As another General Elections looms, the main Opposition party – the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) could possibly face another internal struggle, with a sharp division as to whether the Presidential Candidate of that party should be elected via primaries as was the case in 2011.
“I don’t think it should be automatic. I believe that there should be some form of a run-off and the best persons allowed to run,” a party candidate for the last elections told this newspaper under conditions of anonymity.
Incumbent Leader David Granger is set to be the candidate for the party, but he has faced several challenges to his leadership over the years. “Granger to me is not the right person, but again what else can we do,” the party member said philosophically.
Despite his promise to retain the “primaries model” to elect a Presidential Candidate after a successful first attempt in 2011, Granger last week said the mechanism was not a requirement of the party’s constitution and was unlikely to be used to determine the candidate for the upcoming polls.
Since being catapulted into the leadership of the PNCR, Granger has had to fight many battles with party rivals, former Finance Minister Carl Greenidge and more recently, Aubrey Norton. Sources said that the retired Brigadier might be “battle weary” and would do all in his power to avoid having to compete again to lead his party into the next elections. As Leader of both the PNCR and the fledging A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, Granger wields tremendous power and observers say it would be difficult to dislodge him from being the candidate of choice for APNU in the upcoming General Elections.
Asked whether there should be primaries, PNCR Linden Member Leslie Gonsalves said he did not want to comment on the issue. He said if the party believes Granger was good to return as the candidate, that was that. “It’s an internal party issue and whatever the party goes with, then that’s it.”
Norton also declined to comment on the issue. Only recently, the Linden arm of the PNCR was up in arms against Granger
over the party’s treatment of Vanessa Kissoon and other “unresolved” issues. Guyana Times was reliably informed that the party is moving ahead with its elections campaign in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) with or without the support of the Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon and his supporters.
Support Meanwhile, APNU Member of Parliament James Bond has thrown his support behind Granger to contest as a Presidential Candidate in the upcom-
ing General and Regional Elections. According to Bond, there may not be enough time to run a primary ahead of the much anticipated 2015 Elections. In an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Bond came out in full support of his Leader, saying the current political atmosphere cannot be ignored as he pointed to a possible coalition with the Alliance for Change (AFC); the minority Opposition party in the National Assembly. “There may not be enough time to run a primary. I believe the dynamics are very fluid,” Bond said. According to him, Granger commands the confidence of the majority members in the National Assembly. “The Leadership Council and Executive Council of APNU repose confidence in the Stewardship of Majority Leader David Granger,” he added.
But this level of respect and confidence are not limited to the party, Bond said while contending that the Opposition Leader has gained the support of ordinary citizens, the business community and discipline forces. “His honesty is what Guyana needs right now and every Guyanese want to see this in their President. Had he not been at the helm, this country would have descended into chaos and confusion, but the capable leader he is, he has managed to keep the peace together when there are within and out of Government calling for mayhem.” According to the APNU Parliamentarian, Granger is the best choice
and all perceived contenders have their ambitions in check. “Our leaders know it’s time to put country first and not selfish ambition.”
Not mandated
Granger said last Friday that the system of primaries would not be utilised for General and Regional Elections expected before the end of the first quarter of 2015. In 2010, then PNC Leader Robert Corbin, while indicating that he did not want to be considered a candidate for the upcoming elections in 2011, had established a system where party primaries were held across the country to select a new Presidential Candidate.
“There is no provision under the constitution which calls for the system of primaries, it was only because of the demitting of office by Mr Corbin that that process of selection for the Presidential Candidate was instituted… it is not constitutional. It has not happened before and it is not in the constitution,” Granger told this publication.
Unwilling
But party insiders believe that Granger was not willing to entertain any further challenge to his leadership. Meanwhile, sources close to the PNCR say many of its Executive Members are supportive of the primaries system to elect the PNC’s Presidential Candidate, whether it is deemed constitutional or not.
“The leader does not necessarily or automatically have to be the Presidential Candidate of our party. Our members should decide who we want especially if we have reservations or concerns about the manner in which our party is being led,” an Executive told Guyana Times on Saturday.
Following the primaries in 2011 when Granger competed against Greenidge, James Bond, Faith Harding and Basil Williams, the then Leader Corbin had hailed the “historic nature and significance” of the special congress which was held to elect the Presidential Candidate. Corbin said back then that the congress ought to be ap-
preciated, even as he pointed out that the party broke new ground in Guyana through its efforts to lead the way in the transformation of the political culture in Guyana. He said then that for the first time in the 56year history of the PNC party, the party membership was given the opportunity to determine who should be its Presidential Candidate. He noted that traditionally, even though it was not a constitutional requirement, the elected party leader automatically became either the Prime Ministerial Candidate or, after the 1980 Constitution, the Presidential Candidate. “For reasons which I have not elaborated and will probably only do so in my memoirs, I advised the party nearly a year ago that it was not my intention to be the Presidential Candidate of the party at the forthcoming General and Regional Elections.
“The early notice provided an opportunity for the party to begin the implementation of a system of primaries that was the subject of internal party discussion for more than 30 years,” Corbin noted. This process, he added, has also provided an opportunity to strengthen the party’s internal democracy.
Since being catapulted into leadership of the PNCR, Granger has had to fight many battles with former Finance Minister Carl Greenidge, and other party members, notably Dr Faith Harding and Aubrey Norton.
But observers believe that Granger is not willing to entertain any further challenge to his leadership of the PNC given the state of affairs and activities that played out at the party’s last Biennial Congress. “He is unwilling to head on again with a possible challenge from Greenidge, Norton or even Solomon. Granger knows that utilising the primaries will again lead to a history of factionalism within the PNC. Also it is not in his interest to open the old wounds of his party comrades ahead of a highly priced election next year,” the Observer remarked.
Christopher Eleazar, 36, of Lot 80 Stone Avenue, Campbellville, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Annette Singh, on Wednesday morning, to face a charge of provoking a breach of peace to which he
was placed on $10,000 bail. It was alleged that on December 14, at Stone Avenue, Campbellville, he lit a fire in his yard so as to annoy or insult his neighbour, Virtual Complainant (VC) Andrew Walden so as to provoke a breach of peace. The unrepresented defendant pleaded not guilty to the offence. Police Prosecutor Adonni Innis had no objections to bail and noted that Eleazar has no prior matter with the court. He was then placed on $10,000 bail and the matter stands adjourned until January 15, 2015.
dECEmbEr 18, 2014
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on Thursday, December 18 from 14:30h-18:00h and on Friday, December 19 from 14:30h-18:00h
and on Friday, December 19 from 14:25h-15:55h
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2014
Parika Departure - 14:00h and 01:00h
Supenaam Departure - 14:00h and 01:00h
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2014
Parika Departure - 01:00h and 14:00h Supenaam Departure - 01:00h and 14:00h
Some of the “big names” who were listed to speak at the shady ‘civil society’ forum at the Guyana International Conference Centre on Wednesday boycotted the event, which was hosted by Phillip Thomas.
Among those who attended the event were persons representing some non-governmental organisations, trade unions and religious organisations. Notably absent were members of the various political
parties except for APNU backbencher, Christopher Jones. Guyanese writer Ian McDonald and Business Magnate Yesu Persaud were all listed to speak on Thomas’ programme but none of them turned up. There were also several other items on the agenda including performances by Comedian Henry Rodney, which also did not come off. On the agenda for today is an address by President Donald Ramotar whose Administration has
already distanced itself from the forum. Also down to make presentations are Opposition Leader, David Granger and his counterpart in the Alliance For Change, Khemraj Ramjattan. It is unclear whether the latter two leaders will attend.
Retymyer told participants during his welcoming remarks.
He noted that the summit had no interest in criticising or praising any political party. “We are not here to talk politics, this is your interest, it’s my interest. Civil society is you, civil society is me. The space that we have given to politicians, they have occupied, they have dominated… We are not here to praise or criticise, if we achieve nothing here, at least we have tried”, he said to loud applause from those in attendance.
Chairman of the organising committee of the summit, Phillip Thomas for his part used his address to focus on Guyana’s Constitution, which he said has been failing the people of this country.
The objective of the summit, the first of its kind to be held in Guyana, is to seek a transition into a new dispensation of peace within the society, Thomas said. Another objective of the forum is to “develop the business of the people of Guyana by working through the organs assigned, particularly that of the GNSCS. Forty eight years ago our standard of living, our economy, was akin to countries like Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea and Colombia. Forty eight years have come and gone and those people live better, they live longer, they seem to be happier and living in hope”, Retired Major
Editor: Nigel Williams
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown
Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com
Everyone knew that China was a fast growing economy. Only six years ago, it was projected that China would surpass the US in its Gross National Product (GNP) –measured in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) – by 2030. PPP measures the GNP not in absolute dollar terms but in the quantity of goods and services the money can purchase in the country under question.
This is considered a “fairer” method of comparison since monetised metrics should only be compared via their purchasing power. And by this measure, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) just declared that China has pipped the US as the number one economy in the world – 16 years ahead of schedule.
China this year will churn out a US$17.6 trillion PPP GNP – compared with US$17.4 trillion for the USA. Even though it is also projected that China’s growth rate will level out to around seven per cent – a drop from the double-digit rates it maintained for three decades – the gap between China and the US will increase significantly. By 2019, the IMF estimates the Chinese economy will be worth just under US$26.98 trillion – which would be a whopping 20 per cent larger than the US at US$22.3 billion.
The original forecast on China’s “catching up” with the US was accelerated due to a confluence of the continued buoyant performance of its economy and the parallel collapse of the US economy in 2008. While the IMF also forecasts growth for the US in the years ahead – 3.3 per cent – that will be nowhere near the Chinese growth rates – hence the increased divergence between the size of the two economies.
The question for economies like Guyana, is “What does this realignment of economic forces mean for its own development?” China’s growth has also been mirrored by India – now the third largest economy in the world – albeit quite some distance from the US and China with its PPP GFP at US$7.5 trillion.
This factoid reinforces the current trend in these two countries which focuses on securing raw materials and food, to support their growing manufacturing base with the concomitant needed human resource. As part and parcel of that drive we can also expect them to increase their investment in Guyana as they seek to “make friends and influence policies”.
Over the past two years, however, the Opposition has expressed a marked distaste for Chinese and Indian investment. Carl Greenidge, the point man for the major Opposition party APNU – presently negotiating with the other Opposition party AFC to form a coalition, has explicitly singled out investments from these two sources and threatened that contracts will be “re-examined” if they were to secure office after the upcoming elections.
There are two implications emanating from this threat for the growth and development of our country from the number one and number three economies in the world.
Firstly, we can expect the demand for insurance to cover political risk to be substantially increased on the massive infrastructural investment the World Bank had assured us is necessary to take us out of the doldrums into which the PNC had steered the economy.
When the same threats by the Opposition were made on the US$840 million Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP) that was going to be funded by the China Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the political risk insurance amounted to over US$56 million.
Secondly and more importantly, while behemoths like China and India are taken for granted by the Opposition that are still committing all their political capital on the older developed countries, the rest of the developing world, especially Africa which is the “hottest” investment destination, having read the writing on the wall, are looking East.
This newspaper takes the opportunity to congratulate China on regaining its historic role of being the largest economy of the world which it held for 18 of the last 20 centuries.
Dear Editor,
The large Guyanese American population is gearing up for the holidays that begin next Wednesday evening on Christmas Eve over a four-day extended weekend. Several parties were hosted by organisations and businesses over the last couple of weekends. More parties are planned all over Queens by businesses as well as by families, including one for Senior Citizens organised by Indo-Caribbean community groups for this Sunday.
An aura of X-Mas celebration is in the air in the Guyanese residential communities in New York as well as in the huge shopping district of Liberty Avenue and its environs, the main hub of Guyanese oriented and Caribbean commercial activities. Shops are teeming as people acquire items for the holidays.
The Christmas season is one of expectancy among the large Guyanese population in the greater New York area as well as those living in isolated areas in the Northeast United States; they swoop down on Richmond Hill to shop for Guyanese oriented foods to prepare that special Christmas dish or cake or drink.
Not surprisingly, Richmond Hill has been teeming with shoppers eager to acquire gifts or materials to dress up the home and yard for the season. Other commercial districts such as Flatbush, Jamaica, Cypress, Jamaica, and Westchester Avenues
are also very busy with shoppers. In the shopping districts, huge numbers of multi-coloured lights and other paraphernalia are on display in front of stores.
These brightly coloured lights, trimmings and other decorations everywhere similar to shopping areas in Parika, Leonora, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, etc. As in Guyana, one can purchase virtually everything related to Christmas at the dozens of Guyanese and other Caribbean stores that line Liberty Avenue.
Even mainstream American groceries also carry food items that are normally bought by West Indians. The stores on Liberty Avenue, as on Flatbush Avenue, as well as American mainstream groceries and the avenues are well brightened for the yuletide season.
Lights swing between light poles all over busy shopping districts including Jamaica, Richmond Hill, and Hollis where large numbers of Guyanese are settled establishing ethnic enclaves. Christmas music is played on speakers on poles in all the shopping districts.
The streets and stores are decorated with party favours and buntings comparable to any other shopping district in the city during Christmas. Christmas music at full blast emanate from many of the stores in West Indian neighborhoods.
The aromatic smell of dainty dishes on Liberty Avenue and from Sybils on Church Avenue, near
Flatbush Ave, waft in the air from the restaurants and bakeries selling bread and Guyanese pastries as well as delicious cakes.
The restaurants on nearby 101 Avenue in the heart of Richmond Hill also serve delicious cuisine and are packed with patrons as I discovered on Sunday evening. And the bars (rum shops) in the Guyanese community are doing brisk business as usual in spite of complaints of a slow economy and tight cash flow.
One can also feel the Christmas spirit in residential streets as well. Homes are well lit on the outside and decorated with Christmas paraphernalia – all shapes, designs, sizes and colours of lights flickering around homes and on trees. There are Santa Claus balloons in many yards.
Outside trees are also well decorated with Christmas favours. Going around the neighborhoods, one can see an abundance of flickering multi-coloured multi-designed lights which line the exterior of homes and even on some trees outside on the lawn. It is as if the houses engage in an unofficial competition for the best decorated and most lit title as in Guyana.
The Christmas holiday festival transcends religions. Christmas lights blink near fluttering jhandis or a lighted Muslim Crescent as Hindus and Muslims also partake in the Christmas spirit just as they do in Guyana. These lights are left overs from
the Diwali and Eid celebrations.
Several Guyanese businesses, including the real estates and mortgage companies, held end of year parties; even American businesses with Guyanese and other West Indian employees joined in the celebrations with a Caribbean flavor.
The Arya Samaj USA Mandir held its annual yearend dinner last Sunday evening with a packed temple. The Senior Citizens will be feted at a luncheon this Sunday and receive gifts from donors and organisers; this is a tradition going back to the last decade.
Traditional Guyanese foods were served at parties and more of the same will be served at these fetes – a variety of curries, dhal puri, fried rice, chowmein.
Schools in New York will close from Wednesday. Unlike in Guyana, there are no lavish school parties. But some teachers like myself do offer treats to students and colleagues. As a union leader, I host a luncheon for staff in my building.
Christmas in New York is not the same as being in Guyana. And many wish to celebrate Christmas "at home". Many already departed for the yearly pilgrimage to Guyana and others look forward to this journey in the coming days. Caribbean Airlines is sold out and Dynamic has few seats left for those wishing to make the journey!
Happy holidays!
Vishnu
Bisram
According to Thomas, the 1980 Constitution of Guyana as promulgat-
ed under Article 13 states that the “principal objective of the political system
of the state is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision making processes of the state, with particular emphasis on areas of decision making which directly affect their well being. Fellow Guyanese, I am pleased to announce that we, the citizens identified in this Article 13, comprising One National Constituency and including but not limited to CSO’s and NGO’s, will stand up for the first time in our illustrious history,” Thomas said. He said the GNCSS will be democratically empowered to bring about a paradigm shift in a new dispensation of a true democratic Republic based on ethics, trust, transparency, equality and liberation for all Guyanese.
PNCR connections
On Tuesday, this newspaper reported that from the names of the persons identified, it is quite clear that the new entity is
Dear Editor,
I read your article under the caption “Civil Society Umbrella Group FloatedA New Reform For PNC/R (Tuesday 16th December, 2014)”.
I am not impressed at all with this suddenly emerged group calling itself ‘The Guyana National Civil Society Council (GNCSC)’, but rather, highly suspicious and, like a hammer, your article seems to have hit the nail on its head.
It is in my humble opinion that this so-called Civil Society Umbrella Group has a political objective which is to simply pull by the nose all unsuspecting NGOs and CSOs into a coalition or alliance with the PNC/APNU and AFC for the upcoming general elections despite the non-political objectives of their respective constitutions.
In this regard, the NGOs and CSOs need to be extremely careful not to be fooled and to find out at this “Summit” who is funding this myste-
rious grouping since many of its potential nominees to its “Board” and “council” are known anti-government elements.
But I wish to inform the principal actors of this grouping that their political schemes against the democratically elected government will fail and fail miserably to restore Burnhamism in Guyana which caused social and economic bankruptcy and mockery to the Guyanese people prior to 1992.
It is publicly a known fact that the political opposition (PNC/APNU and AFC) is in political disarray, hence their desperation for “Alliances” from any quarter for the upcoming elections.
Will this mysterious Civil Society Group therefore form an alliance with the PNC/ APNU and AFC for the next general elections? This is another key question to be asked at the “Summit”.
Peter Persaud
From page 3
meant to provide further cover of the PNCR. The old “Reform” group started out as a civil society organisation that spoke to improving Guyana from a non-partisan standpoint. It included Stanley Ming, Eric Phillips, Jerome Khan, Peter Ramsaroop, Dr Mark Kirton and Supriya Singh. All of them were to depart the PNCR
even though the suffix was retained. The PNCR then attempted to secure cover by inviting “coalition partners” from existing “parties” to form A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) in time for the 2011 elections. Since the formation of APNU, the PNCR has been embarrassed by the exposure that its “coalition partners”’ are all
“one-man” paper organisations with the exception of the WPA, which might be a “five man” organisation. Only this weekend, former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran, who is now very supportive of the Opposition’s positions and critical of his old party the PPP, made the latter point.
Dear Editor, The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and all humanity are horrified at the despicable atrocities that were visited upon the innocent children, teachers and staff of the school in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Our children irrespective of nationality, religion or creed are citizens of the world, and deserve our care, protection and assistance to enhance their educational skills, in order that they may in the future fulfil the role in ensuring the continuity of life and service to mankind.
This dastardly act can find no support despite the cause or struggle, and citizens of the world, irrespective of religion, colour,or creed should join in its condemnation.
CIOG maintains that those who perpetrated this act, cannot be deemed
Muslims, and no longer subscribe to the teachings of Islam and the laws that govern the lives of Muslims, the Holy Quran.
For those who claim they believe in the Holy Quran and Islam they must be aware of the quotation from Almighty God in the Quran which states:
“He who kills a soul unless it be (in legal punishment) for murder or for causing disorder and corruption on the earth will be as if he had killed all humankind; and he who saves a life will
be as if he had saved the lives of all humankind.” (The Qur’an, Al-Ma’idah, 5:32).
Anyone defying this order cannot hold steadfast to the realms of Islam.
The CIOG prays that those who perpetrate these acts and claim to be Muslims, would bring an immediate cessation to their activities, pause and reflect on the true and rich teachings of our beloved Prophet (OWBP), and the commandments given by the Almighty to all his Prophets, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (OWBP).
The Muslim communities of Guyana, the President and Executives of CIOG and all God-fearing people join in offering our sincere condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased, and to the people and Government of Pakistan.
We pray that the Almighty God will grant a peaceful resting place for the innocence that departed the world, and patience and perseverance to the families.
CIOG
By Lynne Thompson
Christmas is magical.
MRany Ebola survivors in West Africa face major challenges and need support to help them cope, two new studies report.
There are now thousands of Ebola survivors, according to the new research. These survivors have to deal with stigma, income loss, long-term concerns about their mental and physical health, as well as grief and survivor guilt over the loss of family and friends, researchers explained.
Many or all of their possessions were destroyed to prevent transmission of the deadly disease.
One of the studies looked at Ebola survivors in Sierra Leone. The study found that they received inadequate counselling, material support and help reintegrating into their communities.
However, a group including the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the Sierra Leone Government, and Non-Government Organisations and donor agencies was created to assess and meet the needs of Ebola survivors there. That support includes a “survivor packet” that provides cash, bedding, clothing and other items essential for day-to-day living.
Counsellors accompany survivors when they return to their home villages in order to help them reintegrate.
The second study looked at Ebola survivors in the Firestone District in Liberia, where Firestone Liberia Inc provides health care to 80,000 people.
The company created an Ebola survivor reintegration team that meets with survivors’ neighbours and community leaders to emphasise that survivors no longer have Ebola.
Each survivor receives a “solidarity kit” that includes a new mattress, bedding, towels, insecticide-treated mosquito net, soaps and toiletries, a large bag of rice, three gallons of cooking oil, clothing, cash and toys for children.
Doctors visit survivors at home every week for three months, both to assess their health and to provide social and mental support.
The studies appeared in the December 12 issue of Morbidity
and Mortality Weekly Report, published by the CDC.
Ebola survivors are believed to have some immunity to the disease, and many have volunteered to provide care for other Ebola patients, according to information from the CDC.
“Nothing says more about the resilience of the human spirit than Ebola survivors who become role models for their communities,” CDC Director, Dr Tom Frieden said in an agency news release.
“They show others that Ebola can be defeated and provide care, support, and inspiration for others stricken by this terrible disease,” he added. (Health Day)
egardless of age, it transports us back to our childhood: tinsel on the tree, colourful packages needing to be shaken, and traditional celebrations with faithful friends and relatives. For our children, this holiday is still being written upon their future memories. This is why we as parents need to make sure that what they remember is packaged in precious truths about how God’s love reached out to a
still celebrate today.
So this Christmas, as you reveal the greatest love story ever told, try these funfilled age-appropriate activities that will direct children, and adults, back to the true meaning of the holiday, when we celebrate Christ.
Ages 0-3
In order to avoid making Christmas a “don’t touch holiday” for little ones, give them fun things they can touch.
Move glass ornaments and lights up to higher
Ages 4-7
Help your little ones focus on others this season by making use of those Christmas cards received in the mail. Place the cards in a basket on the dinner table; taking turns each night drawing one out. Then pray together for that person or family. Also, start a family tradition by picking out a new holiday picture book to read each Christmas Eve. Some of my favourites are:
dying world, one silent night in a town called Bethlehem.
How shepherds watching their flocks received a surprise visit from heavenly creatures, showing that God is for everyone, regardless of their social stature. How angels announced peace for mankind, on whom God’s favour rests, proving that our Intelligent Designer isn’t the kind to create things and then walk away. How good news about our saviour spread throughout the world, explaining why we
branches on the Christmas tree, and help your child make fun decorations for the bottom.
String pieces of coloured tissue paper cut into squares onto shoestrings to hang as garland.
Get out the glitter and make paper ornaments.
Mould a nativity scene from clay dough and display in a prominent place. Tell the story of Christmas while you do this.
10 Minutes to Showtime, by Tricia Goyer The Crippled Lamb, by Max Lucado The Stable Where Jesus was Born, by Rhonda Gowler Greene
The Christmas Rose, by William H Hooks
Ages 8-12
Decorate cookies and build gingerbread houses together as a family.
Ring in an international Christmas by assigning a country to each child. Besides reporting about how that country celebrates the holiday, he or she can prepare a seasonal dish to share, or demonstrate a song or folkdance.
Ages 13-18
This age group is old enough to bundle up and go carolling. During each visit allow for a few seasonal songs and readings from the scriptures proclaiming the birth of the newborn king. Besides visiting the neighbours, teens may want to stop by the local convalescent home, hospital, or homeless shelter.
All ages
Many families choose to celebrate Advent – the days leading up to Christmas Day. There are fun Advent calendars on the market, some with doors that open and play songs, others that hide chocolate candies or other treats.
Consider making each Sunday leading up to Christmas special by lighting a candle, reading passages from scripture, and serving a yummy dessert. A great resource for Advent celebrations is the book, Just 25 Days ‘Til Christmas: An Advent Celebration for the Entire Family, by Rebecca Hayford Bauer. (focusonfamily)
Chairman of the Guyana National Council on Public Policy (GNCPP), Phillip Thomas has denied that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was funding his attempts to bring together civil society leaders here and also dismissed claims of his association with the main Opposition, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and intentions to hand his support to that party for the upcoming elections.
Unaware Thomas has come under pressure from the Donald Ramotar Administration which said on Tuesday that it is unaware of the existence and of the locus standi of the organisation in Guyana.
The Administration said that Thomas “has been found to be of shady character”, adding that many persons and organisations whose names have appeared either as speakers and to whom invitations were sent are unaware of the reason their names were publicised, giving the impression that they are supportive of the event.
Further, the Office of the
President (OP) said it has been informed that qualifications Thomas purports to possess are highly suspicious.
“Research has revealed that the institutions where Thomas purported to have received his qualifications are unknown institutions, and lack well established bona fides,” OP said in a statement.
In addition, Government said Thomas is known to have leanings in favour of the PNCR and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). “He was one of the aspirants who had publicly declared an interest in replacing Robert Corbin as Leader of the PNC. As we all know, Mr David Granger managed to distance all the ‘wannabees’, including Mr Thomas.”
According to OP, Thomas is also known to have questionable international connections from whom funding is being given for the purpose of this specific event at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.
“Based on the above, the public is urged to disassociate itself from this farcical event and not to participate,” OP said.
However, when quizzed as to who are his funding sources, Thomas replied that members and businesses within the society that are part of the organisation. He said talks of him having a “questionable relations with foreign entity are not true at all”, noting that “our money is local”.
Sources have said that Thomas could have tapped in to the $2.6 billion that was budgeted for the USAID governance project. The project, currently being rolled out here involves fortifying the National Assembly by encouraging consensus building; and working with civil society
and the public to boost citizens’ engagement with the National Assembly and all parties to support the legislature’s role as an effective deliberative body.
On the issue of his connections with the PNCR, Thomas again maintained that his organisation has no interest in joining any coalition with any political party, including the APNU.
“Do you know how beautiful it is to stand on the demand side of the sovereign space? Why would you want to go to the supply side? It is venomous bitter animosity there; I don’t want to live like that,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Thomas said
that Government is trying to sully his reputation. He said however, that he will not respond to the claims as the Government is quite aware of his qualifications and connections.
“Many of the things in that statement do not represent who we are as civil society or what we do or will do as civil society. I think it was very reckless,” Thomas told reporters, noting that he has not had any of the associations as stated in the OP statement.
Thomas said Government is quite aware of his connections with former Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Odeen Ishmael, serving as his Advisor while he (Ishmael) served as the OAS Ambassador.
“They know fully well that I was a senior fellow at the OAS and serving as an Adviser to Dr Ishmael, serving at the White House. They know of my qualification because they vetted me then. They also know that I am a qualified lawyer and that I have a PhD in Government Diplomacy and International Relations. So these people know very well,” the GNCPP Chairman declared.
Thomas said he could only surmise that the move might be a “vexatious spirit” evoking because he has chosen not to become involved in any political sphere. He related that back in the 2000 electoral process; he was nominated as a successor to former leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Desmond Hoyte. He said however, that since 2001, he has moved away from the political scene.
“I am not going to be responding to the statements. I am not a politician, I enjoy my sovereign space on this demand side and I welcome them to make these remarks.”
OP on Tuesday evening urged citizens to shun a “sketchy” civil society encounter scheduled by the GNCPP, noting that the group has ties to the PNCR and Thomas is a man with a questionable past.
Billed as a forum to formalise the over 4000 registered civil society organisations here, the GNCPP engagement is being seen in many circles as an attempt to create another group similar to that of the defunct “reform” group, which joined up with the Desmond Hoyte-led PNC in 2001.
The Government of Guyana has taken a decision to procure the services of a consultancy firm to evaluate the Professional Nursing Training Programme executed under the Health Ministry.
The evaluation will be conducted at a cost of US$97,000 (GY$20.24 million) with the hope of correcting the loopholes within the system. Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon made this disclosure on Wednesday at his weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President.
This decision follows a series of failures on the part of many students who have sat the Professional Nursing Examination in recent times. Earlier in the year, some 20 students failed their final examination and when they were given the opportunity to resit, the entire batch failed the entire programme.
Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran had said that his Ministry would have closely examined the possibility that students are getting into the programme without the nec -
essary requirements. He said he will now be seeking to ascertain whether there was an infringement of the strict rules and requirements for entry to the programme.
The Minister explained he, along with the nursing council, has conducted a rigorous analysis of the results, and while some students were to be blamed to some extent, fingers could be pointed in the direction of the tutors as well. He said the tutors have not been very pragmatic in their delivery of the programme.
The new curriculum, Dr Ramsaran reminded, was introduced some four years ago, and tutors were still unable to practically deliver the programme. According to him, the Ministry is seeking to address this.
“There is a suspicion that the faculty that is delivering the curriculum might not be adequately tasked,” he told Guyana Times
Students continue to battle with the Practical Nursing Examination, which, because of its low pass rate, has shed a dark light on the entire nursing programme. The pass rate at that ex -
amination remains less than 22 per cent, while the other four examinations see pass rates of 65 per cent to 88 per cent. The Ministry has turned to the University of Guyana through its Pro Chancellor for assistance. Help has also been sought from the Regional Nursing Body (RNB).
ASophia man was sentenced to 83 years imprisonment on Wednesday after he was found guilty of strangling his 23-year-old girlfriend, Shoala Gilgeous, to death in 2012. Paul Anthony Lo Hing was convicted of the August 6, 2012 murder of Gilgeous, during a heated argument at their Block E South Sophia, Georgetown home.
State Counsel Teshana Lake and Narissa Leander prosecuted the matter and called six witnesses to testify against Lo Hing. The witnesses included the brother of the deceased, Alain, who testified via SKYPE that on the day in question, he received a phone call from the accused, informing him that
his sister was unconscious and he should go check on her.
The brother of the deceased, who currently resides in Trinidad, related that at the time he was living with the mother of his children next door to his sister and would usually witness regular fighting between the couple.
His testimony was supported by the testimony of his partner, Monica Charles. She also told the court that on the day in question, there was a heated argument between the couple.
The deceased’s sister, Alana, also took the stand and said that on the day in question, Lo Hing called and told her to go check on her sister as she was uncon-
scious.
Gilgeous’s body was discovered around 17:30h on the day in question. Her niece had testified that she was the one who discovered her aunt lying on the ground.
Lo Hing was represented by Attorney Keavon Bess during the trial, his second for the murder of his girlfriend after a hung jury was the result of his first in July.
The accused was found guilty this time when the 12 member-mixed jury returned a unanimous verdict.
The presiding Judge, Justice Navindra Singh began sentencing with a base sentence of 60 years and added 10 more for the cruelty that was meted out to the deceased. Another 10 years
were added for the fact that Lo Hing intended to harm the young woman and six more were added since the matter was a domestic violence case. However, the Judge took off three years for the time that Lo Hing spent in prison and sentenced the man to 83 years imprisonment.
According to reports, the couple was together for about 10 months, but Gilgeous moved in with the accused six months before her death. Relatives claim that it was after the couple began living together that the relationship became abusive and the woman was constantly at the Police station filing reports against the accused.
Twenty-two-year-
old Lisa Bob of Lot 84 Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was placed on $5000 bail after being arraigned on an unlawful as-
sault charge, on Wednesday morning. The woman appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Annette Singh. The defendant was ac-
cused of unlawfully assaulting Virtual Complainant (VC) Rolesha Handler on December 15, at Charlestown, Georgetown.
There were no facts read in relation to this matter nor
were there any objections to bail by Police Prosecutor Adonni Innis.
Bail was set at $5000 and the matter is set for January 5, 2015.
Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus refused bail for the Rosignol peacemaker murder accused, Latchman Sameroo when he appeared at the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to answer the capital offence.
Sameroo, also called “Patto”, of Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice)
was not required to plead to the indictable charge.
The 26-year-old is accused of murdering Surijpaul Ramnarine, 51, of Blairmont Village, West Bank Berbice on Saturday at the wake of Ramnarine’s mother in Rosignol. Ramnarine was stabbed in the chest after he tried to make peace between the accused and a relative.
The accused will have to
return to court on December 22. The matter has been transferred to the Blairmont Magistrate Court.
Sameroo went on the run after the fatal stabbing. On Tuesday, he turned himself in to the Blairmont Police Station and was placed before the court on Wednesday.
When the matter comes up again, a date is expected to be set for trial.
...“civilsociety”
Ever so often, the countries that “know better” and tutor us into becoming “civilised”, redefine our society so that we can “get with the programme”. THEIR programme of course!! Which has to be periodically updated. For instance, in our fathers’ time, our society was divided into those who were “communist” and those who weren’t. The latter were the “good guys” and were given mucho dollars by the Americans to make sure the former got their comeuppance.
In those days, a fella by the name of Peter D’Aguiar knew a good thing when he saw one, and launched an “anti-communist” crusade with funding from folks in the good old US of A. When the old communist bogeyman just rolled over and expired, and there were no “public enemy # 1” to rile up the folks against a government the US didn’t like, they suddenly decreed that “all governments” were suspect. Even those elected in the democratic fashion they’d insisted was what those nasty communists were denying us!
To take on any such government that might’ve gotten on their bad side – for reasons they “educate” us about –the US encouraged the formation of “Non Governmental Organisations” NGOs – which they funded through their Government Funded Organisations (GFOs)!!! For example, there’s this US GFO called USAID, which funds NGOs in Guyana such as the Blue CAPS, SASOD or this motley crew calling itself the Guyana National Council on Public Policy (GNCPP). These NGOs work in what the US calls “Civil Society” – which is all people outside of Government.
From the definition of these NGO organisations then, the Government’s the “bad guy”. Now if it’s one thing that’ll get folks to sign up with an organisation, it’s the promise of feeding at the trough of free money. And as we can see...from the old-time “hard guava” days of groups opposed to the PNC who had to scrounge around for lunch much less full-page ads in the paper, in the past couple of years, it’s literally been raining NGOs – for women, for youths, for Gays, for fornicators or whatever. Why in Cuba even Hip Hop artistes could get funding!! And we did get some Punk Band, didn’t we??All you had to say was you’re opposed to the Government.
Heavily funded, being able to host fancy conferences with hors d’oeuvres and wine, fly off to exotic foreign locales and generally living high off the hog is the lot of the NGO.
Who said that regime change couldn’t be fun?? Can’t tell that to the US and its NGOs!!
And that brings us to Phillip Mozart Thomas and his Guyana National Council on Public Policy (GNCPP) which held its long promised Conference yesterday. It was supposed to launch the Mother of All Civil Society Organisations in Guyana!! From today no other NGO can speak for anyone – Thomas now straddles the NGO world like a colossus. And who’s this fella?
Well, even his hired flack says he’s eccentric even as he claims “He has Doctorates, Masters and Degrees from various American schools, including the National Defence University, National War College, Berne University, Mercer University School etc, etc, etc). When contacted, every one of these institutions denied that Thomas had even crossed their doors, much less earned degrees.
Close readers of the news would remember that this Thomas went to the CCJ to vitiate the 2006 elections and went to the local High Courts to stop the 2011 elections. But the $500 million (Was USAID that generous??) he claims to have (and this is only for “starters”) will certainly get some nuts to be at his side.
We’ll see who these are today.
We’re betting dollars to donuts Lalloo Ram’s gonna be there! Has there ever been a photo-op this pervert’s missed?? He’ll try to pluck the dollars from Thomas with his tweezers?? Then maybe not. That’s public money not PUBIC money!!
The Donald Ramotar Administration remains baffled over the legal action taken against Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh by Opposition Leader David Granger given the initial ruling by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang.
“I think there is an interest that has to be addressed,” Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said as he addressed reporters at the Office of the President on Wednesday.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, there appears to be a lack of understanding on the part of the Opposition, positing that the Government was under the impression that the matter was resolved.
Nevertheless, with legal arguments set to commence on December 29, he said it is not likely that this emerging case would come to a close before the end of the year.
“The expectation is those legal arguments are unlikely to be concluded by 31st December 2014, the date at which the expenditure that is being queried, is being sought to be stayed by
the Opposition Leader,” Dr Luncheon said.
On Monday, the acting Chief Justice granted the Government a period of seven days to file an affidavitin-answer with regards to the allegation of unauthorised spending.
The Opposition Leader is accusing the Finance Minister and Attorney General Anil Nandlall in aiding in the unauthorised spending of the more than $36.7 billion, which was dis-
approved in the National Budget by the Oppositiondominated National Assembly.
In addition to Dr Singh and Nandlall, Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman was identified as defendants in the matter.
Following the in-chambers proceedings, Nandlall said he was baffled by APNU’s move to the courts. Nandlall was not sure what the issue was since funding through the National Budget has been cut and legally restored in the past. He noted that past restorations have been approved by the Opposition.
“Those were monies that were restored by the Minister of Finance pursuant to a ruling of the Honourable Chief Justice, the very judge before whom this matter is being held,” Nandlall said in response to the Opposition’s claims of the $4.5 billion of unapproved funds being spent up to June, following this year’s budget.
He further explained that in the ruling, the acting Chief Justice pointed to the constitutional provisions
which allowed Singh to restore the monies that were removed unlawfully and unconstitutionally from the budget.
“So I don’t know what the issue is, but the identical thing was done in 2012 when monies were excised from the budget. Those monies were restored and the very Opposition Leader and Opposition parties in the National Assembly supported the Government’s restoration on all of the monies.”
This sequence of events repeated itself during 2013, while in 2014; some of the monies were restored with the Opposition’s approval.
Minister Nandlall then reiterated his uncertainty about the cause for the current court matter. He sought to point out the lack of merit in the Opposition’s case by stating that “the restoration of monies is supported by the Constitution, the Chief Justice judgment sanctioned it and the Opposition also supported it in the past”.
Justice Chang had ruled that the Opposition has no right to cut the Government’s budget.
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon said Cabinet though thankful that business at the Bourda and Stabroek Markets has returned to a state of normalcy, was of the opinion that the closures could have been prevented.
On Monday, workers of Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) operating under the Guyana Local Government Officers Union (GLGOU) took industrial action over a five per cent increase, leaving the Bourda and Stabroek Markets closed for more than 48 hours. The matter was resolved late Tuesday night during an extraordinary meeting when the Council and Labour
Ministry took a decision to increase the workers’ salaries by five per cent.
Addressing reporters at the Office of the President on Wednesday, Dr Luncheon said the end of year protest by the City Hall workers came as a major surprise considering that there were few industrial actions within the Public and Private Sectors.
“Fortunately the segment that was worse affected with perishable goods, concessions were made to them to salvage their goods,” he posited.
Government’s main interest lay in its concern for the many vendors, who were unable to access their stalls in the markets on Monday and part of
Tuesday.
The workers had downed their tools, thereby resulting in the closure of the markets after the City Council had refused to accept the recommendations of the Council’s finance personnel and training committees, with respect to improved benefits and working conditions.
Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul and Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker met with vendors of the Stabroek and the Bourda Markets with the hope of resolving the matter. Additionally, the Chief Labour Officer engaged the Union and the Council on the issue.
According to Dr Gopaul, the workers should not have
$150,000
Darren Schultz, 30, of Sandvoort Village, West Canje Berbice, was placed on $150,000 bail after pleading not guilty to break and enter and larceny charges.
The man appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Wednesday afternoon.
It is alleged that between August 7 and August 18, at Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River, he broke and entered the store of Safi Samarai El Dorado Mining Company and stole a grease pump, four pairs of truck fuel injectors, nine fuel pump elements, eight welding rods, six pairs of Caterpillar head lamps, four pairs of truck cap shocks, two truck com-
puter boxes and three truck suspension kits, among other items. The total value of the items stolen amounted to $8,900,000.
Representing Schultz was Attorney Konyo Sandiford Thompson, who in her bail application stated that surveillance footage revealed that her client was not part of the break and enter and that he is willing to perform any duties and make himself present anytime to the Police, noting that since his arrest, he has been assisting the Police with the investigations.
Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones did not oppose bail but requested that it be substantial. The matter was transferred to Kwakwani for December19.
Twenty-seven-year-old, Jagdesh Mangal was placed on $150,000 bail after he was arraigned with two counts of fraudulent convergence.
been treated with such gross negligence. In affirming his support and commitment to rectify the ongoing impasse, the Minister placed the blame squarely on City Hall, for not ensuring that the workers’ interests were looked after, in the first place.
He also explained that “… as the City Hall workers take the strike action, their interest must be protected … They have an obligation to ensure that vendors conduct their business, without any loss, in terms of both the sale and in goods.”
The defendant, who is the President of Emerald Forest Inc, residing at Lot 51 Belmont, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (Region 7 PataroSiparuni), appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday.
Mangal pleaded not guilty to the first charge which alleged that on November 22 at Lot 155 Kubari Street, Ituni, Upper Demerara River, being solely entrusted by Charlotte Wilson with the sum of $280,000 to purchase one M931-A1 transformer case for a motor lorry, he fraudulently converted the said money to his own use and benefits.
Representing the accused was Attorney Mohamed Zafar, who informed the Court that Mangal has cooperated with the Police throughout the investigations and strongly denied the allegations against him.
Police Prosecutor Denero Jones did not opposed bail but requested that the bail be granted in a substantial amount. Mangal was ordered to post $75,000 surety on each charge.
For the offence allegedly committed in Ituni, the matter was transferred to the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court for January 16, 2015, and the offence committed on Robb Street will be heard on January 8, 2015 before Magistrate Judy Latchman.
Particulars of the second charge read that on November 12 at Robb Street, Georgetown, while being solely entrusted by Wilson with the sum of $400,000 to purchase the above mentioned article, he also fraudulently converted the money to his own use and benefit, to which he also denied.
The announcement by Caricom Cement Company Inc
Chairman, Dr Joshua Safeek that the company plans to employ 100 more persons from January has been applauded by two Chambers of Commerce in Berbice, as a boost to the local economy.
The cement company on Saturday opened a multibillion-dollar facility at Everton, East Bank Berbice, Region
Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and intends to start operating on a 24-hour basis from the start of next year. This, the Chairman said, will require the services of about 100 more employers.
Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) President Mark Roopnarine pointed out that currently Berbice was being challenged by a high unemployment problem and the announcement by the cement company should be applauded. Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) President Tajpaul Adjodhea, in his remarks, said that Government should be applauded for creating the framework for investment.
According to Roopnarine, many Berbicians have been complaining of the lack of available jobs and the announcement proves that jobs can be created in Berbice. He noted that while many say that the labour force is not available, opportunities needed to be created for investors to come in. “With 100 new jobs, this will certainly give a boost to the local economy
and it is a significant investment in Berbice,” the BCCDA President said.
Adjodhea, in thanking the Caricom Cement Company Inc for establishing such a large operation in Berbice, said when the bauxite company closed its doors, many New Amsterdamers went on the breadline and the announcement that new jobs will become available within weeks is good news. “It will help a lot of homes. A lot more
households will now have someone who can earn a salary and that it in turn will spin off into the community. More businesses will be created as more disposable income will be available.”
Invest in Berbice
Both Roopnarine and Adjodhea say more big companies in Guyana needed establish operations in Berbice.
Dr Safeek, speaking with this publication, said the establishment of the Everton facility will soon see the cost for cement being reduced considerably. Adjodhea noted that this would benefit property owners and boost the current housing boom which Guyana is experiencing. “I am quite sure that householders will be happy to be able to purchase building material at a lower cost.”
And Roopnarine noted that with several new housing schemas being established, the reduction will automatically be transformed into business. “Persons will require smaller loans for their construction.”
Asked whether this could have a negative impact on financial lending institutions, Roopnarine replied in the negative, noting that more persons will access loans for the purpose of building.
In response to the same question, Adjodhea noted that cement was only one component in construction and as a result, the impact would not be significant. “But it will be some amount of saving persons will be constructing.”
In an invited comment, one senior executive of a mortgage institution said a reduction in the cost for cement will be of significant assistance to a large number of persons and boost the construction industry further. “The poor in particular will benefit more. If it becomes a reality, it will encourage persons to build. Especially those who have lands for many years and have never built, they will now want to do so resulting in them seeking loans from financial lending institutions.”
According to the executive, the main objective of the financial institution is to increase access to financing for a wide cross-section of people.
The cement company boss also revealed that the company will soon carry out a feasibility study for a deepwater harbour in Berbice. “We are not going to wait on Government. We are going to go ahead and build it.”
The CCCC President said this will further boost the Berbice region and allow for significant investment, while his BCCDA counterpart noted that the spin-off effect would be tremendous.
De Good Book had a man name Thomas in de New Testament. Well, Thomas was a reasonably decent man. He was de kinda man who nowadays people woulda seh: “he not too bad”. Or as old people woulda seh: “he don’t trouble no body”.
Thomas in nowadays time woulda be de opposite of Lalloo and Cling Tongue. No body can ever describe Lalloo as a man who don’t trouble no body. Because he trouble even he own family. And he trouble dem real bad.
Like Lalloo, Cling Tongue is another one who no body can never seh don’t trouble no body. Cling Tongue does trouble a lotta dem lil gyal around de Town. Word is that de tongue does cause some of de trouble and cling on strong. So strong that he does take long to realise that he wrong. And by de time he realise that he wrong, he does quickly tell dem lil gyals: “so long”. Hopefully, Lalloo and Cling Tongue can learn some ting from Thomas in de Good Book.
Thomas only problem was that he hadda doubtin problem. Thomas was a man who used to doubt every ting whah he hear and doubt every ting whah he see. So when Thomas hear people sayin that de Good Man had raise from de dead, he doubt that too.
So Thomas tell de people he had to see de Good Man to believe that he raise from de dead. Well, suddenly one day de Good Man appear, that is, acccordin to the Good Book. But Thomas doubt that too and seh he had to touch.
Well, Guyana gotta Thomas now and he gotta doubtin problem too. But de problem ain’t that he doubtin people. Thomas problem is that people doubtin he.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And right now this Thomas fella so doubtful that people ain’t got no doubt that every ting whah he seh is very doubtful.
Dominique Reynolds, 19, sent her mother into panic mode after she did not return home when she was supposed to.
Dominique and her oneyear-old son were reported missing after they departed Linden for Georgetown on Tuesday.
Reports indicate that Dominique came to Georgetown to stay with her mother, Simone Reynolds, but had to return to Linden to submit her School Based Assessments (SBAs).
The teenager was expected to arrive in the City on Tuesday, but she never returned home.
But on Wednesday, the teen’s mother told Guyana Times that she found
her daughter in fear at a friend’s home.
According to her mother, Dominique was not the type of girl who is allowed to “go out”, so she speculated that her daughter disobeyed the rules and overstayed her curfew, resulting in her being afraid of going home.
Meanwhile, Dominique is slated to write several subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Examinations (CSEC) in May/June 2015. Her mother disclosed that at the time, she thought her daughter had reluctantly disappeared, but not as a result of the father of her child as he resides in the US.
By Erica Williams
Berbice and Demerara
are expected to receive efficient power supply with the commissioning of the Guyana Power and Light Company’s (GPL) Infrastructural Development Project (IDP) on Wednesday.
The US$42 million project funded by the ImportExport Bank of China (EXIM Bank) and the Government of Guyana was commissioned at the power company’s Mandela Avenue, North Ruimveldt Sub-station.
It marked the end of five years of hard work and the majority of the funding for the project came from the EXIM Bank.
GPL Chief Executive Officer (GPL) Bharat Dindyal explained that the project is part of a wider development plan by the company.
A transmission link has also been established from Demerara to Berbice. This was done for the supply of adequate power to the Berbice area from Georgetown.
Under the project, several sub-stations have been built or repaired, including the Sophia Sub-Station. Sub-stations have been built at Good Hope and Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, among other locations.
GPL Chairman Winston Brassington said in addition to the linkage from Berbice to Demerara, there is also a 69KVA line that runs to Essequibo from Skeldon, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
Brassington said the new project boasts a number of modern features, and on that note, he called for the realisation of the Amaila Falls Project.
“The development of a transmission master plan to serve all load centres in Berbice and Demerara through one grid has been the pursuit of the national utility for over 50 years.”
Despite the growth GPL has experienced over the years, Brassington said “the Amaila Falls Project is very important to us and we call for it to become a reality”.
Dindyal explained that since GPL’s establishment in 1999, an annual submission of a development plan was required. This plan, he said paved the way for the Infrastructural Development Project.
The project was described as the blue print for development in Guyana as it focuses on efficient delivery of power to Guyanese customers.
It allows for the delivery of power to new load centres in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region Four (DemeraraMahaica).
GPL’s customer base has increased from 127,000 in 2008 to 175,000 today.
Revenue has increased by approximately 50 per cent over the past four years, the Chairman said.
“Revenue from sales in 2008 was over $12 billion with 268 gigawatts of power consumed. Presently, we do $30.6 billion in revenue and 416 gigawatts of power consumed,” Brassington disclosed.
The Amaila Falls Project is an initiative that the Government wants to come on stream as it is expected to save taxpayers some $1 bil-
lion annually in subsidy to GPL.
President Donald Ramotar has repeatedly said that this money can do wonders if it is channeled into the further of Guyana.
Nevertheless, funding for the project was voted down by members of the Opposition in the National Assembly, using their one-seat majority.
Brassington; however, admitted that GPL still needs to do more to ensure efficiency in power supply to consumers. He added that the company will be looking to have a brand new distribution system for 2015.
He thanked SMP Electrical Engineering Consultants of Canada and CEMCO of China for working on the project.
China’s Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin, who was present at the event, lauded the Government for a job well done. The diplomat said he now anticipates development in Guyana at a faster pace.
thursDAY, December 18, 2014 | guYAnAtimesgY.com
Pa school
Ramotar in a statement said it is with deep sadness that he received the news of the attack, which has resulted in the death of 141 persons, the majority of them innocent children.
“Guyana strongly condemns this heinous act of violence which has been perpetrated in your country. We mourn the loss of innocent lives and pray for the mental and physical recovery of those who have survived.
“Terrorist attacks and other crimes committed by extremist organisations, particularly on children violate the fundamental human rights of all and must therefore be tackled with determination and necessary zeal. The attack on a school sends a message to the in-
ternational community that all are vulnerable and therefore we must cooperate to eliminate the shameful and cowardly scourge of terrorism.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Guyana and on my own behalf, I submit our prayers and sympathies for all those affected by this tragedy. Please convey to the bereaved families, relatives and all the people of Pakistan that Guyana stands with them in their time of sorrow. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” the statement concluded.
The BBC on Wednesday reported that Pakistan’s Prime Minister has vowed to rid his country of terrorism in light of the attack by the Taliban. Nawaz Sharif spoke after talks between political parties about the massacre.
Gunmen went from class to class shooting the students
in the Pakistani Taliban’s deadliest attack to date. Funerals of the victims are continuing, the BBC said.
The Afghan President said the “time has come” for his country to work with Pakistan to fight “extremism”.
Ashraf Ghani said the two countries should “jointly take effective actions” following a surprise meeting with Pakistan’s Army Chief in Kabul to discuss security co-ordination.
New images of the school published by a BBC team that gained access to the site on Wednesday showed the scale and brutality of the attack, with pools of blood on the ground and walls covered in pockmarks from hundreds of bullets.
The Pakistani Taliban (TTP) said they had carried out the attack against the Army Public School to avenge army-led operations against them in the Khyber and North Waziristan areas, the BBC said.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Moosei family has brought Christmas joy to the students of Mortrice Nursery and Primary Schools through the hosting of their annual Christmas party.
This grand affair was graced by First Lady Deolatchmie Ramotar who socialised with the children and extended warmest greetings on behalf of
President Donald Ramotar. Santa Claus was in the house and he entertained the 84 excited children who received special gifts and goodies on behalf of the Moosei Family.
Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Chairman Bindraban Bisnauth was also present at the Christmas party. He joined the First Lady in wishing the children and their par-
The Moray House Trust on Tuesday hosted a lecture by Dr Juanita Cox Westmaas to commemorate the life and work of Edgar Mittelholzer, who was born in New Amersterdam on December 16, 1909.
In her talk, entitled “In the Eye of the Storm, Edgar Mittelhozer 1909-1965”, Dr Cox Westmaas traced the arc of Mittelholzer’s career as a writer and the reception his work received among readers and critics.
Mittelholzer was one of the first West Indians whose work was published and widely read in the northern hemisphere. His early novels are characterised by West Indian themes and settings and earned him a reputation in the metropolis as a writer of some stature.
Ironically though, once
Dr Juanita Cox
he shifted his critical gaze to English and European themes and settings, the same critics were less enamoured of his efforts.
Dr Westmaas described the extraordinary range
and depth of Mittelholzer’s oeuvre and made a strong case for it to be re-examined by readers everywhere. This event concludes Moray House Trust’s programme for 2014.
Aman has been taken into Police custody following the discovery of a gun and ammunition at a house in Diamond, New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara on
Tuesday. Police in a statement revealed that ranks conducted a search on a house in the area during which they found a .38 Magnum Revolver and three rounds
of ammunition. The occupant of the house was reportedly questioned, cautioned and arrested. He is expected to make a court appearance later in the week.
The Global Shapers Georgetown Hub will be constructing a library in B Field, Sophia on the lawns of the Pattensen Community Centre under the initiative “Save the Libraries”.
The vision of the project is to improve reading by building a library in a space where it can be easily accessed, particularly by children.
ents a happy holiday season as he pledged to continue the development of the school.
Headmistress of the school Falleet Laurence thanked the family for the kind gesture, noting that it was well appreciated.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Mossei family, Chandra and her husband Vick Nateram.
Additionally, the Shapers have been implementing a reading programme to teach literacy to children and train local persons as literacy teachers so they can continue to work with the children and other persons in need of assistance.
Moreover, through a fundraising workshop organised by the Shapers, “The Ultimate Communications Workshop” was able to raise $400,000 which will go towards acquiring books for, and the construction of the
library.
The Shapers noted that they are in the process of raising funds, training teachers and mobilising the community for the launching of the library, which is expected to be completed by the end of February 2015.
“At which time, at least 50 children will have advanced their reading level, 20 literacy teachers will have been trained… and an ongoing reading programme will be established.”
The Shapers also noted that they are in the process of getting suppliers for the necessary building materials and long-term sponsors to make the project sustainable.
To date, they have partnered with other Non-Governmental Organisations including Varqa Foundation, Red Band Aid Foundation, Guyana Shines and Roteract of UG, on training literacy teachers, gathering
books and raising funds for the actual construction of the library.
The “Save the Libraries” Programme is a pilot project initiated by the Global Shapers Georgetown Hub. Only recently, the Global Shapers Georgetown Hub executed for the second time around, their Head Start Stationary Drive Project where over 500 hinterland children benefitted by receiving stationary supplies for the academic year 2014-2015.
The Global Shapers Community is an international network of more than 300 city-based hubs developed and led by energetic young leaders with a vision of building on their achievements and entrepreneurial drive to make a positive impact in their communities.
The Global Shaper Community Georgetown Hub was established on December 27, 2013.
Little Emannie Melvin is a step closer of having an opportunity to live a normal life as his mother Felica Melvin is scheduled to collect the necessary documents from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) today for him to undergo overseas surgery.
Emannie was born on October 8 with a rare brain defect; part of his brain protrudes his skull.
Since his birth, Melvin, 22, has been desperately trying all means to secure her baby’s survival.
Opportunely, Canadianbased non-governmental organisation The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF) has stepped forward to render assistance to the frantic family.
The TCCF has advised the baby’s mother to provide the relevant documents regarding his condition so that they can immediately refer them to Sick Kids, Toronto.
However, according to Melvin, it has been a tedious task of runabouts and upsand-downs in order to receive
these documents.
Nevertheless, the time has come and after Melvin collects the documents, they will immediately be sent to the TCCF for the referral to Sick Kids Hospital.
According to a TCCF official, Sick Kids will review the documents and determine the seriousness of his condition and thereafter, either provide monetary assistance or send for little Emannie to have the surgery performed in Canada.
Abandoned
Upon the birth of Emannie, her first child, the father of the little boy abandoned them because of the baby’s condition.
“He said he ain’t able with stress, and I have to keep me stress with me by meself,” Melvin related.
Even though her reputed husband has abandoned her, Melvin, who said they were not married and had only been together for a short time, does not regret the moments she had with him.
But, as of now, Melvin who is jobless and lives with her mother has the assistance
Aformer Overseer attached to the Industry/Plaisance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is wanted by the Police in connection with alleged fraudulent conversion.
According to reports received, Kyron Abena Williams, 36, of 108 Republic Drive, Triumph, East Coast Demerara reportedly converted over $3 million belonging to the NDC, to her own use. The monies were taken over a period of time.
A Police source told Guyana Times that ranks had visited the woman’s home on a number of occasions, but she was not at home.
The official believes that she might have left the country.
of her sister in caring for the child.
Moreover, she explained how her baby would normally play with the exposed brain which often gives her the fright of her life.
“Eventually, I does have to put socks on his hands so when he trouble it, it won’t burst.”
She also noted that the baby often sleeps facedown, which she believes “irritates” the brain.
“I’m just hoping we can get surgery done fast and just get it over with so my son can be okay,” she said.
Assistance
Several days after his birth, media operatives caught up with the weeping family and subsequently their story was widely publicised throughout the Caribbean.
Naturally, Melvin used this opportunity to seek the public’s assistance in caring for her only child.
However, only recently,
Melvin disclosed that she is aware of persons in Bartica claiming to be relatives of hers and collecting money for Emannie on her behalf.
The mother told Guyana Times that she became aware of the scheme in Bartica through a friend who questioned her about the matter.
The mother noted that she was extremely shocked and equally concerned as to why someone would be so heartless to execute such a plan.
Melvin said she will try to investigate the matter herself, but in the meantime she would like to make it clear to the public that she has no relatives in Bartica, nor has she ever authorised anyone to collect money for the baby.
Moreover, with the Christmas spirit in the air, persons desirous of helping the family can do so by directly contacting the mother on 660-9692.
The Government of Guyana said it has welcomed the decision announced by President Barack Obama to normalise diplomatic and economic ties with the Republic of Cuba.
“The Government of Guyana views this as a progressive step towards the development of constructive relations between the United States of America and Cuba which will redound to the benefit of these two countries and the hemisphere as whole,” the Administration said in a statement. “The Government wishes to congratulate President Obama on this brave and just decision and hopes that these actions will lead to an early end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade which the United States of America has pursued for the last 54 years against the Cuban people. It is our
hope that the measures announced will be implemented without any hindrance. We congratulate and salute President Raul Castro on the headways made which were no doubt occasioned by his continued willingness to dialogue with President Barack Obama.”
The Donald Ramotar Administration also acknowledged the critical role played by Pope Francis and the Vatican and the Government of Canada in facilitating the discussions between the United States of America and Cuba which have resulted in this promising end. “The Government of Guyana will continue to stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Cuba in pursuit of the removal of the blockade even as we salute the nation of Cuba for their unwavering strength against this unjust policy.”
Wanted: Kyron Abena Williams
The Police Force in a release urged anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Williams to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 225-8196, 229-2569, 2292701, 229-2557, 911 or the nearest Police station.
All information will be treated with confidence, the Police said.
In a historic thaw of a relationship chilled since the early days of the Cold War, the United States announced plans Wednesday to restore diplomatic and economic ties with the communist island of Cuba.
The changes came with the abrupt release of an American Government contractor, Alan Gross, who had been imprisoned in Cuba for five years. He stood when his plane cleared Cuban airspace and stepped off in the United States to hugs on the tarmac.
At the same time, the United States released three Cubans jailed for 15 years on spying charges, and Cuba released a US spy held there for two decades.
Cuba agreed to release Gross, 65, on humanitarian grounds, a senior Obama administration official said. Gross went on a hunger strike earlier this year, and his wife said this month that he was “literally wasting away” in confinement.
In a dramatic flight to freedom, he was escorted by his wife, Judy; three members of Congress and the Secret Service. Gross stepped off the plane late Wednesday morning at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington.
He thanked Obama for helping secure his freedom, and he voiced support for the re-opening of diplomatic ties.
“To me, Cubanos, or at least most of them, are incredibly kind, generous and talented. It pains me to see them treated so unjustly as a consequence of two Governments’ mutually belligerent policies.”
From the plane, Gross called his sister and daughters and told them he was free. On the plane were bowls of popcorn, a snack he had missed during his captivity, and a corned beef sandwich with mustard on rye, plus latkes and applesauce.
“Today is the first day of Hanukkah,” Gross said, “and I guess so far it’s the
best Hanukkah that I’ll be celebrating for a long time.”
Judy Gross said earlier this month that her husband had lost more than 100 pounds and gone mostly blind in one eye. She has been critical of the Obama administration’s handling of the ordeal. Gross has refused most visitors, although he did meet with two US senators in November.
Gross was working as a contractor for the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which works to promote democracy in Cuba, when he was detained in 2009. His family has said he was working to expand Internet access for Cuba’s small Jewish community.
Gross was sentenced in 2011 to 15 years in prison for undermining Cuba. Castro called him a spy.
Senior US officials took pains to say that Gross was not being released as part of a direct swap. Separately, senior U. officials said that the three Cubans were being released in exchange for what U.S. officials described as an “intelligence asset.”
Instrumental
The spy’s name and other details remained classified, but Obama and intelligence officials described his work as instrumental, including in the arrest and conviction of the three Cubans who were released on Wednesday.
“In light of his sacrifice on behalf of the United States, securing his release from prison after 20 years – in a swap for three of the Cuban spies he helped put behind bars – is fitting closure to this Cold World chapter of US-Cuban relations,” the office of James Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence, said in a statement.
Bureau of Prisons records showed that the three Cubans – Ramón Labanino, Antonio Guerrero and Gerardo Hernandez – were released on Wednesday.
A lawyer for the three,
Richard Klugh, said he had not spoken to his clients before they boarded a plane to Cuba. He told NBC News that he was certain they were relieved to have “an arduous experience” behind them.
“After 16 years of imprisonment, two years of solitary confinement and so much time spent in dangerous prisons, this is not a slap on the wrist,” he said.
Labanino and Guerrero have received visits from family while they were jailed, but Hernandez has only seen his wife once in 17 years because she was deported after his arrest, Klugh said.
“There is no words to express how he must feel,” the lawyer said.
They were part of a group known as the Cuban Five. The two other members, Rene and Fernando Gonzalez, were released in 2012. The five were arrested in 1998 and accused of belonging to a spy cabal called the Wasp Network that had infiltrated anti-Castro exile groups in Florida.
As it announced the policy changes, the White House called on Cuba to relax the political, social and economic restrictions on its own 11 million people.
There have been signs in recent months of a warming between the two countries. Obama and Castro will attend a summit in Panama in April, the first to include both leaders, and Secretary of State John Kerry has praised Cuba’s efforts to fight Ebola.
Obama has eased travel restrictions in recent years, but he has left in place a decades-old economic embargo.
The announcement was certain to have repercussions throughout American politics and the emerging 2016 presidential campaign. Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida and a potential candidate, said the policy change was “the latest in a long line of failed attempts by President Obama to appease rogue regimes at all cost”. (Excerpt from NBC)
1959 – Fidel Castro becomes the leader of Cuba after leading an armed revolt to overthrow Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista.
1960 – The US implements an economic embargo against Cuba, that remains to this day.
April 1961 – Cuban exiles trained by the Central Intelligence Agency attempt to overthrow Castro’s dictatorship in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.
1961 – Undeterred by the failed invasion, the Kennedy administration implements Operation Mongoose to destabilise the Cuban government and economy. The operation includes plans to assassinate Castro.
October 1962 – The Cuban Missile Crisis causes panic, as America seems on the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. An American U-2 spy plane photographs nuclear missile sites being built in Cuba by the Soviets. Fearing an invasion from Americans, Castro allows the Soviet Union to place missiles on Cuban soil. The crisis is resolved when the Soviets pledge to remove the missiles in exchange for the US removing missiles in Turkey.
1980 – After the Cuban Government opens its coast for anyone to leave with a permit, nearly 125,000 Cubans flee to the USA. The US Coast Guard refers to the influx of Cuban immi-
Congress further tightens the Cuban trade embargo.
1997 – The Clinton administration approves licences for US news organisations to open bureaus in Cuba.
1998 – An executive order from the Clinton administration allows sales of some food and agricultural products to Cuba.
January 1998 – Pope John Paul II visits Cuba and calls for political and social reform. The visit marks the first time a Pope has visited the country and the first time a Pope was welcome after Castro rose to power in 1959.
November 25, 1999 –A six-year-old Cuban boy is rescued off the coast of Florida after the boat his
May 2002 – The Bush Administration accuses the Cuban Government of developing biological weapons.
2006 – Congressional advocates of easing restrictions to Cuba fly to Havana hoping to meet with Acting President Raúl Castro, but are turned away.
2008 – Raúl Castro officially becomes President of Cuba.
April 2009 – President Barack Obama eases travel restriction to Cuba.
December 2009 – Alan Gross, a US citizen and State Department subcontractor, is detained in Cuba and accused of spying.
October 2011 – The US releases Cuban agent Rene Gonzalez from a Florida jail. He was part of a group
grants as the “1980 Cuban Exodus”.
1993 – Facing economic turmoil, socialist Cuba opts to legalise the US dollar, privately owned business and services, and allows farmers to sell some produce privately rather than to the state. In October, Cuba accuses the US of tightening the economic embargo and depriving Cubans of medicine and other resources.
1994 – Cuba and the US come to an immigration agreement that the US will accept 20,000 Cubans annually, contingent that the Cuban Government controls the exodus of Cuban refugees.
1996 – After two US civilian planes are shot down by Cuban air force jets,
mother and others are travelling in capsizes. Elian Gonzalez becomes the subject of an international custody battle as his uncle and relatives in Miami fight with his father and the Cuban Government over where the boy should live.
2000 – Armed US federal agents seize Elian Gonzalez from his relatives in Miami. The boy is returned to his father after a lengthy custody battle.
2001 – After Hurricane Michelle slams the Cuban coast, the US exports food to Cuba for the first time in 40 years.
January 2002 – First Afghan prisoners arrive at the US Guantanamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba.
known as the Cuban Five, convicted of spying and sentenced to prison in 2001 in the US.
December 2013 –President Obama and Raúl Castro meet at the Nelson Mandela memorial service. The handshake appears to be the second US-Cuban leader handshake in the last five decades.
February 2014 – Poll finds most Americans favour normalising relations with Cuba.
December 16 – The United States and Cuba swap prisoners.
December 17 – Alan Gross lands on US soil. President Obama announces that the US will normalise relations with Cuba.
The United States will restore diplomatic relations it severed with Cuba more than 50 years ago, a major policy shift ending decades of hostile ties with the communist-ruled island, President Barack Obama said on Wednesday.
Announcing the end of what he called a “rigid” policy of isolation of Cuba that had been ineffective, Obama said the United States would move toward normal ties and would open an embassy in Cuba.
Obama discussed the changes with Cuban President Raul Castro on Tuesday in a nearly hour-long telephone call. Castro spoke in Cuba as Obama made his announcement on a policy shift made possible by the release of American Alan Gross, 65, who had been imprisoned in Cuba for five years.
Cuba is also releasing an intelligence agent who spied for the United States and was held for nearly 20 years, and the United States in return freed three Cuban intelligence agents held in the United States.
which needs congressional approval that Obama may face a struggle getting.
And while travel restrictions that currently make it hard for most Americans to visit will be eased, the door will not yet be open for broad US tourism on the Caribbean island.
Cuba and the United States have been ideological foes since soon after the 1959 revolution that brought Raul Castro’s older brother, Fidel Castro, to power.
They have not had diplomatic relations since 1961 and the United States has maintained its trade embargo on the island, 90 miles (140 km) South of Florida, for more than 50 years. Obama said he would ask Congress to lift the embargo.
Obama will likely face resistance on this.
Although a growing number of US lawmakers favour more normal ties with Cuba, those lawmakers are still mostly Democrats, and after big midterm election gains in November, Republicans will control both houses of
“Neither the American nor the Cuban people are well-served by a rigid policy that’s rooted in events that took place before most of us were born. It’s time for a new approach.” – President Barack Obama
Gross’ case had been a block to any movement by Washington toward improved ties. Obama said Pope Francis had played an active role in pressing for his release. Francis congratulated both countries on their forging of diplomatic ties.
The policy shift will mean a relaxation in some aspects of commerce and transportation between the United States and Cuba, but it does not mean an end to the longstanding trade embargo,
Congress in the new year.
Senator Marco Rubio, a Cuban American Republican, said he would use his role as incoming Chairman of a key Senate Foreign Relations Committee to try to block the plan and was committed to doing all he could to “unravel” it.
Cuban Americans News of the changes rippled fast through the 1.5 million-strong Cuban American community in the United
a public sign of the thaw
with
South
States, hailed by some who are keen to see closer ties with the island and condemned by others who have opposed any warming while either of the Castro brothers is in power.
“It’s amazing,” said Hugo Cancio, who arrived in Miami in the 1980 Mariel boatlift and runs a magazine with offices in Miami and Havana.
“This is a new beginning, a dream come true for the 11.2 million Cubans in Cuba, and I think it will provoke a change of mentality here too in this community.”
Flashpoints in US-Cuba hostilities included the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962 that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Washington’s policy has survived the demise of Soviet communism and the end of the Cold War as the United States pushes for democratic reform in Cuba.
In his remarks, Obama said Cuba still needed to make changes. He said Havana needed to make economic reforms and improve human rights.
Wednesday’s announcement that the US will move toward restoring diplomatic ties with Cuba will also make it easier for Americans to travel to Cuba and do business with the Cuban people by extending general licences, officials said. While the more liberal travel restrictions won’t allow for tourism, they will permit greater American travel to the island.
While only Congress can formally overturn the five decades-long embargo, the White House has some authorities to liberalise trade and travel to the island. And Obama said he plans to “engage Congress in an honest and serious conversation” on lifting it.
In an effort to boost the nascent Cuban private sector, the President will also allow expanded commercial sales and exports of goods and services to Cuba, particularly building materials for entrepreneurs and private residences, and allow greater business training, as well as permit greater communications hardware and services to go to the island.
Other announced changes permit US and Cuban banks to build relationships and travellers to use credit and debit cards. US travellers will be allowed to import up to US$400 worth of goods from Cuba, including US$100 in alcohol and tobacco – even Cuban cigars. Remittances by Americans to their families back in Cuba will also be increased to approximately US$2000 per quarter.
Senior administration officials and Cuba observers have said recent reforms on the island and changing attitudes in the United States have created an opening for improved relations.
US and Cuban officials say Washington and Havana in recent months have increased official technical-level contacts on a variety of issues.
Both Obama and Castro in their Wednesday remarks acknowledged the nations’ differences remain.
“I do not expect the changes I am announcing today to bring about a transformation of Cuban society overnight,” Obama said.
But he argued that “through a policy of engagement, we can more effectively stand up for our values, and help the Cuban people help themselves as they move into the 21st Century.”
Castro said that even as the two nations “recognise having profound differences –especially in national sovereignty, democracy, human rights and foreign relations policies –we reaffirm our willingness to dialogue in all of these areas.”
To that end, Cuba has agreed to release 53 political prisoners from a list of names provided by the United States. At least one of the prisoners has already been released. Havana has also agreed to permit significant access by its citizens to the Internet and allow the International Committee of the Red Cross and United Nations human rights officials back on the island for the first time in years.
Talks between the US and Cuba have been ongoing since June of 2013 and were facilitated by the Canadians and the Vatican in brokering the deal. Pope Francis – the first pope from Latin America – encouraged Obama in a letter and in their meeting this year to renew talks with Cuba on pursuing a closer relationship. (Excerpt from CNN)
Cuba arrested Gross on December 3, 2009, and sentenced him to 15 years in prison for importing banned technology and trying to establish clandestine Internet service for Cuban Jews. Gross had been working as a subcontractor for the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The payoff for Obama was the release of Gross, whose lawyer and family have de-
scribed him as mentally vanquished, gaunt, hobbling and missing five teeth.
Gross’s case raised alarm about USAID’s practice of hiring private citizens to carry out secretive assignments in
Wednesday, Castro said. For Obama, the abrupt shift in Cuba policy adds a foreign policy milestone to his presidential legacy as he enters the last two years of his eight years in office. He will be
“This expression by President Barack Obama deserves the respect and recognition by all the people and I want to thank and recognise support from the Vatican and especially from Pope Francis for the improvement of relations between Cuba and the United States.” –President Raul Castro
hostile places. Cuba considers USAID another instrument of continual US harassment dating back to Cuba’s 1959 revolution.
Fidel Castro retired in 2008, handing power to his brother, who has carried out some economic reforms but maintained a one-party political system.
The three Cuban intelligence agents, jailed since 1998, are Gerardo Hernandez, 49; Antonio Guerrero, 56; and Ramon Labañino, 51. Two others had been released before on completing their sentences – Rene Gonzalez, 58, and Fernando Gonzalez, 51. The three arrived in Cuba on
able to say he turned the page from a policy that Democratic President John Kennedy began in 1961. At home, Obama’s move may bolster Democratic hopes of retaining the support of Latino voters as the party looks ahead to the presidential election in 2016. Republican candidates seeking to carve out some of the Latino vote may have difficulty arguing against the Cuba move. Despite their animosity, the two countries have long been engaged on a host of issues such as immigration, drug interdiction and oil-spill mitigation. (Reuters)
Church bells rang out Wednesday afternoon in Havana, marking a major moment in history –Cuba and the United States are easing diplomatic relations after decades of ice-cold tension.
The news that President Barack Obama would outline such a massive change has been met with passionate opinions in the United States though it wasn’t clear how average Cubans felt about it.
Because information is so tightly controlled by Cuban officials, one sign of whether change for the better is really possible on the island is whether the voices of everyday citizens will be heard.
“I would love to find out how a small business owner is taking the news today,” said 28-year-old Natalia Martinez, of Roots of Hope, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Miami that helps students and young professionals in Cuba to their peers in the US to share information through the Internet and other technologies. She’s also a psychologist.
Martinez was born in Cuba and lived there until she was six. She then moved to Mexico and came to the United States when she was 11.
“Being a relatively recent Miami re-transplant, I think I have an optimistic view,” she said. “There is a generational divide between young Cuban arrivals.
There’s value to how older Cuban-Americans feel, she said.
But the conversation, she said, has shifted. “It’s more focused on what we (Cuba and
the US) can agree on as opposed to the things we disagree on.”
Dissident Cuban blogger Yusaby Perez tweeted that his neighbour asked him if a change in U.S.-Cuban trade relations would mean that he could finally afford to buy meat.
“Let’s see if the embargo can be lifted also for better relations, so our quality of life can improve, so we can get more food, more things from other countries,” Alexandro Perez told a Reuters journalist in Havana.
Some older Cubans, many of them exiles in Miami, were decidedly angry about the news. A crowd quickly grew Wednesday morning in the city’s Little Havana neighbourhood at the Versailles Cafe. Hours before President Obama addressed the nation, to explain the release of detained US contractor Alan Gross and the change in policy, many were fuming.
While happy about Gross’ freedom, they deemed that the price for it was too steep:
the release of three Cuban intelligence agents convicted of espionage in 2001, and a sweeping change in America’s diplomatic approach toward its communist neighbour. Some patrons shouted: “Obama a coward! Coward, coward, coward!” Some held signs that read: “Obama administration conspiracy with Castro terrorist.”
“I think people are going to be upset,” said John Losada, who’s been an exile since the 1960s. “There is a long history here of people who have a lot of anger, people who have been hurt.”
A historic change In his speech Wednesday, Obama said the decades-old policy toward Cuba was “outdated” and “failed to advance” US interests.
That is why the U. will move toward re-opening its Embassy in communist Cuba and allow some travel and trade that had been banned under an embargo instated during the Kennedy administration, he said. (Excerpt from CNN)
Local authorities have estimated that approximately 15,000 persons from across Guyana journeyed to the Kitty foreshore at different intervals to have glimpse of the sperm whale that washed ashore.
Of the 15,000, it was said, approximately 5000 witnessed the burial of the 42-foot whale late Tuesday night.
Updating Guyana Times on the situation, National Wildlife Management Committee
Member Annette Arjoon said persons journeyed by foot, car, bus and even truck to get a look of the mammal before it was buried. She recalled that a 65-year-old man rode from Houston to Kitty to see the whale, because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he reportedly said.
“I never thought I would have gotten a chance to see a whale,” Arjoon said as she echoed the sentiments expressed by the elderly man. Reports also indicate that persons even travelled from Berbice and Linden.
Based on the advice of experts from the
Caribbean, Venezuela, Suriname and Canada, a decision was taken to take skin samples from the mammal before burying it 22 feet down, a short distance away from where it
whale, said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); the Royal Ontario Museum (Canada); and experts from around the region had advised that the
Hydraulics Ministry and supporting non-Government Organisations such as the National Wildlife Management Committee, but the plan failed when the equipment procured was unable to lift the whale.
Approximately, three excavators attempted to remove the whale, but when this proved to be difficult, the local authorities based on the advice of the experts resorted to the onsite burial. Representatives from the University of Guyana, the Guyana Coast Guard, Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation, Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) were among those present during the burial.
The whale was discovered dead on the shore near the Kitty Seawall at 05:30h Tuesday after first being spotted by fisher-
was beached. The whale was also punctured to prevent an explosion as it putrefies.
Arjoon, who had played an integral role in the lead up to the discovery of the
whale be buried in a remote area and the skeleton subsequently retrieved for educational purposes.
This was the initial intention of the Public Works, Transport and
man
on Saturday night entangled in his net approximately four miles off the coast parallel to the Mahaicony River mouth.
commits US$10M to aid
As part of its commitment to assist in global efforts to combat the Ebola virus, India has signed an agreement with a United Nations agency under which US$10 million pledged by it will be transferred to a global trust fund set up to address the threat posed by the deadly virus.
The Standard Administrative Arrangement was signed December 9 by Indian Ambassador to the UN Asoke Kumar Mukerji and execu-
tive coordinator at the Ebola Response Multi Partner Trust Fund office of UN Development Programme Yannick Glemarec.
“India stands ready and committed to contribute to the ongoing efforts of the international community to address the threat posed by the Ebola virus,” a statement issued by the Indian mission to the UN said.
The UN system response to the Ebola outbreak was launched by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in
September 2014 to unite efforts of all concerned UN entities and act as a platform for global control of the outbreak.
India had announced a contribution of US$10 million to the fund and had pledged assistance of an additional US$2 million for purchase of protective gear to tackle the Ebola virus attack prior to the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UN in September.
The signing of the ar-
rangement paved the way for transfer of the Indian contribution to the Ebola fund.
India had also provided immediate financial assistance to three of the affected countries – Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea – for purchase of medical supplies and subsequently provided half a million dollars to the World Health Organisation to assist in the efforts of the international community to deal with this challenge.
B y E rica W illiams
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has called on A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) General Secretary Joseph Harmon to join the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) in efforts to reduce electricity theft in South and West Ruimveldt areas.
Hinds made the remarks during the commissioning of GPL’s Infrastructural Development Project on Wednesday. Harmon recently had deemed GPL a burden on citizens and urged the utility to “get off the backs of citizens”. “I call on MP Harmon to join me in bringing down technical losses in areas such as South and West of Georgetown. He has standing in those areas. We must lead our people in the right in the right things, not making ambiguous statements,” Hinds said.
The Prime Minister advised that Harmon should learn about the operations of the power company before making such state-
He then pointed to areas in this hemisphere, with similar or more expensive rates per unit of power. Hinds believes Guyanese are selling themselves short by stealing power. He added that there are areas where losses were as high as 60 per cent, with 40 per cent being non-technical.
Curbing theft
The Prime Minister said the possibility of implementing potentially unwanted programmes to curb theft is being discussed. This is because when people set out to beat GPL in performing illegal actions, they win. “If we have no change in attitudes, we will be making investments of devices such as smart meters to cut down losses.”
However, Hinds said while the investment may be necessary to reduce losses, it may not be practical and beneficial because of the cost factor involved. Smart meters, according to the Prime Minister, cost up to hundreds of millions of
ments. Hinds went on to state that, “it is such statements that make people who are supporters of his party think it is right for them to do these things.”
Hinds’ statement followed his announcement of 30 per cent losses incurred by GPL annually. Sixteen per cent of these losses is due to non-technical shortfalls, while another 14 per cent is due to technical losses.
Hinds said he was embarrassed by the high percentage of losses. He said, however, the technical losses were not much a bother to him, unlike the non-technical losses (illegal electrical connections and power theft). “The technical losses I can bear, but the nontechnical losses, I am very embarrassed, and I cannot bear it at all,” Hinds said as he shook his head in dismay.
He reiterated that it was wrong for some persons to make the argument that they were going to steal electricity because their neighbours were doing or that electricity cost was too high.
dollars, which may not necessarily pay off in the long term.
He added that countries such as Barbados report six to eight percent in losses annually, without the implementation of any such devices. He could not understand which the situation in Guyana could not be similar.
Recently, Hinds had said any Guyanese who believes that the GPL is burdening them has the right to generate their own electricity, which is provided for in the law. This was also a response to Harmon’s statement.
He was at the time speaking on “Political Scope” on the National Communications Network on Friday, a Government Information Agency (GINA) release stated. Hinds had said that Harmon’s comment is the basis for many of Guyanese citizens believing that they have a right to steal electricity. “From the very high to the low, Guyanese have been responding to those kinds of talks and it shouldn’t be,” he said.
By AnAstAciA clementson
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has named an Information Technology (IT) specialist, Inspector Jermaine Johnson as this year’s Best Cop. Johnson has attached to the Information Technology Department of the Police Force for the past six years but has been a member for over 22 years. He is tasked with responsibilities for the border management system, advanced information system, automatic finger printing system, local networks and the technical programming of the Force’s radio system.
The Annual Police Award Ceremony was held on Wednesday at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Square, Eve Leary, where acting Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, handed over the plaque and cash to the inspector.
Johnson received $250,000 cash and a trophy along with a round trip for two to Aruba, dinner for two at Duke Lodge and two other local trips. In addition, Johnson also received $150,000 and a plaque for Best Divisional Cop, Police Headquarters. Meanwhile Cadet Officer Jermaine Dufu was the runner-up Best Cop and he was awarded $200,000 cash along with a trophy and a round trip to the US. He too was given the Best Divisional Cop award for B Division (Berbice) where he is currently stationed.
All of the trips are compliments of businessman Gerry Gouveia, who commended the work of the officers. He committed his along with the private sector’s support towards continuing the collaboration with the Police Force.
Some 1506 ranks are set to receive monetary incentives from $13.5 million that was budgeted for its annual award ceremony. This amount is in addition to the $12.3 million that was distributed in July last as part of the Force’s 175th anniversary. The other best Divisional awards went to: Detective Corporal Lowe from the A Division (Georgetown);
Detective Corporal Ross from C Division (East Coast Demerara); Corporal Bridgemohan of D Division (West Coast Demerara); Detective Inspector Cabinauth Singh; Constable Craigon from F Division (Interior Locations), and Detective Sergeant Deochan of the G Division. Additionally, 21 Community Policing Groups (CPG) received commendation certificates, while some 69 CPG members from across the country were given the commendation certificate and award. Two High Commendation and Award certificates were presented to Dr Zulficar Bux and Dr Reyad Rahaman for the work they have done in collaboration with the Police Force.
Meanwhile, Police Chief Seelall Persaud said that the Force has been steadily growing as a prime crimefighting organisation over the last few years. He attributed such successes to the Force’s strategic plan which they have been implementing since 2013. He revealed that the strategic plan is proving quite fruitful in cleaning up Guyana’s streets one implementation at a time. The Strategic Plan for GPF was put into full swing in 2013, with the initiation of the Cops and Faith Network programme, which was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs in April 2013. Persaud stated that the programme’s objective is to reduce the number of young people that are jailed every year. The programme involves parents and faith-based institutions inculcating positive values instead of being hardened by jail time.
However, if heed is not taken by the juvenile of the chance given him along with the assistance of the faithbased institution, then jail will be understood as the choice of the juvenile. The Commissioner said that a review was done of this project in April and the “success rate was overwhelming”. Since its implementation it has seen a total of 55 interventions undertaken by GPF with the support of the religious community. Due to the success of
this project, it will be expanded to other communities.
Another project that has come in for praise by the Commissioner was the Police Chaplaincy project, launched in January of this year. The project acknowledges the weakness and the humanity of police officers, recognising that they may be adversely affected by what they see daily in their profession as officers of the law; thus the project aims to address such concerns.
Police Chaplaincy aims to address the psychological disturbances that officers usually are affected by. Police officers having been exposed to such experiences are counselled by a chaplain of the Force, however in extreme cases the officer’s psychological treatment is turned over to a professional.
The Commissioner also spoke of the progress being made in Police relations with the public due to such initiatives, including the Family Liaison project.
He explained that this project addresses the victims and the families that have been affected by crime. Such implementations he remarks “will take us a huge leap further than where we were.”
Also, with the rise of suicide, the GPF has expressed its concern in seeing an end to this. It is currently working on establishing a suicide hotline, where persons in distress or contemplating such an end have someone to talk to directly. He said there would be trained Police officers counselling the callers, assuring that the relevant institutional bodies will be assisting with the training of the officers as well as the calls when necessary.
The Commissioner said that the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company will be coming on board to facilitate this project as much telecommunication equipment and skill will be needed to ensure its success.
In addition, information will be a priority for the Police Force come 2015, specifically the proper use and management of information so effective decisions can be made. Persaud informed those in attendance at the GPF’s award ceremony of the results oriented time model, which is expected to ensure much needed information is provided and analysed. This, the Police Chief states, will give much-needed feedback about the efficiency of the Force in performing their duties.
In a bid to come into the new age, GPF is working on updating its records to that of an electronic documentation system. With this, information will be available much more quickly for prompt decisions to be made as well as boost the ability to access the relevant personal records etc.
thursday, december 18, 2014 |
Thirty-seven-year-old Nelawattie Isaacs who was brutally chopped about her body allegedly by her daughter’s reputed husband recently succumbed to her injuries after battling for her life in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.
She died at approximately 22:00h on Tuesday. On December 13, Isaacs was brutally chopped to her head and face. Her 19-year-old daughter Serojnie Isaacs was also chopped about her body and remains a patient at the same hospital.
Around 19:30h on the said night, Ian Swarswattie, 29, allegedly armed with a cutlass, attacked his mother-inlaw, who was in the kitchen, and dealt her several chops, he then turned his weapon on his reputed wife, who was nearby. A relative of the victims recalled Swarswattie entered their Whim Village, Corentyne home in a rage and started firing chops at his mother-in-law, and as they called out for help the man took his cutlass and chopped his reputed wife about her face and foot.
According to Cavite Banda, sister of Nelawattie, who witnessed the attack the
man entered the home holding a cutlass. She said when she saw him she knew something was about to happen and she froze, it was not until he fired the first chop, she ran for help. Binda stated that her sister and niece were sitting close to each other in kitchen, and at one point Serojnie was shielding her mother from the wrath of the blade. In tears, Binda told this publication that as Swarswattie chopped at his reputed wife, he shouted to her ““That is wah you want”.
Premeditated?
“He just walk in and start chopping, and Serojnie was sitting next to her mother it happened so quickly, this man come with the intention of killing them.” After she called out for help, Binda said, her uncle and father held on to Swarswattie and constrained him until the Police arrived.
Both victims were rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, then to the New Amsterdam Hospital and were then transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. She explained that her niece and Swarswattie have been living together for the past four years at his Bush Lot Village Home. She said the relationship has been a rocky one as he would physically abuse Serojnie on many occasions. The most recent being two weeks ago when he beat her about her body with a bicycle bar. That was the final straw for Serojnie as she decided to put an end to the abusive relationship.
“Serojnie and he live for four year; he uses to beat her badly, and ill treat her. She had talked to me, she tell me ‘Aunty, me fed up with he, I don’t want to live with he no more’.”
Binda explained Serojnie left for her mother’s .However, the move angered
Swarswattie who blamed her mother for Serojnie not taking him back. She related, he even threatened to kill her before.
Charged
Meanwhile, the 29-yearold fisherman was refused bail when he made his first court appearance on December 15 before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Whim Magistrate Court. Swarswattie was charged with two counts of attempted murder. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated on December 11, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Serojnie and Nelawattie Isaacs with the intent to commit murder. He was represented by Attorney Rodwell Jagmohan, who stated his client has a fixed place of abode, and was a fisherman who owned his own fishing equipment.
Police Prosecutor Phillip Sheriff objected to bail based on the nature and gravity of the offence. He told the court that both the victims are hospitalised and one was still in critical condition. Bail was refused. Swarswattie was remanded to prison and made another Court appearance on Wednesday.
man remanded for trafficking narcotics
A40-year-old man with no fixed place of abode was remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan for a trafficking in narcotics charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Wayne Gonsalves Venture pleaded not guilty to the offence, which alleged that on December 16 at Christianburg, Wismar, Linden, he had in his possession a narcotic, that is to say 300 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
The unrepresented man told the court that he is unemployed. Police Prosecutor Dinero Jones did not reveal any information on the case. The matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for December 23.
Caricom welcomes thawing of relations between Cuba and US
The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has welcomed the thawing of relations between the United States and Cuba and the move towards the re-establishment of diplomatic ties.
In a statement, Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said the community has long been an advocate for the normalisation of these relations and has raised the issue repeatedly in its interaction with both parties. He noted that as recently as last
Monday, December 8 at the Fifth Caricom-Cuba Summit, the Community reiterated its call for Cuba to be fully integrated into the hemispheric arrangements and for the lifting of the economic, trade and financial embargo.
“Today’s announcement signals the beginning of a new era in our hemisphere and demonstrates the value of dialogue as a means of settling differences. The Community commends Presidents Obama and Castro for their bold initiative. Both Cuba and the United States have played major roles in assisting the development efforts of our Member States and we look forward to working together with them as they move forward in building their relationship,” LaRocque said. He said while Caricom welcomes this positive development, the Community looks forward to further steps being taken with dispatch towards the lifting of the economic, trade and financial embargo.
WEDNESDAY'S WORD
ARIES (March 21April 19)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
GEMINI (May 21June 20)
CANCER
Go over personal paperwork in detail. Update your financial records and put all of your receipts and bills in order. Keep your medical documents up to date, along with your passport.
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
PISCES
(Feb. 20March 20)
Don’t let your heart rule your head. Listen to the advice of caring friends. If you are infatuated with someone unsuitable or something unrealistic, regret will follow.
You will get terrific results when shopping for someone special. If you pick up the pace, you will accomplish more than anticipated, leaving time for rest and relaxation late in the day.
The situation on the home front will be critical. Getting out of the house and enjoying time with a friend who makes you laugh will do you good. Avoid overspending.
Family tension will run high. The more you are able to achieve, the less time you will have to complain or get into an argument. Patience will be required.
Put your talents to good use. Rather than get embroiled in work and chores, get together with friends, go on a trip or visit an out-oftown relative. Cash will slip through your fingers if you donate to an unfamiliar group. Keep a close eye on your money and keep unnecessary expenditures to a minimum. An unexpected bill will set you back.
Don’t dwell on the past. No matter how emotional you feel, keep in mind that the new year represents a new beginning. Leave disappointment behind you and prepare for a bright future.
You will be inspired by a most unlikely source. If you spend time helping less fortunate people, you are likely to find a kindred spirit. Let your heart lead the way.
Imagine yourself in a more fulfilling career. Once you have narrowed down your options, it will be easy to determine what you need to do to achieve your dream.
Don’t believe everything you hear. Someone will lead you astray. If you overreact, you risk being put at a disadvantage that will force you to backtrack.
You can make valuable contributions without spending too much. Donate your time to local programs that assist people in need. Look in on someone who is ailing or needs your help.
Marc Gasol scored 24 points, and the Memphis Grizzlies snapped the Golden State Warriors’ NBA-best 16game winning streak with a 105-98 victory on Tuesday night.
Mike Conley and Zach Randolph each scored 17 points, and Randolph also had 10 rebounds as Memphis earned its fifth straight win.
Vince Carter added a season-high 16 points, and Jon Leuer had 11.
The Warriors came in with the NBA’s best record at 21-2. They lost for the first time since Nov. 11 against the Spurs, also the last team
rejections coming in the pivotal final four minutes.
Ryan Anderson hit six 3-pointers and finished with 28 points for New Orleans, while Tyreke Evans added 19 points, scoring nine during New Orleans’ 41-point fourth quarter.
Enes Kanter scored 29 points for Utah, which has lost three straight and 12 of 13.
104, Kings 92
Russell Westbrook had 32 points and seven assists, Kevin Durant scored 26 and Oklahoma City beat the reeling Sacramento Kings for its
to beat Memphis. This was the first time in NBA history in which both teams had 19 or more wins in the first 24 games.
Golden State star Stephen Curry missed backto-back 3-pointers in the final 10 seconds. He had 19 points on 9-of-25 shooting, including a 1-for-10 night from beyond the arc.
Klay Thompson scored 22 points for the Warriors, and Marreese Speights had 18.
Pelicans 119, Jazz 111
Anthony Davis returned from a chest injury and scored 31 points, helping New Orleans rally for the win.
Davis, who missed most of Friday night’s victory over Cleveland and all of Sunday night’s loss to Golden State, played with a protective vest that did not appear to inhibit him. He had nine rebounds and three blocks, with all three
seventh straight win.
The Kings played their first game since Michael Malone was fired as coach and lead assistant Tyrone Corbin was promoted to interim coach. They trailed 9-0 after 2 1/2 minutes and dropped to 2-8 while franchise centerpiece DeMarcus Cousins recovers from viral meningitis. The Thunder went ahead by 16 in the first quarter, led by just seven at halftime and pulled away again in the closing minutes behind their star duo. Oklahoma City improved to 7-1 since Durant returned from a broken right foot.
Rudy Gay scored 22 points, and reserve Carl Landry added 14 for the Kings.
Tyson Chandler had three dunks during Dallas’ sizzling start to his return to New York, and Dirk Nowitzki scored 16
points for the Mavericks.
Chandler played a key role in the NBA’s highestscoring team putting together a nearly unstoppable start that gave it the lead for good. Monta Ellis added 14 points, and Chandler Parsons had 13 after missing a game with a sore lower back.
Carmelo Anthony scored 26 points for the Knicks. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 14 but was 5 for 17 in another poor shooting effort.
Shortly after hearing mostly cheers during introductions, Chandler dunked a lob pass for the game’s opening basket. He threw down another alley-oop that gave Dallas 10 baskets in its first 11 shots.
Dwyane Wade scored 28 points, leading Miami to the road win.
The Heat had five players score in double figures, including three reserves. Starting forward Luol Deng had 18 points, and rookie Shabazz Napier scored 11.
The game was delayed for 29 minutes in the first quarter when the installation of a new green roof at Barclays Center led to a water leak.
Mason Plumlee had 21 points and nine rebounds for Brooklyn, and Joe Johnson scored 16 points. Deron Williams added 15 points and 11 assists.
John Wall scored 21 points and equaled a career high with 17 assists, helping Washington to its fifth consecutive win.
Washington scored 14 straight to take a 14-2 lead less than 4 1/2 minutes into the game. Wall had 10 points and six assists in the first quarter.
Rasual Butler had 23 points for the Wizards.
Thaddeus Young, who led a third-quarter charge, had a season-high 29 points for Minnesota, which has lost nine of 10. Shabazz Muhammad scored 21. (The Blade)
Rory McIlroy has added to his trophy collection for 2014 by picking up the European Tour Golfer of the Year award.
The world number one from Northern Ireland, 25, won the BMW PGA Championship before backto-back majors success at the Open and US PGA.
McIlroy also won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational as he topped the Race to Dubai standings and helped Europe to a Ryder Cup victory at Gleneagles.
“Hopefully I can have more years like this and win the award again,” he said.
McIlroy, who also won the award in 2012, added: “To be named the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year for a second time is a huge honour and one I am extremely proud of.
“If I had won any one of those four titles it would have been a good year, but to win all four, to win The Race to Dubai, and to be part of another fantastic European victory in the Ryder Cup, means it is a great one.
“This award is a very nice way to round off the
year. The European Tour has always been good to me, so it is always special to be recognised in this way.”
McIlroy led the way in earnings on the US PGA Tour, becoming the first player to top the money lists on both side of the Atlantic in the same season on two occasions.
Having been named Golfer of the Month in May, July and August, he was unanimously voted the top player for 2014 and he becomes the youngest multiple winner of the coveted
award.
McIlroy won the Race to Dubai crown by a dominant 2,168,410 points from Henrik Stenson, the 2013 Golfer of the Year.
Nine-times major winner Gary Player praised the achievements of McIlroy, who was runner-up in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards on Sunday The South Africa tweeted: “Congratulations on your phenomenal year and our player and personality of 2014. Now for the Grand Slam.” (BBC Sport)
The former head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, Dick Pound, is to chair a panel to investigate allegations made in a series of German TV documentaries.
Broadcaster ARD alleges an unnamed member of athletics’ governing body, the IAAF, had a list of 150 suspicious blood samples that were not looked at.
It is alleged many came from Russia but it was also claimed a top British athlete escaped investigation.
The Russian Athletics Federation wants to see the unedited TV material.
Wada says the independent commission panel will begin work on 1 January 2015.
Pound will be joined on the three-person commission by Professor Richard McLaren, an experienced legal counsel who has experience in the world of in-
ternational sports law and is a member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
Wada says a third member of the commission will be named “in due course”.
German broadcaster ARD reported claims from an anonymous member of the IAAF’s medical commission that there was no targeted testing of athletes who had returned abnormal blood samples between
2006 and 2008. Other unnamed athletes, from Kenya, Germany, Spain and Morocco are also implicated in the allegations.
The Russian Athletics Federation (VFLA) has threatened legal action against ARD, rejecting its allegations as “lies”.
On Tuesday, lawyer Artem Patsev told Russian news agency R-Sport: “The federation has demanded an unedited version of [German journalist Hajo] Seppelt’s material to find out what exactly those who took part in the documentary actually said.
“The president of the VFLA, Valentin Balakhnichev gave an official request for the material and asked that copies were also sent to the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Association of Athletics Federations.”
Guyana’s national junior Men’s team continued its good showing during a five-day developmental tour of Trinidad and Tobago. After defeating Paragon Hockey Club 2-1 on Monday evening, the Guyanese came up against a Trinidad national junior selection on Tuesday afternoon. The game started with Guyanese setting a low press and Trinidad having the lion’s share of possession.
After a period of sustained pressure by the Trinidadians, the Guyanese defense conceded a penalty corner when the ball struck one of their defender’s feet in the ‘D’.
Trinidad’s senior national player Jordon Reynos converted the penalty corner with a powerful drag flick into the bottom left of the goal to give his side the early lead. The Guyanese responded five minutes later when Ato Greene finished a left side attack which featured three Guyanese juggling the ball in the air along the side line before it was centered for Greene to tap in on the last post.
Trinidad seemed to up
the tempo in the third quarter, forcing Guyana to scrabble and defend deep in their quarter. Wave upon wave of Trinidadian attacks were met by some desperate defending from the Guyanese, who also seemed to have luck on their side during the quarter.
The fourth quarter started with the Guyanese finding their second wind, and with Trinidad pressing for the win, the Guyanese team defense created several turnovers which led to swift counter attacks at the other end. Their persistence paid off when captain Mark
Sargeant deflected a Leon Bacchus drag flick from head height down into the goal, to give his team the lead. The Guyanese then dropped off to soak up the Trinidadian pressure and nearly scored again when Aroydy Branford sent a diving reverse shot to the Trinidadian goal.
The resulting save started a lighting fast Trinidadian counter attack and it looked like a sure goal when senior national striker Tariq Marcano evaded three defenders and pulled the ball on to his reverse before unleashing a powerful tomahawk shot. However, Guyana’s goalkeeper Medroy Scotland came out sliding to stuff his shot. That save proved to be the final act of the game, which gave Guyana the victory 2-1.
The team went through some light training on Wednesday morning, followed by a defensive skills session conducted by Trinidad and Tobago senior national, Darren Cowie. The team will oppose Trinidad’s junior squad two more times before returning home on Friday.
West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard confirmed his status as a key player in the forthcoming Twenty20 Big Bash League in Australia after hitting six sixes in an over during an Adelaide Strikers warm-up game at Prince Alfred College in Adelaide yesterday. Pollard, a Strikers favourite after his exploits with the team in previous Big Bash tournaments, demonstrated his massive hitting ability in the contest, leading the veteran Brad Hodge — who was at the non-striker’s end at the time
The United States Olympic Committee will bid for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Committee will choose one host city from either Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Washington DC.
The International Olympic Committee’s deadline for applicants is 15 September 2015, with a decision due in 2017.
The last time the USA hosted a summer Olympics was in Atlanta in 1996, although Salt Lake City, Utah,
hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002.
“An entire generation of Americans has not had the opportunity to witness the amazing spectacle of an Olympic and Paralympic Games on home soil,” said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun.
“We believe it’s important to bring the Games back to the United States to ensure the lasting strength of the movements.”
The US is the third country after Germany and Italy to officially launch a bidding process.
At an IOC meeting in
As the rhetoric between the two boxers grows, Manny Pacquiao hasn’t minced words when it comes to a potential fight with pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr.
On Tuesday, Pacquiao went to the undefeated Mayweather on Twitter to let him know he’s ready: .@FloydMayweather, don’t be a boxing humbug. Let’s give the fans the fight they want. They have waited long enough — Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) December 16.
Mayweather-Pacquiao is a fight boxing fans have craved since 2009 but one
— to marvel at the big West Indian’s power.
“It’s the biggest hit I’ve seen in a long time and I don’t even reckon he got all of it,” said Hodge. “It’s pretty scary stuff.
“He just said: ‘I’ve had enough,’ and thought: ‘I’ll try and hit a few here.’ When you sit at the other end, you just think how unbelievable that is, just the strength of the man, the skill of the human being. It’s good he’s come here in good form and a scary thought for any other player. It was cool fun watching, the ease he does it with is unbelievable.”
The Big Bash begins on tomorrow when the Strikers play their first match at home to the Melbourne Stars, with Pollard one of many top names on show, alongside the Stars’ Kevin Pietersen. (Trinidad Express)
that never has been agreed to due to various unsuccessful negotiations.
But a potential showdown seemingly took a step toward fruition Friday night when Mayweather said during a Showtime interview that he wants to fight Pacquiao next and wants it to be May 2, the Cinco de Mayo weekend that Mayweather has
regularly fought on. “We are ready. Let’s make it happen. May 2. Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao. Let’s do it,” Mayweather said.
The interview included Mayweather’s first extended remarks on the prospect of the fight in quite some time, and it was the first time he directly said he wanted to fight Pacquiao next and mentioned a specific date.
Pacquiao responded earlier this week that he is willing and able.
“He [Mayweather] has reached a dead end,” the Filipino great told skysports. com. “He has nowhere to run but to fight me. I will try my best to make this a thrilling and entertaining fight, but I doubt if he’s gonna engage me in a slugfest.
“You all know his fighting style. Most of his previous fights, if not all, induced us to sleep.”
Pacquiao, who turns 36 on Wednesday, is coming off a dominant near-shutout decision Nov. 22 against Chris Algieri to retain his welterweight title and move to 575-2 (38 KOs).
Mayweather, 37 is 47-0 with 26 KOs.
Mayweather has reportedly been asking for a bigger share of the 50-50 purse, a shift from the previous excuse of demanding that Pacquiao undergoes drug tests not required in boxing and wears gloves Mayweather is happy with.
(Adapted from ESPN)
Filipe Luis struck his first Chelsea goal with a brilliant freekick to help secure a League Cup semi-final place with a win at 10-man Derby.
Eden Hazard put the Premier League leaders in front and Luis made it 2-0.
Craig Bryson gave Derby hope, but Jake Buxton was harshly sent off before Andre Schurrle wrapped up victory.
Monaco earlier this month, a 40-point action plan was voted on to revamp the sporting showpiece.
Potential hosts will find it easier and cheaper to bid under the “Olympic Agenda 2020” reforms and events can be held outside the host country or city.
The 28-sport cap for future summer Olympics has been removed - although there will be no changes to the Rio 2016 schedule.
Instead of a 28-sport limit, each summer Games will be restricted to 10,500 athletes and 310 events. (BBC Sport)
Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma suffered a head injury and striker Didier Drogba hobbled off, but neither was a serious problem, boss Jose Mourinho said.
Derby centre-back Buxton had a night to forget, having given the ball away before Hazard exchanged passes with Cesc Fabregas and drilled a perfectly-placed shot into the corner of the net for Chelsea’s 23rd-minute opener.
But the defender was unlucky to be sent off seven minutes after Bryson had pulled them back into the match.
Referee Jon Moss ruled
that Buxton had committed a professional foul by dragging back Loic Remy, although there was no clear appeal from the striker - to the extent that it looked at first as if keeper Lee Grant had been penalised for handling the ball as he slid outside of his penalty area.
The red card destroyed Derby’s momentum just as they were threatening to drag themselves back into the match.
And any hopes of a revival were ended when Schurrle slammed in the rebound from eight yards after Grant had parried Remy’s shot.
Derby worked hard in the opening 20 minutes to hold off a strong Chelsea side, with Fabregas recalled after suspension in a line-up showing five changes to the one that beat Hull 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday.
Hazard’s opener rocked Steve McClaren’s Championship promotion hopefuls, though, and the visitors could have gone further in front as Luis fired an effort straight at
Grant and Richard Keogh blocked a Drogba shot. The match was held up for several minutes at the end of the first half as Zouma was knocked to the ground in a collision with his goalkeeper Petr Cech as Chelsea defended a corner. The French defender needed lengthy treatment on the pitch before he was carried off.
Derby showed fight after the break, with Will Hughes only denied by a combination of Cech and John Mikel Obi after Johnny Russell had set him up.
Their task was made harder as Chelsea doubled their lead when Brazilian left-back Luis - signed from Atletico Madrid in the summer - bent a beautiful 25-yard free-kick beyond Grant.
Drogba then limped off clutching his ankle and Derby pulled one back as Bryson drove Russell’s square pass in off the post from 20 yards.
Buxton’s red card was a set-back for McClaren’s side and Schurrle ended their hopes of an upset. (BBC Sport)
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Josh Hazlewood's five wickets on debut restricted India to 408 but the visitors will have useful bowling conditions to make use of on the second afternoon of the second Test in Brisbane.
MS Dhoni and R Ashwin added a useful 57, but Hazlewood's tight lines, bounce and hint of swing were justly rewarded with handsome figures that put his more experienced counterparts in the shade.
initially tried to reach it with both palms. Smith's ebullient celebration indicated his desire to cut through the
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The ball of the morning was saved for Ajinkya Rahane, who had reached 81 and looked good for many more. Less threatening was Mitchell Starc, who struggled notably for rhythm and confidence as Australia's new captain Steven Smith looked for bowling options after being shorn of Mitchell Marsh due to a hamstring problem.
The Gabba air was even heavier than it had been on day one, rain seeming imminent but staying away across the morning. Such atmospherics favoured swing, and combined with a pitch that had dried and quickened appreciably, it made for ideal pace bowling climes.
Hazlewood was freed up after the cramps that afflicted him late on the first evening, and found nifty movement to go with his steep trajectory. Rahane was in fluent touch, and proved it by snicking a delivery that most would not have got near - Brad Haddin's fifth dismissal out of five.
Dhoni began as though intent on being an immovable object, hardly flinching when struck on the arm by Hazlewood and the shoulder by Mitchell Johnson. His barely discernible evasive action for the latter blow had the umpire Marais Erasmus calling dead ball when Dhoni ran, the pair engaging in animated discussion as a result.
Watson came on to relieve Hazlewood, and second ball drew an edge from Rohit Sharma that Smith caught brilliantly in his outstretched right hand, having
Indian tail, but another indifferent spell from Starc allowed Dhoni and Ashwin to mount a pesky stand.
Australian shoulders slumped a little, but Hazlewood's second spell of the morning brought further indications of his quality. Ashwin edged to first slip with a slightly closed bat
CA Pujara c †Haddin
b Hazlewood 18
V Kohli c †Haddin b Hazlewood 19
AM Rahane c †Haddin
b Hazlewood 81
RG Sharma c Smith b Watson 32
MS Dhoni*† c †Haddin
b Hazlewood 33
R Ashwin c Watson
b Hazlewood 35
pouched at short leg - by the substitute Marnus Labuschnage - in what would have been the final over of the session, and the half-hour extension was enough time for Nathan Lyon to also account for Umesh Yadav. The tourists will look forward to bowling in the afternoon. (ESPNCricinfo)
By TreisTon Joseph
The Normalisation Committee is aiming to completely reform the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) constitution by February, 2015.
Chairman of the Normalisation Committee, Clinton Urling made the announcement at a press conference held on Wednesday at the GFF’s head office in Campbellville.
“The GFF constitution will be looked at in February for two days… FIFA will spearhead and at the end of the then all the associations will have to mirror the GFF’s constitution, so that will be the first step,” Urling noted.
In addition, Urling also revealed that the Normalisation Committee
has appointed a new Financial Director in Kareem Jones.
The new position according to Urling will be a permanent one with the responsibilities of forming budgets as well as financial plans that ensures the smooth running of the GFF.
Further, the Normalisation Committee is hoping to announce the official Technical Director by the second week in January.
“We had lot of candidates from as far as Romania and the UK and we did a number of interviews over the past two days and we are hoping to introduce the new Technical Director by the second week in January who will be responsible for forming development plans on all levels,” Urling highlighted.
Meanwhile, Urling noted that the GFF will be participating in a number of tournaments in 2015, namely; a friendly against Barbados in January, the under-23 Olympic qualifiers, the World Cup qualifiers as well as the CFU Club championships.
Urling also announced that Committee member Stuart May will head the women’s committee to start the developemt of the game as well as himself along with Trevor Beckles will be the Chairman and ViceChairman respectively of the referee’s committee.
In relation to the goal process, Urling noted that talks are still ongoing between the Normalisation Committee and the Ministry of Sport.
“we have had two meet-
ings with the Ministry of Sport and we are yet to reach an agreement but talks are ongoing, the main thing is getting the land and they are yet to decide whether they will least it or donate it to us… we really can’t make the government commit to anything but we hope we can get it up and running as soon as possible.
“We are even opening to the private sector donating land to us for the project,” Urling pointed out.
Meanwhile Urling also congratulated eight referees that received international accreditation from FIFA.
The international referees are; Sherwin Moore, Sherwin Johnson, Venton Mars, Trevor Porter, Kleon Lindey, Kevin Stephens, Lenval Pearts and the lone female Maurees Skeet.
“Of course [I’m satisfied]. Being on top of the table after four games with one loss…definitely happy to be in that position,” Singh remarked on Wednesday.
The Guyana Jaguars played their first three games at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, beating the Leeward Islands Hurricane by an innings and 10 runs, before following up with a 92-run win over the Windward Islands Volcanoes. However, the home leg didn’t finish as planned, as the Jaguars were stunned by Barbados Pride, falling by two runs in pursuit of small target of 69 on the final day.
Incidentally, it was Singh’s first game in charge of the Guyana team, after regular skipper Leon Johnson had to depart with the West Indies team for the current series in South Africa. The team also lost veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and the experienced Assad Fudadin after the second round, also to West Indies duties.
Subsequently, in their first away game, the Jaguars rebounded in fine fashion, toppling Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by an innings and 60 runs with Singh recording his maiden FirstClass hundred, a brilliant 141.
Quizzed on how difficult it was to rebound quickly enough from the defeat against the Barbadoes Pride to face Red Force at home, Singh said,
“Well to be honest, we put that behind us because at the summary of that game. We didn’t play bad cricket, we actually played very good team cricket and we just had a bad session, which cost us the game...so we just wanted to go to Trinidad and continue playing the cricket we started playing.”
After scores of 22 and 0 in his first game in charge, Singh answered his critics in the most emphatic of fashions
The Everest Cricket Club once again demonstrated its authentic spirit of giving by donating an undisclosed sum to the Bless the Children’s Home.
The home located at Industry front is the dwelling place for 27 children, ages between 5-16 years old.
The cheque was handed out on Wednesday by club President, Stephen Lewis to director of the Home, Surujnauth Surujpaul during a simple ceremony held at the Club’s Pavilion.
Lewis prior to the handing over ceremony said that the club recognises the need to give back to the community and seeks to demonstrate
leadership in assisting the less fortunate at its corporate level.
“It is our hope that this donation will assist significantly in meeting the needs of the Bless the Children’s Home particularly at this time, the festive season,” Lewis said.
Lewis expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many donors and members of the club, since according to him; the gesture would not have been possible without their contributions.
Surujpaul thanked the club for the timely donation, and promised that the donation will definitely be use for its intended purpose.
with a match-winning hundred, noting that with captaincy comes additional responsibility.
“I’m not sure how much of an impact it [the captaincy] has [had on my batting]...but I do know that as a leader there is always extra responsibility and that brings out the best in you. And personally, every time I’ve had the captaincy recently, I’ve scored hundreds, so that’s something I had in mind,” the diminutive 25-year-old lefthander explained.
Closely behind the Guyana Jaguars on the points table is Jamaica on 50 points. They are followed by Barbados Pride (44), Windward Islands Volcanoes (26), Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (24) and Leeward Islands Hurricanes (10).
With focus now on the NAGICO Super50 tournament, Singh is hoping his boys can transform the magnificent form of the 4-day competition to the limited-over version.
“I think the team has a very good chance you know; we have some of the core players from last year available and hopefully a few good additions can take us pass the semi-final stage this year,” Singh, a middle-order batsman, reckoned.
The Guyana Jaguars’ first game in the NAGICO Super50 is against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on January 15 in Port-of-Spain.
Roach, surprisingly, was not given the new ball and by the time he came into the attack South Africa already had 44 on the board in nine overs. He brought menace and consistency to the attack, started to build up some pressure and was rewarded with Petersen’s edge with a delivery which straightened and went to first slip. The message was starting to reach the West Indies bowlers and Cottrell’s second spell began to offer a doublepronged threat as the runs dried up.
While Petersen received a decent delivery to end his stay, that could not be said for Elgar who helped a short, wide offering from Cottrell to gully - an awful waste for a batsman in conditions when a good ball is never far away. Cottrell, the former soldier, who used to stand guard at Sabina Park before turning his hand to fast bowling, gave a salute as Samuels held the chance.
West Indies were buoyed and a few moments later were ecstatic when Roach’s probing
the
the score on 57. It was an opening for West Indies but they were not good enough to force through it. Whether they get another opportunity, in this match or even the series, remains to be seen. (Cricinfo)
As turfites get ready for the highly anticipated excitement of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Boxing Day horse race meet slated for the club’s Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne headquarters next week Friday, the organisers are working assiduously to ensure that all the logistics are in place for an exciting and qualitative event.
Towards this end, the International Pharmaceutical Group of Companies, under its Clear water brand came on board with a lucrative sponsorship package on Wednesday at the companies Camp Street headquarters.
The Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Singh presented Honorary President of the Turf Club, Justice Cecil Kennard with the first prize
money ($150,000) and the winning trophy for the J3 event.
Singh noted the IPA had supported the development of the sport and more particularly, Justice Kennard’s events for the past 12 years.
He further noted that his company was heartened by the strides made by Kennard to the extent that he could not reasonably say no when he was approached for sponsorship. Furthermore, Singh admitted that he has seen immense improvement because of Justice Kennard’s input. “Horseracing is on the move and we could safely say that it is because of Justice Kennard’s efforts,” said the IPA boss.
Kennard thanked IPA and assured the company that there corporate intervention will go a long way to the success of the event.
He further pointed out sports is in need of such interventions and without them nothing could be accomplished.
“On behalf of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club I wish to express heartfelt gratitude for your assistance,” Kennard said.
Meanwhile, Kennard assured that Turfites would be entertained by horses of exceptionally high quality.
Eight races are billed for the day with the A1 and Lower race been the feature event. Registration closes on December 20, and no late entries will be accepted.
Horses can be entered through Roopnarine Matadial on 325-3192; Ivan Dipnarine on 331-0316; Cecil Kennard on 623-7609, 2254818 or 226-1399; Dennis DeRoop on 325-3301 or 6099143; and Fazil Habibula on 657-7010. (Rajiv Bisnauth)
Wales forward Gareth Bale scored as European champions Real Madrid eased into the Club World Cup final with their 21st successive win.
Defender Sergio Ramos headed in Toni Kroos’ cross for the opener, before striker Karim Benzema powered in.
The Mexican side missed a penalty just before half-time and Bale’s header punished them after the restart.
Isco smashed in the fourth to confirm Madrid’s
place against San Lorenzo or Auckland City in Saturday’s final.
Azul provided little resistance to a near fullstrength Madrid team which contained Ballon d’Or favourite Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale.
But Carlo Ancelotti’s men almost allowed Azul back into the tie shortly after the restart when Ramos brought down Mariano Pavone in the penalty area.
However, Madrid keeper Iker Casillas correctly decided to dive down to his
right to push clear Gerardo Torrado’s spot-kick.
Surprisingly, Ronaldo, who had scored 10 times in his previous eight matches, had few chances to net his 33th goal of a productive season.
But the Portugal skipper did create the secondhalf goals for Bale and Isco which confirmed Madrid’s place in the final.
Madrid will face either South American champions San Lorenzo or Oceania champions Auckland City, who meet in their semi-final on Wednesday. (BBC Sport)
After weeks of exciting rivalries and the emergence of new talents, the inaugural Petra Organisation’s Girls Under-11 Pee Wee competition will wrap up today with the grand final at the Education Ministry’s ground on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.
The title of champion is a straight battle between St Stephen’s and Stella Maris, who secured the two coveted spots in the final following sudden death penalty wins in the semifinals last Sunday at the same venue. The final will kick off at 16:15 hours.
Stella Maris had won 2-0 on the spot kicks against West Ruimveldt after both schools failed
to score, while in the other ‘final four’ match, St Stephen’s pipped favourites Enterprise in an exciting shootout that ended 10-9.
Today’s final is expected to attract widespread attention and a large crowd, given the success the tournament has been able to gain in its inaugural year. It is expected to be a close game, given the fact that both teams have a great bunch of players, who no doubt would be looking to take the early advantage.
Many a teams have rebounded from early deficits in the competition and emerged winners, and that is something both finalists would be wary of.
The competition has also produced several penalty shootouts, an indica -
tion of the competitive nature that exists among the schools.
The third place playoff, which will start at 15:30 hours, between West Ruimveldt and Enterprise should also be a humdinger as both schools would want to prove that their stumble at the semi-finals was just a case of having a bad day. Prior to that, F.E. Pollard and Tucville will open play at 14:00 hours in the 7-8 playoff, followed by a clash between North Georgetown and South Ruimveldt at 14:45 hours for positions 5 and 6.
The competition is a collaborative effort of the Petra Organisation, Health (Guyana) 2000, the Health Ministry and Ansa McAl Trading under its Smalta brand.
When a third wicket fell in 15 balls during the morning session, possibilities for the opening day at Centurion abounded but the final outcome involved two very common sights: Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers with hundreds to their name.
The pair came together on 57 for 3 following the loss of three wickets for no runs either side of drinks as West Indies briefly found their venom and they were not separated for the rest of the day. There was added significance in both hundreds, for Amla it was his first Test as captain on home soil and for de Villiers it marked 10 years to the day since he made his Test debut against England, at Port Elizabeth - a match that also marked the first appearance for Dale Steyn.
Their stand at the close was worth a fourth-wicket South Africa record 283 in 75 overs115 runs coming between lunch and tea - the run rate highlighting both the counter-attacking nature of the batting and also the number of scoring opportunities offered by the West Indies attack.
Only Kemar Roach ended in credit, his first spell have
been an exacting six overs worth 2 for 16, but there was the worrying sight of him hobbling off the field five balls into his 16th over with what appeared to be an ankle injury. With Roach off the ground, the day ended with the dispiriting sight of Sulieman Benn, Marlon Samuels and Kraigg Braithwaite going through overs of spin with the old ball.
De Villiers was first to the three figures, his 20th hundred in Tests, from 138 balls and Amla followed a short while later from 161 deliveries, his first century against West Indies which leaves only Zimbabwe for him to tick off. Both had a stroke of fortune; one a slice of outrageous luck and the other a sloppy mistake by West Indies in the field.
The first significant moment came shortly after lunch when Amla was on 25 and Roach beat the edge with another wicked legcutter, the ball clipped the off stump but the bails refused to fall to the ground. Later, there was a self-induced error when de Villiers was 63, Benn could not collect a throw at the stumps with the batsmen well short of his ground.
De Villiers struck two six-
By AvenAsh RAmzAn
Newly
facilitate the Christmas holidays and the NAGICO Super50 competition.
After four rounds, the Guyana Jaguars sit proudly on top the points table with 57 points, garnered from three convincing victories and one horrendous defeat.
es, advancing at Benn and Samuels, but neither batsman had to go out of their way to keep the scoring rate high with most overs offering a scoring opportunity. Still, the driving from both was, as ever, a joy to behold. Jerome Taylor - who was the biggest let down for West Indies - regularly offered up width, and Sheldon Cottrell managed just three maidens between them in 35 overs.
West Indies were playing their first international since the contracts dispute which led them to withdrawing from the India series in October and they did not seem in gear for a Test series. Play was delayed by half an hour due to early morning rain and the skies remained heavy as Denesh Ramdin and Amla emerged for the toss. It was no surprise when Ramdin was quick to insert South Africa. But the West Indies quicks did not get the memo regarding conditions and could not find a consistent line and length in the early exchanges: the first 10 overs brought nine boundaries, six to Alviro Petersen and three to Dean Elgar.
Excitement for CPL 2015 cranked up a notch today with the announcement that South African cricket hero, Jacques Kallis has been confirmed to join the draft list for next year’s tournament.
The news comes hot on the heels of last Friday’s announcement that the Caribbean Premier League is set to offer contracts to young cricketers from the Caribbean and ICC Americas region and will see these players rub shoulders with some of the game’s greatest players.
Each of the six CPL franchise coaches will no doubt be clamouring to secure Kallis at the official CPL 2015 draft, which is tentatively scheduled to take place in early 2015.
Speaking about joining the draft, Kallis, said; “I have really enjoyed playing in the Caribbean with The Proteas and am looking forward to hopefully returning for the CPL. It is an amazing place with amazing people and I am excited to see what team I will be playing for.
CPL has produced some
fantastic cricket and the fans really bring a special atmosphere so I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
CPL International Cricket Director, Tom Moody, said; “The addition of these cricketing greats to the roster for CPL 2015 is testament to the growing success of the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’ which has grown significantly since its inaugural year. And, with players of this calibre getting on board, CPL is offering young Caribbean cricketers a great opportunity to test their skills against some of the best of their generation.”
Jacques Henry Kallis is regarded as one of the greatest of the game’s all-rounders having scored more than 11,000 runs and taken 250 wickets in both oneday and Test match cricket as of 2013. In 2008, he was named Leading Cricketer in the World in the 2008 Wisden for his performances in 2007 in addition to being the “ICC Test Player of the Year” and ICC Player of the Year in 2005. He has been described by Kevin Pietersen and Daryll Cullinan as the greatest cricketer to play the game.
(CPL