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QC student cops

Labourer

Re-migrating teachers want jobs back

Small miners say auction favours the rich

Two held after Strathspey robbery

MARAD officials attend maritime security confab in Antigua

NY-based Guyanese lawyer convicted of obstructing justice

Elisa Hamilton, Queen's Collage, 19 ones, 1 two

Bharti Bhoge, Skeldon Line Path Secondary, 17 onesLarissa Wiltshire, Queen's Collage, 17 ones

Tressyia Ketwaroo, Skeldon Line Path Secondary 16 ones and 1 two

wednesday, august 13, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

Re-migrating teachers want jobs back

... Govt mulls how to deal with breached contracts

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

Teachers who would have breached their contracts with the Government to pursue lucrative offers overseas could be considered for re-employment, Education Minister Priya Manickchand has said.

She told Guyana Times that with a number of trained teachers returning to Guyana, her Ministry is currently working around a system which could enable them to continue teaching here.

Hundreds of Guyanese teachers had taken up lucrative offers in countries such as The Bahamas, Botswana, The Turks and Caicos Islands and other Caribbean countries. However, a number of them have been returning in recent times and Government sees this as an opportunity to capitalise on their skills.

The school system here is still short of qualified teachers and only recently Government has been considering hiring foreigners to teach Mathematics and Science.

Currently, the Education Ministry allows teachers who have breached their contracts, to make payments in the event they wish to return. “What we know is that teachers are re-migrating.

And what is under active consideration is how we are going to deal with their contracts,” Manickchand said.

Speaking exclusively to Guyana Times on Tuesday, the Education Minister said she is aware of close to 10 individuals who have indicated their interest in returning to the education system here. These are teachers who had passed through the training offered by the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), and who had left the jurisdiction without permission from the Ministry or the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).

“The rule is, you have to pay it off before you can begin teaching again”, she told this publication, while noting that the Ministry

is also seeking out ways through which those rules could be relaxed, without jeopardising agreements in other service areas.

Many teachers, she said, are lobbying to honour this commitment while they teach. “They are asking for many things like, “please allow me to pay as I teach”, Manickchand reported.

Asked what is being done to prevent teachers from leaving the country, Manickchand explained that contracts are signed, while passports and other travel documents are stamped. She said however, that unlike previous years, fewer teachers are leaving the country.

She recalled that many Guyanese educators had left home when countries like Belize, The Bahamas and Botswana were in desperate need of teachers. That situation has improved, she noted.

Earlier in this year, questions were raised over the millions of dollars being spent on salaries for teachers, who in the past, were known to have left the teaching service. Manickchand had told the National Assembly, that although the situation was obviously a huge issue in the past, her Ministry had put measures in place to address the problem.

Some $35.6 million was said to have been spent to pay teachers who had already exited the system between 2006-2011, the National Assembly had learnt. A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Volda Lawrence had commented that the Education Ministry was expending millions of dollars in overpayment to persons; many of whom would have left the education system.

She questioned what

measures the Ministry has in place to stem the “consistent haemorrhage of salaries being paid to persons, who many times, would have left the institution”.

Mancikchand had explained that teachers would leave the job. However, the Ministry would only be notified three months later, while salaries continued to be sent to the banks. She had said too that one would expect that in such cases, “human decency” would dictate that they would return

the money, however, based on the Auditor General’s report, the country was let down. She noted that the Ministry had written to some of these individuals, and some had returned and repaid the money.

MP Lawrence also pointed out that a number of people, after getting away with the misdeed, still turn up and receive full payment for monies owed to them, including gratuity, while no deductions are made.

Labourer shot dead, workmate wounded

... employer believes her family was target

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

One man is dead and another seriously injured after they were shot by another man while imbibing at Northern Hogg Island, Essequibo River on Monday night.

The men who are employed by Raywattie Katwaru were apparently mistaken for the woman’s relatives who were reportedly the targets.

Dead is 51-year-old Rudolph Persaud, while gravely injured is Roy Williams, who is a patient at the Suddie Public Hospital. Both men are from Port Kaituma, North West District. A man and a woman are in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Williams sustained multiple gunshots about his body. Speaking from his hospital bed, Williams said he works as a labourer on a boat for Raywattie Katwaru. At about 21:00h on Monday night, himself and Persaud were walking along a dam at Northern Hogg Island when shots were discharged in their direction. Persaud was hit to his abdomen and neck, while Williams was hit to his chest. They were taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where Persaud was pronounced dead on arrival and Williams was admitted for medical treatment.

Williams told this newspaper that all he could recall was hearing the sounds of “gunshots”. At the time, he said he and Persaud were consuming alcohol along a dam at Northern Hogg Island when someone pulled up and started to shoot at them. He said that he shouted and

then the person started to aim at him. He noted that he did not have any grievances with anyone and is stunned at the attack. Williams has been working in the interior for approximately five years.

The men’s employer Raywattie Katwaru told this newspaper that she received a call on Monday night about the incident. She said persons from the area assisted both Williams and Persaud to the hospital. Katwaru, who transports groceries from Parika to Hogg Island said that last August she was robbed.

Mistaken

She said during robbery, the bandits had threatened to kill her entire family if she took the matter to court. She said according to information received, the shooter might have mistaken her workers for her son. She said her son was in the company of both Williams and Persaud earlier that day.

Surendra Persaud, the deceased man’s son said he too responded to a call that his father was killed. He had to identify his father’s body whom he had not seen since he was a child.

Meanwhile, last week,

the Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported that there was an eight per cent drop in serious crimes for the first seven months of the year, but there were 80 murders representing a 10 per cent increase. According to the Police Force, the total number of reports of serious crimes made between January 1 and July 31, was 2134 compared to 2317 for the same period in 2013.

“Of the 80 murders committed unto July 2014, three were of the execution type, 16 were committed during robberies, 21 were domestic related, 17 were of the disorderly type and 23 are so far undetermined”, the GPF said in a statement. Additionally, at the end of July this year, robbery under arms saw an increased by 16 per cent, with 679 reports compared to 585 for the same period in 2013. The Police statement said “the statistics indicate an increase of 27 per cent in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms; and a two per cent decrease in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.”

Critically injured Roy Williams at the Suddie Public Hospital

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

GWI hunts $1.4B in outstanding revenues

… launches new monthly billing programme

With approximately $1.4 billion in outstanding revenues, Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has moved to initiate a Monthly Billing Programme aimed at boosting the rate of payment by customers.

GWI has a customer base of 130,000 of which 50 per cent of the customers are in arrears and more than 10,000 have been disconnected. According to the water company, customers’ arrears now total $1.4 billion. GWI Financial Director Jaigopaul Ram made this disclosure on Tuesday at the Corporate Complex at Bel-Air Park, during the launching of the Monthly Billing Programme which took effect on August 1.

The change from the quarterly to the monthly billing system will affect the 70,000 metered customers but according to Ram, greater efficiency can be expected. Based on an evaluation conducted, GWI’s cash collection efficiency stands at 70 per cent but with the introduction of the new billing system, it will be adjusted to 75 per cent by the end of

2014 and 90 per cent by 2016 in keeping with the strategic plan. According to the Financial Director, the increase in revenues will ultimately result in improved services.

Customer Services Manager Jeanette Thomas said the quarterly billing system was contributing to the delays in payments by customers. “Basically they were forgetting to pay their bills,” she explained.

Efficiency

But like the Financial Director, Thomas assured the press that the monthly programme will improve the overall efficiency of bill delivery, explaining that meters across the country will be read and delivered on a monthly basis.

“The new monthly schedule will simplify our bill delivery processes and align GWI with the other utilities. Our goal is to motivate our customers to make payments on time and provide them with a monthly bill that is due with their other monthly expenses, hence making it easier for customers to remember their water service payments.”

She also called on metered customers to coop-

erate, positing that meter readers should be given access to premises. “Very often we cannot gain access to customers’ premises because they lock their gates or the meters are just not accessible,” the Customer Services Manager complained.

However, if meters cannot be read due to the lack of access, bills will be estimated on the basis of consumption trends. “We do not want to be estimating your bills on a monthly basis, hence we are appealing to you for access,” she stressed.

Consumption

But before estimating the bills, meter readers who are unable to access meters will leave letters urging customers to make contact with the nearest GWI location so that their service consumption can be inputted to avoid estimated billing.

Meanwhile the Billing and Revenue Control Manager Julie Ragnauth said customers should be

reminded that payments are due within 28 days after the bills are generated, explaining that water bills will be delivered seven days before the due date. Ragnauth explained that the Delivery Schedule will run for three weeks, commencing in the third week of each month and ending in the first week of the following month.

The monthly billing for unmetered customers will be launched in 2015.

Of recent, GWI has been exploring a number of avenues in an effort to encourage payment of water bills. Earlier in the year, the water company had launched a nationwide disconnection campaign; a period in which customers in arrears were given the option to make payments or be disconnected. A payment plan has also been initiated to assist defaulters who might be unable to pay the lump sum owed. According to the corporation, this campaign is still ongoing. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

From left, gWI Executive Financial director Jaigopaul ram, Customer Services Manager Jeanette thomas and Billing and revenue Control Manager Julie ragnauth

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

CSEC results

The Caribbean Secondary Education Examination (CSEC) results are out and it is encouraging to see the Education Ministry recording an improvement in overall performance compared to last year, albeit marginal. The Ministry is more of less playing catch up with the level it was at three years ago, when it should really be building on the successes achieved.

In 2009, the overall percentage pass rate counting Grades One to Three was 63.7; in 2010, it was 66.2; and in 2011, 64.4 per cent, compared to 58.69 in 2012; 59.31 in 2013 and 60.21 in 2014. The Ministry has therefore managed to achieve slight improvements in the past three years.

In 2014, the Ministry with more than 70 per cent of trained teachers in the school system should not be reporting a 60 per cent overall pass rate, which was achieved six years ago, but should have been striking in the range of 70-75 per cent. Government has been investing billions of dollars in the education sector every year on ramping up teacher training, improving quality education delivery, resourcing schools, providing meals and uniforms to students, subsidising the cost of poor students writing CSEC, expanding education access and enhancing school infrastructure.

Teachers are the highest paid public servants. Every year, at least 25 get scholarships through the GovernmentGuyana Teachers Union (GTU) multi-year agreement to study at the University of Guyana (UG). Headteachers of Grade A schools get duty-free concessions to purchase motor vehicles. Teachers are also given uniform allowances and a host of other allowances to supplement their salary.

There are still far too many slackers in the school system, and they should not escape the scrutiny of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam, as their failure is causing the Ministry much embarrassment. On the flip side, negligence to act decisively will continue to result in the Ministry making limited progress.

Certainly, this is not a record the subject Minister Priya Manickchand wants under her watch. So, it is within this context that the 2014 CSEC results must be viewed, as imperative criteria, such as greater monitoring and value for money, are weak.

The Minister did mention at a recent press briefing that the Ministry has stepped up monitoring of teachers, and the overall results pointed to the evidence of a one per cent improvement from last year. But encouragingly, students’ performance in Mathematics hit a historic high – 38.7 per cent, counting Grades One to Three – a nine per cent jump from the 28.98 per cent recorded in 2013.

However, with some 8413 students failing Mathematics, and another 7277, or about 53 per cent failing English, there is still much more work to be done. Students’ performance in English has slumped from 50.29 per cent in 2009; 59.16 in 2010; and 60.82 per cent in 2011; to 37.02 per cent in 2012; 45.69 per cent in 2013; and 46.98 per cent in 2014.

The performance in Mathematics reflects that Minister Manickchand has yet to achieve the promise she made in 2011 to raise the Grades One to Three passes in the subject to 50 per cent.

Quite, ironically, the Ministry has been unable to secure an overall pass rate of 50 per cent, counting Grades One to Three in English, even though English is not a second language in Guyana. Parents of students who failed these subjects or generally have performed poorly should also do some introspection, as the onus is on them to also monitor the performance of their children and ensure that they do well.

The Ministry and parents can still get some success out of the students who flunk English and Mathematics, with the Ministry funding an intense “Operation Comeback” programme through the school system, preparing them for the January examinations.

The students are still fresh from their studies, and many of them cannot wait to make amends. It is commendable that the Ministry is giving them the opportunity.

PNC has signalled desire to stop the Rodney CoI

Dear Editor,

The PNC and its leaders want to abort the work of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and they have threatened to cut funds to allow the CoI to continue its work and to fully explore the question as to what happened in the period before and the aftermath of Dr Walter Rodney’s death.

The Cabinet must not allow the PNC to dictate how the Commission does its work and to influence whether it provides the CoI with the funds it needs to complete its work with diligence and as comprehensively as possible.

Recall when the President appointed a CoI on the Linden deaths that they wanted, they also tried to abort the work of the Commission when it was clear that the findings would not be in their favour.

APNU/PNC has signalled its intention to stop the work of the CoI into the death of Walter Rodney. They have made it clear that any efforts by the PPP/C Government to approve further sums of money to support the work of the Rodney CoI will be rebuffed in Parliament. This is a clear case of PNC buffoonery intended to intimidate the Government and intended to misconstrue the working of the CoI.

This is an on-going assault on the Rodney CoI by APNU/PNC. They have received support in the past from the AFC. As a citizen of Guyana, I would like to hear from the leadership of the AFC if they too will withhold further financing for the CoI.

My question to the AFC is: are you going to join forces with your PNC APNU friends to suffocate the work of the Rodney Commission?

The AFC has been vocal on virtually every issue with their myopic and oneeyed views. Why are they silent now on the Rodney CoI?

I also have a question for the WPA, a vital part of the APNU leadership: is the position of APNU/PNC the position of the WPA? I would like to hear from Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and from the leadership of the WPA what their clear and unequivocal position is on the work of the Rodney CoI.

I was never under any illusion that APNU/PNC will do anything it could do to derail the work of the Rodney CoI. They tried to delay and derail the Rodney CoI before the work of the Commission started.

It was clear from the beginning that David Granger and other leaders of the PNC would not cooperate with the

Commission. It was further, pellucidly clear that the PNC leaders would establish roadblocks and barriers to prevent the work of the Commission from proceeding.

Initially, the WPA and the AFC provided support to the PNC to derail the start and then the work of the CoI. But there were individuals who were able to stand up on a moral platform and who accepted their responsibility to come forward. This forced the WPA to give its tentative support.

The Commissioners have had their hands full with the number of people who want to speak about this most shameful period and the dastardly act of murdering a brilliant young Guyanese. Knowing the truth must be our national process of healing and must not be based on political implications.

The truth is that the Rodney CoI is revealing information that confirms what many of us always knew – that the state machinery controlled by the PNC was linked to the murder of Walter Rodney. But the truth is also revealing the extent that the PNC went to create a brutal dictatorship. This is the truth we have talked about and which we rejected on October 5, 1992.

But this truth is too damning for the PNC to see spread across the news headlines. Not being able to stop the Rodney CoI from starting, they adopted a strategy of placing lawyers to create maximum intimidation of witnesses and to distract the work of the Commission.

The Chairman of the CoI hit it on the nail when he stated he would not allow Basil Williams to spread propaganda in the Commission’s work. Williams has performed his duty in the Commission as the representative of the PNC with the same thuggery he is used to with PNCstyle thug politics.

But the establishment of the Rodney CoI was long overdue. I congratulate President Donald Ramotar for using his authority to establish the CoI. The CoI started its work with financing appropriated by the Parliament.

The President, the Finance Minister and the Cabinet have a responsibility, in accordance with the Constitution, to ensure that the work of the Rodney CoI is completed and to ensure that the Commission has all the time and the resources to complete their work as fully as possible.

It is the Cabinet’s responsibility to en-

sure that politicians with vested interest do not use the authority of Parliament to perversely suffocate the CoI just because the results appear damning to them.

Now maybe people will understand why the Constitution is written the way it is: the Constitution anticipates that should politicians want to stop a legitimate and productive exercise by cutting out resources, the Government would be able to continue its work.

The damning truth is the PNC and its leaders have been embarrassed and have been exposed. They do not want the written report of the CoI and they know that more witnesses are to come that will reveal greater wrong-doings. They are, therefore, seeking to bring the work of the Rodney CoI to an end.

But the Government must remain resolute in ensuring that one of the scandals of Guyana under the wrappings of State collusion must be exposed and must become a lesson that will be a catalyst for Guyana never to repeat such shadowy and criminal behaviour again.

The PNC wants to hide what its natural propensity is. We can all be certain that the PNC will repeat behaviour that characterised it in those dark years – a party naturally exercising dictatorship and the worse wrappings that dictatorship brings with it. Its recent congress is further proof that the PNC is what it was and will never change its stripes.

There was clearly no competition for David Granger to win the leadership of the PNC. But they had to rig the election because that is the only way they know how to behave. It is in their genes, their makeup. The gun-play that marred the congress is another part of the PNC that resulted in the death of Walter Rodney. The congress reminded people of this part of the PNC.

The truth is that people have been reminded about the PNC that took our country into dictatorship and wrecked Guyana. The truth is that kind of behaviour is very much still a part of the PNC and they do not want to be exposed. They will try everything to ensure they hide the terrible truths of the PNC and to ensure people do not know that the PNC of yester-year is still the PNC on the prowl.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy Agriculture Minister

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Rudy Insanally presents President Donald Ramotar with a signed copy of his new book, “Dancing Between the Raindrops”, during the launch at the Pegasus Hotel Tuesday evening (Carl Croker photo)

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

No to squatting on State and Government lands

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) Act 59 Chapter 5 of 1999 and State Lands Act 62 Chapter 1 of 1903 are GL&SC’s legal instruments for dealing with squatting.

According to Section 20 of the State Lands Act 62 Chapter 1, squatting on State lands is illegal. Sections 35 and 36 of the Act provide the power to arrest or to summon anyone wilfully trespassing on, or unlawfully occupying State lands.

There is a significant increase in squatting on State and Government lands on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Port Kaituma and elsewhere. Some of the squatting has taken place on lands already leased for industrial, commercial and residential land uses, and on reserves, which constrain development of some areas and delay processing of land applications.

The issue of squatting leads to occupation of road reserves and buffers because squatters do not have plans with definition of boundaries. Their structures make traffic impassable, and planning for land allocation and lease issuance becomes burdensome and very challenging for legitimate applicants for land.

Squatting has been facilitated by persons illegally ‘selling’ lands in various areas. Squatters pay money without receiving titles or agreement for the lands. The GL&SC has received a

policy directive to deal with squatting on public lands under its jurisdiction at the national and community levels.

Persons interested in applying to lease State and Government lands should note that there are the following steps:

Application: sending of a Letter of Expression of Interest to the Commissioner; Expression of Interest will be forwarded to the respective Regional Office to commence processing; Acknowledgement Letter issued; GL&SC checks availability of Land and contacts applicant. Applicants could also visit the GL&SC on any Thursday to obtain the status of their request.

Inspection: an inspection fee is required to be paid for a field inspection; if the applicant accepts the land, an application form would be issued to the applicant on payment of the prescribed fees.

Approval: a schedule of applications is prepared and sent to the Office of the President for approval and there is further processing by the Commission.

Survey: a survey fee is required (once approval is given), and the land would be surveyed; some lands were block surveyed, and do not require another survey; GL&SC surveys 40 acres and above, while private surveyors could be used for less than 40 acres; a plan is prepared defining

the boundaries; once accepted by the Surveys Division, it is approved and recorded.

Lease: a lease would be prepared and sent to the respective Regional Office; at the Regional Office, it is registered and the client is requested to uplift his/her lease on payment of the required fees.

Many applicants uplift leases every day from GL&SC Offices. These are legitimate titles being of high value, and could be used as collateral in the commercial banks also.

Squatters should view the receipts they are provided, and determine whether they would ever see a title since GL&SC is the custodian of all State and Government lands. The Commission would like to encourage persons who are interested in applying for leased lands to visit the GL&SC Office for further information.

Squatting would not be condoned, and squatters including those who are encouraging squatting would be prosecuted, and new squatter settlements would not be regularised.

The upsurge of squatting suggests that more stringent actions would be taken to deter further encumbrance of State and Government lands and planned areas under jurisdiction of the Commission.

Submitted by GL&SC

No change of heart concerning Local Government Elections

Dear Editor,

Let there be no confusion, the Leader of the Opposition, Brigadier David Granger never said that he has had a change of heart concerning the holding of Local Government Elections, as reported by one section of the media.

The Leader of the Opposition and A Partnership for National Unity are resolute in our stand that after almost two decades the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration must set a date as soon as possible for Local Government

Elections to be held.

The PPP/C has prompted the motion of no confidence and it is something that is definitely urgent and something that needs to be attended to. This however does not create for us a preference or any change of heart.

Local democracy and the constitutional right of the people to elect their leaders at the municipal and neighbourhood level smust be upheld.

Sincerely,

Office of the Leader of the Opposition

Police deserve kudos for young people’s camp

Fishing and logging in Guyana

Dear Editor, I wish to state openly that I am a great respecter of the Chinese people and of China. I believe that China will be a great world super power and that this era belongs to the Chinese. I see India as the next, then Brazil.

I believe and advise our Government to be careful in that the Chinese, due to their population, are extremely aggressive, and while humane, have enormous needs to satisfy. They have massive hunger for raw products and resources to satisfy their industries, diet and ambition.

Licence for fishing: it is said that the Government of Guyana is considering providing this licence. It is one I disagree with. The Government of Guyana is saying the licence is for fishing of certain species of fish that we do not use.

It will be impossible to monitor their factory ships, in large-scale harvesting, and maybe in devastation of the marine creature in the ocean, as it is known that Chinese eat virtually anything that walks, swims, floats or crawls.

I can actually image their ships scooping all living creatures floating, swimming, under the oceans and even resting on the sea beds, and then processing them by freezing and instant canning. The filth and waste is always dumped in the oceans.

They will take the ones we usually use and the ones we do not. They have already proved that they cannot be trusted to keep their

word, nor follow protocols established.

I do not mean they are bad people, but just that they have such an enormous need due to their population and its constant growth, and they do large-scale exports of food and non-food items.

In the end, the licence fees will do little or nothing for us. We must protect our resources for future generations, and if any, encourage the Chinese to open up factories in Guyana, for processing of products, not for the exporting of our raw materials, be it fish, meat, farm products, logs, whatever. Let them open factories here in Guyana and process them here for exports, called value added products.

The Government of Guyana has to be very careful, while we are in need of finance, and international friendship and support, we cannot fritter away our resources. We have ourselves to think of and our future generations. If the Government of the day wastes away our resources, they will be cursed in generations to come.

Logging: it is done for two things basically – for profitability and for looking after their interest, while providing some services, aid and loans to help the nations whose resources are depleted.

If the Government cannot place the mechanisms and control in place, then the combined Opposition has to, and I will encourage them, even support them. They will always find ways to circumvent the laws.

I repeat that I have nothing against the Chinese people. I have no complaints with their business acumen, investment potential and opportunities, as they see opportunities in areas and things many Guyanese or Caribbean people tend to frown on. I respect them for this. The discipline and dedication in their business should be sources of inspiration to us.

I am warning the Government of Guyana, and I can warn them, as they are my Government, and hence, servants of the people of Guyana that voted in Guyana. Do not waste away our resources with people who have enormous appetites for food, any kind, and hunger for resources, our precious and dear resources, which we need for many generations to come! I advise them also, that not all who counsel are against them. Then it is also prudent to listen to the enemies at times.

If you consider the combined Opposition your enemies, then still listen to what they say, as they could bring up important matters for the sake of the state and the people. They tend to see things from the other angle, the other side. Not everything they say will be evil. The Opposition’s watchful eyes could be great watch posts.

So while I welcome the Chinese people, I warn against the Chinese companies, which could strip our nation of its resources.

Sincerely,

Roshan Khan

This represents a refreshing narrative for the GPF because too often than not, the Force is in the news for the wrong reasons. While

Dear Editor, The Guyana Police Force (GPF), and in particular the A Division (Georgetown and enirons to Timehri) and its Commander Clifton Hicken, must be commended for the service and leadership oriented week-long camping initiative that involved young people from the Rosemary Lane (Tiger Bay) and Albouystown communities. Also deserving of commendation is Pastor Eworth Williams and the Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship Church of Albouystown.

not being involved in the outreach, Blue CAPS endorses such initiatives that align with our own objectives, and we believe that institutions and individuals involved in such must be publicly recognised and applauded.

Regards, Clinton Urling Blue CAPS

Page Foundation

Page Foundation

Hwith financial problems can be tricky territory. It’s best not to just throw money at the problem, even if you can afford to help.

When you love someone, it is hard to see them suffer. This is especially true when you know their financial woes could easily be avoided by a little financial knowledge and some wise choices.

But, how do you force someone to gain financial knowledge? How to you help someone to make wiser choices? How do you minister to family members who keep making bad money choices?

A guide for helping family members with money problems

Remind yourself of your own imperfections

We all have strengths and weaknesses. You might be financially fit while someone else is physically fit. You might sit at home scheming ways to talk to them about their finances and they might sit at home thinking of creative ways to approach you about your weight problem.

We are motivated to deal with things that we think are important. Others often will not think something is important just because we think it is important.

Since none of us are perfect and have a completely balanced life we should in-

teract with our family with a certain degree of love, sympathy, and patience. Change does not happen overnight. Evaluate your relationship with the family member. Here’s a good rule of thumb. The younger you are in relationship to the person with the money problem, the less direct you should be.

For example, if your parents have money problems

last debt and it feels great!” Say, “We are actually saving money for the kids’ college so we feel a sense of accomplishment.” You can even put a financial book on the coffee table when they come over to visit. We’re not talking about being manipulative here, but simply about creating opportunities to where your parents can invite you to talk to them about finances.

they confronting them face to face is not likely going to be the best approach. In the case of parents you should deal with them indirectly or serve as an intermediary to help them.

How do you help parents indirectly? Share “I” and “we” stories. Tell you parents, “We just paid off our

How do you serve as an intermediary to help family members with money problems? In this case, you would approach someone that the family member trusts and ask them for their help. Seek out a church member who that family member respects. Find a co-worker that the fam-

ily member trusts. Talk to an older relative who has a good relationship with the family member.

When people don’t respect someone they often will not listen to what they have to say.

Don’t try to help money problems just by giving money. Most money problems do not come from a lack of money. If that was the case money could solve the problem. Instead, most money problems come from an inability to handle money and make wise money choices. Until money management issues are addressed, no amount of money will help. Remember, money does not solve money problems.

Therefore, when giving money, be sure to also attach requirements that actually help the person improve their financial situation. Require them to read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Ask them to do some work in exchange for the money. Do something to help solve their money management problems not just their money problem.

When it comes to lending to family proceed with caution. When you lend money to someone, your relationship with them automatically changes. You must have guidelines when lending to friends and family.

(csmonitor.com)

Choosing whether to be your child’s fulltime caregiver can be a complicated emotional and financial decision. But before you weigh the pros and cons of becoming a stay-at-home mom or dad, you need to answer a basic question: Can your family survive on one pay cheque?

Child costs calculator

Find out how much you’re likely to spend to raise your child.

First, do the Maths – all the Maths. If you just total your family’s expenses and subtract that sum from your partner’s salary, you’ll probably find that you can’t possibly afford to quit your job. But if you look more closely at your budget, you may find that there’s a way to make it work.

Calculate your expenses

Start by making a list of all your fixed expenses, such as mortgage or rent, car payments, utilities, food, clothing and shoes, and insurance, as well as contributions to college, retirement, and other savings accounts.

and birthday gifts, cellphone service, and cable TV. Don’t forget to build in a comfortable cushion for unanticipated costs, such as car and home repairs and medical expenses not covered by insurance.

Then, track all of your family’s expenses for a month or two – and prepare to be surprised by what’s really draining your bank account. When she first looked at trimming her family’s budget, New Jersey mom Heather DeGeorge (who now stays

Next, make a list of other expenses such as vacations, evenings out, health club memberships, haircuts and beauty treatments, holiday

home with her toddler) kept a pad in her purse and wrote down everything she spent and what she spent it on. If it’s easier, you may want to save your receipts and total them at the end of each day with the help of a computer spreadsheet, financial software, or a handwritten list and calculator.

“If you keep track of every dollar – every penny, if possible – you’ll be amazed at where your money goes,” DeGeorge says. “For me, it was the magazines that I read on the hour-long bus ride to and from work. When I began keeping track, I realised my magazine habit was costing us $200 a month.”

Figure out what work costs you Once you have your final list of expenses, subtract the money you’ll save by staying home. That’s right: Working creates its own costs – for transportation, parking, clothing, dry cleaning, lunches, your daily coffee fix, and more. Then there’s the cost of picking up take-out food for dinner or buying pre-packaged meals because you don’t have time to cook.

Don’t forget childcare expenses: If you stay home, you won’t be paying for daycare, regular babysitters, or nannies. (If you’re expecting your first child and don’t know the going rate for daycare in your area, do some research so you’ll have a good idea of how much it costs.) If you have older children, staying home may mean that your family spends less on after-school programmes and summer camps. (babycenter.com)

TO BE CONTINUED

Small miners say auction favours the rich

BY JOMO PAUL

With gold prices remaining unstable on the international market and a staggering local gold-mining industry, some small and medium scale miners have expressed frustration with the Government’s inability to remedy the woes faced by the sector.

This dissatisfaction was not limited, as the miners also said that the current auctioning of blocks by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry will not effectively meet the needs of the smallscale miners. When Guyana Times visited the auctioning process at the Girl Guides Pavilion on Brickdam on Tuesday morning, the bidding process was in full swing, but with only a handful of bidders.

Auction

The blocks that were available were in various hectares ranging from 400 to 1200 hectares per block and being auctioned off for as much as $750,000.

President of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO)

Simona Broomes said that the process was “flawed”, noting that it catered to the needs of only mediumscale miners and others who had the resources to bid for blocks at high prices. She pointed out that this was

one of the reasons the auctioning of mining blocks had ceased five years ago.

She said “it is not fair, it will serve the purpose of those who have the money... It’s a fair competition for those who have money.”

She highlighted that the worst set of blocks would be placed in the lottery and then made available for the smaller miners to acquire which will in turn prove to be of little or no use to them. She said that the smaller miners who put a lot into the industry will still be left to suffer given their inability to compete with the more successful miners.

“Did it change the situation in the industry, I say no... a lot of dredges are parked because they don’t have the money... they can’t compete with a man who got a $100 million in the bag and you got $100,000... I

don’t see it as a remedy for the industry,” the GWMO President said.

Guyana Times noticed that one man in the auction bought a considerable amount of blocks. Oftentimes when a block was being auctioned, his hand would remain in the air until the item was sold to him.

Empty-handed

Similarly, a small miner, Gary Hytmiah left the auctioning process emptyhanded, saying he would try his luck with the lottery. The man pointed out that he did not have the resources when compared to the other businesspersons who were bidding. “That’s a rich man bid thing, me ain’t got them kinda money,” said Hytmiah.

One miner at the auction who gave his name as Paul expressed similar sentiments about the auction process. He said that it only serves the needs of the bigger miners and not the small scale miners and pork knockers.

“This doesn’t mean the smaller man would actually benefit from this auction, for me I am not seeing the trickledown effect. You actually have to compete with giants in mining, it’s actually kind of difficult... the lottery doesn’t guarantee that you getting good land,” said Paul.

Paul said too that the decline in gold declaration could be attributed to the need for more mining blocks, but made it clear

that the auction was not an enduring solution to the issue at hand.

He also said that there was need for the establishment of a financial institution to assist small-scale miners and provide them with loans at suitable interest rates. He said that given the pre-existing constraints of the mining sector, it is unfair for them to acquire loans like any other businessman.

Opportunity

Patrick Harding, President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association proffered a different view on the auctions. He said that it represents an opportunity for miners to develop their businesses. He pointed out that the initiative is one that is welcomed by the association.

Harding contended that the auctions were a step in the right direction to increase gold production in the interior. According to the GGMC, 1000 mining blocks went to auction.

“Due to the large attendance by miners, new entrants to the sector and other interested persons; the Commission anticipates that there will be a full allocation of the blocks listed for auction.

Additionally, due to the overwhelming response to the auction, it has been extended to accommodate all miners and other interested persons,” a release from the Natural Resources and the Environment Ministry said.

E-Governance project:

Civil works completed on all 54 LTE sites

In the first half of the year, the Government of Guyana spent $450.6 million for the completion of works under the E-Governance Project.

This is according to the mid-year report released on August 9 by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh. The report stated that civil works have been completed at all of the 54 LTE-A sites. Commissioning, which is expected by the end of the third quarter, is pending the completion of power conversion to be done by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc.

GPL’s frequency conversion project commenced in February, and is aimed at reducing technical losses that are caused by old converters. Meanwhile, under the One Laptop Per Family Project (OLPF), a total of

4254 laptops were distributed in the first half of the year in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six. It is anticipated that an additional 10,012 laptops will be distributed by the end of 2014. In terms of taking information communication technology (ICT) to schools across the country, works are on schedule to complete the equipping of the three remaining secondary schools with computer laboratories before the end of 2014. The US$32 million E-Governance project will see the installation of infrastructural networks, inclusive of fibre-optic cables and twin tracks that will realise high-speed delivery of E-Government content and Internet.

This project was designed using fibre-optic and LTE which would enable high-capacity data usage and will have state-ofthe-art security measures to protect sensitive information. This project will complement Guyana’s revolutionary OLPF project, which is the most significant transformational, social and economic development programme ever undertaken in Guyana and the Caribbean. The aim of the robust ICT drive is to ensure a computer literate population, a more competent and competitive workforce, and accelerated investments in the ICT sector as a source of rapid job creation in Guyana.

GWMO President Simona Broomes

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

wednesday, august 13, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Two held after Strathspey robbery

Two men have been arrested following a robbery at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said in a release

that about 13:00h, businesswoman Oma Persaud, 36, was in her shop at Strathspey, ECD, when she was attacked by two men, one of whom was armed with a firearm. The

men held her at gunpoint and took away an undisclosed sum of cash and escaped in a waiting motor car. The Police responded to the report and subsequently arrested the two

suspects in another motor vehicle along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. They have been positively identified and are in Police custody.

Labourer remanded on narcotics trafficking charge

Appearing at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday morning was a 20-year-old labourer who was charged for possession of narcotics.

The charge alleged that on August 9, at Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, Devon Netherman was found with 250 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

The defendant who lives at Lot 58

Middle Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, has no antecedents and was not represented. He pleaded guilty to the charge laid against him.

According to the facts which were read by Prosecutor Dinero Jones, Police who were on duty on Camp Street observed the defendant running into a yard with a bag in his hands. They gave chase and apprehended the defendant. He was questioned by the Police, after which he led them to the place where he keeps the

bag. Upon seeing the bag, the Police carried out a search. The defendant was taken to the Police station where he was later arrested after being told of the quantity of cannabis he had in his possession.

The value of one gram of cannabis is currently G$400 according to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). Taking this into consideration, Netherman was fined $300,000 and sentenced to 36 months imprisonment.

Young adult on bail after being charged for 2 offences

A21-year-old resident of North East La Penitence, Squatting Area, appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday faced with two charges.

It was also alleged that on August 10, at the abovementioned location, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged two pieces of wood, amounting to $1000 total, property of the aforementioned virtual complainant.

The unrepresented defendant plead-

Keyon Davidson was charged with simple larceny and unlawful and malicious damage to property. It was alleged that on August 8, at North East La Penitence, Davidson stole a pair of slippers valued $3000 belonging to Petnonella Sookell.

ed not guilty to both charges. Although no facts were presented in court, Prosecutor Dinero Jones told the court that the items were not recovered.

The unemployed man was placed on two separate bail amounts – $3500 for the pair of slippers and $1500 for the wood. He is said to return to court on September 12 where he will face Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.

Eyew tness

Pomposity...

...in TIGI

If there ever was a bunch of stuck-up, self important wankers, it’s the motley crew in the local Transparency International. The pompous species is perfectly exemplified by its President Anand Goolsarran. That’s the fella who became Auditor General only because his boss Farnum begged Hoyte to “take pity”. Has he ever acknowledged Farnum??

He’s criticised the present Auditor General (AG) mercilessly for not being “qualified”. Yet when he wanted to qualify himself on the job and pursue a Masters Degree abroad, he recommended a stand-in with the same qualifications as the now “unqualified” AG.

And repeated the ploy with another similarly “unqualified” assistant when he wanted to take in some big US bucks at the UN – leveraging the Masters the Government had allowed him to earn. So when the sanctimonious “Mr Transparency” Goolsarran needs to feather his nest, “unqualified” AG’s are OK!! But not otherwise.

Anyhow it seems the meretricious hypocrite wrote the Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson, SC, for some information. In his inestimable style, Mr Ramson pointed out that as an organisation so aware of public affairs, surely TIGI’s aware that the Opposition had excised the budgeted funding the Commission of Information.

And displaying his common touch, that makes his erudition stand out even brighter, the former Attorney General, pithily summarised the reason for his inability to fill TI’s request by quoting the Mighty Sparrow: “No money, No love”!!

Whereupon in its column provided by the Stabber, TIGI responded huffily, “The Commissioner has trivialised TIGI’s request in quoting the Mighty Sparrow, “no money, no love”. The Mighty Sparrow is an entertainer but TIGI is not in the business of entertaining.” Really?? They could’ve fooled this Eyewitness!! What else but “laughable” is Goolsarran’s and the rest of the wankers’ protestations that they aren’t “political”!!! Like the Pope’s not Catholic!!

But what’s even more troubling is Goolsarran’s insistence of “paper credentials” as a measure for competence. In the entire history of the Caribbean, have there more perceptive commentators on our reality than calypsonians?? Ahhhh... would TIGI be as “entertaining” as the King of Kaiso!! By speaking truth to power! They would’ve at least earned some credibility.

From “Federation” in 1959 through “Neurosis of the Rich” to “This Is Madness” in 1995, Sparrow helped shape our consciousness more that the poseurs of TIGI ever will.

From “This is Madness” we remind Goolsarran’s Opposition cohorts (including Nagamootoo’s recent call) of Sparrow’s question:

“Why have we cast aside intelligence and abandoned commonsense with unprecedented violence for which there is no known defence??”

...in Speaker Trotman

Never mind he’s an interested party. The latest comments of Speaker Trotman about the courts “interfering” in the “business of Parliament” has to make one wonder who taught this fella Constitutional Law.

The article in the Muckraker sets up Trotman’s ignorant intervention by claiming: “Prior to the Tenth Parliament, there was only one legal challenge to the National Assembly. It was in 1965. The then Chief Justice, Harold Bollers, was very strong in condemning what he considered to be the interference of the courts in parliamentary business.”

Sure. And for his comment giving Burnham free rein to do as he pleased in Parliament, Bollers was appointed to head the Elections Commission. Which then allowed the budding dictator to change the electoral rules to rig the 1968 elections. He became known as Burnham’s “toothless poodle”.

Presumably, that’s what Trotman wants Chief Justice Ian Chang to be for him. And go along with his contention that Parliament’s a “club” that can set its own rules. But what if the rules violate the Constitution, wanker??

Even Parliament is under the Constitution. Thank God!! ...punctured

Robin Williams’ entire life was dedicated to the puncturing of pomposity. He did this by making people laugh at the paragons of pomposity – like Goolsarran. His suicide should remind us in Guyana that we can’t ignore depression.

Career diplomat Insanally launches new book

Former Foreign Affairs

Minister Samuel Rudolph “Rudy” Insanally launched his second book “Dancing between the Raindrops- a Dispatch from A Small State Diplomat” on Tuesday at the Pegasus Hotel.

In the presence of President Donald Ramotar, Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett, the Director of the Latin American-Caribbean Centre UWI Annette Insanally and Diplomats from across the Region, the retired diplomat disclosed that the book chronicles his life from the time he was recruited into the world of International Relations. With a strong background in French and Spanish, Insanally began his Diplomatic Career as a Counsellor at Guyana’s Embassy to the United States at a time when Guyana gained its Independence, a position he held until 1969 before becoming the Guyana’s charge d’affaires in Venezuela in 1970.

Although reading only three chapters of the book, President Ramotar said he was blown away by the series of events captured in the book. Before a small audience, the President said Insanally’s ability to articulate must be applauded, positing that the book is easy to read. According to the President, other distinguished citizens of Guyana should replicate the acts of the Former UN General Assembly President, not

From the overall 2014 allocation of $4.4B, the Housing sector has expended $2.5B (56.8 percent of the total) for the first half of 2014 as the sector advances its programme of ensuring access to adequate and affordable shelter.

According to the recently released mid-year report, these sums were expended to facilitate the distribution of 1,300 house lots and the processing of 2,196 land titles. A total of $2B was spent under the housing programme for infrastructural works to develop additional house lots.

This year, the Housing Ministry plans to allocate 5,900 new house lots and

were always under pressure and going from one thing to another”. He then gave a short lecture on “Diplomacy, past, present and future” where noted the changing protocols and move from Eurocentralism, to a more incorporated world view, with civil society and private sector representatives taking center stage amongst world leaders. He noted that new technologies, terrorism, unconventional warfare and the possibility of a third world, meant that increased diplomacy that takes account of new and emerging technologies, such as social media, was essential to ensure world peace, in the future.

only in his writings but also in his diplomatic posture.

He recalled listening to Insanally address the National Assembly as the Foreign Affairs Minister, pointing out the fact as he was never heckled as he delivered eloquent presentations which spoke volume. “They were always in depth and to the point,” President Ramotar recalled.

Insanally who served Guyana in various capacities in the diplomatic arena, described the title as a reflection of the efforts of the local Foreign Service in the years after independence, which saw them doing a lot with limited resources. “We felt as if we

process and distribute 4,100 land titles. During the first half of the year, 116 core houses were completed out of the 176 targeted for distribution to families in Regions Three, Four, Six and Ten. Additionally, 62 of the 134 coastal home improvement subsidies valued $12.4M of the $26.8M allocation were distributed, while 34 hinterland subsidies valued at $11.4M of the $54M allocation were distributed, benefiting a total of 160 persons in Regions One and Nine. At the end of the year, the Ministry hopes to disburse 54 hinterland subsidies to benefit a total of 1,248 people. With regards to the public-private

Additionally, he served as Guyana’s Political Division Head, Ambassador to Colombia, the President of the 48th Session of the United Nations General

Assembly (1993-1994),

of the

of Guyana (19942001) and Guyana’ Foreign Affairs Minister (2001-2008).

Minister Rodrigues-Birkett in her presentation during the launch described Insanally as one of Guyana’s finest diplomats. According to her, the book would now be used as a guide to the diplomatic community.

In his earlier diplomatic postings Insanally in 1972 served as Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations before being appointed the Ambassador to Venezuela with additional accreditation for Colombia, Ecuador and Peru from 1972 to 1978. He also served as the Permanent Representative to the European Economic Community and Ambassador to Belgium and although he resided in Brussels, he was Ambassador to Austria, Norway and Sweden.

turnkey partnership, 42 of the 100 houses have been completed while the remaining 58 are at varying stages of completion, and are expected to be com -

pleted in the final quarter of 2014.

The 2014 national budget allocated $1B under the Community Road Improvement Project

(CRIP), $484M for the Community Infrastructure Improvement project, $3.1B for the completion of roads, drains and structures and pure wa -

ter distribution network, $850M for Low Income Settlement Programme (LIS), and $532M for the Georgetown Sanitation Programme.

President Donald Ramotar shaking hands with Former President of the UN General Assembly Ruby Insanally in the presence of the Foreign Affairs Carolyn-Rodrigues-Birkett

The Book “Dancing between the Raindrops- a Dispatch from A Small State Diplomat”

Miners concerned about policing in new blocks

BY JOMO PAUL

While the Government continues to intensify efforts to expand the mining industry here, concerns are being raised about the security mechanisms that would be put in place for new blocks being offered through auctions.

A slump in gold prices on the international market has had unfavourable effects on the local industry with a decline in gold declarations and miners blaming decreased production for that decline.

Approximately 700,000 acres of land in the interior are being made available to small and medium-scale miners in Guyana’s six mining districts. The lands are being made available by way of auction and lottery and while some miners have rejected the process, some are asking what will happen

when they have the blocks.

Questions are being raised about the availability of security for the new mining blocks, considering complaints about the low manpower of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to effectively carry out its remit in the interior regions. In addition, concerns have also been raised about the ability of the officers of the

Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to monitor illegal mining activities and other adverse practices in the interior.

As the auction for the blocks got underway for a second day at the Girl Guides Pavilion on Brickdam, Georgetown, one miner who spoke to Guyana Times said he was very much concerned about the

ability of the GPF to do its work in the new blocks.

Dillon DeRamas pointed out that while he was grateful for the opening of new lands, he is of the opinion that the industry would thrive and return to its glory days if there were stricter enforcement of laws in the interior.

DeRamas explained that he was forced out of mining a few years ago after he was robbed of millions of dollars worth in gold, adding that if he is to purchase a block at the auction, it would not be with the intention of returning to mining immediately.

“If you’re in the North West and you want to get access to Police, you radio out and you gotta hope that they get that transmission... the biggest problem is that there isn’t enough policing” DeRamas stressed. DeRamas noted too that as of present, the Police Force lacks the human resource capacity to monitor the interior effectively, which begs the question of how will they be able to manage the new stretches of land being made available to miners.

“Where can they find the manpower to monitor these new places, they can’t manage the existing places, imagine what gon happen when they got to manage these new areas... if there was Police in the area, people would think twice about doing bad, the industry would thrive if they had more people managing and enforcing the laws in Guyana,” the man said.

He also pointed to the need for GGMC officers to be better equipped to carry out their mandate. He said that poachers and illegal miners would not necessarily heed the warnings of a GGMC officer, given that the officer does not have the ability to arrest them.

DeRamas said “nobody is scared of a guy who just walks in and says, I gon come back and chase yall with the Police... sometimes they come and the people fire two shots and the officers gone, cause they can’t shoot back.”

Meanwhile, another gold miner Michael Correia said that while he welcomed the auction by the Government, there is also need for serious consideration to be placed on the importance of the environment. He said that instead of just digging pits, miners should attempt to drill holes in the ground to verify the presence of the minerals before digging. This way, the miners would not have to practise much reclamation and would not destroy land looking for gold that isn’t there.

Pee-an’See’s bi*ch

Satiricus was distraught. He’d always had a soft spot for RoopNaRain. Hey! The man was a true intellectual. He was made for the Ivory Tower. While his buddy Rod Knee went grubbing over in Darkest Africa, he’d holed up at Cambridge swotting at Shakespeare. To be or not to be??? Hell!! RoopNaRain had decided to be with Granger and the old nemesis Pee-an-See.. and was now caught between a rock and a hard place.

Everyone and their uncle had washed their mouths on poor RoopNaRain for holding hands with the Pee-anSee. “But what’s an intellectual to do??” said Satiricus to the fellas at the back street bar. “Guyanese don’t exactly put a high premium on quick quotes from the Bard. A guy’s got to make a living, no”

“That’s what ‘working girls’ over by the Cathedral say!!” piped up Suresh. “Still doesn’t make it right.”

“Wha yuh prablem wid de girls by de Cathedral, Suresh?” asked Cappo. “If deh gat fuh do the thing, na bettah dem get money??”

“And if RoopNaRain got to quote people, he might as well get paid for it!!” laughed Hari. “But is what the problem, Sato??”

“Fellas, read the paper. That WAPA chap Oh-Gun said all their party people got to break ranks with Pee-an-See and vote to fund the Rod Knee Commission. Is what that gon do to RoopNaRain??”

“Sato, is what yuh does tek worries fa?” smiled Cappo. “Me bet yuh RoopNaRain nah gon change he vote!”

“But Rod Knee was his buddy!!” protested Satiricus. “That was one of the reasons I liked him. Even though he was a great intellectual, he was willing to be friends with a man who went to Darkest Africa and grounded with his brothers in the slums of Jamaica.”

“Sato my friend, you have to learn something,” said Teacher Samad, who’d been listening as usual to the conversation, quietly. “In politics, just like in prostitution, once you’ve become someone’s b*tch, you can’t back out. And in 2011, RoopNaRain, became Granger’s b*tch!”

“Oh,” said Satiricus, as he shook his head in understanding. “Poor RoopNaRain!! How low has the mighty fallen.”

Corentyne man shot, injured during robbery

Aman Corentyne man is nursing a gunshot wound to his right hand after bandits robbed him and his wife Tuesday afternoon.

According to police about 14:00h Jerry Babulall, 32 years, of Johanna South, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, was in his motor vehicle along with his mother and wife on the Adventure Access Road,

Corentyne, when they were attacked by two men armed with firearms. They were held at gunpoint and robbed of a quantity of jewellery, three cell phones, and $165,000 by the men who escaped in a motor car. During the incident Jerry Babulall was shot and injured to his right hand and has been admitted to hospital. Investigations are in progress.

Concerns are being raised about the security mechanisms that would be put in place for new blocks being offered through auctions

wednesday, august 13, 2014 | guyanatimesgy.com

QC student cops 19 ones, 1 two at CSEC

By Vahnu Manikchand and nafeeza yahya

Queen’s College took back the mantle this year as its students secured most of the top positions at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) examinations.

The results were announced on Tuesday by Education Minister Priya Manickchand as she revealed the top 52 students who secured 11 or more Grade Ones. Securing the top spot with 19 Grade Ones and One Grade Two, is Elisa Hamilton of Queen’s College. She was followed by Skeldon Line Path Secondary School student Bharti Bhoge and fellow QC student Larissa Wiltshire with a tie of 17 Grade Ones.

is a doctor; as such, she will be pursuing a career in the medical field. But for now, she will be doing A Levels at QC in September while keeping her eyes out for an expected scholarship to study abroad.

Line Path

and tears of joy, her mom ran around the entire house before lifting her up and holding her in her arms.

The confident young lady said the results did not come as a surprise as she always strove to do the impossible. She is encouraging students who will be sitting the exams in the future to believe in themselves and read a lot.

“Many persons would not believe that Berbice can produce top in the country, but we did it we are among the top”, she posited. She related that of the 18 subjects that she wrote she took up five business subjects off her

preparations to commence studying shortly.

was taken by another QC student. With 15 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos, Varsha Boodram was very excited about her results since she did not quite expect this as some of the subjects were very challenging. The 17-year-old is planning to return to QC to do CAPE.

Taking the number 8 spot is Natasha Alladin of JC ChandiSingh Secondary. She secured 15 grade ones. When this publication visited the young lady, she was extremely happy about placing among the top performers. She explained that she was in the science stream

do her CAPE subjects since she is aspiring to be a lawyer and only that school offers the programme. Hack, on the other hand, secured 14 Grade Ones and two Grade Twos. The 16-yearold said that she was surprised with her results as she did not expect to do this well. She disclosed that she had heard the day before that she had done well but did not believe until it was announced by the Minister. She noted that all the sacrifices she had to make has paid off.

Hamilton is currently vacationing overseas; however Guyana Times contacted her parents who were not surprised but were nevertheless elated with their daughter’s performance. Her father Lennox Hamilton said that he suspected Larissa did well since Monday night after the school requested that he and his wife be present at the press conference for the announcement of the results.

Sixteen-year-old Bharti Bhoge of Line Path Secondary secured 17 grade ones. Bhoge is currently in the United States of America on vacation with her father and siblings. When the news was conveyed to her she could not believe. She attributed her success to hard work and dedication according to her uncle who described her as a “book worm,” always studying and reading. Her efforts

own. She attributed her success to lots of reading and is very thankful for the support she received from her family and teachers as without their support, she could

Meanwhile, Wiltshire, who was placed third, along with fellow QC student Lisa John are also said to be overseas. John was awarded the fifth spot with 16 Grade Ones and One Grade Two.

The sixth spot was taken by Walica Deokinanan of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan, who secured 15 Grade Ones, two Grade Twos and one Grade Three. Speaking to this newspaper, Deokinanan said that she is very pleased with her performance and was dumbfounded when she was told the news by her teacher. She said that she had to make some sacrifices while preparing for exams and had to stay at home studying most of the time,

He noted that they did not go but stayed home and watched it while messaging Elisa, who was also watching the live streaming online. “We were texting throughout the press conference and when we heard her results, I probably jumped to the roof. I was so elated and sent her a message but she already knew and said how delighted she was,” the father recalled.

According to Hamilton, the 16-year-old is a perfectionist and would have probably preferred 20 Grade Ones instead. He disclosed that Elisa has always been an overachiever and maintained good grades throughout her secondary school years. The father said the Elisa is planning to follow the footsteps of her brother, who

earned her the number two spot in the country as the second overall top student.

Her Uncle Rabindranauth Bisnauth said Bhoge lost her mother in 2010 and during that time she was very traumatised as her mom was murdered. She nevertheless continued her studies and emerged victorious. Seventeen-year-old Tressyia Ketwaroo, Bhoge’s study partner and close friend also of Line Path Secondary secured 16 grade ones and one grade two to earn the number 4 spot in the country. Like her friend, she too knew she was going to do well but never expected to do so well. She related that they were looking at the television and when her name was announced by the Minister the entire household erupted with screams

not have achieved the level of success she did. Etwaroo is aspiring to become a surgeon and will start making

but it does not matter since it has paid off in the end. Deokinanan has already begun CAPE classes at SVN. The seventh position

but took on some business subjects as well. “I wanted the experience in the different fields so I wrote some business subjects as well. I love challenges”. The future Cardiologist thanked God, her family, teachers and friends for the support. Alladin said, the most challenging aspect of her studies was waking up in the wee hours in the morning to study. She explained that the examinations were a bit challenging but the long hours of studies paid off.

The ninth and 10th spots were awarded to QC duo, Aliyyah Abdul Kadir and Sarah Hack respectively.

Kadir obtained 15 Grade Ones and was not surprised with her results. She said that she had worked hard and expected to do well, but even as she received the news of her results, it was surreal.

Kadir said her intensive study regimes were instrumental in her studies. She will be attending Bishops to

The aspiring doctor is looking to further her studies in the medical field abroad and is currently making preparations to do so. Queen’s College also obtained eight of the 10 spots of the country’s top performers at CAPE.

Region Two Across in Essequibo, Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School has once again emerged as the top school for the Region Two. Bibi Areefa Mohamed of ARMS secured passes in 19 subjects with 13 grade ones and six grade twos. The Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School also has three other students in the top 25 of the country.

Meanwhile, Farida Yussuf, the second top student of the region hails from Wakenaam Island. She gained passes in 16 subjects with 13 grade ones and 3 grade twos, while the third top student Ashmini Persaud got passes in 16 subjects also with 12 grade ones and four grade twos.

The student in fourth position for the Region Ashni Singh got passes in 14 subjects with 12 grade ones and 2 grade twos. Abram Zuil Secondary School Lavina Sohan gained passes in 14 subjects with 12 ones and two grade twos.

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud commended all the students who did well at the examination. Persaud said he is proud of the top student Bibi Areefa Mohamed of Columbia village for making the region proud. (Additional reporting by Indrawattie Natram)

Education Minister Priya Manickchand and other education officials as the C SEC 2014 were announced on Tuesday

Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam and some of the 2014 top students

Lisa John

Aliyyah Abdul Kadir

Sarah Hack

Varsha Boodram

Over 50 per cent of students fail Maths, English

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

More than 50 per cent of the students who wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination this year failed the compulsory subjects of Mathematics and English Language, Education Minister Priya Manikchand disclosed on Tuesday.

The two subjects continue to be a struggle for Guyanese students as the overall performance remains unsatisfactory, even with marginal increases in the pass rates. Speaking at a news conference to announce the results for Guyana, Minister Manickchand said some 13,724 students sat the CSEC examination in May/June. Of this number, 37 per cent (5077) were students from private schools.

students who pass a pre test are allowed to write Mathematics and English. However, she added that for the past two years, Guyana has mandated that every child must write the two subjects. “So this 39 per cent here is actually a percentage of the entire population and not 39 per cent of our good students and so it’s a big record for us,” she posited.

Manickchand went on to say that implementation of the Mathematics and English Pilot Programme would have successfully contributed to increased overall performance of these students. The programme was implemented two years ago in 41 schools across the country to foster students and teachers’ performances in the two subject areas by providing additional materials to students and stringent training for teachers

This year’s examination recorded an overall pass rate of 60.21 per cent when compared to 59.31 per cent in 2013. A total of 35 subjects were written.

According to the Minister, the overall performance in Mathematics and English was unsatisfactory with Grades One to Three passes in these two subjects, along with two others, being below 50 per cent. Nevertheless, she pointed out that the pass rates for the two subjects recorded increases when compared to the previous years.

As it relates to Mathematics, the Grades One to Three pass rate for this year is 38.7 per cent; a nine per cent increase from 2013, when the pass rate was 28.9 per cent. Manickchand said this is the highest performance the country has ever recorded in the subject. There was a marginal increase from 45.69 per cent in 2013 when compared to 46.98 per cent in 2014 in the Grades One to Three pass rate in English Language; while the Grade One to Three performances in English Literature remains relatively constant with a pass rate of 61.06 per cent this year compared to 61.45 per cent last year.

The Education Minister pointed out that in Caribbean countries, only

along with other initiatives.

The Minister proudly declared that the pilot schools have recorded remarkable performances at this year’s examination. In English, the most improved performance was recorded at Zeeburg Secondary School with a pass rate of 78 per cent this year compared to 42 per cent last year.

As it relates to Mathematics, the most improved performance was recorded at East Ruimveldt Secondary School with a pass rate of 41 per cent as opposed to four per cent in 2013. “These kinds of remarkable improvements didn’t happen by magic, it didn’t happen because we waved a wand,” she noted, while recalling the criticisms the Ministry faced when the pilot programme was launched.

“I remember critics saying that we can’t change these results overnight. We have shown that with consistent efforts, with perseverance… with training our teachers, monitoring what they do, frequent assessments, then we can change the lives of our children,” she maintained.

According to the Minister, the successful outcome of the pilot project over the past two years may warrant a national roll out. However she remained

cautious that it would not be simple since a national roll out would require much more resources and efforts for the programme to be successful.

“The things that made the programme successful: the monitoring, the frequent training of teachers, the frequent assessments, those are the things that would have to roll out so we can’t just simply say we will do this in every school and not make sure that the components are repeated in every school or we won’t see these kind of results,” she said. Of the 13,000 plus students, 4887 were males and the remainder females. Some 192 students were shortlisted for securing 11 Grade One passes or more. These students are from schools across the country.

On the other hand, the performance in the

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) saw a slight decrease in the overall pass rates, the Minister stated. She disclosed that in 2014, there was an 85.07 per cent pass rate when compared to the 86.6 per cent recorded last year.

A total of 798 candidates

wrote the examination, with 64 per cent being females. These students were from nine secondary schools and three private institutions.

Guyana offered 40 Units at this year’s examination, of which 12 Units saw candidates attaining a 100 per cent pass rate with Grades One to Five. No Unit re-

corded a pass rate below 50 per cent. For the first time, Digital Media was written and secured a 100 per cent pass rate. The pass rate for Pure Mathematics has remained constant with 58.59 per cent recorded this year, when compared to 57.73 per cent in 2013. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

A section of the audience at the press briefing

General election by Sept 2015 – PM Persad-Bissessar

Parliament will dissolve in June 2015 and general elections will be held, at latest, by September 2015, Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar said on Monday.

Saying Government will hold general polls when constitutionally due, she added that Parliament will be prorogued by next June and general polls cannot be held after September 2015.

“Take note you know, so those of you who’re calling for it now, think twice,” she said. Saying people had said the People’s Partnership (PP) would not last the term, the PM declared to PP deskthumping support:

“I will run the term of this Government as long as it’s within the law, so when Parliament dissolves in June 2015, according to law, elections can be held

Mexican mine was slow to report leak, officials say

Aprivate copper mine in North-West Mexico did not immediately alert the authorities that large quantities of a toxic chemical were spilling into a river last week, Mexican officials say.

The authorities in Sonora State said the spill only came to light the next day, after residents downstream noticed the river had turned orange. Some 40,000 cubic metres (10 million gallons) of sulfuric acid have leaked into a tributary of the Sonora river.

The mine is owned by Grupo Mexico. “The company deliberately concealed the accident,” said Cesar Lagarda, an official at the National Water Commission, according to Mexico’s La Jornada newspaper.

But the Associated Press news agency reports that Arturo Rodriguez, the head of industrial inspection for the Attorney General for Environmental Protection, said the Buenavista mine did advise his agency about the spill almost a day afterwards, just within the 24-hour time limit for filing such reports.

He said lax supervision at the mine, along with rains and construction defects, appeared to have caused the spill on August 7, AP says.

Water supplies to 20,000 people have been cut. Local reports say the contamination has killed fish and cattle in the area. Lime has been dumped into the river to neutralise the acidity of the leaked chemical. (Excerpt from BBC News)

any time thereafter not later than September 2015.”

She noted that the People’s National Movement

(PNM) had postponed Local Government polls four times. Pointing out that her Government had brought the current bill on the Constitutional Reform Commission’s recommendation, Persad-Bissessar said it was decided to bring those items that required a simple majority vote first and others later on.

She said the current proposals were not the end of such reform legislation and others which require a special majority vote – including referendums, proportional representation and strengthening the powers of the Director of Public Prosecution – would be brought in future. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Two dead, eight wounded in Ecuador earthquake – Government

Two people were killed and eight wounded after a 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck outside Ecuador’s capital of Quito, the Government said on Tuesday, with rescue workers seeking to free three others trapped after the tremor.

“Firemen are working to evacuate the wounded and to find and rescue the people who are trapped,” the Government’s National Risk Control Agency said via Twitter, without providing details.

A local television station earlier reported that people had been trapped by landslides in the area of a quarry North of Quito. Social media showed images of dust clouds that had formed outside the city after the trem-

or as result of shifting earth.

The city’s main airport returned to normal operations after earlier halting flights as a precautionary measure to evaluate its infrastructure following the temblor.

“We could really feel it. The first thing I did was leave (the building) with my colleagues,” said Teresa Salazar, 45, who works at an imports business in northern Quito. “There was nothing major to report but we were all very nervous.”

The US Geological Survey said the moderate quake was only 4.8 miles (7.7 km) deep, with its epicentre located 14 miles northeast of Quito, a city of some 1.6 million inhabitants. (Reuters)

Jamaica Police seize nearly one ton of marijuana en route to Suriname

Jamaica law enforcement authorities say they have seized more than six million Jamaican dollars worth of marijuana in a container that arrived from Indonesia and was in transit to Suriname.

The Transnational Crime and Narcotics Division (TCND) said it had participated in a joint operation with the Jamaica Customs’ Contraband Enforcement Team in seizing the 1751 pounds of marijuana at the Kingston Wharves, Port Bustamante on Monday.

It said the drug was wrapped in 370 parcels among household effects and had a street value of six million Jamaican dollars.

The container had arrived in Kingston from Indonesia and was scheduled to depart Port Bustamante on Monday for Suriname. Over the weekend, police seized approximately 910.69 pounds of compressed marijuana worth an estimated three million dollars at the Kingston Container Terminal. No arrests were made in relation to the seizures. (Caribbean360)

Colombia drought triggers clashes in La Guajira province

Nine people have been injured in clashes between Police and residents of Colombia’s northern La Guajira province demanding more Government support for the impoverished region.

La Guajira is currently suffering from a drought and locals say the authorities have not done enough to mitigate its effects on the population. Riot Police were deployed to clear roadblocks and remove burning cars.

The Government says it has done all it can to ease the water shortage. Angry locals have called an open-ended strike and about 70 per cent of busi-

Cervical cancer on the rise in Barbados

The incidence of cervical cancer is rising in Barbados. And specialists in the field are once again calling for greater awareness on female “belowthe-belt” cancers.

“Latest figures show [cervical cancer] has climbed back up to 19 deaths. Is it complacency, or [Human Papilloma Virus]?” queried President of the Barbados Cancer Society, Dr Dorothy Cooke-Johnson, during the press launch of the Sagicor Globe-athon 2014, held at Sagicor Life’s Wildey, St Michael office on Tuesday morning.

President of the Barbados Cancer Society, Dr

“It is time to challenge below-the-belt cancers and beat them by our together-

ness and determination... by saying the words and not shrinking from them.”

Last year’s inaugural Globe-athon Barbados attracted thousands and was able to raise Bds$56,000.

This year, it will be held on September 7, and will take the form of a five-kilometre walk and run. The event is scheduled to start at 15:30h with a warm-up work-out at Bay Street Esplanade. The walk and run will course through Bridgetown through Roebuck Street, Crumpton Street and St Michael’s Row before returning to the Bay Street Esplanade via Probyn Street. (Nation News)

nesses and most schools remained closed on Monday.

Protest leader Felipe Rodriguez said that “the debt

the state owes this province is enormous”. According to Rodriguez, more than half of the population do not have running water and only 39 per cent have adequate sewage systems. Some communities say they have not seen any rain for as long as two years.

La Guajira Governor Jose Maria Ballesteros has called for calm, but the protesters said they would not give up until President Juan Manuel Santos convened an emergency committee to tackle the crisis.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Notorious gang leader among prisoners who escaped in Haiti

Haitian law enforcement authorities have launched a search for a number of prisoners, including a notorious gang leader, Clifford Brandt, who escaped from prison on Sunday after angry prisoners staged a riot, holding six people hostage.

Brandt, a member of one of the richest families in Haiti, was arrested in October 2012 and held since then by court order on charges of kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, among oth-

er allegations.

Police confirmed that Brandt escaped Sunday from the civil prison of Croix-des-Bouquets, outside the Haitian capital, after prisoners took four Police officers and two nurses hostage.

A spokesman for the Haitian Police Gary Desrosiers, said that while no one was killed during the break-out, two people, including a Policeman, were injured.

Police said they have al-

ready recaptured 13 of the escaped prisoners and that a significant reward is being offered for information that could result in the capture of Brandt. The number of prisoners who escaped custody has not been disclosed. Desrosiers denied media reports that the jail break followed an attack against the prison by a heavily armed commando group, insisting that the escape was as a result of an act of rebellion by a number of prisoners.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

Dorothy Cooke-Johnson

Local residents noticed a change in the colour of the Sonora River

Bottled water has been flown to the droughtstricken province from the capital, Bogota

WHO approves experimental treatment for Ebola

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved the use of untested Ebola drugs to treat the current outbreak in West Africa. The WHO said at a news conference in Geneva on Tuesday that the use of untested drugs was ethical, provided certain conditions were met.

The statement comes following a meeting of medical experts asked to assess the ethics of using untested drugs in the outbreak. Two batches of experimental treatments were reported to be heading to Liberia on Tuesday, the first delivery of untested Ebola drugs in Africa.

The UN health agency said more than 1000 people had died so far from the illness in West Africa, with

WHO Director General Margaret Chan

authorities recording 1848 suspected or confirmed cases. The virus, spread by

US sends 130 more military advisers to Iraq

Another 130 US military personnel have arrived in Iraq on what the Pentagon described as a temporary mission to assess the scope of the humanitarian crisis facing thousands of displaced Iraqi civilians trapped on Sinjar Mountain.

Chuck Hagel, the US Defence Secretary, announced the deploymenta on Tuesday, saying that “this is not a combat boots on the ground kind of operation”.

Another defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the extra troops were Marines and special operations forces

whose mission was to assess the situation in the Sinjar area and to develop additional humanitarian assistance options beyond current US efforts there.

The 130 troops, who are in addition to 250 US military advisers already in Baghdad and Erbil, arrived on Tuesday in the city of Erbil, well east of Sinjar.

They are to work with representatives of the State Department and the US Agency for International Development to prevent potential acts of genocide by the fighters of the so called Islamic State who forced them from their villages, the d (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

direct contact with bodily fluids was detected in Guinea in March and has since spread to Sierra Leone, Liberia and possibly Nigeria.

Two Americans and a Spanish priest, who contracted Ebola in Liberia, had received a dose of the treatment never tested in humans. The Americans have showed signs of improvement but the priest died on Tuesday.

The vast majority of Ebola victims are Africans, and some have protested that their citizens are not getting access to the novel drugs. There is no evidence yet that experimental drugs can actually help fight Ebola, and it is possible they could be harmful.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Indian PM Narendra Modi visits Kargil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Kargil in Indian-administered Kashmir, the first visit to the town by an Indian PM since the 1999 conflict with Pakistan.

Modi arrived in Leh, the main town in the Ladakh region on the border with Pakistan, on Tuesday morning. He also inaugurated power projects in Ladakh, beset by power supply problems.

Meanwhile, in another part of the state, at least seven paramilitaries were injured in a militant attack. The attack on the Border Security Force (BSF) troops took place on Tuesday morning in Pampore town, 14km from the state capital, Srinagar, Police said.

Kashmir has been in the grip of an anti-India insurgency since 1989. In recent years violence has abated

Gaza homes

from its peak in the 1990s, but the causes of the insurgency are still far from resolved.

The Prime Minister flew into Leh from Delhi where he met officers and men from the army and air force and addressed a rally in the town before leaving for Kargil.

“Today when I came I

heard the cheerful claps of the people,” Modi told the thousands of people who had gathered to hear him in Kargil.

“I had also come at a time when the place was echoing with the noises of bombs and bullets,” he said, referring to an earlier visit to Kargil before he became Prime Minister. (Excerpt from BBC News)

‘uninhabitable’ as tens of thousands come back to

Tens of thousands of people across Gaza returned to their homes on Monday as a tenuous ceasefire held and hopes rose of an end to the month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Local officials and humanitarian workers began to inspect the latest damage the war had caused in the overcrowded enclave, with assessments indicating earlier estimates may have been optimistic.

In Gaza City, which has a population of half a million, 20 per cent to 25 per cent of the housing stock had been damaged, said Nihad al-Mughni of the engineering department.

Mohammed al-Kafarna,

Archaeologists uncover Greece’s biggest ancient tomb

Archaeologists have unearthed a vast ancient tomb in Greece, distinguished by two sphinxes and frescoed walls, and dating to 300-325BC, the Government announced on Tuesday.

The tomb, in the country’s north-eastern Macedonia region, which has been gradually unearthed over the past two years, marks a significant discovery from the early Hellenistic era. A Culture Ministry official said that there was no evidence yet to suggest a link to Alexander the Great – who died in 323BC after an unprecedented military campaign through the Middle East, Asia and northeast Africa – or his family.

The official said the Amphipolis site, about 65 miles north-east of Greece’s secondbiggest city, Thessaloniki, ap-

peared to be the largest ancient tomb to have been discovered in Greece.

Archaeologists began excavating the site in 2012 and expect to enter the tomb by the end of the month to determine who was buried there. “It looks like the tomb of a prominent Macedonian of that era,” said a second culture ministry official. Alexander the Great died in Babylonia, in modern Iraq, and his actual burial place is not known.

Archaeologists have found two sphinxes, thought to have guarded the tomb’s entrance, and a 4.5-metre-wide road leading into it, with walls on both sides covered by frescoes. It is circled by a 497-metre marble outer wall. Experts believe a five-metre-tall lion sculpture previously discovered nearby once stood atop the tomb. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

the mayor of Beit Hanoun, a northern town which saw fierce fighting and heavy bombardment, said 70 per cent of homes were uninhabitable. “Basically the

town is unliveable. There is no power, water or communications. There are not the basics for life,” he said.

In Shawkat, a neighbourhood of Rafah city

rubble

in the south which saw heavy fighting after an earlier ceasefire collapsed within hours, 300 out of 2000 houses had been destroyed, along with the town hall. “You can’t imagine the destruction,” said Adel Lubda, the chief council engineer. Previous estimates of 65,000 rendered homeless in Gaza now look conservative. In Beit Hanoun alone, about 30,000 people will have to be rehoused. The town is just one of around a dozen communities lying in the two-mile “free fire zone” declared by Israeli troops to have been devastated during the most intense period of fighting.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Michael Brown shooting: Obama calls for calm

US President Barack Obama has appealed for calm in Ferguson, Missouri, after the shooting of a black teenager by police sparked two nights of violence.

He described the death on Saturday of Michael Brown as heartbreaking and added: “Remember this young man through reflection and understanding.”

In two nights of unrest in the St Louis suburb, dozens were arrested, shops looted and tear gas fired by Police.

Civil rights activist, the Reverend Al Sharpton, also appealed for peace.

“To become violent in Michael Brown’s name is to betray the gentle giant he was,” he said, flanked by Brown’s parents. He said no-one had

the right to take Michael Brown’s name and “drag it through the mud”.

“Some of us are making the story how mad we are, rather than how promising he was,” he said.

Police say Brown was shot several times after a struggle in a police car, but witnesses have said the unarmed Brown was shot when he had his arms raised. Speaking after around 50 demonstrators marched on the Police headquarters, Sharpton joined others in demanding police reveal the name of the officer who shot and killed Brown.

“The local authorities have put themselves in a position, hiding names, not being transparent, where people will not trust anything but an objective investigation,” Sharpton said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

‘Jealous husband’ sentenced to death for China killings

Aman who killed six people over his wife’s extra-marital affairs has been sentenced to death in China, state media say.

Shao Zongqi, 38, was found guilty of the January 2014 killings in Yunnan. According to the court, Shao sought revenge after discovering his wife’s affairs with two men, Xinhua reported.

people, killing one of the men and his family, as well as two members of the other man’s family.

The other man as well as his son and mother survived the attack.

One the eve of Chinese New Year, he shot nine

In Monday’s ruling, the court awarded cash

compensation of 604,000 yuan (US$98,000) to the surviving family members affected by the shooting.

Shao said that he would lodge an appeal against his sentence, Xinhua reported. (BBC News)

A Palestinian woman inspects the damage of her home in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah neighbourhood on Monday, August 11

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Fiscal policy to address energy’s environmental impacts

Fiscal policies should be centre stage in getting energy prices to reflect the harmful and environmental side effects associated with energy use, according to a new report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Energy prices in many countries are wrong because they are set at levels that do not reflect environmental damage, notably climate change, air pollution, and various side effects of motor vehicle use, such as traffic accidents and congestion. Whether on energy or any other product, prices should provide consumers with an accurate assessment of the actual costs associated with the product.

A number of countries rely too much on general income, payroll, and consumption taxes for their fiscal objectives, and too little from taxes on energy use, according to the IMF report.

The case for a tax shift

The report stresses that energy tax reform need not be about raising new revenues. Rather, reform could focus on restructuring the tax system away from taxes that are likely to be most harmful for efficiency and growth, such as income taxes, and towards carefully designed taxes on energy – smarter taxes rather than higher taxes. According to the report, getting energy prices right involves extending motor fuel taxes, which are already well established and easily administered in many countries, to other fossil fuel products, such as coal and natural gas, or their emissions, and aligning the rates of these taxes with environmental damage.

“Fuel tax reforms can yield substantial health, environmental, and fiscal benefits,” said Vitor Gaspar, head of the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department. “According to our estimates, moving from existing to efficient fuel prices, at a global level, would reduce pollution-related deaths from fossil fuel combustion by 63 percent, mostly from reduced coal deaths, reduce energy-related carbon emissions by 23 percent, and raise revenues equal to 2.6 per cent of GDP.” Fiscal instruments, such as environmental charges on fuel use, have a powerful incentive effect on economic behaviour. These instruments: are the most effective at exploiting opportunities (shifting to cleaner fuels, using more fuelefficient vehicles, conserving on use of air conditioners, and so on) for reducing the harmful health and environmental side effects associated with energy use – so long as they are directly targeted at the right base (eg, emissions rather than electricity consumption); achieve environmental protection at the lowest overall cost to the economy – so long as environmental tax revenues are used productively (eg, to lower the burden of broader taxes in the fiscal system or fund socially valuable spending); and strike the right balance between environmental benefits and costs – so long as tax rates are aligned with environmental damages.

While the case for fiscal instruments is well-established in theory, putting principle into practice has not previously been possible, in the sense that there was little information about the size of energyrelated environmental damages for most countries. “In our study, we offer practical guidance for countries on how to go about quantifying the harmful side effects of energy use, and to show what this implies for corrective taxes on coal, natural gas, gasoline, and road diesel, for over 150 countries,” said Ian Parry, Principal Environmental Fiscal Policy Expert at the IMF and lead author of the report.

“For example, health effects from dirty air are measured by assessing how many people in different countries are exposed to pollution from coal plants, vehicles, and so on and combining that with evidence from health experts on how exposure to pollution can increase the risk of various heart and lung diseases,” said Parry.

The report finds that appropriate charges on fossil fuel products are equal to the emission rates from combusting the fuel times the environmental damages per unit of emissions. Additional charges would be needed for motor fuel taxes to reflect traffic congestion, ac-

Over 1000 people gain employment, as implementation of CIIP begins

The Housing and Water Ministry has employed close to 1000 people to work directly with the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) in the implementation of the Community Infrastructure and Improvement Project (CIIP.)

The Ministry is repairing and upgrading a number of roads and community infrastructure including community burial grounds under this project, which is valued at $484 million.

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali said that all of the roads tendered have been awarded, the contracts signed and works have commenced.

The 1000 people have been employed to work directly with implementing maintenance of infrastructural programmes for the works targeted under CIIP, the Government Information Agency said.

He explained that CIIP is a project that seeks to build off the lessons that the Ministry would have learnt from the outreaches conducted in the various communities across the country and from interact-

ing with the communities while implementing various community and regionbased programmes.

The Minister noted that the major issues facing communities across the country are those of sanitation, improvement in services, including burial ground and access to the community, health and other basic infrastructure. These are the kind of works that CIIP is geared to deliver; projects that are community oriented, are community based and evolve from community demands, the Minister said.

He noted that these projects have tremendous eco-

nomic and social impacts on the community and the country as a whole. The Minister pointed out that sometimes in evaluating the economic impact, the social impact becomes overlooked. The impact of such projects as CIIP on the housing sector is also enormous. Minister Ali pointed out that they result in increased occupancy, which further translates into an increase in the number of buildings. Once more persons are building, it means that more loans are being processed, more materials are being purchased from the different hardware stores and more skilled workers are being employed and the whole economy is kicking, the Minister said. He did however point out that there is an important challenge to such projects and that is ensuring that the investments are secured in a sustainable manner. He noted that this can only be done with the total involvement of the community themselves. The Minister noted that there needs to be a change in the whole approach to social infrastructure and to how public infrastructure is safeguarded.

IAC heartened by response to cultural booth at Guyana Festival

Tcidents, and road damage, at least for the interim, though over the longer term countries could partially transition to distance-based taxation to effectively address congestion in particular (eg, peak period fees on busy roads).

Finance ministries can be actively engaged in getting energy prices right, given their role in administering energy taxes, perhaps as part of a broader tax shifting operation. And given the potentially large domestic environmental and fiscal benefits, reform need not await global cooperation over climate policy. The report notes that impacts on vulnerable households can be lessened through targeted measures – for example, strengthened social safety nets – which are a more effective way to help these groups than holding down energy prices, given most of the benefits of low energy prices accrue to higher income groups.

Although there are some inescapable controversies in measuring environmental damages (how, for example, to put a price tag on global warming or value changes in pollution deaths), the methodology and accompanying spreadsheet tools in the report accommodate different viewpoints and serve as a useful starting point for policy dialogue.

he Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) said it is extremely pleased at the overwhelming response to the Indian Cultural Booth by patrons attending the inaugural Guyana Festival held from August 8-10.

In a release, the IAC said having been asked by Irfaan Ali, acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, to set up and manage the booth, the IAC worked assiduously to ensure that the booth reflected many aspects of Indian culture and history

of Indentureship. The booths provided a history lesson to the hundreds of young persons visiting the display and moments of nostalgia for the mature patrons. Clearly, from the questions asked by the younger ones, the country’s transformation through modernisation was evident. The dancers and singers thrilled patrons who gathered in large numbers around the booth.

The IAC also thanked Minister Ali and his very supportive staff for afford-

ing the entity the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Guyana Festival.

“Also, heartfelt thanks to the management and staff of Anjee’s for their invaluable support in making the booth the success it was and to the thousands of patrons for their kind suggestions and words of encouragement.

"The IAC would like to congratulate Minister Ali and his staff for successfully hosting the Guyana Festival and eagerly looks forward to participating in the future and in similar events.”

MARAD officials attend maritime security confab in Antigua

Director of Maritime Safety, Captain Stephen Thomas and Chief Port Security Officer, Major Dwain Nurse of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) represented Guyana at the first Sub-Regional Seminar on Maritime Surveillance, Monitoring and Communications Systems for Maritime Security in Antigua during the period July 28 to 31, 2014.

Other participants were drawn from countries around the Caribbean such as The Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint

Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Antigua and Barbuda.

The seminar was sponsored by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS). Some of the subject areas covered in the seminar include security measures for port facilities, ship tracking and monitoring, security measures on board ships, and security measures for smaller (NonSafety Convention) ships.

The ceremony was opened

by Steadroy Cutie Benjamin, the acting Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. Some guest speakers included Tracy Peverett, Head of the Maritime Security Section of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and Captain Michael Brown (retired), of the United States Coast Guard. These two senior officers have already begun to share their knowledge with their colleagues. The Maritime Administration Department in its continued effort to promote maritime safety and security will continue to work closely with the IMO, regional states, and the shipping industry.

Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

Freedom fighter Damon remembered during wreath laying ceremony

Freedom fighter Damon was remembered on Monday during a wreath laying ceremony executed by the African Cultural and Educational Association (ACEA) in Essequibo.

Wreaths as well as fresh flowers were laid at the foot of the Damon Monument near the Anna Regina Car Park. The activity was part of Emancipation celebrations in Region Two. The first wreath was laid by Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud. Persaud said the monument represents the heroic African domestic labourer Damon who was executed for his role in the protest against a new system of apprenticeship. Persaud told those in attendance at the wreath laying ceremony that labourers went on strike on August 3, 1834 refusing to work only half day while demanding their freedom.

The Chairman said Damon who was the head of that movement raised a flag to represent the labourers in Trinity Church yard and La Belle Alliance. The labourers were occupying the compound during the protest. Damon was then penalised for that move and was hanged at the Parliament Building at noon

on Monday October 13, 1834. Persaud explained that Damon was indeed an idol and will be remembered for his quest for freedom.

Founder of the ACEA Nana Odeka also known “Elfreda Munroe” said the wreath laying ceremony was planned to remember Damon, who was one of the persons who fought for freedom in Guyana. According to Nana,

the ACEA also held a candle light parade from Damon’s cross at La Belle Alliance to Anna Regina, a cultural show on the car park tarmac and libation ceremony around the Damon Monument to usher in Emancipation celebrations on July 31. She said several other activities were also held to celebrate Emancipation in the region.

Education Ministry hosts working retreat for senior staff of TVET institutions

The Education Ministry in an effort to further strengthen the delivery of Technical Vocation Education and Training (TVET) in schools and TVET institutions across Guyana, is hosting a five-day workshop at the Church View Hotel in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The workshop is being held for all senior staff members from TVET institutions across Guyana, as the Ministry explores new and improved strategies for enhancing the delivery of a higher quality of TVET education, and as the new school year beckons. The workshop commenced on Monday August 11.

Assistant Chief Education Officer (Technical), Patrick Chinedu Onwuzirike posited that the workshop was designed on the basis of the changing dynamics of the Guyanese workforce as observed by the Ministry, through employers’ demands made to TVET institutions, regarding the need to match the TVET skill and knowledge offered by TVET institutions, to that of the modern Guyanese work environment. The other factors informing this workshop was the need

“Clean-up Georgetown” programme moving apace

Plans for “Clean-Up Georgetown” under the “Clean-Up My Country” programme are moving apace as the Programme Implementation Committee continues community consultation meetings in Georgetown.

As part of the “Clean-Up My Country” programme a series of meetings are slated for this week. According to a release from the Ministry of Local Government over the last few weeks, the “CleanUp My Country” implementation committee has been en-

gaging residents of various areas in Georgetown about their participation in improving the aesthetics of their localities. As part of the consultations, residents are engaged in discussions about what are the needs of their communities as it relates to environment cleanliness and aesthetics. From the consultations, groups are identified and contracted by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development to spareheaded the cleanup and beautification programme of their locality.

For accountability and manageability of activities and human resources, communities are divided into blocks. The registered and contracted groups will oversee the cleanup exercise under the mandate of the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development.

To date, there have been 18 consultations within Georgetown. Proposals from Albouystown, West Ruimveldt, Lodge, South Ruimveldt Phase 1, Alberttown, La Penitence and Campbellville sec-

tions M-K were submitted. Groups in Albouystown and Campbellville have already commenced cleaning up their communities under the “Georgetown Clean- Up Programme”.

The expected outcome from the community consultation is not only to ultimately cleanup the environment, but to activate community involvement and interest in building capacity, to create job opportunities and to stimulate communities attitudes towards the maintenance of a clean environment.

Credible elections are the “heartbeat” of democracy – Commonwealth SG

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has underscored the importance of conducting elections that enjoy the trust and confidence of citizens across the 53-nation organisation.

Speaking during a meeting with Commissioners and senior officials at the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) of Nigeria on 31 July 2014, Mr Sharma said that the starting point for the democratic process in any country is the conduct of peaceful and credible elections.

“It is for that reason that we consider credible elections as the ‘heart beat’ of democracy, because it is through elections that citizens choose leaders who represent them and make decisions on their behalf,” the Secretary-General said. Sharma said that the Commonwealth places critical importance on strengthening election management bodies because of the central role they play in ensuring the rights of citizens to elect their leaders through peaceful and credible processes with integrity.

He said that the conduct of credible elections is a key component of the enhanced Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group -a representative group of foreign ministers tasked to ensure adherence to the organisation’s political values

of rule of law, human rights, freedom of expression and assembly.

The Secretary-General said that as Nigeria prepares for the February 2015 elections, the Commonwealth remains ready to provide any support to INEC to ensure that the polls are credible. “The Commonwealth has previously observed elections in Nigeria and made recommendations to inform the fu-

for strategic succession planning, as well as the need for the maintenance of quality assurance in the delivery of TVET education nationwide.

Delivering the feature address, Chief Education Officer (CEO), Olato Sam pointed out that the workshop comes at a most favourable time as Guyana is currently witnessing the most students ever to be enrolled in TVET institutions. Sam also observed that the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme is currently being run in about half the secondary schools in Guyana, amidst plans to further extend the programme throughout the secondary sector.

According to the CEO, Competency Based Education and Training (CBET) is widely offered in all institutions, and in the very near future Guyana will be offering the Caribbean Vocation Qualification (CVQ). “We have laid the relevant infrastructure for this component of the education system to truly fulfil its mandate to equip our youth with an array of technical skills that will significantly advance our country’s developmental agenda,” the CEO said. He also stated that

NY-based

in order for TVET to manifest its effectiveness, strategic management must become the hallmark of all TVET institutions as well as the alignment of institutional values and actions to match the broader national vision for TVET.

The CEO charged the workshop delegates to be more proactive in further establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with industry. “There are countless partnerships that can be formed to aid us in meeting our broad objectives. We have to actively seek out partnerships; form those bonds that will enable us to move our institutions forward. For too long we have been waiting for people to come to us. New-age leaders seek out vigorously relationships that will advance their causes. And that’s what we need you to be.”

The CEO concluded by stating that: “TVET can no longer be what it was once termed, the ‘alternative pathway’ to development. It is the pathway to the development of this nation. And all of you gathered here are key players in realising our broad national objectives.” The workshop continues until Friday.

Guyanese lawyer convicted of obstructing justice

New York-based Guyanese lawyer

Albert Baldeo, a former Democratic district leader and candidate for city and state office, was found guilty of obstructing justice on Monday, though he was acquitted of mail and wire fraud charges.

US Attorney Preet Bharara indicted Baldeo two years ago for orchestrating a straw donor scheme to funnel illegal contributions to his 2010 campaign for City Council. Baldeo, Attorney Bharara alleged at the time, also asked his straw donors to lie to federal investigators once he learned the feds were probing the alleged scheme.

Baldeo, a Richmond Hill Attorney who also nearly unseated a Republican State Senator in 2006, faced 10 charges and was acquitted on all three related to mail and wire fraud, according to court documents. He was found guilty on the seven other charges related to conspiracy and obstructing justice, a spokeswoman for Bharara confirmed.

duct while it continues to vigorously investigate and prosecute political corruption in New York City and New York State.”

ture conduct of other elections. We look forward to observing the forthcoming elections, when invited,” he added. The Secretary-General thanked INEC for actively participating in the activities of the Commonwealth Electoral Network, a peer network of election management bodies through which experiences and good practices are distilled and shared across the membership.

“The fact that Albert Baldeo lost his election does not excuse his corrupt conduct. With today’s verdict of guilty, an impartial federal jury has found that Baldeo lied and instructed others to lie to law enforcement agents investigating the source of his campaign contributions, and threatened and intimidated others in order to conceal the truth,” Bharara said in a statement. “These practices have no place in our politics or our justice system, and there should be no doubt that this Office will prosecute such con-

Each of the seven charges carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Baldeo did not immediately return a request for comment, though a group known as “People for Baldeo” defended Baldeo for being acquitted on the mail and wire fraud charges. “It is clear that our precious tax dollars are being spent in targeting Baldeo selectively and vindictively and this lynching must be stopped. We challenge all right-thinking people to condemn these grave civil, human rights, constitutional and voting rights violations,” the group said. “We demand an immediate end to this political witch hunt of Albert Baldeo, and call upon these agencies which are funded by our tax dollars to stop this harassment and vendetta against him now!” (New York Observer)

Essequibians paid tribute to freedom fighter Damon on Monday

New York-based Guyanese lawyer Albert Baldeo

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma (left) with Dr Ishmael Jikiri Igban, the Deputy Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (right)

SUDOKU

You will get more accomplished on your own today. Others may not share your vision, so keep your plans to yourself. Consider looking outside your current location for better opportunities.

By Bernice Bede Osol

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

A good opportunity is within your reach. You will be able to achieve all that you’re hoping for if you exude confidence. A current associate will turn into a worthwhile partner.

Get in touch with an old friend. A simple gettogether with a chum will ease your stress and help you find the perfect solution to any dilemma you face.

You can reach your goals if you stick to simple solutions, taking baby steps and building on solid ground. Moderation will be the key to getting what you want.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Even if it’s difficult, your ability to learn quickly will enable you to add it to your list of accomplishments. Extra cash is apparent.

(March 21-April 19)

Your avant-garde methods will help you deal with whatever comes your way. Don’t underestimate the possibilities of networking and mixing business with pleasure.

(April 20-May 20)

Choose to be as inconspicuous as possible. If someone around you is in a fighting mood, take the opportunity to become immersed in small projects or odd jobs that will keep you busy.

(May 21June 20)

Use the people who care for you as reinforcements in your current struggles. Their support will help you overcome your opponents and restore your confidence.

Be cautious when dealing with financial and legal matters. Revisit a deal that you dismissed in the past. With a couple of changes, you will be able to come up with a workable agreement.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Expand your interests. The more you learn, the easier it will be to reach your objectives. Meeting new people and gathering information are all positive steps leading to success.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Don’t waste time trying to get others to do things your way. Focus on the projects that mean the most to you. You will gain admirers as your venture progresses.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Show your leadership qualities. Staying in control, being dependable and getting things done properly will make an impact on those in a position to help you advance.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

Gayle optimistic of finding form against Bravo and Red Steel

– Jamaica Tallawahs and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel go head to head in semi-finals today

The Jamaica Tallawahs and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel will both be looking to recapture their early tournament form as the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) reaches the semi-finals stage.

Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo will go head to head today Wednesday August 13 at Warner Park, St Kitts to decide which team will face the challenge of playing Denesh Ramdin’s Guyana Amazon Warriors on Thursday. The stakes are high as the prize for the winners will be to battle against the Barbados Tridents in the final on Saturday.

Jamaica Tallawahs captain, Chris Gayle, feels that the chance to go up against his friend Dwayne Bravo will be all the incentive he needs to play himself back into form and help his team beat the Red Steel.

Chris Gayle said; “I actu-

WICB

Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel coach, Simon Helmot is looking for his team to regain their form in the match against the Jamaica Tallawahs

ally blame (Dwayne) Bravo for us being in this position in the first place by losing to the Hawksbills at the weekend, and I always regain my form when I face him so I am looking forward to the challenge of playing the Red Steel. We have the quality to

get the job done and I back my team to get the results and come out on top.”

Jamaica Tallawahs coach, Mickey Arthur, said; “In a tournament this long, you are always going to have a couple of hiccups along the way and we have had ours in the later stages, which is not ideal as it can affect confidence levels going forward. However, I think the remaining games are going to be very tight. All four teams left in the competition

of the second

finished on the same points, so every ball will be important in these matches and an event in their own right. The team that comes out on top from the semi-finals will be the one that handles the pressure of the situations better.”

All-round Guyana storm to fifth straight victory

Skipper Brian Sattaur made 16 and was dismissed at 167-3 before the competition’s leading run scorer Kemo Paul (269 runs) and Berbician Akshay Homraj entertained the small but vocal crowd with a quickfire partnership of 60 in 6.1 overs.

The right-handed Paul brought up his fourth halfcentury in five innings with his second six off just 30 balls, but was dismissed soon after for 51 (32 balls, 2x4s, 2x6s) at 227-4, caught by Cato at long-on off Ryan John. Fourteen runs later, Homraj offered Cato his fourth catch of the innings off the bowling of Lewis. His 28 off 20 balls included two fours.

Ronaldo Ali- Mohamed then exhibited his prowess, clearing the large out-

field twice in an unbeaten 30 from just 13 balls, while wicketkeeper Kemol Savory remained unbeaten on seven.

Bowling for the Windward Islands, John and Lewis picked up two wickets each, but were expensive, conceding 56 and 72 runs respectively.

In the other games on Tuesday, the Leeward Islands (259-4) defeated ICC Americas (109) by 150 runs at the National Stadium, while Trinidad and Tobago (204-7) defeated Barbados (146) by 58 runs at Everest.

The seventh round of the competition will be held today with Guyana playing Barbados at the National Stadium, Leeward Islands versus Trinidad and Tobago at the

SCOREBOARD

GUYANA UNDER-19s (50 overs maximum)

S. Hetmyer c Cato b Lewis 86

T. Chanderpaul c Lewis b Hypolite 43

*B. Sattaur c Cato b John 16

K. Paul c Cato b John 51

A. Homraj c Cato b Lewis 28

R. Ali-Mohammed not out 30

+K. Savory not out 7

Extras (w8, lb6, b1) 15

TOTAL (5 wkts, 50 overs) 276

S. Ramcharran, B. Baldeo, D. Waldron, S. Sankar did not bat

Fall of wickets: 1-129,2144, 3-167, 4-227, 5-241

Bowling: #Lewis 9-172-2, #John 10-0-562, #Phillips5-0-34-0, Pope 10-0-28-0, Hypolite 10-038-1, Edward 6-1-41-0

WINDWARDS UNDER-19s (target: 277 off 50 overs)

+A. Latchman c Waldron b Paul 6

T. Simon c (sub) Smith b Baldeo 4

M. Gordon run out 20

K. Jno Lewis c and b Waldron 42 G. Pope b Baldeo 4

*R Cato c Sattaur b Sankar 38 R. John run out 38 S. Lewis st Savory b Baldeo 1 D. Edward c Sankar b Ramcharran  3 D. Hypolite not out 1 C. Phillips c Hetmyer b Ramcharran 0

Extras (w9) 9

TOTAL (all out, 41.3 overs) 162

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-14, 3-66, 4-90, 5-156, 6-157, 7-157, 8-159, 9-162 Bowling: Baldeo 10-0-353, Paul 5-0-26-1,Ramcharran  6.3-0-26-2, Waldron 10-049-1, Sankar10-0-26-1

Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel coach, Simon Helmot, said; “We are not going into this game in great form, but we are a good team, well led by Dwayne Bravo and I am confident we will demonstrate the type of form and attacking cricket we showed earlier in the tournament. The CPL has been a great thing for cricket in the Caribbean and stands up against any of the other T20 competitions in the world, and we have two of its most exciting cricketers in Nicholas Pooran and Evin Lewis so we will be looking to do well and reach the final.”

Looking forward to the second semi-final on Thursday, Roger Harper, coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, said; “I do not mind which team we play - we are concentrating on playing the best cricket we can each day in our practice sessions and ensuring we

are preparing well for the matches. The quality of the cricket this year in the CPL has been very good and we are seeing real development from young players across the region which bodes well for the future of West Indies cricket”.

Denesh Ramdin, captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, said; “We have had a good rest day this week and our minds are now turning to Thursday’s game. I am determined to win the game which would take us into the final in good shape”. The Limacol Caribbean Premier League semi-finals will take place at Warner Park, St Kitts with the Jamaica Tallawahs playing the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel at 16:00h on Wednesday August 13 with the winner contesting the second semi-final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors at 16:00h on Thursday August 14.

Kaneria life ban appeal refused

Former Pakistan bowler Danish Kaneria’s application to appeal against a life ban for spot-fixing has been refused. The leg-spinner was banned in June 2012 after being found guilty of corruption while playing for Essex during a one-day match in 2009.

Kaneria, 33, denies wrongdoing but the Court of Appeal said his application was “totally without merit”. “It means Kaneria has exhausted all the legal options available to him,” the England and Wales Cricket Board said.

ECB chairman Giles Clarke welcomed the decision, adding: “Kaneria acted as a recruiter of potential ‘spot-fixers’ and used his seniority and international experience to target and corrupt a young and vulnerable player. “It is high time that Mr Kaneria came clean about his in-

volvement in these corrupt activities and stopped misleading the Pakistan cricket fans and wider public with his empty protestations of innocence.

“We once again urge him to apologise publicly for his past actions and to start the process of redeeming himself.” Kaneria’s Essex teammate Mervyn Westfield was jailed for four months after admitting a corruption charge relating to a 40over game against Durham. During Westfield’s trial, Judge Anthony Morris said the scam had been orchestrated by Kaneria, who spent six seasons at Essex from 2004.

But Kaneria, who played 61 Tests and 18 one-day internationals for Pakistan between 2000 and 2010, was never charged by the police, on the grounds of insufficient evidence.

Guyana Amazon Warriors captain, Denesh Ramdin, is feeling relaxed and confident ahead

semi-final match on Thursday

Demerara Cricket Club, and Windward Islands against Jamaica at the GCC ground, Bourda.

20 Ronaldo wins Super Cup for Real Madrid

CRonaldo scored twice as Real Madrid claimed the first European silverware of the season with a 2-0 Super Cup win over Sevilla in Cardiff. Ronaldo, starting alongside new recruits James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos, tapped in a cross from Cardiff-born Gareth Bale to give Real the lead.

The Portuguese doubled his side’s advantage with a drilled shot from the left when played in by Karim Benzema.

It is the first of six trophies Real are hoping to win

this season.

The Champions League winners will look to defend the title they claimed by beating Atletico Madrid in May, while Bale said this week the team are also confident of winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, the Fifa Club World Cup and the Supercopa de Espana in 2014-15.

This match against fellow Spanish side Sevilla, who won the Europa League by beating Benfica on penalties, was a first chance for manager Carlo Ancelotti to see the most expensively-

assembled squad in football history in action in a competitive match.

Pre-match doubts about how the Italian might utilise his wealth of attacking talent were initially answered by the fact he started with Ronaldo, Bale, and Rodriguez as an attacking trio supporting Karim Benzema.

But Ronaldo was undoubtedly the star of the show, having clearly overcome his World Cup injury worries and a disappointing tournament in which his Portugal side were elim-

Jo Pavey, 40, wins European Championship 10,000m

Jo Pavey, a 40-year-old mother of two, won a brilliant 10,000m gold to get Britain’s European Championships off to a remarkable start. Pavey, who only gave birth to her daughter Emily 11 months ago, ran the perfect tactical race to match the gold won by her old friend Paula Radcliffe in Munich 12 years ago.

When France’s Clemence Calvin - 16 years her junior and almost 20 seconds faster this season - went to

the front with two laps to go Pavey tucked in behind. Then, at the bell, the Briton surged into the lead, held Calvin at bay on the back straight and kicked hard again as she came off the top bend to race to her first ever major title.

She becomes the oldest female gold medallist in the championships’ history, and having won Commonwealth 5,000m bronze 10 days ago seals a wonderful summer at an age when most athletes

are long retired.

Pavey told BBC Sport:

“I just can’t believe it. I was finding it quite a long way - I was thinking, is this the right event? I’m really thrilled. I tried to do a controlled last lap, but when I got to the home straight I thought, just give it all you’ve got, so you don’t regret anything.”

The time - 32 minutes 22.39 seconds - was irrelevant, Calvin hanging on for silver and her compatriot Laila Traby taking bronze.

LA Clippers sold to ex-Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer

Former Microsoft chief executive

Steve Ballmer has purchased the Los Angeles Clippers for $2bn (1.2bn) after a court cleared the way for the sale. A Los Angeles judge confirmed Shelly Sterling could sell the basketball franchise over the objections of her estranged husband Donald Sterling.

inated at the group stage. His second goal of the match four minutes after half-time required a more difficult finish than for the opener.

But after being played through by Benzema, the clinical way he despatched a swerving drive beyond Beto and inside the far post from the left side of the area underlined his determination to return to top form. And it sounded an ominous warning to those sides hoping to halt Real this season, both domestically and in European competition.

Mr Sterling, the owner since 1981, was banned from the sport for life after he was recorded making racist remarks. The $2bn sale price is the highest ever paid for an NBA team.

“Really excited - in a pretty hardcore way to continue the path to making the Clippers a better and better basketball team, and a better and better citizen of the Los Angeles community,” said Mr Ballmer. Mr Ballmer moved quickly after the Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas signed the order authorising the sale even if Donald

Sterling’s lawyers filed an appeal.

“We were ready,” lawyer Adam Streisand said. “Within minutes, the deal was signed, sealed and delivered.”

The Clippers coach, Doc Rivers, had threatened to quit if he remained owner.

And point guard and president of the players association Chris Paul suggested he would sit out and try to convince other players to join him if Mr Sterling continued to own the franchise. The 80-yearold real estate businessman had fought in court over a deal his wife said he had initially praised.

Richard Parsons will continue as interim chief executive, Mr Ballmer added.

The sale ends Mr Sterling’s run as the longest-tenured owner in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He bought the Clippers in 1981, moving the team from San Diego to Los Angeles in 1984

mark cavendish returns from injury in tour de l’ain

Mark Cavendish finished ninth in the Tour de l’Ain prologue as he returned to competitive racing for the first time since crashing on the opening stage of the Tour de France.

The 29-year-old recorded a time of five minutes 30 seconds in the 4.6km stage in Saint-Amour,

eastern France.

Cavendish dislocated his shoulder and damaged ligaments during a sprint finish in Harrogate on 6 July.

The race marks the first test in his recovery following shoulder surgery.

There are four stages remaining, all less than 160km apiece.

If the Omega Pharma - Quick-Step rider comes through the race without injury, he is expected to compete in the Vuelta a Espana, the third and final Grand Tour of the year, which starts on 23 August. Belgium’s Gianni Meersman won the opening stage.

ristiano

This was Real’s second victory in the Uefa Super Cup

Donald Sterling and wife Shelly fought in the courts

Pavey was already the fastest over-35 woman in history over 10,000m before her Zurich win

From Left: Swimming coach Shyka Gonsalves, Chef de Mission Dr Karen Pilgrim, swimmer Britany Van Lange and 400m runner Jason Yaw prior to their departure from Olympic House on Tuesday for the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China. Not in photo are swimmer Hannibal Gaskin and table tennis player Chelsea Edghill who were expected to join the team at another location

wednesday, august 13, 2014

Legend Classic Basketball Tournament…

Black Sharks devour Canje Knights

Fyrish Black Sharks recorded a thrilling 60-58 win over Canje Knights at the Fyrish Court where action in the Legend Classic Basketball Tournament continued in Berbice on Sunday.

Led by a game high 21 points from Linden Joseph, the Sharks took the final lead with just seconds remaining in the clock and then made a steal and made sure that the Knights did not get another chance to touch the ball as the final seconds ticked.

The Sharks used their home advantage and kept the Knights quiet in the first quarter, winning that part of the game 18-12.

The second quarter saw a turn around as Steve

Roopnarine put in two three pointers to reduce the lead to four points when the half time whistle came. With the score locked on 38, Damian Hunt scored from the three point line to give the Knights their first lead in the game. Rayel Franklyn then scored twice to give his side the lead once again but Roopnarine produced another 3-pointer.

The Sharks had a three point lead with less than two minutes left on the clock when Roopnarine decided to take his chance from the three point line and equal the score.

Inside the last minute, with the teams deadlocked, Cledwin Cort put the Knights ahead by two points. Joseph then dunked

the equaliser and, with both teams eying the seconds as they rolled down, Franklyn with a superb move scored his 10th point to put the Sharks ahead again to take the win by two points.

For the Knights, Roopnarine scored 16 points inclusive of four three-pointers, Hunt 15 and Cort 11 points.

The tournament continues on Sunday when New Amsterdam Warriors take on Ithaca Hardliners at the Ithaca Court.

The competition is being played on a round robin basis and is being sponsored by Ponai’s Pharmacy, A Ally and Sons and Nand Persaud Rice Mills. The event is being organised by Vibert Garrett.

Three-a-side football starts Sunday in New Amsterdam

In an effort to promote unity through sports, sports enthusiast and physical fitness trainer Eli Hazel has organised a 3-aside football competition which is being promoted under the Non Governmental organisation (NGO) Unity for the Nation Organisation.

The month-long competition will take place on the tarmac of Fordy’s Subletta Catering at Winkle Road and Tucber Park from August 17, with the finals slated for September 14.

More than 20 teams have indicated their interest in participating. Each team will be limited to five players. Games will be for a duration of 10 minutes with the eventual winner of the competition receiving 50,000; second place $25,000 and third $13,000.

Interested persons are being asked to make contact with Hazel on Telephone

Eli Hazel

numbers 333-3309 or 6188500.

Hazel, who is the holder of a Certificate from the British Sports Trust Harvard Community Sports Leaders Course (BSTHCSL), has been organising walk and fitness activities in recognition of Good manners,

World Health Day, Fathers Day, Mothers Day and Emancipation Day. The BSTHCSL course Hazel attended dealt with Sports Management, Marketing, Organising, Coaching and Discipline in Sports.

Part of the action on Sunday between Fyrish Black Sharks and Canje Knights

Guyana and Jamaica reach Regional Women’s Super50 final

Jamaica’s women’s cricketers are still on course to win the WICB Regional Women’s Super50 title for a 4th straight year after beating Trinidad and Tobago by 66 runs in the rain delayed semi-final encounter at Windsor Park in Dominica on Tuesday.

The islanders, however, would have to first get past Guyana who beat Barbados to secure their spot in the final.

In a game that was reduced to 31 overs per team due to rain, the Jamaicans, after losing the toss and being asked to bat by T&T, piled up a massive 214 for 2.

Skipper Stafanie Taylor was the star of the show leading the way with an unbeaten century knock of 101 while also putting on 167 runs in a 3rd wicket partnership with Chinelle Henry who made 55 not out.

Earlier Jodian Morgan

(35) and Natasha McLean, who made 5, put on 47 runs for the 1st wicket.

Kirbyina Alexander and Anisa Mohammad were the only Trinidadian bowlers to have any success on the day.

The Trinidadians in reply were dismissed for 148 with Britney Cooper, who made 57, offering most resistance.

Vanessa Watts and Natasha McLean were the pick of the Jamaican bowlers with 3 wickets each.

The Jamaicans now go on to face Guyana in the final after the Guyanese beat barbados by 3 wickets in their semi-final encounter at the botanical gardens.

Final scores in that game, Barbados women 88 all out (25.4 overs), Guyana women 89 for 7 (29.3 overs).

The final takes place at Windsor Park in Dominica today.

GTTA to host international coaches training and certification programmes

The Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) will be hosting an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Level One (1) and ITTF level Two (2) coaching certification programmes during the period August 15– 19 and August 21-26, 2014 at the National Gymnasium

The course will be conducted by Mr Ramon Ortega Montes, International Table Tennis Federation Latin American Development Officer.

Mr Montes, who hails from Spain, is scheduled to arrive in Guyana today.

The Level One programme is a self funded venture undertaken by the GTTA. Participants are required to participate and complete all sessions in addition to serving 36 hours developmental work as supervised/assigned by the GTTA after the course ends in order to receive their international Level One certification.

The Level Two Programme is sponsored by the International Table Tennis Federation. Participants must complete the Level One programme and have over one year practical experience as a coach as a prerequisite. The Level Two course is somewhat test based and participants must attain over 14.5 percent in order to do the Level Three programme.

The Level Two programme takes on a an international flavor with participants from Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Grenada registered to participate

The tentative schedule for the programme is 9:00h to 12:00h; 13:00h to 15.30h for the duration of the course. The GTTA has selected personnel from across Guyana,

Police Honour West Indies U-15 Top Bowler

Top West Indies under15 bowler Guyanese Kevin Sinclair was recently honoured for his outstanding performance at the recently concluded Regional U-15 cricket tournament.

Assistant Commissioner and Commander of ‘B’ Division Brian Joseph presented Sinclair with a cricket bat and a monetary donation on behalf of the Division.

Sinclair received the most wickets award at the end of the round robin tournament which Guyana won. He took 11 wickets from five matches and made 127 runs at an average of 31.4 runs per innings.

The all-rounder hit a top score of 52 not out in Guyana’s opening game against the Leeward Islands to spearhead his team’s victory. In the next game against Barbados, he hit an enterprising 32 to take Guyana out of trouble and then returned with his right hand off spin to grab 4-32.

The Patrick Dam, Angoy’s Avenue lad was also part of the Berbice Under-15 Chico Inter Club tournament where he hit 100 not out and took 7 wickets against Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club. The budding cricketer also made 110 not

including Regions 3, 6, 7 and 10 in view of spreading the base of the sport.

“The certification programme forms a critical element to the development of the sport in Guyana based on the fact that training and knowledge transitioning is critical for international success. The GTTA sees this as a step towards advancing the knowledge of our coaches and by extension raising the level of the players and the creating the catalyst for improving the institutional structures such as clubs tournaments training players technical levels etc,” a press release from the GTTA stated.

Mr Montes will have scheduled visits with Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, President of the Guyana Olympic Association K Juman Yassin, Director of Sports Neil Kumar and other key stakeholders to discuss the ITTF plans and programmes and where Guyana fits and can exploit its potential

“Several key initiatives will be disclosed when Mr Ortega Montes arrives which has the possibility of transforming the table tennis landscape in Guyana.”

out against Tucburg and took 5-25 in the same competition.

In this year’s U-17 Inter club tournament, he made 53 against Tucburg and 55 against Young Warriors.

As part of the ‘B’ Division second Division team, Sinclair grabbed 3-10 against Young Warriors and 4-37 against Tucburg as he started to make his name in Berbice cricket.

Before leaving for Jamaica where he represented Guyana in the U-15 regional tournament,

Sinclair represented Berbice at the inter-county level and made 55 against Essequibo and 34 against Demerara.

In making the presentation to the upcoming cricketer, the Assistant Commissioner congratulated Sinclair for his recent achievement and urged him to pay attention to his attitude and discipline. “You must be focused… Don’t let friends carry you astray,” Joseph advised.

The Assistant Commissioner also made mention of living legend

Chandrapaul who came from a humble background but reached the highest level in cricket. Commander Joseph said the division will continue to support Sinclair; “But you cannot forget your books. Education is a very important part of development. I will want to see you going well in school. Take your education seriously as you are taking your books.”

Sinclair is the current captain of the Police U-15 cricket team.

Piedt ensures South Africa triumph

Zimbabwe had competed ably for 10 sessions in Harare, but they wilted in the face of reverse swing and prodigious turn after lunch on the fourth day. They lost eight wickets for 83 runs and South Africa cantered to another victory on the road. The 41-run target provided just enough for openers Alviro Petersen and Dean Elgar to have a little fun in the middle. Zimbabwe earned one final say when Tendai Chatara disturbed the left-hander’s stumps.

The pitch offered consistent assistance to spin and there were ominous signs before the break when the top-scorer Vusi Sibanda’s defences were breached with the first ball Dane Piedt bowled - a loopy delivery that swerved from outside off to sneak between his bat and pad. The batsman survived, but the first ball of the offspinner’s second over fetched the wicket as the nighwatchman Donald Tiripano, having been sensible for 62 balls, opted for a slog sweep and ended with his leg stump uprooted.

Piedt was rampant in the second session and finished with 8 for 152, the best match haul by a South Africa spinner on debut. He tied Mark Vermeulen in knots, tempted Brendan Taylor to short leg, and preyed on Sibanda’s patience. His flight was a big factor in the turn he extracted and his line ensured the batsman was under threat almost constantly.

At the other end, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were enhanced by reverse

swing. Vermeulen was set up with steady diet outside off. He shuffled across and groped, displaying all the rust of his 10 years out of Test cricket until an inswinger had him plumb in front.

Sibanda was the set batsman. His face still showed vestiges of the chicken pox he had recovered from, as he concentrated on protecting his off stump from Steyn. He batted on off stump to Piedt and swept from outside it, once for a six over midwicket. Zimbabwe eased to 52 runs at the cost of only one wicket in the morning and it was largely down to some stubborn batting. But the illtimed charge from Sibanda to lob a return catch to Piedt exemplified Zimbabwe falling away since lunch. He

was out for 45, his 15th consecutive sub-fifty outing.

Taylor had looked their best batsman in the first innings and had generally played Piedt off the back foot or with sweeps during his 98. Here though he was drawn forward by the offspinner, the ball dipped and bounced and the inside edge was smartly grabbed by Dean Elgar at short leg.

Zimbabwe were trailing by 28 but had five wickets in hand. Morkel threw a wrench into that equation with two quick wickets and the hosts were down to their last three men and still behind by 17. The tail, guided by wicketkeeper Richmond Mutumbami, managed to erase the deficit. He led

Zimbabwe’s highest partnership of the innings. The 54 runs he collected with John Nyumbu had the Harare crowd roaring. The rot in the middle session was forgotten as Mutumbami struck four fours in four overs after tea. His 69 minutes at the crease were spent in pain after Morkel welcomed him with an attempted yorker that nailed his left toe. He was not seen for South Africa’s chase, with Regis Chakabva taking the gloves. Summarised scores: South Africa 397 (Du Plessis 98, De Kock, 81, Nyumbu 5-157) and 44 for 1 (Petersen 17*) beat Zimbabwe 256 (Taylor 98, Steyn 5-45, Piedt 4-90) and 181 (Sibanda 45, Piedt 4-62) by nine wickets

SCOREBOARD

Zimbabwe 2nd innings

H Masakadza c de Villiers b Morkel 19

V Sibanda c & b Piedt 45

DT Tiripano b Piedt 5

MA Vermeulen lbw b Steyn 21

BRM Taylor* c Elgar b Piedt 5

RW Chakabva b Morkel 15

SC Williams c Duminy b Morkel 3

R Mutumbami† c †de Kock b Steyn 43

J Nyumbu c & b Piedt 13

TL Chatara not out 0

T Panyangara b Steyn 2

Extras (b 2, lb 7, nb 1) 10

Total (all out; 76.2 overs; 338 mins) 181

Fall of wickets 1-25 (Masakadza, 9.1 ov), 2-58 (Tiripano, 28.1 ov), 3-98 (Vermeulen, 45.4 ov), 4-98 (Sibanda, 46.2 ov), 5-113 (Taylor, 48.4 ov), 6-121 (Chakabva, 53.5 ov), 7-124 (Williams, 55.4 ov), 8-178 (Mutumbami, 74.3 ov), 9-178 (Nyumbu, 75.1 ov), 10181 (Panyangara, 76.2 ov) Bowling: DW Steyn 21.29-38-3, VD Philander 103-25-0, M Morkel 15-9-153, DL Piedt 25-3-62-4,

Shivnarine

‘B’ Division Comander Assistant Commissioner Brian Joseph making the presentation to U-15 cricketer Kevin Sinclair in the presence of Coach Carlton Sinclair (2nd from right) and two ranks of ‘B’ Division.

Ramon Ortega Montes

Dane Piedt ran through Zimbabwe’s top order.

Photo: AFP

Minister Anthony is honourary 6th Dan Black Belt holder

Grand Master Sensei, Frank Woon-a-tai from the Guyana Karate College on Tuesday presented a certificate to the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Alfred King, recognising the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank

Cougars

Anthony as an honorary 6th Dan Black Belt holder.

PS King received the certificate on behalf of the Minister who is on official duty overseas. Several months ago the Head of State, President Donald Ramotar was presented with his 7th Dan Black Belt certificate from the International

Karate Daigaku (IKD).

During Tuesday’s simple presentation, Sensei Woona-tai handed over a number of martial arts books. He recalled that at the first South American Karate Championships held under the auspices of the IKD, a request was made for a donation of martial arts-relat-

Hosts Hope Football Club will be counting their lucky stars as Cougars sent NA United packing on Sunday when action in the Hope Memorial Football Competition continued at the Burnham Park in Berbice.

Both NA United and Cougars just needed a draw to make it through but, given the rivalry between the two clubs, bragging rights were also at stake.

After a 0-0 half-time break and with supporters of the host club becoming uneasy, Jamal Butts scored the game’s lone goal in the 65th minute for Cougars.

This was 10 minutes after Gerald Junior was brought on as a substitute.

Omari Bentham could do nothing to save Butts’s powerful right foot shot that gave Cougars a 1-0 lead.

There was soon another Butts/Junior combination

that saw Bentham again on the ground, but this time the shot from Junior hit one of the posts. Moments later the duo again penetrated the defence and Butts took the shot with the goal-keeper once again not in position, however, the ball crashed onto the cross bar.

NA United will now have to watch from the sidelines as Hope FC are in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, across in Region Five at the Number Five Ground, the home team edged Rosignol United 3-2 in a thriller between the two top West Berbice teams.

The competition continues Sunday at the Number Five Ground when Paradise will take on Number Five Football Club. Paradise will have to win by four clear goals and also must score first, if they are to move on to the semi-final round.

(Andrew Carmichael)

ed books.

Sensei Woon-a-tai explained that the books are not ordinary books but are primary sources of information; this indicates that the books were written by people who lived at the time when karate was first founded. The authors of the books include Master Funakoshi and Master Nakayama (he visited Guyana in 1974 and 1978).

The Permanent Secretary accepted with gratitude the collection of books which the Ministry said will no doubt boost what already exists at the Resource Centre’s library. King highlighted that Minister Anthony is keen on the development of sports and has recognised the need for more sports education to complement the skills of the coaches and trainers.

PS King emphasised that it is the Minister’s hope that over time and with a good collection of books, and the transformation of the Resource Centre into a sports institute, that accredited courses can be offered. In this regard, he expressed appreciation for the books on behalf of Minister Anthony.

Distributing giant Ansa McAl, will kick off its ‘West Side’ Inter Village 5-Aside football tournament on Friday August 15 at the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac and, according to coordinator Collin ‘BL’ Aaron, the event will be the first of its kind.

The tournament, which is being sponsored under Ansa McAl’s Stag Beer brand, will see teams hailing from 16 villages, all from the West Coast and West Bank of Demerara and the East Bank of Essequibo.

$200,000 will be awarded to the winners of the tournament while second through fourth places will pocket $100,000, $75,000 and $25,000 respectively.

“We expect this to be an exciting tournament simply because nothing much is happening on the ‘West Side’ and players are hungry for some action, they all

want to play and this is the best way possible that will give each village a chance to actually play a part” Aaron said.

The event coordinator added that “as far as I can remember, there has never been such an event, so this will be a first of its kind and we all know how much people on the ‘West Side’ are passionate about their football, so we’re confident of a successful event”

Apart from the opening of the tournament on Friday, matches will be played on August 20, 21, 27, 29, 31 and the final set for Sunday September 7.

Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac and Pouderoyen Basketball Court are the two venues that are slated to host the event.

Teams who are yet to register are asked to contact the organisers on telephone number 670 – 1947 or 674 –5981.

Dave Scott and “Jaguar” eat up competition at Lake

Mainstay

– crowned Group Two champion in power boat racing

The perfect racing conditions for power boat racing existed on Sunday last at the Lake Mainstay Venue as there was excellent weather and a calm water surface that ensured the many persons in attendance were highly entertained.

Jaguar, piloted by Dave Scott, did not disappoint as spectators witnessed a scintillating power boat racing performance display in all of the Group One open events as he took full advantage of these suited conditions to finally eliminate all doubts as to who is truly the coveted 2014 Group One Champion Racer of power boat racing.

The 225hp Open Group One was dubbed “The clash of the Titans” by Master of Ceremony Linden “Jumbie” Jones, and witnessed the first demonstration of pure pace and power by the Jaguar.

As they all shot out with the wave of the starter’s green flag, Jaguar, driven by Dave Scott, settled comfortably in front to lead with ease and take the checkered flag after completing the stipulated six laps ahead of the Czyzie Boy driven by Neil Gonslaves, followed by Flash driven by Jose Jardine.

Jaguar would then win the Group One 225hp unlimited power boat racing event for six laps as it again powerfully surged ahead of the competition to take the checkered flag ahead of Czyzie Boy 2. The win gave Jaguar the title of Group One Champion.

Other races included a 40hp Class category that went for three laps around the oval racing circuit where Bravo, driven by Clint Gonslaves, took the checkered flag ahead of 3:16 driven by Saigon Hopkinson.

This event was followed by a 15hp category event for male racers, an event that went for two laps and was dominated by the Crazy Frog entry piloted by Lennox Baharalli.

Then there was the 15hp for female racers that went for two laps also. Crazy Frog, driven by Nalini Baharally, took the win ahead of Roots driven by Drupattie Persaud.

The next power boat racing event was in the 90hp category for 4 laps, a category dominated by Miracle driven by Clint Gonslaves. He was followed by Flash driven by Jose Jardine.

Gonsalves was later named Group Two Champion for his exploits with Miracle.

Permanent Secretary, Alfred King receives a set of Karate Books from Master Frank WoonA-Tai of the Guyana Karate College. Looking on are Viven Connelly and Jeffery Wang. King also received Minister Anthony’s certificate recognising him as a 6th Dan Black Belt

Cougars did not make it easy for the NA United defence

Scintillating “Jaguar” after a dazzling performance

Part of the crowd at the exciting day of power boat racing at Lake Mainstay

All-round Guyana storm to fifth straight victory

Half-centuries from Shimron Hetmyer and Kemo Paul, a cameo from Ronaldo AliMohamed and a disciplined bowling effort were backed by excellent fielding as Guyana romped to a 114run win over the Windward Islands in the penultimate round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-19, 50over cricket competition on Tuesday at the Albion ground.

Batting first on a wicket conducive to strokeplay, the Guyanese racked up 276-5, the highest total of this year’s competition, with Hetymer leading the way with a solid 86 before Paul blasted 51 off 32 balls and Ali-Mohamed 30 off 13.

Minister

In reply, the Windward Islands once again faltered to spin, being dismissed for 162 in 41.3 overs with offspinners Balchand Baldeo and Sharaz Ramcharran claiming 3-35 and 2-26 respectively.

The win, Guyana’s fifth

from as many games, ensured the hosts stayed on the top of the table with an unassailable 30.3 points.

The islanders never recovered from losing two early wickets with just 14 runs on the board, and despite two half-century part-

Limacol

Gayle optimistic

nerships, they were always facing an uphill task against the Guyanese.

Kersaki Jno-Lewis (42) and Markeron Gordon (20) added 52 for the third wicket, while Roland Cato (38) and Ryan John (34) posted 66 for the fifth wicket, but that apart, the Windward Islands batsmen failed to stitch together any other meaningful partnerships.

Earlier, Guyana’s skipper Brian Sattaur called correctly at the toss and not surprisingly opted to take first strike on a track tailor-made for batting.

West Indies Under-19 openers Shimron Hetmyer and Tagenarine Chanderpaul justified the decision, racking up a century partnership that laid the foundation for the winning total.

The left-handers batted with ease, adding 129 in 31.2 overs before Chanderpaul was brilliantly caught on the mid-wicket boundary by Kersaki Jno-Lewis off the bowling of Derron Hypolite for 43. His knock spanned 98 balls and included four boundaries.

Hetmyer, who brought up his fifty off 49 balls with five boundaries, slowed his pace considerably after passing the mark and was the second wicket to fall at 144, skying a full toss to Roland Cato at mid-on off the bowling of Lewis. His 86, which took 114 balls and was punctuated with six fours, followed the 75 he made against Jamaica on Sunday at the GCC ground, Bourda.

finding form against Bravo and Red Steel

Kemo Paul Jamaica Tallawahs captain, Chris Gayle and coach, Mickey Arthur are enjoying the challenge of the semi finals

Shimron Hetmyer followed up his 75 at Bourda on Sunday with 86 on Tuesday at Albion

Balchand Baldeo