the most important thing to remember? Don’t take it personally! This isn’t primarily about you, it’s about them: their tangled up feelings, their difficulty controlling themselves, their immature ability to understand and express their emotions. Taking it personally wounds you, which means you do what we all do when hurt: either close off, or lash out, or both. Which just worsens a tough situation for all concerned.

Remembering not to take it personally means you:

* Take a deep breath

* Let the hurt go

* Remind yourself that your child does in fact love you but can’t get in touch with it at the moment

* Consciously lower your voice

* Try hard to remember what it feels like to be a kid who is upset and over-reacting.

* Think through how to respond calmly and constructively.

You can still set limits, but you do it from as calm a place as you can muster. Your child will be deeply grateful, even if she can’t acknowledge it at the moment. I’m not for a minute suggesting that you let your child treat you disrespectfully. I’m suggesting you act out of love, rather than anger, as you set limits. And if you’re too angry to get in touch with your love at the moment, then wait to set limits until you’re calm and able to feel love and empathy for your child.

8. Place a premium on relationships in your family by spending some time together every single day

Whether it’s five minutes at bedtime or washing the dishes together after dinner, make sure you have time to connect with your teen every day. If your teen is resistant to spending time with you, develop routines where you share something that your teen enjoys doing: play a game of ping pong or have a cup of tea together every night, take a walk for ice

cream on Monday evenings, make brunch together or play some basketball on Sunday mornings. Children often wait for these routine times with their parents to bring up something that’s bothering them. Don’t expect your son or daughter to invite closeness or volunteer vulnerable emotions at each interaction, or when

computer game. Not to mention that by the time they’re tweens they’re swamped with hormones, and checking themselves out in every mirror they pass. Parents can be dismally low on their list.

So find ways to get in their face in a friendly, inoffensive way. It’s fine to demand and expect connection

(Continued from thursday)

our teens physically into our orbit, we need to recollect them emotionally as well.

Life, with its infinite distractions and constant separations, has a way of eroding connection. While our teens are separated from us, they orient themselves around other things: their peers, their team, their computer. All parents need to repeat-

you expect it. But if you set up enough regular opportunities to be together, it will happen.

9. If you don’t get the response you want to your overtures towards your child, step back and watch how you initiate Are you inviting a positive response? Children have a lot on their minds, from the history test to the soccer tryouts to the newest

– you have a right to a relationship with your child. But you’re more likely to find the response you want if you can help your child remember why she likes you!

“I was hoping we could go out for brunch one day this weekend for some special Mom and Alice time” will work a lot better than “You never tell me anything these days!”

10. When we recollect

edly reconnect with their teens, just to repair the daily erosion created by life’s normal separations and distractions. Effective parenting is almost impossible until the positive connection with your child has been reestablished, so think of this as preventive maintenance, before there’s a problem.

If your expectation is that re-connecting after time apart is an impor-

tant part of life, your teens will share that expectation. Demand your teen’s attention in an inoffensive way, with a light touch, and don’t take any disinterest personally. Once they get used to the routine of reconnecting after separation, they’ll take it for granted.

11. Acknowledge separations and reunions When you or your teen leaves, say goodbye. When you return, say hello. When you first see your teen in the morning, make a point of greeting him, preferably with a hug. This may seem obvious, but lots of families don’t do it. Research shows that men who hug their wives goodbye in the morning live longer, earn more, and are happier. While there is no data yet on how this applies to parents and children, you can bet I hug my teens, as well as my husband, goodbye. (Of course, I may make an exception if their friends are present, but often the friends get hugs too!)

12. When you physically reconnect, consciously refocus your attention Otherwise, it’s automatic for all of us to keep thinking about the meeting we just attended or what we need to pick up at the grocery store. Teens are often ready to talk when they first get in the car, but the minute they sit down at their computer, connecting with parents is the last thing they want to do.

13. Until you’ve re-established the connection, keep distractions to a minimum This may seem obvious, but if you can make yourself turn off the news when your teen gets in the car, you’re lots more likely to make a connection with him and hear about what happened at band practice. If she’s coming back from a sleepover, try to avoid having family friends over at the same time. Insist that she spend some time interacting with the family before she gets on the phone or computer to chat with her friends. When one of you arrives home, don’t answer the phone during your greeting, even if it was a routine separation. As automatic as it is to answer the phone, greeting each other and reconnecting is ultimately more important. That’s what answering machines are for.

14. Attune to your teen’s mood Your moods are unlikely to be in sync after time apart. To re-connect, you will probably need to adjust your mood to your teen’s. If you come on bubbly when he’s pensive, you’ll be met with stony silence. (www.ahaparenting.com)

friday, august 28, 2015 |

President’s Big Bash Inauguration Government finally concedes State paid for extravaganza ...Speaker

hushes up Opposition questions

The grand and flamboyant inauguration ceremony hosted for President David Granger on May 26, which the Government continuously denied was paid for by the State, actually saw millions of taxpayers’ dollars being pumped into making the celebration as spectacular as it was.

Not only did the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration mislead the Guyanese public on this early dipping into public coffers for ostentatious public splurging, it continues to

backpedal on the promises made that it would put an end to the “abuse” of taxpayers’ monies and lead a “lean and clean” Government.

During the final day of the consideration of the Budget Estimates late Wednesday evening, Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry succumbed to pressure from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Members of Parliament (MPs) and belatedly conceded that millions of dollars were indeed expended on this event.

Since the extravagant event which saw the National Stadium filled with

exuberant partisan triumphant party supporters, the APNU/AFC Government has stonewalled on the cost encountered, dismissing reporters whenever they made any inquiries into the matter.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon finally told media operatives that the Government hardly contributed to this event and that most of the expenses were covered by “donations”.

However, in the Budget Estimates 2015, there were no accounts made for the inflow of donations claimed for this purpose.

PPP/C MP Charles

GRA “perturbed” by allegations of gold smuggling

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Thursday said it was most perturbed by recent revelations in the press about an organised gold smuggling racket and the implication of Customs officials in this malpractice.

GRA’s statement comes on the heels of pronouncements by Governance Minister Raphael Trotman on the issue on Thursday. Trotman reported that after Government took up office in May, it found evidence of rampant gold smuggling particularly to Brazil, Suriname and the United States and has made tackling it a priority.

He was even quoted in another section of the media as saying that gold smuggling was “rampant” as every bit of ore or gold that leaves Guyana undeclared meant less revenue for the country.

Trotman also argued that the Guyana Gold Board and to some extent, the Governance and Patrimony Ministry are looking at the situation, while acknowledging the ongoing investigations regarding the smuggling of gold from Guyana.

“From what we are seeing gold is going over our borders with Brazil and Suriname and some amounts are going up to the US,” he is quoted as saying

in other sections of the media.

Ramson Jr asked the Minister about a particular allocation under “subsidies and contributions to local organisations” under “Cultural Preservation and Conservation” within the Education Ministry and she disclosed that the $35.69 million was spent on the inauguration and the T20 matches recently held in Guyana.

The revelation took the House by surprise, but when Ramson further probed into the matter, House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland prohibited any other questions.

Ramson Jr had asked the Minister to reveal how much money was actually spent on the inauguration ceremony and to clarify why the Government had lied about the expenses.

However, he was inter-

rupted by the Speaker, who exclaimed, “There must be a time when you should call it quits and focus on the issue at hand.”

He then asked Ramson Jr to proceed, but after Ramson Jr repeated his questions to the Minister, the Speaker brusquely declared that it

was “out of order” and maintained that he would not permit such a question.

Another extravagant event undertaken by the new Government was the massive birthday celebrations for the President Granger, which the Administration claimed was covered by “donations”.

However, the startling disclosure that the APNU/ AFC misled the nation about the financing for the inauguration gave PPP/C MPs strong reasons not to believe that the Government was also not prevaricating about these other ostentatious self-congratulatory events. But as ominous as this was for national trust, observers said the partisanship showed by the new Speaker was even more dangerous.

based too on the roles and responsibilities of Customs Officers, particularly at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and other ports of entry, it was quite baffling to the Authority that Officers would be embroiled in the illegal gold smuggling

Trotman added that he was not in a position to say whether the US visas held by some gold miners have been revoked as part of any investigation into a gold smuggling racket with origins here.

But GRA in a release to the media said, “Based on its previous experiences in the past where the integrity of the GRA was compromised by officers within the Authority who have been in collusion with unscrupulous characters, fervent efforts have been made to hold officers accountable to standard operational procedures.”

The entity said that

ring as it expressed the view that every person or agency in question should cooperate with the authorities and avoid speculation.

“In accordance with the law, passengers with gold worn jewellery are not required to make a declaration providing that it does not exceed a certain value.

President David Granger’s inauguration ceremony

President David Granger’s birthday bash

There is likely to be greater scrutiny of persons from Guyana to disclose the source of their valuable assets to US authorities

Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry

Fourth accused remanded for attack on Land Court Judge

The quartet of men who allegedly attacked Land Court

Judge Nicola Pierre, and her husband in July was made complete on Thursday when the fourth accused was read charges of robbery and discharging a loaded firearm.

Warren McKenzie, age 22, of 80 Peter’s Street, Agricola, Greater Georgetown, had to be wheeled into Court

Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after being discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital on Wednesday to face the charges against him.

the mentioned firearm at Ron Peters with intent to harm, maim or disfigure him. All the matters were deemed indictable and he was not required to plead.

McKenzie appealed to the court to understand what will happen to him since he was unable to get out of the hospital bed.

Guyana Times understands that a bullet is lodged in the defendant’s spine after a gun fire exchange with Police.

Making up...

...budget numbers

Winston Jordan was reintroduced into the political system as a technocratic kinda fella. You know... the back-room, number crunching faceless drudge who keeps their Ministers looking good. There was always the school of thought that in areas like finance, where you don’t need too much (any?) charisma or razzle-dazzle, maybe fellas like Jordan can take centre stage. Bumping up, rather than cutting off, the middle man - so to speak.

Well if Jordan’s the test of that theory, then it’s back to the drawing board. The man has made such a mess of the APNU/AFC 2015 budget that this Eyewitness wonders what the ***** he was doing during Jagdeo and Ashni Singh stints as Finance Minister- when he was in the back room. What he has shown is he’s straining mightily to be the Rottweiler political type - with his heavy handed putdowns and ponderous attempts at “cutting wit”. He mostly managed to cut himself!

The court heard that on July 9, he joined with Damien Millington, Nicholas Narine and Anthony David to rob Pierre of a quantity of gold and diamond jewellery, a nugget of gold, a quantity of gem stones among other items, including several Nintendo games, while being armed with a firearm. The sum of the items taken from the Virtual Complainant (VC) is believed to be $1 million.

Galaxy S5 cellphone, US$8000, a wedding ring, four Oakley sunglasses and one brown leather wallet. In total, $2.6 million was taken from him.

He was also charged for robbing her husband Mohamed Chand of five wrist watches, a Samsung

The third charge detailed that on the same day, McKenzie dislodged

Magistrate Ann McLennan assured the prisoner that he will be receiving the proper treatment whether he is to be placed in prison or returned to hospital. However, the arresting officer told the court that the accused has been discharged from the hospital. The discharge paper was requested.

The Magistrate transferred his case to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court for September.

Rupununi weed farmer gets 3-year sentence

Aresident of Monkey Mountain, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) announced in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts that he was forced to growing cannabis sativa (marijuana) out of desperation to get money.

Clifford Nathaniel, who is a 25-year-old Farmer, was placed before Magistrate Ann McLennan to face the charge of nar-

cotics possession for the purposes of trafficking on Thursday.

There was no hesitation from the accused when he was asked whether he was guilty or not. He stated forthrightly that he did have 18 grams of the illicit substance on his person when Police busted him on Sunday at Monkey Mountain. He stated that it was only recently that he started to grow the substance to earn a livelihood.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones filled in the blanks on how the Police found the accused with the narcotic. He stated that the Police had received a disorderly behaviour complaint and had gone to Monkey Mountain to investigate. However, they became suspicious of Nathaniel and conducted a search on his person where they found the marijuana in his side pants pocket.

The prosecutor said

that he was taken to the Monkey Mountain Police Station where the drug was weighed in his presence. Further investigations were carried out before the defendant was charged for the offence. Even so, he told the court that there is no found antecedent against the accused.

Magistrate McLennan sentenced Nathaniel to three years imprisonment for his crime, along with a fine of $27,000.

The most egregious blunder - which got his PRIME Minister in hot water - was to not cater for the fact that his President had signed legislation mandating several agencies being funded directly from the Consolidated Funds. Now this wasn’t just for administrative or bureaucratic convenience, screamed APNU/AFC but that those agencies were “being muzzled by the hand that feeds them” and all that jazz. Apart for Nagamootoo having to grovel, hat in hand to Jagdeo to beg for “understanding” Jordan forced even supporters to wonder if, in fact, the PNC-led APNU/ AFC hadn’t lost its penchant for muzzling!

But just when you think Jordan couldn’t get his foot further up his mouth, up comes Jagdeo to point out that the $23B he boasted of paying to farmers for paddy shipped COULDN’T BE FOUND IN THE ESTIMATES!!! And this wasn’t the only instance of “Case of the missing money” (Jagdeo thinks it’s “Purloined Money”!) There was a $3.8B to GuySuCo and $5B to GRDB - but these are chicken feed, no? $23B would pay for 200,000 tonnes of rice!! An entire year export to Venezuela!

What Jordan’s trying to do is to let APNU/AFC have their cake and gorge themselves on it at the same time. First they say the Treasury’s bare as well as the PetroVaribe Fund. But what Jagdeo figures they did was to transfer some numbers on the books to simply pass the $23B in the Budget as a debt to PetroCaribe.

But any self-respecting bookkeeper would know this is just financial legerdemain - trickery and conjuring of numbers out of thin air.

But thin air leads to a hard landing. As Jordan will find out soon.

...for lack of size

It’s been a running joke for decades that fellas with challenges in their trouser-equipment try to make up for it by getting bigger cars. It’s called the “compensation syndrome”. Well, it’s a theory no longer. A study in England published in the Daily Mail last year proved that the charge just wasn’t an urban legend! And as if to provide definitive evidence up comes (we use the adverb “up” figuratively) Nagamootoo with his pouting demand for a $22 million SUV!!

The Fella says he MUST have it so that he can visit “constituents”. Now can you believe this load of horse manure? Here it is, the man just told his constituents that he can’t reduce VAT (apart from Mayonnaise) or raise salaries more than 5% but to comfort them he’s be tooling around in his new, black (and of course, totally tinted) Landcruiser. This beats Marie Antoinette telling the peasants crying for bread to “eat cake”. But we know what the guillotine did to her neck, no?

Other parts of the anatomy can ask be further decimated!!

...crimes?

Whatever happened to those 60 choir boys who strayed from the straight and narrow to filch people’s cell phones and were pardoned?

Have they actually not sinned again?

Warren McKenzie at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

2am curfew fails to dent crime spiral

... as night spots and patrons put under strain

It has been almost two months since the Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration, enforced the 02:00h curfew and many of the popular night spots around the country are experiencing significant plunges in sales as they comply with the law and new forms of economic hardships.

Guyana Times spoke with a number of businesses in the Capital City as well as outer Georgetown, all of which indicated that sales have plummeted since the enforcement of the curfew. Navin Singh, General Manager of Gravity Lounge told this newspaper that the Lounge made the necessary changes to abide by the law and is still transitioning.

Singh explained that initially, there was a dip in the sales and business activities as a whole. As such, the entity had to strategise in order to up their profitability. “We had to introduce early drink specials to get people out

early because people usually go out around 11:00 (23:00h) so now we are seeing people out around 09:30h (21:30h)10:00h (22:00h),” he stated. Nevertheless, the General Manager noted that persons are now getting used to the curfew and so sales have since picked up a bit.

However, the General Manager explained that there are some patrons who are still grappling with the fact that the business has to close at 02:00h. He said at that time, persons are really into the party mode and so they get disappointed and at times become upset when they are told the party is closed off.

Meanwhile, Seelall Parbo, General Manager of Buddy’s Entertainment Complex, pointed out that the curfew had a significant impact on sales over the past weeks. He said that trend is not at all encouraging to continue business. He outlined that with the curfew enforced, there has been a decrease in the number of persons coming out at

nights because persons usually come out late and do not have enough time to enjoy themselves.

Parbo added that their business is being affected in two ways – once at the door and then at the bar. “We have less people coming out now so we don’t get a lot of tickets sold to go in the club

and this in turn affect sales at the bar because with less people in the club, we have less sales,” he explained.

President wants inquiry into public service

While a date for its commencement has not yet been reached, a Commission of Inquiry into the salaries, conditions of service and other matters pertaining to public servants has been launched by Government.

Government is also inviting interested parties to present their written submissions.

Last month, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had revealed that Government would be establishing the CoI.

President David Granger, in an address to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), said he would be establishing an inquiry into the conditions of service, wages, training, salaries and other issues of Public Servants.

Although a date has not yet been set for the commencement of the hearing, the Inquiry will seek to inquire into, report on and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment, training and other matters pertaining to personnel employed in the public service; to determine what measures should be taken to improve the efficiency of the public service in their duties to the public; to review the methodology used in the classification and recruitment of public servants, the mechanism for the determination of wages and salaries, the level of

consistency between the salaries and the various levels of public servants and to review the age requirements of public servants and make recommendations in this regard, among other things.

The public hearings will be held at the Secretariat Building of the Public Service Ministry.

President Granger said that his Government would be seeking to have public servants stay true to “professionalism, transparency and integrity”, emphasising the need for them to understand and take seriously their roles. He referred to them as “the engine of the executive “, noting that in order for any one coun-

Businesses want review

The General Manager further outlined that he hopes businesses and other stakeholders do not get comfortable with this new arrangement as he is hopeful the curfew would be reviewed. In fact, he proposed that the 02:00h curfew be enforced on week days, while on the weekends they are allowed to go a little later.

Additionally, Parbo highlighted that if Government is looking to reduce crime and fatal accidents, they should try looking at those areas –mostly outer Georgetown –where this is prevalent. He noted that most of the clubs are enclosed so there is no noise nuisance and at least for his business there is ample parking space hence there is no traffic build up in the area.

On this note, a few businesses along the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara (requested not to be named) explained to this publication that while the Public Security Minister’s intensions are laudable, taking into consideration the country’s high crime rates, with all the night spots all closed at 02:00h then more people would be on the roads trying to get home. This, it was explained, is likely to cause

try to have an effective service in education, housing, infrastructure and law and order, there needed to be a pertinent public service.

“It is we the public servants who create that environment in our day-today work, so civilised life in Guyana is not possible without good public service. We need a public service that is reliable, and I mention this, the relevance, the responsiveness, the resourcefulness and reliability, because I believe in having stronger regions,” the President stated.

He said the main purpose of a civil service is to be an organ for the presentation to Ministers of the product of organised thought and collective experience. This purpose, he said, cannot be achieved unless the civil service is composed of men and women of complete integrity who are able to give advice without fear or favour, partiality or prejudice.

He continued that the country cannot function without a public service, “and if the public service tries to be politicians....there will be administrative catastrophe, the public service must live by different rules”..

“So people will not enter and people will not be promoted unless they qualify to enter the public service, unless they possess that degree of expert knowledge which we require of our new public service.”

more accidents.

Furthermore, it was underscored that with nowhere else to go after 02:00h, patrons still in their party mode tend to continue the partying on the roadways which can prove to be more dangerous. In addition, the businessmen opined that even though alcohol can be a negative influence if abused, at least a venue should be provided for persons to socialize in the communities rather than them being on the streets, possibly finding themselves in more trouble than they would have, had they remained in a bar or club.

On July 4, Minister Ramjattan stated that it was his belief that the late opening of bars and nightclubs was linked to increasing crime, as well as persons driving under the influence of alcohol – which leads to more vehicular accidents.

He is of the strong view that the enforcement of the 02:00h curfew will help curtail such lawlessness. According to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, the Minister is required to set a close-off time for businesses operating with liquor licenses and the stipulated time on those licenses is 02:00h. The imposition of the 02:00h cur-

few, therefore, is nothing new but rather is an existing law which was being breached.

Increase in serious crime

Meanwhile, a review of the Police statistics as it relates to the month before and after the curfew was imposed, revealed an increase in the number of serious crimes for the two months but this is compared with figures for the same period in 2014.

At the end of June, there was a nine per cent increase in serious crimes as compared to the corresponding period last year. A total of 79 murders were recorded, representing a 14 per cent increase while armed robberies saw an overall decline of six per cent.

At the end of July, there was a 10 per cent increase in serious crimes, compared to the same period last year. Murders for last month were pegged and 94, reflecting an 18 per cent increase; however robberies under arms were again down by two per cent, all in comparison with figures from last year. As it relates to traffic, 56 road fatalities were recorded from 45 accidents in June and in July, we saw 71 road fatalities from 58 accidents.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Govt on CoI spree

President David Granger

Linden gets $3B electricity subsidy

...enjoys 1/10 of rates for rest of country

While individuals residing along the coastland and other areas in Guyana will be bearing the brunt of high electricity costs, averaging at least $48 per kilowatt hour, the people of Linden will continue to pay a nominal $5 per kilowatt hour for electricity.

For instance, currently most residents of Lethem, in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) pay some $80 per kilowatt hour for electricity. The residents there get the first 15 kilowatts of energy free but thereon after, the next 15-50 kilowatts is charged at $60. For over 50 kilowatts, they pay $80 per kilowatt.

Other areas in Guyana are charged a flat rate of $48 per kilowatt per hour. Commercial costs are higher.

People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Nigel Dharamlall argued that the rates are extremely unfair, noting that persons in other regions are paying exceedingly higher amounts. In this regard, he urged the Government to reconsider the rates.

The mining town has a long history of benefiting from cheaper electricity while other sections of Guyana continue to pay high rates.

In an invited comment, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who was in charge of the energy sector, told Guyana Times that

Linden has long been benefiting from electricity subsidies but now, it is time for a change.

“Linden was a 100 per cent bauxite company town and so electricity was, to a large extent, subsidised for the employees of the company… but that was quite a while ago,” Hinds ex-

plained, noting that this is no longer the case and as such, changes needed to be made.

He pointed out that the PPP/C Administration in 2012 had made efforts to move towards convergence, however, this was met with deadly unrest when protestors and ranks of the Guyana Police Force clashed at the Mackenzie/ Wismar Bridge, burning buildings and vehicles.

“We did start some action in that direction… we sought to bring about a convergence, an integration of Linden and the electricity supply with the coastal area. But it was greeted with unrest…There is a new Government and that party has received much

more support in the area and I suppose they would see the need to work towards integration,” Hinds told Guyana Times

When the then PPP/C Government initially engaged the Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) in talks for a phased lifting of Linden electricity rates, APNU originally agreed provided Senior Citizens’ pensions were raised. The Government duly did that but APNU reneged on its word upon the prodding of the AFC. Protests by Lindeners followed.

The protests resulted in four deaths, damages to properties and a complete destruction of the mining town. Because of the persistent violence, Government succumbed to allowing the Lindeners to continue to benefit from electricity subsidy, while the rest of Guyana continued to pay soaring rates.

Wastage

In 2014, it was revealed that Lindeners consumed approximately 50 to 100 per cent more in electricity than persons in the capital city. Hinds had argued that the residents there were wasting electricity, and had continuously urged them to cut back on their consumption.

Officials had argued that the monies unnecessarily going towards subsidising the electricity cost for Lindeners could have been otherwise utilised for developmental projects.

GRA “perturbed” by...

On the other hand those in possession of raw and scrap gold and those with gold in commercial quantities must make the required declarations. In such instances, the declaration must be accompanied by an approved import licence and permission from the Guyana Gold Board with an attachment stating the price, weight and other particulars of the shipper and consignee,” the statement said.

Inter-agency cooperation

The GRA also noted that there was, therefore, a likelihood that because of the foregoing provisions, there would be an enticement to smuggle items as worn jewellery in an attempt to elude Customs officials. As such, the support from other enforcement agencies such as the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) would be integral given the pervasive nature of smuggling.

“Customs Officers at the CJIA do not monitor

outgoing passengers’ baggage. This activity is monitored solely by CANU, the Criminal Investigation Department and Special Branch of the Guyana Police Force and airport security personnel. In the event of any discovery, Customs is notified by the relevant agency,” the release argued.

The GRA maintained that with pressure from the international community for countries to strengthen legislation to guard against money laundering and the financing of terrorism, there is likely to be greater scrutiny of persons from Guyana to disclose the source of their valuable assets to US authorities.

“From a Customs perspective, the GRA will be seeking to ascertain the perpetrators in question to determine what enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the country’s border, trade laws and regulations.

“It is, however, worth

Amaila Meanwhile, Hinds told Guyana Times that the electricity woes of the country could have been addressed, had the then APNU/AFC Opposition agreed to the Amaila Fall Hydropower Project (AFHEP). He explained that AFHEP would have generated electricity at a lower production cost, thus allowing for lower rates of electricity for the entire nation. This, he said, would have benefited the people of Linden, as well as those in the coastal areas.

Subvention

Moreover, under the Public Infrastructure Ministry, the Linden Electricity Company will benefit from $1 billion subvention while under the Finance Ministry, it will get $2 billion. The Lethem Power Company will get a $70 million subvention under the Office of the Prime Minister a $35 million subvention under the Public Infrastructure Ministry. The electricity subsidies which went to the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) were eliminated by the David Granger-led Administration.

Government contended that GPL needed to better manage its resources and as such, made a decision to drop the electricity subsidies. The APNU/AFC Administration evidently did not seem to think that the Linden Electricity Company was mismanaging their resources.

noting that parts of the responsibilities of Customs Officers at the CJIA include the monitoring of the duty-free shop, the incoming and outgoing desk, and the movement and transhipment of cargo,” the GRA explained.

Gold declarations and earnings have been decreasing since last year following a record high in 2013. Back in 2009, gold declarations were 305,178 ounces, while in 2010 declarations rose to 308,438 ounces. In 2011, gold declarations amounted to 363,083 ounces increasing to 438,645 ounces in 2012.

The following year, 2013, the gold industry achieved total declarations of 481,087 ounces representing the highest level of production in the history of the industry. However, in 2014, gold declarations dropped by almost 20 per cent compared to the previous year, ending at 387,508 ounces.

Flashback: protestors replacing logs on the Kara Kara bridge during 2012 Linden unrest

Bartica business invasion, family robbed, terrorised

Afather and his 22-year-old daughter were on Tuesday evening terrorised by two armed men who invaded their business place at Byderabo, Back Road, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and carted off an undisclosed sum of cash.

Lalchand Seeraj, also called “Ghana”, and his daughter, Gomattie Seeraj, are thankful for their lives since neither of the gunmen pulled the trigger during the ordeal. According to information received, the businessman and his daughter were at home alone, while his wife, two sons and the handyman were out conducting business.

About 21:00h, Guyana Times understands, the two gunmen entered the shop through the back entrance while the businessman was at the front locking the gates. As he turned around, one of

the gunmen pounced on him with a gun in his hands. He reportedly placed the gun to the man’s head and ordered him into the shop. The second gunman subsequently joined in demanding money and jewellery.

Jane Persaud, wife of the businessman, on Thursday during a phone interview told the Guyana Times that the gunmen ordered her husband to lie on the ground. One of the men, she noted, reportedly asked him to hand over the money he had in his possession and as such, he handed over $140 which he had in his pocket.

The angry bandit, she explained, searched the drawers in the grocery shop and took out every penny but was still not satisfied. The two men then took her husband to the upper flat of the house.

Her daughter who was in the bedroom attempted to hide when she realised what

was happening, but the gunmen pulled her out of the room and ordered her to join her father on the floor.

While one of the men had the gun pointed at the duo, the other searched the rooms for money and jewellery, but came up empty-handed. The gunman then realised that the daughter’s wardrobe was locked and requested the keys.

As the young woman was about to comply, the businesswoman, her sons and the handyman returned home. Persaud stated that after the men heard them driving into the yard, they took her daughter and husband to the lower flat of the house where they made their escape through an open door.

The woman claimed that as she parked the car, her daughter breathlessly ran to them shouting “Thief”. Her sons and the handyman searched the area, but came

Popeyes Fast Food outlet robbed again

As the crime spree continues, two armed men committed a brazen robbery on Popeyes Fast Food Outlet on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown on Wednesday evening carting off $212,000. According to reports received, the two men entered the restaurant and held up two female cashiers, relieving them of the money from the cash registers. As they left the business place, they discharged several rounds damaging a glass door and injuring Ian Jupiter, 27, to his right foot.

The two men then made good their escape on motorcycles ridden by two accomplices. Jupiter, of Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and sent away.

The Police are continuing their investigation into the robbery, but no arrest has been made.

In January, two men and a Police rank exchanged gun-

fire during a robbery at the said location.

It was reported that Darryl Seruggs, 51, of A Field Sophia, Georgetown, was attacked and robbed of a cellphone valued $80,000 by two men, both of whom were armed with handguns.

Information reaching the Guyana Times revealed that one of the perpetrators entered the fast food outlet and ordered customers to lie on the ground during which he relieved Seruggs of the phone.

An off-duty Policeman who was in the restaurant confronted the suspect who discharged rounds at him, and the rank returned fire.

The bandit was reportedly shot during the exchange of gunfire. He managed to make his way out of the restaurant and jumped onto the waiting motorcycle and sped away.

Police arrested a man who turned up at the Georgetown Hospital with a gunshot wound. He has been identified as Nicholas James, 23.

It was reported that after the men escaped from Popeyes, they drove into the Choke’s Service Station at La Bonne Intention (LBI) on a motorcycle, held up a pump attendant and took away an undisclosed sum of money and a mobile phone.

As the robbery was in progress, the owner of the service station realised what was happening and confronted the bandits. He is reportedly a licensed firearm holder.

During the confrontation, one of the bandits, Marvin King, 36, of Better Hope Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara and his accomplice were shot in a bid to escape.

A chase ensued and the injured man was found lying next to the motorcycle on the Railway Embankment. His accomplice was nowhere in sight. King was picked up by Police ranks and was rushed off to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but died on his way there.

Essequibo teenager granted bail for robbery with violence

– misbehaved and uttered indecent language

Nineteen-year-old Romario Britton aka “Buoy” from Reliance Village on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaaam) created confusion in court after he was charged for robbery with violence.

He made his first appearance on Tuesday before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The information contained in the court documents was sworn to by Detective Constable 21963 Shackell

Vyfhuis and then the charge was read to the defendant. It was revealed the defendant between Monday, August 3 and Tuesday, August 4, at Charity, Essequibo Coast in the company of another person robbed Ray Rose of 11 gold chains valued

$1,815,000, three gold bands valued $450,000, one gold ring valued $100,000, one Blu cell phone valued $50,000 and US$50 – a total value $2,425,000 property of the said Ray Rose. Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack did not object to bail. The unrepresent-

up empty-handed. She attempted to contact the Police but did not get through.

She eventually got on to her sister who went to the

Bartica Police Station and made the report. The Police subsequently visited the house and took statements.

One man was arrested, but was released on Thursday afternoon. The Police are continuing their investigations.

ed defendant was, therefore, placed on $500,000 bail on condition that he report to the Anna Regina Police Station every Monday and Thursday at 09:00h to the Station Sergeant.

The defendant after hearing he was granted bail but in a hefty sum, started to misbehave in court, asking the Magistrate why the bail was so high. When he went downstairs in the prison cell, he started to use indecent language on the Police and tried to escape.

The matter was adjourned until September 1, 2015.

friday, august 28, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

US Congress Delegation meets Opposition Leader Jagdeo raises concerns over early “free and fair elections” declaration

– recommends GECOM move to E-voting

During a meeting with a visiting Delegation of the United States Congress, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, along with top officials of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), raised several concerns about the May 11 General and Regional Elections, particularly in relation to the issue of the “early declarations” by the diplomatic observers that elections were “free and fair”.

to deliver free and fair elections. One of the suggestions is that GECOM move to incorporate electronic voting in the customary voting process as a part of reforming the electoral process.

Jagdeo told the US delegation which comprised US Chargé D’Affaires Bryan Hunt along with other embassy officials that the international elections observer missions prematurely declared that the elections were free and fair. He pointed out that the United Nations protocols state that no one is to make any public pronouncement until the machinery (the Guyana Elections Commission) declared the results. Given this, Jagdeo believes that the early declaration might have placed immense pressure on GECOM to ignore the law and declare the results in accordance.

National

Women’s

Remaining grounded in his belief that the PPP/C

Conference

was cheated out of office, Jagdeo supported his theory by highlighting that GECOM ignored basic procedures and disregarded the laws of Guyana which make provisions for recounts to be held.

The PPP/C is maintaining that it made numerous calls on numerous occasions

for the elections body to recount the ballots, but to no avail.

Guyana Times also understands that Jagdeo addressed the issue regarding transparency and credibility at GECOM and made several recommendations which can strengthen its capacity

In a recent interview with this newspaper, Jagdeo indicated that the PPP/C will be pushing for the introduction of biometrics in the voting system and electronic voting. He had explained that having enhanced biometrics outside of just a photo ID would make it difficult for the electoral process to be manipulated. He also reasoned that the introduction of electronic voting as well as a means of strengthening the system.

Moreover, Jagdeo expressed concerns over the “early transgressions” of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, the most glaring being the

“arbitrary” dismissal of hundreds of public servants, in particular Amerindians. Jagdeo, during the meeting, said he was fully prepared to work with the US, particularly in areas of transparency and from all indications, the US Congress Delegation committed itself to working with Guyana. He told the US officials that Guyana and the PPP/C had a duty to keep friendly relations with the US; however, it would never allow foreigners to infringe on the rights of Guyanese.

The visiting US Delegation has been meeting and having discussions with various political leaders regarding a number of issues facing both nations.

The team caught up with the PPP/C officials at Parliament Building on Wednesday, and the meeting was conducted in one of the Committee Rooms.

Govt announces 5-point plan to address gender inequality – but UNDP urges it to put “your money where your mouth is”

Eon Thursday.

The two-day conference will allow Government to engage a wider cross-section of stakeholders in order to combine ideas to derive a comprehensive framework to promote gender equality.

Granger, during his address, committed his Government to continue the fight which had begun under the former Administration, and in doing so, noted that five key areas must be catered for in the national policy in order to make more progress in this regard.

importance of Government participation in the fight against gender inequality and the protection and promotion of human rights.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, during her remarks at the ceremony, told the gathering that the national policy will help to develop a society where all “boys and girls, women and men, live together in safety and harmony, with dignity and mutual respect, thrive in an enabling environment to assist and achieve full potential”.

ven though his Government blatantly failed to include women-based policies in the its 2015 budgetary allocations, President David Granger announced a fivepoint plan which will be included in a National Policy to aid in the process of empowering women in order to achieve a higher level of gender equality in Guyana.

He was at the time delivering the feature address at a conference being held under the theme “Equal Rights for All – Be Good to People” at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

He disclosed that focus should be given to promoting equality of women in politics, eradicating poverty, enhancing employment opportunities for women, eliminating violence against women, and improving access to education for women.

Granger said it was useless to invest in the establishment of institutions such as Drop-in Centres and Night Shelters, noting that focus should be placed on eradicating poverty instead of making provisions for poverty.

He also noted that Government would ensure more microcredit facilities were established and more access to small business loans was had. He added that government is prepared to consider offering tax remits to companies so they can establish daycare centres for working mothers.

United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP) Resident Representative Khadija Musa reminded the Government that more needed to done in order to

money where their mouth is and ensure that the policy is absolutely monitored and implemented by everyone,” she urged.

The conference was attended by several Government officials, international officials and members of the diplomatic corps. The opening ceremony was

fully realise gender equality.

“When policies are developed by Governments, they should really put their

Meanwhile, Organisation of American States (OAS) Country Representative Jean Ricot Dormeus underscored the

complemented with a simple exhibition where women showcased their entrepreneurship skills through arts and crafts.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and other PPP MPs meeting with the US Congress delegation

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence

President David Granger

UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa

The National Conference on Gender and Development Policy

Danielstown accident…

Essequibo teenager died from fractured spine

The autopsy performed on the body of 19-year-old Anil Henry, of Danielstown, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) revealed that he died as a result of a fractured spine. The autopsy was performed by Government Pathologist,

Dr Nehaul Singh at the Suddie Mortuary.

Henry was involved in a collision on Tuesday night at around 20:15h on the Danielstown Public Road. According to Police reports, Henry was riding motorcycle CH 4666 proceeding South along the eastern side of the Danielstown Public Road when motor car PHH 6855 driven by Kurt Massiah, was proceeding North, turned East into Henry’s path, resulting in a collision.

Massiah, age 28, of lot 29 Johanna Cecilia, Essequibo Coast, is presently in Police custody assisting with investigations. He is expected to be brought before the courts soon.

New US Ambassador to arrive soon

The United States Embassy here is expected to have a new Ambassador in the form of Perry Holloway, Chargé d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt has said.

Hunt made the revelation while speaking to reporters Wednesday evening at Parliament Building. He said the US Senate has already confirmed the Ambassador’s appointment.

Hunt told reporters that the Ambassador has to go through a swearing-

in process before coming to Guyana.

US President Barack Obama had on July 24, 2014, nominated Holloway, a career Foreign Service officer, to be the US Ambassador to Guyana. His coming to Guyana is his first ambassadorial posting.

Holloway hails from South Carolina and graduated from North Augusta High School in 1979. He went on to attend Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, graduating with a

Guyana possibly on JetBlue radar

American lowcost airline

JetBlue Airways Corporation has identified Guyana as a potential growth market for its services.

JetBlue spokesperson Jared Mandel, during a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, could not confirm whether the airline is indeed seeking to expand in Guyana.

Additionally, Phillip Stewart, the Manager of Corporate Communities, told this newspaper, that the airline has seen much success with flights to the Caribbean region. Stewart also noted that the airline is always looking to “expand and fly to the place people want to go”. When asked specifically about Guyana, he said, “we have no decisions regarding Guyana to announce at this time.”

However, according to reports, JetBlue’s Investor Day 2013 report listed Guyana as a possible market for its expansions.

The Dominican Republic, Grenada, Mexico, Saint Maarten, Puerto Rico, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

In Guyana, Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) of Trinidad and Tobago, has been dominating the Guyana market for some 50 years; operating about 12 flights a day in and out Georgetown.

More recently, other airlines like Copa, Insel Air and Fly Jamaica entered the market but airfares between Guyana, North America and the Caribbean still remain exceedingly high. Dynamic Airways, which operates five days a week using a Boeing 767 out of JFK Airport to Guyana, has developed a reputation for having passengers strand-

ed at airports many times by “fly-by-night” charter airlines.

Records show that Guyana has experienced significant growth in the aviation industry and as such, Government decided that it was time to expand the main airport and install new and modern facilities to bring it up to par with international standards.

Bachelor’s Degree in foreign languages, literature and linguistics in 1983. While there, he studied as an exchange student in Spain. Holloway went to graduate school at the University of South Carolina, earning a Master’s in International Business Sciences in 1986. One of his first jobs out of college was as a manager at a Radio Shack store and he later worked for Apple in Mexico. He joined the Foreign Service in 1989.

He has spent the vast majority of his career in Central and South America. His first overseas posting, in 1989, was as a consular officer in the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. He subsequently became staff assistant to the Ambassador there.

In 1992, he was made a general services officer at the Embassy in El Salvador and in 1994 was an administrative officer for the US Consulate in Tijuana, Mexico. Holloway went to the Embassy in Quito, Ecuador in 1997 as a general services officer.

He began working in the anti-drug effort in 2000 when he was named Director of the Narcotics Affairs Section of the Embassy in Guatemala City. In 2003, he took time off to do graduate work at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, earning a Master’s in National Resource Strategy before being named in 2004 as the Andean drug coordinator at the Department of State.

Holloway will fill the seat which was left vacant by former US Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt, who left Guyana in mid-2014.

Previous reports indicate that JetBlue has been eyeing Guyana’s market for quite some time. In 2011, the airline had sent a team of senior officials to Guyana to meet with the Government to observe the market and discuss possibilities.

In May 2013, President Donald Ramotar had disclosed that JetBlue had approached Guyana, expressing an interesting in operating flights in and out of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

Now, according to recent media reports, the Guyanese public, particularly those in the Diaspora, have been using social media outlets to lobby the airline to enter the Guyana market.

The reports noted that the large Guyanese community in the United States has been complaining of the burdensome “fly-by-night” airlines and extortionate airfares to travel to their home country. But with the possible introduction of JetBlue to the Guyanese market, the Diaspora anticipates cheaper fares and less burdensome situations to return to Guyana.

JetBlue airfares from New York and Florida to Trinidad currently stand at US$300 – a roundtrip from New York City.

Currently, airfares to Guyana are as high as US$900 for a roundtrip and with the Christmas season approaching, the price is expected to increase drastically.

As of February 2015, JetBlue Airways flies to over 87 destinations in multiple countries; some of which include Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jamaica,

JetBlue Airlines eye future in Guyana

Dead: Anil Henry

Incoming US Ambassador Perry Halloway

GuySuCo CoI $52M allocation

Agriculture Minister unable to provide breakdown

Days after promising the National Assembly’s Committee of Supply that was considering the estimates of the 2015 Budget a breakdown of the $52 million injected into the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Agriculture Minister Noel Holder is still unable to provide this information.

When contacted on Thursday, Holder told the Guyana Times that he could not provide details on the disbursement of the monies allocated to the sugar industry probe. However, he did state that there were a lot of aspects of the probe and so the monies would be used to cover visits to the various estates, administrative details, salaries for the panel and so on.

While the Minister indicated that he did not have information of the breakdown, he directed this newspaper to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and the Deputy Permanent Secretary, adding that the latter has responsibility for finance, so she would be able to provide the information requested.

The consideration of the Budget Estimates rolled over from Monday into the wee hours of Tuesday morning, during which Minister Holder was questioned by members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) parliamentary Opposition about the monies set aside for the probe. However, at the time, the technical personnel who had been present to lend assistance had left already; as such, the Minister promised to submit the information at a later date.

After assuming office in May, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government was forced to inject some $3.8 billion to bail out GuySuCo, which had no money to pay staff. Subsequently, the Commission was established and the probe into the industry commenced on July 1.

The Commission is tasked with conducting an investigation into the sector and developing a 15year plan that will bring the industry back to profitability to ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

The 11-member panel include: Vibert Parvatan, who was appointed Chairman; Professor Clive Thomas (Financial and Economic Analysis); Dr Harold Davis and John Piggot (Agronomists); John

Dow and Joseph Alfred (Factory Operations); George James (Sugar Processing); Nowrang Persaud (Industrial Relations); Claude Housty (Marketing); Seepaul Narine, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) Representative and Omadatt Chandan, who will serve as the Commission’s Secretary.

Commission

The Commission set up by Government to probe the operations of GuySuCo would be thankful if it could complete its work soon, but it is working diligently towards its September 30 deadline.

This is according to Chairman Parvatan.

Speaking to Guyana

Times on Thursday, Parvatan reported that there has been much consolidation in the Inquiry, noting that the bulk of the work would be at that time when the team would have to establish a framework based on the tonnes of evidence already gathered.

The Commission has seen several organisations and individuals giving evidence in the investigation. These include the main buyer of Guyana’s sugar, Europe’s Tate and Lyle.

The British-based multinational agribusiness, which specialises in the manufacturing of sugarbased food ingredients, recently presented evidence before the Commission.

Some of the issues raised include the impact of the industry over the next couple of years, particularly with the current world price of 11.3 US cents per pound sugar and the current EU price for GuySuCo in the region of 15 US cents, the company’s relationship with GuySuCo and its continued relationship going forward. The company also related its long productive relationship with the Corporation.

Other organisations testifying included the Private Sector Commission (PSC), represented by Chairman Norman Mclean; Earl John, former Human Resources Director of GuySuCo; Keith Gordon formerly of Caricom, Dr Oudho Homenauth of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), John Ireland, Associate Director of Czaraizow Group Limited of the United Kingdom; Rawle Lucas and Christopher Ram.

Added to that, Chairman Parvatan said Commissioners have been meeting with the heads of all estates countrywide, along with the heads of each department within those estates.

The Commission, during its investigation, will develop a 15-year plan which will be aimed at bringing the sugar industry back to profitability. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) maintains that GuySuCo has been “sinking further into debt due to ineffective operations both at the financial and production levels” – at the hands of the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Investigations are also being conducted into the Human Resources Department, research and development, diversification of the industry, community obligations, weather events, marketing, financing, procurement and overall factory management and performance. APNU/AFC maintains that GuySuCo has been “sinking further into debt due to ineffective operations both at the financial and production levels” – at the hands of the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

One of the proposed strategies to turn the industry around was the launching of a CoI into the operations. The outcome of the investigations is expected to be published by September.

The Commissioners, who are tasked with development planning for this purpose, are mandated to “investigate and inquire into the current state of cane cultivation, production, and marketing of sugar, molasses and other byproducts including power”.

The consultants will work closely with the interim management team and other GuySuCo officials to realise the objective. They will also liaise with cane farmers as required.

t&t MP quits

No tears were being shed in Mayaro for former Member of Parliament (MP) Winston Gypsy Peters Wednesday, even though he represented the constituency for 15 years. Instead, many expressed delight at his exit from the seat which is held by the People’s Partnership. “He should have gone long time” was the sentiment ex-

pressed by residents when the T&T Guardian visited the Mayaro constituency on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Peters publicly announced his resignation from the United National Congress (UNC) and as Community Development Minister at a media conference at the Hyatt Regency in Port-ofSpain. Peters, who denied

he was being bitter, said he was prompted to resign after being rejected as a candidate for the September 7 polls.

Ann Marie Rampaul, 45, of San Pedro, said she believed the Prime Minister listened to the cries of the constituents when Mayaro businessman Rushton Paray was selected as the UNC’s candidate. “I do not think she (Persad-Bissessar) was at fault at all. A lot of people did not want him to go back, a lot of people say they were not going to vote if he remained there.

“I am not sad to see him go. We never see him in our community. We have no tears for him at all,” she said. Sour grapes, that is how Hamida Mohammed, 54, of Mohammed’s Delicacies at Naparima Mayaro Road, described Peters’ accusations against Persad-Bissessar. She said she did not think Peters’ actions would affect the PP’s chances of retaining the Mayaro seat. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbados working to beef up port security

Security chiefs at the Barbados Port Inc are looking to team up with others across the Region to form an Association of Port Facility Security Officers, to allow for greater dialogue on port security matters and the sharing of key information about illegal weapons and drugs.

Anthony Benn, Chief of Security at the Barbados Port Inc, noted the above while speaking with members of the media during a break from the 16th Meeting of the Executive Board of the Inter-American Committee

on Ports (CECIP) of the Organisation of American States (OAS), which was held at the Hilton Hotel Wednesday.

This disclosure came as David Jean-Marie, CEO of the Barbados Port Inc and Vice-Chair of CECIP, revealed that one of the objectives of the meeting would be to see how the Barbados Port Inc could move forward with its proposal to establish a Caribbean Collaboration Framework for Port Security and Safety Officers.

“With respect to the proposal, Barbados has ad-

vanced a project to establish an Association of Port Facility Security Officers. As you know, port facility security was the domain of Police Forces throughout the region. Most ports in the region now … have established their own security force; Barbados Port Inc being no exception. We have our own in-house security, but we find that as a result, the heads of security of the various ports are not included in the official apparatus as it were, the meeting apparatus,” Benn remarked. (Excerpt from Barbados Advocate)

Tropical Storm Erika: 4 dead in Dominica, widespread reports of flooding

Four people are confirmed dead as Tropical Storm Erika unleashed its fury on the island on Thursday.

The Police report that three of the deaths occurred during a mudslide in the south-eastern end of the island where they recovered the bodies of an elderly visually impaired man and two children from a house.

The fourth death occurred in the capital when a man’s body was found near his home following a mudslide.

On Thursday afternoon, heavy wind and rain have continued to buffet the island and 80 per cent of the island remains without

electricity and water.

In the latest forecast from the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre, the centre of Tropical Storm Erika was located near latitude 16.5 North, longitude 63.8 West.

A turn toward the westnorthwest is forecast later today, and this general motion should continue for the next 48 hours.

On the forecast track, the centre of Erika will move near the Virgin Islands on Thursday afternoon, move near or over Puerto Rico in the night, and move near or over the Dominican Republic on Friday.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to

near 45 miles per hour with higher gusts. Little change in strength is forecast during the next 48 hours. Meanwhile, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has discontinued the Tropical Storm Warning for the island, while the Government of the Dominican Republic has extended the Tropical Storm Watch southward to Isla Saona.

Tropical Storm Warnings remain for Anguilla, Saba and St Eustatius, St Maarten, St Barthelemy, St Kitts and Nevis, Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands. (Excerpt from CMC)

Doubles vendor Vashti Mohammed attends to a customer in the constituency of Mayaro

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

Dozens of refugees found dead in truck in Austria

Up to 50 refugees have been found dead in a truck in Austria, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Balkan leaders gathered in Vienna to decide on how to collectively tackle the biggest refugee crisis to hit Europe since World War II.

The vehicle, which contained between 20 and 50 bodies, was found on a parking strip off the highway in Burgenland state, Police Spokesman Hans Peter Doskozil said at a Thursday press conference with Interior Minister Johanna MiklLeitner.

“This tragedy affects us all deeply,” Mikl-Leitner said. “Human traffickers are criminals. Anyone still thinking that they’re kind helpers cannot be helped.”

It was not immediately clear how the people in the truck had died, since bodies had begun to decompose. Nor was it clear how long they had been there.

“We can assume that it could be 20 people who died. It could also be 40, it could be 50 people,” the police chief said.

The truck, which had Hungarian number plates, had apparently been standing off the highway since

Wednesday.

A Hungarian Government official said a Romanian citizen had registered the number plate in the eastern Hungarian town of Kecskemet.

More than 28,300 people applied for refugee protection in Austria in the first half of the year, with many coming from Syria.

“The refugees who died today wanted to save their own lives by fleeing, but instead lost their lives at the hands of traffickers,” Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann told the summit in Vienna. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Nigeria marks 500 days since Chibok girls’ abduction

Relatives of over 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram mark 500 days since the abductions with hope dwindling for their rescue despite a renewed push to end the armed group’s rebellion.

The landmark on Thursday comes amid a security crisis in north-eastern Nigeria, where fighters have killed more than 1000 people since the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari in May.

Boko Haram fighters stormed the Government Secondary School in the remote town of Chibok in Borno

state on the evening of April 14 last year, seizing 276 girls who were preparing for endof-year exams.

Fifty-seven escaped but nothing has been heard of the 219 others since May last year, when about 100 of them appeared in a Boko Haram video.

Parents of the missing girls are unhappy at what they see as a lack of inadequate effort from their Government.

“The Government’s response has been very slow. If these girls were their biological daughters I don’t think they would still be miss-

ing. It’s because they don’t care about the poor,” Esther Yakubu, mother of a missing girl, said.

Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau has since said they have all converted to Islam and been “married off”.

The mass abduction brought the brutality of the rebellion unprecedented worldwide attention and prompted a viral social media campaign demanding their release backed by personalities from US First Lady Michelle Obama to the actress Angelina Jolie. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

German Minister urges Facebook to purge racist posts

Facebook has accepted an invitation from Germany’s Justice Minister to hold talks on cracking down on racist posts on the social network site after widespread complaints from users.

In a letter to Facebook’s European subsidiaries, Justice Minister Heiko Maas on Thursday called for a meeting with company leaders on September 14 in Berlin to discuss the need for Facebook to do more to rid its website of xenophobic expressions.

According to an email sent to Al Jazeera from

Facebook’s spokesperson, the social network agreed to talk with Maas, saying that it takes “his concerns very seriously” and that “Facebook is no place for racism”.

“We understand that Facebook has a very special responsibility, and we work hard every day to protect people on Facebook from abuse, hate speech and bullying,” the statement said.

“We are extremely interested in participating in an exchange with Federal Minister Maas so that we can determine what society, business and politics can do

Around the World

Virginia shooting: US TV station mourns murdered journalists

Staff at a US TV station in Virginia have held a minute’s silence in memory of the two journalists shot dead by a disgruntled ex-colleague live on air.

“We will, over time, heal from this,” WDBJ7 anchor Kim McBroom told viewers, holding hands with two colleagues.

Vester Flanagan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound hours after he shot

dead reporter Alison Parker and cameraman Adam Ward on Wednesday.

The attack has prompted renewed calls for stricter gun control laws.

Memos from the station reveal Flanagan, who used the on-air name of Bryce Williams, had been ordered by the station’s bosses to seek medical help before he was fired in February 2013.

He filmed the attack and

posted it on social media. In a 23-page fax he sent to ABC News, he described himself as a “human powder keg”. Colleagues at WDBJ7 in Roanoke, Virginia, held a moment of silence at 06:45 (10:45 GMT) on Thursday24 hours on from the exact moment the reporter and cameraman were shot dead as they broadcast live from a shopping centre in Moneta.

“Joining hands here on the desk,” said Ms McBroom. “It’s the only way to do it.”

Outside the channel’s headquarters in Roanoke, bunches of flowers and black ribbons have been placed in memory of the two slain journalists.

About 30 journalists have gathered in the parking lot near WDBJ. They’re standing near a heap of flowers and gifts people have left under a tree. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Tianjin officials suspected of negligence over port explosion

China has accused 11 Government and port officials of negligence over the massive explosions that killed 139 people in Tianjin earlier this month.

It remains unclear whether they have been taken into custody.

However, 12 company executives have now been formally detained, mostly from Ruihai International Logistics, which owned the warehouse that blew up.

The August 12 chemical explosions sent a huge fireball in to the sky and destroyed hundreds of homes.

At least 34 people are still missing since the blast,

more than 500 are still in hospital and thousands have been unable to return home.

The explosions sparked concerns about the storage of dangerous chemicals and planning regulations.

At least three residential complexes were found to have been built within a one-kilometre-radius of the warehouse, which flouted Chinese law.

The 11 officials include the head of Tianjin’s transportation commission Wu Dai, and Zheng Qingyue, the boss of Tianjin’s port operator, a statement released through the Xinhua state news agency said.

Prosecutors said the Government officials were variously suspected of approving Ruihai’s bid to build a hazardous chemical warehouse in the port despite knowing the location broke safety regulations, and of helping the company to pass safety checks even though it did not meet the required standards.

Port officials were also negligent in their supervision of Ruihai’s operations, said the statement, failing to detect “illegal activity” and safety issues around its handling of hazardous materials. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Gujarat remains tense after Patel caste violence

Tension prevails in India’s Gujarat state where two days of caste-related violence has left eight people dead.

Fresh clashes were reported overnight and the Army has been deployed to maintain peace.

to collectively mitigate the diffusion of xenophobia in Germany,” it added.

As Germany faces a record influx of refugees and a backlash from the farright, social media sites like Facebook have seen a surge of hateful, xenophobic commentary.

In a letter to Facebook Public Policy Director Richard Allan in Dublin obtained by the Reuters news agency, Maas said he had received many complaints from users that their protests on racist posts have been ignored. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A curfew has been imposed, after members of the influential Patel community, demanding quotas in Government jobs, clashed with the Police and local people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the people of his home state to maintain peace.

Clashes broke out late on Tuesday when Police briefly detained the protesters’ firebrand leader Hardik Patel, who had hours earlier led a massive rally in Ahmedabad.

Eight people, including a Policeman and a father and son, have been killed in the violence and at least a dozen Policemen injured.

About 40 Police stations and 70 buses have been set ablaze.

The main city of Ahmedabad was calm on Thursday and shops and businesses were beginning to reopen in some areas, the AFP news agency reported.

The BBC Hindi’s Ankur Jain in Ahmedabad says overnight clashes between the Police and protesters were reported from Surat, Vapi and Rajkot.

A Policeman who was injured in the clashes in Surat

died in hospital late on Wednesday.

Patel has said that the “Policemen guilty of killing protesters” should be “suspended in 48 hours and charged with murder”.

He has also appealed to the members of his community to stop supplying vegetables in towns and cities.

The funerals of those killed in the violence are expected to take place on Thursday amid tight security, our correspondent says.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

More than 28,300 people applied for refugee protection in Austria in the first half of the year, with many coming from Syria [EPA]

At least 70 buses were damaged by protesters

The attack has prompted renewed calls for stricter gun control laws

friday, august 28, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice youths benefit from Leadership Conference

The United States Embassy in Guyana hosted its annual Youth Action Network (YAN) Leadership Conference, which saw some 25 young Guyanese benefiting over the past weekend.

The two-day Conference concluded on Sunday last at the St Francis Development Centre in Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. Approximately 25 members of YAN teamed up with the youths for the Conference which saw them participating in various sessions on leadership, team building, and community service.

The participants completed three different service projects in Fyrish, Rose Hall and New Amsterdam with the support of St Francis Community Developers and local Berbice students and community leaders.

The Conference gave some 45 young people a chance to hear from and interact with Guyanese professionals and community leaders. The keynote address was delivered by Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton, who applauded initiatives like the Conference, pointing out that it functioned as a place for youths to partake in essential training activities for their development.

of the

According to the Embassy, the two-day conference and service day were seen as a way of expanding the reach of YAN by engaging with youth outside of the capital city. Participants from Georgetown, Berbice, and Linden testified that the two-day conference was a rewarding experience that gave them the opportunity to engage with youth from different regional areas who shared the same tenacity, drive, and focus on contributing to Guyana’s development.

More recently, as part of its community service outreach, YAN embarked on an initiative which catered for the homeless in society with the distribution of care packages to approximately 200 homeless persons over two weekends.

Raksha Bandhan –celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is an auspicious occasion in the Hindu Calendar when sisters tie a sacred thread called “Rakhi” on the wrist of their brothers and pray for their long life. This festival celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters; the festival is also popularly used to celebrate any sibling relationship between men and women who are relatives.

men’s wrist accessory in the form of bracelet or jewellery, but those in the form of a colourful woven thread are most common.

Other speakers included the Head of the Department

Norton spoke of the Government’s plan to put out a youth policy in September, and encouraged the participants to remember the need to be articulate, educated, and patriotic, but also not to lose the common touch as they develop themselves as future Guyanese leaders.

of Social Sciences at the University of Guyana Tain Campus, Paulette Henry; Inspector Yonnette Stephen of the Felix Austin Training College; Vishnu Doerga of Action Coach Guyana; President of the St Francis Community Developers, Alex Foster, and Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, Bobby Adelson.

YAN was created in 2013 by the US Embassy under the theme “Ready to Serve, Ready to Lead”, and focuses on building youth capacity and skills by teaching the value of service and empowering them to become dynamic leaders. The Network comprises Guyanese youth aged 16-30. Applications for membership will open in January 2016 and will be published on the US Embassy Public Affairs Facebook page.

Five Berbicians slapped with DUI charges

Five more motorists have been charged and placed before the courts after they were found to be above the legal limit in terms of alcohol consumption. This was done as ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) continued with their traffic enforcement activities. The men, all of Corentyne, Berbice, pleaded guilty to the Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges when they appeared before the courts.

Lancelot Sandy, of Lot 112 Number 65 Village, Corentyne, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on July 4. He was riding motorcycle CG 3006 on the Number 62 Public Road, Corentyne. Three days later, he appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court, where he was fined $7500.

On July 7, while driving motor vehicle PLL 4692 on the Number 62 Village Public Road, Rajendranauth Besember was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption. Consequently, Besember, of Number 55 Village, Corentyne, appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court the following day and was sentenced to pay a fine of $7500.

Meanwhile, O’Neal Suknudun, of Skeldon, Corentyne, was also made to pay a $7500 fine after he appeared before the Springlands Magistrate’s Court to answer to a DUI charge. According to reports, on July 5, he was riding motor vehicle CE 7704 on the Number 78 Village Public Road, Corriverton, when he was stopped and asked to take a breathalyser test. The test revealed that he was

above the legal limit of alcohol consumption; hence, he was charged. He appeared before the Springlands Magistrate’s Court the next day when he too was ordered to pay a $7500 fine.

Hamlall Deo Hilbaran of Number 65 Village, Corentyne, was also stopped and tested with a breathalyser on July 6, while driving motor vehicle PBB 6248 on the Number 65 Village

Public Road. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol; as a result, he was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on the following day, when a fine of $7500 was imposed on him.

A few days earlier, Harnarine Bhem, of Lot

133 Section A, Number 59 Village, Corentyne, was also found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol after he was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on July 3, while driving motor vehicle GRR 7108 on the Number 62 Village Public Road. About five days later, he appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court, where he too was fined $7500.

The chaste bond of love between a brother and a sister is one of the deepest and noblest of human

On the morning of Raksha Bandhan, the brothers and sisters get together. If the sister and brother are geographically separated, the sister may mail the Rakhi ahead of the Raksha Bandhan day, along with a greeting card or letter wishing her brother well. Once the Rakhi has been tied, the sister says a prayer for the well-being –good health, prosperity

emotions. Raksha Bandhan is a special occasion to celebrate this emotional bonding by tying a holy thread around the wrist. This thread, which pulsates with sisterly love and sublime sentiments, is rightly called the “Rakhi”.

It means “a bond of protection”, and Raksha Bandhan signifies that the strong must protect the weak from all that is evil.

The ritual is observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, which falls on Saturday, August 29 this year, on which sisters tie the sacred Rakhi string on their brothers’ right wrists and pray for their long life.

Rakhis are ideally made of silk with gold and silver threads, beautifully crafted embroidered sequins, studded with semiprecious stones. Sometimes, a Rakhi may be a fancy wrist watch or

and happiness for her brother.

This ritual sometimes involves an aarti, where a tray with a lighted lamp is ritually rotated around the brother’s face, along with the prayer and well wishes. After the prayer, the sister applies a tilak (tikka), a colourful mark on the forehead of the brother, after which the brother pledges to protect her and take care of her under all circumstances.

The sister then feeds the brother one or more bites of sweets and other delicacies. The brother gives his sister(s) gifts such as cards, clothes, money or something thoughtful. He may also feed his sister sweets. The brother wears the Rakhi for the entire day, at school or work, as a reminder of his sister(s) and to mark the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Happy Raksha Bandhan!!!

Some

Berbice youths and members of YAN who attended the Conference

Raksha Bandhan celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters

Lancelot Sandy

Hamlall Deo Hilbaran

O’Neal Suknudun

Rajendranauth Besember

Harnarine Bhem

The National Cultural Centre will explode this Saturday evening as the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s hosts its 20th edition of Naya Zamana.

The sets are being erected, the costumes are being altered and the tickets are going like hot cakes. The dancers are going through rigorous rehearsals to ensure that their routines are flawless. The dance spectacular promises to be excited and will wow audience on Saturday evening.

The show is being held under the theme “When Fates Collide”, which is filled with hilarity, a touch of mystery, fairytale romance, cutting edge choreography and grandeur.

Boasting a diverse star cast of Dr Indhira Harry, Aryan Masi, Farzaana Khan, Travez Piaralall, Nazim Hussain and Ananda Latchman along with some 60 talented dancers of the Dharmic Nritya Sangh, the showcase promises to be magical from the very first moment.

Over the years, Naya Zamana has transitioned from a successful dance production to a theatrical presentation seamlessly blending dance, drama, music and song.

Tickets for the production cost $3500, $3000 and $2000 and are on sale at the National Cultural Centre, Red Mango – Robb Street, Bhagwans – Water Street, E-Networks – Camp Street and the Dharmic Kendra in Prashad Nagar or call 227-6181.

The place to be this Saturday evening is the Buddy’s Night Club on Sheriff Street, Georgetown, for the “Love Out Loud” concept party promoted by Team MMR. This event is the ultimate back to school event for the partyholics.

The spectacular fashion event, Guyana Fashion Week, is back with a bang.

But, we may just have to wait a tad bit longer since the event is now going to be part of Guyana’s 50th Independence celebrations in May, 2016.

Guyana Fashion Week is the second longest running fashion event of its kind in the Region and has served to launch many a creative, over the years. Makeup artists, stylists, set decorators, models, fashion designers,

sculptors, visual artists, performing artistes, hair designers, graphic artists and culinary artists have all found a home in the fashion week experience.

Many of these non-traditional occupations bore fruit in the fashion week nursery, as it were, during the last six installments of the event, during the years 2007-2013.

“I am elated to GFW is part of our 50th Independence anniversary and

Team MMR is known for its grand parties with the best deejays and selectors in town. The night club will be

media services and costuming have all been incorporated into the fashion week roll-out.

It is evident that Guyana Fashion Week has proven itself to be indispensable to any cultural policy development seeking to invest in the burgeoning creative industry, not only locally, but with regional implications. Set for May 2016, be on the lookout for incremental incentives leading up to the big re-launch of the

Last week, creative Director of GFW, Caribbean Fashion Guru Richard Young, was on the Guyana Today Show and held talks

transformed to cater for all as they “Live Out Loud”. Patrons can expect the best music being played by the party boss himself, WR Reaz and selector Andy.

Tickets for the event cost $1500 and ladies will be added free until 22:30h. Party starts at 19:00h since the organisers will stick to the 02:00h curfew imposed by the Government. Come “Live out Loud” this Saturday at Buddy’s.

with CEO and Founder of GFW, our very own fashion icon Sonia Noel.

Young stated that “GFW is always searching for young, creative people who are willing to seize the opportunity to chart their professional pathway, utilising the creative arts”. An invitation to participate in the event, at multiple levels, would be posted soon or one can check out the facebook page for further updates.

The face of GFW is an element that garners quite a following, so keep abreast of the developments of GFW 2016. Sonia Noel announced that “GFW is looking for that face to brand the event, cognisant of its new dispensation. I am so excited about this new turn of events.” Details of the search would be publicised, in the near future to discover this new face of GFW.

nally here…

The Westside Auto Expo and Vehicle Sound Off-4 is set and ready to thrill patrons at the Tuschen Community Centre ground on Saturday evening.

Although, the event has been postponed twice, organisers feel that the car owners and those who wish to participate had a lot of time to customise their vehicles for the big clash. The organisers have noted that tickets purchased for the previous show are still valid.

Over 30 vehicles will be on show, competing for cash and trophies, in several categories including Best Graphic, Best Lights, Best Theme, Best Interior, Best Engine, Hardest and Xtreme Sound (car, bike, suv and bus).

Music will be provided by #TRS

and Big Life Sound System. There will also be musical clashes between Star pers that have already confirmed their participation.

Admission to the event is $1000 in advance and $1500 at the gate, while vehicle passes will also be available for

Jamaican dancehall artiste, Mr Vegas will be performing live at the Gravity Lounge on Friday evening for an event titled “King of the Summer”.

Over the past weeks, the Gravity Lounge featured several high quality performances by Jamaica and Trinidadian artistes and have all performed to the satisfaction of the patrons.

This time, Mr Vegas who is known for his outgoing personality is expected to take concept parties to another level. In 1998, Mr Vegas’ rise to fame began with his hit songs such as “Yu Sure”, “Jack It Up”, and “Latest News”.

Also in, 1998 his debut album, ‘Heads High’, was released, which hit number five on the US Reggae chart. Vegas won a MOBO for Best Reggae Artist for the Heads High album as well.

2000’s single “Hot Gal Today” was a minor hit on the US R&B charts, peaking at number 66. In 2001, he issued

“Damn Right”, featuring guest appearances from Shaggy and Big Yard; this album went to number two on the US Reggae chart.

“Pull Up LP” was released in 2004 and the title track scraped the bottom of the Billboard Top 200, peaking at number 98. In 2006, he collaborated on a soca tune with Machel Montano, called “Dance With You” on Machel’s B.O.D.Y. album.

His latest, 2007’s Hot It Up, featured the Jamaican hits “Hot Wuk”, “Taxi Fare” and “Tek Weh Yuhself”. In 2008, Mr Vegas also recorded “On The Floor” with Trinidadian artiste Destra Garcia on her album “Soca or Die”.

The event is sponsored by ANSA McAL under the Mackeson Brand. Tickets would have been distributed via a promotion across the country. Come tonight, the first 100 person will benefit from Mackeson giveaways. There will also be Mackeson special all night.

Barbacoa Fire Grill, in collaboration with Miss Global International, Guyana will be hosting “Runway Summa” on Sunday, September 6, at Main Street, Georgetown. This grand showcase will be the premier event for the Barbacoa Fire and Grill leading up to its grand opening later in the month of September.

Runway Summa will feature a mouth watering bar be que prepared by the Barbacoa Fire Grill and a breathtaking swimsuit fashion display that will add some excitement among patrons. On the day of the event, there will be designs by House of Pearson and Nachle, among others.

The exclusive swimwear segment will be done by House of Pearson while an extravagant line of clothing will be presented by Nachle.

Patrons can feast their eyes on these pieces as well groomed models take to the catwalk. Guyana’s representative to the Miss Global International Pageant, Alicia Bess will also be sweeping the runway in her designer swimwear.

In addition, there will also be an impromptu auction where the guys will be free to bid on two beautiful young ladies as well as several pieces of designer outfits by House of Pearson and Nachle. Tickets for the event cost $1500 and will be available at Street Styles, Bar Street; Zoon, Croal Street; and Liz Salon, 6th Street Alberttown.

Those who attended the last edition of “Mug Shot” were left in amusement and had the time of their lives.

This time around, “Mug Shot” will take on a new dimension as the event is expected to be grandeur with the best models in the house offering the sexiest mug shots ever. “Mug Shot 2015”, is set for this Saturday inside Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown.

Partyholics can expect a concept party with a difference with the usual feting and partying. Come down

to Palm Court and let us see who picks you out of the line-up and get free customised mug shot plates with your naughty name upon entry.

The night club will be buzzing with models dressed in Police attire, along with DJ Ryan on the console with the best music in town.

Also, take a selfie, post it on Pulse Entertainments Facebook or Instagram pages and see who will have the perfect “Mug Shot”.

Ladies will be admitted free before 22:00h. Admission is $2000 and gates will be opened at 21:00h. The event is sponsored by Best Warehouse Deals Inc, Bartenura Wines Guyana, Pulse Taxi Service and Panasonic Air Conditions Guyana.

Design by House of Pearson

Design by Nachle

RED Entertainment is presently finalising arrangements for the hosting “From Jazz with Love” fused with its signature event “Kiss My ART Festival” billed for the HJ Water World, East Bank Demerara, on September 26.

‘From Jazz with Love’ Music Festival will feature an evening of funky jazz, soul and art from across the Caribbean region and will see Jamaican artiste Tessanne Chin, Arturo Tappin of Barbados and Guyana’s own Romeo “Mystic” Nermal performing.

Chin is the winner of Season 5 of NBC’s reality TV singing competition The Voice. She has opened for famous acts such as Pattie Labelle, Peabo Bryson and Gladys Knight.

Jamzone 2015 came to an end on Sunday last at the Hits and Jams Water Park, Providence, East Bank Demerara with the annual Beach Jam which saw thousands in attendance. Jamzone 2015 as compared to other editions lacked several events that drew a wide cross-section of persons.

This year, patrons did not have the opportunity to witness the Bikers Fest that is normally held at the National Park where several overseas and local bikers thrill the audience with breathtaking stunts.

In addition, Kids Zone, which catered for the children and featured games and several cartoon characters such as SpongeBob, Dora, and Spiderman, was also absent. The auction and Black Tie Affair were also missing from this year’s Jamzone.

Come 2016 the event will be bigger and better, Hits and Jams Director Kerwin Bollers promised. He was pleased with the support of the public for the events that were actually hosted, including the Beach Jam. In a phone interview, Bollers stated that he was, however, a bit disappointed with the turnout at the International Pageant and believed it was because it was held at the Fun Park.

He admitted that the other regular activities that surround Jamzone Summer Break were sidelined, since the HJ Family was concentrating on opening the Water Park. He assured that all the events that were left out would be on the 2016 list of activities.

He noted that while businesses jumped on the first opportunity to sponsor Jamzone in previous years, this year, there was a decrease and he believed that the economic status of the country played a major role. He, nevertheless, thanked those sponsors who were on board in making Jamzone 2015 a reality.

“Sfans.

A real volcano is exploding among the eight singers who made it to the finals and they can hardly wait to take to the stage on Saturday, September 5 inside Club Next, Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

With the final leg dubbed ‘Survival of the Fittest’, one can only imagine the showcases that will burst on stage that night. So far, throughout the show, the competition is between Georgetown’s Lashaun Charles and Barticians, Damion Apple and Silyne Griffith.

On the other hand, Arturo Tappin is considered by most, one of the smoothest and most soulful saxophonists in the Caribbean with his unique funky jazz, a healthy dose of Caribbean soca and reggae to boot.

Finally, Nermal also called “Coolie Bhai” has become a local sensation with his well-known hit ‘Coolie Bhai’ and his reggae original tracks that he composed. He has been performing at various events both locally and internationally.

However, the event will also feature artistes from Guyana, such as a young local band named Collage and Bravo Arts and Classique Dance Company performing a body art

Local art will also be on sale. Part proceeds will go to the Rotary Club of Demerara to contribute to their ongoing initiatives that focus on improving the lives of Guyanese.

Tickets will be available from September 1, at E-Networks (Camp Street), Giftland Mall and Footsteps Mega Store. Interested persons can contact the organisers on telephone number 676-2311.

In a recent interview, the Bartician songbird had issued a warning that she will “make a mess of Charles” on the night of the finals. Meanwhile, Charles continues to be cool and calm as usual throughout the entire showcase.

Apple on the other hand has vowed to teach both Griffith and Charles a lesson worth learning at the finals since he feels it’s time these two singers move over and give him is rightful place in the competition.

Louis Ebenezer came from behind of the lot and has climbed to the number three spot in the semi-finals, and has declared he will show no mercy for any in the competition.

At the recent semi-finals, the talented Romichelle Brummelle disappointed the judges when she delivered a lack-lustre performance of Whitney Houston’s “How Will I know”. Ebenezer at this leg had received standing ovations from the judges for his selection “Thinking out Loud”.

Azzaruddin Laljie will surely have to up his game to rake in a good spot, and Daniel Dondrake will surely need to push his vocals to the limits to match the intensity coming from the other contestants.

At the semi-finals, Jamal Benjamin, Alwyn Mitchell and Jonathan Basteano were eliminated due to poor performances, but the judges in a Wild Card Save Wednesday brought Basteano back into the competition. Let’s hope he makes ample opportunity of this merciful gesture.

For the finals, the judges have selected two songs each for the participants, one of which will be performed as a ‘warm-up entry’ to decide the top five to be selected from the eight singers. The top five will them be made to sing for their life in the ‘Ultimate Showdown’ before the first, second, and third place finalists are decided for the night. Showtime is 21:15h.

tar” Now that the Princess Star 2015 Karaoke Contest is moving into its final stage, the excitement is broiling among

iNet Communications football final concludes Saturday Overseas-based Guyanese donates to Enterprise U-13 football team

B y A ven A sh R A mz A n

After months of delay, the iNet Communications inaugural football final and third-place playoff are set for Saturday at the Tucville Ground.

Persistent rainfall over the past few months had left the ground in an unplayable state, forcing the organisers to repeatedly put off the final two games for a later date.

Saturday’s first game will kick off at 15:00h with Western Tigers playing Renaissance in the third-place playoff. That game will set the tone for the grand showdown, which will feature Fruta Conquerors and Santos, battling for the first-ever title from 16:00h.

With home team Fruta Conquerors featuring in the championship game, a large crowd is expected to cheer on the young boys as they endeavour to become champions.

The organisers are calling on football fans to come out and witness the next crop of aspiring national youth players in action, as admission to the venue is free.

At the launch of the competition in April, it was announced that the Fruta Conquerors Football Club, with the blessings of the Georgetown Football Association and Normalisation Committee of the Guyana Football Federation, will stage the

inaugural tournament with the aim of exposing the young and emerging talents in the city.

taken to develop football from the bottom up. Again, this is an example of the kind of results you can get when corporate Guyana cooperates with sporting Guyana, namely Fruta Conquerors Football Club,” Forde explained.

He added, “All of us in the management of football can accept that there have been quite a decline in the promotion of youth football over the past couple of years and Fruta Conquerors has taken it on to whatever it can to change this situation.”

Forde added that this was the first

Secretary of the organising club, Daniel Thomas, had said, “This yet again is another venture spearheaded by the Fruta Conquerors Football Club to have football develop within the confines of the Georgetown environs. It’s going to be over a number of weeks commencing in May.”

President of the club, Wayne Forde, said the tournament was another tangible expression of the Club’s interest in the development of youth players in the clubs affiliated to the Georgetown Football Association.

“This is another step in the direction that Fruta Conquerors has under-

time that Global Technology, through iNet Communications, has sponsored a tournament staged by the Club in full, noting that the company has previously offered scholarships to top players of the Club’s other competitions.

“We believe that this relationship will continue to grow. We are going to do everything within our power to give them a tournament worthy of the support they have given to us and we hope that next year this time we will be here launching another tournament, hopefully at a different level,” Forde remarked.

Overseas-based Guyanese Lloyd Lashley through the Petra Organisation donated a number of items to the Enterprise Primary School at Durban Backlands on Thursday.

Lashley donated footballs as well as back-toschool items to both the male and female Under-13 teams.

The Enterprise Primary School is one of the leading girls’ football teams in the nation while the boys’ can be a tough handle for any team.

During the simple handing-over ceremony at the school’s premises, Lashley outlined the reason for giving back to the school.

“Not wanting to see them playing with their skills and their education gets left be-

hind, because without education, you have nothing so that is why I decided to give these book bags and books to help with their academics and the balls to help with their development on the field as well,” Lashley stressed. The students also expressed their gratitude for the donation that will help with both their academic as well as sports development.

Nakhid questions credentials of FIFA Presidential rival Platini

FIFA presidential candidate David Nakhid, the former Trinidad and Tobago captain, is questioning the credentials of rival Michel Platini, who is also seeking to replace Sepp Blatter as president of the world’s football governing body.

Nakhid, who is seeking the support of the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) 25 FIFA nations, is also questioning Platini’s long-standing association with Blatter and his ability to enact changes to a global body that has been rocked by scandal.

Platini, the president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), has been a FIFA executive committee member for 13 years.

“Platini has been positioning himself as a reformer, but how can that be?” Nakhid said.

“Those who are vying for the post should be scrutinised and looked at. How can someone claim to be free or not tainted when he has been part of the circle that has basically brought football down a sorry path?”

Nakhid has focused is cam-

paign on a promise to consult rather than impose changes to the 32-team World Cup and to ensure that richer nations spread their wealth to the developing world.

He also wants to overhaul FIFA’s management structures to ensure that technocrats rather than people like disgraced former FIFA vice president Jack Warner would sit on audit and finance committees.

“There has not been the scrutiny placed on (Platini) as has been placed, on for example, Sepp Blatter,” Nakhid said.

“On several occasions I was blacklisted by Jack Warner for the national team because I advocated the rights of play-

ers who were inadequately paid. We need to change that type of leadership from that maximum power leadership. Something that involves consultation. That will lessen the corruption that goes on and increase expertise”.

Nakhid needs the support of five of FIFA’s 209 federations by October 26 to compete in the FIFA presidential elections carded for February 26.

“I fought against Jack Warner since I was 24 years old,” said Nakhid who played in Europe between 1988 and 1995 for Grasshoppers in Switzerland, Waregem in Belgium and PAOK in Greece.

“I fought against him when everyone was afraid to fight against him and I paid the consequences. Now it’s in vogue to do it.”

Nakhid moved to Lebanon to join Al Ansar before signing up with the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer between 1997 and 1998.

Before ending his career at Al Ansar between 2000 and 2001, he played at Al Emirates in the United Arab Emirates. (CMC)

Lloyd Lashley (extreme left) and some of the children from the Under-13 team pose after receiving the items

Fruta Conquerors President Wayne Forde Fruta Conquerors Secretary Daniel Thomas

Weather permitting, the competition will wrap up this weekend

David Nakhid

YELLOW PAGES

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Felix wins gold medal in 400 meters at world championships

American sprinter

, 125

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Allyson Felix won the 400 meters in 49.26 seconds on Thursday to earn her ninth world championship gold medal.

Her total is second only to Usain Bolt, who later won the men’s 200 final for his 10th world title.

Ten years after she won her first gold, a 200-meter title in Helsinki, Felix ran the fastest time in the world this year to win in Beijing.

“A great night,” said Felix, who took a break from her signature event, the 200, to focus on the 400. “We’ve been struggling a little bit.

“It was a good time to step up to a challenge and see what I could do.”

ly beating Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas, who finished in 49.67 seconds.

Shericka Jackson of Jamaica took bronze in 49.99.

double, but with only 65 minutes between the 200 semifinals and the 400 final on Thursday, it wasn’t doable.

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Wearing white socks stretched nearly to her knees, she got off to a great start in the 400, pulling away in the middle of the one-lap race and then easi-

A single clap, that’s basically all Felix did to celebrate, as the Americans now have 12 medals, including three golds, at this meet.

Had the schedule not been so tight, Felix would have tried for the 200-400

World Championships…

Maybe at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro -if the program gets altered, that is. As it stands, the tentative schedule is for the first round of the 200 to begin on the day of the 400 final. Those races are 75 minutes apart. (ESPN)

Usain does it again for Beijing sweep!

Usain Bolt delivered Justin Gatlin a second knockout blow in five days to win his fourth straight 200 metres world title on Thursday and prove that when it comes to major championship sprinting, he simply has no peer.

In the seven years since the Jamaican first lit up the Bird’s Nest at the 2008 Olympics, a disqualification in the 100 metres at the 2011 world championships is the only blemish on an otherwise perfect record in major global races.

Six Olympic golds and now 10 at the worlds are glistening metal proof of his ability to get the best out of his huge natural talent when the stakes are highest.

It was all supposed to be different this time around, however.

Bolt has struggled with pelvic problems this year and been burdened with the unwanted task of ‘saving’ athletics after allegations of widespread doping in the sport dominated the month leading up to the championships.

Gatlin, 33, is in the form of

his life and their showdowns in the two sprints in Beijing were the most highly anticipated contests of the championships.

Yet, when it came to the crunch, Bolt brushed all that and Gatlin aside, digging deep to win the 100 metres by a hundredth of a second on Sunday and his pet event by almost 2/10ths of a second on Thursday.

“This season a lot of people have been doubting me and saying I’m going to lose. I’ve just shown my championship potential,” the 29-year-old told reporters after clocking 19.55 seconds, the best time in the world this season.

“The 100 is really for the people and for my coach and the 200 is for me because I really put my heart into perfecting the 200. It means a lot more to me than anything else.”

Bolt said it was vital he was not behind at the bend and after a strong start he had his nose just in front of Gatlin as the field tore into the straight.

The American looked as if

he was gaining on his rival just after the turn but Bolt puffed out his cheeks and lengthened his stride to pull clear.

Gatlin, who has been cast as a pantomime villain because of his two failed drug tests, said he hoped his two silver medals in Beijing would prove he was a very good athlete.

“It was never my attempt to come to the championships to win over any fans,” he said.

“My attempt was to come here to compete to the best of my abilities. I think the people saw a different view of me. I am just a competitor.

“I have no ill will toward Usain. I have no ill will toward anybody. We work very hard to stay away from injury and just get out there and run nine seconds and run 19 seconds.

“I think that mission was accomplished.”

Anaso Jobodwana took bronze in 19.87 for South Africa ahead of Panama’s Alonso Edward who was awarded the same time but lost out on a medal by 2/1,000ths of a second. (Reuters)

Allyson Felix celebrates her gold medal run

Usain Bolt runs away easily from Justin Gatlin to win the men’s 200m at the World Championships in Beijing

Cricket academy participants urged to use new knowledge to develop self, game

By Rajiv Bisnauth

The East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) concluded its fourday cricket academy with President Bissoondial Singh urging participants to utilise their newfound knowledge for the development of

Singh stated that the academy has been an important resource for potential cricketers on the East Coast of Demerara, which, over the years, has produced 23 cricketers who have represented Guyana with distinction at the various levels.

Singh emphasised, “I am

self and more particularly for the development of the game.

The programme, in its 15th year, has also been described as quite resourceful by the participants, who completed the academy on Thursday at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground.

delighted today with the role this annual cricket academy has been playing, especially since it helps to steer youngsters away from the use of illicit drugs and other dangers. This academy aims to mould the leaders and cricketers of tomorrow and we hope that you all capitalise

on the lessons learnt over the past few days.”

The ECCB President further disclosed that each participant could become a role model, but first they must be a good leader.

Singh pointed to seven qualities of a good leader, adding that a good leader whether they naturally possess those qualities or not will be diligent to consistently develop and strengthen them in their leadership role.

Singh also lauded the parents for making “a precious investment” by send-

ing their young ones to engage in such a meaningful activity.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Seon Erskine, a representative of the National Sports Commission (NSC), who delivered the feature address.

Erskine lauded the ECCB for conducting another successful programme, adding that the NSC would continue to assist in the development of the game at all levels.

He told the participants that through dedication, hard work and discipline,

each participant could become great individuals, adding that the academy was the ideal stepping stone.

“What you love, just do it every day and you will one day reap the benefit,” Erskine said.

Erskine further urged the youngsters to ensure that their academic background was solid, since sport and academics can go handin-hand.

pants to set themselves goals and work towards them, highlighting national allrounder Zaheer Mohamed as a leading example.

Coordinator Judister Rampersaud said the participants responded well to what he described as “a wellstructured programme”. He stated that apart from the practical and classroom sessions, the youngsters were equipped with

Meanwhile, present also at the closing ceremony were President and Secretary of the Geml Cosmos Sports Club of Trinidad and Tobago, Kalaparsad Sanise and Jordan Samkaran.

Sanise urged the partici-

handouts to keep for future reference.

Each participant received a certificate of participation. This year’s academy was held under the theme “Cricket – Professionalism and Healthy Lifestyle”.

Foxy Ladies to host football tourney

The Foxy Ladies Female Football Club (FLFFC) will soon embark on the 2015 edition of its annual Women’s Football Tournament with an aim of providing the women of Guyana with the opportunity to showcase their ability in order to have a chance to be selected to the national women’s team (Lady Jags) in the future.

While no date has been put to the kickoff of the

Tournament, the Club is seeking to collaborate with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to boost the chances for all the local footballers.

In addition, the Club decided to spread its wings by inviting teams from regions across Guyana and has gained positive responses.

Eight teams have been invited, namely: Eagles United FC (G/town); Foxy Ladies FC (West Dem); Little Diva

Flames FC (G/town); GDF FC; NA Warriors FC (New Amsterdam , Berbice); West Side Conquerors FC (West Berbice); Kuru Kuru FC (East Bank) and Demerara Queens (Linden).

Each team will be placed into one of two groups of four for a round-robin stage. The top two teams in each group will go on to the knockout stage. This competition is scheduled for five play-

ing days and will be played at Tucville Ground in Georgetown.

However, the organisers are upset about being unable to include teams from Lethem and Bartica at this time. Nevertheless, they will be making a contribution to the two regions to aid in the development of women’s football, and it is the hope that come next year, they can be included.

Participants of the 2015 East Coast Cricket Board 15th annual cricket academy pose with their certificates following the closing ceremony at the Lusignan Community Centre on Thursday

President of the Geml Cosmos Sports Club of Trinidad and Tobago, Kalaparsad Sanise hands over a certificate to one of the female participants

One of the participants collects his certificate of participation from ECCB President Bissoondyal Singh

National Under-17 player Tameshwar Motiram receives his certificate of participation from Seon Erskine

Some women’s football action at the National Stadium

Hafeez Ali donates to youths of Belle Vue

“Invest in youths and nurture them to make them realise their significance and worth in society,” these were the sentiments expressed by Hafeez Ali, owner of Rockaway Group from New York, USA, as he charged the elders of Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara.

On being sensitised of the plight of youths in Belle Vue through an article published in Guyana Times on August 18 “Cricket at Belle Vue – the harsh reality”, Ali, who has an interest in youths and sports, responded to the call for help.

A monetary donation, along with cricket gear and uniforms, was well received at a simple handing-over ceremony held at the Belle Vue Sports Club (BVSC) on August 19.

Expressing his gratitude on behalf of BVSC, commu-

nity activist, Pastor Krishna Singh said this donation could not have come at a better time and emphasised that “want” was no longer an option, but “need” was the reality for the youths of BVSC.

Ali’s contribution to the BVSC brought smiles to the many faces who felt abandoned and left in the wild.

“After over 15 years of abandonment, hope is finally evolving for our youths,” one resident expressed, while others overwhelmingly expressed their gratitude for this initiative to assist the youths of the community, bringing them closer to realising their potential.

Ali said it was a privilege to have the opportunity to make a donation towards the Sports Club, and he decided to come on board, since any investment in youths was a worthwhile investment and

if his contribution could impact positively, it could result in high-quality young players who, someday, could represent Guyana and the West Indies.

Ali charged the youths to continue to be disciplined, because in sports no personal success, achievement, or goal can be realised without self-discipline.

“It is singularly the most important attribute needed to achieve any type of personal excellence. Be firm, take the actions, and execute your game plan regardless of the obstacles, discomfort, or difficulties that may come your way.”

The members of the BVSC and residents are optimistic that others will follow the example set by Ali and find favour to contribute to the development of the youths in order for them to excel.

“mystery Lady” back in ...

reckoned.

Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend softball

Malone leads Fishermen to win over Floodlights

All-rounder Ramo Malone starred with bat and ball to guide Fishermen Masters to an upset three-wicket victory over Floodlights in the inaugural Petama Enterprise/ Motor Trend softball cricket competition at the weekend.

Floodlights, the reigning Guyana Cup Masters champions, entered the contest as favourites, but run into a rampant Malone, who first snared three wickets and then returned to clobber 71 to lead Fishermen to the win.

Other teams recording victories were Floodlights Legends, Herstelling Raiders and Park Rangers. Below are the summarised scores from the games played.

Fishermen Masters defeated Floodlights by three wickets. Floodlights 126-7

off 20 overs (Uniss Yusuf 37, Ramo Malone 3-11); Fishermen 128-6 off 18 overs (Ramo Malone 71, Wayne Jones 2-2, Greg DeFrance 2-18, Clyde Canterbery 2-24).

Floodlights Legends defeated Savage Masters by six wickets. Savage 172-8 off 20 overs (Wallack Joseph 68, Herbie Jentle 31, Kenmark Luke 25, Mike Singh 4-22); Floodlights 174-5 off 19.4 overs (Nandram Samlall 87*, Fizal Ali 24, Randolph Pereira 3-14, Arjune Persaud 2-36).

Herstelling Raiders defeated Brickery Super Stars by eight wickets. Brickery 139 all out off 17 overs (K Wilke 40, R Mangar 27, Ralph Yusuf 4-18, Budhram Baksh 3-20); Herstelling 140-2 (Shameer Fazal 64, Budhan Baksh 32).

Herstelling Raiders defeated Princess Hotel by 32 runs. Herstelling 204 all out from 20 overs (Rawle Reid 64, Shameer Fazal 34, Shafik Ishmael 2-12, D Muir 2-33) ;Princess Hotel 172 all out (Shafik Ishmael 36, Budhram Baksh 3-25).

Park Rangers defeated Regal Masters by seven wickets. Regal 138-8 off 20 overs (Randolph Baker 49, Mahase Chunilall 48, Mohamed Rafeek 2-20, Ryan Singh 4-19); Park Rangers 139-4 off 17 overs (M Rafeek 44, Talesh Ramoutar 37, Rudy Rodrigues 23, Mahendra Hardyal 2-13).

The competition will

continue on Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground, Queenstown, with several games. On Pitch One at 09:30h, De Hoop will take on Together Brothers; at noon, De Hoop will play Farm, and at 14:00h, Fishermen Masters will clash with Enterprise Legends. On Pitch Two at 09:30h, Farm will collide with Princess Hotel; at noon, Together Brothers will face Brickery Super Stars, and at 14:00h, Park Rangers will confront Savage Masters. Due to teams being unable to field full squads in the Masters’ category, the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association has decided to allow each team a maximum of three players born on or before the year 1974.

Full-blown training

It could yet be the most rewarding comeback for the Forgotten Youth Foundation boxer, if the words of Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) President Peter Abdool come to fruition.

In an invited comment on Thursday, the GBBC boss, who was instrumental in securing the Munoz bout three years ago, said the fight could still materialise once Alfred gets “in shape”.

Abdool, who is also the Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) President, said Alfred would have to be given the luxury of a few warm-up fights to condition her body for the big stage.

“Once Shondell can get in shape, that fight [against Munoz] is possible,” Abdool

Alfred’s record currently stands at 13 victories and five losses.

Ramo Malone

Rawle Reid

The youths of Belle Vue along with a few residents as well as Hafeez Ali pose for a photo opportunity

Flashback! In 2012, Shondell Alfred had employed the services of Strength and Conditioning Trainer, Andrew Hooper, to help her deal with the high-altitude condition in Mexico

GBBC President Peter Abdool

“Mystery Lady” back in full-blown training

... title fight against Mexico’s Zulina Munoz still a possibility – Abdool

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Former Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) World Bantamweight title holder Shondell “Mystery Lady” Alfred will heading into full-blown training in the new month, as she seeks to notch up “a few more fights” before officially hanging up the gloves.

Alfred, who turns 34 soon, has been out of action since November 2010 when she picked up a points victory over Colombia’s Olga Julio at the Princess Hotel Poolside in a four-fight unbeaten run.

November 6 would be exactly five years since Alfred’s last bout, but the 5’4” pugilist is nowhere close to retiring from a sport she has embraced for close to two decades.

“I’m doing some work right now in the gym,” Alfred told this publication during an exclusive interview on Thursday.

“My daughter is off to preschool next week, so I will be back to full training in the new month, and hopefully I will be back in the ring soon.”

It’s quite indicative of being a boxer that Alfred emphatically stated she hasn’t given up on the sport, despite being inactive for such a long period.

Intense training/pregnancy

Not so long ago – 2012 to be precise – Alfred had embarked on a rigorous training regime to face Mexican Zulina Munoz for the then vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Flyweight belt.

In order to whip herself into peak condition to deal with the high-altitude conditions in Mexico, the boxer employed the services of Strength and Conditioning Trainer Andrew Hooper,

who recommended the use of a mask that gave her a feel of how difficult it was to breathe in the Central American nation.

“Basically the technology of the mask cuts off all air flow around it; when you put it around your head, it’s airtight. Basically, the nozzles on the front will only allow a limited amount of air, in this case, what you would experience at 9000 feet above sea level,” Hooper explained.

He added,

“She’s going to be fighting at 7600 above sea level in Mexico City, so we’re actually preparing her for much tougher conditions that she’s going into. It’s better for a fighter or any other type of athlete to train harder here…by doing that it will make the fight in this case a lot more easier.”

Despite being out of the ring for two years, Alfred said that was not a hindrance, as she has been

in such a situation before where she had to step out after a lengthy lay-off to fight for titles.

“Well, I know my ability. I know I have the ability to fight a world title fight. I did it before and I can do it again. When I fought Corrine Van Wyk DeGroot, everybody said I couldn’t do it…I didn’t beat her once, but twice. So I think I have the ability to do what I have to do. I have to prepare myself mentally and physically,

and I’m focusing right now on that fight, and that fight only,” she said back in 2012.

Alfred and team left for Mexico confident they had done all that was necessary to capture the world title, but they were in for a surprise, as the fight was swiftly called off.

Alfred said, “I didn’t know that [that I was pregnant]. I hadn’t any sign, nothing. When I did the test in Mexico, the guy called me the next morning and said the test proved positive. I said “what!” It was a shock to me. I guess if my heart wasn’t good, I would have fell down right there.”

While it would have been appropriate for Alfred to have the test done in Guyana before leaving for Mexico, the authorities there would not have honoured it, since it is customary that visiting boxers go through a medical examination in the country where the fight is hosted.

Screeching halt

The news sent shockwaves throughout the local boxing fraternity, and had immediately brought Alfred’s fledging career and world title aspirations to a halt.

Upon returning home, an emotional Alfred told media operatives, “This is life; things like this happen… things happen that you never expect to happen. I didn’t want this to happen this way, and I know seeing that girl fight on Saturday night,

I just stand still and broke down into tears, because I know I train very hard for this fight and there is no way that this girl could beat me.”

In Alfred’s absence, Munoz was pitted against Maribel Ramirez and she lifted the WBC Super Flyweight title with a unanimous decision win. Though Munoz won the fight, Alfred was not impressed, making it even tougher for her to digest the sudden turn of events.

“She [Munoz] was there in front of you like a mirror just waiting for punches…I really and truly sorry about this. If I knew this before I leave Guyana, I wouldn’t have put myself through all this embarrassment. This is a big embarrassment and slap in my face. I’m not mad that I’m pregnant, but the whole entire thing is that I waste a big opportunity there.”

While Alfred has been on the sidelines since, Munoz has fought eight times since the Ramirez contest, winning all her bouts, and extending her career statistics to 44 wins (27 KOs), one loss and two draws.

World title opportunity

“I would like to get a few more fights before I retire as a champion,” Alfred said on Thursday, as she prepares to embark on possibly the final stage of her career.

Shondell “Mystery Lady” Alfred: “I would like to get a few more fights before I retire as a champion”

Mexican Zulina Munoz

Usain Bolt kisses the track at the Bird’s Nest, the track he has made his own