Guyana Times Daily - March 19, 2015

The Crum-Ewing cortege moving along Camp Street on their way to the Heavenly Light Church in Albouystown, Georgetown (Marceano Narine photo)

thursday, march 19, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Crum-Ewing execution...

CCTV feed gives Police new leads in probe

As the body of 41-yearold Courtney CrumEwing was laid to rest on Wednesday at the La Repentir Cemetery, Police were diligently trying to identify the person (s) responsible for his death and were working on several new leads at their disposal.

According to a source close to the investigation, the Police have several pieces of information gathered from surveillance footage taken from houses in close proximity to where the incident took place. The senior Police rank stated that the matter was a sensitive one and would be dealt with extreme caution; hence, he could not reveal aspects of the leads they were following. He also confirmed that the two men who were arrested on Friday evening were subsequently released due to the expiration of the 72-hour detention period.

They were, however, instructed to report to the investigators on a regular basis. A Toyota Spacio bearing registration number PPP 723 belonging to one of the men remains impounded. The father of three was gunned down execution style while urging residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme

to go out and cast their ballots on May 11. An autopsy report indicated that CrumEwing was shot five times –three times to the head, once to the back of the neck and once under an arm. All the bullets were fired from behind and at close range except the one that hit under his arm and exited his shoulder.

The family, according to their Attorney, Nigel Hughes, have requested an independent ballistic expert examine the war heads extracted from the man’s head. In addition, Hughes highlighted that photographs

were taken during the autopsy and were sent to an overseas pathologist for further analysis.

The killing was condemned by President Donald Ramotar who called upon the Guyana Police Force to ensure that no stone was left unturned in finding the “killers” and if possible the “intellectual authors” of the execution of Crum-Ewing.

He added that the country was in elections mode and citizens must be allowed the right to engage in campaign activities, stating that at no time, should any citizen be persecuted for endorsing a party or for participating in any campaign activity.

Crum-Ewing rose to popularity after he held a one-man protest against Attorney General Anil Nandlall following the revelation of a phone conversation between the public official and Kaieteur News reporter Leonard Gildarie, which was illegally taped by Kaieteur News owner Glenn Lall. Over the past week, Crum-Ewing has not only been made into a martyr, but a “political” martyr by the entire Opposition, their allies in the media and several civil society groups.

“Murpy” wanted for murder of Golden Grove man

Police on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for Rolston Morrison, also called “Murpy”, for the murder of 28-year-old Dwayne Kennedy, who was gunned down on Friday evening at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The last known addresses of the murder suspect are Lot 40 Nabaclis Public Road, ECD; Lot 750 Providence, East Bank Demerara, and Lot 44 Public Road, Agricola, Greater Georgetown. Morrison also previously lived in Victoria, ECD.

Morrison is also reportedly wanted for several

armed robberies in the interior and on the East Coast of Demerara.

Kennedy, 28, of Lot 40 Nabaclis, succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was shot a short distance from his home. From reports received, Kennedy was with a few friends when the suspect approached him and an argument ensued.

During the argument, Morrison reportedly whipped out a handgun (reportedly a 9mm pistol) and discharged three rounds at the man who subsequently fell to the ground.

He was shot to his head, neck and abdomen and took his last breath at approximately 05:00h on Saturday despite desperate attempts by doctors to save his life. One bullet was reportedly lodged in his brain and it might have been the fatal shot.

Several spent shells were retrieved from the scene at Golden Grove Market Square. They are being analysed.

A post-mortem performed on the remains of Kennedy proved that he died as a result of multiple wounds. Cheryl Berkshire, the mother of the dead man,

told the Guyana Times that based on the autopsy report, her son was shot five times – once to the head, side, shoulder, throat and abdomen.

As a result, she added, several organs were damaged. She also stated that while the suspect has not been sighted, she has been made aware that he has been in contact with his mother who lives a stone throw’s away from her house. Meanwhile, anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Rolston Morrison, called “Murpy” is asked to contact the Police on phone numbers 229-2700 to 3, 229-2557, 225-6411, 226-9941, 911 or at the nearest Police station.

Wanted: Rolston Morrison

Slain: Dwayne Kennedy

Courtney Crum-Ewing

thursday, March 19, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, March 19 – 14:30h-16:00h and Friday, March 20 – 05:00h-06:30h

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

Thursday, March 19 – 15:45h-17:15h and Friday, March 20 – 16:35h-18:05h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Ferries will be departing the Parika and Supenaam stellings on: Thursday, March 19 – 05:00h, 13:00h and 17:00h Friday, March 20 – 06:00h and 16:00h

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning to mid afternoon, with light rain showers expected in the late afternoon. Heavy rain conditions can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.91 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 03:46h and 16:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.78 metres and 2.86 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:40h and 22:02h reaching minimum heights of 0.40 metre and 0.34 metre respectively.

Govt nails Granger’s non-consultation claims … says

evidence of correspondence

Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon was adamant that meaningful consultations were held with Opposition Leader David Granger as it relates to the recent confirmation of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

Following Persaud’s swearing-in last week, Granger had stated that he would not be accepting or recognising Persaud as the substantive Police Commissioner since he was not “meaningly consulted” on his appointment in accordance with Article 211 under the Constitution of Guyana.

The Opposition Leader said that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) would be taking legal action to challenge Persaud’s confirmation. However, no such action has yet been filed. Granger told the Guyana Times on Tuesday that the coalition’s team of Attorneys is currently working on the documents before starting legal proceedings.

Dr Luncheon told media operatives at the post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday that Granger’s claim that he was never consulted was at odds with the reality of what took place. He opined that the only reason the Opposition Leader could have made such remarks was because of a judgement he has about what constitutes “consultation”. “Meaningful consultation” does not mean that the President has to accept the recommendation or opinion of the Opposition leader, simply that the latter be solicited and taken into consideration.

According to the HPS, there is evidence of Granger replying to corre-

spondence from the Office of the President that specifically addresses the issue of appointment and confirmation of Persaud. He added that they had even worked out a plan with Granger, as it related to how they would go ahead with the consultations. Dr Luncheon went on to explain that the behaviour of the Opposition Leader was strange given the fact that when Persaud was appointed acting Police Commissioner last year, he was pushing for him to be confirmed substantively in the position. The HPS noted that the

politician had also pushed for the substantive appointment of former Police Commissioner Leroy Brummel when he was appointed as acting Police Chief. However, President Donald Ramotar on both occasions, Dr Luncheon

said, had stated that he did not know either man and wanted to observe their performance over a period of time before confirming them.

“It is ironic that when the President approached him (Granger) and say I’m ready to do the substantive appointment (for Persaud), we couldn’t find David and he unveiled a series of his disquiet, his reluctance and ultimately, what he said, he couldn’t agree to poor Seelall being appointed substantively as the Commissioner,” Dr Luncheon outlined.

Difference of opinion

The Cabinet Secretary added that the Office of the President had to go through a particular person in order to get the Opposition Leader not only for consultations on this matter but several others and that person can attest to this.

“I know that President Ramotar been chasing behind David Granger morning, noon and night. He ain’t no easy cat to get in touch with, I can tell you. And if it hadn’t been for intermediaries, I think that he would have been the “unfindable,” the Cabinet Secretary declared. Dr Luncheon stated that if despite having gone through all of this with Government, Granger was still saying he was not consulted, it could mean he was trying to say that he did not like the result of the consultations.

available

Meanwhile, asked by this newspaper if he believed that Persaud was suitably qualified for the role of Police Commissioner as well as to comment on his performance over the past year, the Opposition Leader pointed out that he would do neither, since he was never provided with any information about the officer’s credentials. Granger went on to say that he was only concerned about the reason behind the promotion of two particular subordinate officers who were accused of torture. The Opposition Leader stated that he wrote Persaud enquiring about the grounds upon which the two officers were advanced to higher rank; however, the response provided by the then acting Police Commissioner was not satisfactory.

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon

Opposition Leader David Granger

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Man of the people

Almost exactly three years ago, this newspaper ran the following Editorial when Donald Ramotar, then the General Secretary of the PPP/C was chosen by his party to lead them into the November 2011 elections. We believe it needs repitition:

“Ramotar is no newcomer to the Guyanese political scene. Joining the PPP in 1967 at the age of 17 and then employed at the party’s commercial venture GIMPEX in Georgetown, he would have been in the thick of politics by the 1968 elections.

“To be appointed manager of Freedom House by 1975 at the age of 25 meant that he had earned the confidence of Dr Cheddi Jagan and the other senior leaders, over most of his peers, two of whom are bitterly resentful of him today. He was in the eye of the storm during the fateful 1973 elections.

“In 1977, when a wide swath of the party crossed the floor and joined the PNC, Ramotar remained with the PPP and in fact in 1979, was elected to the party’s Central Committee and then to the Executive Committee in 1983. These were tumultuous times in the history of the country and treacherous years for the PPP. A time of bannings; a time of jailings; and a time of protests. A time for moulding young leaders.

“In the PPP’s internal programme of leadership development, Ramotar was then given exposure to the international scene. Not as a student buried in classrooms and books but as a member of the Editorial Council of the magazine “Problems of Peace and Socialism” in the eastern bloc for five years to 1988.

“He understands how the international order functions. That hard-earned perspective was harnessed to the local cause when he served as the International Secretary of GAWU between 1988 and 1993.

“It was during this period when the struggle for free and fair elections was intensified and eventually won that Ramotar’s internationalist outlook proved invaluable, as was his groundings with the sugar workers.

“Once the party prevailed in 1992 and returned to Government, Ramotar was appointed as Executive Secretary of the PPP/C. It is vital to understand the thinking behind this move by Dr Cheddi Jagan and the later one by his successors in 1997, when Ramotar was made General Secretary of the party.

“In the world-view of Dr Jagan, the party, its work and its relationship with the people – the responsibility of Ramotar – were as important as the party’s overseeing governance of the state. The success in the latter was impossible without the solidification of the former. “Ramotar’s parliamentary experience is emblematic and offers some possible insight into his style and substance, not only in the upcoming hustings, but in his Presidency if, as widely predicted, the PPP/C wins the next elections. His presentations have always been cogent but never doctrinaire: laced with facts that betray his training in economics, but grounded in the concerns of the average Guyanese for whom he has struggled for so long.

“However, it has been his good-natured banter with the Opposition that suggests while he can be a formidable political opponent, the level of vitriol might be lowered so as to encourage better relations across the benches. As a member of the key Economic Relations Committee in the reformed Parliament, he would bring a unique perspective based on experience, in working with the opposition for the development of Guyana. (Sadly he was rebuffed by Granger and Ramjattan.)

“The success of the PPP/C under the Jagdeo regime in stabilising the economy and bringing it to the cusp of exponential growth needs a particular style of leadership at this moment: one that can inspire all Guyanese to put their shoulders to the wheel and move ahead.

“Ramotar’s humble beginning from the Essequibo River, out of a family that combines all the peoples of this land, can stimulate that unity of purpose not through fancy rhetoric but through who he is. A man of the people."

Saving Vanuatu’s books

Granger holds himself out as Presidential material

Dear Editor,

So Presidential candidate David Granger plans to go to Court to nullify the appointment of Seelall Persaud as Police Commissioner. Good for him.

The appointment is unconstitutional, he claims, because he was not consulted as Leader of the Opposition

in terms of Article 211 of the Guyana Constitution.

According to Granger himself, he was invited by President Donald Ramotar to the consultation, but he declined on the ground that he wanted Persaud to address his role in the recent promotion of two Policemen.

Granger holds himself

out as Presidential material which expects, nay, demands a modicum of reasoning. Was it not appropriate that he discuss his concern at the consultation with the President? How is he going to get Persaud to respond.

When the House of Assembly was dissolved by the President on the urging of the Opposition, all members of the House, with the exception of the Ministers, ceased to function as such. So there is no letter of the Opposition. But despite this, the President still invited Granger to discussion.

Kuar Paul Singh

To the people of the United States: Venezuela not a threat

Dear Editor,

We are the people of Simon Bolivar, our people believe in peace and respect for all nations. More than two centuries ago, our fathers founded a Republic on the basis that all persons are free and equal under the law.

Our nation made the greatest sacrifices to guarantee South American people their right to choose their rulers and to enforce their own laws today. The historical legacy of our father, Simon Bolivar, is always remembered. Bolivar was a man who gave his life so we would inherit a nation of justice and equality.

We believe in peace, national sovereignty and international law. We are a peaceful people. In two centuries of independence, we have never attacked another nation. Our people live in a region of peace, free of weapons of mass destruction, and in freedom to practice all religions. We uphold respect for international law and the sovereignty of all people of the world.

We are an open society. We are a working people, we care for our families, and we have freedom of religion.

Immigrants from around the world, live among us, whose diversity is respected. We have freedom of press and we are enthusiastic users of social media.

We are friends of the American people. The histories of our people have been connected since the beginning of our struggles for freedom. Francisco de Miranda, a Venezuelan hero, met George Washington and Thomas Jefferson during the first few years of the United States as an independent nation.

They discussed about ideals such as liberty and justice, which where fundamental concepts in our struggle for Independence. We share the idea that freedom and independence are fundamental elements for the development of our nations.

The relations between our peoples have always been peaceful and respectful. Historically, we have shared business relations in strategic areas. Venezuela has always been a responsible and trustful energy provider for the American people.

Since 2005, Venezuela has provided "heating oil" through subsidies for low-

income communities in the United States, thanks to our company CITGO. This contribution has helped tens of thousands of American citizens survive in harsh conditions, giving them relief, and necessary support in times of need, evidencing how solidarity can create powerful alliances across borders.

Incredibly, the US Government has declared our country a threat to its national security and foreign policy. In a disproportionate action, the Government of Obama has issued a "National Emergency" declaring Venezuela as a threat to its national security.

This unilateral and aggressive measure taken by the US Government against our country is not only unfounded and in violation of basic principles of sovereignty and self-determination under international law, but also has been unanimously rejected by all 33 nations of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the 12 member states of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

In a statement made on March 14, UNASUR reit-

erated its firm rejection of these coercive measures that do not contribute to the peace, stability and democracy in our region and called on President Obama to revoke his Executive Order against Venezuela. We reject unilateralism and interventionism. President Obama, without any authority to interfere in our internal affairs, unilaterally issued a set of sanctions against Venezuelan officials with potentially far-reaching implications, interfering in our constitutional order and our justice system. We advocate for a multipolar world. We believe that our world must be based on the rules of international law, without interference in the internal affairs of other countries.

We are convinced that the relationship of respect between all the nations is the only path for strengthening peace and coexistence, as well as for assuring a more just world.

We honour our freedoms and uphold our rights. Never before in the history of our nations, has a President of the United States attempted to govern Venezuelans by decree.

Paul Alexander Hatyay (centre), the headmaster, and teachers of Central School lay out books to dry in the sun after the roof of the school’s library was blown away by Cyclone Pam in Port Vila, the capital city of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, March 18 (Reuters/ Edgar Su)

A sense of pride and boldness

Dear Editor,

There is an intangible success of this country and it is most observed in the young people of Guyana and it is the level of pride and creativity that illuminates from the youths of Guyana today.

It is undeniable that it is part of the long term vision and strategy of the PPP/C. This was a vision that Dr Jagan saw and made sure he set the tone for it to be realized. Today we see this being maintained by the current leaders of the PPP/C.

My own experience and observation tells a story of a Guyana that has made great strides in empowering young people to be more creative, confident and risk takers with pride in their homeland.

This is a result of the government’s long term investment to make our future secure in the hearts and minds of youths.

For many decades, we were a passive and risk adverse group of people that always seems to look at other cultures and countries as better than us.

When we see a foreigner, we would spread red carpet for them and ignore ourselves. Now we still spread the carpet, but out of pride in ourselves, our country and our accomplishments.

This new way of doing things and thinking did not fall upon us by accident; it was cultivated and factored into a strategy of a sense of respect for ourselves and our ability to be recognized in the world as a progressive and industrious country that have something to add to the world scene.

This realization that we see today is a product of visionaries driving a country forward by way of the PPP/C starting with the leadership of Minister Ramsammy on global Health and Bharat Jagdeo on the environment.

A kind of progress that the Opposition can only look upon with envy, greed and nothing but a desire to destroy it and in the process implode the country under their limited vision and don’t ask me how I know, because then I will be forced to tell you about their track record in the past.

Did anyone stop to ask why the Opposition did not change their leadership from those old guards to younger leaders? The only answer is greed for power and a brilliant skill to fool young people.

The PPP/C has already proven to this country that we put young people first, that is why we had the youngest President in the

western hemisphere, whose work has set the stage for this country to lift off.

It is because of these things that we young people walk with our heads high; our foreign friends are now equals and partners in business and social activities. We are respected worldwide, it is why I can travel the world and proudly say I am from Guyana and when ask to demonstrate our talent it is received with admiration and respect.

When you look at Guyana today, even the blind would see that sense of creativity and pride in the people, the same sense of pride that sets Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados on the international stage. Some indicators of a country on the rise as seen by the average person:

1. Exxon mobile and other oil companies are heading to our shores to do business with competent Guyanese leaders that they have respect and confidence in.

2. There are more cars than roads can be built for them, mainly own by young people.

3. More entertainment events are being held every year and attendance is higher than ever, where everyone is having fun.

4. Tens of thousands of

To the people of the United ...

from page 4

USA visas given and 96% returning to Guyana, we are simply visiting to shop.

5. Caribbean Airlines now comes to Guyana first before going to Trinidad. I don’t know about you but I am happy to see this and would normally walk out the plane with a bright smile on my face.

6. More Guyanese own credit cards and access to online shopping, there is nothing that cannot be available in Guyana.

7. Articles are now being published naming Guyana as new “Tiger Economy” of the Caribbean.

7. Homes are being built bigger and rival that of the best places on earth.

Sometimes, World Bank indicators and economists’ projections are not the only thing we should use to measure our success, but we must have the ability to see the bigger picture by looking at the little and simple things that exist around us.

I see Guyana as a happier and fun place to be. We have more options to be productive and make a living. I say to young people, that we now have the opportunity to realize our dreams, so let’s continue to dream big and move forward with the PPP/C.

Malcolm Watkins

Narcotics

Dear Editors, Two criminal matters reported on March 17 (“Man [age 21] gets three years for 16 grammes of cannabis and “Youth [age 22] gets second chance after armed robbery”, highlights the different approaches taken by two seasoned magistrates with respect to sentencing.

In the first matter (cannabis), a 21-year-old pleads guilty to being in possession of 16 grams of cannabis. Under Section 5(2) (e) of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substance Act (1988), where a person is found in possession of 15 grammes “cannabis or cannabis resin”, he is deemed to be in possession for the purpose of trafficking. If he is found with 14.9 grams he would be charged for being only in possession.

If the defendant wishes to plead that he was in possession, he would be convicted for being in possession for the purpose of trafficking, as the threshold of 15 grammes was passed by a single gram. The jeopardy therefore is that once a person pleads guilty, Section 5 (1) of the Act kicks in and a magistrate then fines and sentences to imprisonment, for not less than three years. But is this a correct interpretation and application of the Act.

I honestly believe that this approach reduces the magistrates to being mere robots, programmed to sentence without paying any due consideration to sentencing policies that would look at each matter on an individual or case by case basis.

training to become hardened criminals in in prison.

3. That the over-crowded Georgetown Prison is one of the most dehumanizing places in the Caribbean.

4. The application of sentencing principle has nothing to do with soft heartedness, mercy, forgiveness or anything of the sort it is merely the expressing of a wrong sentence policy, which acknowledges that it is not always in the public interest to lock up offenders indiscriminately (even if they deserve it) but rather to make good citizens of them.

5. In the case of young offenders the mindset of the sentencing judge or magistrate must therefore be focused not on sending them to jail, but instead to keep them out of it and finding a non-custodial sentence approach may result in the offenders mending their ways, unless of course the crime and the circumstances surrounding it are so serious that the interest of deterrence clearly out lays the initial approach.

It is a tyrannical and imperial order and it pushes us back into the darkest days of the relationship between the US and Latin America and the Caribbean.

In the name of our longterm friendship we alert our American brothers and sisters, lovers of justice and freedom, of the illegal aggression committed by your Government on your behalf.

1. The US Government immediately cease hostile actions against Venezuelan people and democracy.

2. President Obama abolish the Executive Order that declares Venezuela a threat to US national security, as it has been requested by UNASUR.

3. The US Government retract its libelous and defamatory statements and

We will not allow our friendship with the people of the United States to be affected by this senseless and groundless decision by President Obama. We demand that:

actions against the honorable Venezuelan officials who have just obeyed our laws and our constitution.

Our sovereignty is sacred. The principles of the founding fathers of the US of America are followed today with the same dignity by the people of Simon Bolivar.

In the name of our mutual love for national independence we want the government of President Obama to think about and rectify this dangerous precedent.

We are convinced that the defense of our freedom is a right we shall never give up because the future of the humanity lies also in our country. As Simon Bolivar said, "The freedom of the new world is the hope of the universe. Venezuela is not a threat, but a hope. Independence or nothing."

Nicolas

Maduro Moros President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Shellon Peters vs Leona Ram matter

Dear Editor, Cognisant of a Letter to the Editor that was purportedly written by one Shellon Peters and published in the Guyana Times on March 16, under the headline, “Sergeant shielding wife, son from prosecution”, the Guyana

Police Force is clarifying the issue referred to.

The Police conducted impartial investigations into the matter, after which legal advice was sought. As a result, Peters has been charged with assault (committed on Leona Ram); and

Ram was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm (committed on Peters). They appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate court on March 17, before Magistrate Sunil Scarce, where they both pleaded “not guilty”.

They were placed on cash bail and are to return to court on April 3, for the continuation of the matters.

Ivelaw

Whittaker PolicePublic Relations and Press Officer

This observation has been made time and time again and most recently in a Caribbean Court of Justice decision, Paul Lashley & John Campayne v Winston Singh [2014] CCJ 11 (AJ).

1. It is a well-known principle that young offenders, as far as possible, to be kept out of prison.

2. Young offenders should at start not be given a long custodial sentence, lest they should receive a thorough and professional

6. The starting point in the case of the young offenders without previous conviction must always be to find a correctional approach without incarcerating them. In addition to these general principles, the magistrate is duty bound to weigh all evidence presented by a convicted defendant in determining a sentence, including such factors as being the main income earner of the family, previous history, a probation report and factors, such as whether or not any proof has been established to show that the possessor of the narcotics intended to traffic it, by taking steps to do so, such as soliciting sales or being caught redhanded in a transaction. Moreover, it is now a proven fact, as recently admitted by the Surgeon General of the US, Vivek Murti, that for certain conditions and symptoms marijuana (cannabis) can be helpful.

Turn To page 18

Page Foundation

Page Foundation

― long hours put the squeeze on workers and their families

(Continued from Wednesday)

By MiriaM SchulMan

Problem spillover

Whatever the motivation for overwork, eventually, Shefrin cautions, “something does give. It’s not like people will get more efficient if we keep piling jobs on them. [The overextension] shows up in different places: It might show up in teaching or level of scholarship or the quality of the other service they do.”

Alexander Trotman, Chair of Ford Motor Co, has the same worry. Though Ford workers do significant overtime, Trotman told Time magazine, “You don’t get real productivity by simply ramping up the line speed... In the beginning, everyone enjoys the extra pay; but we all get tired, pressures build up, people get edgy, and tensions break out.”

These tensions affect more than the individual worker and the work environment. They also come home. A 1992 study by the Families and Work Institute found that job-to-home problem spillover was three times as troubling to respondents as home-to-job problem spillover. “It appears that family members and friends must endure the stresses and problems that arise from work as well as from personal/family life,”

the institute report concluded.

Dennis Moberg, SCU Professor of management, relates the phenomenon to the Soccer Mom, made famous in the last election. “I see the Soccer Mom as someone who is totally harried, someone who is having a difficult time keeping all the balls in the air at the same time. She may be holding down a part-time job, volunteering at school, getting the children off to practice and day care. Then, on top of that, she is trying to compensate for an overworked spouse. She’s sort of the residual in the equation; she has to pick up the messes of others who are working too hard.”

If the Soccer Moms are stressed, imagine the strain on mothers who work fulltime. For these women, the disappearance of free time can be especially acute because mothers usually are responsible for the lion’s share of the work at home. Schor calculates men are doing more domestic chores than they used to – up 68 hours a year since 1969 –but their total 689 hours still hardly compare to the average 1123 hours put in by women.

The result is often a family gasping for breath.

Manuel Velasquez, Dirksen Professor of Business Ethics

at SCU, puts it simply: “A major pressure is that now, in order to support a family, both parents have to work.”

Job stress equals family stress

Parents’ long hours at work have been blamed for family breakdown and its attendant ills. Gordon argues that, while America’s social problems have been laid at the feet of lazy workers, ungrateful immigrants, and welfare chiselers, falling wages and other employment issues such as overwork play a more important role.

Though he is writing about the general nature of employment, Gordon’s comments may also apply to the more specific issue of overwork: “In seeking to understand the stresses and strains on Americans’ lives and communities, rather than spending so much time blaming deviants or moral pestilents, we should focus much more clearly on the character of employment in the United States.”

Tibor Scitovsky, Professor Emeritus of economics at Stanford University, believes we can cure many social evils by addressing overwork. Besides solving the unemployment problem (people without jobs would be hired to work the extra hours), Scitovsky believes that shortening the

workweek would shore up the family. In an article for the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions, he writes:

“More time away from

would fall, thereby improving school performance and stemming the school dropout rate that makes so many of our youth today turn to drugs and crime because

work would help make family ties stronger, reduce divorce rates, and increase quality parenting. The number of latchkey children

they are unemployable.

Even if Scitovsky is stretching a point, few people would argue that more leisure would be bad for families.”

Reining in the excess Velasquez thinks many companies are beginning to address overwork, not because they are public-spirited but because it makes sound business sense to do so. “A lot of forward-thinking companies recognise the problem,” he says. “In an effort to get the highest quality labour force, they make sure that company policies are designed to lay as little stress as possible on families. Such practices can be a recruiting tool.”

Some companies, for example, rotate overtime so no worker gets stuck continually with extra hours. Others may try to integrate the family into the business, by providing services such as on-site child care.

Susan Seaburg, Americas field development manager for Hewlett-Packard, says her company has made work-life balance a major priority, reviewed quarterly in the same manner as other business objectives.

Organisations like HP have moved toward greater scheduling flexibility to relieve some of the pressures of long hours. “My own workday doesn’t look anything like it did three years ago,” Seaburg says. While she used to show up at the office at 08:00h or 08:30h. and stay at her desk eight to 10 hours, she now drops her daughter off at school and goes home, where she handles her voice mail – a task that can take as long as two hours.

Seaburg acknowledges that being able to take her job home can be a double-edged sword: “The good news is that now you can work anywhere, and the bad news is that now you can work anywhere,” is the way she puts it. But she finds the greater flexibility has made her job less stressful.

Another HP effort has been to reduce company encroachment on weekend time. For example, the company used to schedule regional meetings for 08:00h. Monday. “It virtually required you to travel on Sunday,” Seaburg remembers. And if an employee complained, he or she was “viewed as not being a team player.”

Now, major regional meetings usually start at 16:00h. Monday, and those who still have to travel during the weekend are encouraged to take comp time for the hours they spend away from their families. (www.scu.edu)

Granger still eyes privatising sugar industry

…but APNU+AFC still to take common position

By Svetlana MarShall

The future of Guyana’s sugar industry is still to be comprehensively discussed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) as a coalition, but for the former privatisation remains a leading option. Even though the two parties are entering the elections as a “coalition”, Granger announced on Tuesday that they have not yet coordinated their positions on policies to develop the country, just on what positions their leaders would occupy if they were to win the elections.

Approached by the Guyana Times on the topic at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Business Luncheon which he addressed, the APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate admitted that the coalition, which materialised through the Cummingsburg Accord on February 14, has not formalised a single plan that would effectively move the sugar industry forward. To date, the APNU and AFC continue to pro-

mote their individual plans for the ailing sugar industry. Speaking on behalf of APNU, Granger said, however, the Partnership has long called for a “turnaround plan” which will include the reconstitution of the board of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

In the absence of such a plan, Granger said the industry was plagued by a dwindling labour force, in addition to a series of managerial problems that contin-

ue to stifle its growth. “We are not going to dissolve the sugar industry; we want the turnaround plan, we want to sit down with GuySuCo and turn the industry around; it is too big to fail,” Granger told this newspaper.

However, he said the Partnership “would not want to be pumping billions of dollars” into it; hence, the need for privatisation. “There will be a gradual transference of more agricultural or field production to private hands, but for the time being, we see that the factory operations will continue to be centralised, but it is our view that more of the production should be in private hands.”

It is clear that Granger’s position has not changed since the 2011 Elections. Back then, Granger, in the capacity of Presidential Candidate of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), said he would have privatised the sugar industry if elected president of Guyana. “I would like to get out of state-owned media, state-owned petroleum distribution, state-owned sugar. I don’t think this is the

26-year-old remanded for murder of Bourda Market vendor

Romel Sanichar, age 26, of Whim Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) was remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court charged with the capital offence of murder. He was charged for the murder of Karamchan Jagessar, also known as “Gano”.

Sanichar also called “Junior”, a cattle farmer and owner of a trucking service was not required to plea in the indictable charge and was remanded until his next court appearance on April 13. The particulars of the case as read by Magistrate Artiga stated that it is alleged that on Monday, March 16, at around 01:10h, Sanichar stabbed Karamchan Jagessar to death at a bar in Port Mourant, Corentyne. According to reports, the deceased who was a grocery vendor at Bourda Market came to Berbice for the horse race meet at the Kennard’s Memorial Club at Bush Lot Village, Corentyne and later visited the bar in Port Mourant to have a few

drinks with friends. It is alleged that he got involved in a heated argument with the accused and was stabbed to death. The murder weapon was recovered by Police the night of the incident and the accused was arrested.

Meanwhile, the postmortem examination conducted on Jagessar by local Pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Brigemohan at the Port Mourant Hospital on Wednesday morning revealed that he died as a result of shock and hemorrhage due to multiple incise wounds. The wounds caused damage to his liver, lungs, heart and other internal organs.

The matter has been transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court where Sanichar will make his second court appearance on the April 16.

UGSS to host presidential debate

The University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) is in the process of planning another debate for presidential candidates of major political parties who will be contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections slated for May 11.

UGSS President Joshua Griffith said the debate is being formalised, noting

that the “structure” is being drafted.

However, Griffith is optimistic that this debate will be successful in facilitating constructive discussion between the presidential candidates on the future of Guyana. The debate is expected to be held in midApril.

In the lead up to the last General and Regional

Elections in 2011, UGSS had hosted a similar debate.

The objective of that exercise was to provide a forum for discussion and interaction between students and representatives of political parties. Additionally, it allowed political parties the opportunity to present issues of national development as outlined in their manifestos.

concern of the state… I don’t think there is any place for state ownership of those things anymore; certainly not under David Granger,” he had said, while addressing the first business luncheon organised by the GMSA for Presidential Candidates in 2011.

“More harm than good”

However, Granger’s position was met with stern objection from the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) which contended at the time that privatisation would do more harm than good.

National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) General Secretary Kenneth Joseph had told the Guyana Times that privatisation was a failed experiment in many Caribbean countries. “If any political party feels that it could encourage workers to vote by saying this, it is failing from the beginning. I don’t think any sugar worker would want to support that,” Joseph had argued at the time.

The AFC, on the other hand, has indicated that under its watch, the sugar industry would never face closure. However, the party acknowledged that there was a need for transfor-

mation to ensure the survival and sustainability of the industry; as a result, the Alliance stressed that there should be a complete sacking and replacement of the Board of Directors.

According to the AFC, the current board is incompetent.

The AFC has not responded to APNU’s plans to privatise the industry.

Speaking on the industry, AFC Executive Member Moses Nagamootoo, now Prime Ministerial Candidate of the new coalition, laid the blame for its woes squarely at the feet of the Government, noting that the productivity of the industry has been reduced due to “mismanagement, cronyism and downright disregard for the livelihoods of sugar workers”.

It was first reported by an online news site that the AFC had joined APNU in calling for the closure of the sugar industry. Though GuySuCo has been operating at a loss, the Government has maintained that the records would show that it has invested billions of dollars into the sugar industry. According to the Government, mechanisms under the 2013-2017 Strategic Plan are in place to reduce the cost of production to US$0.26 per pound,

thereby raising its profit margin.

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

In keeping with the 2013-2017 Strategic Plan, GuySuCo is accelerating its Mechanisation Programme to cushion the impact of a dwindling labour force. Gradually, sugar workers are downing their tools as they seek to capitalise on emerging commercial activities that are transforming Guyana’s economical landscape. Back in September 1995, GuySuCo’s labour force stood at 24,000, but today it has dropped to 16,000. The worrying situation in the labour market has left GuySuCo no other choice than to find alternative means of producing sugar more efficiently. The Corporation has already moved to mechanise more than 30 per cent of the 48,000 hectares of fields. In addition to mechanisation, the corporation has been working closely with private farmers, with more than 1000 hectares of land leased to them.

APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate David Granger

The accused, Romel Sanichar

thursday, march 19, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Wash bay attendant on $100,000 bail for stabbing

AWash bay attendant was granted $100,000 bail on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for charges of maliciously wounding.

The defendant, Sean Meyers, age 23, is alleged to have stabbed the Virtual Complainant (VC) Dexter Mentore on January 20 at

Tabatinga Drive in Central Rupununi. The charges read that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded the VC with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or cause him grievous bodily harm.

However, the defendant told the court that he is not guilty. He said he works at a Wash bay in Takatu and lives in 6 Tabatinga, Lethem. However, when he is out of the interior, he lives at 3002 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that no pending matters or past matters with the court were found by the Police for the defendant. He had no objections to bail being granted.

Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry placed the defendant on $100,000 bail. His case was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court for June 1.

Carifesta Avenue woman gets bail for stealing

ACarifesta Avenue resident, who is accused of stealing a quantity of items, was granted $50,000 bail on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. She said she awaits the trial eagerly for the chance to prove her innocence.

Arina Lalloo is accused of stealing a quantity of items valued $757,700 from a Boutique on Camp and Regent Streets on March 16. The boutique is owned by the Virtual Complainant (VC) Anarita Dojoy.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant elaborated

on the incident. He said that the defendant was employed as a Sales Clerk at the boutique and it was alleged that she stole the articles. She was arrested and admitted to stealing the items; some of which were recovered in her possession.

However, the defendant maintains that she is innocent of the charge and pleaded not guilty.

Her defence Attorney told the court that his client is looking forward for the commencement of the trial as it will be a welcomed opportunity for her to clear her name.

Anns Grove resident accused of break and enter

A29-year-old resident of Anns Grove, on the East Coast of Demerara, was released on $50,000 bail at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for attempted robbery.

Frank Thomas of 24 Anns Grove pleaded not guilty to breaking and entering the Virtual Complainant (VC), Simone Simon’s business place at Arangoy Landing in Bartica, Region Seven (Cayuni-Mazaruni) on March 14. It was reported that the defendant had broken into the business to steal.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. He said that he works as a Porkknocker in the interior. He said he was once before charged for stealing as someone had wrongfully accused him, like now, but he was acquitted.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant who will be prosecuting the case, con-

firmed this. He said the defendant was charged for a case of simple larceny three years ago but he was never convicted for the offence.

Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry placed Thomas on $50,000 bail. His case will be tried at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on March 26.

55-year-old to spend 6 months in prison for stealing rum

A55-year-old man was sentenced to six months in jail at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday for stealing a bottle of Eldorado Rum.

Derrick Persaud, who has no fixed place of abode, is alleged to have stolen a bottle of Eldorado Rum from Ashmin’s Trading, which is located on Hadfield Street, Georgetown on March 16.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. He told the court that he was very sorry about what happened. He explained that he was intoxicated at the time of

the robbery. Also, Persaud claimed that the Security Guard for Ashmin’s Trading had already given him a sound beating when he took the rum. He said the guard busted his head.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant told the court that the rum was recovered. He stated that the defendant had been convicted before for a similar charge and also cannabis sativa (marijuana) possession.

Presiding over the matter, Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry sentenced the accused to six months in jail.

Eyew tness Lie is truth...

...to Granger’s acolyte

Malcolm Harripaul’s an interesting character. An ex-army lieutenant who wasn’t promoted after 10 years in the Army, he was a fervid PPP/C member. Working on Dr Cheddi Jagan’s security detail, he was rewarded with heading the “fraud squad” in that hotbed of corruption - Customs - post 1992.

Lo and behold, by the beginning of the Millennium, he was out of a job and hopped over to Ravi Dev’s “Indianonly” ROAR. After that folly went belly-up, he switched to the PNC!!

Is this being schizoid or is this being schizoid??!! Harripaul claims that “the PPP/C had deliberately kept its supporters at the mental and psychological level of coolies”. So was he a coolie in his PPP/C years?

This Eyewitness wonders why Harripaul never spelled out the comparable “N” word in the years he’s been writing in the press. But then again “coolies” can be sh*t upon without any comment in this country, no?

Exposing the PPP/C’s “end game”, Harripaul moves on to another generalised accusation: “The genesis of racism started with Dr Cheddi Jagan in the mid 1940s.” Now you may think Harripaul’s saying Jagan started “racism” in Guyana by ensuring its supporters remain “coolies”. That’s dammed racist - keeping one set of folks doing menial labour because of their race. Classic!

But no! No! No! That’d be too simple for Harripaul. Jagan evidently created racism by rejecting the East Indian Association mobilisation on “race” (Indian) and formed the PPP which mobilised by “class” - which would include all races!! Yup!! That’s right! “Dr Jagan and his communist cadres” we’re real racists to reject a race-based organisation!! You can never trust those communists!

Anyhow back to Harripaul’s “logic”. “Racist” Jagan won the rural votes both in 1957 and and 1961. Mind you, the “rural vote” is both Indian and African Guyanese. But we learn that securing “rural” votes makes you “racist”.

Fast forward to 1964 and Harripaul reveals: “The racial violence of the 1960s helped the PPP to cement its hold on Indians as its vote bank which can only be accessed by racial fear mongering.”

That’s right! The PNC did nothing in the 1960s to be blamed for that “racial violence”...it was just that racist PPP and their “racial fear mongering” - which they kept “propagandising” for the next 50 years!

Seems Harripaul lost this “mental conditioning” of the “coolies” in the Army. There he and 35,000 other militarised “non-coolies” swore loyalty to Burnham, were “educated” by David Granger’s “education unit” not to be “racist” as they marched through Indian Guyanese villages and counted ballots at Ayanganna.

It’s not only to the pigs of Animal Farm the truth is lie and the lie is truth!

...to Nagamootoo

Now Nagamootoo was in the PPP/C much longer than Harripaul. Fifty years, we heard!! So if Harripaul’s claims are true, Nagamootoo has had 50 years of “mental conditioning” to become a coolie.

No wonder Granger rejected him when the AFC proposed him as Speaker in 2011!! Too coolie! Trotman didn’t suffer from that disability so he got the nod - even though Ramjattan couldn’t stand his guts!

Anyhow, this Eyewitness has to give Jack his jacket - or in the case of Brigadier Granger, his epaulets - for reminding Guyana that after months of “negotiations” and another month of “campaigning” - the APNU/AFC “coalition” is all a lie and a farce! All APNU and AFC were able to “agree” on was how to split a hypothetical result from the upcoming elections. Still no common programme!

You’d think they’d win the elections because of their programme, no? No! Nagamootoo will bring his 11 per cent Indians and Granger his 40 per cent Africans/Mixed and they win.

And this isn’t racist!!

...on medical treatment

Jagdeo paying for his medical treatment and not the State, isn’t enough. He should’ve refused treatment and croaked at age 50. Then he’d be a “true Jaganite”.

Frank Thomas

Sean Meyers pleaded not guilty to injuring Dexter Mentore

thursday, march 19, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt still awaiting official word from int’l observers

Government is still awaiting official word from international observer groups to participate in this year’s Regional and General Elections, Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon has said.

And while there has been no official response, he said the Ramotar Administration is hoping to have the observers be here from as early as Nomination Day on April 7, since according to the Cabinet Secretary, it is presumed that campaigns by political parties will be heightened.

Included in the list of invitees to participate in the elections are the Governments of India and South Africa, other bodies that are usually involved in elections here, including the United Nation (UN), the Caribbean Community (Caricom), the Organisation of American States (OAS), Commonwealth, The Union of South American Nations (UNISUR), the Carter Centre and the United

Kingdom branch of the Parliamentary Association. Dr Luncheon said so far, the results have been promising.

Luncheon said Government is seeking to have the bodies present in Guyana before and after the election. However, how soon before and how long after the observers will be present is a decision that has to be made by them.

“The recently concluded needs assessment by the UN team, the report is being awaited by Guyana’s Government. As customary Caricom, the OAS and the commonwealth are expected to feed observer missions for the May 11 Election”.

Election experts and long-term observers usually begin their work weeks before the actual Election Day, observing candidate registration, the legal framework, the media situation, the work of the election administration, and the campaign environment. On Election Day, short-

term observers monitor the opening of polling stations, the vote cast, and the counting and tabulation of results.

After the elections, observers remain in the country for another few weeks to monitor how effective election-related shortcomings and complaints are dealt with by the election admin-

istration and the judiciary.

Subsequent of his announcement of his intention to hold elections in 2015, President Ramotar had authorised the dispatch of letters of notification to the international community, particularly those involved in election observation, notifying them of elections in Guyana. Later, after the

proclamation of the dissolution of Parliament, the Head of State dispatched letters of invitation to the international community for them to participate in the election.

Asked if he was confident of the groups participating, Luncheon said there are indications that this may be so, and pointed to the recent needs assessment conducted by the UN, which he said is a proxy for their presence.

Meanwhile, responding to the likelihood of the Carter Centre participating, Lunchoen said all knots were loosened and there are indications that the human rights organisation will be participating. According to information, sometime back, former US President Jimmy Carter had said he wanted nothing to do with Guyana.

But according to Luncheon, “I hesitate to use that for any other purpose than to say their interest in participation in the observer has been the subject of an invitation that has been responded to. That gives some

insight about the nature of the relationship between the Carter Centre and the Guyana Government.” He informed that the Centre had even had a needs assessment mission recently concluded last Friday.

“The role they have played since 1990 in the return to democracy in 1992 has for all intents and purposes an abiding concern from them. I have not had any indication of any dissatisfaction by the carter centre along those lines”, Luncheon said.

The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has already commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on what it termed a “pro-democratic” move in welcoming international observers, noting that this was a step in the right direction towards free and fair elections. Guyana, will on May 11 head to the polls one year shy of its constitutionally due date for elections.

Claims of Govt’s abuse of state resources must be validated – Dr Luncheon

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon on Wednesday called for the substantiation of claims that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has been using State monies to fund its campaigns.

The Cabinet Secretary, at the Office of the President, said the party has always been accused of utilising taxpayers’ dollars to fund its political campaigns.

“In the 23 years that I have been here, I cannot recall a specific election where the PPP has not been accused of using State funds to conduct electoral activities. The PPP Administration has always insisted, where is the evidence and 2015 is no difference.” He said because there is no policy that allows for such practice, anyone with information about this should make it availa-

ble. The Cabinet Secretary told journalists that the use of public funds for partisan political interests dishonors the law and the Government will never take an anti-law stance. “Let us indeed substantiate these claims with specific instances. I will say one thing that the Administration’s position is that we do not support and there is no policy whatsoever for the PPP to

Nepalese being trafficked through Guyana – Rohee

The Government is of the opinion that Nepalese are being trafficked through Guyana.

In a release on Wednesday, the Home Affairs Ministry said that it is concerned about the large groups of Nepalese travelling to Guyana and their purpose for travelling.

“Based on these details regarding the conduct of a number of Nepalese nationals in Guyana and their travel patterns compared with the case involving Nepalese nationals in the High Court, the Home Affairs Ministry has concluded that these individuals were intended to be victims of Trafficking In Persons (TIP),” the Ministry stated.

Last November, a group of 12 Nepalese arrived in Guyana and were granted a short period of stay. Four of them were granted two weeks stay in the country while six were granted three weeks, and two of them were given one month stay. Initially, they reportedly stayed at the Aracari Resort, West Bank Demerara.

However, they subsequently left the country and illegally travelled to neighbouring Venezuela, where they were intercepted and

deported to Guyana, which was their last port-of-entry.

The 12 South Asian nationals were charged with illegal departure and placed before the courts here on December 8, 2014. Sitting Magistrate Ann McLennan had fined the 12 foreigners $30,000 or an alternative of two months imprisonment. She had also ordered that they be kept in custody pending deportation. Despite the fine being paid, they were still kept in custody at the Sparendaam and Vigilance lock-ups.

However, they were released in February after someone living in Guyana had approached the High Court to have them removed from custody. On February 6, the High Court overruled the decision made in the Magistrate’s Court to have the Nepalese nationals remain in the custody of the Police, stating that it was, inter alia, ‘unlawful’ and ‘devoid of natural justice principles.’

The Home Affairs Ministry further highlighted another case which occurred in October, 2014, when it was discovered that a group of 14 Nepalese nationals were staying in Mabaruma, Region One. According to

the Ministry, intelligence received revealed that between October 14 and 17, 10 males and four females were domiciled in two hotels.

The Nepalese nationals had claimed to be tourists, although they were not engaged in tourist-related activities. Many of these individuals were reportedly housed at a hotel with their rooms padlocked from the outside.

Further, the Ministry stated that the hotel operator refused to reveal why the doors were locked in such a way. Another factor, adding to suspicions, was the fact that the individuals were unable to say when they were scheduled to depart Mabaruma or Guyana. “More revealing was the fact that the Nepalese Nationals were not employed in Mabaruma yet their rooms were paid for in cash each day, using US currency,” the Ministry added. According to the Ministry, strong and decisive actions will be taken against person(s) found to be involved in TIP activities. The general public is encouraged to contact the TIP hotline on 227-4083 or the nearest Police station if indications of possible acts of human trafficking are observed.

dishonor the law and to use public funds for partisan political interest. The allegations continue nonetheless, but our task is rather simple. Produce, we investigate and confirm whether this is indeed so. Yes or no,” he said

emphatically. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) have raised concerns about the PPP/C’s access to public financing for its political campaigns but have failed to provide any evi-

dence to match these claims. APNU had said the use of aircraft and the use of the state media to promote the party’s message are contributing to an uneven playing field but it provided no hard evidence.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon

Strong overseas contingent for 13th Pakaraima Mountain Safari

The Tourism Ministry on Wednesday launched the 13th Pakaraima Mountain Safari. The event was launched at the Tourism Ministry’s office by the Director of the

– awarded

posthumously

at US Embassy reception Faith Harding is 2015 Guyanese International Woman of Courage

of the Republic and Robb Streets, Georgetown. The vehicles will have to adhere to strict recommendations for the safari and will have to be inspected on March 24. The vehicles will only be

a test of your off road abilities,” adding that the interior showcases Guyana’s clean and pristine nature. The safari will visit 11 Amerindian settlements and three waterfalls.

Guyana Tourism Authority Indranauth Haralsingh.

This year’s event promises to be “an adventure of a lifetime”. This year’s event will attract participants

from Germany, Jamaica, the United States and Suriname. The event aims to promote Guyana’s pristine and wild interior in a 529 mile journey that will also showcase Amerindian villages and waterfalls.

Secretary of the Safari Club, Yonette Sahibdeen said the registration process has begun at Rainforest Tours, located at Avenue

qualified if they have the necessities for the trip.

The Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority described the trip as a “raw trip”. He said “This would be

This year’s safari promises to not only pass through Amerindian villages and take pictures, but to also support the villages by buying their produce and building facilities into the areas.

Haralsingh stated that participants in this event will receive a special certificate at a special award ceremony after the completion of the safari.

The event is sponsored by Guyoil, Amazon Warrior Energy, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Rainforest tours, MMC and Massy Distribution in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism Ministry. At the event, Haralsingh welcomed Amazon Warrior Energy Drink, a new sponsor that has come on board for the event. GT&T will be outfitting the team, Guyoil will be sponsoring some of the fuel and lubricants, while Amazon Warriors Energy will be providing energy drinks.

Secretary of the Safari Club Yonette Sahibdeen encourages people to come on board and be a part of the safari. Sahibdeen said “We have a beautiful country, it’s magical. We can’t see pictures, we have to be there.”

The safari departs from the Regent Street Guyoil Gas station at 22:00h on the March 28 and will end on April 5. The event is also set to coincide with the rodeo celebration in Lethem. There will also be an Air Services Limited flight out to Georgetown, affording participants both the option of returning to Georgetown for the Easter Monday celebrations or remaining in Lethem for the rodeo.

The late Guyanese politician and psychologist, Dr Faith Harding has been named the 2015 International Woman of Courage by the United States Embassy in Guyana after having been recognised for her exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights and social progress. The posthumous award was received by her husband, Patrick Harding, at a ceremony held at the residence of the US Ambassador in Guyana on Wednesday evening.

Recipients of this award, according to Chargé d’Affaires for the Georgetown embassy, Bryan Hunt, have been leaders for change, pushing established boundaries and demanding equality for marginalised communities. And for the leadership committee, Dr Harding fit the bill perfectly.

“There is no question for those of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with Faith, that she dedicated her life to the service of the human family,” related Hunt, who added “whether she was championing the cause of gender equality in front of an audience of thousands or simply extending a helping hand and sympathetic ear to a troubled teenager with thoughts of suicide, Faith was equally determined to ensure that justice was done and that all were given an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Hunt remembered Dr Harding as one who insisted on action even while reflecting on the ills facing the Guyanese society— a quality he admired. “No problem was too big for her. No issue was too complex. In her mind, no obstacle was fundamentally insurmountable. She truly embodied the old Chinese proverb “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Indeed, she was constantly pushing all of us to take that single step,” he added. Despite leaving active politics, Dr Harding never lost her passion for Guyana and envisioned a new form of Guyanese politics that engendered inclusive development, Hunt recalled.

Humanitarian contributions

“While Faith was relentless in her calls for equality and justice, she was equally relentless in her conviction that divisive political debates served no purpose and that those who wish to lead must first serve,” he recognised. “Faith’s vision for this society is one that she worked to bring to a reality every day of her too short life and is one that I am confident will live long after her passing from this world, due to the many lives and hearts that she touched.”

Dr Harding, a child psy-

chologist who had served as a Minister under the People’s National Congress Government, passed away on January 23, 2015. She had worked with the United Nations giving service to other countries around the world, including Sudan.

The award with the inscription: “In recognition of her exceptional courage and humanitarian contributions

in advocating for women’s rights and empowerment and her passionate commitment to raising awareness of suicide prevention and educational initiatives”, was handed over to Mr Harding.

Mr Harding extended gratitude on behalf of himself and family, while reminiscing on the many instances of her service to Guyana. He called seeing hours of calls late at nights and early in the morning to one particular number and upon enquiry learnt that it was that of a young woman contemplating suicide. Many times, Mr Harding said, he questioned his wife why she alone was taking on these issues when the state systems were in place to tackle these. “She never stopped,” he related, recognising that in the absence of proper functioning institutions, Dr Harding’s contribution was invaluable.

The event was organised in celebration of International Women’s Day, which was observed on March 8. On this occasion, the US Embassy in Guyana said it recognised and celebrated the contributions and accomplishments of American and Guyanese women. According to Chargé d’Affaires Hunt, the US Government has recognised that the path to achieving gender equality must involve the eradication of genderbased violence as well as ensuring girls and women are educated and empowered.

“We must open the doors for women to fully participate in society—as farmers, entrepreneurs, engineers, executives, and leaders of their countries. Impediments, whether statutory or practical, to women’s full participation as equals in the workplace must be eradicated,” he insisted.

Guyana Tourism Authority Director Indranauth Haralsingh (centre) launches the 13th Pakaraima Mountain Safari in the company of other officials

The late Dr Faith Harding

WAB congratulates Harper on selection as Prime Ministerial candidate

The Women’s Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security has congratulated Ambassador Elizabeth Ann Harper, who has recently been nominated as the PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate for the upcoming National and Regional Elections.

over the past years, representing Guyana at the international level, as a distinguished diplomat, with a proven track record. “We therefore have no doubt that she will definitely be an inspiration to our Guyanese women and young girls. As a Guyanese patriot, she has served our nation with distinction.

Kraft recalls more than 6 million boxes of Macaroni & Cheese

...because they may contain metal

Kraft is voluntarily recalling thousands of cases of its original-flavoured macaroni and cheese due to a concern that some boxes may contain pieces of metal. According to Kraft, eight consumer complaints have been logged about the product, but there have been no reported injuries.

“We deeply regret this situation and apologise to any consumers we have disappointed,” Kraft said in a statement on Tuesday.

In a statement WAB said Ambassador Harper is a “true patriot” and an “outstanding diplomat” who has given almost 40 years of service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by extension the public as a whole. “She must be commended for yeomen service given to the people of Guyana. Here again, we see her nomination to high political office as another form of service to the Guyanese population,” the WAB statement read.

“We wish to salute this distinguished woman of the soil and leader, and we are confident that she will support the cause of women, and work towards the elimination of Domestic Violence within the Guyanese society, and achieving Gender Equality in Guyana,” said the group, which is headed by Hemawattie Lagan.

According to the Bureau with her confidence, Mrs Harper brings tremendous experience to the PPP/C given her leadership qualities that she has displayed

“The Women’s Affairs Bureau, the National Machinery in Guyana therefore extends congratulations to HE Ambassador Elizabeth Harper, the first ever female to be nominated as Prime Minister of Guyana. We wish her continued success in all her endeavours in moving this nation forward.”

The recall affects 242,000 cases of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner that have been distributed throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and some South American nations.

The Associated Press reported that it amounts to about 6.5 million boxes of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner, one of the Kraft Foods Group’s signature brands. Consumers are warned not to prepare and eat macaroni that comes in the original flavour, 7.25-ounce sized box carrying a “best when used by” date between September 18 and October 11 and a code “C2” below the expiration dates. The code

shows the specific factory line where the potentially tainted boxes were produced.

Some of the dinners also come in packs containing multiple boxes made at different facilities. Consumers should check the individual boxes, and return potentially tainted boxes to stores for an exchange or refund, according to Kraft.

The US Food and Drug Administration has posted the recall alert on its website. “The agency has been working with the company as it gathers additional information concerning the scope of the recall,” a spokeswoman said.

In August 2014, Kraft voluntarily recalled more than 7000 cases of its

American Singles cheese slices after a supplier did not properly store an ingredient. And in September 2011, Reuters noted, Kraft recalled more than 135,000 cases of single-serve Velveeta Shells & Cheese because of wire bristle pieces in some packages.

Kraft, which launched its iconic macaroni and cheese product in 1937, has dominated the market for decades. Recently, smaller companies have begun competing with macaroni and cheese made with more natural ingredients. Still, Kraft has said it generates more than US$500 million in annual sales of macaroni and cheese products, Reuters has reported. (Reuters)

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Elizabeth Ann Harper

Kraft recalled over six million macaroni and cheese products

Ramkarran strikes gold with “Demerara Gold”

Earlier this month, without any fanfare, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) quietly announced on its website “closure” on a case it had brought in the courts of the United States and Canada against Bedessee Limited for selling brown sugar sourced from Mauritius and branding it as “Demerara Gold”.

As part of its diversification efforts to add value to its sugar, GuySuCo started to package and sell locally produced brown sugar in 2003. But by the middle of the decade, as it expanded to the US and Canada where there are large Guyanese populations constituting an almost “captive market”, it came up against the identical Bedessee brand. At that time, Guyana could have proceeded to file a “Geographical Indications” claim with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to secure exclusive usage of the “Demerara” label for its brown sugar, as was advised by some politicians.

Under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, the “Geographical Indications”

headed by then Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran, but more pertinently, member of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Committee (ExCo) persuaded Cabinet that it should not proceed along this path – even though the Regional Negotiating Mechanism (RNM) was prepared to proceed. All that would have to be done was for some local laws to be drafted to legalise the designation and then the RNM would file with the WTO. Ramkarran argued that the Government should proceed on the line of claiming “trademark” infringement for the “Demerara Gold” label even though Bedessee had been using the name before GuySuCo. And since the beginning of the century, Mauritius and South Africa had been shipping brown sugar as “Demerara Sugar” and the name had become almost generic. Then Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud proceeded to file legal proceedings against Bedessee in 2009 and the matter was reported in the local press and

rule – accepted by the WTO – any product which has been traditionally related and sourced from a particular geographical region of a country can obtain exclusive right over the name. For instance, “Parma” ham or “Champagne” cannot be labelled as such even if the identical product is produced elsewhere, as in say California. The firm of Cameron and Shepherd,

the local courts as the associate for the Washington and Canadian law firms. Locally, the law firm of Hughes, Fields and Stoby represented Bedessee. Then GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Errol Hanoman declined to comment on the actual quantum of the charges by the law firms, but noted that Washington-based lawyers “did not come cheap”. He suggested that reporters contact the local affiliate Cameron and Shepherd, run by Ramkarran.

A spokesman for the firm was reported to vouch that “top lawyers” of the quality of the Washington firm would bill at a rate of US$1500 ($300,000) per hour. Local lawyers pointed out that even though the Washington firm would make the billing, since much of the tedious work of research among oth-

er things would be done locally, Ramkarran’s local firm would collect the bulk of the billings.

A year later, it was announced that GuySuCo was unsuccessful in its bid to secure its “trademark” infringement bid. Bedessee was also successful in its suit against

Persaud for his intemperate language. Damages had to be paid to Bedessee.

With GuySuCo now announcing the end of its suit and that it accepted that Bedessee had sole trademark rights over the “Demerara Gold” brand for brown sugar, the case is no longer sub ju-

dice. In the words of one legal luminary, Guyana has “lost sugar and husk”. But not so for Ramkarran, who had advised this Quixotic path – his firm collected the bulk of the $520 million paid out in legal fees to the Washington firm.

The Guyana Times has been unable to ascertain the amount paid to the Canadian firm, which would be shared with Cameron and Shepherd also. Legal practitioners say it would be slightly less than the US legal billings – somewhere in the vicinity of $500 million. In the meantime, field, factory and office workers of GuySuCo are all up in arms over their poor rates of pay, and they have had to resort to strike action in several instances. They refuse to accept the excuse that “the Corporation isn’t making profits” when exorbitant legal fees, such as the above,

their North American editions. At that time, serious concerns were raised about legal costs for the action that would be incurred – which would have to be fought both in the US and Canada since Bedessee had filed a defamation suit for some statements made by the subject Minister.

As the lawyers for GuySuCo, Cameron and Shepherd fought the case in

Sugar workers bundling cane

A sugar worker cutting cane

Ralph Ramkarran

Latin American leaders back Venezuela over US spat

Members of the Alba regional group expressed their support for Venezuela on Tuesday in the face of increasing tensions between the US and Venezuela.

At an emergency summit, Latin American leftwing leaders urged the US to repeal an executive order which declared Venezuela a threat to the national security of the US. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stressed his country was no threat.

The two countries have been trading barbs for months. Tension shot up after the US published an executive order on March 9 announcing sanctions on seven Venezuelan officials suspected by the US of committing human rights abuses.

In the order, US President Barack Obama stated that the situation in Venezuela, including “the government’s erosion of human rights guarantees (...)

constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States”.

CDA Director fired after racist online rant

Planning Minister, Dr Bhoe Tewarie has fired Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) board member Jaishima Leladharsingh with immediate effect, after being alerted to an alleged conversation he had on Facebook which was laced with a series of explicit racial slurs and obscene language.

The messages on a page purported to be his quoted Leladharsingh as using “n....r” several times during exchanges with a person by the name of Anthony S Mcleod.

United National Congress leader Basdeo Panday to act as peacemaker.

“My Dear Jaishima, please do not do anything to exacerbate the racial problem which has been the bane of this society for centuries. Speak your mind without being offensive.

Please?” Panday wrote, calling then for Leladharsingh to desist from propagating racial division.

In a statement on Tuesday, Tewarie said he called on Leladharsingh to resign at once as he described the comments as “objectionable and reprehensible.”

United States

President Barack Obama is to visit Jamaica on April 9 for talks with Caribbean Community

The wording of the order caused outrage not only with Venezuelan Government officials, but also among its regional allies. “Venezuela has no plans, did not have, nor will it ever have plans to attack the United States or hurt anyone,” Maduro said at the Alba summit in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

He received strong backing from the Cuban leader, Raul Castro.

President Obama and Caribbean leaders to meet in Jamaica

Miller has said.

“The Government of Jamaica is delighted that President Obama will be visiting Jamaica at this time. The visit of President Obama will take place on the eve of the Summit of the Americas to be held in Panama from the 10th to the 11th April 2015.”

“It is expected that the President will be proceeding from Jamaica to Panama for this hemispheric encounter which will welcome for the first time the participation of our closest neighbour the Republic of Cuba,” Prime Minister Simpson Miller said in a statement to Parliament.

Obama will meet with regional leaders prior to his arrival in Panama for the Summit of the Americas. It will be his second meeting

with Caricom leaders following his meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad during the Summit of the Americas six years ago.

“As a member of the hemispheric family of nations…during this historic visit, Jamaica will also host an encounter between President Obama and the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community for discussions on issues on the Caricom/USA including security and trade.

“Heads of Government will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. As is the regional interest the Caricom/US summit will be co-chaired by the US president and the current Chairman of Caricom Perry Christie, prime minister of the Bahamas,” she added. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Former PM Arthur: Sell Government assets

ormer Barbadian

FPrime Minister Owen Arthur is calling on the Government to privatise some of its assets to raise money to help reduce its burgeoning debt. He made the suggestion on Tuesday to a Government he claimed was “asset rich and cash-strapped” while it faced an “insurmountable debt problem”.

Speaking during the Estimates debate in the House of Assembly, the St Peter Independent MP said Barbados’ looming “financial debacle” could be avoided to

some extent by selling certain assets and putting the money from such privatisation into a segregated fund that would stop the current situation where 66 per cent of Government’s revenue was going to pay its expenses.

Zeroing in on the Estimates on the table, the former Barbados Labour Party leader observed the deficit for the next financial year was expected to grow by Bdn$2.15 billion, while the debt payment was projected to grow by Bdn$2.40 billion. (Nation News)

Castro, who announced a rapprochement between his Government and that of the US in December after decades of animosity, said that “the US needs to understand once and for all that it cannot seduce or buy Cuba, just as it cannot intimidate Venezuela”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

The date on the Facebook posts was April 12, 2014 but it was recently reposted on the social website, including on the page of attorney and senator Clarence Rambharat, which led to it being raised with Tewarie.

Leladharsingh’s conversation with Mcleod was so offensive that it even prompted former Prime Minister and

“Over what can only be described as objectionable and reprehensible statements made on a social media platform, the minister takes the position that such behaviour is unacceptable in a civilised and multiethnic society such as ours.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

US Navy pulling out of the Caribbean

According to General John Kelly, commander of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), the two navy vessels the US currently deploys in the Caribbean will both be permanently withdrawn this summer.

At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last week, chaired by Senator John McCain (RAZ), Kelly said, “I don’t have the assets [in the Caribbean]. I have two navy ships right now, that will go to zero for ever by the summer and that’s not even with sequestration.”

He was at the time answering a question from Senator Thom Tillis (RNC) about how much SOUTHCOM knows what’s going on in the Caribbean that it can’t really stop because of priorities in leveraging limited assets in the region.

Kelly also stated that SOUTHCOM has insufficient airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets available in the area. Although the US Coast Guard has made a commitment to double the number of Coast Guard cutters in the region, Kelly pointed out that this represents an increase from just three to six.

“The Coast Guard also has an awful lot of other missions to accomplish –migration up in the Florida Straits and a lot of other things,” he noted. Kelly told the senate committee that the US is largely dependent on other nations for maritime security assistance in the Caribbean. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

IMF official examines drop in

oil price on PetroCaribe and the Caribbean

Asenior official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the impact of the drop in oil prices globally will affect member countries of the PetroCaribe grouping differently even though Haiti could be among those most affected.

Adrienne Cheasty, the Deputy Director in the Western Hemisphere Department of the IMF, said if PetroCaribe were to cease, the impact would differ across member countries.

“Governments receiving large flows and without alternative financing sources, like in Nicaragua and Haiti, would be most affected, although less so than they would have been in a world of higher oil prices.” She said governments that have built buffers, like Guyana, or that have alternative financing sources,

like The Dominican Republic and Jamaica should be affected less.

“Belize would be particu-

liance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. The

International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the impact of the drop in oil prices globally will affect member countries of the PetroCaribe grouping differently

larly affected as the lower oil prices negatively impact the value of its exports of crude oil,” Cheasty said, noting that so far, Venezuela has assured PetroCaribe members that the aid will continue.

PetroCaribe is an oil al-

payment system allows for the purchase of oil at market value for five to 50 per cent up front with a grace period of one or two years with the remainder being paid through a 17-25 year financing agreement. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Members of the Alba regional bloc gathered for an emergency summit in Caracas

(Caricom) leaders, Prime Minister Portia Simpson

United States President Barack Obama

Former Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur

Dignified send-off for Crum-Ewing

...as Opposition politicians fail to make it into a spectacle

By Devina Samaroo, Gomatie GanGaDin anD Hema ramcHarran

Family, friends, the gen-

eral public and politicians on Thursday paid their last respects to former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was shot and killed last week while urging residents of Third Street, Diamond, East Bank Demerara to vote for the Opposition alliance.

Though his funeral was virtually taken over by politicians, Crum-Ewing, who was hailed as a man of peace and a passionate advocate for social justice, got a dignified sendoff, which started at his home , then proceeded to Parade Ground, then to the Heavenly Light Church in Albouystown and later his final resting place – Le Repentir Cemetery.

The overwhelming call from those who paid tribute was for peace to prevail and that no one should be provoked into retaliation. The

that this was still the dominant presumed motive. Police have since announced making some headway in their investigations and have also called on all citizens to avoid racial incitement in this period.

At his residence, a small gathering of about 60 people stood in a sombre atmosphere as they each took turns to view his body at rest. CrumEwing was clad in a black suit with the Guyana flag draped over his coffin. His body remained at his home for viewing until 11:30h, after which the funeral procession made its way to Parade Ground, Georgetown for another viewing. His parents were too distressed to speak to this publication, as they struggled to hold back the tears, accepting the many messages of condolences they received.

Parade Ground

At the Parade Ground, the Opposition politicians had a field day with many of them

News Publisher Glenn Lall, Columnist Freddie Kissoon, Mark Benschop, women’s rights activist Dawn Stewart-Lyken, Guyana Bar Association President Ronald Burch-Smith, and People’s National Congress Reform Youth group Chairman Ryan Belgrave. Addressing the large gathering, Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green stated that Crum-Ewing should be regarded as a “hero and a martyr”. According to Green, Crum-Ewing’s death should not be in vain and had a lesson for all, while telling the audience that they have a part to play in ensuring that Crum-Ewing’s death does not become another statistic in the country.

Courtney’s block “You have things to do. His last words he spoke on his bullhorn was that you must vote, vote APNU- AFC and if all of us here if we have come to share our love to

calls for “no retaliation” had started directly after the murder with the assumption that the killing was “politically motivated”, even though there has been no evidence produced up to now to lead to that conclusion. But it was evident from the comments, especially from the politicians,

using the event to muster up political support for their coalition at the upcoming elections, as Crum-Ewing’s family laid their emotions bare as a consequence of their loss. It was high drama as tributes were delivered from a lineup of activists and other officials. They included: Kaieteur

Courtney, we must remember his final words,” he told the crowd. Alluding directly to the assumed “political” motivation for the killing, he noted that while the “evil forces have been at work over the past weeks”, no one should be tempted to retaliate in kind but rather with their votes

Spouse of Charity woman found dead in bushes for court today

The common-law husband of Quineza Patricia Benn, who was discovered dead on Tuesday in a clump of bushes near the Six Star Cocotal Hotel and Bar at Charity, Essequibo Coast, is expected to attend the Suddie Magistrate’s Court today to face charges.

He is expected to make his first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

According to a Police source, Anthony Joseph has given statements which implicated him.

Joseph will attend court immediately after the autop-

sy is completed this morning. The two other suspects who were in Police custody with the man have been released. Meanwhile, Benn’s 73-year-old Grandmother,

Mary, continues to call on the general public to assist her in burying the deceased. The tearful grandmother said that she was taking care of the deceased’s two children who are aged 5 and 7. Benn said that she would welcome any form of assistance from the public.

At the time of discovery, Benn’s body bore marks of violence – there were two deep cuts on her lip and left eye. It is not clear if the 26-year-old mother of two was raped before she died. Police also did not recover a weapon on the scene.

at the upcoming polls. He declared that by the power vested in him as Mayor, he would be naming the block on which Crum-Ewing protested for 80-plus days as “Courtney’s Block”, while he would push to have a monument erected at the Parade Ground in honour of Crum-Ewing.

QC alumnus

African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) Executive Director, Dr Eric Phillips, who gave a tribute on behalf of Queen’s College alumni, while reflecting on the school life of CrumEwing, told the gathering that he was an exemplary student who always sought to excel in everything he did, particularly in the area of sport. Dr Phillips said that the QC alumni will also be pushing for a monument of the deceased man to be erected at the Ground.

GDF X-Soldiers Association representative George Gomes disclosed that during his tenure in the Force, Crum-Ewing was a well-disciplined, exemplary Second Lieutenant who conducted himself in a distinguished manner and had earned the respect of many.

From the Parade Ground, the huge funeral procession marched down Camp Street on their way to Albouystown. As they passed, schoolchildren and shoppers in the city took careful note. Cars tooted their horns and music blared from music carts in the 45 minutes long march from Middle Street to Albouystown.

Church service

At the Heavenly Light Full Gospel Church, Cooper Street, Albouystown, tributes also poured in for the man who grabbed the public’s attention some months ago as he undertook a one-man protest outside the Legal Affairs Ministry calling for the resignation of Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall after the taped conversation between the

Minister and Kaieteur News Reporter Leonard Gildharie went viral. Opposition Leader David Granger, in his address to the mourners, expressed his condolences to the family, relatives and friends on behalf of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the A Partnership for National Unity-Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition. He noted that CrumEwing was seen as a peacemaker since he employed lawful means to try to bring about change he wanted to see in the country. “He left the comfort of his home on the night and proceeded on the one-man crusade and appealing to the public about his concerns and the betterment of the country…Crum-Ewing was truly an honourable man,” he said.

Granger promised the family and friends of the slain man that he would ensure that the culprits were caught and that justice was served.

AFC Chairman and Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes while expressing his deep condolences to the family noted that while many were angry and hurt, no one should be provoked to engage in any unlawful and disorderly behaviour. The parents of the dead man, in brief remarks, expressed their gratitude for the endless support which they have been given while they appealed for his death not to go down in vain but that it should always live on in the history of the land as the beginning of change.

Crum-Ewing was conducting his campaign in the Diamond

Housing Scheme at around 20:00h when a car with four men drove up behind him and discharged several shots in his direction and subsequently fled the scene. Crum-Ewing was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post-mortem performed on the body proved that he was shot five times. The autopsy was done by local pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary, and was witnessed by several family members. According to reports received, three of the five bullets were to the head, while one was to the back of the neck and the other under one of his arms.

The international human rights group, Amnesty International has since called for a full and thorough probe into his execution, adding that the Guyanese authorities should guarantee a favourable context and peaceful atmosphere for the peaceful exercise of freedom of expression, association and assembly and other civil and political rights. President Donald Ramotar and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee had made just such a call for the Police to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act directly after the killing. The Police have announced that they have some leads from CCTV cameras around the area where Crum-Ewing was killed. They had previously taken in two individuals for questioning.

Govt soon to ink contract for reconstruction of Umana Yana

Government is hoping to have the reconstruction of the iconic Umana Yana begin by the second half of this year. Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon said the Amerindian Affairs Ministry will soon sign a contract to this effect. Last September, a fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the prestigious landmark.

The Umana Yana, which was built in 1972, was a historical structure, and one of Guyana’s most famous landmarks having appeared on the cover of several mag-

azines and publications. The edifice was erected for the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers’ Conference in Georgetown. Thereafter, it served as a VIP Lounge and recreation centre. It was a permanent and much admired part of Georgetown’s scenery, and was constantly used as an exhibition and conference centre. Fashioned like the Wai Wai benabs or shelters which are found deep in Guyana’s interior, it occupied an area of 460 square metres.

As a result, it was the largest structure of its kind

in Guyana. It stood about 55 feet (16.78 metres) high and was made from thatched allibanna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines, all of which are found in Guyana’s interior.

A section of the gathering at the Parade Ground, Georgetown

The grieving father of the dead man pay his respects to his fallen son at his home

Dead: Quineza Patricia Benn

The iconic Umana Yana before it was reduced to ashes

thursday, march 19, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Yarrowkabra murder

Victim stabbed 13 times – PM

Apost mortem examination performed on the body of Errol Gregory Hernandez, who was found dead in his living quarters on Sunday morning, showed that he sustained 13 stab wounds. The autopsy was performed by local Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) mortuary.

Phillip Hernandez, brother of the dead man who witnessed the post mortem examination, told Guyana Times that two of the stab wounds went straight to the heart while three were seen on his back. The others, he noted, were to the abdomen and other parts of the body.

The aggrieved brother also stated that the four men, who were arrested in connection with the murder,

were released on bail. At the time of the interview, he and other relatives were heading to the farm to collect his dead brother’s personal belongings.

He also criticised the farm’s security system, claiming that a farm that rears over 135,000 chickens should have had more security measures in place.

Phillip Hernandez added that the farm is surrounded by high bushes and from all indication, the owners are only concerned with reaping a maximum profit. Another concern, he noted, was the standard of living of employees on the farm.

Hernandez of Lot 49

Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown was found dead on Sunday morning in a house on a farm at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

According reports received, the lifeless body of Hernandez was found lying in a pool of blood at about 7:00h. The entire house was

ransacked at the time of the discovery.

Based on reports received, Hernandez would normally take off the generator at midnight on a nightly basis but after workers realised that it was morning and the generation was still running, they thought something was amiss.

As they went to check on the man, several calls went unanswered but a decision was subsequently taken to break the door open. As the workers entered the house, a bloodied Hernandez was seen sprawled on the floor. To date, the Police have not been able to retrieve the murder weapon.

The now dead man has been living on the farm for the past four weeks. The elderly man leaves to mourn his siblings.

Agriculture bears brunt of disaster impacts, new report says

Nearly a quarter of damage wrought by natural disasters on the developing world is borne by the agricultural sector, according to initial results from a new Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) study. The report was released on Tuesday at the United Nations World Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Organisation also announced the launch of a special facility aimed at helping countries better equip their food production sectors to reduce risk exposure, limit impacts, and be better prepared to cope with disasters.

Twenty-two per cent of all damage inflicted by natural hazards such as drought, floods, storms or tsunamis is registered within the agricultural sector, FAO’s analysis of 78 post-disaster needs assessments in 48 developing countries spanning the 2003-2013 period shows. The damage and losses are often incurred by poor rural and semi-rural communities without insurance and lack-

ing the financial resources needed to regain lost livelihoods. Yet only 4.5 per cent of post-disaster humanitarian aid in the 2003-2013 period targeted agriculture.

FAO’s 22 per cent figure represents only damage reported via post-disaster risk assessments, so while indicative of scale, the actual impact is likely even higher. To arrive at a closer estimate of the true financial cost of disasters to developing world agriculture, FAO compared decreases in yields during and after disasters with yield trends in 67 countries affected by (at least one) medium- to larger-scale events between 2003 and 2013.

New facility

The final tally: US$70 billion in damage to crops and livestock over that 10year period. Asia was the most affected region, with estimated losses adding up to US$28 billion, followed by Africa at US$26 billion. “Agriculture and all that it encompasses is not only critical for our food

supply, it also remains a main source of livelihoods across the planet. While it is a sector at risk, agriculture also can be the foundation upon which we build societies that are more resilient and better equipped to deal with disasters,” said FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva. “This is why building resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises is one of FAO’s top priorities,” he added.

To help countries better prepare for and respond to disasters affecting agriculture, FAO on Tuesday launched a new facility aimed at channelling technical support to where it is most needed. The facility will work to mainstream disaster risk reduction in agriculture at all levels through diverse activities.

“With this new effort, we are aiming to limit peoples’ exposure to risks, avoid or reduce impacts where possible, and enhance preparedness to respond quickly when disasters occur,” said Graziano da Silva.

Studies have shown that

$45.8M approved for security, helicopter

The security sector is set to receive a $17.7 million boost in weapons and accessories, Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr Roger Luncheon announced on Wednesday.

The HPS was, however, unable to say from where the weapons would be sourced.

The sector will also benefit

the overhaul of the bell 206 engine helicopter at a cost of $28.1 million.

Meanwhile, the health sector will also see a boost in its services, with the allocation of some $20.6 million by Government for the servicing of health equipment at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

CDB to help member countries gather poverty data

Inadequate or outdated data has hindered the fight against poverty in some Caribbean countries, including those of the Eastern Caribbean.

tion occupations such as agriculture, fishing, mining and timber extraction.

for every one dollar spent on disaster risk reduction, as much as four dollars are returned in terms of avoided or diminished impacts, he noted.

The work of the new facility will be guided by FAO’s Framework Programme on Disaster Risk Reduction for Food and Nutrition Security.

Agriculture remains a key sector Worldwide, the livelihoods of 2.5 billion people depend on agriculture. These small-scale farmers, herders, fishers and forest-dependent communities generate more than half of global agricultural production and are particularly at risk from disasters that destroy or damage harvests, equipment, supplies, livestock, seeds, crops and stored food.

Beyond the obvious consequences on people’s food security, the economies and development trajectories of entire regions and nations can be altered when disasters hit agriculture. The sector accounts for as much as 30 per cent of national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in countries like Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, the Niger, among others.

There are also spillover losses in agriculturedependent subsectors, and significant consequences for trade flows. Countries surveyed experienced an increase in agricultural imports to the tune of US$18.9 billion and a decrease in agricultural exports of US$14.9 billion following natural disasters, between 2003 and 2013.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), along with partners, will be working together to get a better picture of the effect of poverty by improving its Country Poverty Assessment (CPA) programme over the next five years. The new CPAs will incorporate a Multidimensional Poverty Measurement (MPM) approach that captures both the income and non-income elements of poverty and produces a composite multidimensional poverty index for the Bank Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).

An injection of US$7.069 million will help advance the reduction of poverty by equipping countries with tools to better extract critical data needed for decision making and analysis. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission will receive a grant of US$2.783 million to conduct MPM through implementation of a Sustainable Data Programme (SDP); and to develop an integrated OECS Geographic Information System. CDB will also provide US$1.381 million for MPM enhancement support to non-OECS borrowing member countries and for management of the programme. Counterpart funding totalling US$2.905 million will come from BMCs, the OECS Commission, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) , the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Bank.

CDB’s CPA programme was implemented in 1995 to assist countries to identify and plan for the needs of men, women and children in rural and urban areas who experience poverty in the ways that are characteristic in the Caribbean. Poverty in the Caribbean is more extensive in rural and marginal areas where the poor are engaged in primary produc-

The characteristics of rural poor include less access to land, credit facilities, social services, adequate infrastructure, and agricultural support facilities. Moreover, fluctuations in prices in international markets, coupled with the risks of natural hazards increase the income vulnerability of rural households. In contrast, urban poverty in the Caribbean, while not as prevalent as rural poverty, tends to be more visible. Poor urban populations are characterised by high unemployment, low wage occupations, casual labour and selfemployment in the ‘informal sector’.

Other groups such as indigenous people, the elderly living alone, school-aged youth and households with large numbers of youthful and elderly dependents experience high levels of poverty in the Caribbean. By collecting and analysing poverty and social data, evidence-based decisions can be made by governments and their development partners. CPAs make it possible for borrowing member countries to have comprehensive data sets on poverty and social indicators that are used to inform a variety of social and economic development initiatives. The contribution of CPAs to evidence-based policy planning and programming in the Region has been wide and varied with the “CDB Model” having significant influence on the discourse on poverty and inequality in the Region. These data sets underpin the analytical work for country programming and project development work by CDB and other development partners. Governments have demonstrated outstanding commitment and support to the CPAs over the last two decades by investing substantial human and financial resources in the process. The CPA enhancement programme, which will have gender equality considerations integrated into all of its components.

The slain caretaker Errol Clement Gregory Hernandez

Disasters like Cyclone Pam devastate agriculture

PAHO urges food processors to reduce salt in children’s foods

The Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) is calling on the food-processing industry to reduce salt in their products – especially products for children – and to stop advertising high-salt products to children.

During World Salt Awareness Week, March 1622, PAHO/WHO is also urging parents and children to “escape sneaky salt” by eating more meals prepared with fresh ingredients at home. “Most of us are not even aware how much salt we’re eating,” said Dr Branka Legetic, PAHO/WHO adviser on non-communicable diseases. “That’s because most of the salt we consume is hidden in processed foods. One part of the solution is for the food-processing industry to reduce salt in its products. Another part of the solution is to use less salt in cooking and to make sure kids eat more fresh foods prepared at home.”

Children are especially vulnerable to advertising and marketing and at the same time are developing eating habits that will have a strong impact on their dietary patterns as adults. Even during childhood, high consumption of salt has an effect on blood pressure and can predispose children to such diseases as hypertension, osteoporosis, asthma and other respiratory diseases, obesity and stomach cancer.

But the fact that children and adolescents are at a formative stage also presents an opportunity. “Saltiness is an acquired preference,

Adults who consume more than five grams of salt daily (equivalent to two grams of sodium) are at increased risk of high blood pressure, the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease as well as kidney failure

so it’s possible – and from a health standpoint critical –for parents to take steps to keep children from developing a taste for salt early on,” said Legetic. “If parents involve their kids in preparing meals at home, that will help even more to establish good dietary habits for life.”

Salt consumption

Adults who consume more than five grams of salt daily (equivalent to two grams of sodium) are at increased risk of high blood pressure, the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease as well as kidney failure. WHO guidelines recommend adjusting these limits downward for children, who generally consume fewer daily calories than adults. Average daily salt intake in the Western Hemisphere is notably higher than five grams, ranging

from 8.5-9 grams in Canada, Chile and the United States to 11 grams in Brazil and 12 grams in Argentina.

Since 2009, PAHO/WHO has been spearheading regional efforts to reduce dietary salt in the Americas through joint action among Governments, health experts, industry representatives and Non-Governmental Groups. In 2013, the PAHO/ WHO-led Salt Smart Consortium developed an action plan that calls on food processors to voluntarily reduce salt levels in their products, proposing specific targets for reduced salt in food groups ranging from breads, cookies and cakes to processed meats, mayonnaise and soups. The plan also calls for public-awareness campaigns that help consumers understand food labels and why it’s important to consume less salt.

GECOM commences distribution of ID cards

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) wishes to advise the public that the distribution of National Identification Cards, for persons registered during the recent Claims and Objections exercise has commenced nationwide.

GECOM is asking those persons who would have conducted registration transactions during this exercise to visit the Registration

Office responsible for their areas of residence to collect their ID cards. Those who were registered in previous registration exercises but have not uplifted their National Identification Cards, are also being urged to make a very special effort to do so, from the GECOM Registration Office or SubOffice responsible for their area of residence. All of GECOM’s Registration Offices and

Sub-Offices will be opened Monday to Thursday from 8:00h-16:30h, Fridays from 8:00h – 15:30h, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00h-14:00h.Every registered Guyanese aged 14 years or over should at all times be able to show a valid National ID card if so requested. Please note carefully that your National ID card is a multi-functional document that identifies you by photograph.

Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund reducing pollution

As Guyana emerges as a leading environmentally conscious society, efforts are being made by the Government of Guyana and the international community to develop more strategic approaches to reduce further negative impacts from wastewater on public health, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, fisheries and tourism.

Discussions about wastewater management in the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) have been ongoing since 1976, when the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) launched the Caribbean Environment Programme (CEP) as a response to the Regional Seas Initiative to advance economic prosperity and environmental health within the region.

The Caribbean Environmental Programme, along with Governments of the Region, had identified land-based sources of pollution from municipal, industrial and agricultural sectors and the impact on marine resources as a key priority area to be addressed. Presently, the degradation of the Caribbean marine environment is still a serious concern for many countries in the region, including Guyana. Sewage pollution from land sources and ships are seen as key forms of contamination of the coastal environment.

In recognition of the gravity of this situation, a number of countries in the Caribbean Region have endorsed the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment, which is also known as the Cartagena Convention. As part of putting an institutional framework in place to address coastal environmental degradation, the Protocol on Land Based Sources (LBS) of Marine Pollution, was also signed.

A programme to address the need to increase the coverage of wastewater treatment in the Caribbean was scaled up in September 2008 when the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and UNEP jointly acquired funding for the amount of US$20 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to implement the Caribbean Regional Fund for Wastewater Management (CReW).

This Fund represents the largest in the GEF replenishment cycle and, therefore, underscores the importance of managing wastewater in the

Caribbean. It is hoped that the desired outcomes of this project can be replicated not only in the wider Caribbean Region but in other regions of the world.

CReW is a four-year project and its objectives are to: establish financing mechanisms for cost-effective and sustainable financing of wastewater management in the wider Caribbean Region, facilitate policy discussions and strengthen legislative frameworks; and facilitate regional dialogue and knowledge exchange with the key stakeholders in wastewater management.

The three components of the Regional Fund are: investment and innovative financing for wastewater management, reforms for wastewater management; and communications, outreach and information exchange. The main beneficiaries are the countries in the Caribbean Region that have endorsed the project. These countries include: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Panama, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The initiative is currently being piloted in four countries in the Region: Belize, Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. The pilot projects in these four countries are: The Credit Enhancement Facility in Jamaica, Belize Wastewater Revolving Fund, Trinidad and Tobago Wastewater Revolving Fund and the Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund (GWRF).

The Guyana Wastewater Revolving Fund (GWRF) falls under component one of the CReW initiatives and the purpose of the fund are to provide financing for eligible wastewater projects in Guyana.

The project is executed by the Housing and Water Ministry with financial and administrative over-

sight and guidance from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), UNEP; and the Caribbean Regional Wastewater Management Fund based in Jamaica.

The total amount available to Guyana for the pilot project is US$3 million and provides a pilot financing mechanism that supports the efforts of the Government of Guyana (GoG) to finance improvements in the wastewater sector.

Public and private solutions

The establishment of the GWRF allows for the financing of a variety of wastewater management solutions through both public and private channels. The pilot should facilitate, but will not be limited to, the installation of wastewater treatment plants to ensure that discharges from municipal, industrial and other sources into the rivers and streams are environmentally acceptable and conforms to requirements of regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The funding also allows for treatment of wastewater from residential occupants and will contribute directly to the expansion of wastewater services in Guyana.

The Project Management Unit (PMU) of the GWRF has responsibilities for monitoring the implementation and management of the pilot financing mechanism and managing the coordination and implementation of the loan financing facility in Guyana. There is also a GWRF Board which consist of members from several agencies and provide; institutional support and fostering of greater partnerships both locally and overseas.

The Project Management Unit will entertain and review proposals from any private sector institutions or organisations in Guyana that are interested in accessing low-interest loans provided under this financial facility.

Wastewater is any water that has been used, as for washing, flushing, or in a manufacturing process, and so contains waste products, including sewage

ROAR, PPP/C and countryside support

Dear Editor, Reference is made to two letters about the PPP/C and a proposed link with ROAR and the PPP/C leadership and the countryside by Latchman Mohabir relating to his visit to Guyana and the informal gathering of former ROAR activists, supporters and financiers in NY to discuss the party's future.

From my reading, voters are frustrated with politicians of all parties, and ROAR activists as well as supporters, don't have much confidence in either one of the two large alliances/parties.

Several of the sentiments picked up by Mohabir were expressed to me by ROAR activists (in the diaspora and in Guyana) who crossed over to the AFC in 2011 and disgruntled voters (primarily PPP/C supporters) in the countryside.

In the diaspora, and within Guyana, people are looking for an equivalent of

ROAR to cast their ballots or to give financial and moral support. They are fed up with the two dominant political parties and the AFC, which many said betrayed them by going in bed with the PNC (APNU).

In 2011, AFC picked up most of the ROAR activists, after the party became dysfunctional from the 2006 elections. In 2011, ROAR activists worked the ground hard enabling the AFC to attract large number of rural voters, garnering the equivalent of some five rural seats. Had ROAR contested the election then, it would have picked up several seats that went to the AFC. And had it decided to contest now, it would have made bigger gains because of disenchantment with PPP/C and AFC and a rejection of APNU (PNC). Most of the ROAR activists who climbed onto the AFC ship have jumped overboard after the AFC’s tie up with the

PNC. Almost half of the voters who said they supported the AFC in 2011 have also abandoned ship as a result of the link with the PNC.

Some voters queried whether Ravi Dev, the brilliant writer/leader of the defunct ROAR, would re-enter into the political fray, either in alliance with the PPP/C or as ROAR again. He is viewed as a person of political integrity, financial probity and someone who voters can trust – will do what he says on the campaign.

They want ROAR and or Dev to contest the elections and they pledged to vote for him (in an alliance) or for his party. Most of the ROAR activists plan to come back on stream to support Dev.

And many voters who don’t plan to vote also indicated they would vote for him even in alliance with the PPP/C, saying he will add value and credibility to that party as it faces the biggest political challenge in its

history to win a general election.

ROAR and or Dev would attract most of the voters being leaked from AFC and those who plan to sit out the election because of their rising disenchantment with the PPP/C and also give hope to voters who have issues about probity in public life.

I don't know if Dev has any interest in politics, but he definitely would help make a difference in the politics of the nation. It is generally felt by many that if he should be on the PPP/C team, the party would win hands down. On political campaigning and relaxing in the countryside, in my most recent travel to Guyana last month, and I was there five times over the last year, people in the countryside and hinterland regions complained they don’t see enough of the politicians to discuss and have their problems addressed.

Politicians (from all parties) visit them only during election time for vote and don’t even bother to consult with them or seek out their ideas in between elections. They hardly get service between elections.

Voters are to be used, exploited and dumped till the next elections. In the last election, many voters in the countryside warned they would not vote because they were neglected. This time around, many are threatening again they will not vote because they feel alienated and marginalized and don’t get adequate service.

Certain individuals are persona non grata in communities in the countryside. Voters don’t want to see certain party activists, regional chairs, NDC chairs, regional councilors, local reps, MPs and Ministers. Political parties would be smart to keep certain figures (from the hustings and the grass roots) far away from voters.

People heap scorn on them. Instead of getting people to vote for a party, these discredited individuals will drive voters away.

Rural dwellers are also angry with MPs and Ministers who originate from the countryside and who now make their home in the Georgetown area. Voters say these newly minted urban politicians seem to be ashamed of their roots hardly visiting them and attending to their needs.

Politicians should the advice of Mohabir and spend more of their time with voters in the countryside or else they would pay dearly at the polls. The rural voters are not the same as between the 1950s and 1990s.

Times have changed and rural and hinterland voters also want attention and the same services and privileges as the urban voters.

Vishnu Bisram

David Hinds knows better not to embark on a dangerous political path

Dear Editor, A letter writer Latchman Mohabir raised a question in one of the local dailies (Guyana Times), namely, where are Ravi Dev and ROAR? His angst, and grave concern, it seems, stemmed from the stress he feels about the lack of an Indian voice which can advocate on behalf of Indians in Guyana.

This question begs a response, though one of a different kind, because related to Mr Mohabir’s anguish was a letter published in another newspaper (Stabroek News), one written by Dr David Hinds of the Arizona State University in which he explicitly exhorted his African brethren to avoid any tit for tat (the tat presumably referring to what he firmly believed were actions taken by operatives of the ruling PPP/C) in the death of Courtney CrumEwing.

It goes without saying that all Guyanese should condemn the assassination of Courtney Crum-Ewing, a lone activist who led a campaign against the sitting Government by encouraging the people of Diamond to vote for the Opposition, a protest which he started against the Attorney General following a private phone call by the AG to a reporter at the Kaieteur News, which was taped by the newspaper owner and publisher, Glenn Lall.

On a footnote, Courtney Crum Ewing may have been a distant relative of Alfred Railton Crum-Ewing, an elected member of British Guiana’s Third Legislative Council who was elected in 1935 to represent the people along the Essequibo River.

The questions remain though: What is one to interpret the sentiments raised by these two letter writ-

ers and what is the central thread that connects them?

For one, their sentiments centre on the core of the ethnic/racial chasm that has afflicted this young nation and one that has remained taboo by political leaders from its inception in the 1950s.

The Guyanese political culture has crystallized into a troubling state of affairs where any such innocent discussions about race relations automatically gets translated into a defensive mechanism as primordial sentiments take over and objective reality as expressed in the actual narrative of events is ignored and distorted to cast blame on the guilty other.

Take for instance, the recent statement of former President Bharat Jagdeo who while on the campaign trail at the PPP/Cstronghold at Babu Jaan made reference to the fact that Opposition elements are themselves engaged in a conspicuous political whispering campaign exhorting their supporters to throw the coolies out of Government.

Kaieteur News extended the distortion even further when that newspaper intimated that Clement Rohee acknowledged the distorted KN version of what Jagdeo actually said. No one honestly believes that as Professor Ralph Premdas noted that party cadres are incapable of engaging in a whispering campaign at the bottom house level, away from the public view.

However, because of the prevailing mindset, without waiting for the investigation into Courtney's death to proceed to its logical conclusion, and despite a Government pledge to root out the intellectual authors of this dastardly act, Dr Hinds, the self-proclaimed "overseer"

of African Guyanese victimhood, seized upon the occasion to exhort his African brethren not to be drawn into any form of tit for tat.

He continued to inform his audience that, in light of the death of Crum-Ewing, the PPP/C, already with the blood of the Linden martyrs on its hands, have now claimed another innocent victim.

While referring to the kick some asses comment by Jagdeo at Babu Jaan, and what could be passed off as political jargon and political bravado, is now interpreted for Africans by Dr Hinds as racial violence emanating from the PPP/C's ethnic arsenal.

Dr Hinds, an Associate Professor of Political Science and Caribbean and African Diaspora, must be quite naive to accept that given his previous pronouncements and his influence among Africans in Guyana, his choice of words was meant to temper the political climate and subdue animosities between Africans and Indians.

Since the professor is in a more qualified position to assess the Guyanese political equation, more so than most Guyanese, he must know that he is using the tragic occasion of Courtney’s death to peddle race hate against the PPP/C (and Indians).

He has accomplished this task by equating a political statement made on the campaign trail with ethnic violence. By doing so, Dr Hinds has drifted into a mind-set of triumphalism, a mindset that is surely in dissonance with the political philosophy of his mentor, Dr Walter Rodney.

The fact of the matter is that Dr Hinds is free to articulate an Afro centric view, without challenge. This is

understandable. But why this discrepancy or anomaly in Guyanese society where a Hinds can freely and publicly adopt a triumphalist call to his brethren, but when Indians raise issues that concern them, they are immediately chastised as being racists.

Rodney never displayed this type of crass triumphalism, though he clearly understood that definitions of one self as African, West Indian and Guyanese were contextual and situational.

Apparently, Mr Mohabir was simply raising a concern he shares for Indians because he sensed that the PPP/C has not done anything structurally to permanently enhance the security interest of Indians.

Dr Hinds is fully aware that supporters of the PNC, like those of the PPP/C, have consistently described their political organization as being philosophically embedded in "multiracialsm" and the PPP/C has consistently disassociated itself from any political organization that has articulated a genuine Indo-centric perspective.

Would Dr Hinds then blame Indians who may very well turn a blind eye to the shortcomings (corruption and all) of the current government and cast their ballots for the PPP/C because they remain convinced that the main opposition PNC (APNU) is not to be trusted with the power to govern?

Surely Dr Hinds has recognized the fact that our society will be better off should Africans accept the fact that Indians too can articulate their concerns without being labeled "the guilty others".

If Dr Hinds can freely advocate for Africans why such a hysteria when Indians raise issues pertaining to race relations in Guyana?

One simply has to look at the reaction to Jagdeo's comments on various blogs and social media, including those which count prominent political leaders as members.

Or, he can simply reflect upon the relentless, often vicious attacks heaped upon Dev by columnist Freddie Kissoon and others, despite the fact that Dev's political party, ROAR, presented a clear action plan for addressing the ethnic dilemmas in our bifurcated society.

Instead of equating an act of murder or political violence (assuming Courtney was killed for political rea-

sons), with what Dr Hinds accepts as "ethnic violence" against Africans and laying blame on Indians without documented evidence, Dr Hinds may find workable solutions to the Guyanese political situation if he reflected more intensely upon the Rodneyite philosophy and temper his African triumphalism. Otherwise, his pronouncements at this juncture in our history may have dire consequences for an already fractured Guyanese nation.

Dr

Baytoram

Ramharack

Narcotics...

The Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1988, even though it contains a sentencing regime, cannot take away from and dismember a magistrate from applying his/ her judicial mind to each case and judging each on you its own merits.

Juxtaposed against the sentencing of a 21 year old for cannabis possession for three years in jail, is the second “chance” giving to a 23-years-old on a conviction of robbery under arms with a gun, where violence was involved, injury sustained, property stolen including cash, a phone and a car.

I am in all of support of giving a person a second chance for the armed robbery, but shouldn’t the same apply to a 21-year old found with 16 ounces of cannabis? Kudos to Magistrate Judy Latchman for the bold steps she has taken.

What the public needs to see however is more consistency.

It is of no comfort to Estrick Simons and his family that he has to spend three years in jail, where hardened criminals are kept, while pleading guilty to a charge that did not waste judicial time, and a second chance is given to a far more serious offender.

I find it very difficult to accept that a three-year custodial sentence was the best option available. As a father of four and an Attorney-at-Law who practices mostly in the criminal area, I am exposed to a wide gammot of matters and find it very difficult to accept some of the sentences imposed on first offenders, young offenders and even older persons.

I suppose I am of similar inclination that Wit and Anderson and embrace their exhortation with outstretched arms.

Jerome Khan Attorney-at-law

Cheddi Jagan memorial road race…

All set for Essequibo leg – Mohamed

All the necessary systems are falling into place for this Sunday’s third and final leg of the Cheddi Jagan memorial road race in Essequibo. This is the word emanating from the office of national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed, who is the chief organiser of the race.

“Everything is falling into place. The arrangements with the Police have been sorted out and the riders are ready. I just to remind riders that transportation will leave from the Sport Ministry at Main Street at 05:00h sharp on Sunday,” Mohamed said on Wednesday. Seasoned campaigner

Godfrey Pollydore was the top rider on that leg last year, copping the top podium spot in a time of two hours, 10 minutes, 24.41 seconds (02h: 10m: 24.41s). The race will ride off at Supenaam, head to Charity and return to Anna Regina for the finish.

In the opening leg on the West Demerara, Hamzah Eastman emerged winner, while on stage two in Berbice, Orville Hinds was the champion.

Jagan, one of the founders of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, was an avid supporter and follower of the discplines. The

Gayle has injection in attempt to ease back

Chris Gayle has had an injection in his back to try and aid his long-standing complaint ahead of West Indies’ World Cup quarterfinal against New Zealand in Wellington, but Darren Sammy said Gayle “is not missing this quarter-final for anybody.”

Gayle did not play against UAE in Napier as West Indies secured the win that enabled them to progress to the knockouts at the expense of Ireland, who had beaten them early in the tournament.

He underwent a scan in Wellington and did not attend training on Wednesday. It is understood the West Indies management are taking a day-by-day approach to assessing Gayle, but Sammy provided an upbeat assessment of his prognosis.

“Chris is not missing this quarter-final for anybody,” he said. “He is more pumped up than we are. He’s been writing down the path for us and the different scenarios. We’ve had teams who had the better of

us and he’s said we’ve got a chance of meeting them in the semis when it matters, when it hurts the most.

“Chris is pumped up just like everyone in the dressing room. It’s unfortunate that this chronic back injury keeps hindering his progress. He won’t miss

that quarter-final.”

Gayle is West Indies’ leading run-scorer in the tournament with 279 runs at 55.80, though 215 of those came in one innings against Zimbabwe. In his absence against UAE, Johnson Charles made 55 off 40 balls, and if Gayle is

able to return it will be his opening partner Dwayne Smith under most pressure for his place after making 93 runs in six innings.

Sammy said due respect would be given to New Zealand’s attack and some early caution would be advisable, but that Gayle would trust his instincts.

“Chris is an experienced player but once he’s at the crease anything is possible. That doesn’t mean if they bowl half volleys then we won’t hit them into the stands. We just have to be more selective and execute properly.

“You’ve got to give credit, they have been the best new-ball pair in the World Cup and they’ve done it consistently. If you don’t allow them to take wickets then a different game plan has to come to the party so you get the Andersons and the other guys and let them come back into their third spells and then you cash in. The guys who don’t lose wickets in the first 10 overs, when the ball is new, tend to go on and score 300plus.” (Cricinfo)

Farm to host double-wicket competition

After an absence of 12 years, competitive cricket will make a return to the Farm Community Centre ground in the form of a double-wicket competition to be held on March 29.

The event is sponsored by D. Mangal Vulcanising Establishment of Herstelling public road and is being organised by the Farm Cricket Club as part of its fundraising activities.

Twelve teams are expected to participate, namely Ruimveldt, Eccles, Nandy Park, Providence, Combined United, Farm, Diamond, Sandpipers, Silver Bullet, North Soesdyke, Herstelling and Laluni. All teams are asked to send a representative to a meeting on Friday at the club’s pavillion to discuss the playing conditions and make the draw. A participation fee of $3,000 is required of the teams.

Fifa president rejects BBC, Sky election debate

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has rejected a joint offer from the BBC and Sky to take part in a televised presidential election debate.

His three rivals accepted the invitation, but insisted all candidates must take part in the debate as a condition of their participation.

The BBC and Sky proposal was based around fans asking questions to the candidates.

The Fifa presidential election is due to take place on May 29 in Zurich.

The other candidates in the Fifa presidency elec-

tion are Jordanian FA president Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, Dutch FA president Michael van Praag and former Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Portugal winger Luis Figo. Blatter, 79, is seeking a fifth term of office. At this stage, the candidates were asked only to express a commitment in principle towards taking part.

Further talks between the broadcasters and candidates would then have taken place over the exact format, location and structure of the debate. (BBC Sport)

former Head-of-State passed away in March 1997.

Hassan Mohamed

Godfrey Pollydore

Sepp Blatter

Chris Gayle has had one innings of substance in the World Cup

SA v SL, World Cup 2015, 1st quarter-final, Sydney...

Pumped-up South Africa end knockout hoodoo

When South Africa were asked to chase in the big knockout, the mind obviously went to the stats: only one successful chase of 270 or more out of nine in the last four years, and four out of 14 chases of 240 or more. The other side of the statistic was that their bowlers had allowed those scoreshardly big by current standards - extremely rarely. If they were to win for the first time in a World Cup knockout match, their batsmen would have to do it the difficult way or their bowlers would have to do it. The bowlers did it, and how: in the shortest World Cup knockout match of all they bowled Sri Lanka - who once again made questionable moves - out for 133 in a show of pumped-up skill, hostility and aggression.

Kyle Abbott, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel set it up with probing spells at the top, leaving Sri Lanka at 47-2 by the time spin was introduced in the 15th over. Imran Tahir and JP Duminy made sure the pressure wasn't released, and were there to accept the wickets when the pressure became too much. Duminy became the first South African to take a hat-trick at the World Cup.

Playing what turned out to be his last ODI innings, Kumar Sangakkara - who had scored four centuries in his last four innings - was neutralised through excellent bowling and the failure of the rest. His score at various points of the innings

read 0 off 15, 2 off 27, 6 off 42, 34 off 90 and out for 45 off 96. He was the ninth man out with the score at 127, only just past the lowest score in a World Cup quarter-final: West Indies' 112 against Pakistan in 2011.

Verbal gamesmanship

On big days, you are looking for early signs that everything is going to be all right. Sri Lanka tried all sorts of verbal gamesmanship. When they won the toss, Angelo Mathews said, "Obviously the pressure will take it to them." He intro-

a touch upon pitching. The edge was taken, and would have died well short of first slip. There are quite a few specialist wicketkeepers going around today who wouldn't even have attempted it. Quinton de Kock, who is under pressure for having scored just 53 runs this World Cup, not only went for it, not only got his left hand to it, but also took the rebound even as he dived. South Africa's weakest link had come good. This was possibly the sign they were looking for. De Kock would go on to double his tourna-

Imran

duced debutant off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal as a "duplicate Murali" and "mystery spinner." They made mystery moves, too. Kusal Perera was asked to open although Lahiru Thirimanne had scored 261 runs at the top of the order this World Cup. Perera kept slashing at everything outside off until Abbott bowled a perfect seaming delivery, which looked like it would swing in when in air, but left him

ment aggregate in ensuring there were no hiccups in the chase.

Now South Africa were all over Sri Lanka. Another lovely low catch by Faf du Plessis at second slip, and Tillakaratne Dilshan was walking back. Steyn nearly popped a vein while celebrating. South Africa were on for this. The first 13 overs of the match contained everything: two great catches, lovely outswing, some seam,

four maidens, Sangakkara's 5 off 34, Thirimanne's 29 off 28.

South Africa bowled superbly at Sangakkara. There was no room given, there was some movement around, at the times he managed a cover drive he would find the wide mid-off or extra cover, and looking at the team situation, he was in no position to take a risk. The man so famous for getting under the South Africa captain's skin reminding him of the expectations in 2003 was now getting bogged down by the expectations that come with being, clearly, the best batsman in the side.

Thirimanne at the other end was rubbing it in for Sri Lanka, who have often been guilty of getting too funky on the big day. The last time Sri Lanka lost a World Cup knockout, in the 2011 final, they made wholesale changes to a successful side. Questions will be asked of this combination too. Batting at No. 4, Thirimanne was not quite the Aravinda de Silva at 1 for 2 in the 1996 World Cup semi-final, but he was connecting everything.

South Africa finally had the luxury of introducing their spinners with the pressure on the opposition, and it showed. Duminy cramped the left-hand batsmen for room, while Tahir attacked a little more. Soon, a legbreak stopped at Thirimanne, and the floodgates opened for good. Mahela Jayawardene's last innings ended to a familiar nemesis soon after he was almost lbw to a Tahir

wrong'un. Jaywardene has often struggled to read Tahir, and pulled a quicker one straight to short midwicket to fall to the legspinner for the fourth time in four ODIs.

Coming in at 81 for 4, Mathews had a big job to do. He added 33 with Sangakkara, saw off the middle burst by the quicks, but whipped an innocuous Duminy delivery straight to short midwicket. That was the last ball of the 33rd over. In the 34th, Tahir got Thisara Perera with a legbreak that didn't turn. The next ball, the first of the 35th, was a mirror image: a Duminy offbreak to the right-handed Nuwan Kulasekara that didn't turn enough and took the outside edge. Only Duminy

and AB de Villiers knew at the moment that when he trapped Kaushal lbw next ball, he had taken a hattrick. Sangakkara now tried to throw caution to the wind, but gave Morkel, who had bowled just as well as everybody else, his first wicket with a ramp to third man. Tahir came back to finish the innings.

There was one final twist remaining, though. A freakish rain break that delayed de Kock's response to the measly target. Unlike 23 years ago in an SCG knockout, South Africa could look at the rain fall in a relaxed manner. De Kock came back out after the break to score 78 off 57 either side of the supper break and end the game with 32 overs to spare. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka innings K Perera c De Kock b Abbott 3

Dilshan c du Plessis b Steyn 0

Sangakkara c Miller

b M Morkel 45 Thirimanne c and b Tahir 41

M Jayawardene c du Plessis

b Tahir 4

Mathews c du Plessis

b Duminy 19

T Perera c Rossouw b Tahir 0

Kulasekara c De Kock

b Duminy 1

Kaushal lbw b Duminy 0

Chameera not out 2

Malinga c Miller b Tahir 3

Extras: (2-nb, 7-w, 4-b, 2-lb) 15

Total: (all out; 37.2 overs) 133

Bowling: Steyn 7-2-18-1, Abbott 6-1-27-1, M Morkel

7-1-27-1, Duminy 9-1-

29-3, Tahir

8.2-0-26-4 Fall of wickets: 3 (K Perera), 4 (Dilshan), 69 (Thirimanne), 81 (M Jayawardene), 114 (Mathews), 115 (T Perera), 116 (Kulasekara), 116 (Kaushal), 127 (Sangakkara), 133 (Malinga)

South Africa innings Amla c Kulasekara b Malinga 16 De Kock not out 78 du Plessis not out 21

Extras: (3-nb, 12-w, 4-lb) 19

Total:(for 1 wicket; 18 overs) 134

Bowling: Malinga 6-043-1, Dilshan 2-0-10-0, Kulasekara 1-0-13-0, Kaushal 6-0-25-0, Chameera 2-029-0, T Perera 1-0-10-0 Fall of wicket: 40 (Amla)

england were wrong to sack me – cook

Alastair Cook has claimed that the ECB's decision to relieve him of the England captaincy a matter of weeks before the World Cup has been proved wrong in hindsight and described the players as looking "shellshocked" during a disastrous campaign that ended at the group stage.

Cook was sacked in December, amid worsening results and after going more than two years without an ODI hundred. Speaking in Dubai for the launch of the Emirates T20 - Cook is in the UAE to take part in the Champion County match between MCC against Yorkshire - he said that England appeared to lack for leadership after heavy defeats against Australia and New Zealand in their first two World Cup games set them on the road to an early exit.

"I'm always going to have a slightly biased view on that. I was there for threeand-a-half years trying to do a job," he said. "We got to number one in the world with a full strength side and got to the final of the Champions Trophy. There were things I

can be very proud of. As any captain will tell you, leading your country in a World Cup is a huge honour and one that can never be taken lightly. I was very much looking forward to that.

"I understand the pressure I was under. I wasn't scoring the runs I should, or could, have been scoring, so I understand that my position was in jeopardy. I said at the end of Sri Lanka that if there was a change, I couldn't com-

plain because I hadn't scored the runs.

"But I think you saw in Australia the dangers of making such a big decision so close to the tournament. I don't know what's gone on on that tour, and I can only speak from watching a little bit from afar, but it did look like the lads were shellshocked from the first two games. That's when you need real leadership to help steer you through that.

Whether I would have made a difference, I don't know. But I was fully confident we would get out of our group, and from there, you've got to win three games in a row - that's how this World Cup has worked.

"I can't speak about what's gone on there in depth, but you always back yourself, and I would have loved to have had the opportunity that was taken away from me. The selectors made that decision because they thought it was the best for English cricket. Hindsight has probably proved them wrong, but now it's very easy to say that."

Cook’s support

Cook has been training with Essex since his removal, preparing for England's Test tour of the West Indies, the squad for which was announced on Wednesday. The dismal World Cup showing has increased the pressure on head coach Peter Moores - who, as one of the selectors, was involved in the ODI captaincy decision - but Cook reiterated his support.

"As always in this day and age - we talk about foot-

ball managers and it's coming into cricket now, it's a results-driven business," he said. "There's no doubt about it, there's pressure on him. There's pressure on all of us.

All I can say is that I've really, really enjoyed working with Peter. In my eyes, he's a fantastic coach who needs a bit of luck for that to come out. I enjoy working with him and the lads do. I hope he stays and gets the opportunity to turn it round. I've only got good things to say about him."

England's success in coming from 1-0 down to beat India 3-1 in the Test series last summer was one of the reasons the management persisted with Cook in charge of the one-day side.

The encouragement of three successive Test victories has long since dissipated, however, as England lurched through six months of ODI cricket in preparation for the World Cup, which included heavy reverses against India and Sri Lanka.

Cook conceded that, a year after England's postAshes rebuilding job began, they would have to start the job of changing perceptions once again.

"What's happened this winter, the fans will be feeling disappointed, and there's a bit of doom and gloom about English cricket," he said. "We've got the responsibility as a Test side, a different format, to go out and try and change that and start turning it around again. That is the challenge we've got.

"We built that momentum a little bit after the Ashes with a slightly younger side, including the likes of Gary Ballance and Joe Root. There was a feel-good factor about the English game in the middle of August after the Test matches. Since then, it's been tough going. We've got to rebuild again."

Asked whether the Test team's momentum had been lost, Cook replied: "I wouldn't say all of it has been, but a hell of a lot of it has been. You have to remember that it is a different format and you get a change, but all teams are grouped under the same English cricket umbrella, and we can't be naive enough to think that it's not. We have a repairing job to do, and the only way of doing that is by playing some good cricket and to start winning."

(Cricinfo)

Tahir picked up four wickets

Alastair Cook said hindsight suggested he should not have been sacked as England's ODI captain

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Trott recalled by England for Caribbean tour

Jonathan Trott has been recalled to the full England squad for the first time since leaving the 2013-14 Ashes tour because of a stress-related condition.

The Warwickshire batsman, 33, was named in a 16man party for the three-Test tour of West Indies in April and May.

All-rounders Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali are both ruled out due to injuries suffered during the World Cup.

Yorkshire opener Adam Lyth, Durham seamer Mark Wood and Yorkshire legspinner Adil Rashid are all included.

The trio are the only players yet to be capped at Test level in a squad captained by Alastair Cook.

Middlesex opener Sam Robson has been left out despite playing in England's last seven Tests, with fast bowler Steven Finn also omitted following a disappointing World Cup.

Trott scored 3,763 runs in 49 England Tests before leaving Australia after the first Test in Brisbane in November 2013 due to a long-standing anxiety condition.

Having started the 2014 season with Warwickshire, his county campaign was interrupted when he took another break from the game in April.

But, following sessions with psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters, he returned to the Bears side in May, ending the summer with 628 FirstClass runs.

He made a triumphant return to international colours in January, scoring a double hundred as captain of England Lions in South Africa.

National selector James Whitaker said: "Jonathan Trott is a player of proven international pedigree and we are delighted to welcome

him back into the squad."

Reactions

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew: "Trott's easiest route back into the Test team would be as Cook's opening partner.

"His return to the fold after his period on the sidelines will be a great boost to any flagging morale.

"How he will fare remains to be seen. He will have to answer searching questions about his technique against hostile fast bowling and if he can reassume his calming presence once more, England will benefit."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan: "Jonathan Trott coming back doesn't surprise me. He was the standout player in the Lions trip, and I am sure they have done all the research on the issues that he had.

"The only thing that surprised me was that he did not open in South Africa. I thought they would use that tour to at least have a look at Jonathan Trott at the top of the order in one of the games.

"He did struggle against the short ball the last time he was in the England team,

and the pace options from the likes of Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris. I think other teams around the world will continue to target him with short stuff into the body.

"That is something he will have to work on, but if you ask me whether I would take the gamble, I would. I think England are a better team with Jonathan Trott playing well."

Unsurprisingly, Kevin Pietersen's pleas for an England recall have so far fallen on deaf ears. Pietersen told Test Match Special on Wednesday that he would "do anything" to get back into the side.

Full England squad: Alastair Cook (capt, Essex), Adam Lyth (Yorkshire), Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire), Gary Ballance, Joe Root (both Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Jos Buttler (wk, Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (wk), Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett (all Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Mark Wood (Durham), James Tredwell (Kent). (BBC Sport)

Paralympian killed in quad-bike crash

Awho competed in shooting at London 2012, was found dead at his farm in Queensland.

"Ashley was meant to lead the team to Rio, now they'll do it for him instead," said head coach Miro Sipek, from Shooting Australia.

Police said that beef farmer Mr Adams was killed when he fell from his bike at the 158,000-acre site. The Australian Paralympic Committee said the sport had lost "not only one of its best athletes but one of its greatest characters."

Adams, who was paralysed in a motorbike race in 1982 when he was 26, won a silver and a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Paralympics. (BBC Sport)

Jonathon Trott was out of action due to a stress-related condition

n Australian fivetime Paralympian, due to compete in Rio

next year, has been killed in a quad-bike accident. Ashley Adams, 59,

Ashley Adams

Massy U-15 football produces more exciting results

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Several teams chalked up victories last weekend when the inaugural Massy Under-15 football league continued at the Tucville ground, Georgetown. A total of 21 goals were scored on the two days of action with Fruta Conquerors, Black Pearl, Order and Discipline and Western Tigers winning both their games.

Fruta Conquerors defeated Camptown 2-0 on Saturday and followed up on Sunday with a 4-0 drubbing of Pele to notch up their third win on the trot after a draw in the opening match.

Against Camptown, Diarra Thomas and Orrwyn Garraway were the scorers, while in the game against Pele, Garraway netted a double, Reshan Ritch a single and an own goal accounted for the other.

Black Pearl maintained their symmetry with 2-0 successes over Pele and Beacon, who has now suffered back-to-back defeats. The Black Pearl boys were led to victory by Julian Bamfield, who scored in both games, while Rakeemah Morrison and Josiah Thompson netted a single each.

Order and Discipline had the most convincing win over the weekend, a 5-1 thrashing of Beacon, while they followed up with

a 3-0 win over Camptown. Against Beacon, Zior Gray was the star with four goals, while Raymond Persaud scored the other, while Nkosi Park accounted for Beacon’s consolation.

Western Tigers was the other unbeaten team, beating Santos 2-0 and gaining a walkover from Houston Stars, who continue to be a no-show. Scoring for Western Tigers were Dominic Battse and Rayon James.

In other results, Riddim Squad was given a walk-

over by Houston Stars, Renaissance edged GFC 2-1, GFC needled Riddim Squad 1-0 and Renaissance and Santos played to a nilall stalemate.

At the completion of four rounds, Order and Discipline leads Group B with the maximum 12 points, while the boys from Renaissance lead Group A with 10 points.

The competition will continue this weekend with another 12 games at the same venue. In the opening game at 09:00h on

Murray welcomes player’s 15-year ban

World number four

Andy Murray has welcomed the 15year doping ban handed out to Wayne Odesnik by tweeting: "Bye bye Wayne... Good riddance."

Odesnik, 29, tested positive for several banned substances, including steroids, in December and January.

The American, ranked 267th in the world, announced his retirement within minutes of his ban becoming public.

It was his second doping violation, following a twoyear ban in 2010 for possessing human growth hormone (HGH).

Murray's comments were echoed by Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion and a former world number one.

The American, who is now retired, tweeted: "I hate that he has a US flag next to his name when he's cheating. Good riddance."

Odesnik's best result at a Grand Slam came in 2008, when he reached the third round of the French Open.

He also reached the

2009 final of the US Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston, his only ATP World Tour final. He achieved his highest world ranking of 77 in April 2009.

In his statement announcing his retirement, Odesnik claimed he had "unknowingly ingested a contaminated over-thecounter supplement" and said he was "heartbroken."

As a result of his latest violation, Odesnik's results at this year's Happy

Valley Challenger event, Australian Open and Maui Challenger event will be disqualified and the ranking points and prize money forfeited.

Odesnik's first suspension came after he was found to have eight vials, each containing six milligrams of HGH, in his baggage when stopped by Australian customs officials.

The ban was cut to 12 months after he gave "substantial assistance" to the International Tennis Federation. (BBC Sport)

GOA hands huge financial backing to ruggers

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) on Wednesday dived deep into its coffers, committing to massive financial support for the national Men’s rugby team, which is in preparation for the successful defence of the North American and Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 7s and 15s titles later this year.

At a press briefing at the GOA office on High Street, President of the Association, K.A. Juman Yassin, announced that the body will be plugging millions into the national ruggers programme for 2015.

Saturday, Houston Stars will play Renaissance; followed by Western Tigers against Riddim Squad, GFC versus Santos, Fruta Conquerors against Order and Discipline, Camptown versus Black Pearl and Beacon against Pele.

On Sunday, the knockout round will commence with the quarter-finals games. The tournament is being sponsored by Massy United Insurance and organised by the Fruta Conquerors Football Club.

These include $3.7 million for expenses related to the functioning of newly appointed Technical Director Angus Thompson, $6.5 million for the NACRA 7s qualifiers for the Rio Olympics, $990,000 for preparations for the Pan Am Games and $5.5 million for the team’s participation at the Pan Am Games.

The GOA is also looking to further invest in the team by funding a two-week preparatory camp in Canada ahead of the Pan Am Games, which is pegged at $7 million. Last year, the GOA had also thrown its weight behind the ruggers, injecting $3 million into a team that created history by becoming the first Caribbean nation to

win both the NACRA 7s and 15s titles in the same year.

Yassin said the GOA’s benevolence this year materialised after representatives of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) held discussions with the GOA’s Vice-president Noel Adonis. An agreement was met whereby the GOA decided to support the team, given the fact that it will be engaged in several important competitions this year.

GRFU President Peter Green thanked the GOA for its timely support, adding that the Union is now looking for the government’s backing in securing the remainder of the budget for the Men’s team programme in 2015.

Despite its tremendous success on the regional and international stage, winning the NACRA 7s title an unprecedented seven times and the 15s trophy for the first time in 43 years last year, rugby has struggled with funding over the years.

The Olympic Association’s intervention is a more than welcomed one, given the packed programme the Union has for 2015. It comes at a time when the discipline carted off an amazing five of the six awards it was nominated for at the annual National Sports Commission’s award ceremony.

Messi’s assist hands Man City victory

Lionel Messi’s masterclass dumped Manchester City out of the Champions League as the Premier League lost its last team in the competition.

Already leading 2-1 from the first leg of their last-16 tie, Barca tore through the City defence from the start as Neymar hit the post early on.

Messi set up Ivan Rakitic, who lobbed Joe Hart for a first-half goal.

City needed two goals to take it to extra-time but

Sergio Aguero’s penalty was saved after he was brought down.

Although that excellent opportunity would have ensured a tense finale at the Nou Camp, it would also have put an unfair slant on the game, which Barca dominated for long periods.

The four-time champions registered 23 attempts toward the City goal but found keeper Joe Hart in superb form as he almost took on a personal duel with Messi and kept the Argentine, and his team-mates, at bay.

City have now failed to reach the quarter-finals in each of their four Champions League campaigns, and as the best paid team in world sport, according to a recent study, it seems like a poor return on that investment. With a fourth defeat in their last five games, there is also a genuine threat that their season could end up trophy-less. Manuel Pellegrini’s City side sit six points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who have a game in hand. (BBC Sport)

Players battle for possession during a game last week

Wayne Odesnik

Lionel Messi set up the goal scored by Ivan Rakitic

Guyana Cup Fever billed for April 5

– organisers release provisional programme

Guyana’s largest horse-racing event, the Guyana Cup Fever, is billed for April 5 at the Port Mourant Turf Club. Organised by the Port Mourant Turf Club in collaboration with the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables, seven races are on the cards with over $10 million in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs.

The programme shows that the organisers are also moving in line to implement a number of new initiatives taken recently by those in the horse racing fraternity with the rating and class of the animal being taken into consideration.

According to the provisional programme, the feature event is for horses classified D1 and Lower for a winning take of $1.5 mil-

lion and a combined purse of $2,820,000.

The F1 and Lower event will also feature the Threeyear-old West Indies and Guyana bred colts, fillies and mares for a winning total prize of $940,000 and trophy. There is an event for West Indies and Guyana bred Three-year-old animals, including colts and fillies also for a total prize of $940,000 and trophy.

The G3 and Lower event will also feature West Indies and Guyana bred colts, fillies and mares for a combined purse of $750,000 and trophy. The Guyana Bred Three-year-old colts, mares and fillies will have their chance at competing for a total prize package of $560,000 ad trophy.

The event for I1 and Lower animals and Guyana bred Two-year-old colts, fil-

lies and mares will be racing for a winning package of $470,000 and trophy. The final race will be for animals classified J2 and Lower and Guyana bred colts, fillies and mares will run for a total purse of $375,000

The races will be held under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Interested persons can contact Chandu Ramkissoon on 624-9063 or 232-0633, Romel Jagroop on 6241798, Irshad Mohamed on 664-1650 for more information. Nazrudeen “Jumbo Jet” Mohammed Jnr. is the coordinator, and race time is 12:30h.

The Guyana Cup Fever is the brainchild of Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, and has become the largest horse racing event since its inaugural staging seven years ago. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

GOA official passes on

Flashback! The late Shanomae Blackmore receiving a plaque from President of the GOA KA Juman Yassin at the GOA 2014 award ceremony at the Georgetown Club

The local sport fraternity was plunged into mourning on Wednesday following the passing of Administrator/ Secretary of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), Shanomae Blackmore. Blackmore, 34, had suffered a period of illness. Blackmore, the daughter of former President of the GOA, Claude Blackmore, was one of the long-serving employees of the GOA, dedicating over a decade of service to the entity. Current President of the GOA, K.A. Juman Yassin, said Shanomae’s passing is an “extreme loss” to local sport. He extended con-

GFSCA to host Easter Bash softball

The Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will be holding its monthly one day knockout softball tournament on Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club ground on Lance Gibbs Street, Queenstown.

This second edition will be dubbed "GFSCA Easter Bash Knockout Softball". Just like the “Mash Bash Softball” in February, it will be played in the Open Category (male players of

any age), which will be 5/5 (five overs per innings) and Masters Category (male players 40 years and overborn 1975 and before), which will be 10/10 (10 overs per innings).

Entrance fees for the Male Open is $16,000 and Masters is $21,000. Umpires will be paid by GFSCA.

The winning prize for each category is the Trophy Stall Easter Bash Softball trophy plus $50,000, while runners-up will receive

$10,000. There will also be a Man-of-the-Match trophy for each final.

All interested teams can call Wayne Jones at 6501790 for more information. Only 16 teams will be accepted. Admission to the ground is free, and matches start at 11:00h.

The Open Category will use the yellow Floodlights ball, while the Master will play with the white GFSCA balls. Balls are available at the Trophy Stall and Mike’s Pharmacy.

dolences to the Blackmore family during their time of grief.

Shanomae, who had often been lauded for the efficiency in the execution of her duties at the GOA, was only last year rewarded with a plaque for her contribution to sport at the administrative level.

Wolf’s Warriors will be one of the teams to beat in the Open Category

The Guyana Cup Fever has always attracted a large turnout of spectators (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

‘Douglas’ WI look to sucker punch ‘Tyson’ NZ

The World Cup is now in the knockout stage and Darren Sammy chose to pull out a boxing analogy as he built up West Indies ahead of their quarter-final against New Zealand, insisting all the pressure was on the home side.

Sammy referenced the historic 1990 boxing bout between James ‘Buster’ Douglas and Mike Tyson in Tokyo, where Tyson, the undefeated and undisputed heavyweight champion, had been a clear favourite only for the unfancied Douglas to prevail via a knockout.

“I remember some guy called Douglas beating Mike Tyson and it’s a case of that on Saturday [Friday Caribbean time],” Sammy said. “We always believed from the time the tournament started, the first goal was to reach the quarter-finals. After that you’re two games away from a World Cup final. We’ve won two, it’s been a long time, but New Zealand have not won any.

“I just watched the guys warm-up today [Wednesday] and it’s a different feel. It’s the business end. You could win all your games then coming into the knockout there’s no guarantee you’re going to win. The

guys know what’s at stake and we’re going to do everything in our powers to beat Mike Tyson.”

Expectations were low for West Indies after they suffered an openinggame defeat to Ireland in Nelson before back-to-back wins against Pakistan and Zimbabwe lifted them up the group table. That was

followed by resounding defeats against South Africa and India, meaning they had to beat UAE while also improving their net runrate.

“As you guys put it, we were not supposed to be here,” Sammy said. “Here we are, a knockout game, so the pressure is on the home team. They are the favou-

rites to win, so the question is, what are they going to do when they play West Indies in a knockout. We’re not too bad in knockout games. We’re just going to enjoy it. The pressure is not on us.”

The last time the two sides met in a one-day series it ended 2-2 during the 2013-14 season, but Sammy was keen to recall the pre-

vious meeting when tournament progression was on the line at the World T20 in 2012. The teams were tied after 20 overs in the Super Eight clash in Pallekele before West Indies prevailed in the Super Over when Tim Southee could not defend 16.

“When it came down to crunch time, we won. Same set of players,” Sammy said, invoking a little artistic license as only six West Indian players and four New Zealanders from that match are likely to appear in Wellington.

“This time around it won’t be any different. A full house will be rooting for New Zealand but we know within our group once we do the basics, the things we know we can do well, we are unstoppable. We’ve been very inconsistent but it’s a knockout game and if we put together all the good things we know we can do right then no team can beat us. I know the other teams know that as well.”

Sammy acknowledged how well Southee and Trent Boult have been performing at the World Cup and picked out the first 10 overs of West Indies’ batting innings as a pivotal period of the match. And, with a powerful jab to the

solar plexus, he went as far as to say that New Zealand “didn’t have an answer” in the death overs against Bangladesh.

It was the first time they had been severely tested late in an innings in their six group matches and the final 10 overs cost 104 with Brendon McCullum using up his frontline resources in the search for wickets, which meant Grant Elliott bowled two of the final three overs.

“When we bat Boult and Southee have been bowling very well with the new ball. Once we don’t let them get wickets up front, as you watched in the game against Bangladesh coming down to the end they didn’t have an answer. You saw Grant Elliott bowling in the last four overs. That’s something where they have not been put under and they didn’t respond well against Bangladesh.”

New Zealand’s players have said very little in the build-up, but for all Sammy’s chest-thumping words it was all shadowboxing. The telling blows come later. That 1990 win for Douglas was also his last hurrah. It remains to seen how many punches West Indies have left to throw. (Cricinfo)

World Cup matches (with Guyana time)

Darren Sammy referenced the 2012 World T20 clash between the two teams as a measure of West Indies’ bottle in knockouts: “When it came down to crunch time, we won”

GRFU President, Peter Green (left), makes a point in the presence of GOA President KA Juman Yassin at Wednesday’s briefing

Quinton de Kock gathers runs on the on-side