Guyana Times Daily

New Guyana School tops NGSA

Jorrel de Santos

Aliah Mohamed Ravi Singh

friday, june 13, 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

AML/CFT Bill

Work of Select Committee hits rock bottom – Teixeira

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

Guyana continues to face an uphill task in passing an AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) (AML/CFT) Bill that satisfies the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

While the parties at the level of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee have agreed on the AML/CFT Bill of 2013, amendments to the AML/CFT Act of 2009 remain the biggest blockage.

Special Select Committee Chairperson Gail Teixeira said it appears as though the country has been engaging in a futile exercise since little progress has been made since the committee commenced work in April 2013.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Teixeira said the work of the committee hit rock bottom on Wednesday, due to a major fallout between the Government and APNU on

counterproposals tabled by the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall.

The Government is objecting to moves by the Opposition to establish an Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Authority and the removal of the powers of the Finance Minister and President to appoint and dismiss the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

According to the Government’s spokeswoman, the fundamental differences between the ruling party and the majority Opposition appear “irreconcilable”. As a result, no date has been set for the next meeting, as the members of the various political parties have been advised to return to their executives for advise, in an effort to chart a way forward.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Minister Nandlall’s counterproposals were considered; however, they did not find favour with APNU. APNU Shadow Finance Minister

Carl Greenidge said although the counterproposals were made by the Government to meet their demands, the Attorney General fell shot in fulfilling the objective, since his proposals do not cater for the authority and the appointment of the FIU Director by the National Assembly. “I don’t expect that we would be in a position to provide FATF [Financial Action Task Force] with a Bill,” Greenidge told this publication.

Disappointment

The Legal Affairs Minister also expressed disappointment in APNU’s move to reject his counterproposals. “I attempted as far as possible to have commonality between the proposals made by the Opposition and my proposals. I attempted to marry the two as far as possible,” he said.

In May, the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) referred Guyana to FAFT due to its non-compliance with the agreed Action Plan. A public statement was also issued in which the country was identified as a jurisdiction with significant AML/ CFT deficiencies, which has failed to make significant progress in addressing those deficiencies. Guyana has now been considered a risk to the international financial system, and as such, CFATF members have been called upon to implement further counter measures to protect their financial systems from the ongoing money laundering and terrorist financing risks emanating from Guyana.

Most likely, Guyana could be blacklisted when FAFT meets in Paris from June 25-27. During that meeting,

the international financial body will determine whether Guyana should be subjected to a prima-facie review by the International Corporation Review Board. Guyana could therefore find itself on any of the three blacklisting tiers.

The most severe level which is found at the top of the chart effectively requires countries to issue counter measures against countries on that list. Presently, North Korea and Iran are the only two countries blacklisted at this extreme level.

The second layer includes countries that have significant AML safety deficiencies, but have not given a political commitment to deal with those issues or have not formulated an action plan in collaboration with the FATF to deal with outstanding issues. The lowest tier encompasses countries that have issued a political commitment to implement the reforms and formulated an action plan to be implemented by strategic deadlines. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

APNU Shadow Finance Minister Carl Greenidge

Government’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

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

Editorial

Fathers

Often the role of fathers in their families, even though significant, being primarily the chief breadwinners, is less celebrated when compared to mothers. This can be attributed to fathers seldom being at home, interacting less with their children, and holding firm positions on matters of their family.

In most cases, their absence from home results from them being at work, toiling to sharpen their skills, improve production at their work places, but most importantly, to ensure the comfort of their families.

Of course, there are the others whose absence is due to negligence, as they fail to comprehend their role as fathers, the importance of a strong family unit, and the implication it can have on society. No father wants a broken family and misguided children or to ever be in a position where he cannot be proud of his family, so it is never too late for carefree fathers to assume full charge of their homes.

To better execute their role, all fathers need to see themselves as leaders, adopt positions grounded in fact and established in principle, be guardians of moral values, and let their religious beliefs be their guide, but without imposing it on others, or allowing it to be a barrier to harmonious understanding and goodwill in society.

And a leader in this case, does not mean a leader of men, but a leader in his family, who is always on the lookout for his members, sets goals as a unit and for individual members, and help in the process to achieve them.

Good fathers adore their families, but are equally firm on principle. They do not shun, but embrace their failures and that of their children, as they see it as a learning experience to correct themselves and give direction to their children.

This is a quality that all men need to embrace, but at the same time not to accept complacency, as a man is good as how well he can recover from a fall, how well he can remain unflappable amid adversity, and how well he can reprimand and take reprimand, without holding malice or deep prejudices, to make a situation better.

These are the factors that determine who a real man is and what is perceived to be manly action. There are still a great many that cling to the view that real men have to be macho, Ccassanovas and must rush head-on into any challenge.

In adopting this approach to life, they believe that they stamp their authority and make their presence known. The flaw in this approach to life is that it creates a society driven by perception, rather than one governed by fact, as it allows for the glorification of “what is bad” by painting it as “good”.

Men on the whole need to disregard this old thinking and starting seeing themselves as strategists, people who seek to understand things before acting on them. After all, men are practical, logical people and should be learned in their ways.

And in this temporary journey that is called life, a man cannot do all that he wants to do, and for this reason, it would be wise for him to be accountable for his actions. It is therefore important that he loves his wife and children and sees all females outside his family as his mother, daughter, sister and aunt.

To become a father would require this level of maturity and by extension a higher degree of responsibility, as is beautifully summed up in Corinthians 13:11 in the King James version of the Bible: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

Really and truly, anyone can become a father, but only a special person can become a dad. As we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day, Guyana urgently needs more of the latter.

Success is not determined by genetics or environment, but by hard sacrifices

Dear Editor, In the United States of America, Asiatic Indian and Chinese immigrant children have raised the bar of excellence in winning the top trophies in Science, Maths and at the “Spelling Bee” starting in 1985.

Is it due to innate genetic or cultural prowess or something else to which these achievements can be credited? Unravelling this riddle does not require anyone to be a rocket scientist in six-and-a-half-race Guyana. What is so really wrong in Guyana for a maligned Indian working classbased PPP/C Government to have destroyed election rigging and yet not enhanced all our Guyanese children’s education is not up to them alone.

Some of the words which the Indo American spelling champions mastered are far removed from their Indianness, or culture, the Hindi language, its Sanskrit Aryan mother source, colour or the religious practices of Indians worldwide.

Coming from India where most, not all, Indians are without adequate toilet facilities as a well known acerbic critic from the Indian owned Kaieteur News loves to demean Guyanese by his mockery, should be good cause to chew the cud to another shining milky way.

For the 2014 US National Spelling Bee contest, two Indo American children came out ahead of the pack. Both Ansun Sunjoe, 13, and Sriram Hathwar, 14, were declared joint spelling bee champions because of a tie.

The American Spelling

Bee has never had a tie for the spelling championship since 1962. Because they both successfully spelled all the words thrown to them and with no other finalist, they were both declared winners.

In 2013 an Indo American student, Arvind Mahankali, won the spelling championship by spelling a Yiddish German word “knaidel”. Did Arvind Mahankali win the spelling contest purely on innate genetic inheritance?

Interviewed afterwards, the very modest Mahankali explained his success was due to his nurturing preparations at home with his parents and siblings providing the inspiration and support for his victory. His parents researched a list of local and foreign words and drilled him daily.

Was his success still due to only his genetics or the social environmental including his parents who made the significant difference in this young man’s life? US Tennis Champion Arthur Ashe agreed, when asked if black people possessed genetic superiority in sport.

But Ashe would not have become champion unless he kept on practising his skills to become a champion.

There was a popular perception in years past of the 1930s to the 1980s that only Europeans and their Christian culture were endowed with the capabilities for academic excellence, possibly lending validity to some kind of racial superiority. By the late 80s, as Asian immigrant children entered the schools of America, they far exceeded in all academic disciplines, especially in Mathematics, the sciences and also spelling.

It compelled a reassessment of the opinions which may have propped up any European/Caucasian genetic superiority. In fact, an Indian immigrant to the US, Mr Bhagat Singh Thind in 1923 was denied American citizenship under the naturalisation Act of 1906 because the US Supreme Court ruled that even though he was technically Caucasian (coming from Aryan ancestry), he was not white!

What caused subsequent

changes must have a valid explanation. Is it the environment or culture?

Conceivably, there may be a certain degree of genetic inheritance by Darwinian evolution of natural selection, which enhanced and nurtured excellence in a particular trait reflected in black excellence in sport, etc. But this apparent edge in a particular discipline does not survive unless it is nurtured and rigourlessly trained to reach excellence.

Any particular individual (or race) who excels in academics or business is propelled by their unique environment, which they operate by their culture. Both India and China lead the world by their respective population records. Excelling in something which makes them outstanding is more compelling for them every moment of their existence.

Spelling Bee Champion Mahankali and his parents did not excel in their family’s achievements because of any Indian Hindu Aryan Brahmanism superiority. They all invested the time, effort and sacrifice to win the American Spelling Bee championship.

What makes for success in business, academia, sport, etc, is no big secret. Working hard, saving your money and making the sacrifices necessary to achieve excellence is not owned by anyone to become better. It is time-and-a-half Freddie Kissoon get with the arithmetic of genetics.

Sincerely, Vassan Ramracha

Arvind Mahankali

Pigeons are release prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group A match between Brazil and Croatia at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Dealers need to play a greater role in gold sector

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Gold Board (GGB) refers to a newspaper report of June 11 and wishes to make the following correction.

The assimilation of the reason proffered for the closure of the Charity Office of the GGB is inaccurate to say the least. The “lack of technical staff” can only be considered as nondescript.

At the meeting with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and dealers, it was discussed that the purchases were averaging less than 500 ounces per month. As such, the cost of running that office compared with the income on that quantity does not make it financially and economically viable to continue.

The GGB, it was further discussed, is willing to consider any dealer or potential dealer to take over operations at this location.

On the issue of the Bartica Office, replacing the staff is not the only issue that the GGB will have to contend with as it relates to the future operations.

The GGB will have to be

sure that is has the ability and resources to implement the necessary measures in preventing a recurrence.

Also, there is the option of the dealers playing a bigger role in intermediating gold during this suspension of operations in Bartica.

Respectfully submitted, Guyana Gold Board

A disrespectful road contractor

Dear Editor,

I am a resident of 14th Street, Paradise, Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, commonly known by others as Dazzell.

I am disgusted and appalled by the actions of a contractor from Courtney Benn Construction Services. Construction started in the 14th Street during the first week in May 2013 and to date, has not yet been completed. No thought or consideration

has been given to the inconveniences being endured by residents of the street. Personally, I find it somewhat disrespectful of the contractor.

As a result of the indefinite and prolonged duration of work, one would assume that the contractor has no intention of completing the job. During this time, there has been delivery and dumping of sand at least once, sometimes twice a week.

To add insult to injury, loam was dumped and rolled during last Christmas, at a time during the commencement of the rainy season. As a result, residents were forced to traverse through messy, slushy conditions.

Personally, I think it was a poor attempt to provide better infrastructure. I wish to call upon the relevant authorities to send one of their engineers to inspect the type of work that

was done and/or to further instruct the contractor to complete the project, or withdraw the said contract and give it to someone else who is capable of completing the task in a given time.

Unfortunately, I fear that we may have to endure yet another round of inconveniences as the May/June rains come.

Yours truly, Concerned resident

Government should lobby Spain to improve EU Schengen visa process

Dear Editor,

I read with great interest in Guyana Times, the article “Guyana wooing European tourists”, dated June 9, where the Tourism Minister is seeking out tourists from Europe, starting with Spain.

While a welcomed move by the Minister to build the economy, it would be nice if the Government could simultaneously lobby Spain’s Government to improve the recently modified EU Schengen visa process to provide hassle free reciprocal opportunities to Guyanese who wish to visit Europe.

The recent changes to the visa process essentially require Guyanese to present themselves to respective EU embassies to provide their biometrics data to obtain a Schengen visa.

Guyanese must now travel to neighbouring states such as Trinidad or Suriname to provide their biometrics, then wait for several days before uplifting their passports, and travel back home, with or without their visas.

The cost of this sojourn amounts to almost

US$1000, which includes about US$250 (airfare to Suriname or TT), plus US$250 (accommodation for maybe three to five days), plus US$200 (for food), then add the cost of the visa (about US$100), travel insurance (about $75) and other smaller costs, only to obtain the visa. All of this without yet paying for the airfare to one of the European countries or Dutch territories! Clearly, the EU’s Schengen visa becomes exclusive only the very rich.

Although the EU says “that first-time visa applicants will have to appear in person at an embassy of the respective Schengen State when lodging the application, in order to provide their fingerprints “if anyone does an Internet search, clear mention is made on several EU web links that this biometrics are only valid for five years.

In a five-year period, how many touring Guyanese plan on travelling to these countries? The ordinary tourist, perhaps only once!

Whereas other western countries are moving

in the advanced direction of establishing visa application centres (which takes biometrics) outside of their embassies, such as the Canadians and the British (a non-Schengen EU member state), here in Guyana, this backward EU approach suggests a bureaucracy which is struggling to catch up with the rest of the world.

But, maybe the message of our former colonialists is simply “you are not welcomed in Europe”.

But even for a businessman, this investment cost is exorbitant, which brings into question the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) which was signed between the EU and the Caribbean countries to removing barriers for trade between the two regions.

Here the new visa requirement drives up the cost of doing business for Guyanese businesses and perhaps a few other Caribbean countries who are in a similar predicament. Hopefully this travesty is addressed by Caricom.

Sincerely,

Garfield Williams

Happy Fathers’ Day to all the fathers of GVL

Dear Editor, The Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) at its General Members’ meeting held at its headquarters, Couglan House, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, presented World War Two Veteran Benjamin Durant with a Fathers’ Day Gift, being the oldest father at the meeting.

Mr Durant is 96 years

Day to all the fathers of the GVL.

Sincerely, Eon Andrews Public Relations Officer GVL

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

old. The gift was presented by GVL Welfare Officer Beverley Somersett in the presence of the executive and other GVL members. Happy Fathers’

World War Two Veteran Benjamin Durant receiving his Father’s Day present from Guyana Veterans Legion Welfare Officer Beverley Somersett

Page Foundation

BY CAROL SORGEN

Eating disorders

Over-eating, under-eating and eating disorders can have serious health impacts. Adolescents tend to be very conscious of appearances and may feel pressured to be thin or to look a certain way (that is self image).

Fear of becoming obese may lead to overly restrictive eating habits. Some adolescents even go to the extent of resorting to self-induced vomiting in an attempt to control their weight.

High-risk adolescent groups

Adolescents in general are nutritionally vulnerable; certain groups of adolescents may be at greater risk for nutritional inadequacies. This category of adolescents includes the following:

Pregnant adolescents

When a teenager becomes pregnant, she needs more nutrients than her non-pregnant colleague to support both her baby and her own continued growth and physical development.

If her nutritional needs are not met, her baby may be born with impaired foetal growth and the subsequent low birth weight or other health problems.

For the best outcome, pregnant adolescents need to seek prenatal care and nutrition advice early in their pregnancy.

Athletes

Adolescents involved in athletics may feel pressure to be at a particular weight or to perform at a certain level.

Some young athletes may be tempted to adopt unhealthy behaviours such as crash dieting, taking supplements to improve performance, or eating unhealthy foods to fulfil their hearty appetites.

A balanced nutritional outlook is important for good health and athletic performance.

Vegetarians

A vegetarian diet can be a very healthy option. However, adolescents who follow a vegetarian diet, whether for religious or personal reasons, need to carefully plan their intake to get the protein and minerals they need.

Strict vegetarians (those who do not eat eggs or dairy products), also known as vegans, may need nutritional supplements to meet their needs for calcium, vitamin B12, and iron.

Healthy eating tips for adolescents

Consume low-fat foods especially include sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (oils, lean meat, poultry and nuts) but limit intake of “hidden” saturated fatty acids (for example, biscuits and fast foods). (myvmc.com)

for a healthier brain

There’s no denying that as we age chronologically, our body ages right along with us. But research is showing that you can increase your chances of maintaining a healthy brain well into your old age if you add these “smart” foods to your daily eating regimen.

Blueberries

“Brainberries” is what Steven Pratt, MD, author of Superfoods Rx: Fourteen Foods Proven to Change Your Life, calls these tasty fruits. Pratt, who is also on staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California, says that in animal studies researchers have found that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Studies have also shown that diets rich in blueberries significantly improved both the learning capacity and motor skills of aging rats, making them mentally equivalent to much younger rats. Ann Kulze, MD, author of Dr Ann’s 10-Step Diet: A Simple Plan for Permanent Weight Loss; Lifelong Vitality, recommends adding at least one cup of blueberries a day in any form – fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried.

Deep-water fish, such as salmon, are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are essential for brain function, says Kulze. Both she and Pratt recommend wild salmon for its “cleanliness” and the fact that it is in plentiful supply. Omega-3s also contain anti-inflammatory substances. Other oily fish that provide the benefits of omega-3s are sardines and herring, says Kulze; she recommends a four-ounce serving, two to three times a week.

Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are good sources of vitamin E, says Pratt, explaining that

higher levels of vitamin E correspond with less cognitive decline as you get older. Add an ounce a day of walnuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, and unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter, and tahini. Raw or roasted doesn’t matter, although if you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, buy unsalted nuts.

Avocados

Avocados are almost as good as blueberries in promoting brain health, says Pratt. “I don’t think the avocado gets its due,” agrees Kulze. True, the avocado is a fatty fruit, but, says Kulze, it’s a monounsaturated fat, which contributes to healthy blood flow. “And healthy blood flow means a healthy brain,” she says.

Avocados also lower blood pressure, says Pratt, and as hypertension is a risk factor for the decline in cognitive abilities, a lower blood pressure should promote brain health. Avocados are high in calories, however, so Kulze suggests adding just 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado to one daily meal as a side dish.

Whole grains

Whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole-grain breads, and brown rice can reduce the risk for heart disease.

“Every organ in the body is dependent on blood flow,” says Pratt.

“If you promote cardiovascular health, you’re promoting good flow to the organ system, which includes the brain.” While wheat germ is not technically a whole grain, it also goes on Kulze’s “superfoods” list because in addition to fibre, it has vitamin E and some omega-3s.

Kulze suggests half cup of whole-grain cereal, one slice of bread two-three times a day, or two tablespoons of wheat germ a day. (WebMD.com)

Wild salmon

Govt rejects claims of abuse of Contingency Fund

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said the National Assembly has approved $8.7B from the Contingency Fund, as he rubbished reports peddled in the Kaieteur Newspaper that the Government has been abusing the “emergency fund.”

In the Thursday June 12, 2014 edition of the Kaieteur Newspaper, a Page 9 article carried the caption: “Speaker concerned about Govt’s continued abuse of emergency fund.”

The contingency fund was estab-

lished by the National Assembly to provide funding in cases of emergency in keeping with the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. During a two-hour long press conference at the National Communications Network (NCN), Minister Singh said the Kaieteur Newspaper and the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Carl Greenidge, continue to distort information in their quest to score cheap political points. While Greenidge and the Auditor

General have accused the Finance Ministry of abusing the contingency fund, Dr. Singh said the records tell a different story. “On every occasion during the 9th Parliament, the National Assembly approved the use of the contingency fund.” He said though the table has turned in favour of the Opposition, 92.6 per cent of the Contingency Fund Transactions have been approved during this the 10th Parliament.

He explained that during the 10th Parliament, six finan-

cial papers were submitted to the National Assembly in relation to the Contingency Fund; No 7 of 2011, No 9 of 2011, No4 of 2012, No 6 of 2012, No 2 of 2013 and No 4 of 2013; carrying a total value of $9.4 billion. From the $9.4 billion approximately $8.7 billion in Contingency Fund transactions was approved by the House. “The National Assembly of the 10th Parliament of Guyana in which the Government has a minority, approved 92.6 per cent of the total value of contingency fund trans-

actions, including some that the Auditor General has described as abuse,” Minister Singh boasted. He said too that the PAC Chairman has conveniently and opportunistically accused the Government of abusing the Contingency Fund.

“I am proud of the fact that we were able as a government to convince the National Assembly that more than 90 per cent of the value of our contingency fund transactions was worthy of Parliamentary approval,” he added.

Performance in English improves, Math dips

The National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA)

2014 has yielded an improvement in students' performance overall, but reflected a considerable dip in their performance in Mathematics.

This is according to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who announced the results at a press conference held in the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Kingston, Georgetown on Thursday.

overall performance of students was determined from three assessments: Grade Two (five per cent), Grade Four (10 per cent) and Grade Six (85 per cent). The score from each assessment was calculated in order to arrive at the overall score.

The highest possible obtainable mark for Mathematics was 136, English 132, Social Studies 137 and Science 135.

Manickchand disclosed that in Mathematics, there was saw a decline in students securing 50 per cent or more. In 2013, 43.94 per cent of students who sat the examination secured over 50 per cent in the subject, compared to 31.52 per cent this year.

The highest possible total score obtainable was 540 marks. The cut-off score for the top schools are: Queens College 514 marks, Bishops’ High 510 marks, St Stanislaus College 506 marks, St Roses High 503 marks and St Joseph 500 marks.

The top one per cent of

this year’s cohort comprised 79 males and 89 females.

The Minister pointed out on a gender basis, the performance of boys declined by 9.6 per cent and girls 11.7 per cent.

On the other hand, some 51.92 per cent of students who wrote English secured over 50 per cent in the subject, compared to 28.73 per cent in 2014.

In Science, 43.75 per cent of students scored 50 per cent and more in the subject, a marked improvement from the 31.77 per cent in 2013.

For Social Studies, 40 per cent of students secured over 50 per cent, the same as last year.

A total of 15,227 students wrote the NGSA on April 16 and 17. Minister Manickchand said the results will soon be released to the respective schools.

She explained that the

According to Manickchand, there was a 25 per cent increase in the number of schools sending more students to sit the NGSA, while there was a 10 per cent increase in schools scoring over 50 per cent in the various subjects at the NGSA overall.

Region Seven was named the most improved region with a 15 per cent increase in students’ performance compared to 2014. Region 10 also saw a 10 per cent improvement while Georgetown recorded an eight per cent improvement.

In addition, the NGSA 2014 results revealed that private schools performed exceptionally well. Nine students in the top 10 were from private schools in Georgetown and East Bank Demerara. The top student, Jorrel

de Santos of the New

Guyana School, scored 533. Of the 168 students in the top one per cent, 106 were from private schools.

The only student in the top 10 from a public school was Jeremiah Bentham of Winfer Gardens Primary, who scored 524 marks.

Krystal Singh of Success Elementary and Jeron Boucher of Genesis Early Childhood, both private school students, also scored 524 marks.

A section of the gathering at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) on Thursday

Education Minister Priya Manickchand announcing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results on Thursday

Woman jailed for two years after assaulting nine-year-old daughter

Thirty-one-year-old Patricia Pashur was on Thursday jailed for two years after she was convicted of burning her nineyear-old daughter with a hot knife sharpener.

Pashur, of Lot 115 East La Penitence, Georgetown, had pleaded not guilty to the offence when she made her second appearance at the

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm.

On January 5, 2013 at their home at 15 Norton and Camp Streets, the defendant’s daughter allegedly stole $1000. Upon discovering the money missing, Pashur questioned the child who denied stealing the money. The

mother of three became angered, heated a knife sharpener on the stove, and burnt the child about her body, leaving scars.

The matter was reported to the Child Care Protection Agency and an investigation was carried out.

The defendant was unrepresented by legal counsel. Her children were placed in the custody of the state.

Region Two residents complain about drug shortage, poor roads

Shortage of drugs, poor condition of roads and drainage and irrigation issues were some of the problems raised when the Region Two Administration recently met with residents.

The meeting to hear the concerns of residents was held in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council, Anna Regina.

According to Region Two Chairman Permanand Persaud, the discussion was fruitful and some of the questions raised will be forwarded to the Local Government Ministry and the Office of the President.

He said apart from the responses to the questions raised, residents also made several excellent suggestions to ensure greater checks and balances of work being done by the region.

Persaud said the meeting was geared to promote greater transparency, and accountability of work being

A section of the gathering at the meeting in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council, Anna Regina

done in the region, and will become an integral part of the region’s mandate.

The meeting was attended by Regional Democratic Councillors, Regional Vice Chairman Vishnu

Samaroo, Regional Executive Officer Sunil Singh, heads of Department of the Region Two Administration, and chairmen of all the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.

Enmore man accused of abducting ex-girlfriend

A28-year-old Enmore man accused of trying to force his former girlfriend to go to a hotel with him was granted $350,000 bail on Thursday.

Mark Bhikari, of Lot 30 Front West, Enmore, East Coast Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry.

It is alleged that on June 6 at Georgetown, the defendant attempted

to compel Vashti Sukhdeo to go with him to the KVC Hotel. According to court documents, Sukhdeo was on her way home from work, when Bhikari, who was passing in a taxi, had the driver stop the vehicle, into which he subsequently forced her. The Virtual Complainant tried to escape, but was unsuccessful. The taxi driver, upon seeing what happened, drove straight to the Criminal Investigations Department

(CID) headquarters.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was represented by Attorney George Thomas, who told the court that the two shared a relationship for three years before making an application for reasonable bail.

Bhikari is to report to CID Headquarters every Friday and on July 4, he will return to the Magistrates’ Courts to submit statements.

Eyew tness

Newfangled ideas...

...on children

So yesterday was “World Day against Child Labour”. Your Eyewitness wants to know why they didn’t have this “day” when he was a child. God, did he labour when he was a child!! Hauling water, chopping wood, working in the garden, feeding and slaughtering chickens, selling at the market...these were only the tip of the iceberg. The young Eyewitness was in charge of the bananas...and he had to test the merchandise... it was a dirty job, but the boy had to do it.

The young Eyewitness used to whine and moan and groan, something fierce at the time...but that didn’t cut any ice with his father. He was of the old school –spare the rod and spoil the child was his motto. And the Eyewitness certainly wasn’t spared. But now that he ploughed through the two pages of ads against child labour, and what not...he’s beginning to wonder what the fuss is really all about.

Sure he bitched when he was a child about his chores... But that’s what children are supposed to do, no? What right thinking child wouldn’t instead be pitching ducks and drakes without a care in the world? But thinking back about it now, your Eyewitness realises that it was precisely those experiences that made him into the fella he is. A bit of a workaholic and an overachiever.

If his family wasn’t poor, your Eyewitness was sure he wouldn’t have had to work his butt off. But now that he had children of his own, how many times hadn’t he thought about how unmotivated they were? Geez, these children didn’t even bother to pick up their socks!!! He thought about his older brother’s children who’d been born and grew up in the States. Talk about unmotivated!!! Kids were in their 30s and still messed around with video games. Prolonged adolescence anyone??!!!

Now your Eyewitness isn’t talking about sending children into the cane fields. But hey! If your mother and father are both working their tushes off in those self-same cane fields and still can’t put food on the table...what’s a child to do? Go do some honest job or turn to choke-and-robbing? This Eyewitness has no problem with saving children from the coal mines (or its local equivalent, the cane fields) but gimmie a break! Shouldn’t more effort be placed on finding employment for adults?

We bet if this were to be taken care of, not only won’t our children be working ....they’ll become freeloaders into their 30s. Like his brother’s American children.

...on ethnic leaders

Some people just can’t get it through their thick skulls that there’s no “race problem” in Guyana. David Granger says so. And if we believe some of his followers, he can’t be wrong. The man is the best thing to hit Guyana since sliced bread. But interestingly, these same followers say Granger doesn’t know his ass from his elbow when it comes to the “race question”.

There’s this one by the name of Harald, who hooked up with Granger on Liberty Avenue and reported thusly: “The walk through was wonderful for an African Opposition leader in an Indo-dominated community.”

For Christ’s’ sake, Harald, Granger is not an “African” leader...his party is full of all sorts of people. He said so. And he’s about to be beatified by ex-AFC deserters.

...Part

II

Another Granger acolyte by the name of Mike Persaud says Granger must step aside as leader of the PNC and appoint an Indian to the position. He would have to APPOINT the Indian fella – cause his chance of being elected to the position by PNC members stands as much a chance as a snowball in hell.

But for Christ’s sake Mike, put a lid on it. Granger’s not an African leader. He’s the leader of all Guyanese. Why should he find an Indian token?

Security force was protecting the state – Granger

People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader Brigadier (retired) David Granger has said as far as he knows, members of the security forces back in 1979 and 1980s had a responsibility to defend the state against any form of threat.

On that point, he contended that the allegations brought against the then PNC Government at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) now might be somewhat unfair.

Speaking exclusively to Guyana Times on Thursday at his Hadfield Street Office, the onetime Army Commander reasoned that the “civil rebellion” created by the political Opposition was a threat. That rebellion, he recalled, was staged to overthrow the PNC Government, which was led by the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

“I want you to understand that this was not a one-sided story that Joe Hamilton and Karen DeSouza painted, it was a rebellion against the Government.”

He recalled that during the “rebellion”, Dr Rodney had become very outspoken, publicly ridiculing Prime Minister Burnham. He pointed to his speech where he implied that the Guyanese leader was “King Kong”, and “should be placed in a zoo and people would come from all over the world to pay to see King Kong”.

The Walter Rodney CoI, since its commencement on April 28, has been flooded with testimonies, lashing the PNC and the role it allegedly played in the death of Dr Walter Rodney.

Infiltrated

Reports from witnesses also claim that the security forces, including the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force, had been infiltrated by the Government of the day and was being used to work against the political Opposition.

But Granger, the current leader of the party, said the situation at the time was getting out of hand and needed to be quelled instantly.

“During that civil rebellion, we knew that political forces were involved in instigating strikes against the Government; there were street protest and rallies against the Government. There was arson in which the headquarters of the People’s National Congress was destroyed by fire, there were several organisations launched against the Government and the Defence Force was being penetrated.”

He continued that a “certain” political party had be-

Basil Williams’ comments scandalous – Glen Hanoman

Lgun the printing of bulletins, which it shared to soldiers, with an aim of causing them to derelict their duties as “protectors of the state”.

“So several things were going on then in the Guyana Defence Force and the country at large,” Granger said.

The retired Brigadier informed that during the same period, there were also disturbances in other countries, where members of the military had seized political power. He said a certain section of the society was seeking to imitate the “revolts” being carried out in countries such as Suriname and Grenada.

Granger pointed out, however, that his role as Commander of the Army at the time, did not allow him the scope to be involved in any intelligence matter, if any such had been carried out. Such responsibilities would have rested entirely on the Chief-of-Staff, Norman McLean.

The testimony against the security forces suggest that their leaders at the time, retired Major General Norman McLean as Chiefof-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force and the late Laurie Lewis of the Guyana Police Force, had worked their way into the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), through members of the lower echelon.

Ex-Police Corporal and now convicted felon Robert Gates, who also has several other aliases, had told the Commission last week that he was used by the Guyana Police force to spy on the WPA. He had suggested too that murder accused Gregory Smith might have been used by the Guyana Defence Force for a similar purpose. Granger said he had never met the accused.

“I knew that he was a member of the Force, I never met him personally, and I am unaware of any relationship he had with Dr Rodney. That was a private relationship that was not an official function that he had to perform as a member of the Coast Guard”.

ead Counsel for the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Attorney Glen Hanoman has chastised People National Congress Reform (PNCR) Attorney Basil Williams for asserting that the Commission is nothing but a soap opera.

Hanoman said he would have expected such comments from someone who is not a lawyer, and who stands outside the periphery of the CoI.

Williams told members of the media on Wednesday that the testimonies of witnesses have been chorus lines of hearsay, second hand knowledge, opinions and guesswork. He argued that the evidence given so far would not have been admissible in a court of law.

But the Counsel representing the interest of the Commission told Guyana Times in an off camera interview that what Williams

is projecting is a breach of the sub judice rule.

“It’s ok to say what evidence is being led and so on, but to give you spin and analyses of the evidence and criticise witnesses or the work of the Commission is improper.”

Such rules, he said are common at CoIs, meaning that everything is under judicial consideration. He said being under such, one would not want to scandalise or make pre-judgments on the outcome of the case.

“In essence, Williams’ com-

ments are irresponsible and improper. The fact that the comments made by Mr Williams, who is a participant in the process, makes it even worse,” Hanoman said. Williams had said that Government has been shielding witnesses from cross examination by PNCR lawyers. He said too that after pumping hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ dollars into the inquiry, it has faltered. He claimed too that there is no evidence linking the then PNC Government to the death of Dr Rodney. Since the death of Dr Rodney on June 13, 1980, the PNC Government had been accused of being responsible by working through ex-army electronics expert and Sergeant Gregory Smith. Smith was said to have handed Dr Rodney the bomb placed in a walkie-talkie that exploded and killed him. The PNC has denied that accusation.

Opposition Leader David Granger

Attorney Glen Hanoman

Attorney Basil Williams

Furore over IFMAS manufactured – Finance Minister

The “raging furore” about two modules of the Integrated Financial Management and Accounting System (IFMAS), the Purchasing and Asset and Inventory Modules, which are yet to be implemented, is the ultimate example of manufactured controversy, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said Thursday evening.

Speaking at a media conference at the National Communications Network Studio, Dr Singh spoke of an article headlined “Jagdeo deceived the nation” with reference to the two unimplemented IFMAS modules.

“You honestly believe that the President of a country inserts himself in which accounting module should be implemented and when, and how it should be customised, you honestly believe that?… Is that what you put us there to do?... I have neither the inclination or the mandate to insert myself into such technical matters. Under all normal circumstances, the issue of defining the technical solution is one that is determined by a technician. That is how it should be and so it is in Guyana.”

Further, “the Government’s policy, as is adumbrated to the Finance Minister, on Cabinet’s behalf”, Dr Singh said, “is that we want a robust effective accounting system that is our policy. That is conveyed and transmitted to our staff

who then go away, improvise and implement the best technical solution”.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, the Finance Minister gave some insight into the system which was instituted from January 4, 2004, explaining that the IFMAS has seven features or modules: the Appropriation, Expenditure, General Ledger, Budget Preparation & Reporting System (BPRS), along with the still-to-be implemented Purchasing and Asset and Inventory Modules.

“Votes Ledgers” It was explained that until 2003, cumbersome “Votes Ledgers” were used with each ministry, manual systems that were tedious and time-consuming, to handle their accounts and financial operations. The new electronic system, sourced from a Canada-based software company, Free Balance, has since enabled ministries to have their accounts centralised with expenditures and transactions submitted in real time. Modules implemented were done based ON the order of importance for the Ministry, with high-quality internal controls, integrated authorisation sets, tracking for funds approved, etc being deemed most important, the Minister explained. These were core modules to ensure core coverage and functionality in alignment with business pro-

cesses. Making reference to other articles, in which former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran cited the nonimplemented modules for seeming lapses, Minister Singh clarified the occurrences. One instance of a car, PJJ 3886, which was purchased via the Public Works Ministry and discovered missing was an occurrence that the “modules” would not have prevented, he noted. “This was discovered by other systems and checks which are in place”.

In another instance where 20 vouchers for the Education Ministry were not located, the Minister explained, that the amount involved, just over $2 million, was less than 0.002 per cent of the total Education Ministry’s annual budget.

While not condoning the lapses, Minister Singh said no system is foolproof and pointed out, again, that the breaches were discovered by other systems which are in place. He noted that other more developed nations had far worse cases of impropriety. “Every country has occasional violations” and measures are always being put in place to close loopholes as they occur.

Strong systems

He explained, “The instances of violations are not nearly as cataclysmic as the raging headlines seem to suggest. There are instances of violations, they should not happen but where they occur, thankfully we have systems that are strong enough to detect them, they are reported to the Parliament, they are considered by the Public Accounts Committee, they are ventilated for the public to see.”

Free Balance, the Minister explained, provides a standard platform for its IFMAS which is, however, customised for each country as they see fit. This system is constantly examined and upgraded as necessary, with the most recent improvements being made in 2013. The two modules that are still to be implemented are not critically needed as the other modules have features that effectively overlap the functions of the aforementioned units.

The Minister was accompanied at the press conference by Budget Director Sonya Roopnauth, Accountant General Colonel Jalawar Persaud, Deputy Accountant General Jennifer Chapman, IFMAS Manager Jennifer Harry and Deputy Finance Secretary Louise Boyea.

Pastor Run run outta islands

When tourists from North America and Europe come to de Caribbean islands, dem does come fuh sun, sea, sand and sex, and not necessarily in that order. Most times, de last one does come first, and that does cause a lotta goin and comin.

A taxi man seh it does be more comin than goin, but yuh can never know de truth by talkin to a taxi man. Dem does wanna put on some ting to every ting, just like how dem does put on some ting pun dem fares whah dem does charge dem tourists, plus ask fuh a tip, then put on some ting pun top of de tip too.

But goin back to de goin and de comin, some a dem tourists does come and wanna come again and don’t go back wheh dem come from. So dem does either come back nuff time, or nuff a dem does come back and live right hey in de Caribbean wid dem family.

Some does come so much that dem does get new family, while some does come and get more than one family. That does mek one big family and all de West Indians does live and wuk together, except when it come to de West Indies cricket team. Dem does only lose together.

Now de Caribbean gotta a lotta islands, so when Pastor Run seh de other day that he gon send some people away to live on a island by dem selves, every body thought it was one a dem Caribbean islands he was talkin bout.

Some thought Jamaica, but then dem mighta get dem dead deh. Some thought Barbados, but then it already gotta people like that deh. So then it must be right in Guyana.

But de Leguan people seh not deh, because dem not goin anywhere, and dem born deh. De Wakenaam people also seh not deh either, because dem gon soon be part of Venezuela and dem gon be talkin Spanish and usin pesos!

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! So, it look like Pastor Run runnin outta islands. Now Pastor Run on de run!

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Parliamentarians plan visit to Chinese logging company

The Parliamentary Sectorial Committee on Natural Resources has planned to visit the operations of Chinese logging company, Bai Shan Lin Inc, Region 10.

In a recent letter to Region 10 Democratic Council (RDC), Committee Chairman, Member of Parliament (MP) Odinga Lumumba stated that in keeping with its 2014 Works Programme, the Committee will conduct visits to both of Bai Shan Lin Inc, Region 10 operations located at Linden (Soesdyke Highway) and Kwakwani (Berbice River).

Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon noted that while this will not be the first time the Parliamentary Sectorial Committee would be carrying out such visits to the company, the visit will coincide with the interest and concerns of the administration over the company’s recent non-compliance with environmental health and safety guidelines.

“They (Committee) are also looking to have from us, as a region, a report of some of our concerns regarding Bai Shan Lin, in Linden and Region 10 as a whole. They’re going there to find out the region’s interest,” he said.

Loggerheads

The RDC, which has been at loggerheads with the company, had recently put on hold a proposal for the development of two wood processing plants in the region, citing non-compliance of environmental health and safety guidelines as the main reason.

Bai Shan Lin had sought permission from the RDC for the establishment of the two plants in SoesdykeLinden and at Lower Kumacka, Demerara River, both of which were blocked

AFC to Govt: Cut the chat on AML/CFT Bill

The Alliance For Change (AFC) said despite all the rhetoric coming from the Government on the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, it is now quite clear that they have no real interest in the passage of the legislation.

by the RDC.

Odinga Lumumba, in the letter stated that the main objective of the visit is to observe and examine the development of the company under environmental safety guidelines.

The letter further stated that the National Assembly has established four sectional committees, charged with the responsibility of scrutiny of all areas of Government’s policies and administration.

It said the Parliamentary Sectorial Committee on Natural Resources is one of the four committees established. It comprises MPs Odinga Lumumba as Chairman, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine (Vice Chairman) and Vanessa Kissoon, among others.

The Regional Chairman

had mounted pressure on the company which has been involved in mining and logging activities in the community for years, to step up in putting certain necessary environmental systems in place.

He stated that it has not been adhering to calls made by the regional legislative arm for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on a laterite pit at Moblissa, in which almost 47,000 tonnes of material was removed by the company.

Solomon had made the call for Bai Shan Lin to comply with all necessary environmental considerations and permits from statutory agencies such as the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Guyana Lands and Survey, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the EPA, before moving any further with its operations and expansions.

He said the decision was guided based on advice given by the RDC’s environmental consultants.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party said the issue of the AML/ CFT Bill is just an opportunity for the Government to make appropriate noises “designed to fool the regional and international community about their commitment to the fight against financial crimes. Their unwillingness to deal with corruption and to stem the flow of illicit money is evident in their refusal to yield to the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission and their sloth in implementing the provisions of the existing AML/CFT Act”.

The AFC charged that in an economy awash with illicit money, there has only ever been one prosecution for offences under this Act.

“The public needs to understand that the Procurement Commission is a provision in our Constitution

(Article 212 W), reinforced by way of the Public Procurement Act, and is intended to ensure that citizens get value for their tax dollars. It was designed to lend confidence to the procurement process and limit opportunities for Government officials to demand bribes and kick-backs from contractors/ suppliers. A functioning Public Procurement Commission would also reduce the fear of contractors/suppliers that they could be discriminated against if they do not support the Government of the day.”

The AFC, which has made the establishment of the PPC its main prerequisite for supporting the Bill, said “one would have thought that these would have been good enough reasons for the Government to hastily establish the Commission, especially as they were the ones who spearheaded the passage of legislation for its creation. However, they continue to make lame excuses while maintaining full control over a process that sees billions of tax payers’ dollars squandered each year”.

The AFC said international bodies estimate that some 20 per cent of the money for all contracts goes towards bribes and kick-backs for high placed public officials.

“This is public money, money that rightfully ought to go towards improving the quality of life of the Guyanese people and not into the hands of corrupt Government officials. If the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party/Civic] Government was serious about addressing money laundering, they would have made robust efforts to strengthen the Financial Intelligence Unit without having to be forced to do so by an external body. They would have established the Public Procurement Commission, ensured that there was a properly constituted Integrity Commission, taken steps to encourage the establishment of a DEA office in Guyana, ensured the extradition of drug lords to the US, among other measures. It is clear that the PPP/C Government is only interested in noise making. It is time to cut the chat and start implementing.”

Member of Parliament Odinga Lumumba

Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon

On June 12, 2014, Guyana joined voices across the globe to call for the elimination of Child Labour, which is work that deprives children of their child hood.

While the statistics show a decline, there are still 168 million children worldwide in child labour; 85 million of them are in hazardous work. Alarmingly, there are 13 million (8.8%) children in child labour in Latin America and theCaribbean.

The Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security has an advocacy mandate to the elimination of child labour. Its daily operations include

Message by the Hon. Minister of Labour

Dr Nanda K. Gopaul

In observance of World Day Against Child Labour June 12, 2014

Today we join the rest of the world in observing World Day Against Child Labour under the theme 'Extend Social Protection: Combat Child Labour'! This year's theme draws attention to the role of social protection in keeping children out of the child labour market.

Social Protection of our children is a human right and makes sound economic and social sense. It enables our children access to education, health care and nutrition and plays a critical role in the fight against child labour. Giving social protection to our children helps to prevent the scourge of child labour by reducing economic vulnerability of families, enabling children to go to school and protecting them from exploitation. The Ministry of Labour re-affirms its commitment to combat all forms of child labour thus ensuring our children are given the opportunity to live healthy, happy and productive lives.

The Government has continued to put social programmes in place aimed at supporting families to meet basic needs. Among these are the school feeding programme, which provide a hot meal for children in many areas in our interior location. The Government also provides each child in the public school system with a uniform voucher to aid in the provision of school materials, including text books. An additional grant of $10,000 per child will be given to ensure that parents acquire other necessities for their children to attend and remain in school. In addition, transportation for children especially in remote areas is being provided and parents, especially single parents, are being empowered with requisite skills to better meet the needs of their families.

The Ministry of Labour, through its Labour Officers, continuously sensitizes students, parents, teachers, employees and employers on the negative impact of

child labour. The Ministry also monitors and investigates reports of under-aged children who are engaged in any form of employment.

In this context, the Ministry wishes to express our appreciation for the support of the National Tripartite Committee, comprising employers, workers and labour movement representatives, employers and concerned citizens, who have been supportive of our efforts to tackle child labour.

We also salute the support of the International Labour Organisation in this fight.

Employers, parents, teachers, children; childhood is a time to grow. At this tender age, the body is developing and requires proper nutrition and exercise to grow. This is necessary to become productive adults. We need to ensure that every child has a full childhood and not one burdened by adult activities, such as employment and taking care of the family. In spite of difficult circumstances, children must not be put to do labourious work. It is against the law and deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity and can be harmful to their physical and mental development. It also affects their ability to attend school and education is critical to success and poverty reduction.

I am aware that there are unreported cases. Everyone has a duty to report cases of child labour. We need to expose these atrocities. At the level of Government we remain vigilant to guard against it and will continue to strive to improve the social protection that is necessary to prevent this scourge. The Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring that every child completes secondary education and move to even higher academic qualifications.

Let us all work together to prevent and end child labour in our society now!

Ministry of Labour, Human Services

WORLD DAY AGAINST

identifying all forms of Child Labour, investigating and prosecuting individuals found in violation of the laws of Guyana, as it pertains to employment of children. The country has also signed several international Conventions obligating it to prevent child labour, including the International Labour Organisation's Convention No. 182 on the Eradication of the worst forms of Child Labour.

As we raise our voices to condemn child labour, the Ministry urges everyone to play a part in eliminating child labour by reporting all cases.

Message by Kenneth Joseph General Secretary Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana

Guyana is spared the results of the worst forms of Child Labour because most of its Labour being focused mainly on the coastal line and the majority of its agricultural products being owned by the Government. This country, unlike many others, has seen more involvement in labour by the female gender with positive results being expected from this sector of the population.

The men folk in Guyana on the coast line are involved in work in factories, construction and in cash crop planting. This planting at times find a lot of family involvement and has been seen as work for young people mostly out of school time.

With the focus placed in education by the Government, very little exposure to high risk toxin and pesticides are involved within the young community. There is not any or much report of illness from lifting of heavy loads and strains, cuts and punctures from the use of sharp instruments etc.

While there exists some vending in small shops most persons could claim that this is done to assist in raising of funds during out of school periods by those that are in need. With the recent investigation by members of Parliament concerning the operations in the interior found very little report of child labour in their report.

Worst forms of child labour, such as forced commercial sexual exploitation, seem to exist, but these reports are being investigated by organization and Government with a view of eliminating them.

Youths involved in gangs are also signs being seen in the country and with a few reports of excesses by the Guyana Police Force, it does appear that the security forces are involved in arresting this situation.

There seem to be very little involvement in harassment by employers both immigrant and non-immigrant to suggest much exploitation.

Guyana Labour Laws provided for labour protected by Ministry of Labour, Occupational Safety & Health Act, Trade Unions Law, Termination Laws of modern times and these laws are policed by the officers of the Ministry of Labour, Trade Unions and other organization to protect the young person from being exploited, as in many other countries in the world.

It is important that this arrangement of containment for the Health and the Education of the youth to continue legal regulations.

Labour laws provide for Labour protected by age, and hours of work. Protection through the OSH Act, Discrimination Act, the Trade Union Act, Trade Union Recognition Act and the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act along with organistion and by the Ministry of Labour, Education and in some instances the security services.

The Theme 'Extend Social Protection: Combat Child Labour' is a call for more action to keep our youths safe and guarded from the worst form of child labour and should be embraced by all.

Children attending sensitisation Programme

A 2013 Child labour prevention event

Winning mural paint-off WDaCL 2011

Human Services and Social Security in observance of

AGAINST CHILD LABOUR 2014

Message by Mr Lincoln Lewis General Secretary Guyana Trades Union Congress

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) stands firmly in its commitment to ensure that the children of this nation are not exploited economically through Child Labour. As global stakeholders advance the importance of a Decent Work Agenda to sustainable development, the presence of Child Labour continues to haunt us. The International Labour Organisation, (ILO) which includes Government, Employers and Workers organisations, has agreed that stamping out the scourge of Child Labour requires the creation, establishment and implementation of conventions and laws that would head on confront the plight of forced labour and in particular, protecting the Rights of the Child as crucial to national development.

ILO Convention No. 29 calls for the universal prohibition of forced and compulsory labour in all forms; Convention No. 105 mandates the abolition of forced labour and provides for the suppression of any form of forced or compulsory labour in specified cases, among them are political coercion, education or as punishment of holding or expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system; Convention No. 182 appeals to member-states to pursue a National Policy designed to ensure the effective abolition of Child Labour; Convention No. 138 establish laws for minimum age for admission to employment and work “between the ages of 14 to 15: and prohibit the employment of young persons under the age of 18 in work or activities that are likely to jeopardise their safety, health or moral development.”

As a member state Guyana subscribes to these ILO tenets. But subscription is not only about ratification. Subscription more importantly is about ensuring policies and practices are put in place to guarantee these tenets and secure a safe environment for children. It is about policing the employers and the environment where children are found to ensure they are protected from being exploited economically and all their rights respected. It is about putting in place the requisite resources to combat Child Labour, which must also see appropriate education programme (s) and children placed at the heart of any National Policy that addresses the nation's developmental thrust.

The children are our future and it's the responsibility of adults to teach them well and let them lead the way, by showing them all the beauty they possess inside, and instilling in them that sense of pride to explore the world with their dignity intact. Our children must be allowed to enjoy the protection and benefits befitting their age and vulnerable status. They must be able to grow, develop and given opportunities to realise their full potential, enjoying the protection of childhood and all its innocence. Violators of our children's innocence, trust and rights must be met with loud condemnation by all, and feel the full force of the laws which must be strengthened to make deterrence meaningful.

GTUC sees the plight of children, their protection and development at the kernel of our thrust in creating a just and fair society. It is against this backdrop we continue to commit ourselves to working with all stakeholders in eradicating Child Labour. Families or whomever, regardless of status or where they are located, must not be allowed to hide behind claims of cultural patterns nor must any excuses be accepted where child labour is found to exist.

Message by Samuel J. Goolsarran Consultant Adviser (Ex. Dir.)

The Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry Ltd

The Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry Ltd. (CAGI), which is an Organization of Employers since 1962, is committed on its own, and to join with other organizations, institutions, and agencies in the national and global efforts to support fully measures designed to combat Child labour, and to promote the welfare of Children through education and effective social protection measures. CAGI is pleased to send this message on the occasion of the observance of World Day Against Child Labour 12 June 2014 with the theme - Extend Social Protection: Combat Child Labour. CAGI affirms that Child Labour is defined as children's work which is of such a nature or intensity that it is detrimental to their schooling or harmful to their health and development. The concern is with children who: are denied their childhood and a future, who work at too young an age, who work for long hours for low wages, who work under conditions harmful to their health and to their physical and mental development, who are separated from their families, who are deprived of education, or who are without social protection.

Such a situation impacting on the child can create irreversible damage to the child and is in violation of international law and national law, and every national effort must be taken to put effective, time-bound, and implementable measures to extend social protection to our children in the fight against child labour.

The two International Labour Conventions of the UN-ILO, which have been ratified by Guyana, place a binding obligation on Government and its agencies, and the social partners represented by the Employers and Trade Unions to bring the laws and practice in line these Conventions.

The Conventions deal with:

* the minimum age for employment to be not less than the age of completion of compulsory education (normally not under 15 years) –Convention 138, 1973; and

* the Worst Forms of Child Labour, applicable to all persons under 18 years of age, and requires ratifying states to take effective and immediate measures to prohibit and eliminate as a matter of urgency the worst forms of child labour – Convention 182, 1999.

Need for Collective National Action

Child labour is a scourge on society, denying childhood which should be dedicated to education and development, jeopardizing the children's potential of becoming productive adults for community life, and put at risk a country's long term productivity by denying education to the future workforce. This presents a challenge to progressively reduce child labour wherever it exists and in whatever form. This can be achieved with national determination and parliamentary political will, and with the support of labour and school inspectorates, social services, and the cooperation of employers and law enforcement agencies.

There is therefore the need for the national system to provide for strong, well trained and adequately staffed labour and school inspectorates with the financial and material means to enable them to discharge their advisory, technical, promotional, and enforcement work effectively. Indeed, it is the individual and joint responsibility of the governments, and the social partners - employers' and workers' organizations, Churches, religious organizations, political parties, and civil society to address the problems of child labour through education, social protection, and effective enforcement measures to combat Child Labour in the national community.

CAGI will continue to be an active advocate against Child Labour and for children to be at school and for national proactive social protection measures for our children.

All together against child labour.

Dynamic Airways arrives in Guyana

The newest airline to service the Guyana market, Dynamic Airlines, touched down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in its inaugural flight on Thursday.

The flight, which was initially delayed due to bad weather, eventually arrived around 13:30h much to the delight of the representatives of Roraima Airways, the company which will be responsible for the managing operations in Guyana.

The Boeing 767-200 aircraft with the capacity to seat 218 passengers arrived with eight crew members, including Captain David Withers and his co-pilot, Matthew Bull.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Captain Withers related that the crew will be here for the next 14 days and will leave on June 26 when the airline officially has its first flight out of Guyana, to New York.

Withers related that although he would have visited Guyana in the past, this was the first time he has touched down in the land of many waters as a pilot for Dynamic Airlines.

Questioned on how they intended to compete with the others airlines in the market, the Captain said: “We are focusing on the most important thing which is customer service.

We want to offer a service, which is very friendly, comfortable and very customeroriented. Our commitment to the Guyanese people is year-round, safe, affordable service that rivals and supersedes any major airline.”

Not threatened

He also noted that the company was not threatened by the other companies on the market, since it would be focusing on offering the lowest airfares possible to customers, an offer Guyanese will definitely take advantage of.

Withers noted too that the carrier is aiming for flag carrier status and to achieve this, it will most definitely be making the best services available to those who will

be capitalising on its presence.

The crew members, both males and females, seemed to be in the best of spirits as they descended from the aircraft with dazzling smiles. They related that they were not only ready to serve but also hold high expectations from the Guyanese market.

The Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737-800 appeared very small when compared to Dynamics’ Boeing 767200 which was parked to the right.

This comparison sparked comments from several spectators who had gathered to witness the historical moment, that they would now be travelling with Dynamics, given the size and space of its aircraft.

Fear deepens over missing teen … car

found with window shattered

By Gomatie GanGadin

The relatives of Danraj Latchman, 17, are now fearing the worst after he went missing on Tuesday evening, while his motor car PNN 9823 has been found with the windows shattered at Hubu Backdam, Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

Latchman, of 115 Lusignan, East Coast Demerara and a former student of the Institute of Business Education (IBE), was last heard from on Tuesday afternoon around 17:00h.

According to his mother, Tarmattie Daby, Latchman was a welder in his father’s business but upon receiving his driver’s licence earlier this year, his father decided to give him the vehicle to operate as a taxi in his free time.

She related that she last spoke to him on Tuesday afternoon around 17:00h when she called to enquire about his whereabouts as she had wanted him to purchase dinner.

“I call him around five o' clock and I ask him where he deh because I wanted to tell him to buy food for dinner. He tell me he carrying them over to Parika to a muslim man to collect some money that he got for them. When I call he back later now, he tell me how he still over at Parika and how the muslim man praying and they gotta wait. So I ask he is who he

with and by the time he call the name of the two boys, the phone cut off. When I try calling back now, all two of his phones turned off but I say that his battery probably died”, Daby related.

She noted that it was sometime around 20:00h that she realised that he had not make any contact with the family, nor was he seen by anyone and she again tried to contact him, but again the phones remained turned off.

“I start getting worried but I didn’t tell anybody anything. Ten o' clock reach and he still na come home so I start getting more worried and I tell his father. His father go over to the boys them house and as soon as he reach there they start hollering “he na deh hay; we na know where you son deh” and we left”, she said.

She noted however as it got later, she became even more apprehensive since he was never the type to stay out late and even when he did, he ensured that he made contact with his family.

It was at this point that she again approached the two boys whom she identified as “Tall boy brother” and “Boyo” also of Lusignan and asked what had transpired on their trip, when it was told to her that as they were heading back to Georgetown, Latchman reportedly picked up two boys in the vicinity of Zeelugt to drop to Enmore. They told Latchman’s mother that he had dropped them off at the road head of their village after which he related to them that he was heading to Enmore to drop the other two boys off.

The crew members pose with the Dynamic Airlines Boeing 767-200 aircraft in the background

Missing: Danraj Latchman

Digicel Guyana launches credit loan programme

Digicel subscribers have another reason to smile as the telecommunications giant unveiled another exciting promotion entitled “Digicel Credit Loan” on Thursday in the parking lot of Muneshwer’s Limited.

The new promotion will enable customers to top up their phones without using any money when they suddenly run out of credit and need to make a call. All subscribers need to do is dial *141# and follow the simple instructions to activate their credit account.

Once the account becomes active, $141 is automatically credited to the phone for usage to any network. In repaying the sum, during their next top-up, customers will have to pay $9 as a service fee, so $150 is automatically deducted.

Digicel Marketing Head

Jacqueline James, who was at the dramatic launch, said customers can apply for the Credit Loan any number of times during the course of the day once the initial loan is repaid.

James said the promotion was launched, since many times, persons might be in a situation and credit is not readily available, but with the Credit Loan, they

can continue their normal business.

“Sometimes, a young man or woman might be going on a date and their credit ran out at the last minute while making pick-up arrangements or you’re at home and the electricity went out but no credit to call someone to pick up candles or lamps… with the Credit Loan, all your headache will be overcome,” she added.

The marketing executive also explained that subscribers with credit in their phone are also eligible to participate in the promotion.

She reiterated that once someone is a subscriber of the Digicel network, they can take advantage of the promotion. James further explained that once a customer dials *141#, he or she will receive a message and the instructions can be easily followed.

At the launch, which was broadcast live on radio, there were several local comedians who enacted several scenarios during which persons ran out of credit and resorted to the use of Credit Loan. Those who turned up for the launch benefited from a number of giveaways, including umbrellas and hats.

Anna Regina man accuses Policeman of brutality

Afather of one is in pain after he was allegedly beaten by a Policeman attached to Anna Regina Police Station.

Orlando Khandai, 38, of the Anna Regina Housing Scheme, told Guyana Times that he and a friend were drinking beer at a nearby shop in Cotton Field around 19:30h, when two men approached and one started to beat him with a wood which had nails. He suffered bruises about the body and a broken finger.

The father said when he asked the men why they were beating him; he was told that he was under arrest for stealing. He said although he begged the Policeman to stop and have mercy on him, the blows continue. Khandai said he could identify the Police.

The man said he was taken to the Anna Regina Police

Station, and after declaring his innocence, he was released.

The man said he made several efforts to meet with the G Division Commander, but all proved futile.

This newspaper also tried to make contact with the Commander but to no avail.

One Cotton Field resident, who claimed to have witnessed the beating, said the Policeman, who was wearing a civilian tshirt, pulled Khandai and started to hit him on the feet.

The eyewitness said after the assault, Khandai was put into a vehicle, and carried to the station.

Khandai said he makes an honest living and is embarrassed over the Policeman’s attempt to tarnish his reputation. He was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was given a medical certificate.

Orlando Khandai points to the effect of a blow he received below the knee

Well-known comedians in action at the launch of Credit Loan

New Guyana School tops 2014 NGSA

BY Vahnu Manikchand and Jellicia Pinder

Male students have outshone their female counterparts, in the top 10 as they dominated the 2014 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The country’s top performer is an 11-year-old male student of the New Guyana School.

Jorrel De Santos secured the top spot with a whopping 533 marks from a total

score of 540. Speaking with Guyana Times, the young man said while he is excited about his achievement, he knew he would have done well.

Intense revisions and late night studies were part of his routine while preparing for the examination. He added that it was also difficult to sacrifice activities such as browsing the web, but knew it was something he had to do.

The young man noted that the biggest challenge he had was with Social Studies, which is not his favourite subject; however, he put his best foot forward and it paid off.

His advice to the next batch of NGSA candidates is to work hard and not “take the journey lightly”. “Make sure you revise and understand the concepts,” the as-

piring neurologist urged. He thanked God, his parents and the teachers of the New Guyana School for their tireless support.

The second placed was secured by School of the Nations student Aliah Mohamed, who obtained 531 marks. The young lady recalled that she was surprised when she heard the news, but was very thrilled at her performance. Mohamed said the school work was not difficult, but her home studies were tedious.

A composed Ravi Singh copped the third spot with 530 marks. The Westfield Prep student noted that he has always been a hard worker, and is happy with his performance.

Strict schedule

The young man explained that he had a strict study

schedule, which allowed him little time to rest. For next year’s NGSA students, the aspiring pilot is advising that while the journey would be “stressful”, they must remain brave and confident.

Another New Guyana School student, Isaac Mallampati, obtained 527 marks and was placed fourth. He credits God, his parents and teachers for his success. The lad noted while he did not expect to do this well, he is happy about his

performance as he made a lot of sacrifices.

With 525 marks, Analise Samaroo of School of Nations told this newspaper that she was unsure of her performance, but on seeing the results, she became overjoyed. She said reading played a big part in her success and encouraged others to make

reading an everyday habit.

Meanwhile, Krystal Singh of Success Elementary, the top student for Region Four, secured a

spot at Queen’s College with 524 marks. She said her success was the result of hard work, and thanked her parents, family members and

teachers for their support and encouragement.

Singh said she wants to become an architect, and her focus will be placed in this direction.

The seventh place was taken by Jeremiah Bentham, the only student of a public school, in the top 10. The Winfer Gardens Primary student, who gained 524 marks, said he was “shocked” at his achievement. The aspiring Mechanical Engineer pointed out that his early morning and late evening study with his mother had paid huge dividends.

“Very elated”

A jubilant Jeron Boucher of the Genesis Early Childhood, who tied with Bentham in seventh place, with 524 marks, was “very elated” at his achievement. He is also Region Three top student at the examinations.

He noted that he tried his best and it paid off, but said the studying process made him grumpy because he had to give up watching television and reading of his favourite books.

Another Success Elementary student, Shania De Groot, also among the top 10, scored 523 marks.

The somewhat shy young lady said in preparation for the examination, she burnt the midnight oil, and cannot be more proud of her results.

Rueben Stanley of Mae’s Schools, who also scored 523 marks, also expressed similar sentiments, but noted that his biggest challenge was neglecting his hobbies.

Apart from the top 10 students, students’ performance at the NGSA improved overall when compared to 2013, and there were a number of outstanding performances.

Mareisa Nascimento of Santa Rosa Primary with 510 marks was the top student in her region; Roshanee Daonarine of Good Hope

Primary with 519 marks, topped Region Two; Grace Etwaru of Rosignol Primary with 518 marks, topped Region Five; while Joel Persaud of Cropper Primary and Simeon De Abreu of All Saints Primary, who both scored 518 marks, shared the top spot in Region Six. Ravi Ramdass of High Achievers Institute with 505 marks topped Region Seven; Sean Abraham of Kato Primary with 474 marks topped Region Eight; and Angelique Thomas and Amisha Ramdin, both of St Ignatius Primary, and each with 502 marks, were adjudged the top students in Region Nine. Roy Rogers of Regma Primary, who secured 514 marks, is Region 10, 2014 top student.

Guyana continues to meet obligations under PetroCaribe – Finance Minister

Noting that Guyana has concluded three debt compensation agreements with Venezuela, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh has said Guyana continues to meet its obligations under the PetroCaribe arrangement.

Guyana’s debt to PetroCaribe was estimated at $198.27 million at the end of 2013 as compared to US$364 million at the end of 2012. Guyana’s debt to PetroCaribe is paid in paddy and rice as settlement for oil from Venezuela.

“We continue to meet our obligations under PetroCaribe,” Dr Singh told Guyana Times when contacted on Wednesday.

During his budget presentation in March, Dr

Singh had also said that Guyana’s external debt stock stood at US$1.2 billion, a reduction of 8.3 per cent from the previous year.

“This reduction was mainly as a result of Government concluding two additional compensation agreements under the PetroCaribe arrangement which saw US$281.1 million of oil debt effectively cancelled, [a sum] equivalent to the value of rice and paddy exported by Guyana to Venezuela from July 2011 to October 2013,” Dr Singh had told Parliament during his budget presentation.

And last year, Dr Singh had stated that towards the end of 2012, Guyana had signed its “first debt compensation agreement with

Venezuela which reduced the Petrocaribe debt owed to that country by US$100.8 million, [a sum] equivalent to the value of rice and paddy shipped from December 2009 to July 2011”.

Only last week, Guyana Times reported that Government is currently in talks with Venezuela on the possibility of exporting additional products to the Spanish-speaking country under the PetroCaribe arrangement.

Talks ongoing

“Talks are going on right now,” Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy had said.

Minister Ramsammy said cash crops, vegetables, fruits, medicine and building materials are just some

of the products Guyana could export to Venezuela, if talks go favourably with the Nicholas Maduro-led Venezuelan Government. Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett also confirmed to Guyana

Times that the administration is in talks with Venezuela to expand export.

“So far we are only exporting rice under the PetroCaribe mechanism and discussions to supply additional items have not yet been concluded,” Rodrigues-Birkett had stated.

Since last year, Government had said it was looking to move beyond the new rice agreement under the PetroCaribe deal.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said the question on whether Guyana should be concerned about the PetroCaribe agreement suddenly ending due to the perceived political upheaval and declining economy in

Venezuela is premature.

“Government will continue to participate in PetroCaribe,” Hinds had told Guyana Times. PetroCaribe is an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. The alliance was launched on June 29, 2005 in Puerto La Cruz, by Venezuela’s late President Hugo Chávez. The payment system allows for purchase of oil on market value for five to 50 per cent, up front, with a grace period of one to two years; the remainder can be paid through a 17-25 year financing agreement with one per cent interest if oil prices are above US$40 per barrel.

Rueben Stanley

Jorrel De Santos

Aliah Mohamed

Ravi Singh

Isaac Mallampati

Analise Samaroo

Krystal Singh

Jeremiah Bentham

Jeron Boucher

Shania De Groot

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Local Govt Ministry to spearhead countrywide clean-up – Dr Luncheon

The $1 billion national clean-up programme will be the responsibility of the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, after Cabinet’s approval in principle, for the Ministry’s expenditure of the allocated funds.

This was revealed by Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon during his weekly media briefing.

According to plans, $500 million has been dedicated to Georgetown and the remainder for the rest of the country. According to Dr Luncheon, the Georgetown phase will address the cleaning of the environment, restoration of its drainage capacity and infrastructure work dedicated to structures such as sluices and kokers.

concerns raised by Cabinet, Dr Luncheon noted, but these were addressed by subject Minister Norman Whittaker.

“The Minister of Local Government addressed those concerns by pointing out, one, the creation of staffing of a specialised unit in the Ministry that would deal exclusively with programming and implementing the activities in Georgetown, $500 million and for the rest on the coastal regions, the other $500 million.”

better and definitely to enhance their capacity to discharge their statutory functions.”

Dr Luncheon explained that it was also recognised by the Minister that the imminent enactment of new solid waste legislation for the entire country, had the potential of sustaining the solid waste component of the $1 billion provided via the National Budget 2014.

Fear deepens...

However, she noted that the two were not giving consistent stories and had fumbled multiple times.

The parents thought this was fishy and informed the Police who subsequently arrived at the home of the two and arrested them for questioning before a search was mounted for Latchman.

been only know”, the woman cried.

The coastal administrative regions will be the beneficiaries of the remaining $500 million, with specific focus on enhancing drainage capacity, described by the Cabinet Secretary as particularly challenging and solid waste disposal, issues which have generated “widespread concerns”, among coastal residents.

He pointed out that Minister Whittaker also recognised that there were entities and exiting structures that have statutory responsibilities for undertaking some of the very same functions and activities that he would be spending the monies on.

The issue of sustainability of the programme, and the fact that only six months remain in the year, were also

“He declared that some of this money, this $1 billion would indeed flow to these bodies to improve their functioning, to outfit them, resource them

The issue of spending the huge sum of money within six months, and providing credible results, is one that is recognised, and Dr Luncheon said that while the subject Minister is assured of Cabinet’s support, it is going to be a bit of a challenge.

“The taxpayers, the residents of Georgetown and these coastal administrative regions will all be interested when the six months would have elapsed, what kind of report our Honourable Minister would be providing.”

PNCR urges Govt to ensure law students’ admittance to Hugh Wooding

The People’s National Congress/Reform (PNCR) is calling on the Government of Guyana to “spare no effort in ensuring” that the 2014 top University of Guyana law students are admitted to the Hugh Wooding Law School.

Earlier in the year, the Council for Legal Education indicated that it will not be guaranteeing any of the 25 places usually offered to Guyanese students at the end of the degree programme at the Turkeyen Campus, as a result of limited space at the Hugh Wooding Law School. Since the announcement, Guyana’s Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall has been negotiating on behalf of the students; however, the matter is still to be resolved.

“The PNCR notes the agony and anxiety of our law students as they ponder their future as to whether they would have the opportunity to complete their studies and take their place at the Bar. The Government appears to be at its wits’ end

in resolving this imbroglio of its own making,” PNCR Chairman Basil Williams said on Wednesday during a press conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.

Jamaican Queen’s Counsel (QC) Jacqueline Samuels-Brown who chairs the Council of Legal Education had explained that some 300 graduates from the Faulty of Law, St Augustine will be seeking entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School.

“By the treaty establishing the Council of Legal Education, UWI’s graduates have automatic entry, bearing in mind we already have a population at the law

school now of over 400, and bearing in mind that the law school was built to accommodate less than 200,” she had further explained.

Caricom nationals must take into consideration the safety and health issues, she added, pointing out that the availability of lecturers to guide and train students must also be considered. Based on the outlined factors, the Council has agreed to continue the arrangement to give the 25 top Guyanese law students automatic entry into the Hugh Wooding Law School, but, this time, based on the availability of space.

The agreement between UG and the Council for au-

tomatic entry expired in November 2012; however, it was extended to 2013 on the request of the Guyana Government. During the first meeting of the Council in February, the issue arose but following a heated debate, the majority of the Council voted against Guyana’s request for a further extension of the agreement which dates back to 1996.

Though provisions have been made for 2014, current UG law students remain concerned over the future relationship between UG and the Hugh Wooding Law School.

The woman told Guyana Times that she is of the strong belief that the two had something to do with her son’s disappearance, since from the very start of the matter they were acting suspiciously.

She related that on Monday evening, the two boys he was with at the time of his disappearance, called her landline telephone and asked for a cellular number for Latchman.

She told Guyana Times that she gave them the number thinking they were genuinely interested in hiring her son’s services; but had she known this would have been the outcome, she would have never done so.

“They call Monday and ask for his number but every time they arrange to go with them they would cancel, cancel, cancel. Tuesday now they call he to pick them up but same time he had to go and pick up he auntie so he asked them if he could pick up them and then go pick up he auntie because she live right in Good Hope. They tell he no, they don’t want that. Them tell he to go and pick up he auntie and drop she off first and then go back for them. I never know that this would have happened…if I

Daby disclosed that initially the boys had claimed to have been dropped off at the road head of the village, but the vehicle was found late Wednesday afternoon in the Hubu Backdam in Parika, miles away from Georgetown and even farther away from Lusignan with the windscreens broken and pieces of wood and sand in the vehicle. However, no traces of blood were found.

She noted too that the Police have informed the family that the two have been giving conflicting stories under interrogation and this has led to them believing that the two indeed have a hand in the disappearance of her son. As of press time, the teenager’s family was in the Parika area searching for a trace of him.

Asked whether he had conflicts with anyone, the mother related that he had never indicated anything of the sort and she highly doubted that since he was a quiet, easy going child who spent most of his time at home.

The distressed mother is pleading with anyone who may have information on her son’s whereabouts or about what transpired on Tuesday evening to come forward, so that she can receive some closure on the matter.

“If anybody got my son, please don’t harm him and son if you are anywhere and you are seeing this, please come home”, the woman is pleading.

Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon

SUDOKU

You will have to go it alone if someone unexpectedly has a change of plans. Boost your attitude and update your look with a new hairdo or outfit.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

An irresistible offer will come your way. A social gathering with friends and neighbours will open your eyes to new opportunities. Make your home a welcoming place for family and friends.

Partnerships look promising in this current cycle. Consider getting in touch with a friend from your past. Make plans to travel or meet each other, or reconnect via email or social networks.

Stop avoiding your duties so that you can enjoy a little downtime with friends or family. The rewards will be worth the effort you expend.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Someone you respect and admire will want to form a partnership. Don’t make any hasty commitments. Put your cards on the table and see what develops.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t get exasperated with people who are having trouble keeping up. You have a lot of energy and stamina, so deploy a little patience to gain respect.

(April 20-May 20)

Improve your self-esteem by enhancing your appearance or getting in better shape. A romantic liaison will help motivate you. Love is in the stars.

(May 21June 20)

Taking note of advice from an older relative or friend will enrich your life and add to your prosperity. You will benefit from the experience others have acquired.

Your inner spirit will be stifled if you give in to negative comments. Shake off old-fashioned or outdated attitudes and ideas and allow yourself room to grow. Unleash a unique plan that you’ve been contemplating.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Depending on someone else will not get you anywhere today. Rely on your own attributes and finish whatever job you are given in order to avoid complaints and personal dissatisfaction.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Get to know the people who live in your neighbourhood. Your talents will be put to good use if you get involved in local issues. Join a group or volunteer for community events.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

You should make time to participate in a workrelated event. The information you receive will keep you in the know and ahead of the competition.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

Limacol CPL games will not be moved

- O’Donohoe assures

Speculations about the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games being moved from Guyana have been put to rest by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the League, Damien O’Donohoe.

During a teleconference on Thursday morning at Digicel’s head office in Kingston, Georgetown, O’Donohoe confirmed that the three matches in Guyana to be hosted at the Providence National Stadium will go ahead as planned.

After the third Test match between West Indies and New Zealand was switched from Guyana to Barbados, fans were questioning whether the Limacol CPL games would also be moved, given the current climate in Guyana’s cricket administration.

O’Donohoe, during a telephone link up from Trinidad and Tobago with sport journalists from Guyana, confirmed that what currently obtains in Guyana would have no effect on the matches being hosted here.

“While it is a shame Guyana has lost the Test match, I want to give the assurance that the Limacol CPL game will go ahead in Guyana as planned,” he assured.

O’Donohoe further pointed out that preparations are moving full steam ahead, as all the territories have been doing their part to ensure another successful tournament. The groundwork, he said, has been laid close to

a year now and they’re basically fine-tuning ahead of the mega event.

The CEO added that the Limacol CPL will provide the ultimate entertainment package, with some of the biggest names in cricket and showbiz.

Guyana Amazon Warriors set for encampment from July 1

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, on Thursday disclosed that eleven members from the 15-member squad will assemble from July 1 for an encampment period under the watchful eyes of head coach Roger Harper and team mentor Curtly Ambrose. Khan also indicated that the six Under-19 players will be part of the preparatory camp, and will be involved in all training, sessions and other team activities during the Guyana Amazon Warriors camp and match practice scheduled for their home games. The Under-19 players will not be part of the playing team on match day, according to Khan. With the franchise having a make-up of regional and international T20 stars, having all the players available for early encampment is not a luxury the territory can enjoy, and as such,

Khan disclosed that new West Indies captain Denesh Ramdin, Guyana Amazon Warriors international franchise Player, New Zealander Corey Anderson, Krishmar Santokie and Sunil Narine will join the squad on July 7 at the conclusion of the T20 series between West Indies and New Zealand. The former West Indies team manager further disclosed that New Zealander Martin Guptill and Pakistan

Mohammad Hafeez will join the preparatory camp on July 2 and 6, respectively.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors have retained 10 players from last year’s edition and have already become a force to be reckoned with.

The players retained are: Hafeez, Guptill, Narine, opening batsman Lendl Simmons, Ramdin, Santokie, Christopher Barnwell, Steven Jacobs, Veerasammy Permaul and Trevon Griffith.

The newcomers are Guyanese Leon Johnson, Ronsford Beaton, Robin Bacchus and Trinidad and Tobago fast-bowling allrounder, Navin Stewart.

The Under-19 players are Shimron Hetmeyer, Akshaya Persaud, Kevin Paul, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Daniel Basdeo and Kemo Paul.

The Guyana franchise, bought by the NEW GPC INC/Limacol, will 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).

Prior to the three home games, the Warriors will play Antigua Hawksbills on July 11; 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.

This year’s tournament commences on July 11 and ends on August 16. Jamaica Tallawahs won the inaugural tournament when they defeated the Guyana Amazon Warriors by seven wickets in the final in Trinidad and Tobago on August 24.

They will defend their title against the St Lucia Zouks, Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, Antigua Hawksbills, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Barbados Tridents.

Hip-hop superstar, Rick Ross, will headline one of the biggest concerts ever seen in St. Kitts and Nevis, during Limacol CPL Finals Week.

The popular rapper will top the bill at the concert, to be held at Warner Park Football Stadium on August 15, the night before the Limacol CPL final.

The Miami rapper will bring more international star quality to the high octane cricket tournament, which boasts some of the most exciting players on the planet, as well as Hollywood shareholders, Mark Wahlberg and Gerard Butler.

“Rozay” has scored five Number 1 albums in the US and collaborated with the likes of Jay Z, Kanye West and Drake, and fans will be hoping to see him perform some of his biggest hits, including The Boss, Aston Martin Music, and Nobody, from his latest album, Mastermind

The concert will un-

doubtedly add spice to what already promises to be a thrilling Finals Week in St Kitts, ensuring that the Limacol CPL lives up to its reputation as the Biggest Party in Sport.

Fans will also be treated to Beefy’s Bash, an allstar charity match featuring Sir Ian Botham, Brian Lara, Piers Morgan, Glenn McGrath, Wasim Akram and Shane Warne, two semi-final showdowns during the week, as well as the main event, the final of the Limacol CPL 2014, on August 16.

The Limacol CPL will be held from July 11 to August 16 with a total of 30 games. Three matches are slated for Guyana, on July 17, 19 and 20.

Defending champions Jamaica Tallawahs will put their title on the line against last year’s runner-up Guyana Amazon Warriors, Antigua Hawksbills, Barbados Tridents, St Lucia Zouks and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

GOA to host Olympic Day with Jog/Walk and 10km Team Run on June 18

The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) will stage its annual Jog/Walk and 10km Team Run on Sunday from 06:00h outside the Thomas Lands YMCA, Camp Road, Georgetown.

The event is part of the association’s observance of International Olympic Day.

The Jog/Walk is not a race and is open to all persons ten years and older, a release said.

It added that the 10km Team Run comprises of two females and four males and must complete the course in order to ob-

tain the points for the team.

Each association/ club/school can enter the maximum of two teams. First prize is $60,000; while the second and third place winners will collect $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

Persons participating in this event will receive a T-Shirt and an IOC Certificate. Completed Entry Forms should be returned to “Olympic House” 76 High Street, Kingston, no later than 16:00h on Wednesday June 18. No entry would be accepted for the team run after the closing date.

Matches in Guyana during the Limacol CPL will go ahead as planned

Omar Khan

England v Sri Lanka: Joe Root and Matt Prior lead recovery at Lord's

US Open 2014: Martin Kaymer leads Graeme McDowell

Joe Root scored a composed unbeaten century as England began their recovery from a dismal winter by reaching 344-5 on day one of the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Lord's.

In their first Test outing since the 5-0 Ashes whitewash by Australia, an England side featuring three debutants slid to 22-2 and 120-4 after being put in to bat on a green-tinged wicket.

But Ian Bell (56) and Moeen Ali (48) started the fightback before Root and Matt Prior punished a tiring attack in the evening sunshine.

Yorkshire batsman Root, batting at five in a new-look top six, reached his third Test century in the penultimate over of the day to finish 102 not out and Prior batted with increasing authority for an unbeaten 76.

Both players had been dropped in the latter stages of England's capitulation in Australia. But they marked their returns with confidence-boosting innings, albeit against a workmanlike Sri Lanka attack with little experience of English conditions.

"There's nothing that beats Test cricket and the challenge of scoring runs in

the first Test of the summer after the winter we had was something that I relished," said Root.

"After a difficult winter the way Matty came back into the side was testament to his character and ability."

As England began their new era under coach Peter Moores, a capacity crowd enjoyed a captivating day in which the hosts battled hard to wrest back the initiative that Sri Lanka had gained in the early part of the day.

With the experienced trio of Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott and Graeme Swann all departed for different reasons, England handed out three new Test caps for the second consecutive match for the first time since 1937-38.

But a new era produced familiar failings as their top order succumbed to reckless shots.

Debutant Sam Robson and Gary Ballance were caught behind pushing at deliveries from Nuwan Pradeep they should have left, and in between captain Alastair Cook played on to Nuwan Kulasekara attempting to cut a ball that was too close to his stumps.

Cook has now gone 21 Test innings without scoring a hundred, a sequence comprising Ashes series home and away.

Ian Bell, named England player of the year on Monday, batted with characteristic poise and purpose for 56, before he was lbw - on review - aiming across the line at Shaminda Eranga.

If Moeen was feeling the pressure as he walked out to bat for the first time in Test cricket at 120-4, he showed little sign of it.

Looking confident and energetic at the crease, the Worcestershire batsman, who has been awarded an

England increment contract for 2013-14, struck six fours and lofted his first ball from Rangana Herath over longon for six.

The left-arm spinner gained his revenge, however, when Moeen took a big swing at a flighted delivery outside off stump and edged to slip.

Prior survived the closest of lbw shouts to his second ball when Herath struck him on his back leg fractionally outside the line of off stump.

But as Sri Lanka's attack tired and the pitch dried out, he scored heavily through his favoured off side and marched to only his second fifty in 19 innings from 81 balls.

Root, meanwhile, scored all around the wicket as he posted his first century since making 180 against Australia at the same ground last year to round off a pleasing day for Moores and his men. (BBC Sports)

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings

AN Cook* b Kulasekara 17

SD Robson c †HAPW Jayawardene b Pradeep 1

GS Ballance c †HAPW Jayawardene b Pradeep 23

IR Bell lbw b Eranga 56

JE Root not out 102

MM Ali c DPMD Jayawardene

b Herath 48

MJ Prior† not out 76

Extras: (b 5, lb 11, nb 5) 21

Total (5 wickets; 89 overs) 344

To bat: CJ Jordan, SCJ Broad, LE Plunkett, JM Anderson Fall of wickets 1-14 (Robson, 3.6 ov), 2-22 (Cook, 6.1 ov), 3-74 (Ballance, 18.5 ov), 4-120 (Bell, 28.2 ov), 5-209 (Ali, 58.2 ov)

Bowling: KMDN Kulasekara 20-3-61-1, N Pradeep 17-167-2, RMS Eranga 18-2-861, AD Mathews 11-2-39-0, HMRKB Herath 22-2-68-1, HDRL Thirimanne 1-0-7-0

Andy Murray loses to Radek

Stepanek at Queen's

Andy Murray's 19-match winning streak on grass came to an end with defeat by Radek Stepanek at Queen's Club.

Murray, the defending champion, missed eight set points in the first set before going down 7-6 (12-10) 6-2 to the 35-year-old Czech.

It was the Briton's first defeat on grass since the 2012 Wimbledon final against Roger Federer.

Murray's next competitive appearance will be when he opens play at Wimbledon as the defending champion on 23 June.

The 27-year-old's hopes of gaining extra match time on the grass, and ideally winning a fourth Aegon Championships title, floundered on a sweltering afternoon in London.

He will now hope to put in some valuable work with Amelie Mauresmo, who was named as his new coach on

Sunday.

Stepanek always had the credentials to test Murray as a former semi-finalist at Queen's and quarter-finalist at Wimbledon, and a fixture in the world's top 50. It was against Stepanek at Wimbledon in 2005 that the 18-year-old Scot first made his breakthrough in terms of national attention, when he beat the then 14th seed in the second round.

The Czech had won only one of their five meetings since then but chose a high-profile occasion to take his revenge.

Murray had his chances, breaking serve in the first game only to hand it straight back, and letting a 6-2 lead slip in the tie-break, with a double fault and two unforced errors contributing.

Stepanek saw off four more set points before grabbing his opportunity, thumping away a forehand volley on his second

set point to stun the crowd, and he took a real grip on the match with a break at the start of the second.

Murray could make little impact on an increasingly confident opponent, winning just four of 42 points on the Czech's first serve, and with his own second serve vulnerable he remained the man under pressure.

Any hope of a fightback from the champion disappeared in game seven as a Stepanek return on break point clipped the net and dribbled over, leaving Murray stranded and facing a doublebreak.

There was no more luck required as Stepanek saw out the final service game, and Murray had once again come up short when defending the title he won in 2009, 2011 and 2013.

Top seed Stanislas Wawrinka beat Sam Querrey

6-2 6-2 to set up a quarter-final against Marinko Matosevic, who beat fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-2 6-4.

Second seed Tomas Berdych joined his compatriot Stepanek in the last eight with a 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory over Adrian Mannarino.

Berdych, the world number six, next plays Spanish 10th seed Feliciano Lopez, a 7-6 (7-3) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) winner over Kenny De Schepper. Meanwhile, defending champion Daniela Hantuchova and second seed Sam Stosur both lost in the third round of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham, but top seed Ana Ivanovic went through in straight sets.

Kimiko Date-Krumm, the 43-year-old Japanese, beat Hantuchova 6-4 6-0 and Casey Dellacqua overcame Stosur, her fellow Australian, 2-6 6-2 6-2. (BBC Sports)

Germany's Martin Kaymer shot a stunning five-under 65 to take a three-shot lead on day one of the US Open at Pinehurst.

The former world number one, 29, hit three birdies in his last five holes to race past Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, Americans Kevin Na and Fran Quinn and Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge.

Rory McIlroy shot 71 alongside English amateur Matthew Fitzpatrick, while six-time runner-up Phil Mickelson took 70.

Defending champion Justin Rose carded 72 and world number one Adam Scott 73.

Kaymer, who won the 2010 US PGA, showed imperious form to eclipse the 68s of McDowell and Na set in softer, more receptive morning conditions on the revamped Pinehurst No.2 course.

The European Ryder Cup winner, who clinched the prestigious Players Championship last month after a spell in the doldrums trying to remodel his swing, went out in one-under 34 and picked up a further shot at the 10th before his spectacular finish on a sultry afternoon in North Carolina.

"It's nice if you have just won before," Kaymer said. "I needed it for my confidence, for all the work I put in the last couple years, to show it was all worth it. I see things very positively right now."

McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, eagled the 528-yard par-five fifth alongside one bogey and one birdie and said his mental preparation had been spot on.

"Perhaps it wasn't my most amazing ball-striking round but this golf course you don't have to stripe it, you just have to hit in the correct places as often as you can and then you've just got to grind and pace putt as well as you can and make as many pars as you can," the 34-year-old, who was also second in 2012, told BBC Sport.

"This golf course is going to get firmer and faster just got to stay ultra patient and ultra conservative."

His countryman and playing partner McIlroy, the winner in 2011, leaked bogeys at the sixth and seventh before making amends with a birdie on the ninth to go out in 36. A further dropped shot came at the 16th before he birdied

the last from 10ft.

"I stayed patient and got rewarded with a birdie at 18," McIlroy said. "It was a grind out there at times but to shoot plus-one was a solid day.

"I just have to work on my speeds on the greens. Content? Definitely. I'm only three off the lead and it's only going to get firmer."

Open champion Mickelson dropped two shots in his last four holes to slip back as he bids to win the US Open for the first time to complete the career Grand Slam of all four majors titles. Mickelson, who turns 44 on Monday, would join Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen in clinching all four majors with victory this week.

"If I can manage my game and play it smart and just focus on the shot at hand, I feel like I'll give myself a good chance," said Mickelson, who was second behind Rose at Merion last year.

The 19-year-old Fitzpatrick, the US amateur champion, had a share of the lead at two under but dropped three shots in his last five holes, playing alongside Rose and Mickelson.

"That was great, I really enjoyed it," said Fitzpatrick, who turns pro at the Irish Open next week. "They are both great guys and both really supportive if I hit a good shot."

The 33-year-old Rose, looking to become the first player since Curtis Strange in 1989 to make a successful title defence, said: "I drove the ball really well. Putting felt comfortable. My short game was very poor."

Sweden's Henrik Stenson, who could leapfrog Scott in the rankings with victory on Sunday, ended one under alongside Masters runner-up Jordan Spieth, 20, fellow Americans Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker, Dustin Johnson, Harris English, Keegan Bradley and Brendon Todd, Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Italy's Francesco Molinari. England's Ian Poulter, Paul Casey and Danny Willett and Wales' Jamie Donaldson also finished level par alongside American Rickie Fowler, who was wearing plus fours in tribute to the traditional outfit of the late Payne Stewart, who won the US Open at Pinehurst in 1999 but died in a plane crash four months later. (BBC Sports)

Joe Root reached his third Test century - and second at Lord's - to shore up England's position

Kaymer demonstrated the form that won him the prestigious Players Championship this season

PAGES

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WicB threatens to axe guyana

…from U-19 Tournament – Dr Luncheon

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In announcing its decision to move the Test, the WICB expressed “serious reservations” about the bill, arguing that the legislation “thrusts the administration of cricket in Guyana from an independent body to the Government of Guyana.”

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The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has reportedly threatened to exclude the Guyana Under-19 team from the next Regional Tournament as it continues to express its concerns about the Cricket Administration Bill passed in the National Assembly recently.

The WICB recently removed the third Test of the West Indies/New Zealand series after failing to get assurances from President Donald Ramotar that the Cricket Administration Bill would not be signed into law until the WICB had addressed its concerns.

In a correspondence to Government recently, the WICB attempted to dissociate itself from any attempts or any intention to belittle or show disrespect to President Donald Ramotar or his administration. But in the same breathing, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon at a post Cabinet briefing on Thursday, the WICB is now threatening to exclude the Guyana Under-19 tournament from the upcoming regional tournament.

“Guyana, they are saying, don’t do as they say [and] the non-inclusion or exclusion of the Under 19 team from the

But according to Dr Luncheon, WICB’s charges are based on misconceptions of the Cricket Administration Bill. He added that Government requested WICB to provide them with a list of concerns about the Cricket Administration Bill but the request was not met.

“We are yet to receive a WICB well considered response to our earlier offer, within 14 days give us a list of your concerns about this Bill. Fourteen days have come and what we have gotten, threats and more threats.”

Dr Luncheon said the WICB thinks it is untouchable and that regional governments exist to do their bidding and following their dictates where cricket is concerned. “That is bad for the game and even worse for regional cricket.”

Meanwhile, Government says it plans to raise its issue with the WICB at the next CARICOM Heads of

Government meeting in July. “I am pretty certain that this will again be a subject matter…I am pretty certain President Ramotar is going to let loose on this band of WICBers.”

Government continues to defended the legislation, contending that it brought a new level of transparency and accountability to cricket administration. According to the release, the bill also addressed the issue of “rigged and fraudulent elections” and “financial irregularities”, which has plagued Guyana’s cricket.

“This Bill does not, in any way whatsoever, allow or permit, directly or indirectly, Government’s involvement in the administration of cricket in Guyana, save and except a singular instance, where the Minister is ascribed a function when the Act comes into operation. After that initiating act, the Minister’s role disappears,” government argued.

“Government, therefore, rejects all or any contention or insinuation that this Bill presents an opportunity for Governmental intrusion into the administration of cricket in Guyana.” Meanwhile, Guyanese have been condemning the “unilateral” move by the WICB to move the Test match from Guyana and may be even more enraged with this latest development.

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No sparring partners for Eastman ahead of Contender Series semi final

Andrew CArmiChAel

Guyanese Howard

“The Battersea Bomber” Eastman has been plagued by the lack of sparing partners as he prepares for the semi final in the Wray and Nephew Contender Boxing series in Jamaica on Wednesday.

Eastman will enter the ring with last year›s beaten finalist Tsetsi ‹Lights Out› Davis for a chance to meet the final of the 2014 Contender series.

Davis 36, and 5›8 weighting 147 pounds only fought on 12 occasions winning 9 of his fights with 3 losses and no draws while Eastman 43, has 60 fights winning 48 of them with 38 coming by way of knock out. Eastman has suffered 12 loses.

Eastman’s manager and

Coach Mark Thorn speaking with the Guyana Times said there is no sparing partner for the Guyanese boxer. Since winning his quarter final fight last month, The Battersea Bomber had been sparring with the Barbadian Christopher ‹Shaka› Henry. Thorn noted that Henry left for Barbados on Thursday leaving Eastman with no choice but to get some glove work in the gym from armature boxers.

The coach noted that there was a Jamaican boxer who had been assisting Eastman, but it is not in Eastman’s best interest in having that boxer around the Guyanese fighter.

Thorn noted that it appears that the Jamaican boxer was trying to hurt the Guyanese during sparing sessions.

The coach is however

confident that Eastman will be able to bring ho0me the Contender trophy.

Eastman and Davis will square off at the Chinese Benevolent Association in Jamaica on June 18th in the semi-final in an eight rounder.

On his way to the semifinal Davis had stopped Guyanese Derrick ‘Dangerous’ Richmond while Eastman after knocked out Jamaican Derrick “Guts” Spencer and got a unanimous win over Kevin ‹Bus Boy› Hylton in the quarterfinal.

The winner of the contender series will take home $2M, the runnerup $500,000, third place

$250,000 and fourth place

$200,000. The final which is scheduled for July 9th will be a ten rounds encounter.

WaNteD Driving

President Donald Ramotar

Dave Cameron

Presidential Secretariat Dr Roger Luncheon

Fans flock popular venues for WC opener

TWith the mega event generating enormous

amount of buzz among the Guyanese people, Guyana Times flocked to various sporting venues and bars on Thursday to get a sense

of the atmosphere for the start of the World Cup.

While it was still around working hour’s huge support of persons flocked to various bars and entertainments spots, one of the main venues was Rockies Sports Bar.

As expected, a number of Brazilian supporters flocked the entertainment spot in full blue, green and yellow outfits, some even painting the Brazilian flag in their heads, others

on the atmosphere.

“The atmosphere at Rockies is wonderful, we have a lot of Brazilian supporters here and Brazil will win, with the kind of excitement that is going on here there is no doubt that Brazil will win,” Methuram stated.

While the scenes at the White Castle Fish Shop, Gravity Lounge, Jerries Sports Bar, Upscale Restaurant and Seeta’s Bar was rather bland with

Project manager for 704 Sports Bar Dustanni Barrow was beaming with excitement for the tournament’s start.

“As you can see we are the best sports bar in Guyana, If you look around you can see the crowd that we have, we are decorated with all the flags, we have a lot of promotions and specials going on, it is my view that Germany will win the World Cup.

“We have a lot of

wearing wigs with the colors of Brazil in it.

Further, a goal by Neymar Jr, to equalize the score on 1-1, caused the fan to erupt in an animated fashion.

Carl Methuram who is the Interior Manager for Mark Interior Communications, a company connected to the Rockies Sports Bar, spoke

supporters, the 704 Sports Bar was electric as the guards had to resort to stopping persons from entering the venue due to overcrowding.

Many Brazilian fans were also seen in the blue, green and yellow colors while others could be seen just enjoying the atmosphere that the World Cup was providing.

Brazilians fans in here, I think Brazil stands a good chance in the World Cup but I think they might get knocked out in the quarterfinal, “Barrow said.

Meanwhile the World Cup continues today with three matches as two giants will clash in The Netherlands and defending champions Spain.

Neymar stars as Brazil win opener

Neymar stole the show as Brazil came from behind to open the World Cup with a victory over Croatia in Sao Paulo, but the match turned on a controversial penalty.

The striker responded to the responsibility of being his country’s poster boy by finding the net either side of half-time after Marcelo had scored an early own goal.

Oscar cemented the result with a wonderful individual goal late on but the adulation at the Arena de Sao Paulo went to Barcelona striker Neymar. His first goal was a low, sweeping effort that crept into the net from 25 yards. His second, 19 minutes before the end, was altogether more controversial.

Dejan Lovren was judged to have fouled Fred in the box. Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura pointed to the spot, despite replays showing little contact had been made. Neymar converted, the ball deflecting in off the out-stretched arm of goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa, to spark scenes of celebra-

tion. It ensured a 10th consecutive win for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side but Brazil demonstrated flaws and fragilities. They did not play with the fluency or flamboyance that saw them swat aside Spain to win the Confederations Cup so emphatically last year.

The moments before kick-off had been typically rousing. A passionate Brazilian crowd delivered another fervent rendition of the national anthem. Croatia were no more than an afterthought to most outside the thousand travelling fans. That soon changed. From the off,

Ivica Olic worked tirelessly, chasing lost causes, committing Brazilian defenders. He might have scored after seven minutes only to head Ivan Perisic’s rightwing cross narrowly wide at the back post. Four minutes later he was at the heart of the move that stunned the

home crowd into silence.

With Dani Alves committed upfield, Olic found space wide on the left. His low, teasing cross found Nikica Jelavic who made glancing contact. It was enough to catch Marcelo off balance. The Real Madrid defender watched on as the ball deflected off his ankle and rolled into the net beyond goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Brazil were struggling for rhythm; insipid not inventive. Neymar was fortunate to escape a nasty first-half incident - when he caught Luka Modric in the face with a swinging forearm - with only a booking. But when they needed a moment of magic, the man whose image had been splashed across every newspaper and TV station in Brazil provided it.

When the striker turned for goal, moving the ball on to his left foot, he had one thing in mind. The contact was not pure but the shot was unerringly accurate, creeping in from 25 yards, glancing the right post on its way.

On the touchline Scolari was swamped by his players as all 23 Brazilian squad members rejoiced in the overwhelming sense of relief. Fireworks echoed in the streets around the ground. Croatia, though, were far from finished. Dejan Lovren provided solidity and strength in defence; Ivan Rakitic, the spark and substance in midfield. For long periods, Brazil struggled to find the zip in their passing, or the vim and vigour in their movement, to elude markers and dismantle Croatia’s effective and organised defensive system. Dani Alves curled a dipping free-kick just over but that was the sum of Brazil’s second-half efforts as the final 30 minutes approached. That was to change. Oscar put a gloss on the final score with a tremendous late goal that his man-of-the-match performance warranted. With Croatia committed upfield, he burst forward and toepoked in from 25 yards, taking Pletikosa by surprise with a low drive.

Fans at Sweet Point enjoying the World Cup opener between Brazil and Croatia.

Neymar was the star of the show as Brazil came from behind to secure a hardfought 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening match (FIFA.com photo)

B y T reis T on J oseph

he 2014 FIFA World Cup kicked off in exciting fashion with

host Brazil overcoming an early deficit to defeat Croatia 3-1.

Crowd at Rockies paying close attention to the game as it unfolded

The packed 704 Sports Bar for the World Cup Opener

Kumar confirms French Guiana, Trinidad participation in IGG…

…basketball could be dropped

In an exclusive Interview with Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday, Director of Sport Neil Kumar revealed that French Guiana will be a part of the Inter Guiana Games (IGG) after a three year hiatus while Trinidad will participate in basketball.

“The games will be held on the last week in July going into the first week end in August, French Guiana will be participating in the IGG also.

“I had a meeting in Trinidad with the Trinidad Director of Sport and the basketball federation and Trinidad will be sending a team this year to participate in the basketball tournament, there are other countries that want to participate but Suriname will definitely be coming,” Kumar noted.

Meanwhile due to the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation having problems with the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) preparing the IGG basketball teams, Kumar noted that the sport could be dropped.

“I can’t go and kick out (Chris) Bowman (Director

of YBG) from the IGG programme because for the last 10 years Daniel McPherson and (David) Patterson, all of them use to be working together to produce the team and the people.”

Kumar added: “If we get any problem in any way, I think the best thing to do to ease the headache is we just drop them but the comers are begging that we must not drop basketball, so as it is right now basketball will be played at the IGG.”

Kumar who questioned the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) about their lack to

produce financial audit reports along with developmental plans questioned how many players has (Nigel) Hinds developed from the grass root level.

“Let Mr. Hinds tell us how many national players has he brought up from the cradle to where they are now, I could tell you Bowman and the Sports Commission brought them up,” Kumar boasted.

Further, Kumar related he is confused with the Hinds and his behavior, “The GABF has a new president, today the president is praising Neil Kumar and tomorrow he is criticizing Neil Kumar, I can’t understand this man.

“The man go and throw out the Georgetown Association from the Sports Hall… he take over, he say he running the sports hall, he want to run the IGG, he want to run everything,” Kumar quipped.

However, despite the issues with the basketball aspect of the IGG, Kumar believes that Guyana is ready to put n a good showing as all the associations have indicated that they are ready for when the competition starts in July.

Farm takes Trophy Stall 10/10 softball title

Afine allround display from Farm allow them to easily defeated Speed Boat by four wickets to win the final of the Trophy Stall 10/10 softball competition played on Friday night last at Thirst Park, ground.

Batting first, Speed Boat who drew the bye to the final managed 123-2 off 10 overs.

Amit Kublall and Wazir Hussain laid the foundation for a challenging total with a second wicket stand of 70 after they lost an early wicket with the score on 10.

Hussain slammed one four and three sixes before he departed for 34. Amit and Navindra Kublall put togeth-

er an unbroken 43 for the third wicket to see them to their eventual score.

Both batsmen scored 37 apiece with the former hitting two fours and three sixes and the latter one four and four sixes.

Openers Amir Azeez and Patrick Khan found the going tough and wasted early opportunities to rotate the strike; they had struggled to 35 in the fourth over, but managed to step up the asking rate and by the time they were both dismissed in the seventh over they had put their team on course with 26 needed off 18 deliveries. Azeez slammed 39 (2x4, 1x6) while Khan made

36 (2x4, 1x6). Anand Rooplall (16 not out) and Amir Khan (07 not out) saw their team home with two deliveries to spare, ended on 124-6. Earlier Farm thumped Omesh XI by two wickets in the lone semi final. Omesh XI took first strike and scored 130-3 in 10 overs with Aftab Bacchus hitting 35. Farm replied with 131-2 in 6.4 overs, Khan stroked 73 (7x4, 6x4) and Amir Azeez 37 (2x4, 3x6). Khan was given the man of the match in the final and best bowler awards, while Amrit Rai who scored a century in the preliminary round received the most outstanding batsman prize.

K&B mining supports Police athletics championships

K&B Mining and Supply will be supporting the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and their athletic championships scheduled for July 20-25.

At a simple handing over ceremony on Wednesday Deputy Superintendant and Games Officer of the GPF Colin Boyce received a cheque for an undisclosed

sum of money towards the sponsorship of the annual games. Boyce indicated that the mining company has always been supportive of the force and was grateful for the support shown once again. Further Boyce noted that the donation will go a far way in improving the quality of the games when it is held at the Guyana Police Force ground, Eve Leary. Supervisor of K&B Mining Anesa Hussein shared that K&B was happy to be associated the lawmen of Guyana and wished the commissioner and the ranks that will be participating in the event, the best of luck.

Neil Kumar

Deputy Superintendant Colin Boyce (right) receives donation cheque from Supervisor of K&B Mining and Supplies Anesa Hussein

Oscar of Brazil lies on the ground celebrating his goal with Ramires and Dani Alves