By Gomatie GanGadin
With just weeks to go before Guyana and other former British West Indian colonies observe Emancipation Day, Guyana Reparations Committee Chairman, Dr Eric Phillips says that reparations from former enslaving nations are the last salvation of freed Africans.
Speaking to Guyana Times in an interview on Monday, Phillips said Emancipation will soon be celebrated but if the true freedom and spirit of the occasion are to be felt by Africans, then reparations is a must.
“The theme for this year’s Emancipation celebrations is “Reparations: Broken Chains, Golden Dreams” signifying an acknowledgement of the Caricom Reparations Initiative which President Donald Ramotar has supported with the rest of Caricom Heads of states. In 1838, some 84,035 enslaved Africans were freed in Guyana. The
chains of slavery were broken, but the freed Africans were not given a cent. Their Golden Dreams were deferred and still remain deferred to this day,” he said.
Africans in Guyana before and even after Emancipation were the most productive workers in the entire Caribbean. It was the reason why the British owners were paid 4.38 million pounds, roughly a quarter of the 20 million pounds paid to all owners and equivalent
today to 200 million pounds. Even though Guyana had 1/7 of the freed Africans in the British West Indies and together with Trinidad produced 26 per cent of all the sugar in the hemisphere at that time, the enslaved did not receive any compensation or benefits.
According to Dr Phillips, reparations will ensure that the dreams of black youths become a reality.
Extreme conditions
“For over 200 years (1623-1834/8) they worked in Guyana. They worked free under extreme conditions and hardships to build Guyana. History has recorded that (Guyanese) Africans “had driven back the sea and had cleared, drained and reclaimed thousands of square miles of forest and swamps. In short, many of the fields on which the sugar estates are now based were cleared, drained, and irrigated by African labour forces. Most of the plantations now turned into villages and
cities were built by unpaid African labour,” Dr Phillips related.
He revealed that in the process of building these plantations, research has shown that Africans installed 2,580,000 miles of drainage canals, trenches and inter-bed drains; 3500 miles of dams, roads and footpaths; and 2176 miles of sea and river defence. The Venn Commission also reported that “to build the coastal plantation alone, a value of 100,000,000 tonnes of earth had to be moved by the hands of African slaves”.
Dr Phillips said Emancipation celebrations thus far have been incomplete without reparations and they will never be complete until reparations are made. “Reparations and Emancipation go hand in hand. One without the other is equivalent to telling someone you have given cancer to “go heal yourself. Reparations are about “repairing a harm done”. The harm of cruelty, the harm
of stripping away of another human being’s culture, his human rights. One is not emancipated if one is not given the ability to enjoy the rights described in the Universal Declaration of Rights. Real Emancipation will be achieved by reparations,” the Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Committee related.
Fundamental change
He articulated that the payment of reparations will fundamentally change the meaning of Emancipation. It would mean that justice was finally served and received by Africans in Guyana and in the West Indies.
“Slavery was a crime against humanity according to the United Nations. Justice demands that the perpetrator pay reparations. The lack of reparations since Emancipation has been another crime not addressed,” he impassionedly declared.
In the Caribbean, material conditions were no better after slavery than during it. At Emancipation in 1838, enslaved Africans who arrived with nothing were left with nothing.
Plantation owners charged for food and hous-
ing, things which were formerly free. Shops were set up on estates that more than recouped any wages the slaves were paid, forcing them into debt. The Government imposed taxes on ex-slaves. Free blacks found themselves increasingly unemployed and marginalised in post-slavery Caribbean society.
“The end of slavery did not bring about equality for free blacks in British colonies. Emancipated Africans faced competition for jobs from increased mechanisation as well as the influx of indentured labourers so they became more marginalised in society,” he noted.
Ex-slaves were exposed to, and alienated by, colonials and their attitudes of superiority without what little protection plantation society had afforded them. Outrage grew in the face of harsh labour laws that bore close similarities to the conditions that prevailed at the time of slavery. This resulted in people migrating out of the Caribbean to seek a better life in other countries. Those who stayed were obliged to work in subservient roles as a means to survive.
Remaining components of LEAD soon to be approved – US
Atop United States official here has said that discussion on the remaining components of the controversial United Agency for International Development (USAID) Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) Project is moving smoothly and soon it will be cleared by the Guyana Government for implementation.
Two weeks ago, the Guyana Government signalled its approval for two of the four components within the project which will focus on fortifying the National Assembly by encouraging consensus building and the promotion of civic education on Local Government Elections. On Tuesday, the US official told reporters that the countries were still discussing the remaining components which involve working with all parties to support the legislature’s role as an effective deliberative body and the promotion of women and youth involvement in the democratic system. These, the official said, will be done soon.
In May, the Donald Ramotar Administration withdrew its non-approval of LEAD Project. The initiative took a controversial turn in late 2013 when the Government rejected the project, stating that it did not mirror consultations that occurred between the countries. The United States had maintained that there was noth-
ing “terribly controversial” with the original USAID LEAD Project. “I think there might have been some misunderstanding, in terms of what our goals and purposes were of the programme,” former US Ambassador to Guyana, D Brent Hardt had said. Explaining the conceptualisation of the project, Ambassador Hardt said with the 2011 General Elections giving rise to a new dispensation, with a minority Government and an Opposition controlled legislature, the US thought to initiate a project that would build consensus among parties. Though the national election set the stage for all parties to play a more leading role in the National Assembly, the current challenges were foreseen.
Additionally, with Local Government Elections not being held in 20 years, though it was highly touted by all political parties during the General Election, Hardt said the project was designed to promote civic education on Local Government Elections and simultaneously foster youth and women’s engagement. “These seem all to be admirable goals and goals we thought that the people and Government would be able to support,” he said. According to him, the LEAD Project was “well within the framework of longstanding US engagement on democracy and governance in Guyana” dating back to 1992.
Nineteen rice farmers on the Essequibo Coast were on Tuesday charged for leading a violent protest last Friday over non-payment for paddy supplied to millers.
The men were all granted $5000 bail each. The farmers appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sunil Scarce. They were jointly charged for causing a riot and were not required to plead to the indictable charge.
Police alleged that on July 4, the farmers, headed by Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillors Naithram and Tajpersaud Seecharran, along with members of the Essequibo Paddy Farmers
Association at Land of Plenty, on the Essequibo Coast assembled and staged an unlawful protest. Representing the 19 rice farmers was Attorney Haimraj Rajkumar, who in making his application for bail for the rice farmers, stated that some of them are before the court for the first time, adding that not only do they have families but they are the sole breadwinners and they have permanent places of residence. Prosecutor Haimwant Ramsewak did not object to bail. Ramsewak, however, told the court that further advice is presently being sought on the matter.
The accused farmers are
53, of Bush lot; Taj Persaud, 55, of Devonshire Castle; Dhanniram Naipaul, 52; Chait Lall, 57; Bridge Lall, 51; Naheem Mohamed, 35; Ganesh Motilall, 29; Bhim Singh, 57; Nazerdeen Camrudeen, 21; and Rabindra Ramotar, 17, all of Reliance Village.
The other farmers include Naresh Ramlall, 21, of Three Friends Village; Harilall Persaud, 43, from Annandale Village, Essequibo Coast; Dennis Raymond, 34; Sohanlall Raymond, 37; Vishnu Raymond; Sahif Ally, 18; and Porahamm Gaylall, 36, all of Land of Plenty.
Bail was granted by Magistrate Scarce on the grounds that the farmers report to the Anna Regina Police Station every Saturday pending hearing. They were advised that they were on a bond to keep the peace. The Magistrate explained that if there is a breach of the peace bond, the farmers can be jailed.
In another matter related to the protest, the farmers were charged individually for having unlicensed trailers, since it was noted that most of the trailers used during the protest were not licensed.
Meanwhile, AFC Councillor and Chairman of the Essequibo Paddy Farmers Association, Naithram, of Land of Plenty,
was charged separately for assaulting peace officers. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was placed on $20,000 bail. Police also alleged that on July 4, while conducting a public meeting, he made use of a noise instrument, hence disturbing the peace, since permission was not granted by Police for the use of the public address system. The defendant was discharged on self bail.
His colleague Tajpersaud Seecharran, was also charged for assaulting two peace officers during the protest, conducting a public meeting without permission and using a noise instrument. He
pleaded not guilty and was placed on $20,000 bail on the assault charge, $5000 bail for conducting the public meeting charge and was released on self bail for the use of the noisy instrument.
Another farmer Nazerdeen Camurdeen also faced individual charges. He was charged for having an unregistered, uninsured trailer and unregistered vehicles. For the unregistered trailer he was placed on $20,000 bail; uninsured trailer, $25,000 and unregistered vehicles $20,000. The vehicles were all used during the protest.
On Friday, July 4, Region Two rice farmers staged a protest starting from 10:00h at Cotton Field and proceeded to the Anna Regina High Bridge. After the protest, a meeting was held among themselves which went on until midnight. That protest was illegal and farmers misbehaved with Police Officers, with one member of the protest allegedly stripping himself publicly.
The vehicles that were used during the illegal protest were impounded. The farmers were protesting the non-payment of paddy sold to millers.
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, letters@guyanatimesgy.com
When the condition, in the present, of the lesser developed countries, such as Guyana, is considered, it cannot be done in isolation. As the political scientist Immanuel Wallerstein has emphasised for decades, we are imbricated in a “world system” within which the poorer countries have very little agency. But this condition was not perpetuated without a struggle, and the story of G77 is part of the struggle by the Third World, including Guyana, to rectify that situation against the strenuous efforts of the developed countries.
Fifty years ago, on June 15, 1964, when most developing countries had just emerged from colonial rule, the officials of 77 developing countries met and issued a joint statement announcing the birth of the G77, at the first-ever meeting of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva.
In that historic statement, the developing countries pledged to promote equality in the international economic and social order and promote the interests of the developing world, declared their unity under a common interest and defined the Group as “an instrument for enlarging the area of cooperative endeavour in the international field and for securing mutually beneficent relationships with the rest of the world”.
Soon after the first UNCTAD, the G-77 emerged as the most important forum of the developing countries for harmonising their views on global economic issues, evolving common positions on these issues and advancing new ideas and strategies for negotiations with developed countries. It became legally institutionalised in UNCTAD through the resolution adopted at UNCTAD I and later endorsed by the General Assembly, establishing the Trade and Development Board, the executive organ of UNCTAD.
It then spread out to most other UN bodies and organisations, including the UN Specialised Agencies and also those dealing with political, security and human rights issues, and became firmly entrenched in each of them. It is very difficult to imagine how all these bodies and organisations could have concluded the far-reaching agreements they did during the last 50 years on norms, principles, rules, regimes and frameworks, including formal treaties, without the availability of this forum.
Thus, G77 is inextricably linked with the monumental corpus of international public goods that has been developed and accumulated over the last half century. But for the existence and functioning of G77, the international community would have been lagging far behind in the pursuit of its civilisational goals, deeper in chaos, and much more unstable and vulnerable than it is today.
As G77 is embedded in the United Nations, its impact and effectiveness and its achievements and failures have been largely dependent on the rise and fall and the success and failure of the United Nations. The Group functioned extraordinarily effectively and vigorously during the longest part of the golden era of international economic cooperation under the United Nations; that is, from 1964 to the late 1970s.
Its decline started from the beginning of the decline of the United Nations from the early 1980s. There is a consensus that this outcome was brought about by a wellplanned and concerted attack on the UN by major developed countries. There is no way to restore G77 to its past glory and dynamism without restoring to the United Nations its Charter functions snatched away from it and without reconstructing its capacities which have been systematically dismantled over the last three decades.
Back in June, representatives from 100 countries gathered in Bolivia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the formation of G77. As the leaders of BRICS meet in Brazil on the 15th of this month, they would do well to remember the importance of this grouping in the early days, in attempting to shape a New International Economic Order (NIEO).
Rather than seeking to simply replace the older developed countries at the top of the heap, they should energise G77, making that NIEO a reality.
Courageous, patriotic is the woman who
Dear Editor,
Speaking out in defence of democracy in an independent country is the right of every patriot, be it a Minister of Government or a civilian citizen. In this case, it was the then acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manickchand citing the US Ambassador D Brent Hart for “crossing the red line” for interfering in the internal political affairs of Guyana, which is an independent sovereign state with a constitution and a democratically elected Government.
The Women’s Progressive Organisation joins with all patriotic and progressive minded Guyanese, locally and internationally, to condemn the former US Ambassador for meddling in the political affairs of Guyana throughout his tenure.
Why this Ambassador believed that he could design and implement his LEAD Project in Guyana without consulting the Government of Guyana? Why did he believe that he could speak ill of His Excellency, President Donald Ramotar and everyone would remain silent? What gave him the right to demand that the
Dear Editor, The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is making a further response to the article published in another section of the press on July 7, under the headline, “Recently promoted Police Sergeant caught with illegal 9mm pistol”.
Government of Guyana must hold Local government Elections? Who does he think he is to criticise the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Clement Rohee.
Many of the so-called available critics were quick to opine that Minister Manickchand was wrong to go into the Ambassador’s house and admonish him. Where were all those critics during the past three years who turned a blind eye and deaf ears while that same Ambassador insulted this nation time and again?
Minister Manickchand was simply voicing the views of the majority of Guyanese people when she stated without fear that Guyanese will not sit idly by and listen to the dictates of the Ambassador who violated the protocols of his office by interfering in the political affairs of our country.
WPO would like to congratulate Minister Manickchand for courageously exposing the political subterfuge of the US Ambassador among his colleagues and cronies.
Minister Manickchand was within her rights when she defended Guyana’s sovereignty and His Excellency,
Donald Ramotar, President of Guyana.
WPO encourages the diplomatic community to use their offices to foster economic and political alliances for mutual cooperation between their countries and Guyana and to discontinue all aspects of political interference aimed at creating further divide among Guyanese people. Guyana and Guyanese have suffered enough because of external political interferences and sabotage at every stage of their economic and political development.
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government created the environment that allows women to speak freely on issues; therefore, no Ambassador will be allowed to speak ill of our country when patriotic and courageous women like Minister Manickchand are our representatives.
The Alliance For Change (AFC) has once again engaged in maligning yet another woman, this time labelling Minister Manickchand as part of its ongoing sexist and racist attack on women of this country.
In March 2013, a few days before International Women’s Day 2013, AFC
used sexist and racist statements to malign Dr Sharma, the Administrator of New Amsterdam Hospital. This kind of treatment was meted out to other Indian women of this country such as Gitanjali Singh, Supreme Court Registrar Sita Ramlall and recently towards Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba.
Women in this country seem to be under threat from the gender biased and male chauvinistic leaders of the AFC who seem to be functioning in the 16th century where women had to know their place, and speak only when they were spoken to. With this in mind, the gender biased leadership of the AFC should edify themselves on the benefits of a country where equality exists between men and women.
WPO would like to categorically state that it will not condone any further sexist or derogatory statements against the women of this country and calls on the leadership of the AFC to retract its sexist statements against Minister Manickchand with immediate effect.
Respectfully,
WPO
Freedom House
In the article, it is stated that “among the guests at the wedding were the wife and daughter of the acting Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud”.
The GPF is clarifying that the wife and daughter of the acting Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud nev-
er attended the wedding ceremony at Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, where the incident occurred.
Cognisant of this article, the GPF is once again voicing its concern at the sometimes reckless and scandalous journalism of the Kaieteur News in apparent efforts at sensationalising Police related events, and which often negatively impact on the image of the Police Force.
Sincerely, Ivelaw Whittaker Public Relations and Press Officer
Dear Editor,
I wish to refer to Michael Rouse’s letter in the June 28 edition of Guyana Times newspaper, headlined, “Guyana’s rate of illegal logging is a mere one per cent”.
I fully agree with the contents of the letter and it is my hope that the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) and EU FLEGT Workshops in the Amerindian communities are repositioned in compliance with Guyana’s EU FLEGT road map to achieve the voluntary partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU to tackle illegal logging, to enhance the sustainable management of Guyana’s forest sector and the ongoing success of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to fight against global climate change.
At the APA/EU FLEGT workshops, the Amerindian communities seem to be focusing on international laws instead of our national laws which the EU and Guyana acknowledged would be the basis for Guyana’s Legality
Definition (LD) to arrive at VPA by September 2015.
The APA’s problem in this regard is its total disrespect for the Amerindian Act 2006 which encompasses the principle of self-determination and free prior and informed consent (FPIC), therefore, being consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Unfortunately, the APA does not recognise this.
This is why the APA’s workshops do not focus much attention and time on the FLEGT legality definition which is important for the VPA development. This in my view, and I am subject to correction by the experts, that the APA’s plan through its workshops is to stifle, frustrate and kill the current EU FLEGT process since it opposes Guyana’s LCDS since 2009 and, mind you ,the EU FLEGT is an enabling activity of the LCDS.
This is where the diplomatic community, the NonGovernmental Organisations
(NGOs), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) need to raise their voices in condemnation against the APA’s plan to frustrate and stifle Guyana’s EU FLEGT process.
The APA’s opposition to Guyana’s LCDS since 2009 is definitely not strange, which is evidenced by its refusal to accept an invitation to sit on the multi-stakeholder steering committee (MSSC) of Guyana’s LCDS to give input for the development of the LCDS.
Also, the APA’s public statement on March 8, 2010 and its letter to the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation on March 10, 2010 are all evidence of the APA’s hostility against the LCDS.
But instead of supporting the LCDS, the APA prefers to shout against it in the wilderness just to attract funding for its agenda, to deprive Guyana’s indigenous people of benefits from national projects such as the LCDS.
The APA in this regard failed miserably and will fail where Guyana’s EU FLEGT process is concerned.
The APA’s agenda to frustrate and stifle Guyana’s EUFLEGT process is linked to its own December 2013 communication on Guyana’s draft legality definition on legal timber where it disregards Guyana’s legality matrix in preference for international laws for the achievement of Guyana’s FLEGT VPA with the EU. This is anti-national and unpatriotic.
My recommendations therefore is for the APA’s EUFLEGT workshops in the Amerindian communities to be suspended until Guyana and the EU appoint an international panel to monitor and evaluate the APA’s FLEGT workshops and not excluding carrying out an examination of its workshop material to ensure consistency with Guyana’s EU FLEGT road map.
Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud
Dear Editor,
The People’s Progressive Party welcomes the announcement by the United States Government to soon establish a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office here, fulfilling a commitment it made more than a decade ago.
While the exact date when this office will become operational is not yet known, what is heartening is the fact that the idea has received the support of the US Congress.
We believe the establishment of this office will complement ongoing efforts of the Government to tackle the illicit drug trade and will see more coordinated action between Guyana and the United States, as well as the rest of the Caribbean and South America.
While successive PPP/ Civic-led Governments have been waging a battle against drug trafficking, through training of personnel, increased resources, both human and physical, based on the National Drug Strategy Master Plans, we have always maintained that fighting the illicit drug trade is not a one-country/one-region task, but a battle that needs to be fought by all countries of the world.
Our record speaks for itself; we have been at the forefront of the calls as a party, as well as successive PPP governments for greater collaboration against the drug trade not only in Guyana, but the Caribbean Region.
It could be recalled in April 2009, when former President Bharrat
Jagdeo and other Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders met with US officials, it was President Jagdeo who asked the US to expand its Merida Initiative for Mexico and Central America to the Caribbean and his argument then was that the crackdown in Mexico could push drug traffickers into the Caribbean, which lies directly between the South American source of many illegal drugs and the US, the world’s top consumer. It was the PPP which only recently reiterated the call for the US to establish a DEA office here. Now that the US has answered our call, we at the local level must not be complacent; we must do what is necessary to ensure that we tackle this issue on all fronts.
The PPP commits to
Dear Editor, The importance of youth employment is underscored by the fact that all the issues affecting youth rest fundamentally on their lack of assets or material means.
Their housing status rest on it; their health status depends on it; the concept they have of themselves, and the state of the level of their independence, indeed their very ability to exercise their rights as human beings depends on their access to assets, as described above.
Therefore youth employment must be given priority full attention. Actions to create youth employment must ensure that:
* Employment opportunities for youth are flexible, especially for those most at risk
* Working conditions are decent for all young people and in accordance with the national and international labour laws and ILO standards.
working in partnership with all concerned to tackle the illicit drug trade.
Yours truly, PPP/C
Freedom House
* Action on youth employment needs to be integrated as a central plot form for achieving poverty reduction.
* Youth employment/ poverty reduction strategies should especially focus on young women, indigenous populations and the rural youth as those most marginalised within the current economic system.
* Governments must address the needs of young people to achieve gender equity and ethnic balance for a better empowerment of youth.
Finally, opportunities must be created and sustained so that youths can participate in the fair trade movement, and further develop open trading and financial systems that are rule based, predictable and non-discriminatory; and partnerships between young people, the public and the private sectors.
* Employment policies must ensure that jobs are meaningful, contributing to the creation of more just and sustainable communities, and reinforcing young people’s self-esteem and selfworth.
Yours sincerely, Ivan Bentham, Chairman of the Achievers Youth Development Association
Put these children into groups?! You’ve got to be kidding. Madness will ensue! They’re not ready to work together. That’s the conundrum, isn’t it? They’re not able, at present, to work productively in groups, but how can they become proficient unless they practise it?
Cooperative learning practices help to bridge the gap.
Implementing cooperative learning
Cooperative learning is more than merely having students sit together, helping the others do their work. Directing students who finish their work early to assist others isn’t a form of cooperative learning either. Neither is assigning a group of students to “work together” unless you assure that all will contribute their fair share to the product.
A true cooperative learning experience requires that a number of criteria be met. They are:
* Division of labour among students in the group
* Face-to-face interaction between students
* Assignment of specific roles and duties to students
* Group processing of a task
* Positive interdependence in which students all need to do their assigned duties in order for the task to be completed
* Individual accountability for completing one’s own assigned duties
* The development of so-
cial skills as a result of cooperative interaction
* Provision of group rewards by the teacher
The introduction of “learning teams” into the classroom is an effective method for increasing the number of students willing to make an effort to learn in school. The teams usually work together on long-term assign ments, although some times students remain together in duos, tri ads or quadrants for the entire day. In these groups, each in dividual is responsi ble for assuring that the other team mem bers learn the assigned material. Those who un derstand the lesson/mate rial are responsible for teaching it to the others. Groups progress to a new unit of study when all members of the group have mastered the lesson.
practise responsibilities while the teacher sharpens his/her skills
ers. Reward students for such social skills as helping others, giving and accepting praise, compromise, etc.
Group members are also responsible for the behaviour of all members. If a team member displays inappropriate behaviour, it is the duty of fellow members to remind that student to ‘check’ him/herself. The members attempt to refocus the misbehaving student by offering help and suggestions.
Initially, temporary grouping can help students to grasp the concept of longterm learning teams, and
and receives feedback from the students regarding how to improve assignments. Steps for setting up group learning experiences Before implementation
* Develop a positive classroom environment. Devise ways for students to become acquainted early in the year. Have them work on a mural, newsletter, play or other project. Model and encourage polite, respectful behaviour toward oth-
* Previous to organising collaborative groups and assigning academic tasks, develop a cooperative climate and esprit de corp in the classroom. This can be accomplished by engaging students in fun team-building activities in which they support each other in a team effort to achieve nonacademic or easily achieved academic goals. These activities might take the form of non-competitive, active games such as those described in the books like the one titled Play Fair.
* Consider upcoming academic tasks and determine the number of students who will be assigned to each group. The size of the group will depend on the students’ ability to interact well with others. Two to six students usually comprise a group.
If students are new to cooperative learning, assign
two or three in dividuals to a group. Increase the size of teams as the students become familiar with the procedures and practices. Although homogeneous grouping or random assignment to groups is sometimes used, the students should usually be on a range of levels, mixed by intellectual ability or achievement level. One novel way to form groups is to have students pick a puzzle piece out of a hat/box. Inside that container are several three or four piece puzzles. Students match up their pieces to see who will be in the group with them. Too random? Hand out sheets of paper with directions/material on it, and a puzzle piece attached. While appearing to be a random selection to the students, you have determined which children will come together into a particular group.
The teacher may also choose to consider interests or abilities in certain subject areas, personality, race, gender, or other factors when teaming students with each other. Perhaps the groups will choose names for themselves or decide to be referred to merely by number.
Decide how long the groups will work together. It may range from one task, to one curriculum unit, to one semester, to a whole year. Most often the teacher will vary the composition of groups every month or two so that each student has a
chance to work with a large number of classmates during the term or year.
* Determine the academic and behavioural/interpersonal objectives for the task.
* Plan the arrangement of the room for the upcoming group-oriented tasks. Arrange group seating so that students will be close enough to each other to share materials and ideas. Be sure to leave yourself a clear access lane to each group.
* Prepare materials for distribution to the group. Indicate on the materials that students are to work together. Avoid work activities that don’t really encourage (or require) students to actively collaborate in a group. When student are working on independent tasks, simply clustered at tables, a revision is necessary.
* Determine roles for group members. In addition to cooperating and “brainstorming” with others, each group member should be assigned a duty to perform during the project. For example, the positions of “starter” (first person to use the materials; supervises any assembly of materials), “encourager/taskmaster” (motivates others to work their hardest and contribute to the discussion), “reader” ( responsible for seeing that all members begin with the same information and understand the nature of the task; reads print instructions and reviews record sheets aloud to the group), “praiser” (reinforces the responses of others), “researcher/getter” (locates and obtains needed materials and information; returns materials after use; in charge of inventory), “summariser/reporter” (periodically explains what has occurred and later presents group findings to the entire class), “recorder” (writes down all important data, decisions, contributions, accomplishments, etc.; writes results on the board when sharing with the entire class), “understanding coach” (makes sure that everyone understands what has occurred to this point), and “checker” (assures that all have completed their task and looks for errors in data, writing, etc) might be appropriate to the assignment.
The teacher may have to explain and demonstrate/ practise these roles previous to and during projects. Our junior scholars need to know what the roles actually look and feel like in order to play each role well, and re-direct their teammates when necessary in order to ensure productive performance. (behavioradvisor.com)
wednesday, july 9, 2014|
By Vahnu Manikchand
The much-anticipat-
ed establishment of a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office here is likely to happen by September, a senior US Embassy official has said. The official also confirmed that three agents and an administrative officer will staff the office, which will be located at the US Embassy, in Duke Street Kingston, Georgetown.
Amid spiralling narcotics trafficking here, stakeholders believe that the United States’ move to set up the office will help break up local drug networks, but they also believe earlier interventions could have prevented the spread of the narcotics trade to the point where Guyana is considered a transshipment point. The increased level of gun violence and other crimes have been tied to the drug trade.
Corruption and fraud
In one of its recent annual State Department International Narcotics Control Strategy Reports, Washington said Guyana was neither an important regional
nor an offshore financial centre, nor does it have any free trade zones. However, the scale of money laundering is thought to be large relative to the size of the economy. The US Government had said that money laundering has been linked to trafficking in drugs, firearms, and persons, as well as to corruption and fraud. It noted that drug trafficking and money laundering appear to be benefiting the Guyanese economy, particularly the construction sector. The US said Guyana was a transshipment point for cocaine destined for North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, noting that the Guyana Government was yet to implement a National Drug Strategy Master Plan.
Former US Ambassador D Brent Hardt recently announced that the Barack Obama Administration has authorised its DEA to establish an office here. But he said Washington is also warning the authorities here that proper Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation is crucial to the agency’s work. “I have advised President [Donald] Ramotar that the DEA has approved
and the United States Congress has authorised the establishment of a DEA Office in Guyana. The President welcomed this news and affirmed his Government’s willingness to work closely with our Embassy and the DEA to facilitate their presence in Guyana and their close operational coordination with Guyanese law enforcement authorities. I am pleased to announce that a DEA Country Office [would be set up] at the Embassy here in Georgetown,” Hardt declared. He disclosed that this was not a sudden development,
Inequality, racism and the introduction of the system of indenture led again to a number of revolts, particularly in those colonies where slave uprisings had previously been strongest: Jamaica, Barbados and Demerara.
With reparations, Africans would be able to have better control of their economic wellbeing. Their social and psychological well-being would also be improved if their economic well-being is improved.
“All other races were compensated after slavery: Indentured servants re-
ceived a salary and land. Amerindians received 13 per cent of Guyana at Independence. Africans who toiled and died in the thousands to build Guyana ... have received nothing. Today the lack of a reparations payment translates into what former President [Cheddi] Jagan stated: “Africans are at the bottom of the ladder.” It has been calculated that if freed Africans were paid the lowest of wages after Emancipation, the 660,000 plus freed Africans in the Caribbean would have earned 7.5 trillion
since he had been facilitating discussions on the matter since his tenure began. “From the time of my arrival here, I conveyed to the President that the US priorities were to work in partnership with Guyana to build a Guyana that is prosperous, safe and secure, democratic and healthy. Everything our mission has worked on these past three years has been towards those broad and shared goals. One of the goals I pursued was to expand and strengthen close law-enforcement cooperation, particularly in the combating
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pounds before Independence. Reparations would make Emancipation true “freedom”. Slavery annihilated Africa, African culture, African family structures, African institutions, African commerce, African growth, African history, African pride and African economic development. Reparations would close the wounds caused by the criminal enterprise named chattel slavery. Although racism was created to justify slavery, it still impacts Africans today in Guyana and globally,” Dr Phillips stated.
of illicit trafficking… it is vital to be able to build on that capacity for closer operational engagement between our law enforcement agencies,” the Ambassador said.
Why only three
Meanwhile, asked why only three agents were being dispatched here, the Embassy official said due to budget constraints the US Congress would be hard pressed to send more persons. The official, however, explained that while Washington would have liked to send more agents, the scale of the DEA’s work here would basically cover information gathering and sharing as well as training local officers. “I believe with that kind of operations you do not really need a lot of agents… we would have loved to send more persons, but if you look at our other DEA offices across the world, they are not staffed with a lot of people.”
There have been criticisms in the past regarding the integrity of some of the local anti-drug agents, but the Embassy said the US and the Guyana Government have already worked out set rules as to whom information will be
Phillips further noted that Reparations will create an atmosphere where racism would be addressed in a more enlightened manner since this is another form of denying freedom to Africans. Reparation is the process
of repairing the consequences of crimes committed, and the attempt to reasonably remove debilitating effects of such crimes upon victims and their descendants. International law provides that the economic and social system referred
passed. The official said based on the procedures that have been established, the US has full confidence that there will be no issue of trust.
“So when we get to the point of sharing information, we have a very good understanding how we will deal with this and who are the persons we will deal with. But we do have a high degree of confidence in the procedures that have been established…,” the official said.
Hardt had said that before any DEA Unit is established here, local anti-drug agents will have to be fully vetted in order to reduce the likelihood of them breaching strategies that would be enforced. “… part of a process for DEA working, they like to have a vetted unit which they are confident they can work with and share sensitive information with and really work in elevated partnership. So, I think that is one of the core building blocks to getting DEA here,” Hardt had said. Hardt noted that the vetting process would include ranks being screened via lie detector tests and background checks.
to as chattel slavery – the legal denial of persons’ rights to human identity and the control over their bodies – was and is a crime against humanity subject to reparatory justice.
The US man apprehended at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) after some seven kilos of cocaine were found in Kerry Gold Milk packets in his luggage was again remanded to prison on Tuesday.
Forty-two-year-old Jermaine Carter made his second appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts be-
fore Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.
Carter was represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson who told the court that the items which contained the illegal substance were never in his client’s suitcase, adding that the suitcase was unlocked and the possibility ex-
ists that it could have been tampered with. He also requested that the images of Carter’s suitcase taken by the airport security be retrieved and brought to court.
Carter was charged on Friday after approximately 7.057 kilograms of cocaine were discovered in his luggage earlier that day as he attempted to board a Dynamic Airways flight bound for Bradley
International Airport, Connecticut, USA. The illicit substance was found by members of the Police Narcotics Branch and Criminal Investigations Department in three Kerry Gold Milk packets. A relative of the accused, Chelsea Carter was also caught with one gram of cannabis and sentenced on Friday to four weeks of community service and a fine of $3000.
AGeorgetown-based duo accused of attempting to smuggle 17 kilograms of cocaine hidden in ornaments to Dublin, Ireland was remanded to prison on Tuesday by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.
Gordon Plass, 43, of Lot 7 Princes Street and Belinda Williams, 29, of Lot 975 Meadow Bank appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts
charged with the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. According to the facts, as read by Prosecutor Stephen Telford, on Sunday, July 7 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Williams was in the process of posting cargo destined for Dublin on an Amerijet Flight when Police ranks conducted a field test on the said cargo
and 17 ornaments tested positive for cocaine. The cocaine was apparently neatly wrapped in transparent plastic and hidden in the ornaments which were then stuffed with pieces of foam. The cocaine when extracted weighed to 17 kilos; however, Prosecutor Telford noted that there is a possibility that more cocaine can be extracted from the ornaments.
Williams pleaded not guilty to the charge and claimed that the items were given to her by Plass.
The Prosecutor objected to bail stating that Plass was previously convicted in Barbados for trafficking in narcotics; as such, bail was refused for both defendants. They both will appear on July 28 for the commencement of the trial.
Some rice functionaries – affiliated to the PPP/C – are complaining that the protests over in Essequibo are “political”. Provoked by the Opposition. OF COURSE, they are political!! What the hell else could it be??? Ever since these same functionaries allowed the PPP to barely scrape into the Executive with a plurality in 2011, the Opposition’s been working to reduce the PPP/C’s support. We hope this is not a secret to these jokers.
Question is – what the heck have they been doing since then to repel the Opposition’s onslaught on their base apart from cussing Jagdeo?? And the answer is – very little. Farmers in general and rice farmers in particular, are the backbone of the PPP/C’s support base, no?? So why have they been allowed to feel neglected?? Let’s not even get to the late payments that supposedly caused the blocking of roads and burning of tyres.
What about the low price of paddy this crop? Some may talk about the law of supply and demand and all that – but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Jagdeo went to Venezuela and clinched a deal that saved a lot of blushes over here. But we’ve asked this until we’re blue in the face: what the heck are the agencies that’re supposed to sell our goods doing???
Take our Foreign Service. How much rice have they sold?? Do they think we’re paying for those fancy addresses in upscale areas of the First World just to say “we exist”?? If the Americans bluntly assert their Embassy’s here to secure opportunities for American businesses, why are we bashful? But the organisation that takes the cake for sloth in this area is the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).
Ironically, this organisation gets US$6 for every ton of rice exported from Guyana. So with the 400,000 tons exported last year, the GRDB raked in US$2.4 million –almost G$500 million!!! What’re they doing with all that money?? The farmers were complaining for years that the millers were gypping them on moisture content, broken, wind and discoloured paddy, etc. All this brings down the paddy price.
The GRDB should’ve been also working with market prospects as to the types of rice needed. For instance, the Latin Americans prefer eating a medium grain rice – and won’t pay for our extra-long grain. So when is the GRDB gonna tell NAREE???
The long and short of it is that the PPP has been illserved by some of the groups that are supposed to serve the people.
And that’s what’s political!
...incitement
David Granger wants to be leader of this country. The entire country. But yet he’s the individual who’s been behind the movement to highlight the commemoration of the Son Chapman tragedy back in 1964. And what’s the Son Chapman?? A bomb of unknown origin blew up the ship that ferried persons between Georgetown and what is now Linden. About 43 souls perished.
Now this Eyewitness doesn’t have any problems with the commemoration per se. But in the divided politics of Guyana – it sends the signal that the PNC only cares about one segment of the society. Fact of the matter is that all the persons that perished aboard the Son Chapman were African Guyanese.
But just two weeks before, there’d been a terrible ethnic cleansing in the same area – when 3000 Indian Guyanese residents – practically the entire community – had to be evacuated after 200+ homes had been torched, two killed and several raped.
Shouldn’t the PNC talk about a memorial to them also?? And the five killed after the Son Chapman explosion? Are they not also Guyanese? Don’t they and their descendants have feelings also??
...ganja
Even as Caricom has established a committee to consider the legalisation of ganja for medical use, more than a ton was seized here. Doesn’t this suggest there might be an even greater need for legalising its religious use?? I and I, man!!!
Attorney General and Legal Affairs
Minister Anil Nandlall said the Month of Ramadan has always given Guyanese moments of great national significance, noting that the occasion is a time for forgiveness.
He was at the time speaking at the breaking of the Ramadan Fast at the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) on Saturday. Minister Nandlall joined the Muslims of Guyana and the world in welcoming the Month of Ramadan, stating that he has no doubt that the Muslims of Guyana will continue to live up to the divine ideals of this holy month.
Emphasising on Guyana’s renowned and enduring quality of religious tolerance, Nandlall lauded the respect shown to the beliefs and practices of all religions in Guyana by the different religious groups. He particularly complimented the Christian Community for being part of the event.
The event was also attended by visiting prominent members of the Muslim Community and civic society and members of the other religious groups. The programme has been organised by ACIC and the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (SADR) jointly.
Promise of renewal
ACIC President General Hakeem Khan expressed Ramadan greetings to the people of Guyana, especially Muslims and stated that the fast is performed for no other reason than to learn discipline, selfrestraint, and generosity, while obeying God’s commandments. He also stated that it is also a time when people of other faiths can learn more about Islam, the great benefits that it offers to mankind, and the enormous contributions made by Muslims to human civilisation. He opined that Ramadan, each year, brings a promise of renewal and hope
The Home Affairs Ministry, as a matter of policy, routinely subject officers in key agencies to polygraph tests. Back in 2008, almost the entire staff of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) including its head, Orville Nedd, was fired after failing the tests.
In an invited comment to Guyana Times, Shadow Home Affairs Minister and Former Commissioner of Police, Winston Felix, said the DEA Office is long overdue in Guyana. “The DEA Office will assist us greatly, because they will link with the Guyana Police Force and the other drug enforcement agencies. Sharing of information ought to be a little freer and I know the difficulties which confront the drug enforcement agencies here would be easier handled by the presence of a drug enforcement agency,” he stated. Felix, who is now a Member of Parliament for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), went on to say that Guyana would not have been in such a bad state as it relates to drug trafficking had the office been established much earlier.
Hardt had told reporters only recently that the delays were due to budgetary issues in the US. Nevertheless, the Ambassador had pointed out that despite the US not having a DEA presence in Guyana, the country has been covered by the DEA Office in Trinidad for some time. The Ambassador noted that US DEA officials work closely with the Guyana Police Force and other law
for the world. “As we focus this year on self-restraint, prayers, and acts of charity to achieve self reform, these acts must be taken to the wider community. We cannot totally reform our-
selves without reforming the communities we live in.”
Deputy High Commissioner of the Indian High Commission, Tirath Singh, brought greetings on behalf of the Government of India, to the Muslim Community.
Pandit Tillack and Pastor Ronald McGarrell represented the Hindu and Christian communities respectively, and gave brief messages at the programme. Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Khurshid Sattaur lauded the ACIC for its consistent work in promoting the true concept of Islam.
Also giving short remarks was prominent businessman Ronald Williams
and the closing dua (prayer) was made by imam of ACIC, Abdool Fazeel. The programme was expertly chaired by ACIC/SADR Public Relations Officer Reyaz Hussein who expounded on the great similarities between the various religions of the world and drew on similarities in the teachings of Islam and other faiths. He lauded the Government for the many measures taken and maintained to ensure that the various religious communities in Guyana can live and exist with each other in harmony and peace and free to practise their teachings.
ACIC is Guyana’s leading Muslim Centre and the venue of more than 80 per cent of all national
Muslim programmes held in Guyana, and serves as the hub for the international cooperation between the Muslims of Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Holland, England, and USA. The programme was organised by ACIC and SADR. After the dinner, there was a ceremonial unveiling of a plaque to mark the opening of Phases one and two of the Complex’s Expansion Projects. The plaque carries the names of all the persons and organisations that have contributed to the multimillion-dollar projects. It was unveiled by Minister Nandlall in the presence of Members of the Board of Trustees of ACIC as well as the many guests.
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enforcement agencies.
For its part, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) also joined in welcoming the DEA office. The party said that its establishment will complement Government’s ongoing efforts to tackle the illicit drug trade. Additionally, it stated that such an agency here would see more coordinated action between the two countries as well as the rest of the Caribbean and South America.
The party noted that its Government has been waging a battle against drug trafficking through training of personnel, increased resources, among other initiatives, both human and physical, based on the National Drug Strategy Master Plans, “…we have always maintained that fighting the illicit drug trade is not a one-country/one-region task, but a battle that needs to be fought by all countries of the world. Our record speaks for itself; we have been at the forefront of the calls as a Party, as well as successive PPP governments for greater collaboration against the drug trade not only in Guyana, but the Caribbean region,” it stated. Launched in July 1973 by President Richard Nixon through an Executive Order to establish a single unified command to combat drug trafficking, the DEA with a budget of some US$2.02 billion has nearly 5000 Special Agents around the world. Currently, the DEA has some 86 Foreign Offices in 67 countries. There are seven DEA Offices in the Caribbean. (vahnum@guyanatimesgy.com)
Two ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were placed before the court on Tuesday, facing charges which stemmed from an allegation of torture made by 19-yearold Junior Thorrington while in custody at the Sparendaam Police Station over a month ago.
Police Inspector Dexter Thornton and Constable Earwin Forrester both appeared before Magistrate Sueann Lovell at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court, slapped with separate charges arising out of the incident. Inspector Thornton was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and was placed on $100,000 bail while Forrester faced an inflicting grievous bodily harm charge and was given bail in the sum of $125,000.
The two officers, who were stationed at Sparendaam Police Station, will make their next court appearance on August 18.
Thorrington, of Eastville Housing Scheme, Annandale, East Coast Demerara alleged that his hands were burnt by the Police while he was in custody at the Sparendaam Police Station between May 25 and May 27.
Nineteen-year-old Junior Thorrington gestures with his bandaged hands at the hospital
The teenager sustained second-degree burns to both hands after the Police reportedly doused them with Methylated Spirits before setting them on fire during his interrogation. According to reports, the teenager was arrested for loitering, but was later accused of carrying out a string of robberies.
Delayed medical attention
Speaking from the Georgetown Public Hospital, Thorrington related that he was in tremendous pain as a result of injuries inflicted on him by the officers. He recalled that on the day
in question, he transported two puppies to Plaisance and while there the Police arrested him. Thorrington claimed that he was not told why he was arrested and was taken to the Police Station where the same officers who took him into custody put his hands in the Methylated Spirits before lighting them afire. The teenager noted that while the incident occurred the same day he was arrested, it was not until the constitutional 72-hour detention period was up that he received medical attention.
He explained that after
he was released, a neighbour took him to seek medical attention. He told media operatives he does not know the names of the officers who tortured him and could not identify them. After the incident came to light in early June, investigations were conducted by the Office of Professional Responsibilities (OPR) after which the findings were sent to the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) for advice.
Thorrington’s case echoes that of Twyon Thomas who, during an investigation into the killing of retired Region Three Vice Chairman Ramnauth Bisram in 2009, was also burnt with Methylated Spirits, but on his genitals.
The Guyana Police Force has been constantly under fire for torture meted out to citizens, with a recent example being the incident involving 15-year-old Alex Griffith who was shot in his mouth by a Police Officer. Then in November last year, Colwyn Harding claimed that Police Officers at the Timehri Police Station have inserted a condom-covered baton into his rectum. Ranks involved in both incidents have been charged and their matters are currently before the courts.
Due to operational difficulties with securing time slots at the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York for the month of July, Dynamic Airways has announced the suspension of all flights until August 8.
“We are announcing temporary suspension of JFK –GEO service until August 8 2014,” the troubled airline said in a release. Dynamic Airways said it will operate flights on July 8, July 11 and July 15, and transport passengers which already started their travel.
“We are currently protecting all passengers who have started their travels and are impacted by this temporary suspension. All passengers travelling in the period July 17-August 8 will receive full refunds plus compensatory voucher for future purchase on Dynamic Airways network. All passengers will be contacted by Dynamic Airways directly or by their respective travel agents,” the US air carrier said.
According to the airline, this temporary suspension “will allow us to secure time slots at JFK airport, organ-
ise better ground handling and check in process, as well as secure schedule integrity which Dynamic Airways is well known for. All flights starting from August 8 are not impacted by this change and will be operated as displayed on our website, and in our reservation system. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this change might have caused and thank you for your patience while we are processing refund requests and protecting our passengers impacted by this temporary suspension.”
Since its launch, Dynamic Airways has been mired in hiccups. After several days in operation, it last week told the media that it
will continue to land at other international airports in the United States of America (USA) and not JFK after not being granted full permission to use the facility.
Some “slack” Managing Director of Roraima Airways – the airline’s local ground operations company, Captain Gerry Gouveia had disclosed that the airline will continue to use the Bradley International Airport and passengers will be shuttled by luxury buses to Terminal Four of the JFK International.
He explained that the distance from the Bradley International Airport is about two hours drive but
they are committed to ensuring that their passengers are well taken care of. Gouveia said that all arrangements from Guyana’s end were tied up, but there was some “slack” at the other end. He explained that all the necessary documents were initially in place, but after the sacking of the handling agent in the US, they had to reapply all over again. Presently, they are finalising arrangements with respect to the usage of a terminal and more importantly, a handling agent.
He conceded that they have rushed into the operations and it might have led to the challenges that they are faced with presently. He admitted that less haste might have been the appropriate recipe instead. “A little haste might have overcome the challenges.”.
He further added when discussions started about Dynamic Airways’ entry into the Guyanese market, they received positive feedback from the Dynamic Team in New York City that all was well; thus, he was very much comfortable with an early launch and inaugural flight.
Satiricus was agog. And he hadn’t consumed any grog. But it was clear that the fella on the front page of the MuckrakerKN had imbibed more than his fair share! There he was in all his nakedness – arms akimbo, dhall belly on view and only the whites of his eyes rolling. The KFC’s Cinderella Councillor NakedRam (one name) couldn’t have been drinking any of the over-the-counter rum.
This had to be some of that special stuff brewed and bottled the same day in Lima Sands. Satiricus had heard of the potency of the bush rum. Lethal!! When the farmers had to cook their food, but the wood was soaked, the bushrum worked better than gasoline. But Satiricus wasn’t upset with NakedRam (one name). The fellow was only doing his job.
His party had been wracked and wrecked by scandals – think NoGel Huge, RumJhaat, Naga Man and so on –and something had to be done. Desperate times called for desperate measures and all that. “And jeez,” thought Satiricus, “a fella got to be real desperate to expose to the world all his SHORT comings!” No. Satiricus was more upset with the MuckrakerKN for inflicting that picture on Guyana. “Didn’t Guyana have enough to be terrified about with Baddam Whorish pasting his picture on his column every Sunday?” worried Satiricus. “Man that was one ugly dude!!! His wife once told him to take the trash out and he moved out of the house!!”
Now Satiricus didn’t even mind when the Muckraker printed those pictures of decapitated bodies. But you had to draw the line somewhere. And Satiricus drew the line on the bukta around NakedRam’s (one name) ankles. And it wasn’t that the bukta was obviously so slack it didn’t need more than gravity (the weakest force in the universe) to pull it down. No, what Satiricus couldn’t stand was that the bukta was obviously soiled.
Whatever else NakedRam (one name) could pin on the Police (and there was always a lot one could pin on the Police), surely they couldn’t be accused of soiling NakedRam’s (one name) bukta.
As Satiricus put away the paper, he wondered, “Since NakedRam (one name) soiled his bukta, did this mean he was full of sh*t??”
Amother and her son were busted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Tuesday with a large quantity of cocaine, authorities here have confirmed.
They were heading to Canada at the time of the bust. The bust was made around 14:35h by ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch during routine searches on luggage. According to the Police, in a statement, a total of 10.503 kilograms of cocaine were unearthed in false walls of the duo’s suitcases.
Guyana Times understands that the woman and her Canadian son were outgoing passengers on a Caribbean Airlines flight. Reports indicate that the illicit drug was found in four suitcases belonging to the pair. The duo has been taken into Police custody to assist with the investigation. Charges are expected to be laid soon.
This drug bust comes two days after Police ranks discovered a quantity of cocaine in ceramic ornaments at the
CJIA during routine searches of a shipment about to board the Amerijet Cargo plane, destined for Ireland.
Belinda Williams, 29, of D’Aguiar Park, Meadow Bank, Georgetown, was taken into Police custody after the discovery was made. She, along with Gordon Plass, 43, of Princes Street, Georgetown, was remanded to prison after making their first court appearance on Tuesday. Also facing charges in local courts for trafficking in narcotics is US citizen Jermaine Carter, who was found with 7.057 kilograms of cocaine concealed in three Kerry Gold Milk packets. He was charged last Friday after the discovery was made earlier that day by the Police Narcotics Unit.
A United Kingdom citizen was also intercepted that day for smuggling the illicit substance in milk tins. He was nabbed by ranks of the Custom AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) as he was about to board a TravelSpan flight destined for the John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.
The United States Government will continue its public posture on the need for Local Government Elections here, a top official at its Georgetown embassy has said. Notwithstanding the public spat between former Ambassador D Brent Hardt and the Guyana Government, the official told reporters on Tuesday that Washington and Georgetown remain friends.
“As far as we are concerned, July 2 is history,” the official said, referring to last week’s broadside of Hardt by acting Foreign Affairs Minister Priya Manikchand. The official said US and Guyana have collaborated and will continue in the areas of crime and security, trade, health, and human rights and democracy.
Hardt was criticised for calling out President Donald Ramotar on the delay in holding Local Government Elections more than two decades since the last poll was held. The Embassy official said the US has a policy on the need for Local Government Elections to be held in all countries where they are applicable and this will continue. According to the official, Hardt’s public statements which have been repudiated by the Government are those of the United States Government.
Noting that Washington has a duty to tell the Guyanese people of its policies on certain issues, the official said they will continue to engage civil society and other groups as well as the Government on the need to hold Local Government Elections, pass the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill and a range of other issues.
“So we consider the July 2 event historical, but the important thing going forward is our collaboration
and looking at the broader issues.”
“Our relationship is very much on track and this will continue,” the official asserted.
Asked whether given the “feral blast” meted out to Hardt the US will be more careful in articulating its views on some local issues, the official said Washington has always been careful about its diplomacy. The official noted that they never contemplated the kind of response by the Government to what he described as “legitimate” issues raised by the former Ambassador.
Tremendous opportunity
Hardt had launched a scathing attack on the Government and the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) for the delay in holding Local Government Elections at a Blue CAPS event. Hardt said the date for Local Government Elections could have already been given and there is no reason why the elections have not been called even after a parliamentary motion was passed to that effect. Regarding President Ramotar, he said the Head of State has correctly cast himself as a defender of the Constitution – which is certainly one of his responsibilities as President – “and has claimed that his opposition to certain National Assembly bills is based on
A15-year-old girl appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Geeta ChandanEdmond on Tuesday after she was charged for assaulting a Police Officer. According to the charge read by Prosecutor Jomo Nichols, on June 23 at the Brickdam Police Station, the teen assaulted female Police Officer Roxanne Benn while she was exercising her duties.
It is alleged that on the day in question, the teen
was in custody pending a robbery under arms charge after she, along with three men, was arrested; however, the teen refused to speak with Police Officers. A female Police Officer tried to place feet cuffs on the defendant which resulted in the teen kicking the officer.
The accused pleaded guilty to the charge and will return to court on July 10 for a probation report. Since the accused has no fixed place of abode, she was sent to the Sophia Holding Centre.
his desire to abide by the Constitution. But he cannot be an inconsistent defender of the Constitution – ignoring the Constitution’s very clear requirement to hold Local Government Elections and, for that matter, to return bills to Parliament not
more than 21 days after they are sent to him” said Ambassador Hardt.
The Ambassador contended that President Ramotar has a “tremendous opportunity to make a contribution to Guyana’s political development” and he can do so by assenting to the necessary bills and setting the date for the holding of Local Government Elections.
“The President’s reason given for rejecting the [Local Government Elections] LGE Bill in Parliament is essentially a reason he generated by not abiding by the constitutional requirement for responding to bills sent to Parliament... Of course, had the President assented within the constitutionally required 21-day time limit,
there would have been ample time to meet this schedule. So, essentially he is saying’ I have delayed the bill long enough that the timeframe in the bill is no longer adequate’,” Ambassador Hardt explained.
Manickchand, in delivering the blistering attack on the Ambassador at a reception to mark the US’s 238th Independence Anniversary at his home, told him that he had “crossed the red line”.
Manickchand said the Ambassador has “contributed to a tension-filled relationship with the Government of Guyana”. She stated that his recent “assault” on President Ramotar and his Administration had “gone beyond the boundaries of professionalism and diplo-
macy”. The Minister added, “For a professional foreign service officer with the appointment of an ambassador, to make such declarations, accusations, allegations and innuendoes about the Executive President of Guyana, or any country for that matter, is, to our mind, totally unacceptable.”
Amid heckles, Manickchand said: “As one read his diatribes against our President… the liberties he has taken with Diplomatic Conventions… this situation I report is intolerable.” According to her, Ambassador Hardt has been associated with a dedicated attack on President Ramotar and the Government on the holding of Local Government Elections.
The International Development Bank (IDB) has set specific requirements for the new East Bank Berbice Road, Social Engagement Specialist of EXP Engineering Consulting Firm of Canada, Bernice Duncan told stakeholders during a meeting last Friday.
Apart from vehicle operators and residents, other leading entities will be invited to become stakeholders in the proposed project. Among those mentioned are: Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI); Guyana Power and Light (GPL); Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T); New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council (N/AM&TC), the East Berbice/Corentyne Regional
Democratic Council (RDC), the Enfield/New Doe Park Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Berbice Chambers of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) and the media.
Duncan said that there is a lot of work to be done and member of the Road Users Group (RUG) have to build trust among themselves. “You need to respect the judgment of each other as you seek to engage the construction stakeholders and the wider community.”
She adding that they should “see each other as wanting to do good for your country”.
The key partners in the proposed project are EXP Engineering Consulting firm; the Caribbean Engineering and
Management Consultants (CEMCO); the Works Services Group (WSG) of the Public Works Ministry; and the IDB, which is funding the project.
During the session, the group had many agreements and disagreements, with President of the East Bank Hire Car Drivers’ Association Maxwell Semple, raising a number of contentious and, at times, frivolous points which forced Duncan to relocate him from his seat.
“I want to know if we will indeed get a new road or, come this October it will be more patch work as is the case with the politicians, until we decide to take matters in our hands,” he said.
His question was not well received by the majority of the group, as one man
was heard muttering: “This guy needs to listen more and cease talking...”
Duncan reminded the gathering that their focus should be acting as a liaison between the construction team and the East Bank community and not to ‘bicker’ on less important issues. “The construction of the road has nothing to do with politics... The only thing is, each government has a vision for its country and, that vision may not be able to afford all of your desires,” she said, while adding “I want you to know that your Government is committed to providing a new road (on the East Bank of Berbice).”
Meanwhile, Government will be expending $60 million in the interim for repair works along a section of the road.
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has issued a call to eligible organisations to apply for funding to support community based disaster risk reduction efforts and climate change adaptation projects.
The selected projects will be financed from the Bank’s Community Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (CDRRF) with a grant which may range from US$400,000 to US$650,000, the Bank said in a release. The deadline for application is August 12. CDB’s Project Manager for the CDRRF, Leslie Walling, noted that the CDRRF has been designed to provide direct and responsive support for interventions that address the specific local disaster risks, climate change circumstances and risk reduction needs of each target community.
Local phenomena
“Although extreme natural hazard events such as hurricanes, storms, droughts and climate change effects such as sea-level rise may affect an entire country, in the final analysis, all disasters are local phenomena. This means that disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation must, by definition, be a fundamentally local affair,” Walling said.
The CDRRF was established by CDB with financing from Canada’s Department for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) and the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID). Walling noted that the purpose of the Trust Fund is to finance community-driven, gender responsive and environmentally sustainable disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation projects
at the community level in 18 CDB Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).
“The fund supports a proposal preparation process in which members of vulnerable communities are actively engaged in the identification and analysis of natural hazards that affect their communities, and in the design and implementation of projects to reduce the vulnerability to these hazards. In the process of implementing projects to reduce community vulnerabilities, communities enhance their ability to prevent, prepare for and cope with future disasters. In the CDRRF process, people are at the centre of decision making and implementation.
“By providing vulnerable communities with direct access to grant opportunities, the CDRRF aims to permanently increase the level of community ownership, oversight, and involvement in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation activities across the Region. Direct access will also help to increase the speed of delivery of desired benefits, cut transaction costs and achieve better targeting of communitylevel priorities,” Walling said.
Eligibility
Applicants must be based in, belong to, or partner with, the communities for which projects are being proposed. Eligible applicant organisations include Community Based Organisations (CBOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), FaithBased Organisations (FBOs), Government Agencies and National Research Institutions based in eligible Caribbean countries. BMCs which are eligible under the CDRRF are: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The CDB is a regional financial institution established in 1969 for the purpose of contributing to the harmonious economic growth and development of the member countries in the Caribbean. There are 19 regional borrowing member countries, three regional non-borrowing member countries and five non-regional, non-borrowing member countries.
Residents of several villages along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) were on Sunday urged to support businesses in their own communities as one way of lifting themselves out of the social and economic quagmire many are mired in.
This was the message delivered at the first-ever “Economic Development Conference” hosted by the Committee for the Improvement of Buxton Inc (Cimbux Inc) on Sunday at the Friendship Primary School, ECD. The conference was held under the theme “Reviving Buxton/ Friendship Village Economy” and fostering sustainable development for Vigilance, Annandale, and the surrounding villages.
Organised as a result of the decline in the social and economic conditions in the villages over the years, the seminar was coordinated by the Vice President of Cimbux, Keith Easton, of the US and by local community activists Deon Abrams and Yvette Herod.
The panel of the conference included a Buxton businessman, Aubrey Stephenson, with businesses locally and abroad; attorney and accountant Christopher Ram; Agriculturist Curbette Victorine; and retired Head Teacher of the Practical Instructional Centre (PIC) in Buxton/ Friendship, Owen Mc Garrell. Additionally, there was a paper on the village’s economy prepared by Eusi Kwayana for presentation. Approximately 200 persons from Buxton/Friendship, Beterverwagting, Annandale, Vigilance and Melanie packed the auditorium of the school. Support also came from re-migrant Buxtonians including Donald Thomas, who started Cimbux in the USA.
Easton, during a presentation, encouraged villagers to aim to bring
tion came from a representative of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Captain Naul, who encouraged participants to apply for the numerous job opportunities in the
military. The GDF also provided health screenings and blood pressure checks for the public. Overall, the conference was a success and both organisers and attend -
ees are looking forward to next year’s seminar as a follow-up with the expectation of seeing businesses that were set up as a result of this gathering. Members were also invited to apply for Cimbux scholarships in accounting and the allied health professions that were set up by the Stephenson couple.
more money into the village rather than to continue the current trend of spending all of their monies outside the village. Stephenson accompanied by his wife, Dr Maureen Booker-Stephenson, and his daughter, Abigail, discussed the challenges of starting and managing businesses. He explained that while loans are necessary, one can start small and grow while at the same time making sacrifices, which he said could also be the means of securing start-up capital. Stephenson distributed application forms for employment with his businesses in Guyana.
While Victorine and Mc Garrell spoke about the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector and the need for proper management, they also called on participants to utilise the farming base that was historically established in the villages.
Ram spoke to the issue of good record-keeping, which he said would be valuable for the internal management and for making applications for loans and other funding for the business.
Cimbux’s Vice President, presented the paper on the village economy written by Kwayana. In the paper, Kwayana acknowledged the efforts of villagers in business and suggested various business opportunities. He emphasised the need for villagers to utilise the backlands left by their ancestors and which were illegally handed over in ignorance to the Regional Councils. Kwayana suggested the need to set up two national non-partisian commissions on national land use. The commissions, he noted, should also examine the mineral bearing areas along with a system for the fair distribution of contracts that take into account all communities in Guyana, among other things.
The final presenta -
Two influential drug policy groups have supported the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) decision to establish a Regional Marijuana Commission.
It’s great that governments in the Caribbean are finally pushing forward with this dialogue,” said Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), which claims that it is America’s leading organisation that promotes drug policies that are “grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights”.
“With so much momentum for reform in both North and South America, it is crucially important that the Caribbean not be left on
the sidelines,” Nadelmann told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). He said the DPA is actively involved in the legis-
lative process and seeks to roll back the excesses of the drug war, block new, harmful initiatives, and promote sensible drug policy reforms.
The Nicaraguan Government and the company behind plans to build a canal linking the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean have settled on a route. It would stretch 278km (173 miles) from Punta Gorda on the Caribbean through Lake Nicaragua to the mouth of the river Brito on the Pacific. Environmentalists have expressed concerns about the plans to build a canal to rival that of Panama.
Nicaragua says it will break ground on the US$40 billion (£23 billion) project this year. Engineers for the Hong Kong-based HKND Group said the canal would be between 230 metres and 520 metres wide and 27.6 metres deep.
Nicaragua said it had chosen the route so it would avoid areas of great biodi-
versity, indigenous territories and environmentally protected lands. But environmentalists are still concerned about the effects it may have on Lake Nicaragua, Central America’s largest lake and an important source of fresh water.
The commission in
National Security Minister Gary Griffith says Defence Force patrols in communities in east Port of Spain will continue despite opposition from residents, who have made claims of assaults and other human rights infringements at the hands of soldiers. Griffith made the comment while responding to criticism about the patrols, which began shortly after the murder of Lance Corporal Kayode Thomas in John John, Laventille, last Sunday.
Accusing the soldiers of using excessive force, members of the Laventille community and other members of the public had been calling for the Police’s involvement in the patrols. Comparing the patrols to those done by private security firms and neighbourhood watch
groups, however, Griffith said: “There is nothing illegal in a patrol independent of Police officers.” He said from his personal experience, a strong response from the military in instances of attacks on its members is an international norm.
“It’s a natural reaction. If you touch one soldier, you touch all,” Griffith said. But while he defended the Defence Force’s response to Thomas’s killing, he acknowledged the concerns raised about the need for a Police presence in cases where arrests and searches of homes and vehicles are required. As such, he said there will be involvement from the Police in all future patrols, but he warned this involvement did not mean that soldiers would be standing “shoulder to shoulder” with Police during patrols.
(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)
charge of building the canal said environmental and social impact studies would be carried out on the route and changes would still be possible.
It said it expected construction to begin in December and to be finished within five years. (Excerpt from BBC News)
“We at the Institute of the Black World also pledge our support to this Caricom initiative, recognising that it is a logical and enlightened move towards decriminalising the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana and an important step towards researching the economic potential of a regulated medical marijuana industry in the Caribbean,” said Don Rojas.
Rojas, the Vincentianborn Director of Communications at the Institute of the Black World 21st Century (IBW), told CMC that the IBW, which works on drug policy and criminal justice reform, is a leading black research, policy and advocacy organisation in the US. (Excerpt
The Russian lower chamber of Parliament, or State Duma, on Friday ratified its agreement to write off 90 per cent of the debt owed by Cuba.
According to a report by Russia Today, Moscow agreed to write off 90 per cent of the island’s US$35.2 billion debt to the former Soviet Union, while Havana will still have to repay 10 per cent, some US$3.5 billion in a 10-year term.
The funds will be transferred to the account of Russia’s Vnesheconombank (VEB) in the National Bank of Cuba and used to finance the economy of the Caribbean island nation, which remains under the
US economic embargo, the report explains.
The agreement was signed by the Russian and Cuban governments in late October 2013. The first payment is to be made in October this year and the last one in April 2024.
The ratification by the State Duma of the accord comes as the Kremlin announced that President Vladimir Putin will visit the island on July 11 as part of a Latin American tour that also includes Argentina and Brazil.
Putin will participate at the summit in Brasilia of the BRICS group, the five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. (Caribbean News Now)
Barbadians have been told to pay the Municipal Solid Waste Tax even though they have not yet received information from the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA).
BRA director of Shared Services, Wayne Forde, said the first instalment of the tax is due by July 28. He said that property owners who have structures with an improved value on their land, were required to pay the solid waste tax, which has been calculated at a rate of 0.3 per cent of the site value.
“The Municipal Solid Waste Tax Act 2014 does not make any provisions for exemptions from the payment of the tax. However, the Finance Minister has the authority to remit or refund part or all of the tax on the grounds of undue hardship or for any other reason, as stated in Section 5 of the
Mexican Police have detained a man who allegedly murdered four children and a woman in a small town in the centre of the country, authorities said as statistics show a marked increased in the number of women being murdered.
The state attorney’s office in the town of San Luis Potosi said Filiberto Hernandez, 43, was detained on Thursday last and confessed to five murders between 2010 and 2013. The office said he also raped his victims.
The crimes took place in Tamuin, a town of 16,000 southeast of San Luis Potosi, where Hernandez was a karate teacher. The state attorney said it used the confession to find the remains of two of his victims, nine-year old Dulce Jimena Reyes, who disappeared in April, and Eliehoenai Chavez, 32, abducted in May after leaving the factory where she worked.
He is also alleged to have killed Adriana Martinez, found dead in 2011 at the age of 13 after disappearing on the way home from school. State authorities are searching for the body of Rosa Maria Sanchez, missing since 2010 when she was 16, and that of 12-year old Itzel Castillo who disappeared in 2013, in fields close to where the others were found.
(Excerpt from Reuters)
Act,” Forde said. Forde warned that failure to pay the tax by the specified dates would result in a penalty of five per cent of the tax demanded and unpaid. In addition, interest at the rate of one per cent for each month on the penalty and the unpaid tax at the prescribed time, will be charged.
The tax was introduced this year to assist with the management of solid waste, that is, all garbage generated from residential households, apartment buildings, commercial and business establishments, institutional facilities, construction and demolition activities, municipal services and treatment plant sites. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)
The incumbent, Garnet Joseph says he is confident of defeating Charles Williams and Irvince Auguiste, two former Carib Chiefs and newcomer, Jumadine Frederick. The polling stations open at 07:00h (local time) and closes 11 hours later.
“All of us have our own programme that we have presented to the residents of the Territory and I think that my chances of winning the election are very good”.
“I have a good track record of achievement and it did not start when I got into office, I have been working in the Territory for many years now, in fact, my entire life has been devoted to the development of the Territory so I think my chances on Monday are very good,” said Joseph. He said that the issue of access to credit by residents of the
Territory will be given priority if he is given another opportunity to head the council.
“Access to credit has been a major problem plaguing the Territory for several years and I think that in our level of development at this time, this cannot be more appropriate”.
The Carib Territory or Carib Reserve is a 3700-acre district that was established for the Caribs, also known here as the Kalinago.
The Carib Territory was officially formed by British colonial authorities in 1903, in a remote and mountainous area of Dominica’s Atlantic coast. Its population remained largely isolated from the rest of the island throughout most of the 20th century, with only a ceremonial chief and no other formal self-governance. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
At least 12 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials say, as the Israeli military prepares “all options” to stop rocket fire. Six people died in an air strike on a house in Khan Younis, while four were killed when a car was hit in Gaza City.
The Israeli military said 131 rockets had been fired from Gaza since Monday night. It said a rocket launched at Tel Aviv on Tuesday had been intercepted. Israel has authorised the call-up of up to 40,000 military reservists.
Hundreds of reservists have already been drafted to bolster forces around Gaza.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas said all Israelis were now targets. Palestinian Authority
The Israeli military said 131 rockets had been fired from Gaza since Monday night
President Mahmoud Abbas demanded that Israel immediately stop the raids on Gaza and appealed for calm.
The Israeli military said it had targeted some 150 “terror sites” in response to the rocket attacks. It confirmed that aircraft and naval vessels had targeted militant compounds, rock-
et launchers and other infrastructure in Gaza, which is dominated by Hamas and until recently was governed by it.
Missiles also struck the homes of several Hamas operatives who it claimed were involved in firing rockets, and what it said was a command centre located in a civilian building. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Heavy fighting has been raging inside Somalia’s presidential palace after at least five suspected al-Shabab fighters stormed the complex in the capital, Mogadishu.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent reported an explosion followed by sounds of gunfire inside the compound on Tuesday evening. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was not in the presidential compound when it was attacked, the Interior Minister said.
The Prime Minister and the speaker of Parliament
were inside the premises, a senior Police official said.
Captain Mohamed Hussein, a senior Police official, said that the fighters, who were armed with grenades, split up into groups once inside and tried to take control of different buildings in the compound.
“The operation is still under way,” said Hussein. AlShabab claims responsibility.
There were no confirmed reports of casualties but an official at the presidential palace spoke of deaths among the fighters.
“The militants have partly entered the presidential palace compound. There is periodic gunfire now,” the official told the Reuters news agency.
“I understand most attackers have been killed. No further details.” Al-Shabab confirmed they were involved.
“We have entered the so-called presidential palace. We have now captured some parts of the palace and fighting is still going on,”
Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, Shabab’s military operations spokesman told Reuters.
(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
The Indian Government has firmly ruled out the release of the classified Henderson Brooks report into India’s humiliating military debacle against China in 1962.
“This (Henderson Brooks report) is a top-secret document and has not been declassified so far. Release of this report, fully or partially, or disclosure of any information related to this report, would
not be in national interest,” said Defence and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
The Henderson Brooks report squarely blames the then Jawarharlal Nehru Government’s ill-conceived and ill-timed “Forward Policy”, without proper intelligence or adequate military preparation, for India’s abject defeat in 1962.
When 87-year-old Australian journalist and author Neville Maxwell had suddenly released a major chunk of the report last March, in the run-up to the general elections, the BJP had then promptly seized the opportunity to attack the Congress for compromising the country’s military preparedness in the past as well as the present. (Adapted from
Ukraine’s Government kept up military pressure against proRussian rebels on Tuesday, threatening them with an “nasty surprise”, while the militants said they were preparing to fight back after losing their main stronghold.
President Petro Poroshenko, drawing confidence from the fall of the re-
bel bastion of Slaviansk at the weekend, named a new chief of military operations in the east following his appointment of an aggressive new Defence Minister who again demanded the separatists lay down their arms.
A security official said the Government’s plan to clear rebels from the two big towns of Donetsk and Luhansk would
come as an “nasty surprise” for the insurgents. But Poroshenko – whose officials have ruled out any more unilateral ceasefires –kept the door open to a further round of indirect peace talks with separatist leaders, naming a possible venue in a Government-controlled monastery-town in the east. (Excerpt from Reuters)
The United States pressed China to implement structural reforms in its exchange rate and to modify its “aggressive behaviour” in disputed waters during a preliminary round of bilateral talks on Tuesday, senior US officials said.
The United States, led by US Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, will also
push China this week to resume cooperation on fighting cyber espionage and return to dialogue on Internet issues, a senior US official said.
The two-day annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue kicks off officially today. Lew has said he will push China to speed up economic reforms and do more to let the yuan rise against the
dollar. Kerry will raise growing US concerns over escalating tensions and China’s “problematic behaviour” in the South China Sea, officials said.
The dialogue will also touch on a bilateral investment treaty, which the US hopes will loosen Beijing’s restrictions to allow for a more level playing field for US companies. (Excerpt from Reuters)
wednesday, July 9, 2014
By Svetlana MarShall
Bartica residents have threatened to shut down the Bartica/ Potaro Road if critical repairs are not done in the coming days.
The stretch of road from Bartica to Five Miles Housing Scheme, Potaro Road, remains in a deplorable condition, although the problem was reported to officials several months ago. On Tuesday, more than 25 bus drivers, conductors and commuters registered their concerns, as they picketed the Region Seven Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Office at First Avenue, Bartica.
During the picketing exercise, led by the United Minibus Union Bartica Branch, the picketers called on the Public Works and Transportation Ministry and the RDC to execute extensive repairs to the stretch of road which is causing major discomfort within the transportation sector.
United Minibus Union Bartica Branch Chairman Keith Blair told Guyana Times that following a series of discussions with the Central Branch, a letter was dispatched to the Public Works Ministry in
June. According to him, the Ministry was asked to respond within seven working days, but, to date, no response was forthcoming.
Standstill
It was the non-responsiveness of the Public Works Ministry that led to the picketing exercise.
“Time and again we have brought the poor state of the road to the attention of the Government, but nothing has been done. People’s lives are being affected but no one seems to care,” Blair complained bitterly.
According to him, the “countless” potholes are so huge, they should now be called pools, noting too that road users often call the stretch of road the “Cassandra Crossing” and the “Abortion Road”.
In addition to the thousands of dollars spent every month on bus repairs, Blair opined that critical patients emerging from the Potaro area face the risk of dying on their way to the Bartica Regional Hospital due to the appalling state of the road.
“People’s lives are affected, children are unable to go to school and every week, bus drivers have to constantly repair their buses; the Government must do some-
thing,” he emphasised. He warned that failure to repair the road can lead to the entire transportation system within Bartica coming to a standstill.
Godfrey Marshall Jr, a bus driver who has been plying the route for approximately five years, said the poor drainage system within the area contributes significantly to the “run-down thoroughfare”.
Substandard work
During an interview with this publication, Marshall wasted no time in bashing the Public Works Ministry over the substandard work done in the past on this section of the road. In addition to buses and cars, he pointed out that the trucks heading into the interior also ply that route. He said due to the inferior work done, the road cannot withstand the wear and tear caused by heavy traffic. “They would have repaired the road some time ago but after a week or so, the road is all broken up.”
According to him, the authorities promised to maintain the road, but failed to make good on their promise.
Another bus driver who requested anonymity told this publication that driv-
ers spend approximately $20,000-$30,000 to execute repairs to their buses for damage caused by plying the route.
According to him, drivers are operating at a loss, due to the poor state of the road. It was explained that the cost of repairs has surpassed the revenues garnered for transporting men, women and children. He added that there were two schools between Two Miles and Three Miles. “Soon we
will not be able to keep up with the repairs. Soon we will have to park our buses,” he added.
The bus driver also used the opportunity to lash out at the Public Works Ministry and the RDC, noting that they continue to turn a blind eye to the issues facing residents of Bartica.
He too complained bitterly about the quality of work done on the Potaro Road last year. “Have you
ever seen brown tar? Well, these people claim they repairing the road by putting something looking like tar, this thing got to be a concentrate of tar, because it brown, brown, brown,” he complained. “If they are going to repair the road, please let it be a job well done, we deserve better.”
Tuesday’s picket was also supported by the United Minibus Union President Ian Andrews and Vice President Ronald Backer. Backer said the picket is the first of several actions that will be taken if nothing is done to help persons plying the route. “We don’t want to affect schoolchildren or persons working within the area, so we have decided to do it in stages.” However he warned that there could be a replay of 2012, when the entire transportation system within Bartica came to a halt due to the deplorable condition of the Bartica/ Potaro Road, if nothing is done.
Region Seven Chairman Gordon Bradford and other regional representatives met with the picketers and have promised to make further representation on their behalf. (svetlanam@ guyanatimesgy.com)
The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) will this year host its 18th biennial Congress at the party’s headquarters, Congress Place, Georgetown, where retired Brigadier David Granger will, for the first time, address the assemblage as leader of the party. Under the theme “PNCR for National Unity; Good Governance For National Development”, the Congress will run for three days at the Sophia, Greater Georgetown location.
Discussions will include the party’s relationship with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition for which it is the major partner. A senior official of the party told Guyana Times that the Congress, which is ultimately aimed at electing new officers, will be divided
into three parts. These include the Opening Session scheduled for July 25. This session will feature the opening address and feature address by Granger who, for the first time, will present in the capacity of party leader.
The Business Session, to take place on day two, will feature the report of the General Secretary, Oscar Clarke. The elections of Office Bearers will take place on the final day. These offices include those of Party Leader, Party Chairman, Two Vice Chairpersons, Treasurer, and members of the Central Executive Committee. According to the source, there will not be any election for the post of General Secretary. However, the person to bear that position will be nominated.
The last Congress session was held between July 27 and 29, 2012. A total of
Retired Brigadier David Granger will, for the first time, address the assemblage as leader of the party
174 groups, both local and overseas, were approved by the Secretariat for accreditation to that Congress.
At the Congress, Granger was elected leader, edging out Carl Greenidge,
and seizing the reins of power from former leader Robert Corbin. Other contenders included Aubrey Norton, Basil Williams, and Volda Lawrence who secured one vote each. The Vice Chairmanship, contended by Bishwaishwar “Cammie” Ramsaroop, Basil Williams, Clement Corlette, Aubrey Norton, and eight others saw Ramsaroop taking the lead. Guyana Times was informed that all groups have until Saturday, July 12 for the return of their nomination sheets.
At his weekly press conference last Friday, Granger, who is also the leader of APNU, had informed that preparations for the Congress were well underway.
The PNCR will later this week hold a press conference to further update media operatives on its plans for the event.
Asecurity guard was shot during an attempted robbery on Tuesday morning at Meadow Brook Drive, Georgetown.
The injured man has been identified as 53-yearold Darby Blackman, of Lot 62 E Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown. He is reportedly nursing a gunshot wound to his right abdomen. The incident occurred around 07:10h as he was crossing over to Sophia from Meadow Brook Drive.
According to information released by the Police, Blackman was riding his cycle along Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook, Georgetown, when he was confronted by an armed man. The man held the security guard at gunpoint and demanded that he hand over his valuables. “During the incident, Darby Blackman was shot to his abdomen by the armed man who escaped on a bicycle. He did not take anything from the victim,” the Police said.
Blackman has been working with the Assembly of God Church in Queenstown for about eight years. An official of the church related to this newspaper that Blackman left to go home between 06:30h and 07:00h. The church official said he got the news from the daughter of the injured man and went down to the hospital; however, Blackman was already undergoing surgery at that time.
Speaking to Guyana Times, the injured man’s daughter, Zinyobie Curdis, said she was at home when a neighbour came and informed her about the incident. “He (the neighbour) heard the gunshot and went to see what happen because is not too far from where we live but he didn’t expect to see my father, then he come and tell me,” she related. Curdis said she rushed to the scene where she saw her father leaning on a tree with blood oozing from his right side.
Curdis noted that while her father was conscious, he could hardly speak and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital a few minutes later when the Police arrived. She added that her father told her he was shot twice by a “lil’ boy”.
“He said he was riding when the lil’ boy went up to him and ask he to hand over everything, but before he could come off his bicycle, the lil’ boy shoot he two times,” she stated. The traumatised daughter said that the gunman did not get to take anything from her father.
She added that persons in the area witnessed the incident; however, she did not get a chance to talk to them. Curdis said the last time she saw her father was just before he went into surgery on Tuesday morning, but when she returned later in the day to see him, she was told that he was still in the theatre. However, sources from the Georgetown Public Hospital
Thirty-two-year-old
Deen Dass, of Lima Sands Village on the Essequibo Coast, was granted $15,000 bail for abusive language. The businessman appeared before Magistrate
Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. Police said on June 15, at Anna Regina, Dass made use of abusive language to Tajwantie Doolrie, breach-
ing the peace. Dass, who was not represented by an attorney, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He is expected to return to court on July 15 for the commencement of his trial.
The body of an Angoy’s Avenue teenager was Tuesday morning pulled from a koker at Tucber Park in New Amsterdam, two days after he had left home to go swimming at the Canje Creek.
Dead is 19-year-old Dennis Denzel Williamson, of Levis Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, who left home to go swimming with friends and family on Sunday around 12:00h. He was discovered struck in a koker by his father, uncle and other relatives at approximately 07:00hon Tuesday.
Malvern Williamson, a relative of the teen, told this publication that after heavy rainfall and high winds began on Sunday, his nephew was fearful for the safety of his two younger siblings and took them out of the creek while he continued to swim.
Stunned
“After he put out his two brothers on the dam, he was about to come out too; however, a lot of the others still in the water went to jump and catch swellings (referring to the waves left in the wake of a passing boat)… someone probably jumped on him and he could not come up back,” he opined.
disclosed late Tuesday afternoon that the man is stable and is in the Male Surgical Ward.
The man disclosed that the last time anyone saw the teen was when he came out to take his two brothers to safety.
“When we saw him, his neck was red red, like it
break and when we took him out, fresh blood start coming out his nose,” he said. The uncle stated that he could not come to grips with the loss of his nephew since he was an excellent swimmer and was still contemplating what caused his late nephew’s demise. Tuesday was supposed to be Williamson’s first day of work as an apprentice at a welding school.
“We patrol the creek since Sunday and keep shouting his name; we even dive and search for him, but we came up empty-handed. We did not give up, we continued until late last night (Monday)… when we found him this (Tuesday) morning there was lots of mud on his back, apparently he was lying at the bottom of the creek,” he informed, stating that this tragic loss is taking a toll on the family.
The uncle also alleged that the Police’s delay is causing the further decomposition of his late nephew’s body as they took hours before arriving on the scene. “ When we call, they say let us take him to Sheet Anchor Wharf and wait; they coming in 15 minutes… they took more than an hour to arrive,” he said, noting that by then the teen’s body was becoming more bloated by the minute. The body of the dead teen is currently at a private funeral home awaiting an autopsy. He leaves to mourn his parents, five siblings, and other relatives.
Consider joining a group or organization that could use your skills or services. You have a lot to contribute, and you will feel gratified by helping others.
By Bernice Bede Osol
(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
Don’t worry about what others think. Someone you work with may be jealous of your abilities, but don’t let that hold you back. Pursue your goals and your interests.
Share your thoughts with the people you most enjoy being around. A night out with friends or a quiet evening discussing plans with someone you love will be satisfying.
Stand up to anyone putting demands on you. Backing down will make you frustrated and angry, and give whoever you are dealing with the go-ahead to continue treating you poorly.
(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)
It’s time for a change of scenery. Take a journey that will broaden your horizons, rejuvenate your spirit and revive your sense of adventure. A change is as good as a rest.
(Aug. 23Sept. 22)
Hard work brings results, but every once in a while you need to take a break and have some laughs. Make plans to do something fun with friends, family or a loved one.
(March 21-April 19)
You will run out of steam if you don’t slow down. You need to pace yourself. Difficulties with an elderly relative or child will try your patience.
(April 20-May 20)
Romance is in the air.
Plan an intimate evening with the one you love, or, if you are single, get out and take part in events that are geared toward meeting people.
(May 21June 20)
Don’t flirt with disaster. Abide by the rules and regulations. If you hew to the straight and narrow, everything will be fine.
(Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Rewards will come your way for good deeds that you performed in the past. Let your employer know about your ideas regarding job efficiency in order to win points.
(Oct. 24Nov. 22)
Do something special to reward someone in your life who has shown tolerance and patience. This will improve your relationship and ensure that you will still be able to count on this person in the future.
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
Be mindful of what you say in the workplace. Rumors and innuendos can damage your reputation. Even the most innocent remark can and will be used against you.
By AvenAsh RAmzAn
Fans attending the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games in Guyana are being urged to adhere to security guidelines so as to ensure a free flow of traffic to and from the Guyana National Stadium, as well as a smooth passage of spectators in and out the venue.
During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport recently, the former Commander of ‘A’ Division, George Vyphuis, DSM, explained in depth the security arrangements for the three days here in Guyana.
Matches will be held on July 17, 19 and 20 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, and according to Vyphuis, security will be a key area of operation during those days.
“Security posture is there; we’ve contracted the Guyana Police Force and they’ve broken down into segments. You have the uniformed section, you have CID and you also have the Traffic Department.
The uniformed people would be deployed in the stands and around the Stadium while the CID would be distributed equally among the stands, turnstile and around the Stadium too,” Vyphuis explained.
Vyphuis also appealed to patrons to adhere to the list of restricted and prohibited items, which have been appearing in the press over the past few weeks. (See list of prohibited and restricted items below)
As expected, there will also be specific traffic arrangements, starting from Mandela Avenue and leading to the Stadium to avoid congestion.
“We will be having twoway traffic going to the Stadium and if need be the Traffic Department will establish another lane on the other side of the road, so you will have three lanes of traffic going in that direction, which means that the third lane that would be introduced would be a right of way to get
traffic way up Timehri and that side,” Vyphuis said.
The Limacol CPL will start on Friday in Grenada with the Guyana Amazon Warriors playing the Antigua Hawksbills and conclude on August 16 with the final in St Kitts.
The Jamaica Tallawahs will put their title on the line against Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Lucia
Prohibited Items Restricted Items
• Firearms, weapons, knives and imitation weapons
• Fireworks, explosives, flammable items*
• Mace/ gas containers*
• Glass bottles or containers*/**
• Alcohol**
• Illegal drugs or narcotics
• Cans (soft drinks and alcohol)**
• Animals (except guide dogs)
• Tripods for cameras
• Video cameras or camcorders
• Management reserves the right to refuse entry to any person carrying or wearing any other items or substances that may be deemed to be offensive, disruptive, dangerous or likely to infringe any party’s rights or any party’s safety or security or any dangerous article or substance not referred to above.
* Items marked with a single asterisk do have certain exceptions- see restricted list
** Items marked with a double asterisk may be permitted in the case
be able to fit under the seat). Same size applies to open areas (grounds).
• Own foodstuff (with plastic cutlery)
• Soft drinks/water in plastic bottles
• Flasks
• Cameras for recreational and personal non-commercial use only
• Balls, bats
•
• Any flag poles (sticks) may not protrude more than a hand’s breadth below the flag
• Small radios, CD/ DVD/MP3 players
• Glass containers: Perfume, prescription medication or insect repellent bottles only
• Aerosol deodorant, medication or insect repellent only
• Cigarette lighters/ matches (these may be prohibited in some venues, e.g Kensington Oval)
• Any other objects or items or substances that may be deemed in the discretion of CPL to be offensive, disruptive, dangerous or likely to infringe any party’s rights or any party’s safety or security or any dangerous article or substance not referred to above.
The 21st Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Senior Women’s Championship bounced off yesterday in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the highly criticised Guyana ladies were scheduled to meet powerhouse Jamaica in the feature game at the MultiPurpose Sports Complex on Tortola.
The Guyana squad has come under criticism from sections of the media, who have even questioned the rationale behind sending a squad that seems unprepared and not up to standard especially since there has been a lack of competition for females.
The team also had to overcome financial constraints in getting to the British Virgin Islands.
The underrated female squad,
however, is not letting the outside criticism affect their psyche in a negative way and actually believe they can overcome the huge odds to win the tournament. At least that is the view of the experienced Head Coach Ann Gordon who spoke to Guyana Times Sport from Tortola on Tuesday afternoon.
Gordon acknowledged that the Guyanese would be coming up against teams of greater prestige but said the ladies have been displaying a positive attitude and are not allowing themselves to be intimidated by their opponents.
“I am surprised at the kind of spirit that the Guyanese girls are displaying even though some of the other teams are a little bit bigger than us. They are not afraid. They are hyped up to
win this tournament and despite what, even though we have some stumbling blocks in our way, we are not concerned about that. We know that by God’s grace we will make it.”
Guyana are in Group B with Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Group A has Barbados, The Bahamas, Virgin Islands and The Dominican Republic.
Asked how ready the team was to face former champions Jamaica, Gordon said “We are ready ready, we are really ready for it,” and noted that Guyana were eying victory even against their more illustrious opponents.
“Of course victory…we are not afraid. With the kind of chemistry that we have I think that we can do it…that is what it calls for, united we stand and united we are going forward and we will lift, by God’s grace, our country’s flag high and make them proud,” an extremely optimistic Gordon told Guyana Times Sport.
Meanwhile, Barbados were scheduled to meet Dominican Republic at 12:00h, The Bahamas were scheduled to play the Virgin Islands and St Vincent were slated to play Trinidad and Tobago while Guyana and Jamaica were down to clash at 21:00h following an official opening ceremony.
See CBC schedule below
Ga 5-0 half-time lead in Belo
Horizonte. Klose moved level with former Brazil striker Ronaldo by scoring against Ghana earlier in the com-
petition. Germany’s leading goalscorer with 71 goals in 136 games, he is the third player to net at four World Cup finals.
Brazil legend Pele and West Germany’s Uwe Seeler both scored at the 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970 finals.
Klose’s goal against Brazil came in his 23rd World Cup appearance, a tally only compatriot Lothar Matthaus has bettered. Germany have never lost a game in which he has scored.
“Klose is not a Ronaldo, or a Pele or that kind of footballer,” said Match of the Day presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker. “He is a poacher but to break that record is a phenomenal achievement.”
Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, working as a pundit in Brazil, added: “He does not excite you outside the box but he is a pure goalscorer. “When the ball comes into the box, he comes alive.”
Netherlands striker Robin van Persie may miss the World Cup semi-final after struggling with a stomach complaint. But midfielder Nigel de Jong could feature after recovering from a groin injury, which was expected to rule him out for the rest of the tournament.
Argentina midfielder Angel Di Maria is out because of a thigh injury but may return in his country’s final match. Striker Sergio Aguero is available after a
thigh problem and left-back Marcos Rojo will return after a ban.
Dutch injury doubts Ron Vlaar and Leroy Fer took part in full training on Tuesday, but Van Persie trained away from his teammates.
However, manager Louis van Gaal said the Manchester United striker would only play if he was completely fit. “Robin van Persie has an intestinal problem and I didn’t want to take a risk,” said Van Gaal. “He is a very important player for us.
“In principle, my captains always play, but only if they’re 100%.”
AC Milan’s De Jong has not played since tearing a groin muscle during his side’s 2-1 victory over Mexico in the last 16 on 29 June.
He was expected to be out for up to four weeks, but has returned to training. “If his reaction is good and he can play, then the miracle can come true,” added Van Gaal.
Brazil’s World Cup dreams ended in humiliating and brutal fashion as Germany inflicted their heaviest defeat in the first semi-final in Belo Horizonte. A thunderous occasion that began with Brazil riding a tidal wave of emotion was reduced to a nightmare as Germany were 5-0 up inside 29 remarkable minutes in front of a disbelieving Estadio Mineirao crowd.
Brazil’s players mourned the absence of the injured Neymar before kick-off, but captain Thiago Silva was an even bigger loss. The result was their first competitive home defeat in 39 years, and the end of their hopes of making it to the World Cup final at the iconic Maracana on Sunday.
Instead, Germany will meet either Argentina or Netherlands, who meet on Wednesday in Sao Paulo.
Thomas Muller gave the three-time winners an early lead before a period of utter chaos saw Miroslav Klose break the World Cup scoring record, Toni Kroos add two more in the space of 179 seconds and Sami Khedira net a fifth. Chelsea striker Andre Schurrle, on as a substitute, added two more after the break before Brazil’s followers delivered what must be regarded as the defining insult to their national team - cheering every German pass and applauding their goals.
Many Brazil supporters,
swamped with such anticipation as they gathered in their thousands around the ground hours before kickoff, were reduced to tears after less than 30 minutes, and reduced to such a state of shock that it was only at half-time that they registered their first serious dissent. This equalled Brazil’s heaviest margin of defeat, a 6-0 loss at the hands of Uruguay in the 1920 Copa America, but the impact of this reverse, not just on the world stage but in their homeland, will put this alongside the 1950 World Cup final defeat by the Uruguayans in Rio as their darkest football day.
Muller’s early goal was a big enough setback, but the manner in which Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side crum-
bled in the space of seven minutes is likely to be a matter of national debate in this country for years to come. This was Brazil’s first defeat at home for 12 years. The loss for a country built on sporting pride, and at their own World Cup, will be bad enough to take. The scale of defeat will take the inquests to a new level.
The statistics stacked up like pieces of rubble around the feet of Scolari and his players. This was the first time a team had scored seven in a World Cup semi-final, and the biggest defeat in one of these games since West Germany beat Austria 6-1 in 1954. The five-time champions’ team coach bears the phrase “Brace Yourself - The 6th Is Coming”. It did indeed arrive, but only in the back
of Julio Cesar’s net.
With all David Luiz’s defensive indiscipline offering rich pickings for Germany’s speed and mobility, the game swiftly descended into a fiasco for Brazil. Much has been made of their overemotion and there was, in retrospect, an overblown public reaction to the absence of Neymar, injured in the quarter-final against Colombia, in the hour leading up to kick-off.
Scolari led his players off the team coach wearing a white “Forca Neymar” baseball cap before captain Luiz and goalkeeper Cesar held up his number 10 shirt during a stirring rendition of Brazil’s national anthem. It was all downhill, and rapidly, for Brazil from the moment Muller was the benefi-
ciary of dreadful marking to steer in Kroos’s corner.
Brazil simply fell apart and it was an invitation Germany were not going to refuse as Klose scored at the second attempt to set a new World Cup record of 16 goals in only 23 games. What followed was one of the most remarkable passages of play in any World Cup game, let alone a semi-final, as Germany did not just look like scoring on every attack, they invariably did.
Throughout this World Cup there has been a suspicion a mediocre Brazil defence has been disguised. With the shield of Silva removed, they were simply taken apart by Germany, wilting under pressure and abject in coping with their attacking variety. Kroos
side-footed home a finish Cesar touched but could not save, then the midfielder quickly added another when set up by the unselfish Khedira.
Khedira added another before half-time in an example of the complete disintegration of Brazil’s organisation, discipline and basic defence. He strolled towards the penalty area untroubled before exchanging passes with Mesut Ozil to score. It was only then, perhaps as full recognition sunk in, that Brazil’s supporters started to deliver a toxic reaction to their team, with striker Fred singled out for vicious treatment.
Despite a lively start to the second half that saw Germany keeper Manuel Neuer distinguish himself, normal service was resumed as Schurrle finished off a fine passing move before drilling a near-post finish past Cesar, who should have done better. It was at this point the home fans threw their support behind Germany, cheering passing moves and even breaking into applause for Schurrle’s goal.
Oscar’s late strike was nothing in the way of consolation to them and they turned savagely on their players - many of whom left the pitch in tears - at the final whistle. Brazil knew their World Cup dream might have to end. No-one suspected for a moment it would end like this.
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El Dorado has expanded its sponsorship of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League and has become the official partner to the local franchise team the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
This partnership and sponsorship of the Limacol CPL will enable fans of the hugely successful cricket tournament to enjoy the liquid gold of Guyana, alongside scintillating T20 cricket.
El Dorado was among the first partners when the CPL was launched in 2013 to sell-out crowds, with over 250,000 spectators attending matches across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados,
Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. Global stars, including Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Ponting and Muttiah Muralitharan took part in the tournament, dubbed the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’.
With just a few days before the start of CPL 2014, anticipation is high and at a recent signing ceremony held at the DDL offices which was attended by Guyana Amazon Warriors players, Steven Jacobs and Veerasammy Permaul, Mrs Sharda Veeren-Chand, DDL’s Marketing Director, noted that El Dorado is already a major partner of the Limacol CPL and “it is only
fitting that we being a part of this global event, we celebrate this occasion with the World’s Best Rum, El Dorado.”
She added, “Our brand is an embodiment of the spirit of Guyana- competitiveness, fun, hard work and enjoyment and off course being the best. We believe this is also the essence of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Team making this partnership a natural one.”
Guyana Amazon Warriors Marketing Manager, Trevor Bassoo thanked DDL for its continued support and said he is looking forward to a rewarding and successful tournament.
Another hat trick by Jamal Butts helped New Amsterdam Multilateral (NAMS) to squeeze past Orealla Secondary and into the semifinals of the Region Six zone of the fourth annual Digicel Schools Football Competition.
Butts, who had scored a hat trick in his previous game, helped his team to come from behind twice to eventually secure a 3-2 win over the home team.
In a packed Orealla Savannah Oval, the crowd went wild when the school, which lost to NAMS 4-2 in the regional semi-final of the same competition last year, took the lead in the 26th minute.
Cameron Edwards push the ball past goal keeper Leon Loo with an easy second attempt. It seemed that the Orealla boys were going to avenge their 2013 defeat as NAMS found it difficult playing on a sandy outfield.
Under pressure, NAMS got what they were dreaming of when a foul was blown against Orealla in the penalty area. Butts took the shot for the equalizer.
Two minutes later Wilton Rodder, who had been threatening and forced Loo to produce his best, took full advantage when he was found far out from the goal and after 52 minutes of play Orealla were back in the lead.
Butts brought home the second equalizer in the 67th minute to hush the vocal crowd.
In the 63rd minute, Butts was issued a yellow card and the game restarted with a jump ball which was won by Butts as many of the Orealla players just watched on as though they were not sure what they should do. Butts went past two defenders using his ball weaving skill and then moved away from the goal to allow goalkeeper Clean Henry
to move to one side of the goal, giving Butts enough space to complete his hat-trick.
Butts is now the tournament’s leading goal scorer with nine goals from two matches.
Meanwhile, heavy rains a few minutes before the start of play washed out the game between the two last Corentyne teams left in the competition. Port Mourant Secondary and Canje Secondary will have to wait on a new date to be announced for their quarter final game.
The Berbice leg of the competition continues today with New Amsterdam Technical Institute (NATI) taking on Vryman’s secondary at the Skeldon Community Centre. NATI, the defending Region Six champions, secured a 6-0 win over Berbice High on Friday with doubles from Jeremy Samuels and Anthony Weeks and a goal each from Stephon Hinds and Michael Niamatali.
Guyana biggest track meet is on the horizon and the organisers of the Boyce/Jefford Track and Field Classic set the ball rolling for the highly anticipated event with a workshop for officials at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) on Sunday.
The workshop, which has become an annual feature of the tournament, was held to address officiating issues, quality, as well as the conduct of officials.
Senior official of the track and field meet Cornell Rose was the main instructor at the workshop that saw 40 persons in attendance. Rose spoke on time keeping and the judging of events.
Technical Director of the games Mark Scott delved into the duties of the referees and the call room and also touched on starts.
By TreisTon Joseph
Kevin Deolall hit the biggest shot of the tournament thus far, with a game winning buzzer beater to upset defending champions Marian Academy 2926 on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
With the game tied at 26s and 10s left to play, Deolall released a dagger from the top of the arc that swished nothing but nylon with four seconds remaining to give JC Chandersingh the three-point lead and eventual win.
Judah Stephney had a clear shot for Marian to tie the game after a well executed inbound played but couldn’t hit as time expired.
Deolall finished with 10 points in the win for the school out of Berbice and was also the only player in double digits in the low scoring and gritted out game.
Meanwhile Kwakwani Secondary routed St Roses High School 6833 as Leonard Primo had a monster game with 25 points and 11 rebounds while Stanton Rose had 13 points in the win.
Nathan Saul was the high point man for St Roses High with 16 points as his solo performance
proved futile.
The University of Guyana (UG) held their nerve to hold off a surging Bishops’ High School to win a hard fought game 48-42.
UG went into coast mode with a clear 10 point advantage before Bishops’ made a 9-0 run to cut the lead to one in the dying moments before a few turnovers cost Bishops High the game in the final moments.
Both Jonathan Pooran and Daniel Ramlagan had 14 points to lead the University to the victory while Marvin Durant had 14 points in the loss.
St Stanislaus College topped Mackenzie High School 41-37 in their first game as Travis Belgrave had a game high 22 points in the win. Kwasi Thompson also had 11 points in the win.
Daniel Anthony continued to be a solo act for Mackenzie High scoring 19 points in the loss.
In the under-14 category Marian Academy defeated Bishop’s High School 20-10 while Kwakwani Secondary topped St Stanislaus 3310.
Games will continue in the tournament throughout the course of the week with the finals schedule for Sunday July 13.
President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) and Vice President of the Guyana Amateur
Basketball Federation (GABF) Michael Singh has resigned from “all aspects of basketball in Guyana”.
An email sent by Singh, highlighted that his resignation is due to all the events happening in the last 48 hours and prior. The email went on to state the efforts by Singh to resuscitate basketball, despite the lack of sponsorship, while noting his disheartened state at “parties attempt to discredit and degrade us as administrators”.
Singh thanked his affiliates and teams for their support and wished them well in the future. Singh was also president of the Bounty Colts Basketball Club.
James neesham: “w inning games is the reason i am here”
By raJiv BisnauTh
The new Guyana Amazon Warriors recruit, all-rounder James Neesham, is relishing the challenge ahead of the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament.
In fact the 23-year-old, who replaced his countryman Corey Anderson, who withdrew from the tournament due to his fitness, said he is happy to be a part of the Limacol CPL, adding that his main focus is to make a good contribution to the Warriors line-up.
During an interview with Guyana Times Sport prior to the team’s departure from the Grand Coastal hotel, Neesham said he is looking forward to his maiden appearance in the tournament which was hosted for the first time last year to sold out crowds at venues across the Caribbean.
“I am just looking to fill in whatever Roger (head coach) wants me in the team’s perspective. I just want to make some good contribution. Winning games is the reason I am here, Guyana had a winning culture last season, so I just hope I haven’t disturb anything much,
just come in and look after my own business,” Neesham disclosed.
He added “It was a magnificent tournament last year; I talked to Ross Taylor about it and he said it was an enjoyable experience so I am just looking to come in and win a few games and hopefully have a successful season”.
Questioned on the combination of the squad, Neesham, who played nine T20 internationals for New Zealand said “There is a lot of talent in the squad, obviously a squad that has a winning culture as well, so guys like Narine, Ramdin and Krishmar Santokie, so I just want to come in and play around those players”.
All-rounder Neesham, who played for Delhi Daredevils in this year’s IPL, has already put in several impressive displays during the recent test series between New Zealand and West Indies and his exploits have caught the eyes of the Guyana Amazon Warriors management. Neesham, who hit a hundred and two half-centuries in the recently concluded threeTest series, has two fifties in his 36-match T20 career, but it is his strike rate of 149.85 and his medium-pace bowling that made him a replacement for Anderson. He was also entrusted with the responsibility of opening the innings during the current twomatch T20 series between West Indies and New Zealand.
“I’m very excited to be extending my time in the Caribbean and joining up with the Guyana Amazon Warriors,” Neesham said.
“I loved watching last year’s tournament, and this time I can’t wait to get involved on the pitch. I’ve really enjoyed my time in the Caribbean and can’t wait to experience the famous CPL atmosphere when the tournament begins,” Neesham concluded.
The $110M floodlights at the Albion Sports Complex were on Monday officially commissioned by President Donald Ramotar who said it is the hope the lighting system would attract international matches at the venue.
The some 17 lights suspended on six poles are to be powered by the Guyana Power and Light Inc at an approximate cost of $50,000 per hour.
President Ramotar, during his address, said it is hoped the lights will help to bring international matches to the county. This, he said, means more commerce and revenue
for Berbicians. He noted the venture is a very important one in the lives of Berbicians, while alluding to the changing nature of cricket.
“Cricket as a game itself is changing rapidly and the crowd that the One Day cricket and the 20/20 attract is very clear to me that cricket is changing in its nature. If Berbice is to continue playing an important role and making an important contribution to Guyana and West Indies cricket, we need to put the infrastructure in place to deal with the changing nature of the game itself thus these lights are extremely im-
portant in that regard. We want to produce more John Trims, Rohan Kanhais, Basil Butchers, Kallicharrans and Lloyds…”.
The Head of State also mentioned the importance of the Sugar Industry and its role in promoting cricket and recreational activities.
The commissioning ceremony was also graced with the presence of CEO of GuySuco Dr Raj Singh, Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony, legendary cricketer Clive Lloyd, Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy, Region 6 Chairman David Armogan, among others.
Minister of Culture Dr Frank Anthony said the venture stands testimony to Government’s commitment to the development of cricket.
“On behalf of Government, this has been a substantial investment that we have made because the lights that you see and the infrastructure that went with it cost us close to $11O M and we feel this is a good investment as we want to see players emerging from here and people using these lights, it would not only be for cricket we know that in
Berbice you would have many other activities”.
The initial cost of the light was placed at $91M however, after inspection at the installation process the engineer had ordered some changes from the original that pushed the cost upwards.
Renowned cricketer Clive Lloyd said it is a great venture to have the floodlights at the Albion Ground as cricket always attracts a full house at the venue. He noted that this is a stepping stone for greater things.
“With the lights here we can come in the near future to have more Test cricket here, more CPL …”
The lights, which are similar to the one at the Providence Stadium, will be managed by a committee.
To commemorate the event, an inaugural 20/20 cricket competition was held with four teams participatingnamely Young Warriors, Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant and Albion. It was later reduced to a 12-over competition due to the inclement weather.
The action started earlier in the day with a knock out stage that saw Albion and Port Mourant squaring off in the final. The final was the first official match to be played under floodlights.
President Ramotar was the first to hit the ball to open the match.
Port Mourant won the toss and chose to bat making 103. In reply, Albion made 107 for 3 off 19.1 overs and claimed the first ever Caricom Day Albion Cup.
Prior to the team’s departure at the Grand Coastal Hotel, Harper indicated how pleased he was heading into this year’s tournament. “We got close last year and we want to do even better this year, looking forward to winning this championship.”
“I am very happy how the camp went, the players responded very well, they were very enthusiastic and I am very happy how things went,” Harper stressed.
Further when questioned regarding the replacement of Corey Anderson, Harper said “We could not have asked for a better replacement for Corey. Jimmy is a great fit for the Amazon Warriors, and we look forward to seeing the excellent form he displayed in the recent Test series continuing in the CPL.”
Neesham replaced his countryman Anderson, who withdrew from the tournament due his fitness.
On the other hand, the former West Indies vice captain expects Jamaican seamer Krishmar Santokie to play a key role in the Guyana Amazon Warriors outfit. Left-armer Santokie
has emerged as one of the more exciting bowlers in the region in the game’s shortest form, and Harper said it was important that the Warriors retained the player from last year.
“Krishmar Santokie is a hugely valuable asset to my team. He is an intelligent and determined player and I am very happy to have retained him,” Harper remarked.
Santokie was at the forefront of the West Indies attack at the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh earlier this year. He subsequently turned out for Mumbai Indians in the lucrative Indian Premier League.
During the draft at Chris Gayle’s Triple Century Bar in Jamaica in April, the Guyana Amazon Warriors retained the services of 10 players from last year’s tournament, namely Pakistan’s all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, New Zealander Martin Guptill, Trinidadians off-spinner Sunil Narine, opening batsman Lendl Simmons and wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, Jamaican Krishmar Santokie and Guyanese Christopher Barnwell, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul and Trevon Griffith.
The newcomers this year are Guyanese Leon Johnson, Ronsford Beaton and Robin Bacchus, Trinidad and Tobago fast-bowling all-rounder
Navin Stewart and New Zealander all-rounder James Neesham.
After the game on Friday, the Guyana franchise, which was bought by the NEW GPC INC, under its Limacol brand, will then play three of their nine preliminary games at home, on July 17 against Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel (19:30h), July 19 against St Lucia Zouks (16:00h) and July 20 against Jamaica Tallawahs (16:00h).
The local franchise will play Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel on July 24; Barbados Tridents on July 27; Jamaica Tallawahs on August 2; Antigua Hawksbills on August 7; and St Lucia Zouks on August 10 in their final preliminary game.
Jamaica Tallawahs won the inaugural tournament when they defeated Guyana Amazon Warriors by seven wickets in the final in Trinidad and Tobago on August 24 last.
By Rajiv Bisnauth
The star-studded Guyana Amazon Warriors departed Guyana on Tuesday for Grenada for their first of nine preliminary games in the second edition of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament.
The Warriors, who lost to the Jamaica Tallawahs in the finals of the inaugural tournament last year, is captained by Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies test skipper Denesh Ramdin and boasts the likes of Pakistan’s
The majority of the 15man squad spent the last seven days at a preparatory camp under Head Coach Roger Harper....
