GWI commences water improvement programme in Bartica
Walls of Mackenzie High defaced with graffiti
Media cautioned against sensational reporting on children Whittaker allays relocation fears
friday, july 5, 2013
By SaBatini DanielS
Approximately 50 students who completed their secondary, technical and tertiary education under the Hinterland Scholarship Programme graduated on Wednesday, charged to go back and develop their communities.
The students hail from Regions One, Two, Four, Six, Seven, Nine and 10. The ceremony, which was hosted at the Amerindian village in the Sophia Exhibition Complex, saw in attendance Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is currently performing the duties of president; Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai; Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall; officials; parents; and guardians.
Delivering the charge at the event, Hinds reiterated government’s commitment to improving access to quality
that one day a University of the Pakaraimas will be constructed in the same vicinity.
The prime minister said an important aspect of improving opportunities for students from the hinterland, is the hinterland scholarship arrangement whereby gov-
education for persons across the country, making reference to the increased number of secondary schools in the hinterland in particular. In light of this, he disclosed that the contract has been awarded for a secondary school to be constructed at Kato and expressed hope
ernment facilitates students’ attendance at some of the top secondary schools and institutions in Guyana.
He pointed out that this school year has seen an eight per cent increase over the previous year in terms of the number of students in the Hinterland Scholarship
Programme. The 368 students in the programme at various secondary schools; Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC); Government Technical Institute (GTI); the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA); and Carnegie.
Amerindian Affairs
Minister Pauline Sukhai underscored that the scholarship programme has come a far way from when six students were initially admitted. She said the fact that today there are in excess of 368 hinterland students under the programme is proof that the government remains committed to ensuring all children have equal access to education. “Our investment in education continues to have positive results as scholarships are awarded based on merit and achievements and that is the evidence.”
She also made reference to the national school uniform voucher distribution programme, the school feeding programme, and the examination subsidy available for vulnerable students who
The Amerindian affairs minister restated that the government is committed to ensure quality education is offered. To this end, she stated that the government has identified two key priorities: increased training for teachers and increasing the attendance rate of students in schools. She stated that expanding infrastructure annually is also a focus of government. “That
means that every year, the government seeks to expand classroom space not only in the rural and hinterland areas but also in the urban areas.”
Sukhai told the graduates that there are a number of opportunities existing in Guyana for them which persons often take for granted. However, she cautioned them that the scope for them will shrink when they get back to their respective villages, underscoring that this was a concern for the government. “For example, many of the high achievers from various batches before you have done exceedingly well and when they do not receive the requisite support to further their academics and goals and return to their villages... they are pretty constrained and therefore, many of them move to seeking employment in the mining and forestry areas.”
Sukhai noted that nothing is wrong with seeking employment in these sectors since they are thriving; however, the government would like to see graduates aspiring to enter in these sectors as managers or supervisors rather than
as labourers.
In closing, she told the graduates that “education and personal development are lifelong ongoing processes and for all individuals, education never ends”. Thus, she encouraged them to find joy through self discovery, innovation, to be resourceful in learning skills and knowledge from diverse sources, to think creatively as they solve new problems which they might encounter on a daily basis, and to take charge of their lives from hence forth.
The graduates were given completion certificates and awards for consistent academic performance. Pearly Melville from Carnegie School of Home Economics was the best graduating student.
This is the sixth year, since the Hinterland Scholarship Programme was introduced, having evolved from the Amerindian scholarship programme introduced in 1963 when six Amerindian students were awarded scholarships to attend schools in Georgetown.
Three brothers are now homeless after a fire of unknown origin on Wednesday ravaged their Lot 40 Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara homes.
The fire completely destroyed the two flat houses occupied by Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Samuel Critchlow, and Andrew Pollard who reside in separate apartments. When this publication arrived on the scene, fire-fighters was busy extinguishing the blaze and a crowd from the community had gathered to watch in amazement as the houses burned to the ground before their eyes.
None of the three men were able to speak; however, another brother identified as Brian Critchlow said the fire started about 15:00h.
He said the fire started in the house located at the front of the yard, and quickly spread to the back house.
“All I hear ‘Fire! Fire!’… I was inside reading with my granddaughter and come outside and see the fire going
on; that’s all I remember,” he stated. He said his brother, Nathaniel, who is ill, was in the house at the time hence persons rushed to rescue him. Fortunately no one was injured.
Brian stated that his brothers will now reside with him, until they are able to rebuild their homes. He commended the Guyana Fire Service for its prompt response. Investigations are currently in progress to determine the origin of the fire.
Countrywide:
Education Minister Priya Manickchand said her ministry will be repealing the automatic promotion ("no child left behind" policy) policy in school effective September 2013, saying that the policy is hugely unpopular and makes no sense.
Winds: Easterly at 2.05 to 2.68 metres per second.
High
Low Tide: 08:15h and 20:29h reaching minimum
of 0.85 metre and 0.92 metre respectively.
At a press conference on Thursday, she stated that this was as a result of a review, which revealed that the policy is not popular with any of the critical stakeholders.
Hence from the new school term, which commences in September, if a student scores below the overall pass mark set by the school in more than half of the subjects the student is taking, then that student will be asked to repeat the grade.
She added that if a student achieves less than the overall pass mark set by the school and the reason for the underachievement is either
mathematics or English, the student will be asked to repeat the grade. The minister said if a student passes all the subjects except mathematics and English, they will also be asked to repeat a grade, since these two subjects are required critical to students.
“If you go forward and
write seven CXC and you got distinctions in seven, but you didn’t get Maths and English it makes no sense, so we have to find a practical way to prepare our children for entry into our tertiary institutions,” the minister stated.
She also said, “If the reason the student failed to attain the overall pass mark is as a result of any other subject that student will not be asked to repeat the grade, but may be asked to drop that subject.”
According to Chief Education Officer Olato Sam, since the automatic promotion policy was implemented the dropout rates in schools have decreased thus it has served its main objective.
“I think the frustration rate of students in the past who would have been made to repeat has had an impact on their decision to leave school… there might be other contributing factors from them not dropping out, but
we know this certainly is one of them,” he said.
He stated that the ministry did have consultations with persons in the education system but neglected to speak to parents, teachers and students before the implementation of the old policy.
The revised policy of the Education Ministry is based on the contributions of parents, teachers, and students who were consulted and heard from in more than 30 meetings held all over Guyana.
Meanwhile, Guyana Times spoke with several parents and educators who indicated that the policy should be maintained.
Those contacted by this publication insisted that the policy was a good one and that, if implemented diligently, will help to improve the education system and enhance the advancement of students in the long term.
Amid falling gold prices the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and its regulatory agencies in the mining sector, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold Board on Thursday met with the newly-elected executives of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) to discuss initiatives and interventions towards the sustainability of the sector.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud congratulated re-elected GGDMA President Patrick Harding and other executive members, during the meeting to discuss the current challenges and opportunities within the gold mining sector. Several proposals were submitted and discussed for consideration to cushion the falling gold prices. These will be further examined by the ministry and its relevant agencies. As such, Minister
Persaud expressed his commitment to make representation to the government to examine the proposals.
Minister Persaud also outlined several ongoing initiatives that are being undertaken by the GGMC to support all miners within the sector in light of the falling gold prices.
GGDMA executives called for more effective monitoring and enforcement of mining regulations towards the sustainability of the sector, while ensur-
ing technological advancement and a sustained infrastructural programme is in place. Present at the meeting were Natural Resources and Environment Ministry Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie, Guyana Women Miners Organisation President Simona Broomes, GGMC Assistant Commissioner Newell Dennison, Guyana Gold Board General Manager Anantram Balram and other technical officers within the sector.
(continued on page 7)
Editor: Nigel Williams
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
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Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com
The Fourth International Building Expo is expected to kick off today, July 5-7 at the National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara under the theme, “Consolidating Partnerships for Sustainable Development.” As expected excitement is building as more Guyanese want to become homeowners and are shopping around for the best deals they could have.
From all indications, all of the spaces that were initially available to exhibitors this year are already booked and the ministry was forced to make alternative arrangements to accommodate more exhibitors. This came as no surprise as the success stories of those entrepreneurs, both large and small, who have exhibited at previous expositions, are amazing. All of them are thriving and have expanded their customer base tremendously.
Guyanese are now eagerly looking forward to be part of this annual event. Surely, those attending the event will benefit from a wide array of deals and partnerships which could result in positive spill-over effects for entire households. This year the ministry is also taking the process to another level where homeowners will have access to affordable home furnishings.
We should mention that this year’s expo is occurring at a time when expansion was engulfing the construction and building sector, which is responsible for the provision of jobs for thousands of Guyanese, especially youths.
Building Expo has grown tremendously since it began four years ago. As was pointed out by Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali, when the idea of a building exposition was first conceived, the intention was to expose local consumers to the advantages and disadvantages of various products and product availability for the local market. But when it was advertised, it quickly outgrew that vision because of the response from regional companies. He said the regional companies wanted to enter the local market, “and in an open system like ours, we have to offer the opportunity for this kind of competition”.
Minister Ali was quoted as saying that he is heartened by the response from the private sector and several other businesses that are part of the construction and building sector. This unprecedented response is a signal of the confidence that our private sector and corporate partners have in the building exposition and from what we see it will continue to expand exponentially.
The Building Expo in our view is a very bold and timely initiative undertaken by the ministry to bring businesses and consumers under one roof, and to create opportunities for everyone, as businesses would flourish and consumers would have more choices in the market place. Also the event provides an excellent opportunity for local businesses to create linkages with the major players such as businesses in India, China, Canada, Brazil and many others.
In all of this, the excellent partnership between the government and the private sector must be lauded. It is expected that this year’s expo will feature the creativity of key players in the building and construction sectors as far as making the construction of low-income homes affordable is concerned.
Additionally, a team is already hard at work on executing the vision of the construction of the new Silica City, which is to be the main feature at the event. This shows that the ministry is involved in futuristic macroeconomic planning, aimed at creating sustainable development, especially as it relates to meeting the growing demand for affordable housing.
It could be recalled that prior to 1992, the housing sector was almost dormant. This has since changed as owning a home is no longer a dream for many, it is a reality. Guyanese from all ethnic, political or social backgrounds can acquire a house lot once they meet the minimum criteria.
Government has invested heavily in every area of housing development. But the work is not done yet. There is need for more private sector organisations and businesses to ‘get on the bus’ and to partner in the process to further develop the sector. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
Dear Editor,
In the long term, the Youth Apprenticeship and Entrepreneur Programme for Region One is set to not only aid self-development, but community and national development as well. This mindset should really be the blue print where all peopleoriented programmes are concerned.
The talk about being short on human resource and qualified personnel impinges directly on national well-being. I think of the University of Guyana (UG) and its recent quest to upgrade staff members, and it is the same kind of thought that is running through the
Dear Editor, If I infringe and create damage, in whatever way, who is responsible for the cost factor? I ask this question because the Public Works and Communications
various stakeholders. We invest in the people, who in turn help to build the nation.
These youths will be engaged in training in a number of areas, including governance, health, education, sport, culture, and infrastructure. This is a massive undertaking and I personally wish for mandatory involvement to the end by all participants. It is like truancy, as when a child leaves school, the implications are manifold – wasted money from the government, illpreparation for adulthood by the truant, and a blow to national and personal progress. The ministry then
must ensure completion of all programmes by all the entrants.
Residents who are being targeted should be told very emphatically that this era is theirs to capitalise on. Never before has so much been done for the indigenous peoples of Guyana. They were seen as fringe peoples and were treated as ancillary citizens. Right now there is a noticeable shift to go inwards to the people and help them develop thriving communities, as these will ultimately benefit all Guyana.
So now, as this youth programme gets going, the immediate objective is that by the end of the first six-
month attachment, participants will have accumulated enough skills to set up their own business, secure a job, or even pursue higher education. They will be attached to health, education, sport, culture, governance and infrastructure agencies in their respective regions, and receive a $30,000 stipend, which is the same as a volunteer teacher.
I feel very happy for the youths of Region One. I wish them the best and I ask that they stay with the programme, all the way to the end.
Yours truly, Gary Sinclair
Ministry is advising members of the public that it is about to tear down and remove all encroachments on the public road reserves. Workers of the demolition gang have to be paid,
vehicles have to be used and there are a host of other financial implications – this should not all fall on the government’s shoulders.
In cases of extreme infractions, I suggest that if li-
cences can be revoked, then let it be. If we are talking law and order, then we have to go all the way.
Yours faithfully, Karen Somerset
Dear Editor, We can have a right, but yet not fight. This is because one has to look at the larger picture. I remember a religious head, a good friend of mine, who was embroiled in a street quarrel. He was definitely in the right, but it cost him a large number of his followers. This all came back to me as I read the story of two professionals who were arrested recently. Clearly, the damage will still linger and follow them. In any part of the world, it is incumbent upon certain people to conduct themselves with maturity and class. I do not expect professionals to be caught up in street battles and police problems. I call on all professionals, such as doctors, nurses, lawyers and teachers, among others, to come to the realisation that their status in society demands the setting of a good example. Here in Guyana, sometimes we tolerate a lot of malfeasance and other forms of social faux pas. We need to address these issues and demand a better societal manifestation from all professionals.
Yours sincerely, Ingrid Lowe
Dear Editor,
I am always baffled about the wait – the long wait – before some societal ills are addressed. We wait too long and when we are ready to act, correcting the ills comes over as some kind of injustice. This is the situation where squatting is concerned.
The natural resources and environment minister commented on issues pertaining to squatting and conflicting land use when he met with residents of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke recently. All squatting is illegal and there is a due process for house lot application. When squatting becomes entrenched, it spawns a number of health and safety issues.
For example, in Marshon, Annandale on the East Coast Demerara, for ages now, residents have been complaining about the illegal use of the playing ground. The actual number of squatters has increased and thus the play field is getting smaller by the day. The squatters there have built permanent structures in order to accommodate their fishing business. This contaminates the environs and it also poses a serious health hazard.
I do not know where and how they are getting electricity. But the problem is becoming quite disgusting to citizens nearby, yet no one is doing anything. Who will stand the expense of moving and also the destroying of the structures already built there?
I bet that these squatters will say that they are being made to suffer some form of injustice, if and when they will be asked to move. Enterprise had some houses dismantled because the squatting had become so established. I need not mention what is happening at the Cheddie Jagan International Airport, Timehri.
In Kuru Kururu, development is ongoing, but quite a few people have gone squatting on road reserves. They were counselled against such practices and infringing residents were reminded that development and opportunities will not be possible, if they continue to misuse the land.
How about the situation at the junction of Annandale and Lusignan. The southern side of the main highway is an eye sore. There is a junk yard in operation there and all kinds of scrapped vehi-
cles are being left on the embankment. The abandoned vehicles pose a threat to vehicular safety and in time to come, I will not be surprised if a few robberies take place there. Why is this being allowed?
A few days ago, there were talks about a raid on minibuses with loud music. The problem should not have reached to this level, where buses are being embellished with loud stereo systems. These kinds of practices are the antithesis to any fare hike.
Also, air conditioning is now a necessity and not cosmetics attractions. A whole line of business developed out of fanciful music systems, and now that the law is being enforced, the repercussions will be quite noticeable and hard-felt. All of this could have been avoided.
Is it too much now to ask that relevant authorities deal with things like illegal dumping of garbage, noise nuisance and street gangs? I believe that we should quash wrongs long before they become so big that they overwhelm us.
Yours sincerely, Damien Glasgow
Dear Editor,
People must not use words flippantly, as I think that too many times, we just do not stop to think. All over the world, there are laws against verbal threats and Guyana is not a case of exception.
I am happy that at long last, the law is beginning to take effect against those who like to threaten people with immediate or pending harm.
How about females on the road and their being subject to all kinds of sexual invitations and suggestions?
I hardly hear about these kinds of complaints from the females though. They should take up such issues.
It is totally wrong for males to be making suggestive sexual remarks to passersby. The police should start to look out for these kinds of males, and not just wait for any female to complain.
Two years ago, in Washington, the Justice Department revealed that Johnson of Brick was sentenced to 50 months in prison and three years super-
vised release, for sending a series of threatening email communications to employees of five civil rights organisations that work to improve opportunities for, and challenge discrimination against, Latinos in the U.S.
Johnson was also ordered to pay a fine of $10,000. It is time to step up the fight here in Guyana against the use of any form of illegal language. Our streets must be free from all forms of molestation.
Yours truly,
Iqbal Bacchus
Dear Editor, I had to dwell a long time on what Gordon Greenidge said recently. He rolled back the golden years of West Indies cricket and made reference to the expert leadership of Clive Lloyd.
I think that a few things need addressing, where Lloyd is concerned. I feel that a few injustices have been meted out to this great son of ours. I still cannot understand why he was sidelined for the leadership of the West Indies Cricket Board.
His aura alone would have done so much. This aura was attested to many years ago, when Michael Holding explained in his “Whispering Death” about how Lloyd made a plan for almost every ball in the over and about his ability to get people to perform at their very best. In fact, when Lloyd became captain in 1974, he saved West Indies many a batting collapse with the likes of Derek Murray and Andy Roberts.
The next thing is that Lloyd built up his team. He started with Roberts alone as a pacer, but quickly established the fourpronged modus operandi of all pace. India also had a four-pronged attack, but it was all spin – Bishen Singh Bedi, Sri Venkataragavan, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Eprali Prasana. These were four different spinners, but tantamount in effectiveness to Lloyd’s pacers, namely Roberts, Holding, Joel Garner,
Colin Croft, Wayne Daniel and Malcolm Marshall.
These were all different in styles and personality, but Lloyd blended his force mainly because of his disciplined approach to cricket. He ensured that all his charges stayed in line in terms of life style while on tour.
These days, there is too much individuality. Some cricketers join the touring party late, while some come home and go back –many times for very frivolous reasons. I remember Greenidge left a tour once, and it was because of the fatal illness of a daughter. Otherwise, it was absolutely strict adherence.
Now let us bring this to what Greenidge said about politicians in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) being at loggerheads. The simple reason is that we do not want to play by the same rules. When there are petty discriminations, then what can we expect? Look at what Barbados did to a few Jamaicans recently.
Right now there is a court battle regarding sexual molestation, where a male Bajan immigration officer is being tried for a sexual offence against a Jamaican woman.
Lloyd’s plan was simple, and all players worked with it – full stop. The implication I think is already gotten. If all Guyanese can latch on to plans for national development, we will move forward very quickly. Likewise, if West Indies cricket can be seen as something that transcends individuality and territorial prejudices, it will move ahead. I cannot find cricketing explanations for the recall of Devon Smith. He came off with a dictum. He is 31. He has failed repeatedly. If Lloyd cannot be seen as invaluable to West Indies cricket, then he should be afforded some place of service locally. I implore for this to be quite early too.
Yours faithfully, Fabian Gonsalves
Young people need assistance in order to explore career possibilities and make important career decisions, but the world of work is more complex today than ever. They need far more guidance and information than did past generations, primarily because the hightech, global market economy is growing and changing so rapidly.
You might wonder why career exploration and research is so important for middle and high school students.
“Mom, dad, I’ve changed my mind.”
Imagine that your child is a junior in college. He is studying to be a pharmacist. He has taken all sorts of tough classes and has done pretty well. As a parent, you are
is on the verge of entering a profession and getting a good job. But you get a latenight call from him. He tells you that he doesn’t really want to be a pharmacist. He has taken an accounting course and really liked it. He now wants to be an accountant!
You are stunned. You put down the phone in disbelief. What about all the chemistry and other courses he took? Of what use are they now? How will he pay for another three or four years of college to achieve his goal of getting an accounting degree? Will he later find he doesn’t like accounting too?
You don’t know whether to be glad that he has found the career that is right for him or sad that he is making the wrong choice.
Career confusion. Obviously, you don’t want this to happen to your child, but if you believe that this is a rare case, you are mistaken. Many, many college students change their majors late in the game.
Many more stu -
dents enter careers that
they later learn are not suited to their personalities or abilities. The fact is that far too many students enter college with vague notions or are simply clueless about themselves or the types of careers that match their interests.
Career dissatisfaction is inevitable if students don’t attempt to understand themselves and what they want out of life before making important careerdecisions. With the proper guidance, young people can prepare themselves to make good career decisions, including selecting a college major and a college.
Career development is a process of preparing children to make good decisions.
Step one: Teach your child to dream
The first step of career development is dreaming. Children should dream about what they want to be and do as adults. They may want to be a detective, doctor, or secret agent. It doesn’t matter what these dreams are; they are all important. As parents, we need to know about these dreams and encourage our children to hold onto them. Dreams are children’s guiding stars.
We must get our children to dream high, not low! This step will show you how to
get your child not to settle for the bronze, but rather to go for the gold!
Step two: Awaken your child’s interests
Career satisfaction is not always determined by how much money you make. To be truly happy in a career, you must like what you do. This step will help you awaken and identify your child’s interests and connect them to appropriate careers. Many times we dream about things that would not really make us happy! Your child’s interests can bring his dreams down to earth.
Step three: Assess your child’s personality
This step links you to several fun personality tests that your child will enjoy taking. These are really not “tests” since there are no right or wrong answers. But they will enable him to discover his attitudes about the world, people, and work. Your child’s personality can serve as a lens by which to explore the world of careers.
Step four: Explore careers
Career exploration is a great activity for parents and children. By using the
tools in this step, you can get detailed information about any occupation. This includes salaries, educational requirements, and the current trends in employment. Your child should use all the things he has learned about himself to interpret this career information. As your child explores careers, he will begin to learn about all the factors that he should consider before choosing an occupation. How hard will it be to get a job? Is the salary adequate? What things will I have to do on the job?
Step five: Exploring career paths
After your child begins to narrow his career search, he should learn about career paths. A career path outlines all the things necessary –education, experience, skills – he must acquire to be qualified for a particular career. The knowledge of career paths should play a major role in choosing a career, for by choosing a career you also choose a career path you will have to follow. Choosing a career path will determine what type of college education your child will pursue. You want to make sure that your child understands all about the career path he chooses when he chooses his career. (Excerpts from takestockinchildren.org)
(CONTINUED FROM
BY ANDREW KASCH
Supportive dialogue should have begun as an infant, and continued into the teen years. It is not uncommon for parents to realise that the child needs more structure and supervision after things have gotten out of control. Unfortunately, if you haven’t set the guidelines and rules before they become teens, it’s going to be very difficult to make an impact now.
Supporting a grown and independent child
Once again, the role of a supportive parent changes once the child has grown up and moved away from the home. The only way you can ensure that your grown child will come to you for advice or support is to make sure that you offer advice only when asked. Hopefully, you have raised your child to make good decisions and be a responsible adult. Now, they are here to get practical advice or comfort from the parent, and your supportive role means you will not criticise their decisions or make them feel like they are failing at adulthood. Of course they will make mistakes and they will also make decisions that you disagree with. But your role as a supportive parent is to be their cheerleader and their safe place to come home to. What if they make a decision that you disagree with? Well, you can give them your non-judgmental perspective on the situation and then tell them that either way they decide to go you will support them. I guarantee that if they walk away from you feeling better than when they came to you, they will come back to you the next time they need your love, advice and support. And the best part is they will know what it means to be a loving and supportive parent and this will be passed on to their children.
(www.ezinearticles.com)
President Donald Ramotar has questioned whether there is a commitment deficit at Caricom, given its notoriety for not implementing policies and the sloth at which things are done.
Ramotar made the remarks while addressing heads at the signing of the recommitment document at their annual summit being held in Trinidad and Tobago. This year marks 40 years of the existence of the regional bloc.
“Forty years ago, the region was just emerging from colonialism and the then leaders recognised that to survive and prosper in an international environment that was not always sympathetic they needed to integrate our region. They obviously recognised that we had good conditions to embark on that course. We have a common history, a common culture in many ways, and a common desire of our peoples to live together in unity,” the president said.
He said shortly after the signing of the treaty that brought forth Caricom, the world was struck by the first oil crisis which exposed the extreme vulnerabilities of individual member states and served to vindicate the decision that was taken to integrate.
“Today even though much has changed and we have made some progress, the need for integration is probably greater now than when the treaty was signed years ago. The financial and economic crises that began in Europe and North America have impacted heavily on our region and clearly the need for us to have greater integration has become more urgent.”
The Guyanese leader said this occasion while it calls for celebration, is also one for reflection and self-evaluation on whether Caricom has been effective enough in our integrative efforts. “As leaders we must ask ourselves whether the peoples of the region have benefited fully from this
Chairperson Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla
and Caricom
process. The implementation deficit is widely spoken about. We must ask ourselves if there is a commitment deficit. Let us recommit to reducing if not eradicating the implementation deficit which Caricom now faces.”
This, he said, should, therefore, be an opportune time “for us as a community to recommit ourselves to an integrative process that is always adaptable to the changing circumstances. Optimal utilisation of our productive capacity will remain elusive in the absence of strong and meaningful integration.”
“We must also never forget that our people must see and feel the benefits of integration. As our late President Cheddi Jagan said in October 1992 at a special session of Caricom heads of government: ‘We have to work as a collective and consult our respective constituencies so that we march, not ahead or behind but together with our people.’ I submit that our people want us to march together. Those sentiments are, therefore, even more relevant today.”
Ramotar said there is no doubt that the region has made progress, noting that several institutions have been established, but need to be strengthened. “It is time for us to move the process forward with more vigour and more purpose. We have several studies and decisions, for example, relating to transportation, the regional financial architecture, the Jagdeo Initiative for Agriculture; and
from page 3
Late last month, it was reported that the world price for gold fell to its lowest level in almost three years and was on course for a record quarterly loss after U.S. data reinforced. This spells trouble for Guyana’s booming gold mining sector if the drop in prices is sustained. According to a Reuters report, prices could slide to levels below US$1000 per ounce, investors and analysts said, with scant potential for U.S. or European data or developments to reverse an accelerating move out of bullion. Strong gains in U.S. orders for durable goods, the largest annual rise in house prices in seven years, and rising consumer confidence fuelled speculation the U.S. Fed would rein in its US$85
billion monthly bond-buying programme, which had helped push gold prices to record highs in recent years.
Spot gold tumbled to its lowest level since August 2010 at US$1223.54 an ounce. U.S. gold futures for August delivery were down 3.4 per cent at US$1231, having hit a low of US$1223.20. “We bought gold for two reasons – because we were worried about the inflationary impact of policy and because we thought the financial system was going to fall apart,” said Diapason Commodities Management chief investment strategist Sean Corrigan. “Although it may be completely the wrong judgement, the market has decided that none of those at the moment is a concern.”
General
the free movement of people and hassle-free travel – which is vital and very important in helping us to strengthen our resolve. We know that these measures will redound to the interest of the region and positively impact on the lives of our people. The implementation deficit needs to be resolved lest we find ourselves guilty of a commitment deficit.”
Ramotar said it was his hope the reform process currently engaging the region’s attention will result in a mechanism that is more proactive. It is only with more dynamism that the community would best be able to respond to the fast-changing global environment. He said Guyana remains proud to be the seat of this “great” community, reiterating the country’s commit-
ment to its preservation and further consolidation for the ultimate benefit of the peoples of the region.
Meanwhile, the 34th annual summit opened on Wednesday night, with leaders basking in the achievements of the 40-year-old regional integration movement, but acknowledging there is much still to be done.
Host Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas that led to the formation of the regional integration movement four decades ago as a defining moment in the region’s history.
Milestones
“Today, 40 years later, we are meeting to reflect on our journey thus far, to celebrate the milestones and accomplishments that have punctuated that journey, and to contemplate our future as one nation, the Caribbean nation,” she told the opening ceremony attended by the leaders of the 15-member grouping with the exception of the heads of state of Suriname, Belize, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Persad-Bissessar said Caricom, the second oldest integration movement in the world, had much to celebrate given the various areas of functional cooperation and diplomatic and sporting achievements over the four decades. She dismissed suggestions that the bloc, as it was originally envisioned, had
reached its political, socio-economic and ideological limits.
She said the 40th anniversary provides an opportune time to reflect on expanding the membership to include the Dutch and French Caribbean islands. “Our people remain resilient and unwavering in their embrace of the guiding principles and objectives of our Caribbean Community, which is why this meeting is so critical,” she said, “Caricom
is strong and united; let us resolve to keep it that way and work to make it an even greater force within the world community.”
Prime Minister PersadBissessar said a key point of deliberations over the next four days must be regional growth and development, which forms part of the preparation and readiness of the region’s five-year community strategic plan.
Sarwan Kumar Outar, 37, of Koningfpt, Paramaribo, Suriname was on Wednesday granted bail in the sum of $600,000 bail when he appeared before Magistrate R Singh at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.
He was charged with causing the death of 21-year-old Anne “Short Hair” Persaud of Rose Hall Town by dangerous driving.
Persaud was struck by Outar while she attempted to cross the Port Mourant Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice on Saturday evening, and later succumbed at the Georgetown Public Hospital while receiving medical attention.
On the day in question, Outar was driving a motorcar bearing registration number 38-29-ZC, east along the northern carriageway on the Port Mourant Public Road at
a fast pace when Persaud allegedly suddenly ran across the road and into the front of the car.
As a result of the impact, Persaud received injuries about her body, with most of it concentrated on her head. She was subsequently picked up by public-spirited citizens in an unconscious condition and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital where she was examined by the doctors on duty and re-
ferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further treatment.
Outar reportedly sped away from the scene, but was subsequently taken into police custody. A breathalyser test performed on him gave a reading of 43 micrograms. His motorcar was lodged at the Albion Police Station. He will make another court appearance on July 15 for report and fixture.
The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has commenced a programme to improve the water service provided to Bartica customers.
The enhancement programme to improve the
level of service and quality of water commenced in June 2013, GWI said in a release. It added that the programme consists of the construction of a 500-cubic metre storage tank valued in excess of $50 million,
and the upgrade of service connections and installation of water meters valued in excess of $30 million.
According to GWI Project Manager David Merell, the storage facili-
ty will have the capacity to store larger quantities of water and hence improve the level of service provided to customers. It is expected that upon completion of the improvement programme, customers of Bartica will benefit from extended hours of water service due to the larger storage facility.
In addition, GWI will upgrade water service connections across Bartica which will result in further improvements in the level of service and quality of water provided to customers. A significant portion of the water supplied is consistently being wasted by customers and this continues to be the key factor causing the level of service to fluctuate. The company has warned customers of Potaro Road, West Indian Housing Scheme, and the Bybarobo area about their continued wastage.
Further, the installation of meters has met some resistance from customers; this component is aimed at reducing wastage in order to make more water available for customers. GWI has issued notices to customers and continues to appeal for their cooperation as metering is critical to curbing wastage and improving levels of service.
All components of the Bartica Water Improvement Programme are being executed by contractor Alvin Chowramootoo Construction Services.
The water utility has commenced an awareness programme aimed at informing customers about the improvements expected upon completion of the programme; this included an appearance on a live television show on Sunday, June 16. Television advisories providing details of the programme will commence in July. The improvement of the quality of water which GWI provides to Bartica residents remains at the forefront of the company’s objectives.
...in USA
“Born on July 4” is a rallying cry for the Americans. And why not? It’s the day they declared their independence from Britain in 1776...and fought a war to earn the reality. They established a precedent for the rest of oppressed people’s everywhere. That freedom is inherent in the human condition.
In their case they protested the King of Britain’s imposition of taxes on them, but yet not listening to what they had to say. “Taxation without representation” is still a powerful slogan that inspires men and women into action. The French Revolution followed 13 years later and in their case it was the people from within the country rising up against their king and insisting on having the right to govern themselves.
That then led to another great revolution that isn’t mentioned as much when people talk about the struggle for freedom and “The age of Revolution”. But they are missing the greatest struggle of all: the Haitian Revolution between 1891 and 1802. It occupies a special place because of who conducted that struggle for freedom.
Haiti was the jewel of the French Crown...the greatest sugar producing country in the world. Meaning that it had a most oppressive system for ensuring African slaves labour to produce that sugar. And out of that oppression came a man who was once a slave – Toussaint L’Overture – who took on and defeated the army of one of the greatest European empires of the time.
Some say it was a tragedy that Toussaint was killed by the French in captivity and didn’t get to see the end of the successful revolution. But in that tragedy is a message for all people who face oppression from powerful overlords. Toussaint actually believed that all the rhetoric spouted by the French revolutionaries applied to “all men” – including slaves. He didn’t realise that the meaning of words depend on those who have power to enforce the meaning.
He trusted the French to “do the right thing” –and he paid the price: his life was snuffed out. But independence did come to Haiti – hollow as it has been in retrospect. But in that is another lesson. Freedom and independence have to be always guarded – even against those that might have at one time been oppressed themselves by others.
Over in Trinidad, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) is on the line: it too was born on July 4. But it is up to our leaders to ensure that move was not in vain.
Like a Greek tragedy, the army in Egypt moved inexorably to remove the democratically elected government of President Mohammed Morsi. From the moment he took office a year ago, the ending had already been written: the Muses had already sung their Lamentations and it was only a matter of time when the other foot (or guillotine) would fall.
We hear about economic problems. Did anyone in their right minds really think that after 30 years of dictatorial rule by Hosni Mubarak and his army cronies, the mess would’ve been cleaned up in one year? Especially when “cleaning up” meant stepping on the turf – Morsi steered clear of the toes – of the army brass? We also hear that Morsi wasn’t “inclusive” enough. We don’t hear much (if anything) about, say, the Saudi’s not being “inclusive”... But we don’t even call for “monarchical” democracy there, much less “inclusive” democracy.
We don’t hold any briefs for the Muslim Brotherhood. But we can’t establish the precedent of army intervention to remove democratically elected governments. And call it democracy.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
“That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
By Svetlana MarShall
The Rights of the Child Commission, the University of Guyana’s Centre for Communication Studies, and the United Nations Children Fund are calling on media workers here to practise informed and sensitive journalism in keeping with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Delivering the featured address, at a highlevel media stakeholders’ meeting at Cara Lodge on Thursday, UNICEF Deputy Representative for Guyana and Suriname Abheet
Solomon said media practitioners should raise awareness on children’s rights with the objective of having political and social leaders make informed decisions.
“Through their work, they can encourage government and civil society to affect changes that will improve the quality of children’s lives. For example, testing the impact of legal and social policy reforms by considering the extent to which children will suffer as a consequence,” he explained.
In keeping with the tenets of journalism, Solomon also emphasised the importance of relaying the experiences of children through their eyes. When children are featured in the media, the UNICEF representative said it is usually in the context of child abuse, exploitation, or for sensational purposes. As a result, he advocated for media practitioners to desist from sensationalisation, since it can cause more harm than good, noting too that stereotyping must be avoided as well.
“The report on the escape of some children from the NOC [New Opportunity Corps] in 2012, if you can recall that, they portrayed the children as criminals and repeatedly referred to them as inmates instead of regarding them as children in contact with the law who have the rights as all children.”
Solomon posited that such reporting can curb the way society views children at NOC or in other communities because of stereotyping.
He said reports on children can have positive and negative impacts on children; hence media operatives must take into consideration the consequences of their stories before publication.
During 2008 to 2011, UNICEF teamed up with the Human Services Ministry and the university’s Centre for Communication Studies to monitor the trends in local media. Based on the data gathered, Solomon noted that there were only a few changes in the attitudes of reporters.
The UNICEF deputy representative explained that while women and children make up approximately 85 per cent of the population in Guyana, they continue to be underrepresented by the media, reiterating that majority of times when children are reported on in the press, it is based on events and tragedies.
“In 2011, children accounted for only 3.5 per cent of the news stories and 4.2 per cent of the features in the print media and electronic media. Children accounted for 4.6 per cent of all the stories in the monitoring period.”
According to Solomon, the coverage of children in Guyana leaves much room for improvement. Rights of the Child Commission Chairperson Aleema Nasir also underscored the importance of the press desisting from sensationalised journalism.
“It is disturbing that seemingly today’s media has gravitated to become a commercialised sector, eyeing only the news that is sensational and sells. Every issue is hyped for a day or two, so much so that when you switch to any channel they will be flashing the same story, but as soon as the week is over, there is no one following the case,” Nasir explained.
The media, she said, plays a critical role in curbing and shaping the lives of people.
“The media affects person’s prospective. The media has become so much a part of us, to recognise its impact, you need to step back and consciously think how it shapes our lives.”
As a result, Nasir said reporters should strive to practise the highest level
Tof ethical and professional standards in journalism and simultaneously promote the rights of children.
The RCC chairperson said children’s safety, privacy, security, education, health, and social welfare must be taken into consideration when reporting.
“Children have absolute right to privacy. Journalistic activities which touch on the lives and welfare of children must always be carried with appreciation of the vulnerable situation of children. Media should not consider and report on the conditions of children only as events, but should continuously report the process likely to lead or leading to the occurrence of these events.”
Sensitive reporting
Director of the Centre for Communication Studies, Carolyn Walcott explained the importance of sensitive reporting on children to the few reporters and media practitioners. Similarly, UNICEF Communication Officer Jewel Mbozi spoke on the issue of putting children first in reporting. Human Services and Social Security Ministry Permanent Secretary Patrick Finlay was among other officials present.
The seminar was held under the theme “Putting Children First in the Media”, with the objective of developing a code of conduct for ethical reporting on children in Guyana. (svetlanam@guyantimesgy.com)
he walls of various sections at the main building of the Mackenzie High School (MHS) at Linden were on Wednesday defaced with graffiti which included harsh, profane and derogatory remarks, directed against teachers and various members of staff.
The areas defaced also include the outer wall of the principal Gary Roberts’ office. The act prompted a meeting on Wednesday morning with the police and security personnel which included guards who were stationed at the school since, according to sources at the school, the act appeared to have been carried out on Tuesday evening.
When students and teachers of the institution arrived for classes on Wednesday morning they were greeted by the obscenities. Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon who was also a part of the meeting on Wednesday, on Thursday indicated that he received a follow-up report on concerns arising from the incident made by the principal and teachers of the school.
“We had a meeting with teachers yesterday and I am very disturbed as to what I saw. The teachers have indicated that they are going to accept that the problems at the Mackenzie High School are very systemic and they are going to deal with it as an internal matter.
“What the administration
(Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has done so far is that they have given a contract to do some work at the school to a Sean Duke at $1.5 million which includes repainting the areas that were graffitied. Outside of the actions that the teachers have listed (based on the report) and the school being repainted, at our education meeting next week this is going to be a very important matter to be discussed because we find it to be a trend amongst schools within Linden these days. We had the same problem at the Wisburg (Secondary School), Linden Foundation (Secondary School) and twice at the Mackenzie High School,” he said.
The report, which was addressed to the regional chairman, regional education officer of Region 10 and chairman of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) Upper Demerara branch and signed by teachers said “the environment that we are currently in is not conducive
to work; we are currently preparing our records for the end of year, and all teachers and staff are prepared to cease doing these records unless action is taken...”
The issues which the teaching body at the school requested that action be taken on include that both sections of the school, which includes Lichas and the main building be equipped with adequate security guards and lighting, washroom facilities which were affected be corrected, the school’s fence be replaced and barbed wire placed on the fence, repairs be conducted on both gates, attention be given to staff rooms and investigations be conducted into the issue.
This is the second time that the school has encountered the issue of serious graffiti, only last year the walls of the main building was defaced in a similar manner, even as students of the fifth and sixth forms completed exams and were preparing to leave school.
The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) recently assisted the Cotton Tree Primary School, West Coast Berbice by donating trophies for the school’s annual prize giving ceremony, which was held on Wednesday. The trophies were handed
over on June 28 to the school.
The students who received the trophies at the ceremony were Tanuga Singh (first place); Vedwattie Ramdeo (second); Reshmi Samlall (third); Nesha Ramedhin (third); and Alesha Alli (fifth). They are pictured with officials above. In the past, the BBCI has sponsored many events that benefited the communities both on the eastern and western banks of the Berbice River, and as far as Moleson Creek and New Amsterdam. Other areas such as Georgetown, Linden, Parika and the hinterland have also benefited.
University of Guyana (UG) Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi is expected to meet with members of staff and the university’s workers union over the ongoing dispute on the campus.
Opadeyi, who has just returned to Guyana from duties overseas, has expressed an interest in meeting with the aggrieved staff members in an effort to assuage their concerns.
The University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) has been holding a week-long demonstration, which began last Friday. The association even made good on threats to take its protest action to the relevant agencies, including the education and finance ministries, which they felt were in a better position to address their plight.
University of Guyana Workers’ Union President Bruce Haynes stated that the union believed it was necessary to ensure that the two ministries were aware of their concerns, since they were the only two agencies which could offer solutions.
UGSSA President, Dr Patsy Francis said she was eagerly anticipating the meeting with the vice chancellor and was hopeful that he would present a concretised strategy on the way forward.
However, most of the members expressed cynicism that Opadeyi was in a position to provide immediate remedies and relief towards the improvement of the campus and were looking for government intervention.
The staff is demanding a decision on unpaid contributions, untimely payment of salaries, and a slew of other issues affecting the effective functioning of the campus. While Opadeyi met with senior members of the association shortly before leaving the country, Dr Francis said the unions were going ahead with a planned class-action lawsuit, because the problems are structural and inher-
ent.
Vice President, Dr Melissa Ifill said the association had engaged the parliamentary political parties by starting a petition asking for a review of the structure and statutes of the university, particularly to address the deficient composition and functioning of the council.
Dr Ifill stated that this intervention is proceeding apace. “We met with the parliamentary committee, we made oral presentation and our lawyers are currently preparing a written presentation to hand over to that parliamentary committee,” Dr Ifill explained.
She said the association will continue that process of requesting a bipartisan approach to resolving the problems at the university. “It’s a national entity that is critical to the country’s human resources. It’s absolutely essential that all hands come on deck to rescue this campus,” the researcher highlighted.
The university’s failure to pay over NIS, health insurance, pension schemes, PAYE and credit union contribution precipitated the crisis.
“All of these payments are not up-to-date and have had a negative impact on the lives, livelihood and benefits we were to be receiving,” Dr Ifill explained. Airing the other grievances, she stated that numerous allowances have not been turned over to staff in relation to leave passage, book and other allowances for research purposes.
In addition to payment, Dr Ifill pointed out that there remains some very sore issues affecting the proper functioning of the university, including the unsanitary condition of the campus. According to her, staff members would now be “working to rule” and will no longer go beyond the call of duty.
“For too long, staff members have gone above and beyond. We have been subsidising this university in so many ways and we will no longer do so. We will be fulfilling our contractual obligations but will not be going the extra mile,” Dr Ifill remarked. The association is seeking a concise proposal from the vice chancellor outlining the time and manner in which the unpaid contributions would be dealt with.
De whole of de Caribbean know Guyanese to be very nice people, but lawd of mercy it got some of dem who very jealous and spiteful of other people. De two traits go hand in hand because de spitefulness does come from de jealousy. And usually dem jealous of people who better than dem.
And talkin bout hand in hand, de same people dem who jealous and spiteful does be hand in hand, or sum ting else does be in sum ting else – just like how Suru and Duru does be in to one another at a certain newspaper and whenever dem deh together.
Well, it look de newspaper turn to toilet paper now wid all dem toilet photos people seein pun de front page. One of de reporters seh de newspaper should use a toilet as de front page every day, because de toilet look just like Suru and Duru face, especially when it full.
Now it look like almost every day Suru and Duru gettin more jealous and spiteful and writin more wrong tings bout people. Even when dem try to write bout a toilet dem could not get it right. No wonder dem couldn’t get de court case right after all.
Well, that was one time Suru turn he back from Duru, because Suru mek Duru pay back de money in de same month. But even wid that, Suru and Duru can never leff one another, because no body ain’t gon tek dem.
So keep lookin out fuh Suru and Duru and fuh de other one who tell every body he know de law. At this rate is all three a dem gon end up in jail together fuh all dem lies that dem tellin.
Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! But some body seh dem gon like that very much!
Berbice police are now investigating a multimillion robbery committed at the home of a pensioner at Lot 10 “C” Number 50 Leeds Village, Corentyne, Berbice on Wednesday. The robbery was reportedly committed between 08:00h and 17:30h after the pensioner and his family left to visit a relative.
According to information, the robbers reportedly carted off a quantity of gold jewellery valued $200,000; one pair of diamond earrings valued $58,000; one Samsung ST 88 digital camera valued $38,000; a quantity of cologne valued $50,000; G$200,000; US$1000 and Cdn$500,000.
The bandits also escaped with three Republic of Guyana passports belonging to Deonandan, Deonarine Chandrapaul Singh and Seetash Deonandan. Guyana Times was told that Deonandan, 70, a pensioner secured his two storey wooden and concrete home with the articles intact and accompanied his wife, daugh-
ter and son to visit relatives at Number 19 Village, Corentyne.
Upon his return, the pensioner reportedly saw a window to the lower flat of his property broken which prompted him to check his house, and in doing so, discovered that the articles were missing. The police was contacted and a probe was launched.
Police sources confirmed that the bandits gained entry into the premises through a window on the western side of the lower flat and removed the articles which were secured in the third bedroom in the upper flat. Investigations revealed that the perpetrators then exited the same way they gained entry. During investigations, several persons in the area were questioned but no substantive information was collected. The scene was later dusted for fingerprints. The police are still to make an arrest as they continue their investigations.
Finishing touches are being made to the exhibits for the fourth International Building and Construction Exposition under the theme, “Consolidating Partnerships for Sustainable Development” which opens today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
During a site visit, Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali noted that a lot of investments from the public and private sectors are being chanelled into the three-day event.
On Thursday, workers were seen putting the finishing touches on the three model homes and so were the staff from participating companies, reported the Government Information Agency (GINA).
With regard to the investments being made, he empha -
sised that to get the expo to the standard it is, and to have all the exhibits and replicas; investors are piping in close to US$1.5 million or even more.
The expo would see participation from international companies from Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, USA, Canada and Barbados. Minister Ali stressed that the ministry is expecting a very successful expo due to the level of enthusiasm and interest.
“We hope that Expo Four brings to the exhibitors and consumers full satisfaction,” he added.
This fourth event, he said, has outdone its predecessors, and this is as a result of greater interest. For instance, the ministry has had to turn away a lot of large exhibitors because of time (they were late) and in terms of readiness and being on schedule.
This year’s expo focuses on the building of more local and foreign partnerships with the aim of diversifying the manufacturing base, while at the same time ensuring sustainable development.
Silica City will be the first real initiative which will take industry, commerce and residential housing to higher grounds. Silica City offers a sustainable and viable solution for the country’s housing needs.
The Building and Construction Exposition will have exhibits from suppliers of hardware, electrical suppliers and contractors, construction and engineering companies, sawmillers and lumber dealers, housing developers and real estate agencies, furniture manufacturers and suppliers, and
suppliers of paints and household items. The event will also see the participation of regional and international exhibitors, provide
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Neville Totaram said government has been actively encouraging foreign direct investment (FDI) into Guyana and has viewed this as critical to the country’s economic development.
During his presentation at the recently-concluded investment conference, Totaram spoke of the current legislative protection available and the various laws of relevance to foreign investors.
Totaram said that in 2004, an Investment Act was enacted by government with the intention of improving the investment climate. Prior to the adoption of the act, there had been no specific investment legislation and as such, the act was intended to attract and facilitate investment, through the provision of a more predictable, stable, and transparent legal regime for investment and streamlined procedures.
No discrimination
The Investment Act specifies that there should be no discrimination between private foreign and domestic investors or among foreign investors from different countries. The act defines both domestic and foreign investors and clarifies the rights of foreign investors under this legislation and does not restrict investors from any fields of lawful economic activity.
However, there is an exception to the general non-discrimination principle in the mining sector, where investment in small and mediumsized operations is restricted to nationals, unless a partnership exists with a domestic partner. Totaram explained that the finance minister can exclude sectors from investment, subject to an affirmative resolution of the National Assembly.
He related that a sector
would only be excluded in exceptional circumstances, and no distinction or exclusion has been made between foreign and local investors to date.
The Investment Act also specifies the different forms under which investment enterprises may be established.
“Enterprises may be wholly owned by foreign investors, and unrestricted repatriation of profits is allowed after tax obligations have been met, both for companies and net earnings of foreign personnel working in Guyana. Echoing the Constitutional provisions on the protection of property, the act limits the circumstances under which the government may compulsorily acquire any enterprise or the assets of an investor; legal procedures must be followed and adequate compensation paid,” the deputy permanent secretary said.
Totaram mentioned that the Investment Act provides a number of avenues for resolution of disputes among or between investors and the government under the Arbitration Act.
According to Totaram, Guyana has concluded bilateral investment agreements with some foreign countries and is party to several trade agreements concluded by Caricom with third countries
which contain provisions for the promotion and protection of investments.
Guyana has scheduled no limitations to foreign investment with respect to both market access and national treatment under a World Trade Organisation (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
Totaram disclosed that Guyana has failed to use a standard template to negotiate the various investment agreements in place. However, the deputy permanent secretary noted that Guyana’s position is changing fast due to a globalised economic environment where the rules for international trade and cross-border investment require stricter adherence and monitoring.
There are three basic standards of protection or fair treatment which apply; national treatment, most-favoured nation treatment and minimum standard of treatment.
Guyana also recently became party to an agreement between CARIFORUM and the European Union (EU) under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Totaram pointed out that the EPA contains substantial commitments on the liberalisation of investment, for commercial presence in services and nonservices sectors.
The EPA rules on investment also prescribe the conditions of market access in manufacturing, mining, agriculture and forestry, and service sectors in European and CARIFORUM states.
Except for some sensitive sectors, both the EU and CARIFORUM have liberalised several areas of manufacturing and CARIFORUM has maintained special reservations for small and medium enterprises in some sectors. Parts of the EPA agreement
include reservations Guyana has taken with respect to measures that do not conform to the general provisions for investment in non-services sector such as agriculture, hunting, and forestry, fishing, mining and quarrying.
Totaram revealed that Guyana has reserved the right to adopt or maintain measures on investment in the fishing sector and with respect to mining; the state has reserved the right to minerals on all lands.
The state also has reserved rights to adopt restrictions on small-scale investment in the manufacture of wood and wood products as well as the manufacture of furniture. However, Totaram said that public services and utilities and other sensitive sectors have not been opened to foreign participation.
The EPA includes provisions which ensure that investment liberalisation does not result in high social costs and environmental impact. This is facilitated through the inclusion of rules to safeguard the environment and maintain high labour and occupational health and safety standards.
The provision also forbids investors from engaging in bribery and corruption to get special concessions from public officials.
As it relates to protection of foreign investment, Totaram said that the rights and benefits of the investor though central to investor decision, has now become an inadequate policy position. He explained that investor protection must now be inextricably balanced with the legitimate expectations of the domestic public. According to Totaram, the sustainability of the investment or the outcome of the investment is also crucial to consideration.
investment opportunities, and will create opportunities for networking between and among local, regional and international businesses.
BY SVETLANA MARSHALL
Junior Local Government Minister, Norman Whittaker on Wednesday allayed the fears of vendors operating on the Mon Repos Market tarmac, dismissing rumours that they are to be relocated.
Vendors became disgruntled after being informed last week that they would be relocated by the ministry. Minister Whittaker set the record straight, stating that vendors operating on the tarmac will not be relocated. He was backed by the Acting Chairman of the Mon Repos Interim Management Committee Ayude Mohammed who explained that the Public Works Ministry will be simply executing a drainage project within the area. “No they don’t have to move. Within the next three weeks the Ministry of Public Works will be conducting an exercise whereby they will be raising the height of the drains, that is all. The vendors are not being removed at this point in time,” Mohammed told Guyana Times beyond the doors of the meeting.
He explained that some vendors may be required to relocate within the boundaries of the tarmac to facili-
tate the work but not off the tarmac, noting that it is not the government’s intention to put vendors out of business.
Meanwhile, while addressing the more than 200 vendors and residents present at the meeting at the Lusignan Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), President of the Women's Progressive Organisation (WPO) Indra Chandarpal, who stood in support of the local government minister, said change is inevitable. She said in an effort to facilitate expansion work in the future along the East Coast of Demerara corridor, there may be need for relocation. “So the problem is we have to expand. And in expanding there will be dislocation. You have to understand that dislocation is necessary if we are to develop our country. I am sure all of you want our country to develop and grow.”
According to Chanderpal, Mon Repo, once a squatting community like many other communities in the country has transformed tremendously over the past 20 years. She said in an effort to foster greater development the citizens of Guyana must stand by its government.
Minister within the Local Government Ministry Norman Whittaker said the time has come for town councils to raise the standards of their market facilities.
Addressing town clerks, municipal treasurers, clerks of markets, revenue collectors, and constables of the Anna Regina, Linden, New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, and Corriverton municipalities at the Local Government Ministry on Wednesday, Whittaker said the current state of markets across the country is appalling.
“The markets I would have visited, the floors need fixing, the roofs need fixing, they leak at times, washroom facilities leave much to be desired, even the facilities for solid waste collection leaves much to be desired,” he lamented.
With much dissatisfac-
tion, the junior local government minister said although municipalities garner most of their revenues from rates and taxes collected from the markets, the councils have
failed to effectively meet the needs of these facilities.
He advised the officers of the local government organs to establish a strategic plan where a percentage of the revenues garnered can be used for the maintenance of these critical facilities, noting that major emphasis should be placed on renovation, drainage and irrigation, security, and garbage collection. “Consumers must be able to sell in a healthy and comfortable environment.”
Turning to the issue of effective management of the councils’ financial resources, Whittaker said municipalities have a long road ahead. “Ask yourself, as a municipality, have you been able to achieve the set goal to run the markets?” asked the minister.
Many of the councils have set ambitious financial targets, but have fallen short in
Turning her attention to the Mon Repos Market, the WPO president said the facility has the potential to be a tourist destination but has a long way to go. “Why are we having all the salt bags... and the old zincs and the brick on top of the old zincs? The place is filthy and I want you all to know that. It is simply filthy,” she lamented as the once noisy crowd became silent. Vendors, she posited must take responsibility for their environment. Chandarpal, after bashing the vendors offered them a helping hand to develop
a master plan that will recreate the image of the Mon Repo Market. This proposal was received with loud rounds of applause.
However a vocal Romario Shiwumangal told the officials that vendors should not be blamed holistically for the poor state of the facility. According to him, vendors operating in the run-down facility had signalled their interest to construct new stalls at their expense but the NDC has failed to give their approval. “We can bring the market up to a high
standard, we can build our own stalls but the NDC has not given us their approval. Another vendor lamented the NDC’s failure to execute its duties. According to the vendor security, garbage collection, dysfunctional sanitary blocks, lighting and drainage and irrigation remain major problems.
The junior local government minister, after hearing the views expressed by the vendors, said while the proposal put for-
this area, since they either operate without a budget or have failed to work in accordance with that budget, Minister Whittaker lamented.
He stressed that the time to make changes is now. He further admonished the five municipalities “where you have fallen short of your objective, determine what the contributing factors were”. He noted that corrective systems must be put in place to propel commercial activities.
“Today’s events give recognition to the fact that whilst as municipalities, we have been providing goods and services... there is always room for improvement in which we deliver these goods. So rather than sticking rigidly to the objectives set out... let us see this event as an opportunity to examine our performance.”
(FROM PAGE 12)
ward for all vendors to construct their own stalls will be taken into consideration; it must be a decision which includes the involvement of all vendors.
“You must have one thing in mind, what he proposed will not happen tomorrow but that is the direction we would want to go.” He said such plans if executed, must be done in a systematic manner where all the stalls are designed and constructed alike.
However, he told the large number of vendors that it is their responsibility to ensure
that their environs are clean at all times. “There are certain things individual stallholders must do, each person is in charge of their own perimeter and so that must be kept clean at all times.”
To address the many issues plaguing the vendors, the local government minister ordered the formalisation of a market committee. In the past there was a market committee, however, it became dormant after vendors failed to reach an agreement on critical issues.
However, with good faith,
“To provide tools, and techniques that market administrators (managers) and revenue collectors can reduce arrears by 80 per cent, and provide improved services to residents within their respective market environment,” the local government minister said in listing the objectives of the seminar held to promote effective market governance through institutional strengthening and capacity building.
The market by-laws established under the Municipal and District Councils’ Act Chapter 28:01, municipal market plans, market fee structure, market management and revenue collection strategies were among the areas covered during the one-day seminar held in the boardroom of the Local Government Ministry.
after a lengthy period of disagreement, they identified three vendors that will sit on a new committee to handle their affairs. These are Lakram Lalchand, Romario Shiwumangal and Vidyawatie Barrat.
By next week, the Regional Democratic Council, Region Four will identify one person, the NDC two individuals and the Local government Ministry will appoint another person to sit on the Mon Repo Market Committee. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)
The world’s largest international police organisation, known as INTERPOL, says nearly 30 tonnes of cocaine, heroin and marijuana with an estimated value of US$ 822 million have been seized in an operation targeting the maritime trafficking of drugs and illicit firearms by organised crime groups across Central America and the Caribbean.
On Wednesday, INTERPOL said Operation Lionfish, coordinated by its Regional Bureau for Central America in San Salvador, El Salvador, with support from the Drugs and Criminal Organisations unit at the general secretariat headquarters, involved about 34 countries and territories.
It said the operation resulted in 142 arrests, the seizure of 15 vessels, eight tonnes of chemical precursors, 42 guns and abut US$170,000 in cash.
NTERPOL said two operational coordination units, at the Regional Bureau in El Salvador and the Command Centre of the French West Indies Coastguard in Fort
de France, Martinique “provided real-time support for information exchange and conducting checks against INTERPOL’s global databases.”
Run in partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC) with support from the French Coastguard, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Europol, INTERPOL said the joint law enforcement operation was also aimed at enhancing information sharing at the regional and international levels “in order to improve intelligence on modus operandi, routes and the identification of organised crime structures and key players. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)
Parents were urged to reconnect with their children at home at the St Margaret’s Primary School Annual Prize Giving Ceremony held at the Regency Plaza hotel on Thursday.
According to Headteacher Georgenia Lewis, the school’ achievements for the academic year have been commendable despite the inevitable problems it has encountered. “We have a pass rate of 83 per cent … our students have placed in the top 10 of the country,” said Lewis. She noted that the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) of the school have aided in the overall development of the school through commendable self-help work. The students were awarded for their performances at the National Grade Six Assessment
(NGSA), as well as internal academic achievements and extra-circular activities. The ceremony included an array of dance and artistic performances by the students of the school.
Meanwhile, delivering the feature address, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Monitoring Officer E Davenport stated that parents should see themselves as substitute teachers, therefore, making life well balanced for the children. She noted that parents as well as teachers play an important part in children’s life and should always guide them down the right path. While addressing the students, she stated that there should always be an attitude to strive for excellence and to be good wellrounded students, no matter which school students attend.
Ansonette Thomas is the
top NGSA student, achieving 535 marks. In second place is Crystal Havana Wills with 530 marks, followed by two third-place students Isabella Jodha and Regina Sera Lynch, gaining 527 marks each. Michael Leon Bailey’s 525 marks placed him fourth and assures he joins the others at Queen’s College.
Five students gained places at the Bishops’ High School, one at the St Stanislaus College, five at St Roses High and five at St Joseph High School, while the remaining achieved placements at other high schools.
St Margaret’s Primary is listed as a Grade A school by the Education Ministry. Over the years, the school has been producing a high level of passes at the NGSA and is one of most favoured by parents for placement of their children.
Ataxi driver was on Thursday brought before Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of robbery under arms.
Michael Lewis, 30, of Sheriff Street pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 1 at Woodlands Hospital, Carmichael Street, Georgetown, he robbed Sattie Persaud, 47, of $1.1 million and one BlackBerry cellphone valued $40,000.
Attorney-at-law Gordon Gilhuys represented Lewis and told the court that his client was not at the scene of the crime and when the police made the arrest, his client was on his way to make a report that he was hijacked by another man who came into his car and forced him to make the getaway at gunpoint.
According to police re-
ports, the virtual complainant (VC), Sattie Persaud, is an accounts clerk at Woodlands and on the day in question around 09:00h, she was taking the money to make a deposit at the bank when it was snatched out of her hands. Her attackers had reportedly gone to the Woodlands Hospital under the pretext of seeking treatment. They then headed to the accounts department, claiming they were going to pay a bill and robbed the woman.
Prosecutor Vernetté Pindar objected to bail, citing the prevalence of the offence and the fact that a firearm was used in the commissioning of the act, adding that the accused was arrested shortly after the act. The chief magistrate denied the defendant his pre-trial liberty and he will be returning to court on July 19 for statements.
Afather of seven was remanded after appearing before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday to answer to a charge of possession.
Kirk Brown, 41, of Lot 45 Norton Street, Lodge pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on June 4 at Norton Street, he had in his possession 30 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.
According to reports, the cannabis was found in the accused’s car at his home.
Attorney James Bond represented the defendant, who is an auto dealer, and stated that his client’s home was descended upon by 15 policemen who carried out search-
es on his person, home, yard and vehicles. He added that one particular detective corporal searched the cars in his client’s presence and nothing was found. The search party then moved to Brown’s house and subsequently a shout was heard from a lone policeman who was outside that he found the narcotics. The lawyer contended that his client was being framed. The prosecution objected to bail, stating that the defendant was out on bail for a similar offence and the act would not have been committed if the defendant was on remand.
The magistrate denied bail and Brown was remanded to prison. He will be returning to court on July 19 for report and fixture.
Top judge Adly Mansour has been sworn in as Egypt interim president, hours after Mohamed Morsi was overthrown in a military coup following huge protests against his one-year rule.
Mansour took the oath of interim president on Thursday, as his democratically elected predecessor, Mohamed Morsi, was held in an unspecified military barracks along with senior aides.
Before the constitutional court, Mansour said: “I swear by God to uphold the Republican system and respect the constitution and law... and safeguard the people and protect the nation.”
“The revolutionaries of Egypt are everywhere and we salute them all, those who prove to the world that they are strong enough, the brave youth of Egypt, who were the leaders of this revolution.”
Speaking to journalists after being sworn in, Mansour said the Muslim Brotherhood were part of the people and were welcome to help “build the nation”.
“[...] Nobody will be excluded, and if they respond-
ed to the invitation, they will be welcomed,” he said.
Separately, Mansour was made head of the supreme constitutional court – a position he was due to take on June 30, when protests against Morsi’s one year in power began in earnest. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)
Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla has accused his relatives of being vengeful and seeking to control the former South African president’s legacy. His comments came as the bodies of three of Mandela’s children were being reburied at the antiapartheid icon’s home village of Qunu.
On Wednesday police exhumed the bodies from Mandla’s homestead, after court action by his relatives.
Mandela, 94, remains “critical but stable” in hospital, a new update says. President Jacob Zuma issued a statement after visiting the hero of the fight against white minority rule in a Pretoria hospital. “Madiba [Mandela’s clan name] is receiving the best medical care from a multidisciplinary team of health professionals who are at his bedside around the clock,” he said, again urging South Africans to celebrate his
birthday later this month.
Correspondents say there has been a long-running battle over Mandela’s legacy, but it has intensified as his health has deteriorated. Court papers filed last week revealed that he has been on life support. He was admitted on 8 June with a recurring lung infection.
His wife Graca Machel on Thursday said Mandela was sometimes “uncomfortable, but he has never been in pain”. (Excerpt from BBC News)
An Australian naturalist has photographed a rare, nocturnal parrot that has not been caught alive for more than 100 years. Bird-watcher John Young also videoed and recorded the sound of the parrot – known as the Pezoporus occidentalis.
But he said he would rather go to prison than reveal where he found the green and yellow bird. He does not want the remote desert site, in Lake Eyre basin in Queensland, over-run with other bird-watchers.
Scientists know little about the night parrot –dubbed one of the world’s most mysterious birds. There have been a number of expeditions to track it down over the years but many, including one to Lake Disappointment in Western Australia, have ended in failure.
There have been several unconfirmed sightings of the bird over the last 100 years
Most live specimens were caught as long ago as the 19th Century. They were stuffed and sent to museums across the world. There have been several unconfirmed sightings over the last 100 years – and two have been found dead – but many feared the bird
Opposition Leader, David Granger, through his attorney, has filed an appeal challenging the ruling by Chief Justice Ian Chang, exempting him and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh from the 2012 Budget Cuts case.
The appeal was filed on June 25 by A Partnership for National Unity Member of Parliament, Attorney Basil Williams, who called the chief judge’s decision “unreasonable and arbitrary”. This was said by Williams on Wednesday at a press conference.
The attorney noted that removing the opposition leader from the case would not resolve the issue as to whether the combined opposition parties in Parliament is allowed to cut the national budget.
On June 19, Justice Chang, ruled that as mem-
bers of parliament the constitution provides immunity for Granger and Dr Singh as it relates to lawsuits and it was based on that constitution, that he excluded the two Members of Parliament from further proceedings in the trial.
However, he noted that Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, falls into a different category as the Speaker of the House and therefore he does not have to be exempted. The trial will continue today at the High Court, where Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, and lawyer for the Speaker, Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan, are expected to begin legal arguments.
In April 2012, the combined opposition used its oneseat majority to slash $21.9 billion from the proposed $192.8 billion 2012 budget af-
ter they felt that enough explanation was not provided to them by the government.
The government then took to the court to block the National Assembly from cutting the budget, and Justice Chang, in a preliminary ruling, said the opposition could only approve or disapprove of the budget in its entirety.
However this year, the opposition refused to abide by the preliminary ruling handed down by Justice Chang, arguing that it was not binding or final.
As a result, the combined opposition with the Speaker’s blessings shaved more than $31.4 billion off the 2013 $208.8 billion budget presented by government. Chaos reigned when the Speaker also proclaimed that the courts had no oversight responsibility or powers over the legislature.
Edward Snowden should find another country to seek refuge in, a Russian official said on Thursday, signaling Moscow’s growing impatience over the former U.S. spy agency contractor’s stay at a Moscow airport.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia had received no request for political asylum from Snowden and he had to solve his prob-
lems himself after 11 days in the transit area of Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport.
President Vladimir Putin has refused to extradite the American and Russian officials have delighted in his success in staying out of the United States’ clutches since revealing details of secret U.S. government surveillance programmes.
But Moscow also has made clear that Snowden is an in-
creasingly unwelcome guest because the longer he stays, the greater the risk of the diplomatic standoff causing lasting damage to relations with Washington.
“He needs to choose a place to go,” Ryabkov told Reuters. “As of this moment, we do not have a formal application from Mr Snowden asking for asylum in the Russian Federation.” (Excerpt from Reuters)
was on the brink of extinction.
Now Young, who describes himself as the wild detective finding nature’s secrets, has come up with what he says is proof that the parrot is still alive. Many experts appear to agree. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Local manufacturers stand to benefit from the adoption of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Cariforum and the European Union (EU), Daniela Tramacere, head of the EU delegation in Port of Spain said in an e-mail to the TT Guardian. Cariforum is comprised of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) plus The Dominican Republic.
In immediate reaction to the Senate’s passage of the bill ratifying the EPA, she said: “The EU congratulates TT for adopting the bill to implement the Economic Partnership Agreement between Cariforum and the European Union. TT has a strong and vibrant manufacturing sector and growth potential in the services sector that can now take advantage of the agreement.” (Trinidad Guardian)
Emerging markets mania was a costly mistake – Goldman executive
Investors who wrongly called time on U.S. economic supremacy during the financial crisis are set to pay a hefty price for betting too much on the developing world, according to a top Goldman Sachs strategist.
The U.S. investment bank helped inspire a twenty-fold surge in financial investment in China, India, Russia and Brazil over the past decade, its chief economist popularising the term BRICs in a 2001
research paper.
Sharmin MossavarRahmani, in charge of shaping the portfolios of the bank’s rich private clients, has been arguing against that trend for four years, however, trying to persuade investors and colleagues they were safer sticking with the developed world. The past six months has substantially vindicated that view. China’s boom is finally wobbling under the weight of economic imbalances includ-
ing an undervalued currency, and emerging stock markets are down 13 per cent compared to an 11 per cent rise in the U.S. S&P 500 index over the same period.
“Many investors and market commentators have been too euphoric about China over the last decade and this euphoria is finally abating. Many just followed the herd into emerging markets and overallocated to many of the key countries,” she says. (Yahoo! Finance)
British aero engine maker Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc said it was confident a lawsuit brought against it by two former employees would be found to be without merit.
Two ex Rolls-Royce employees in the United States are challenging a court order that prevents them from releasing information they say reveals potentially serious defects in its manufacturing processes, according to a report in the Financial Times.
The report said the two former quality-control officers at Rolls-Royce Corp, part of Rolls’ U.S. unit, allege the company hid internal records of defects in engines it sold to commercial and military clients. “This lawsuit is entirely without merit,” a Rolls-Royce spokesman said, adding that a U.S. district Judge William T Lawrence had already thrown out two of the four claims before the “discovery” phase of the litigation had been entered.
“Judge Lawrence did not find that Rolls-Royce engaged in any wrongdoing, failed to follow its quality system, concealed anything from the U.S. government or even that a jury is entitled to hear the allegations,” the Rolls spokesman added. “Rolls-Royce categorically rejects the other claims and will defend itself vigorously. Any and all facts of the case will be presented in court, where we are confident it will be found the lawsuit is without merit.” (Reuters)
Share prices in Egypt have leapt higher after the ousting of Mohammed Morsi as the country’s president. Stocks in Cairo rose by seven per cent on Thursday, their largest one-day percentage gain in over a year.
Traders are hoping that Egypt’s prospects will improve in the absence of Morsi, even though the country’s battered economy remains in crisis. Some analysts said a long-stalled loan from the IMF may now be possible, although others remained scep-
tical.
“The technocrats will know how to deal with institutions – they will help the country financially because they have a clear agenda,” said Sebastien Henin, portfolio manager at The National Investor, an Abu Dhabi-based investment firm.
“There will be a definitive change to the business environment for international and domestic investors,” he added. However, for Dina Ahmad, a strategist at BNP Paribas, the initial optimism shouldn’t be overplayed.
“While essentially this takes Egypt back to square one and delays any chance of economic progress and an IMF deal even further, we think that ultimately it creates a window of opportunity for a more stable government to be put in place,” she said.
This window of opportunity brought about by the protests that saw Morsi removed from office has, at least in part, been created by Egypt’s dire economic performance over the past two years. (BBC News)
Hong Kong is on its way to regain its position as one of the world’s hottest initial public offering (IPO) markets this year after hitting a fouryear slump in 2012, according to data from consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
A revival in Hong Kong’s IPO market in the first-half of the year in terms of fund-
raising size despite nine fewer listings compared to the same period last year shows “fundamentally” strong demand, PwC said.
“IPO activity in terms of fundraising size reached HK$39.5 billion (US$5.09 billion) in the first half of 2013, an increase of 28 per cent from the first half of 2012,” PwC said in a note on Tuesday.
“This clearly illustrates that
despite a decrease in the number of IPOs, there is a strong appetite for new listings with the average size of fundraising stepping up significantly.”
A strong pipeline of IPOs – PwC expects up to 80 IPOs with total fundraising between US$15.5 billion and over US$19 billion in 2013 –would catapult the city into the world’s top three markets for capital raising. (Yahoo!
Pakistan’s newly elected government has agreed a US$5.3 billion (£3.5 billion) loan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The three-year loan will replenish the central bank’s reserves and buy time for the government to cut its budget deficit and fix the energy sector.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif won elections in May in Pakistan’s first democratic change of government. Among
the new government’s priorities are dealing with frequent power cuts, and increasing its tax collection.
“Technical and financial problems in the energy sector have led to large-scale power outages, which have depressed output and imposed hardship on the public at large,” the IMF noted in its announcement of the agreement.
As part of the deal, the government has also agreed to
cut its over-spending, in part by eliminating subsidies and tax loopholes in order to increase the amount of taxes it collects. Pakistan also agreed to raise more money through privatisation, including the sell-off of energy assets.
“We have not carried the begging bowl in our hands, nor are we getting a grant,” said Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who led the Pakistani delegation during two weeks of negotiations with the IMF. (BBC News)
Here are some things to consider thoroughly before hiring a virtual assistant:
* Many companies require VAs to have over five years of clerical or supervisory experience, such as secretaries, paralegals and office managers.
* VAs should have professionally designed websites promoting their work with testimonials and references that check out. Check their spelling, grammar and focus.
* Experienced virtual assistants should provide a consultation, or a demonstration of their skills and professionalism, to their prospective clients. Check for professionalism, punctuality and timely responses to your inquiries.
* Clear understanding of your business and a quick study – make sure your VAs can quickly learn your trade.
* Analyse their skills in pertinent technologies such as software and hardware.
* VAs are not required to provide their résumé as they consider their website and testimonials to be experience enough.
* Be clear about what services are offered, and which are not.
* Be aware that professional VAs do not come cheap. Be prepared to pay for their services, and to sign a longterm contract.
* Virtual assistants do not require or welcome your management or supervision. It is
understood from your contract that you hand over your business’ administrative responsibilities to him/her.
* VAs set their own fees, hours, policies and procedures, and as the client, and once you enter a binding agreement, you are not allowed to change them.
* VAs are not required to agree to changes to pay, or submit time sheets to you.
* VAs will not allow you to control the means they use to accomplish the results that you have requested. As a client, your only concern is the end product. If you are dissatisfied with the end product, you have the right to make requests to improve the quality. (Business Dictionary)
By Bernice Bede Osol
Try to use your free time as productively as possible. If you don’t, you might end up writing today off as wasted.
(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
It’s OK to enjoy yourself as much as possible, but be sure to seek both mental and physical stimulation. Relax and have fun while improving your mind and body.
A friend is anxious to talk about a personal issue, but is hesitant to do so. It might be up to you to put your pal at ease.
Although you might not be too lucky with intangible involvements, all the good will you’re able to generate will end up being more valuable than money.
(Aug. 23Sept. 22)
(July 23Aug. 22) (Feb. 20-March 20)
Do your best to keep your priorities in good order. First, attend to your important obligations so that they’re not hanging over your head the entire day.
(March 21-April 19)
You might be surprised by what you can learn simply by spending some quality time with a few bright pals. Additionally, it would be smart to ask a lot of questions.
(April 20-May 20)
Don’t hesitate to spend some time with a friend who has been indebted to you for some time. You could be in for a pleasant surprise when he or she picks up the tab.
(May 21June 20)
This is likely to be an extremely busy day in which you might have to handle several problems simultaneously. Fortunately, you’ll be able do so with grace and aplomb.
It’ll be important to be flexible where your important objectives are concerned. Circumstances are likely to necessitate changing your tactics at a moment’s notice.
(Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Your best ideas are apt to come when reviewing situations that you successfully handled in past, which are similar to what you’re facing now. Trade on experience.
(Oct. 24Nov. 22)
A couple of rewarding situations could develop from two separate involvements. Both will involve distinctly different groups or organisations.
(Nov. 23Dec. 21)
You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding several solutions to a critical issue. The only problem you might have is deciding which one to use.
After a successful hosting of Summer Fete 2012 which saw partyholics from all walks of life partying to the vibes of Machel Montano, Pulse Entertainment is doing it again in 2013. The 2013 edition of the Pulse Summer Fete is slated for July 27 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
This time around, there have been a few additions to the cast by the headliner at the event –the soca Energy King, Machel Montano and his High Definition Band comprising Father Nappy, Patrice Roberts and others.
But that’s not the end of the cast; for the first time in Guyana, Trinidadian Chutney Queen, Drupattie will also share the stage with Montano. She is popular for her collaboration with Montano titled “Wuk up de Larkhi”. Olatunji will also be performing live on stage.
However, as the countdown for the most anticipated Pulse Summer Fete heats up, corporate Guyana is feeling the vibes and more than 18 sponsors are on board.
Soca King Machel Montano who was here on several occasions is hyped to return to his second home, Guyana with some old favourites and new songs. Montano’s arrival is set for July 26.
The list of sponsors include Banks DIH, 94#1 Boom FM, Palm Court, TVG 28/Guyana Times; Princess Hotel, Truck Masters, Pick it up Guyana, the Tourism Ministry, Charisma Styles, Pieces and Things, Crack in the Wall, Chand’s Printing, Medi-Care Pharmacy, Lifestyles Boutique, Ashmins, NCN, and Gizmos and Gadgets.
General admission to the summer fete concert is $3000 while stage front tickets cost $15,000 and the Luxury VIP tickets cost $30,000.
Tickets for this event go on sale as of Monday July 9 at Palm Court, Gizmos and Gadgets, Princess Hotel Front Desk, Ashmins, Pulse Office, Street Styles, Lifestyles Boutique, M&M Snackette, Harbour Bridge, Avon’s DVD Club, Uitvlugt, Dave Sports Bar, Grove, A Alli and Sons, New Amsterdam Berbice, The Garage, South Ruimveldt, MediCare Pharmacy, Hinck Street and others. Palm Court is the only vendor for the Luxury VIP tickets.
Jamzone International Pageant –meet the delegates
As Guyanese get ready to welcome another edition of the Hits and Jams’ Jamzone Summer Break, nine countries from across the region have indicated their participation to compete for the coveted title of Miss Jamzone International 2013.
The delegates will be competing in a number of competitions including fantasy wear, evening gown, swimwear, national costume and intelligence segment. The pageant is set for the National Cultural Centre on August 21.
When the dust settles on Saturday evening, in the mining town of Linden, laughter will erupt at the Mackenzie Sports Club. The town will host the cast and crew of Guyana’s epic comedy show, “Chow Pow’s Comedy Jam”.
The show, which is produced by Yolo Entertainment, is fresh off a sold out performance at the Garage Bar and Grill on June 1.
Critics have proclaimed this to be the revolution of comedy shows in Guyana due to the fact that it has a no holds bar attitude and caters for an adult audience. It also highlights social issues in a satirical manner thus mirroring our society.
In this edition, Sir Mars will face off with the multitalented Chow Pow in what will be a repeat of their clash at Uncensored. This should be quite a treat for comedy fans in Linden.
Also on show will be cultural ambassador Henry Rodney, Chris Gopaul and the new kids on the block “The Re-Actorz”.
The ReActorz are made up of the cream of the crop of actors in Mark Kasim, Tashandra Innis, Mark Luke Ewards, Leon Cummings, Sean Thompson and their writer/director Randy Critchlow, who himself hails from the mining town. Also performing on the night is Floyd Martindale and Carlvin Burnette. Advance tickets are on sale at Muslim’s Top Up in Linden for an affordable $800. Fans are encouraged to get their tickets early and avoid paying more at the gate. The show gets underway at 20:00h and is supported by Giftland OfficeMax, Roger Hinds Service Station, Precise Printing and Banks DIH.
Lake Mainstay Resort will be hosting its 4th edition of the Car and Bike Show and After Party on Saturday, July 13 under floodlights at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.
The competition will be judged in four categories namely overall, artwork, audio and unique. In the overall category there will be judging done for best car, best SUV, best bike (small) and best bike (super).
In the artwork category prizes will be awarded for the car, SUV and bike with the best artwork while prizes will be awarded for the best sound systems in cars; buses and SUVs. In the unique category, luxury extreme and classics vehicles will be judged.
There will be over $1 million in cash prizes and trophies to be won.
Registration fee for each category will be $2000 and forms can be uplifted at Lake Mainstay Resort Offices, Georgetown and Essequibo; Universal Pharmacy, Suddie; Anil Cellphone Store,
Dancehall super stars Mavado and Tommy Lee will be heading to Guyana for the highly anticipated Slingerz/Carib Beer Summer Jam, on August 17 at the Guyana National Stadium.
This is the first time the two artistes will be sharing the same stage since 2012 and both artistes have enhanced their artillery of music since then. The question to be asked now will be who will really be the headline act on the night?.
Mavado last visited Guyana on News Years Day 2012 when he starred in the Kashif and Shanghai After Football Finals Show at the Guyana National Stadium, while Tommy Lee created havoc at the National Park on December 25 when he stormed the stage at the Slingerz Christmas Concert.
Slingerz Entertainment expressed its excited at bringing two of the biggest names in the business to Guyana as they continue with their trend of providing quality entertainment and showing appreciation to their fans for their year-round support.
“Both artistes will be coming to Guyana with their bands, which will add more stage show atmosphere to the event. Each artiste has their own fans, so we plan on bringing them all together for
one massive show. Just like everyone else, we at Slingerz Family don’t have a clue who will be the last on stage since in our book, they are both main acts,”
Slingerz Entertainment stated in a release.
Slingerz Entertainment, further stated that the event was created to satisfy the entertainment hunger of Guyanese, both at home and those returning for the August vacation period, as well as to create an avenue for those regionally especially our friends in Suriname, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. According to the ‘West Side’ based Slingerz Entertainment, promotion will commence in two weeks with ticket give-a-ways, promotional parties, live radio and television updates and a VIP party that will give fans a chance to interact with the artistes.
Leroy Russell more popularly known as Tommy Lee and Tommy Lee Sparta burst onto the Dancehall frontier in 2008 while David Brooks, aka Mavado, seems like a veteran in the business, even though he only surfaced in 2005.
Mavado is considered as one of the ‘poster boys’ of the Dancehall genre, who is now signed to the We the Best Music Group/Cash Money Records.
Have you ever had the experience of attending prom? Do you want to relive it with the man or woman of your dreams or do you want to have your first experience of attending prom in grand fairytale style?
If your answer is yes to any or all of these questions then Pulse Entertainment is inviting you to Prom Night on July 13 at Palm Court. The night belongs to you and yours or maybe you will find Mr or Mrs Right dressed ideally for Prom to dance, socialise or reconnect with old friends.
Persons can also download the registration form from Lake Mainstay’s Facebook website. (lakemainstayresort.biz). Registration deadline is Friday, July 12.
The three previous car and bike shows were well received by thousands of Essequibians under flood lights in the cool of the night with excitement to the max.
The organisers are anticipating large crowd support and additional vehicles and bikes from across the country to converge at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, Essequibo, for this massive exciting event.
Admission to the event costs $1000 while children under 10 years old will pay $500. The gates will be opened from 16:00h and the show commences at 17:00h. For further information please call telephone numbers: 226-2975, 7714951/52/60.
But that’s not all says Pulse CEO Robbie Singh because maybe you might win your first tiara or crown as Prom King and Queen because the event will feature live on stage the new Guyanese band ‘Keep Your Day Job’ and a king and Queen will be crowned.
What are you waiting for? Go ahead and ask someone to be your prom date, hire a fancy ride and make a grand entrance… See you there… Admission to the event costs $2000 before 23:00h and more after while ladies will be admitted free before 22:00h.
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Twenty-three-year-old, Kester Akeem Robinson was born in the capital city of Georgetown, Guyana as the only son of four children for his parents.
Although young, he is mature in mind and heart, responsible and motivated with a healthy sense of humour and possess a fun loving disposition.
would have it, the cake was
From then on, he was on a roll which hasn’t quite stopped. Over the years he has built on what he had learnt in his mother’s kitchen and even developed his own techniques and formulas.
As years passed by, samples of his baking were shared among family members and friends, who all gave encouraging feedback and this served as motivation which spurred him to continue.
During high school he took his first cake decorating course with the late Debbie Mentore, a pioneer of cake decorating in Guyana.
restaurant has ever had in its 35 years plus in existence with a four star status.
Being a pastry chef can sometimes be challenging, but the result pays off in the end. His work includes sugar art, fruit and vegetable carving, pastillage, specialty and novelty cakes, chocolate art, specialty desserts, butter sculptures, and ice carving; but it doesn’t stop there. There are many more food arts this young chef is yet to master. By profession, he is a wedding and event planner and an interior decorator.
27 Dasrate Street, Triumph. Call Isha on 220-2130, 622-7097
One cook interior phone:680-5346. Clerical staff. Must be computer literate, knowledge of CorelDraw will be an asset. Send applications to Jarrods, 51 Main Street, Georgetown.
A description of Robinson must include the words focused, well-oriented, resilient, creative and ambitious. Maintaining a healthy life style of proper mannerisms, awareness, social responsibility and loyalty are attributes which form a part of his armoury and are regarded as strengths.
At the age of 10, when asked what he wanted to become, his response was a chef, although he had not yet discovered his love for the culinary arts. He thought it was destiny. He recalled as a child he would normally cream butter and sugar for his mother, until one day he tried his hand at a cake, as luck or maybe natural talent
He left his first job after his passion grew stronger for the hotel Industry and then gained employment at Hotel Tower as a night auditor under then General Manager Nicole Pieere, who saw his work and afforded the budding chef the opportunity to pursue a Diploma in Catering and Hospitality at the Carnegie School of Economics.
In 2010, he took his first study tour to complete a course in wedding planning and décor at the University of the West Indies Open Campus and a certificate in cake decorating at the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism and Hospitality Institute.
Robinson had no idea this would have been the turning point; his skills were admired and recommended to two companies.
He took the better offer and started his third job as a pastry chef intern. This opportunity was fully exploited and he proved myself, becoming Chef in Charge of all desserts and named best pastry chef the
One of his recent shows titled “mustique” was part of a final practical examination for the Specialty and Novelty Cakes course which gained recognition in two main news prints and online media as the first replica of a life size standing guitar in Trinidad and Tobago.
He is currently a student of the Trinidad and Tobago Hospitality and Tourism Institute where he is pursuing his studies in baking and pastry arts.
Scheduled for Sandals Resort, Anitgua, he will be completing six months of training in the baking and pastry arts profession.
“I work very hard in the industry to achieve my goals and aspirations while motivating others to aim high and embrace their creativity while thinking outside the box. Be original I always say, never limit yourself but strengthen your weaknesses, always push to be the best. It is better to try and fail than fail to try” Robinson said. His favourite quote, which he says keeps him grounded is: “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
With the August vacation around the corner, Hits and Jams Entertainment and Rose Productions are putting you in the mood for a fabulous “summer” when they join forces to host “Welcome Summer Beach Jam” at Celina’s Resort this Sunday. The Celina's Resort, Seawall Road will definitely come alive as Fusions Deejay Sean also called Gully Rass and Selector Diamond will set the tone for a fantastic evening. They will be accompanied by Pulse’s Deejay Ryan, Deejay Green Dungs, Deejay Garwin, Deejay Bevaughn and Akilo and 94#1 BOOM FM, deejay, Energy also called the Party King. There will be lots of fun and excitement for the entire family such as beach football; cricket, tug-of-war, bouncy castle, trampoline and much more. Admission to the event before 15:00h is $1500 for adults and $1000 for children under 12 years of age. Welcome Summer Beach Jam is sponsored by Hits and Jams, Next Level Entertainment, Pulse Entertainment, Stereo Sonics Entertainment, Pier One Family, The Garage and 94#1 BOOM FM. this Saturday for
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Paul Skinner, Event Operations Officer for the Barbados leg of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, says he expects Barbadian fans to adjust quickly to the new franchise concept, ensuring that the inaugural Twenty20 showpiece is an overwhelming success when it bowls off later this month.
He was speaking as a guest on CBC Radio’s popular Mid-Wicket Cricket Show here Tuesday night, where he fielded questions from host Keith Holder, as well as callers to the programme.
Barbados will be the first port of call for the Limacol CPL, hosting what is expected to be a glitzy opening ceremony and the maiden game between Barbados Tridents and St Lucia Zouks, at Kensington Oval on July 30.
“It is one of those things where you have to get accustomed. The first year the IPL was run, it was a case of getting used to players who may not have necessarily come from the par ticular city, but who were playing for those cities,” Skinner explained.
“But that’s the whole es sence of the franchise system where players are selected from wherever they are with in the region, to play for a particular team. There were stipulations [in the LCPL draft] where you must have seven locals inside the team so we do have a large Barbadian con tingent [and] there is a large local contingent in each of the franchise teams throughout the Caribbean.”
Barbados Tridents will be captained by West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago bighitter Kieron Pollard, and includes the likes of Trinidadian Shannon Gabriel, the Pakistani duo of Shoaib Malik and Umar Akmal, and superstar Bangladeshi allrounder Shakib al Hasan.
playing cricket in Mumbai so there is not really much difference,” he pointed out.
“For instance, Rohit Sharma is from Mumbai but he played first with the Deccan Chargers from Hyderabad and he was well loved here. It is just a matter of folks embracing their teams, supporting the local franchises and coming out to see the games.”
Skinner also responded to some callers’ concerns about the scheduling of the tournament in the middle of the country’s Carnival celebrations. The Limacol CPL Barbados matches take place from 30 July to 3 August, a period which coincides with the climax of the Crop Over Festival.
However, Skinner said he expected both cricket and Carnival to combine in a thrilling hybrid, where fans could sample the best of both worlds of high octane entertainment.
However, several Barbadians populate the 15-man squad, with Dwayne Smith, Kyle Mayers, Raymon Reifer, Jason Holder, Ashley Nurse, Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter and Kirk Edwards, all included.
Skinner, who has worked extensively in the past with the Indian Premier League, believes fans will come out to support the LCPL teams regardless of their composition.
“It is a new concept and with anything new, there will be a period of adjustment. Yes we have a Trinidadian captaining a team that is in Barbados but when he goes and plays cricket in Mumbai, he is a Trinidadian
“We understand that it is in the middle of Crop Over. There will be a lot of visitors here as well. We have had terest from overseas and the people who are coming in have the opportunity not only to enjoy Crop Over, but to see the inaugural Limacol CPL T20 starting in Barbados,” he
“It does pose some challenges, more logistically than anything else, but we are hoping that with the fun and excitement and the Carnival-like atmosphere that the tournament will bring, that fans will all come out and enjoy the games.
“The games start at 8 pm and will finish around 11pm to 11.30 pm so if you really want to go and take in a party afterward, there is still ample opportunity to do that after the game.”
The Limacol Caribbean Premier League will feature an array of Caribbean and international stars contesting 24 matches, played across Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago, from July 30 to August 24.
Ninety players have been contracted to play in the CPL, with each franchise team comprising 15 players.
Barbados Tridents comprises Kieron Pollard, Shoaib Malik, Shakib al Hasan, Umar Akmal, Dwayne Smith, Jason Holder, Shannon Gabriel, Rayad Emrit, Ashley Nurse, Carlos Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Kyle Mayers, Devendra Bishoo, Kirk Edwards and Raymon Reifer. (CPL)
Germany’s Sabine Lisicki came through a dramatic Wimbledon semi-final and will play Marion Bartoli of France for the title on Saturday.
Lisicki, who beat top seed Serena Williams in round four, came back from 3-0 down in the final set to see off Polish fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4 2-6 9-7.
The 23-year-old becomes the first German to reach the Wimbledon final since seven-time champion Steffi Graf in 1999.
Bartoli, the 15th seed, earlier swept past Belgian
Kirsten Flipkens 6-1 6-2 to reach her second Wimbledon final, six years after losing out to Venus Williams.
If that match was a onesided affair, the second semifinal on Centre Court was a dramatic match of wildly fluctuating fortunes.
Lisicki, the 23rd seed, did not face a single break point in the first set against Radwanska and broke at the start of the second, but the errors then began to flow.
Radwanska remained as solid as ever, vulnerable on her second serve but able to dictate once into the rallies, and Lisicki’s serve became less and less reliable as the
match wore on. Two double faults in a desperately nervous eighth game handed over the set and the error count of 17 to 3 showed just how Lisicki’s game had crumbled.
Radwanska moved 3-0 clear with her sixth game in succession, but there was another power surge from Lisicki and the German earned her chance to serve for the match at 5-4.
Outgunned in terms of power but seemingly steadier of nerve, Radwanska held on by saving two break points at 6-6 and another at 7-7, but she finally prodded a volley over the baseline.
Tyson Gay’s preparations for the World Championships continued with an impressive win in the men’s 100m at the Diamond League meeting in Lausanne.
Gay, the 2007 world champion, has now clocked the three fastest times of the year after running 9.79 seconds to beat Jamaica’s Asafa Powell (9.88).
Britain’s former Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu only managed to finish fourth in the women’s 400m.
Shara Proctor took third in the women’s long jump with a season’s best 6.92m.
But attention was focused on American sprinter Gay, who appears to be back to his best form after struggling with injuries in recent years.
He did not make a blistering start but surged ahead of Powell, who recorded a season’s best, in the final 40m.
It was another impressive performance from the 30-year-old Gay, following his world-leading 9.75 at the recent US Championships, and maintains the pressure on Usain
Jamaican Bolt, 26, de -
not to compete in Switzerland and will instead run over 200m in Paris on Saturday.
“I’m feeling good and I think I have a good chance against anybody,” Gay told BBC Sport. (BBC Sport)
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The West Indies Cricket Board and Scotiabank have signed a new fiveyear agreement allowing the bank to remain exclusive sponsor of the WICB’s Kiddy Cricket Programme.
The new contract allows WICB to expand the programme of teaching foundation cricketing skills to the more than 150,000 students who are currently enrolled.
Scotiabank is expected to double its investment under the new deal which represents the longest sponsorship contract that the bank has signed with the WICB during their 14-
year association.
“The WICB holds the Kiddy Cricket programme as a high-priority initiative,” declared Michael Muirhead, CEO of WICB.
“…it is the base of the cricket development path in the region, and we are very pleased to renew this sponsorship with our longstanding sponsor and partner, Scotiabank”.
As part of the expanded programme, Scotiabank is also set to fund the provision of close to 10,000 Kiddy Cricket programme gear and equipment kits featuring bats, balls and stumps to a number schools across the region.
The sponsorship ar-
rangement is also set to play a role in the new Cricket Coach Education programme recently launched by the WICB in association with the University of Technology in Jamaica.
“We have seen significant progress in the Kiddy Cricket programme over the last 14 years as title sponsors,” said Heather Goldson, Scotiabank’s director of marketing for the English Caribbean.
“We have reached over 750,000 children since inception, and have had the satisfaction of seeing Kiddy cricketers rising to the pinnacle of the game as national and as West Indian players”.
By TreisTon Joseph
Bishops’ High School
steered the public’s attention to the under-17 category of the National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF) when they humiliated Brickdam Secondary School with an 82-42 win on Wednesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Bishops’ High who lost to Kwakwani Secondary on the opening night rebounded from the seven-point loss and completely dominated Brickdam Secondary who lost for the second straight game by double digits to end their run in the tournament.
Daniel Haynes, Michael Broomes and Marvin Durant had 24, 15 and 18 points respectively to lead the dominant performance of Bishops’ High. Joshua Lee was the lone man for Brickdam scoring in double digits with 13 points.
Kwankwani Secondary survived a comeback effort
by St Roses High School to pull out a 41-34 win to notch their second win the under-17 category. The high-paced game saw St Roses coming back
from seven points down to take a one point lead with three minutes to go. However, they failed to score again as Kwakwani took command of the game
to end on a strong 8-0 run. Kevin Gordon had a team high in 11 points and was assisted by Dellon Wallace with nine points and six rebounds. Shemar Huntley
had 15 points for St Roses while Anfernee Jervis had 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Marian Academy secured their place in the next round for the uder-17 category with a win over President’s College (PC) 3825.
Judah Stepheny played superb in the game for Marian scoring 12 points, six rebounds along with eight steals to lead Marian Academy.
New Amsterdam Multilateral (NAM) kept their hopes alive of reaching to the next round in the under-17 category with a 44-25 win. The scrappy game saw Shurland Gills, Joel Glasgow and Ramone Fogeray scoring six points each to lead NAM to the win.
Meanwhile, in the senior encounter the University of Guyana (UG) was ousted from the competition after they lost their second game to President’s College (PC) 28-42.
UG, who had a nine point advantage early in the first half before it was cut to just two points at the end of half time (22-20), never recovered to hold onto the lead.
The men from UG often scraped for points off wild shots and hustle plays.
Nyambekerie Bacchus led all scorers with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds while Fonsie James of UG topscored with 10 points.
The final senior match of the evening was a game of struggling offense as Guyana School of Agriculture pulled of a 3025 win over JC Chandisingh of Rose Hall, Corentyne.
Emmanuel Archibald threw up a host of shots to only connect on less than 40 per cent of them, registering 16 points out of the 30 that GSA scored.
Raybourne Murry was the only player from Chandersingh to score double digits with 11 points in the close encounter.
By raJiv BisnauTh
Berbice sent the President’s XI crashing to a nine-wicket defeat with 37 overs to spare in the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board/ Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Fire and Life Insurance-sponsored (GTM) Inter-County Under-19 competition on Thursday.
Played at the Demerara Cricket Club ground in Queenstown, the President’s XI lost Anthony Bhupdeo (1) in the third over to start a batting slump from which they never recovered. They were bowled out for 73 in 42 overs after winning the toss. Berbice romped home in 13 overs with 17-year-old Ashkay Homraj making 45 not out and Sharaz Ramcharran, two.
It was a disappointing game for the President’s XI, especially after the courageous effort the day before when they defeated Essequibo by 31 runs.
On a pitch that favoured the spinners and faster bowlers, President’s XI lost five wickets for 32 runs inside the first 16th overs. It did not get much better for the President’s XI although Martin Bell topscored with 18. Avishkar Sewkaran and Garfield De Roche contributed with 15 and 11 runs respectively.
Romario ShepherdDeJonge, Sharaz Ramcharran, Shawn Perreira, Shailendra Shameer, all took two wickets. There was also a wicket apiece for Suresh Dhanai and Karamchand Ramnarine.
Berbice reached 41 without loss in seven overs before lunch with Devin Baldeo (19) and fellow opener Ashkay Homraj on 17.
Upon resumption, the eventual winners lost Baldeo, stumped off Vishal Narayan for 20. Homraj, who was later, awarded the Man-of-the-Match award, and Ramcharran finished the match without further danger.
Meanwhile, Demerara rebounded from their 101run defeat against Berbice to whip Essequibo by 45runs at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Camp Road.
Chasing a target of 194, the Essequibians were bowled out for 148 in 48.4 overs. Leg spinner and Man-of-the-Match, Steven Sankar excelled with 5 for 34, as Essequibo reproduced
another horrifying batting display.
Essequibo batting looked a usual pale shadow with only skipper Ricardo Adams with a 49-balls 54 (4x4, 3x6) making any meaningful contribution.
Earlier, Demerara’s batsmen battled hard on a difficult track as they managed 193 for 8 in the stipulated 50 overs.
Kamesh Yadram and Kemol Savory scored composed half-centuries while Bernard Bailey and Dexter George contributed a useful 27 and 20 not out respectively.
Demerara were in dire straits after they decided to bat first, losing Brian Sattuar without scoring, Andrew Gibson (2) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (14) within the first ten
overs and were precariously placed at 45 for three.
There were two notable partnerships in the Demerara innings. Yadram and Savory added 65 runs for the fourth wicket while Savory and Bailey put on 42 for the sixth wicket.
Yadram and Savory made 52 each with the skipper’s innings lasting 71 balls, inclusive of four fours and two sixes while the latter lasted for 81 balls, inclusive of four boundaries.
Bowling for Essequibo Ricardo Adams and Andy Dass claimed 2-25 and 2-17 respectively while there was one wicket apiece for Rajiv Balgobin and Herry Green.
Chasing the imposing total, Essequibo piled pressure on themselves by losing two quick wickets.
However, Adams and Mark Gonsalves added 59 for the third wicket, the best partnership in the innings, before Adams perished. Thereafter, the Essequibo innings fell apart as only Mohamed Hass, 13, Herry Green, 12 and Shivindra Hemraj, 12, reaching doubled digits.
Devon Lord, Dexter George and Bernard Bailey also chipped in with figures of 2-23, 2-34 and 1-15 respectively. The third and final round is scheduled for Saturday with the President’s XI opposing Demerara at the Wales Community Centre ground and Berbice facing Essequibo at the GCC ground. The two top teams will meet in the final on Monday, at the GCC ground.
Vijai Rahim, Winston Stoby and Kimberly Mars-Loncke copped gold on Thursday as the 14th Pan American and seventh Caribbean Powerlifting Championship got underway in Orlando, Florida.
Berbician Rahim took gold in the 66kg Open category with Brandon Mathura of Trinidad and Tobago settling for the silver in the Caribbean Championship.
Rahim returned to collect a silver in the 66kg Junior division at the Pan American event with Alex Ochoa of Ecuador taking the gold and Fabian Ketwaroo of Guyana the bronze.
In the 66kg Open at the Pan American championship, Rahim had to settle for bronze with Ochoa and compatriot Soria Fernando taking gold and silver respectively.
The experienced Stoby topped the 74kg Open at the Caribbean Championship with Carlos Melendez of Puerto Rico taking silver and Paul Adams of Guyana
bronze.
In the 74kg Open at the Pan American championship, Stoby failed to replicate his effort, finishing fifth with Miguel Curipoma of Ecuador, Jose Perez of USA, Alvaro Majia of Costa Rica and David Salgado sharing the top four spots in that order.
Another Guyanese, Gumendra Shewdas, also lifted unbeaten in the subjunior segment of 53kg Class.
However, his division is not awarding medals in
weight class, but via Wilkes points. His results will be known on Saturday.
On the distaff side, MarsLoncke has become the second female lifter to capture a gold medal, following in steps of Dawn Barker at the Caribbean Powerlifting Championship.
She also copped bronze in her category at the Pan American segment of the championship with a total of 410kg. M Hamm (497.5kg) of the USA and C Elizondo (412kg) of Costa Rica took gold and silver respectively.
The Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) will be staging its ninth annual P&P Junior tennis camp from July 8-19 at two venues around Georgetown.
The GTA has taken note of the unpredictable weather conditions, and as such, the younger players between ages 6-11 will be trained indoors at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue from 09:00h to 11:00h.
Players between the ages of 12 and 18 will be accommodated at the tennis courts at the National Racquet Centre from noon to 14:00h.
The association has noted that there have been a great number of respondents who are willing to have their young ones involved in the camp. This year, the GTA ex-
pects to surpass last year’s number which was a total of 61 participants.
According to a release from the GTA, “Bish Panday, proprietor of P&P Insurance Brokers and an avid tennis fan, committed to sponsoring this event annually in 2004 and he continues to be passionate about sports as a necessary and healthy alternative to schoolwork. Most notably, he sees tennis as one of the tools for young children to nurture discipline and become well rounded students/ athletes.”
National Junior Coordinator and coach, Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan, boasted that the camp continues to be a successful activity on the GTA’s calendar for introducing new players to the sport. Some of these
Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) have secured their ticket into the second round of the Region Six zone of the Digicel National Schools Football tournament when they got past Canje Secondary (CSS) 5-3 on Thursday.
Playing at the All Saints School ground, New Amsterdam, BEI were off to an early start with Jason Drakes rocking the nets in the fifth minute. From then on they took control and had most of the possession and all of the shots at goal for the next fifteen minutes.
In the 27th minute Gary Solomon was awarded a free kick from just outside of the 18-yard box and sent a powerful shot over the defensive wall of CSS. Goalkeeper Clayon Emanuel got both
hands to the ball but only succeeded in pushing it over his head and into the back of the net.
That goal was answered two minutes later when Quacy Reid scored to pull one back for CSS. Within five minutes Solomon scored again to give BEI a 3-1 lead at the half.
During the interval Omari Benton was replaced by substitute goalkeeper Keon Williams. The decision paid off for BEI as Benton sent a header past Emanuel seconds after play resumed. In the 56th minute Troy Munroe, the youngest, person on the field who had squandered a few goal scoring opportunities earlier, made good a pass he got a few yards away from the goal to give his team 5-1
lead.
As the encounter wound down, SCC started to play with more aggression and dominated most of the dying stages of the game. Jamal Benjamin scored in the 77th and 81st minutes. The final whistle came before CSS could have forced the game into extra time.
BEI have now qualified to play School of the Nations on Tuesday. Meanwhile round two of the competition begins today when defending regional champions Tutorial Academy take on Orealla at the Skeldon Community Centre. Orealla got past round one with a 13-0 win over Lower Corentyne while Tutorial drew a bye into the second round. (Andrew Carmichael)
players have gone on to greater endeavours through the sport.
One of the most successful juniors out of the camp, Afruica Gentle, returned as the champion from the recently concluded Antigua International Under-12 tournament held during April this year.
A registration fee of $3000 is required at the start of the programme for the two weeks and participants are expected to walk with a snack and a racquet. At the end of the two-week period, players will compete in various categories for the coveted camp trophies.
The camp coaches can be reached on 642-0567 or 6604011 for more information and early registration since space is limited.
Youngsters in Enterprise and surrounding areas on the East Coast of Demerara will be exposed to a high level of training next week when the Sport Ministry and the National Sports Commission (NSC) stage a one-week cricket camp at the Enterprise Busta Sports Club.
The third annual camp, which will start on Monday and conclude on Friday, will focus on the fundamentals of cricket, as well as several topics of interest.
According to coordinator, Latchman Yadram, the camp will concentrate on youths below the age of 17 who will be tutored on crick-
et. They will also receive information on road safety, HIV/AIDS, leadership, discipline and food and nutrition among other topics.
Yadram, who is attached to the NSC and is a former coach of both the junior and senior national women’s teams, will be assisted by coaches Daniel Richmond, Herman Persaud and Rajan Tiwari.
The participants will also be given a chance to test their skills at tabletennis during the five-day camp.
Officials of the Sport and Health Ministries, as well as members of the Enterprise Busta Sports Club will assist in the execution of the programme. At last year’s activity, close to 50 aspiring cricketers graduated with knowledge of the basics of the game of cricket.
Last year’s event attracted participants from Enterprise Primary, President’s College, Bladen Hall Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Hope Secondary, Golden Grove Secondary, Buxton Community High, Beterverwagting Secondary, Apex Academy, La Bonne Intention Primary, Green Acres Primary, Helena Primary and Enterprise Busta Sports Club, and Yadram is once again hoping to have the same level of success this year.
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – West Indies play India at the Queen’s Park Oval today in a game they must win to confirm their place in the finals of the Celkon Mobile Cup Tri-Nation tournament.
West Indies are hunting their third straight win after victories against Sri Lanka and India during the Jamaica leg of the tournament.
Officials say large crowds are expected at the Oval for the second leg of the tournament following the first leg of matches at Sabina Park.
WICB’s Event Manager Cindy McLean has confirmed that tickets for the weekend games have been sold out.
“We can confirm that all the tickets, made available to the public, for today’s match and Sunday’s match in the CELKON Mobile Cup have been purchased well in advance,” McLean said.
“This is great news as the fans continue to show their support for the game. Everyone saw the high quality of play and the excitement in Jamaica and now we expect a similar level of enthusiasm here in Trinidad,”
Skipper Dwayne Bravo, who was rested in the previous match as a precautionary measure, could come back to lead the side.
The Caribbean side has made one change to their squad for the Trinidad matches, bringing in fast bowler Jason Holder in place of the injured Ravi Rampaul.
However they are likely to keep their pace combination of Kemar Roach and Tino Best to hustle the India batsmen.
“We expect the ground to be full on Friday and Sunday as fans come out to support their favourite team,” McLean said.
“The West Indies team has been doing very well so far, as they lead the points table, and the home fans have has stepped up their support.”
The two losses in Kingston mean the Indians have found themselves in a position where even two wins won’t be enough to guarantee their progression.
Defeat for India won’t completely wipe out their chances but will leave them hoping for the rest of the results to work in their favour. (CMC/WICB)
