Guyana Times Daily

Styrofoam to be banned next year

Youth violence tops list of security challenges

– PM Hinds tells CBSI conference

Man found dead on Airy Hall Public Road

Calm returns to Camp Street prison

TSC calls on teachers not to be petty peddlers of knowledge Brothers still on the run for Albouystown murder

Ramotar, UAE PM discuss boosting joint cooperation

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds greets IMPACS head Francis Forbes in the presence of U.S. Ambassador to Guyana D Brent Hardt and Permanent Secretary in the National Security Ministry of St Kitts and Nevis, Astona Browne at the Guyana International Conference Centre

Dead cab driver was speeding – police

Police said investigations have revealed that taxi driver Percival Chester, of Lot 16 D’Urban Street, Lodge, was speeding when his car turned turtle on Mandela Avenue, killing him and another occupant of the car, Tianna Holder, Sunday night.

There are also reports that the 28-year-old Crown Cabs Taxi Service driver was also under the influence of alcohol. According to information received, Chester and Holder, the 19-year-old dispatcher, of Lot 18 Bent Street, Werk-en-Rust, who was attached to the same taxi service, were pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The two backseat passengers, Ulinda Ghent, 24, and Shinika Ghent, 29, were treated and sent away.

In a release, police stated that they are investigating the fatal accident, which led to the death of two persons and it is believed that Chester was driving motor car HB 9361 along Mandela Avenue, allegedly at a fast rate, when he lost control of the vehicle, which then overturned. It subsequently collided with two vehicles that were parked in the compound of Rubis Fuel Station.

Shock Holder’s mother, who was still in shock, explained that her daughter – the front seat passenger, and the driver, along with the others, were seen consuming alcohol at a wake organised for one of their colleagues who were killed last week at the Middle Street taxi base and they suddenly left the location.

She explained that they left to go to the deceased taxi driver’s house at South Ruimveldt. While on their way there, an allegedly drunk Chester reportedly jumped all the stop lights and while in the vicinity of the Transfiguration Church, he attempted to turn into a

street but lost control, hit the bridge and went airborne before landing on the roof of a Rav4 and another vehicle.

Based on reports, the driver died on the spot while the dispatcher may have succumbed to her injuries on the way to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Her distraught, angry mother explained that her daughter left home without her permission.

“I told her not to go to the wake after they had the shooting in the area, but she didn’t pay any heed and she asked her grandmother who was unaware that she had asked me… The grandmother gave permission and after I found out, I attempted to call her, but her phone was off… I called and called but no answer,” the woman cried.

Hospital

After a few minutes, they learnt of the accident and she immediately went to the hospital, but was under the impression that her daughter was injured and not dead. “When I reached, I looked for my daughter and didn’t see her so I enquired from the doctors and they enquired and told me check if is she deh deh.”

Holder said that as she looked around, she saw her daughter dead on a stretcher with a big gash to her head. She asked for answers, but none were given.

At the home of Holder, his mother, Sherell Shafee,

said she was confused and could not give an account of how her son met his demise since she had received several conflicting reports.

The woman stated that she learnt of the accident of 10:30h after two individuals visited her home and requested that she visit the hospital claiming that her son was involved in an accident. She said that after receiving the news, she panicked and started to get flustered and requested that the mother of his children go instead.

She explained that upon enquiring, she was told that he was not speeding nor was he under the influence of alcohol. She related that she was not sure if while driving, he swerved from hitting another vehicle or an animal but he ended up toppling over and got killed along with the teenager.

“I last spoke to him at about nine o’clock when I called him to inform him that I was done cooking but he told me that he will be here in five minutes… that five minutes never reached… He was my only child and one who used to take care of me…,” Shafee cried.

The bodies of Chester and Holder are at the Lyken Funeral Home mortuary awaiting post-mortems on Wednesday. Chester leaves to mourn his three children, reputed wife and mother, while Holder is survived by her parents and sibling.

Man found dead on Airy Hall Public Road

The body of a mentally-challenged man was found on the Airy Hall Public Road on the Essequibo Coast early Sunday morning.

Brothers still on the run for Albouystown murder

The two brothers who are implicated in the killing of a 24-yearold Albouystown man are still on the run from police.

The suspects are accused of stabbing to death Lloyd Benjamin, of Lot 113 King Edward Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, during an argument on Sunday morning outside his home.

According to the police, “Investigations have revealed that Lloyd Benjamin and another man had an altercation, after which the man’s brother confronted

Lloyd Benjamin and stabbed him about the body,”

After being injured, Benjamin ran from King Edward Street on to Punt Trench (Independence Boulevard), where he collapsed. The injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Guyana Times was told that the two suspects were the neighbours of the deceased and they were all friends before they had a falling out. Since the incident, both brothers went

into hiding.

A neighbour who requested anonymity said she was on the road earlier in the morning and Benjamin was standing outside his yard. “I left and I go inside then me lil’ niece come and said that somebody just jook Lloyd and when I go outside, I ain’t see no body all I see is a crowd on Punt Trench,” she stated.

The woman said she had known Benjamin for several years and disclosed that he lived alone in the rented lower-flat apartment of a two-storey house.

Calm returns to Camp Street prison

Restive inmates at the Camp Street Prison Monday morning attempted to set fire to the facility again, but this was averted by lawmen who were stationed there since Sunday afternoon, Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell disclosed.

He said normalcy has returned to the operations of the jail after the inmates created a ruckus on Sunday afternoon over the messy conditions of the overcrowded correctional facility.

a report of a robbery on the East Coast Demerara and were given the vehicle’s registration number, PPP 215.

The vehicle, which was occupied by three men, was followed by members of the Joint Services, resulting in an exchange of gunfire in the vicinity of George Street.

The police chief said the occupants exited the vehicle and went into a nearby house. One of them was subsequently arrested at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

internal security breach. The Guyana Fire Service is also investigating the incident. Attempts to get a comment from the Deputy Director of Prisons, Carl Graham proved futile. The acting director of the state penitentiary, Welton Trotz, is currently out of the jurisdiction.

This publication understands that the mini protest at the prison stemmed from complaints by inmates that they were uncomfortable being supervised by a senior rank.

Police were summoned to the scene and Mohamed’s body was removed and taken to the Suddie Mortuary where it is awaiting a postmortem examination.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the man identified as Shazard Mohamed from Hibernia Village, Essequibo Coast, was discovered six miles from his house. Mohamed, 35, was discovered by public-spirited citizens. While the cause of his where it is death is yet to be determined, many suspect he is a victim of a hit-andrun accident.

Speaking to members of the media on the sidelines of a security conference held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Brumell noted that the Sunday afternoon incident was connected to the shootout in the area on the same evening. Brumell added that the police received

The Home Affairs Ministry and the relevant authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident at Camp Street jail.

This newspaper understands that security around the prison has been beefed up and the Guyana Police Force is working feverishly to ensure there is no further

The inmates of the capital sections of the facility vented their frustration, using slogans, and called for the removal of the officer and the reinstatement of former director of prisons, Dale Erskine. They also accused the officer of inhumane treatment and terrorising them.

Percival Chester Tianna Holder

Prison staffers were on Sunday kept busy as inmates at the Camp Street jail set fire to their mattresses during protest action over living conditions

Fourth CBSI meeting Youth violence tops list of security challenges – PM Hinds

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

The fourth meeting of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) Commission opened here on Monday with major emphasis being placed on youth crime, gun and drug trafficking.

In the presence of U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt; U.S. Department of State Office, Caribbean Affairs Director Juan A Alsace; St Kitts and Nevis National Security Ministry, Permanent Secretary Astona Browne; and other regional and international diplomats, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds declared open the two-day meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, in the absence of ailing Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee.

The Caribbean region faces an uphill task in combating various challenges to its security systems.

Youth crime

According to Prime Minister Hinds, the Caribbean is currently facing eight major challenges in the area of security, with youth crime and violence topping the list.

The proliferation of trafficking of guns and ammunition came in second, followed by the developing trend where persons are turning to violence to resolve their differences.

The rise in gun-related crimes, gang-related violence, drug trafficking, cyber crimes and human trafficking are among other challenges facing the region, the prime minister noted.

Greater collaborative efforts are required with regional and international agencies if the Caribbean is to enhance

security by reducing crime and violence. The government of Guyana is convinced that crime and security challenges must be dealt with holistically, incorporating the entire region.

“If we as a region continue to develop and enhance the well-being of our citizens, we must as a matter of necessity, take all steps to reduce crime and improve security in our countries, if we fail to take action, we will not be able to sustain and grow our economies and prosperity will suffer,” the prime minister posited.

Law enforcement

The CBSI was developed on the pillars of law enforcement information sharing, law enforcement corporation and capacity building and crime prevention focusing on maritime and aerial domain.

In keeping with these pillars, he encouraged CBSI members to enhance strategies that seek to promote youth participation in the developmental activities in an effort redirect their energies.

“We must seek to discourage youths from being involved in unproductive pursuits by guiding them towards a path where they could contribute to the productivity of our society. We must build the capacity of our police and related agencies to reduce crime and violence in our communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Hardt said the meeting will reflect on the achievements made to date as part of a Joint Implementation Report prepared by Caricom Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), the U.S. and The Dominican Republic. Additionally, it paves the way for the upcoming fourth annual Caribbean-

U.S. Security Cooperation Dialogue set for December 5 and 6 in Washington DC.

At the Fifth Summit of the Americas in 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama announced the establishment of the CBSI, which was formally launched in May 2010.

Shared partnership

The U.S. ambassador said the CBSI has developed a shared security partnership among Caricom countries, The Dominican Republic and the U.S. He said this partnership continues to tackle threats from internal and external origins that fuel drug and other illicit trafficking that affects the safety of persons residing in the Caribbean and the U.S.

“As it has evolved over the past four years, through three years of technical working group meetings, commission meetings, and dialogues, the CBSI has emerged as a genuine partnership among 14 nations, each bearing responsibility for ensuring progress toward our collective CBSI goals and objective.”

He further pointed to the Merida Initiative and the Central America Regional

Security Initiative that have had an impact on international crime and violence in their respective regions, positing that the CBSI will unfold similar benefits.

Regional scope

“Given this broad regional scope, it is also important to recognise that the CBSI also provides a vehicle through nations throughout the world with interests in the Caribbean can coordinate their regional activities with the CBSI partner nations to foster more efficient multilateral efforts,” Ambassador Hardt posited.

As a result, he said the support of Canada, Britain, the European Union, the UK and the Dutch is greatly appreciated.

In the past, CBSI members held three technical meetings on law enforcement integrity and anti-corruption, crime prevention and maritime domain awareness in Miami, Jamaica and Guyana. In October 2011, Guyana held the CBSI meeting for the first time. (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com)

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds (centre) flanked by U.S. Ambassador D Brent Hardt (left) and U.S. Department of State, Office of Caribbean Affairs Director Juan A Alsace (left), with local and regional representatives

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Complete Doha Round

The Ninth World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference, to be held in Bali, a province of Indonesia, from December 3 to 6, should be of great interest to governments in Guyana and the Caribbean. It is exactly 12 years since it was launched with great fanfare in Doha, Qatar as the “development round”.

In 2001, the developed countries were on top of the world, literally and figuratively, as far as their economies were concerned. They were very expansive about the initiatives they would facilitate for the development of the Lesser Developed Countries (LDCs) so that they too could enjoy the “good life”.

Since then, a great deal of water has flowed under that bridge and it is now conceded if progress is not made at this meeting, the multilateral trading system led by the WTO might founder in the face of an increasing reliance in bilateral agreements –some of mega proportions.

Smaller countries have no clout in these agreements. The gist of the Doha thrust was to lower trade barriers and revise certain restrictive trade rules especially by the developed countries, led by the U.S. There was progress in the negotiations until 2008 when India balked at the insistence of the U.S. to change some practices in its agricultural regime.

But this was the occasion for the derailment of the Doha Round, not the cause. The latter was the implosion in the developed countries due to the collapse of their “go-go” financial system. They circled their wagons and tightened their purse strings.

Under the guise of “liberalising” their financial sector, their gutting of regulations had led to what was, for all intents and purposes, a casino-style gambling by their financial institutions. Even after pumping hundreds of billions into those institutions they defined as “too big to fail”, the crisis spread to Europe and has shown no sign of letting up.

This is not surprising since the sector has used its influence to stymie any real reform, including the reintroduction of regulations to bring some stability, albeit with less profits, for their companies.

There were two other attempts to get the negotiations back on track – in 2009 and 2011 – but these failed to generate any traction. This time, it is hoped that with a new WTO director general, Roberto Azevedo, and confinement of the agenda to three broad areas – trade facilitation, food security and the development dimension, progress might be made.

The problem is that the development issue has again been relegated to the back of the line. The developed countries are pushing “trade facilitation” because of their export focus for their manufactured goods, while the G-33 group of nations, including China and India, have been bullish on food security.

While this stance has some development nexus, the more crucial development issues – duty and quota-free market access, operationalisation of waiver on services, cotton and preferential rules of origin, flounder. The developing countries are also insisting that agriculture must remain at the centre of discussion, and this resonated with the lesser developed economies.

While the developed countries are pushing “trade facilitation”, which means increased penetration of the markets of the developing countries, the latter are not only concerned about food security and development but also about the nature of the terms the developed countries are insisting on in the “trade facilitation” agreement itself.

The less developed countries are insisting that in order to fulfil various obligations such as investments under the first section, the assistance in the form of funding mechanisms to be detailed under the second section must be boosted.

These funds would be used to invest in infrastructure, among other things, which are necessary for developing countries to compete on a more level playing field. The new WTO director general has rightly stressed that not just the Doha round but the credibility of the multilateral trading system is at stake.

We hope the developed countries step up to bat.

Someone is a fraud!

Dear Editor, The adage, never put a boy to do a man’s job comes to mind. In the same breath, I say, do not put a doctor to do law enforcement. Mr ‘more accolades than his name’ spouted a lot of drivel about the UK and accountability.

The brave members of the Guyana Police Force, also those who made the ultimate sacrifice and other competent public spirited citizenry that were there, did so unselfishly. No one ordered us to go into the affected kill zone. We were there to prevent the deranged person from taking more innocent lives.

Should we have gone home or to the Police Quarter Master Stores to get protective vests? Should we have advised unhinged Deryck

Kanhai to remain where he was and do nothing until we return with bulletproof vests? For your information Mr ‘accolades’, bullet resistant vests are recommended to be only used for five years.

Having on some of those time expired items would be giving the person wearing the vest a false sense of security, which would be very fatalistic. I know absolutely well what a war head would do entering my epidermis.

That thought came after Kanhai’s killing spree was stopped permanently. Do not attack the commander –he was directing his subordinates in an effective way, he was in the kill zone instructing his officers!

If one cannot stand the heat, they should stay out of

the kitchen! “Dr Devilish”, you mentioned my name 11 times in your missive, I do hope any future mention of my name does not have physiological hallucinations on your well-being.

SWAT is needed in Guyana, but it will be an uphill battle. For the government cannot do so with the non-support for the firearms amendment bill coupled with budget cuts the combined opposition has inflicted.

By the way, I am deemed to be a real security specialist (not acting) and decided to do a Google check on you because your first two puerile analogies were so ridiculous! Strangely, I did not see your name listed.

A Google check of Harold Hopkinson Guyana got

91,300 results in 29 seconds, for Harold Topgun Hopkinson 7350 results (37 seconds). Someone is a fraud, I wonder who? For your information, my earned nickname was given to me by a former sport editor of the Stabroek News around 1994. My good friend and mentor, the deceased retired Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis said at his retirement, parade, “If you do not blow your own horn, no one will blow it for you.” Sucks, I am out of breath and still smiling!

Harold “Topgun” Hopkinson Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri

A boost for Region Seven

Dear Editor, I am convinced that many of us who live in Georgetown and on the outskirt areas of the city are fairly fortunate as it relates to the availability of basic amenities, including transportation and health services, and as a result, many of us take these amenities for granted.

Batavia, a small community in Region Seven has received assistance from the government to boost their standard of living and access to health care in their community.

The recent handing over of a new outboard engine will

now allow residents to benefit from the improved delivery of health services. Additionally, the community was issued with a fogging pump and control treatment to address their current issue of invading acoushi ants.

The government has once again reached out to those in

need and it is only fair that the residents of Batavia reciprocate by ensuring that they exercise proper care and handling of the valuable assets made available to them.

Respectfully, Gershom Profitt

Due consequences for those who deserve them

Dear Editor, Reckless driving has for too long claimed the lives of many Guyanese and so I applaud the magistrate for issuing a $2.6 million bail to a teenage driver who was charged for causing death by dangerous driving. There were no witnesses

to the accident since the incident occurred just around midnight last Saturday. The driver and his accomplice immediately fled the scene after realising the seriousness of the matter. For reasons of fear or guilt, the driver subsequently turned himself in.

The deceased leaves behind his wife and son to mourn. His life was ferociously taken away from him at a tender age of 35.

Though the aftermath of this tragedy will always be felt by the family members and friends of the deceased, I must say that I am somewhat content by how this matter was addressed and by the punishment that was served to this young, reckless and irresponsible driver.

Sincerely, Zulfikar Hassan

Education Minister Priya Manickchand and her family pose with Santa Claus at the annual Christmas Tree Light-Up at Rahaman’s Park on Sunday (Carl Croker photo)

Launching of the multimillion-dollar children’s home

The Mahaica Children’s Home upon completion of its reconstruction, compliments of Digicel

Dear Editor, Digicel Guyana handed over the newly-constructed Mahaica Children’s Home to the Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster during a simple ceremony held at the location. The initiative was conceived by Digicel in December 2011.

Ideally, the entity should manifest an exceptional level of quality care and should have zero tolerance for ill treatment. Caring for chil-

dren can sometimes be a challenging and overwhelming job, and so, it is essential for child care workers to possess great patience, understanding and have sympathy for those who may occasionally misbehave. Care takers must be prepared to work with children of all backgrounds and ages. Children homes are meant to be safe keeping places where children can receive the care and attention that they need. It is es-

sential for child care workers to be properly trained in managing and attending to children. As child caregivers, we must desist from subjecting children to any form of abuse. The primary purpose of a children’s home aside from providing food and shelter is to shield children from any form of ill-treatment.

Sincerely,

Xavier Cummings

Penalties for dangerous driving must be re-examined

Dear Editor,

A man was recently charged for dangerous driving and was placed on $1 million bail after he was allegedly responsible for the death of a taxi driver. The accused failed to exercise caution on the roadway and subsequently collided with the motor car in which the now deceased was travelling in.

The victim, a 34-yearold man leaves to mourn his wife and two young children. Having loss the sole provider of their family, it is only fair that some form of compensation be reciprocated.

Aside from being fined and remanded to prison for a short duration, the onus should be placed upon the accused to offer some form of monetary retribution in aid in assisting the victim’s family. Additionally, the young children of the de-

ceased man will now grow never having the opportunity to meet their biological father.

I admit that the death sentence penalty may be quite drastic but it is critical that all circumstances be taken into consideration when determining the penalties for those who take the lives of others. Ideally, no amount of jail time can substantiate for the loss of someone’s life.

Though in most cases there is no intention to cause harm, it is evident

that many of these trials are characterised by poor judgment and deliberate decisions to drive dangerously.

Many of these individuals who find themselves in such tragic and unfortunate situations are often traumatised for life. I strongly suggest that some form of punishment which will consist of at least a few years of monetary retribution to the victim’s family be considered.

Sincerely,

Cecil Jailall

The

$5000 note will bring ease

Dear Editor,

The Bank of Guyana, in keeping with the Currency Reform Process, has announced the launching of the $5000 note. The new denomination is expected to be in circulation come December.

The existence of this note is expected to greatly minimise the quantity of money that a bank is generally required to process. Additionally, it will greatly minimise the cumbersome keeping and movement of bulky cash by the business community and other indi-

viduals.

Upon hearing the news of this new bill, many have begun to foresee the inconveniences that it will soon cause. A small fare is usually required by those utilising the public minibus system, and many complain that it is sometimes difficult to have a $1000 note changed, much less for a $5000 note. I would strongly recommend that commuters desist from offering a $5000 note. We must be considerate and ensure that we always have smaller notes to

pay bus fares. The launching of this bill is expected to better Guyana’s economic stability and growth. In 1996, the country’s nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was amounted to $99 billion. To date it amounts to $631 billion.

It is clearly evident that the economy is progressing over time. I applaud our government for the notion to implement a higher denomination.

Yours truly, Harold McCallister

The unfolding of great plans for our zoo

Dear Editor,

Many of us are familiarised with the significant purpose of a zoo and its efforts to promote conservation, in addition to educate the general public on Guyana’s diverse biodiversity.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy and the Protected Areas Commission recently coordinated and facilitated the presence of a Mexican zoo specialist as a preliminary

step to an unfolding master plan for Guyana’s zoo.

Zoos are often considered as a prime tourist destination where people can capture the richness of a country’s bio-diversity. It therefore requires the availability of basic amenities and facilities such as hospitable services, washrooms, and eating facilities amongst many others.

Many people, both locals and nationals go to the zoo to relax and have a good time. It would be an

exceptional idea to incorporate other means of entertainment.

Presently, many families swarm the Zoo on weekends for sightseeing and picnicking purposes, particularly on Sunday afternoons. The recent unveiling of plans to uplift the zoo are in progress and soon we all will all be able to enjoy the luxuries of this modernised facility.

Sincerely yours, Allan Walker

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

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (right) assists Deputy Governor of the Bank of Guyana Dr Gobind Ganga in unveiling the new $5000 note. The new note will go into circulation from December 9

6 Page Foundation

How have a TO ‘GREEN’Christmas

(Part one)

During the season of celebration, we need to show extra care for the environment. Christmas doesn’t have to be a burden on the environment. With a little effort and imagination, we can reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season. Here are some ideas to help celebrate the season while caring for the earth.

Buy less

Some holiday gifts fill a practical need and need to be bought new. But many gifts are really gestures of thoughtfulness. You can give more while spending less.

• Not all gifts have to be store-bought

You can give more while spending less by giving gifts that are personal and unique. While young children may favour the bright, shiny store-bought item, most adults appreciate anything that shows thoughtfulness.

• Simplify the ‘gift-goround’

Feeling overwhelmed by a gift list that’s just too long? Here’s an idea to help shorten your list and simplify the family gift-giving ritual. Before the holiday season begins, put the names of all adult family members on separate slips of paper and put the slips in a bag. Take turns picking one name per adult – the name you pick is your gift recipient. Keep

your chosen pick a secret, to help maintain an element of surprise.

Your gift list for the adults in your family has just been shortened to one!

You can now focus on a special gift for the person whose name you picked, without the difficulty and expense of finding just the right gift for everyone.

If the family’s not togeth er, ask grandma or someone else in the family to pick the names from the bag for everyone, by proxy. It works just as well. An agreed on spending limit will also help everyone from feeling they have to go overboard with a fabulous gift for the person whose name they chose.

Buy smart –think ‘green’

• Look for locally made gifts

Many gifts in today’s marketplace come from halfway around the world, and the impact of transpor tation contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions and global warming. Local craft fairs and artisan shops are a good source for gifts that come without the added costs of transportation. And gifts made locally often have a story which goes with the gift, since the artisan and the origin of the gift are known.

recycled sources

Many individuals and small businesses have developed great products using recycled materials. Supporting these businesses helps reduce the

chargeable batteries find their way into the waste stream eventually.

• Avoid children’s toys that promote violence

while promoting the concept of making best use of available materials. Here are some examples for you to consider: Gifts from recycled materials

• Give ‘battery-free’ gifts

According to the EPA, about 40 per cent of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. Discarded batteries are an environmental hazard. Even re-

• Choose gifts made from

There is too much violence in the world, and the new wave of video games for children is disturbing. Remember the theme of Christmas is “Peace on Earth”. There are many toys and games that are fun, and nurture children’s creativity and sense of active play.

• ‘Re-gifting’ is OK

There’s much discussion these days about the etiquette behind the trend to ‘re-gift’, that is, to pass on a gift you received but do not need. What’s to discuss? Re-gifting makes perfect sense. If you receive something you really don’t need,

look for ways you can reuse this gift by passing it on to someone who can use it. Of course, re-gifting needs to be done with care so as not to offend the original giver, but keeping a gift you don’t need is wasteful.

Connect with nature

Christmas is a time for giving, and a time for family. What a great opportunity to start a family tradition of giving back to the earth and instilling the values of sustainable living to your children, friends and community. Start an annual, earth-friendly Christmas family tradition! It will also get you outdoors for a few hours to build an appetite for the big dinner.

• Family nature hike

A peaceful walk through nature on Christmas day will be remembered and valued more than the score of the football game. Plan your walk before the holiday meal while everyone still has lots of energy. The walk will also pique appetites and provide a shared topic for conversation during mealtime.

• Nature restoration activity

Planting a small tree together symbolises the value of nature and offsets the ‘taking’ of the Christmas tree. An hour spent cleaning up or enhancing a natural area also enriches the giver and acknowledges nature as the source of our well-being.

• Decorate a tree for the

birds

Place seed bells, suet, pine cones with peanut butter and seed trays on any tree in your yard, preferably a tree in the open where cats can be seen easily by the birds. To attract a wide variety of birds, use varied seed types such as black oil sunflower seed, wild bird mixed seed and seed bells. This is a great activity for children, and offers an important food source for birds during the winter.

Lower the impact of holiday lighting

In the past, the house with the most decorative holiday lights used to be considered the ‘best’. Times have changed. The cost of electricity goes way beyond the utility bill. Electricity drains natural resources.

• Reduce the size of outdoor lighting displays

A smaller presentation of lights can still be attractive, and more appropriate in the ‘season of giving’. Saving electricity is also a way of giving, since conserving resources benefits everyone.

• Use LED lights for house and Christmas tree lighting LED (Light Emitting Diode) holiday lights use up to 95 per cent less energy than larger, traditional holiday bulbs and last up to 100,000 hours when used indoors. LED holiday lights use .04 watts per bulb, 10 times less than mini bulbs and 100 times less than traditional holiday bulbs. Over a 30-day period, lighting 500 traditional holiday lights will cost you about US$18.00 while the same number of LED lights costs only US$0.19. As an added bonus, if one of the LED lights burns out the rest of the strand will stay lit.

• Outdoor Mini-lights will also save energy

A 100-light string uses only 40 watts. If you’re buying a new set of lights, compare based on equal ‘lighted lengths’. Some higher priced brands have 100 mini-lights for only eight and a half feet of length, while some 100 mini-light strings cover up to 40 feet in length. For the most efficient outdoor holiday lighting, consider the new solar LED strings now available.

• Turn tree lights and outdoor house decorative lighting off at bedtime

It’s simply a waste of energy to leave the holiday lights on at night after everyone’s gone to sleep. Remember, never install lights with the power on. Test lights first, then unplug to install. (Eartheasy) TO BE CONTINUED

Solomon looking to boost Region 10 agriculture through cooperatives

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon said the establishment and development of cooperatives will aid in the boosting of agriculture in the region. He said currently the aim is to bring farmers together collectively with the understanding that food security in Region 10 is of maximum importance since there is a growing population which need to be adequately fed.

The administration of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) is working on a number of initiatives which is expected to assist in achieving this goal.

“I find the biggest challenge in our region to be that we are not working together… I believe that with that spirit of collectiveness, bringing our farmers collectively together so that they can understand that time is against them… we have a population that is growing and this is sad to say, the region is not producing as it should… and we are working on initiatives to ensure that even at the level of home gardening, people start to produce food, because if we don’t come together, we are unable as is to feed our community. It

means only by coming together, we can start to address some of those concerns.

Better understanding

“In coming together, we will allow for a better understanding of where we need to take agriculture. We have to be considerate that we have many farmers with families who are not given the type of support necessary so that they can advance and get the type of produce to the market, and to work with them, we’ve started to embrace this fact about coming together in the cooperative so we can have that type of support mechanism given to them which will allow them to be more competitive,” he said.

Additionally, Solomon said the RDC is working on other initiatives aimed at empowering and ensuring that the rights of persons within the region are not violated, which will also focus on how they can work collectively in order for the community to develop.

Among those initiatives are a programme aimed at beautifying the region’s environs and a community research centre, among others.

He explained that the second phase of the RDC 2013 programme, which is currently being undertaken, is geared towards promoting a level of awareness and education. This, he said includes “ensuring that we get our communities, our residents involved and aware of what their responsibilities are and ensuring that some of the policy programmes and initiatives that are outlined by the RDC, which includes programmes like having the beautification programme… to ensure that people are taking care of their community, to ensure that we have the central business district

of Linden beautified.”

Beautification programme

He said the beautification programme entails five elements, including parking along Republic Avenue, Coop Crescent and Burnham Drive, Linden; lighting; and road safety.

“It also entails some level of landscaping, in fact, this week, there is a very generous contractor who has indicated to the council that they are prepared to use their machinery to start work on the (July 18) monument site (at West Watooka, Linden) which will fit into landscaping because the monument site is really a monument park where persons can go in the afternoons and recreate,” the regional chairman said.

He said trees are also expected to be planted along Republic Avenue, Co-op Crescent and Burnham Drive under the beautification programme. Emphasis will also be placed on waste management and disposal in these areas, which are considered to be the central business districts in the community.

TSC calls on teachers not to be petty peddlers of knowledge

Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Chairperson Leila Ramson has called on Region Two teachers to uphold the nobility of the profession by giving their unalloyed love and affection to the children under their charge.

Addressing some 500 teachers at a recent outreach to the region, Ramson compared teachers to the garish sun which encourages the lotus buds to bloom and scatter their fragrance.

According to a release, she asked the teachers not to see themselves as petty peddlers of knowledge, but as planners and engineers who lay the royal road to peace and prosperity, since the temple they build is the child’s immortal soul.

The chairperson called on teachers to create childfriendly classrooms and to motivate students so that learning becomes a fascinating challenge.

Teachers were reminded of the need to give home-assignments and to mark and give feedback to students. She also made a clarion call for teachers to read, speak standard English, and have self-respect and respect for their colleagues and those in authority.

Ramson urged the young teachers to seek training, noting that in the not-too-distant future; only trained teachers would be in the system. She pellucidly told the large gathering that senior promotions are done above board, and thanked the teachers for choosing teaching as a profession, noting that “he who opens the school door; closes the prison gate”. Ramson was accompanied by commissioners Conrade Kendall, Maydha Persaud, systems analyst Ray Baisoo and two clerks. Commissioner Persaud, who has the responsibility for Region Two, exhorted the teachers to give of their best and reminded them of the role of education in national development.

Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon

TSC Chairperson Leila Ramson

tuesday, november 19, 2013| guyanatimesgy.com

Ramotar, UAE PM discuss boosting joint cooperation

President Donald Ramotar met United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for talks while on a visit to Dubai on November 18.

According to the Khaleej Times of Dubai, the two officials discussed bilateral relations in various fields and boosting joint cooperation in various areas. Among them were youth training, tourism, sea and airports, and roads for which President Ramotar sought the UAE’s support.

On this note, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that the UAE would be willing to place its experiences, potential and development experiment at the service of friendly countries regardless of the geographical location. He also conceded to the idea of offering UAE’s technical assistance on training youth in Guyana, reported the Government Information Agency (GINA).

The delegation from the host country included Dubai Civil Aviation Authority Chairman, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum;

Emirates Group Chairman Abdul Rahman bin; Health Minister Mohammed Al Owais; State Minister Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi; and other senior officials.

Only a month ago, UAE Health Minister Abdulrahman Alowais visited Guyana for a meeting with President Ramotar for brief talks on cooperation in the commercial sector. The

UAE is located southeast of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran. Its foreign relations are considered liberal, as it encourages diplomatic and commercial cooperation with other countries. The economy has been ranked favourably over the years.

Guyana and the UAE

are both members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an international body with permanent membership in the United Nations (UN) that advocates the interest of the Islamic world and also peace and harmony. Former President Bharrat Jagdeo had visited the UAE during a frontier quest to the Middle East a few years ago.

Armed robbery suspect remanded

ABanks DIH employee was remanded to pris on Monday after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer to a charge of robbery under arms.

Twenty-six-year-old Nelson Pratt, of Lot 2870 Beverly Rose Street, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown was not required to plead to the

charge which stated that on November 16 at South Ruimveldt Gardens, being in the company of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Teherka Braithwaite of $47,000 cash.

Pratt was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, who told the court that his client has a wife and child. Attorney Fung-A-Fat also made a request for reason-

CANU issues wanted bulletin for deportee

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for United States deportee Robin Wills for questioning into drug-related activities.

The 43-year-old man once occupied three addresses including Lot 20 J Duncan Street, Campbellville, Georgetown; 145 Guyhoc Park, North East La Penitence, Georgetown; and Lot 625 Republic Park, East Bank Demerara. Anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of Wills can make contact with CANU on 225-3507. All informa-

Wanted: Robin Llewyn Wills

tion will be kept confidential.

able bail to be granted.

The virtual complainant, who was present in court, said he was in the defendant’s area looking for someone who had stolen his phone and approached the defendant to ask for directions to the person’s house. Braithwaite said after he walked away, Pratt and another man approached him and pointed a gun in his

face. They then began to search his pockets and took what they could find.

Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence and the fact that a gun was used in the commission of the crime.

The matter is set to return to court on November 25.

TSC calls on...

Commissioner Persaud then dealt in-depth on staffing, time-tabling, leave-taking, attendance and punctuality, preparedness, students’ work, records, appointments, unauthorised absence, resignation, retirement and upgrading of status.

He urged teachers to work as a team, read, and do research since education is not static. Commissioner Kendall spoke emphatically on disciplinary matters and consequences of infractions. He categorically and robustly spoke on improper conduct, neglect of duty, inefficiency, unfitness, conduct unbecoming of a teacher, and criminal matters which require court proceedings.

Kendall urged teachers to see themselves as role mod-

els and to remember teaching is a 24-hour job.

The TSC officials met with the teachers in two clusters: one at the Cotton Field Secondary School and the other at the Abram Zuil Secondary School.

The principal objectives of the visit were to foster a closer working relationship with all stakeholders, edify teachers on TSC’s policies and guidelines, listen and respond to teachers’ concerns/suggestions and to collect personal data on teachers to update the commission’s data base.

The TSC said the visit was a success and praised Regional Education Officer Baramdai Seepersaud and her staff for their hospitality to the members of the commission.

Eyew tness

Why not...

...thanksgiving?

After all the lengths locals went to celebrate Halloween, we’re wondering if we’ll see the same enthusiasm for plunging into that other American fall staple –Thanksgiving. Your Eyewitness’ eyes had popped when he’d seen all the skimpy outfits grown women were willing to plunge into just to get into the “spirit” of the occasion.

And here it was the Eyewitness had thought Halloween was a kids’ occasion when they’d go “trick or treating” around their neighbourhood for candy.

As far as the Eyewitness could figure out, Halloween was just another excuse for Guyanese to imbibe “spirit” –Guyanese style. So here, once again, the question is posed, “Why not Thanksgiving”?

Now don’t tell me that with our inventiveness and “can do” attitude when it comes to “sporting”, we can’t come up with ideas for turning “Turkey day” into a bacchanal. In the interest of salving our national pride, we’d like to suggest some ideas.

Now the turkey is central to Thanksgiving. Since we’re talking about “getting down” we’re not going to bother with the bird that goes “gobble, gobble”. In the U.S., whose customs we’re adapting, a “turkey” is also a person who just can’t get anything right – a real bumbler. Now we shouldn’t have any problems getting a whole lot of those turkeys in Guyana. The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) can go to the head of the line.

We can shave their heads, paint ‘em red (the heads, that is) and have them strut around town looking important. Like real turkeys do. The rest of us could just drink our rum and “behave bad” like we usually do. Nobody has to teach us that.

If the spirit really hit us, we can rub our local turkeys’ heads and throw them some crumbs. They’ll have to show us how well they can “wine” – which they’re well practised at – while they pick up our garbage.

Another kind of “turkey” is any performance that flops miserably. Like the last Ravi B, for example. Another, of course, is the opposition’s performance in Parliament after their three-month recess. They got so caught up with their vindictiveness against the government that they had no compunction in cutting Guyana’s nose to spite its face.

For this bunch, we can have them prance around Parliament chanting, “Follow de Leader” – after we’ve shaved their heads and daubed them red.

For them, we can’t take a chance to rub their heads, since we’ll be high: they’re just too slimy. We’ll just have the vagrants that hang around Parliament do the honours. Now isn’t this a Thanksgiving tradition that might just take off in Guyana?

...Suspenders?

Lalloo “Suspenders” Ram just lashed out at the opposition. We know he’s a card carrying member of that opposition, but then you know how vicious family feuds can get.

Seems he feels most of them are real lazy and haven’t achieved anything. In other words, they’re real turkeys. Now we already know that – see above. The question is: “why Suspenders’ nasty swipe at his erstwhile colleagues, now?

Well, Suspenders noted (petulantly) that the opposition are not taking care of constitutional matters. “And what may these be?” we can hear you gentle readers ask. Well, for one, there’s the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) that Khemraj Ramjattan – and what’s left of the Alliance For Change (AFC) – has been blackmailing the government to get going.

It is, of course, purely coincidental that the AFC has nominated “Lalloo” Ram as one of its members on the PPC? And that he’d be getting a job at long last. And that because of this, Lalloo said that Ramjattan wasn’t one of the lazy opposition.

Ahhhh...the joys of backscratching.

...”D” Day?

Yesterday was “D” Day – that is Doomsday, for our financial system – brought to you courtesy of the opposition. Their throttling of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) (Amendment) Bill will, of course, bring down the wrath of the global banking system on our heads. Stay tuned for details.

President Donald Ramotar and UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai (photo courtesy of Khaleej Times)

Richmond Hill Guyanese help elect NY councilmen, mayor

BY VISHNU BISRAM

New York City voters elected Democrats for all offices citywide as well as for 48 of the 51 City Council seats. Public Advocate Bill de Blasio defeated Republican nominee Joe Lhota for mayor, putting a Democrat in the office for the first time in two decades. Guyanese voted overwhelmingly for de Blasio and Democrats. And in Richmond Hill, they helped to elect the incumbent councilman for the area, Eric Ulrich, who had provided significant assistance to them over the last six years.

At 52, de Blasio is one of the youngest men elected mayor of New York, receiving 75 per cent of the votes to Lhota’s 25 per cent. A measly 25 per cent of the city’s 4.6 million registered voters turn out to vote.

De Blasio’s biracial family – wife, Chirlane McCray, and his two children – were at his side as they were throughout the campaign.

De Blasio described his victory as a break from the past. He told cheering supporters: “Make no mistake! The people of this city have

chosen a progressive path and tonight we set forth on it, together, as one city.”

In an exit poll, nearly seven out of 10 voters said the city needed to move in a new direction from Mayor Bloomberg’s policies of the last 12 years.

There were other important races. Melinda Katz, a former councilwoman won the seat for Queens president with 80 per cent of the vote. Republican candidate Tony Arcabascio got 17 per cent. She replaces

Guyanese-American Helen Marshall.

Five incumbent Queens council members survived close contests in which Guyanese supported the winners. Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park/ Richmond Hill) in the 32nd District garnered 53.1 per cent of the vote, while his Democratic challenger, Lew Simon, had 46.9 per cent. This was the closest of the races.

Guyanese and other Caribbean people were

pleased with the Democratic victories. Many said they have had enough of the last 20 years. Some added that they are excited and thrilled with the outcome.

Members of the Richmond Hill Democratic Club (RHDC) said on the evening of de Blasio's victory, they agree with Attorney Kawal Totaram that “Tonight is a night for celebration for all the big wins in citywide office.” RHDC raised a significant amount of money for de Blasio whose wife, Chirlane, and democratic mover and shaker Una Clarke was the guest of honour at a fundraiser two weeks ago.

Totaram, Vishnu Mahadeo and other Richmond Hill Democrats described the sweep in the democratic victories as among the most hopeful and memorable events for working class and middle class families in New York City. They hope the new mayor will not neglect them. Guyanese had provided tens of thousands of dollars to candidates from Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens, but none of them ever did anything for the community.

Restaurant Week commences with awareness workshop

November 18-22 has been designated Restaurant Week and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has planned a series of activities to highlight the importance of food safety.

One of the feature activities is an operations awareness talk for restaurants. This was facilitated by Abiola Baker from the Public Health Department of the Mayor and City Council on Monday, at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

The half-day session saw more than two dozen participants having discussions on topics ranging from food sanitation, hygiene and food preparation, to the licensing of food establishments.

The second session was be led by Marlan Cole from the Food and Drug Department, who discussed food safety and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).

The entities that participated in Monday’s activities include Ashmins, Aagman, Subs & Salads, KFC/Pizza Hut, Frenzy Impact Bar and Kanuku Suites.

A server’s training session will also be held today at the GICC from 09:00h to 12:00h.

Another important event during this period is the

running of a mystery shop survey to gauge the public’s perception on quality, services and cleanliness of restaurants in Georgetown; persons are being encouraged to fill out the survey found on the GTA’s website, after visiting restaurants, as this will assist in raising the quality and service provided by these establishments.

The GTA will target 54 restaurants (fast food, fine dining and casual dining) for the mystery shop survey; this will be undertaken by the public at various restaurants in and around Georgetown.

The results of the mystery shop will be shared

with the GTA, which will then be shared with the public on restaurants based on good service, ambiance, location, food, facilities and location, among others.

The main aim of the activities is to raise the level of quality and service provided by establishments, through the facilitation of training, surveying restaurant service and gauging the public’s feedback, while at the same time encouraging restaurants to advertise and serve local foods and beverages during this period.

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry and the GTA are celebrat-

ing its 19th year of observing Tourism Awareness Month, and have executed a series of educational and entertaining activities over the past two weeks.

The month-long calendar of activities rolled out under the theme “Communication and Information Sharing for Tourism Development” include the mystery shop survey, tourism awards ceremony, photo competition, “Romancing the Fort” dinner at Fort Island and Tourism Open Day; the calendar of activities is available on GTA’s website and Facebook page – Visit Guyana.

Trouble brewin in dem boys camp

Dem boys who seh dem is boys, but dem is not boys although dem does dress like boys to fool people, had start attackin de Beacon paper since when it had start up. Dem boys still ain’t done yet. Dem boys firin more missiles now like how dem bandits firin guns in GT de garbage town. Dem firin even more than whah de man pun Middle Street fire last week and whah dem police fire at de prison over de weekend.

Dem boys who seh dem is boys fire missiles so much that de firin start to back fire pun dem. Now is dem own fire ketchin all dem boys in dem back because some of dem wanna back down. And dem boys specialise in any ting to do wid back. Is sheer back fire, back down, and back up goin on.

Missiles even firin pun one another. Lalloo Suspenders Ram firin from back and front at de opposition. Rum Karran puttin fire in dem too. But somebody from de Kay Man lookin to put Rum Karran in de fire all by he self. And he ain’t no Shadrach, Meshach, and Adednego. So he gon burn from earth to hell.

Mook Lall now start firin in dem boys camp. De Mook back up a couple of dem boys fuh know who sendin out he official photos. Now de Mook wanna play Snow Den and read people email and listen to dem phone calls like de U.S.

Whah de Mook don’t know is that de U.S. done hear he pun de phone already. And soon dem gon hear he in the New York court when he turn up wid he headitor. Dem gon learn first hand how lash does bring lash back. Not that de Mook and de headitor mind de lashin anyway.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! That is how tings does turn out when a rice eater barkin at de gate. As soon as dem get a holler, dem does put dem tail between dem leg! That is why no body ain’t seein de Mook tail these days.

GPOC hikes postage rates

The Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) will be increasing its postage rates for domestic and international services from Monday, November 18.

According to the post office, the decision was made with the aim of generating more revenue in order to match or surpass the entity’s operation costs. Additionally, geographical factors were also taken into consideration when the decision to increase the postage rates.

“GPOC has also taken into consideration the changes taking place in the exchange of international mail and how postal operations will compensate each other. Under this new regime, it is no longer practical for rates, which have been constant since 2003, to

remain unchanged,” the corporation stated in a release. Domestic rates for the first 20 grams have been set at $80, while Caribbean rates for the first 20 grams will cost $130. Packages weighing 20 grams that are destined for Central, North and South America will cost $150, while rates for the first 20 grams to Great Britain have been set at $160. Persons will now be required to pay $200 for the first 20 grams for packages destined to Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia.

Meanwhile, persons desirous of sending mails or packages to regional and international destinations have until December 9 to do so, while the deadline has been set as December 17 for domestic postage.

New York City Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio

A section of the participants at Monday’s workshop

The GPOC building

Tourism Ministry begins Christmas cheer

AChristmas tree is a symbol of life and hope that is decorated with ornaments and lights, around the world; when everything is dry and the trees have no leaves, a Christmas tree is still green – this is a tree that symbolises life.

In celebration of life and togetherness in Guyana, and in keeping with the spirit of the season, a massive 70 foot Christmas tree was set aglow at Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara, on Sunday evening as the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry continues this tradition that attracts hundreds of families annually.

Presiding over the ceremony, Acting President, Samuel Hinds acknowledged that the event provided a wonderful opportunity for fostering togetherness as citizens and setting aside differences.

“The process of growing and developing ourselves, our economy and our country must be paramount, and even as we pursue a better life individually, we must not lose our sense of community and of society.

“I am happy to be here at this occasion tonight and to see so many of you here with me,” he announced.

The prime minister said govern-

ment is pleased to be associated with the private sector-led activity and he acknowledged the contribution of businesses that have banded together to make the event a success, including Rent-a-Tent, Banks DIH, Prettipaul Singh Investment, Courts, ANSA McAL, DDL, among others.

He expressed government’s appreciation to Ray Rahaman and family for making this event a national tradition, and observed that the crowd has grown over the years, rivalling any other in size.

The crowd was entertained by musical renditions from “The Messengers” and “Brothers in Christ” along with a dance performance from the National Dance School.

Soothing performance

Additionally, they were regaled by a saxophone performance of “Have Yourself a Merry Christmas” by Roy Alder, and Andrew Tyndal later joined in from the Music School, for a saxophone and steel pan combination.

Meanwhile, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali reiterated that Christmas is a time for Guyanese to reach out to each other and to work to sustain the country.

“Let us use this season to build a foundation of love and unity, one that would see all of us working together, one that would ensure that national priority, national projects are treated with national interest, one that would ensure progress and prosperity of Guyana is secure by our coming together, by our working together, by our understanding of what is essential to Guyana.”

Ali told the gathering of the upcoming events for the Christmas season, including the Christmas Village to be launched on December 5 and the inaugural “Romancing the Fort” on December 7, which is really a dinner on Fort Island.

Following the opening ceremony, the children gathered as Santa Clause, Dora and an entourage of cartoon characters moved through the crowd to spread Christmas cheer.

Mentors to assist Caribbean fisherfolk to enhance food security

Over 22 mentors and resource persons from 17 Caribbean countries will attend a regional four-day training of trainers’ workshop for mentors today in Saint Lucia.

According to a release, the workshop will strengthen the capacities of the mentors to support local, national and regional fisherfolk organisations.

Mentors based in the 17 countries will be able to provide continuous on the ground support to fisherfolk organisations to strengthen their capacities to become better engaged in the decision-making mechanisms for fisheries management and development at the national and regional levels.

This initiative is part of a US$1.3 million project to improve food and

nutrition security in the Caribbean and is supported by the European Union EuropeAid programme.

The push towards increasing food security, safety and nutrition in the Caribbean by enhancing agricultural and fisheries production is in response to alarming increases in food import bills and concerns about increases in diseases like diabetes, hypertension and obesity linked to poor diets.

Increasing fish production to provide nutritional and affordable locally-produced food is one important strategy to address these issues.

The four-year project entitled “Enhancing food security from the fisheries sector in the Caribbean: Building the capacity of regional and national fisherfolk organisation networks to participate

in fisheries governance and management” is being implemented by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI). CANARI is working in partnership with the Centre for Resource Management and Environmental Studies of the University of the West Indies (UWI CERMES), the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Associations (CNFO), Panos Caribbean and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CFRM).

CANARI Executive Director Nicole Leotaud explained that “Close collaboration with fisherfolk is essential to ensure sustainable development of Caribbean fisheries. So, if we want to increase our food and nutrition security in the Caribbean, we need to make sure that fisher -

folk have a seat at the table and that their voice is heard”.

The project targets Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and Turks and Caicos.

The CCJ offers guidance on appeals

While the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) case of Roseal Services Limited v Challis [2012] CCJ 7 (AJ) deals with quite a bit of procedural and technical points, it still offers assistance to the general public on what matters may appropriately be appealed to the CCJ and how to make specific appeals.

Roseal Services Limited (“Roseal”) agreed to sell a hotel to Challis. However, in September 2008, Challis purported to cancel the agreement on several grounds, including a concern that Roseal had failed to show good title to the property. In October 2008, Roseal claimed against Challis, asking the court to order that Challis go through with the sale and if not, that they be made to pay damages for breach of the contract.

Roseal thought there was no good defence to their claim and so they applied for a summary judgement. This application was denied but the trial judge ordered that the matter proceed to a speedy trial. Roseal was dissatisfied. Roseal appealed to the Court of Appeal but that court denied its appeal. Roseal was, however, granted permission by the Court of Appeal, as of right, to appeal to the CCJ. The CCJ had to determine whether it had jurisdiction to hear the appeal. The CCJ first considered whether initially the Court of Appeal should have heard the appeal from the trial judge’s order. The court decided that the trial judge’s order was one that granted unconditional leave to Challis to defend the action and this was an order that could not be appealed.

The CCJ therefore found that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction to hear Roseal’s appeal. Admitting that it did not need to consider whether there was a right of appeal to the CCJ, following its decision that the Court of Appeal had no jurisdiction it the first place; the court went on nevertheless to clarify how particular matters are to be brought before the CCJ. After considering the agreement establishing the CCJ and the CCJ Act of Barbados, the court indicated that if a person wishes to appeal a Court of Appeal order that is not a final order (ie an interlocutory or interim order), that appeal may only be heard by the CCJ if the CCJ first gives the person special leave to appeal. Such an appeal could not be brought as of right.

In the end, the CCJ struck out Roseal’s appeal and ordered Roseal to pay Challis’s costs. The case helps to clarify what can be appealed in the Court of Appeal and how to properly make an appeal in the CCJ. This summary is intended to assist the Caribbean public in learning more about the work of the CCJ. It is not a formal document of the court.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds flips the switch to set the Christmas tree aglow; acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali was also on hand to share in the festive occasion

Sue-Ann K Lowe, normAn mAnLey LAw SchooL

tuesday, november 19, 2013 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Mommy”, “Pantomine” on at NCC this evening

Popular actress Sonia Yarde will be in action again this evening with her play called “Mommy” when the National Drama Festival continues at the National Cultural Centre.

Showtime is 18:00h. Yarde’s “Mommy” will be directed by Ayanna Waddel and the stage manager will be Paul Budnah. Costuming and make-up is being done by Latoya Kellman and the dance choreographer is Vivian Daniels

Actor Character

Nicola Moonsammy Bonita

Collette Jones-Chin Loretta Marissa Lisa

Oceanna Hoppie Jacinda

Victoria Moonsammy Tammy

Ronald Forde Elijah/ Dennis

Omodella Morriah Dancer

Chiaka Heywood Dancer

Shevonne Joseph Dancer

In the play, the lives of four women are intertwined with one man, subtly bringing out a sexual cycle of recurring abuse of these women…maybe handing down? Bonita’s mother is in her death throes and seeks comfort in her last hours by being forgiven by her eldest daughter, Bonita. Bonita does not share her mother’s pain and concern about the mistakes she made by allowing her daughter to be abused by her step-father. Bonita, in fact, launches out on what she believes is her final opportunity to make her pay for the neglect. The consequences are hard and each woman must find her own way out. Each woman must make the choice of stopping this cycle. One man pays the ultimate price for going too far.

“Pantomime”

The second play titled “Pantomime” was written by Derek Walcott and will be directed by Mark Kazim. The stage manager is Melika Edmonds

Actor Character

Mark Luke-Edwards Harry Trewe

Sean Thompson Jackson Phillips

“Pantomime” uses comedy to take a serious look at roles. What happens when two middle-aged guys flee the worlds they have always known and wind up on the same tropical island, one as the owner of a hotel, the other as his servant? And what if they looked at a role-reversal play as part of the hotel’s entertainment? That is the thread that weaves the storyline of Walcott’s “Pantomime” together and gives audiences a two-hour non-stop romp through cliché, humour, drama, societal roles, and most interestingly, self image. The play opens in the off season with no guests on hand or in sight. Trewe fills his time by working on a panto — which is derived from pantomime — a traditional form of light theatre put on around the Christmas period. The pantos often featured gender reversals and were based on familiar stories like Goldilocks.

Trewe is working on some take-offs on Christmas carols in which he is telling the Robinson Crusoe story. His gimmick for the panto is not a gender reversal but

a race reversal. He wants Phillip to play the part of Crusoe, the educated and resourceful shipwrecked Englishman, while he will play Friday, the black cannibal.

Meanwhile, Phillip is trying to serve breakfast and Trewe is stripping down to his underwear to “get into character”. “Don’t get into your part, get into your pants,” Phillip urges and though Trewe is the boss and Phillip the servant, we see the first reversal with Phillip being more restrained and mannerly, while Trewe is behaving without regard for customs. Phillip does not want to be in the play, Trewe insists and when Phillip does embrace his new “role” and takes over, Trewe is unbearably uncomfortable and wants to call the whole thing off.

Throughout the play, the two men shift back and forth between the sophisticate and the rube, the mannered and the lewd, the well spoken and the babbler, the intelligent and the not-so-bright.

The shifts are rapid and sometimes happen without the audience even being aware and at other times, each becomes a caricature of himself or of what he imagines the other to actually be.

The Robinson Crusoe story merges with the life story of each man as they dip back and forth from fiction to memory and sometimes, fictionalised memory. Trewe has lost a wife and

son and abandoned a stage career in England. Phillip has left the wild streets of Trinidad – where he was a singer — under what is alluded to as an attempt to escape punishment for a violent crime.

The set is basic, the veranda of the hotel overlooking a steep cliff down to the beach. The men’s shirts unbuttoned halfway down their chests manage to evoke the feeling of the ever-present heat.

And while the whole reason for a panto is to have light diversion, as the two men start to create theirs it leads to some very dramatic moments.

“In the sun that never sets,” says Phillip referring to the British empire, “I am your shadow” he says, referring to the numerous native groups converted entirely into servant classes. He later continues, “We are acting out the history of imperialism” causing Trewe to retort, “If it becomes more serious, we are in danger of committing art.” The panto takes on another role in the play as it becomes a way for each to confront his past and find some resolution, or perhaps not. In the second act, Phillip says they must finish the panto, but Trewe now resists.

Each character reaches deep to expose his core but the layers are too complex, and we can never be sure of what we are seeing.

Mommy

tuesday,

Drunk driver slams into children outside rum shop

– skating teen injured in separate accident

Aman is now in police custody after he struck down three schoolchildren while driving off from a bar in Kitty. The incident occurred around 17:30h on Monday.

The injured children were identified as Kesi Carter, Ebitayo Pilgrim, and Shemar Lesprance. They are all 11-year-olds from Melanie, East Coast Demerara and students of the Stella Maris Primary School.

Guyana Times understands that the children were on their way home from lessons when the driver drove off from Seeta’s Bar, Station Street, Kitty and hit them. He was reportedly intoxicated.

According to one of the lesson teachers who was with the children, they were all heading west out of Station Street towards Vlissengen Road, when the driver of the car reversed from his parking spot with speed, hitting two vehicles before striking the children.

“We were walking in the corner right in front Seeta’s Bar, they were in front me, and this guy just jump in his car and moved off with a speed. I don’t know if he wasn’t seeing or what and he just hit all three of them and one was pinned under the car.”

Pilgrim was the one who ended up under the vehicle. He sustained severe injuries about his body, including deep lacerations. The three children were being treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Angry residents

Angry residents from the area who witnessed the incident vented their anger at the reckless behaviour of the driver. One female eyewitness said the driver, who is a regular at the bar, was drinking there for sometime before he finally got up to leave. The woman said the entire incident happened very quickly owing to the speed at which the

driver was travelling.

“The rate that he come out with, he probably thinking he flying a plane. When he pull out, he hit a Rav4, end up into the other side of the road and hit a wagon. These kids de walking going home at the same time and he hit all three of them and one end up under the car. When we run go there, the child de crawling out from under the car. After that, he hit another car and then he run into the trench,” the woman recounted.

The distraught mother of Carter explained that she received a call informing her that her son was struck down and so she rushed to the medical institution. The woman also expressed her anger over the situation. She pointed out that her son and the two other children have been going to the lessons for a while and nothing like this ever happened.

Skater injured Meanwhile, the regular evening exercise for a 15-year-old skater ended up leaving him suffering severe injuries about his body.

Shane Washington, of Lyng Street, Charlestown, was skating along Regent Street when he collided with a pedal cyclist at the junction of Camp and Regent streets. The teen was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to friends and relatives gathered at the medical institution, the young man had left home earlier in the evening to meet his friends. His cousin said around 18:30h, they received a call from his friend, saying that he was injured, so they rushed to the hospital. When Washington’s parents arrived, they were busy arranging for a MRI scan to be done as advised by medical officials.

A man who took the teen to the medical facility said he was walking down Regent Street when he heard the crash and went to the scene. He said there was a bike nearby and the teen was lying on the ground badly injured.

Haiti clashes as protesters demand President Martelly's resignation

Protesters in Haiti have clashed with police as thousands rallied to demand the resignation of President Michel Martelly. The police fired tear gas to try to disperse stone-throwing protesters in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Haiti has recently seen a series of protest marches amid growing public anger over the cost of living and claims of high levels of corruption. Meanwhile, Martelly appealed for unity in the impoverished nation. He took office two years ago promising a fresh start for Haiti, devastated by an earthquake in 2010. But Haiti – which shares the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with The Dominican Republic –remains one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere. On Monday, the protesters set up burning barricades of discarded tyres as

Monday’s rallies were among the biggest since President Michel Martelly took office in 2011

they marched in the capital, demanding that Martelly stand down immediately.

“We are moving forward to removing him from power and won’t stop until he

leaves,” demonstrator Jean Daniel was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

A number of demonstrators hurled stones at the police, who responded with

tear gas. There were also reports that gunshots were fired in Port-au-Prince, but it was not immediately known whether there were any injuries. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Industry woman appears in court on drug charge

The Guyanese woman who was busted early Saturday morning with cocaine in a false wall of her suitcase appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday.

Thirty-two-year-old Shellon Khanai, of Lot 5 Railway Embankment, Industry, East Coast Demerara, made her first court appearance before Magistrate Faith McGusty where she pleaded not guilty to the charge of cocaine trafficking. It is alleged that on November 16 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, she had in her possession 2.938 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The case was prosecuted by Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Oswald Massiah, who told the court that on the day in question, the defendant was an outgoing passenger on Flight BW 524 and was in possession of a suitcase, which was checked by a CANU officer on duty.

The suitcase was on the scanner when the officer noticed a peculiar object, so it was taken down for inspection.

Khanai accepted the

suitcase as hers and the officer identified himself as a rank attached to CANU. He then told her that he suspected the peculiar object was cocaine. Khanai replied that she packed the suitcase herself and owns a small business. She was taken to CANU headquarters where the substance was tested and weighed, proving to be 2.938 kilograms of cocaine.

On her way to the headquarters, she asked the officer to give her a chance, stating that she is the mother of six children.

Ranks from CANU went to Khanai’s address and found no evidence of a small business; the matter was further investigated and she was later charged with the offence.

The defendant acquired a 10-year-visa four months ago and she said someone encouraged her to take the suitcase, which she had in her possession for over two months, to the United States.

Magistrate Mc Gusty refused bail, citing that no special reason was given for it to be granted. Khanai was remanded to prison and the matter stands adjourned to November 27.

Remembering accident victims: We must do more to keep TT roads safe – PM

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar wants citizens to do more to ensure the nation’s roads are safer. In a message to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, she said: “We must all, as drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, practise greater care and awareness.” Persad-Bissessar said there are more than 30,000 road accidents in TT.

“We must eliminate dangerous behaviours which place our lives at risk,” she said as she urged road users to “adhere to the nation’s traffic laws and be considerate to others who are also in transit.” The prime minister advised drivers to employ

responsible strategies and urged pedestrians to use zebra crossings and walkovers where available. She said her government is committed to “reducing the number of vehicular accidents on our roads” and announced that there will be increased highway patrols, implementation of random breathalyser tests and establishment of a National Road Safety Council (NRSC) to develop a road injury and prevention policy for TT. Persad-Bissessar said the NRSC will be “the overarching body for coordination with inter-agency and multi-sector stakeholders with a shared goal for reducing traffic related incidents.”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Shellon Khanai being escorted out of court by a police officer

The car plunged into a trench after hitting the three children

Aid efforts in Philippines hit high gear

Global relief efforts in the Philippines have kicked into high gear, with aid workers, heavy equipment and life-saving supplies flowing into regions devastated by Typhoon Haiyan.

There were initial signs on Monday that communities were beginning to shift from survival mode to the early stages of recovery.

Markets were beginning to reopen, though with very limited wares, some petrol stations were pumping and residents were repairing damaged homes or making temporary shelters out of the remains of their old ones.

“The darkest night is over but it’s not yet 100 per cent,” Lieutenant General Roy Deveraturda said.

Nevertheless, residents are desperate to leave the disaster zone amid growing concerns over the

lack of food and medicine. And the World Health Organisation (WHO) is warning of significant medical concerns.

The November 8 typhoon killed or left missing more than 5000 people and left four million displaced, requiring food, shelter and water.

More than 13 million Filipinos are said to have been affected by the storm, and four million have lost their homes.

The first week of the response was chaotic, due to airports in the region being damaged and local governance structures shattered. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Manhunt after gun attacks in Paris

Amanhunt is continuing in Paris after a gunman attacked offices of the newspaper Liberation and fired outside the headquarters of the Societe Generale bank.

A photographer, 27, was critically hurt at Liberation. The gunman later forced a motorist to drive him to the Champs Elysees before allowing him to go.

Police are looking for the same man who broke into the Paris offices of the 24hour news channel BFMTV on Friday.

Police have now been stationed outside all the main media offices in Paris. At a news conference, investigators held up two im-

ages, one of the suspect in a street and another taken from BFMTV surveillance cameras on Friday.

Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said the “most likely possibility” was that a lone gunman was behind the three attacks and the hijacking. He said the suspect had not yet been identified and the motive was still unclear.

The man is said to be between 35 and 45 years old.

Molins said the suspect was wearing a black vest, a cap and white-soled green shoes. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Zimmerman points shotgun at woman

AFlorida man acquitted of murder in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teenager has been arrested on charges he pointed a shotgun at his girlfriend.

George Zimmerman, 30, has been jailed in Seminole County, Florida.

Zimmerman was charged with felony aggravated assault, battery, domestic violence and crim -

inal mischief, a sheriff’s office spokesman said. In July, a jury cleared Zimmerman of the February 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin, 17. Since then, Zimmerman has had other brushes with police, including an incident in October when he was briefly detained following a domestic disturbance at the home of his estranged wife,

Dallas Zoo visitors watch lion kill lioness

Alion at the Dallas Zoo bit and killed a lioness in their exhibit as visitors watched Sunday afternoon in an attack officials said they could not immediately explain.

The five-year-old lioness, Johari, was bitten in the neck by one of the male lions in her pride around 14:15h, the zoo said.

Dozens of zoo visitors saw the attack, CNN affiliates WFAA and KTXA reported.

“At first you think they’re playing, and then you realise

he’s killing her, and... you’re watching it and you just can’t believe your eyes,” eyewitness Michael Henshaw told WFAA.

“The male lion that started it just had his mouth over her throat, and everyone thought they were playing at first,” another eyewitness Jim Harvey told WFAA.

The zoo said Johari died quickly. Witness Dylan Parker told WFAA that the attacking lion held Johari by the neck “for like 10 minutes ... waiting until it quit moving”. (Excerpt from CNN)

Shellie.

On Monday, a spokesman for the Seminole County sheriff’s department said Zimmerman was arrested on Monday morning and confined to a single-person cell standard treatment for “high profile” defendants.

The sheriff’s office spokesman said investigators believed Zimmerman and his girlfriend had

lived together since August and had been arguing about breaking up.

He said Zimmerman was not armed when police arrived and did not resist arrest.

Zimmerman’s acquittal of second-degree murder over the killing of Martin sparked a fierce debate about racial profiling and gun culture in the U.S.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Assad air strike kills top Syrian rebel commander

The leader of one of Syria’s most prominent rebel units died early Monday of wounds sustained during a strike by government forces last week, his group said, dealing another blow to fighters reeling from a series of recent battlefield losses.

The death of Abdul-Qadir Saleh, founder of the Tawhid Brigade, followed advances by President Bashar Assad’s troops against rebels on two key fronts: the capture of a string of opposition-held

Toronto crack mayor stripped of power

Toronto’s City Council voted Monday to strip embattled Mayor Rob Ford of most of his powers after a tumultuous meeting in which Ford vowed “outright war” in response.

Comparing the vote to “a coup d’etat” and to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Ford – who admitted earlier this month to smoking crack cocaine in a “drunken stupor” – told council members, “What goes around, comes around, friends.”

suburbs south of Damascus and the taking of two towns and a military base outside the northern city of Aleppo.

An ongoing offensive meanwhile is driving hundreds of refugees into neighbouring Lebanon, as government forces seek to dislodge rebels from a mountainous area that stretches north of the Syrian capital.

A total of 6000 have crossed to a Lebanese border town over the last three days, the UN said. (Excerpt from France24)

A series of votes then went overwhelmingly against the mayor, capping a meeting in which he also knocked down a council member during a break, apparently accidentally. Ford and his brother, City Councillor Doug Ford, sparred with hecklers in the council gallery during the recess, with several hecklers shouting “Shame, shame, shame” at one point.

Councillor Pam McConnell suffered a fat lip when she was knocked down, her colleague, Councillor Paula Fletcher said. Fletcher demanded an apology from the mayor, who said the collision happened when he “rushed to my brother’s defence”. (Excerpt from CNN)

“If you think Americanstyle politics is nasty, you guys have just attacked Kuwait,” he said to groans and laughter in the council chambers. “And you will never see something – mark my words, my friends, this is going to be outright war in the next election, and I am going to do everything in my power to beat you guys.”

Hollande in Israel, vows to fight anti-Semitism

France’s President François Hollande addressed Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset on Monday, saying his country will continue its fight against anti-Semitism and vowing to ensure the security of all Jews living in France.

The French leader told the Israeli parliament that his country is using “all its might against anti-Semitism in all its forms”.

“I confirm in this house the French republic’s commitment to watch over, at all times, the security and safety of the Jews of France,” he said.

The comments come after France was rocked last March by a bloody attack in Toulouse, where three French-Israeli children and a teacher were killed by a self-confessed Islamic extremist in a shooting spree.

The assault sparked horrified denunciations across France and the world, particularly in Israel, where the bodies of the Tolouse schoolshooting victims were buried. Hollande will pay his, and the nation’s respects, by visiting their graves on Tuesday.

The French president, whose Middle East tour has included talks on Iran’s disputed nuclear programme, also assured Israel that all sanctions on Tehran will remain in place until it has “definitively renounced” its military nuclear ambitions.

“France will not let Iran arm itself with nuclear weapons,” the French president said, two days ahead of a fresh round of talks in Geneva aimed at rolling back Tehran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. (Excerpt from France24)

Public prosecutor Francois Molins describes the suspect

French President François Hollande

The UN says that more than 13 million have been affected by super typhoon Haiyan (Reuters)

Time to transform Caribbean energy market – IDB

The high and volatile price of electricity is the most important issue in the energy sector. Electricity prices in the Caribbean are among the highest in the world, and they fluctuate greatly with the global price of oil. The primary cause of the high cost of electricity is that most Caribbean countries use diesel and heavy fuel oil for electricity generation. These fuels are expensive and their

prices fluctuate greatly based on the global price of oil. TT and Suriname have the lowest average tariffs, followed by The Dominican Republic, while all other Caribbean countries have significantly higher average tariffs, at levels above US$0.30 per kilowatt/hour. There is an inseparable linkage between the fiscal crisis confronting the Caribbean region and the reality of paying some of the world’s highest per capi-

ta energy costs.

The countries in the region are encumbered with the necessity of importing increasingly expensive oil products for transportation and electricity generation. Covering the ever-increasing cost of energy places enormous pressure on countries whose national budgets are already heavily indebted. Thus, a new Caribbean energy future is needed.

(Trinidad Guardian)

Dow above 16,000, led by Boeing; social media stocks fall

Shares of Boeing led the blue chip Dow index above the 16,000 level on Monday while the S&P 500 topped 1800 for the first time in history. Boeing Co shares gained two per cent to US$138.77 after the U.S. plane maker, at the Dubai Airshow on Sunday, announced commitments for a total of 259 of its new 777 jets. Worth about US$100 billion at list prices, it is the largest combined order in Boeing’s history. While the Nasdaq Composite was less than

20 points away from 4000, a level it has not seen since September 2000, the tech heavy index was down for the day, pressured by social media stocks including Facebook and Zulily.

The round numbers on major levels could provide some technical resistance at first, but clearing them could prompt more buying from investors eager to chase performance. “The current technical backdrop remains positive with more evidence of a supportive rotation taking hold

within the equity market,” said Robert Sluymer, analyst at RBC Capital Markets in New York.

“We would need to see evidence that negative momentum and relative performance divergences (in different sectors) are in place to conclude a correction is developing.”

Social media stocks were among the day’s top decliners with Facebook down 4.4 per cent at US$46.83, Twitter down 5.4 per cent at US$41.58 and Yelp down 5.5 per cent at US$66.87. (Reuters)

Audi’s advance risks stalling without new technology drive

German luxury carmaker Audi has boasted Vorsprung durch Technik – advancement through technology – as its slogan since the 1970s. But signs are growing it is losing sight of its own advice.

Research and development spending by the 81-yearold brand, which is the profit engine of parent Volkswagen

(VW), last year amounted to less than three-quarters of arch-rival BMW’s outlay and a smaller fraction of Mercedes owner Daimler’s.

While BMW trumpets its new “i” series of electric cars and Mercedes wins rave reviews for its new CLA and GLA ranges of sporty compact models, Audi risks looking like a laggard in an industry where

innovation is a major draw for customers. “I’ve grown tired of that single-frame grille,” said Stefan Reimann, a 47-year-old public relations manager looking at the front of the new Audi A3 compact at a Berlin showroom. “BMW and Mercedes seem to be so much more progressive now. It’s about time for Audi to live up to their promise,” he added.(Reuters)

Nigerian banks have highest operating cost

Nigerian banks have been discovered to have the highest cost base among their peers in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA).

A report by a global financial services firm, JP Morgan listed poor infrastructure, low quality of manpower, epileptic power supply, security of physical assets , as some factors contributing to the high cost of operation in the banking industry.

In addition, the 39-page report also identified the increased levy paid to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) as another factor that raised banks’ operating cost. It explained: “Nigerian banks have higher cost/income ratios versus their CEEMEA bank peers due to lack of necessary infrastructure in form of quality manpower, steady electricity supply, security of physical assets, etc. Higher AMCON levy limits cost/income im-

provement on our estimates.

“Following the increase in AMCON levy, we believe AMCON charges will rise 130 per cent year-on-year average 2013 estimate versus 28 per cent year-on-year 2012 audited, adding to the operating expenses growth this year and 11 per cent year-on-year per annum average 2014-16 estimate; between 2013-2016 estimates, we expect AMCON charges to form 11 per cent of Nigerian banks cost base versus five per cent previously.” (allAfrica)

Is Dubai the centre of the world (again)?

During London Mayor Boris Johnson’s recent visit to Dubai on an investment promotion trip; he jokingly declared that he is “mayor of the eighth emirate.” Though uttered in typical selfdeprecating jest, the mayor of the world’s greatest city proclaiming that London is a mere province of the United Arab Emirates is revealing about how Dubai’s fortunes have revived since the punishing real estate crash and debt restructuring following the financial crisis.

With the UK economy

slumping so severely that the IMF has recommended it reconsider its austerity policy, Johnson has to look abroad to maintain London’s economic dynamism. He particularly appealed to the UAE’s sovereign wealth funds (such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Mubadala) to invest in London’s underground subway upgrades (not that Emiratis are regulars on the Tube, since they often ship their supercharged Italian sports cars to London for the summer months).

Thirty years ago, Dubai’s highlights were a cheap revolving restaurant in the creek district of Deira and the modest gold souk of nearby Sharjah. But a revolutionary transformation was also just under way under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed al Maktoum, and subsequently carried forward by his third son Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who currently rules Dubai while also serving as prime minister and vice president of the UAE. (CNN)

Government to sell 20 per cent stake in Air New Zealand

New Zealand’s government is to sell a 20 per cent stake in national carrier Air New Zealand, leaving it with a 53 per cent holding. Trading in the airline’s shares was halted on Monday following the government’s announcement.

Based on the last trading price of NZ$1.65 per share, the 20 per cent stake is valued at 363 million New Zealand dollars (US$302 million; £187 million).

The sale will help the government’s target of raising NZ$5 billion to trim public debt and spend on infrastructure. The Air New Zealand stake sale is part of a programme of asset sales by New Zealand’s government, which has so far raised NZ$3.6 billion.

Those funds came from the sale of government stakes in power companies Meridian Energy and Mighty River Power. Another stake sale, in power company Genesis Energy, is scheduled for next year. As the government will retain a 53 per cent stake in Air New Zealand after the sale, it will still have the power to appoint the majority of the airline’s board of directors. The New Zealand government became a majority shareholder in Air New Zealand in 2002, when it stepped in to save the carrier from collapse. (BBC News)

How do you decide on multiple job offers?

In addition to making that key assessment, be sure to read the fine print and peruse all of the perks that each job offer includes. Also make sure that you understand fully what your job responsibilities will be and that you can operate comfortably within their work environment. Furthermore, if health insurance is offered, then compare the coverage levels of each policy. Also ensure that adequate paid sick leave and

vacation time will be provided for.

Consult your intuition, family and friends

Once you have done your research, one of the easiest ways to choose between multiple job offers is to pose the question: “Which job offer would be the highest and best employment opportunity for me to accept now?”

You might first ask this key question of your own intuition, which is already very

well informed about the situation and will typically give you excellent advice. You can also enquire among your spouse, other family members and trusted friends to see what their thoughts and suggestions are about the multiple job offer options. In addition to consulting with their spouse, married people should always obtain their partner’s final consent before accepting any job offer since any decision will affect both of you. (Business Dictionary)

CoNtiNued froM MoNdAy

Lall, Ram for court today

Today, Lallbachan

“Lalloo” Christopher

Ram and Mohan Lall, aka Glenn Lall, are set to make another court appearance as the case brought against them for multimillion-dollar tax evasion by the Mayor and City Council continues.

Ram, who is closely connected to the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI), reportedly owes more than $1.4 million in taxes for sub lot D of 157 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, and $7 million for sub lot B, according to court documents. He is also believed to owe the M&CC another $2.9 million for sub lot C of the same Waterloo Street property. In total, Ram reportedly owes the M&CC more than $11.3 million. He is being represented by Attorney Neil Boston.

Meanwhile, Lall and his wife, Bhena, are accused of owing the M&CC more than $5.6 million in taxes for a property at 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown,

Georgetown, according to court documents seen by this newspaper. The Lalls are being represented by Alliance For Change (AFC) leader, Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan.

In a press release issued on October 11, Ram claimed that discussions on the matter go back to the 1990s when agreement was reached to have balances due for services rendered to the M&CC offset the millions of dollars he owes in rates and taxes.

Ram claimed that the issue is essentially an administrative one, and suggested that the matter could be settled out of court.

In a Kaieteur News report, also on October 11, Lall made a similar claim about off-setting the millions of dollars owed in rates and taxes by he and his wife with services provided by the newspaper. Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green and M&CC Public Relations Officer

Royston King have claimed likewise in interviews with Kaieteur News.

However, during a previous press conference, the M&CC’s administrative head, acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba, said the council will continue its zero-tolerance approach in dealing with breaches of the city’s laws. She noted that a number of cases are before the court, as the council seeks redress.

In the other cases brought by the M&CC, Attorney Sandil Kissoon, who filed the cases on behalf of the municipality, asked for the matter of Wayde Beckles to be adjourned to January 17, 2014, because on the last calling of the matter, the court had ordered that a summons be served to the defendant, but it was not filed. Attorney Euclin Gomes indicated to the court that the case against Jennifer Basdeo-Green, the mayor’s wife, would be discontinued since she paid her debt.

Styrofoam to be banned next year – govt says it will be good for business

BY SAMUEL SUKHNANDAN

Natural Resources and Environment

Minister Robert Persaud said the ban on Styrofoam beginning June 1, 2014 could prove useful to Guyanese entrepreneurs, who could possibly look at producing alternatives to that material.

Persaud made this statement during the second round of stakeholder’s consultations on the ban of Styrofoam held at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown on Monday.

“When we talk about the ban, it is not to take away anything, but rather a step to give our people more opportunities but also gives them a healthy surrounding,” Persaud added. Both economic and employment opportunities could be created. Minister Persaud said it will provide an opportunity to the cottage industry, to produce cardboard boxes that were used many years ago in Guyana.

The environment minister said while the ban may evoke negative feelings, it is important that it is implemented. “We must also be mindful of the consequences on public health and also how these measures and steps can allow us to help us to improve and enhance our environment,” he asserted. It was also agreed that more needs to be done to enhance the public awareness campaign, to ensure greater compliance.

Comprehensive approach

Persaud noted that a comprehensive approach is expected, as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will have to also play their part in ensuring that there are no loopholes. Reference was also made to the new litter regulations which is currently being drafted and is expected to be tabled in Parliament for approval. Persaud said these regulations will also see litter wardens placed all over

the country, to monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, acting

Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali lauded the initiative to ban Styrofoam, noting that it contributes significantly to solid waste, which continues to be a major tourism issue. Ali said the approach between the two ministries is to ensure that there is less garbage, especially when it comes to Styrofoam. Garbage in the city and other parts of the country continues to be an eyesore and could cause the achievements made in the tourism sector to backpedal.

Meanwhile, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) President Clinton Urling said there are many reasons the ban should be implemented. While noting that the food service industry is likely to be affected most by the ban, the GCCI president said that there are many alternatives to Styrofoam. Urling owns a food business which is one of the few companies in Guyana that have

tuesday, november 19, 2013 |

BBCI supports winners of primary school art competition

already transitioned and is now using biodegradable materials. However, he urged government to work towards enhancing its public awareness campaign to inform businesses of the ban in advance.

Tax waiver

Urling also suggested that a three to six month waiver of taxes should be given to businesses to make the transition from Styrofoam to biodegradable materials.

He added that plants could also be set up in Guyana to produce these materials, moving away from having businesses import them. But he noted that the ban on Styrofoam will not reduce littering, rather it will take a cultural change to bring an end to that issue.

Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President Kit Nacimento praised the government for the move to ban Styrofoam. However, he noted that while a move to ban the importation of these materials will be implemented, penalties must be attached to persons found using them.

Both the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and THAG have endorsed the plan to scale back the importation of Styrofoam. The ban of Styrofoam is aimed at combating the growing garbage problem, but this is just part of the problem. There are many other issues that contribute to the current solid waste management system in Guyana’s capital city and across the country. (samuelsuknandan@guyanatimesgy.com)

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) on Friday donated three trophies to the winners of the Comforting Hearts for Primary School Art Competition.

The gesture from the bridge company follows a request from the manager of Comforting Hearts.

“The company was privileged to have the opportunity to donate trophies to Comforting Hearts for their primary school art competition which is an effort to prevent abuse and violence against children. Abuse and violence against children are problems in all regions of the country, the Caribbean and the world at large; it crosses racial and socioeconomic lines. The Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated is therefore committed to supporting this cause, and as such, the primary school art competition will promote the awareness of abuse and vio-

lence against children,” the BBCI said in a release.

The BBCI does not only play the role of collecting tolls and facilitating vehicles crossing the Berbice River Bridge and vessels transiting through the retractor span and under the high span, but also discharges its corporate responsibilities.

In the past, the company has sponsored many events that benefited communities on both the eastern and western sides of the bridge, and many other regions such as Georgetown, Linden, Parika and the hinterland.

This year, the company has received some 80 public relations requests thus far and has approved 75. These include sponsorships of Mashramani 2013 events, horse racing events and donations of trophies to various non-profit organisations and educational institutions.

Stakeholder representatives from various organisations at Monday’s consultation

BBCI Administrative Assistant Bibi F Alli handing over the trophies to a representative of Comforting Hearts on Friday

Lallbachan “Lalloo” Christopher Ram Mohan Lall, aka Glenn Lall

SUDOKU

Don’t feel obligated to pay for others’ mistakes. Put more into your own work and take care of financial and contractual interests that will improve your position.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Listen, but don’t agree to do what everyone else wants. Make a required decision based on your emotional needs. Only you know what’s best for you. Choose your destiny.

Leap into action. There is much you can accomplish if you put your mind to it. Getting involved in activities or events that promote your skills will lead to an unusual proposal.

Explore areas of interest. Don’t feel you have to take care of someone else’s concerns. Let your desires dictate what you do next. A change will do you good.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

You may face emotional interference if you share too many of your ideas and intentions with others. Be discreet and determined to follow through with your plans.

(March 21-April 19)

You may feel the need to address issues that are bothering you, but be prepared to deal with disapproval. Someone will meddle in your affairs if you share too much information.

(April 20-May 20)

Do your research and base any decision regarding money, health or contractual issues on facts and figures. Someone with a vested interest is likely to use emotional blackmail.

(May 21June 20)

A challenge is best left alone. Minor mishaps or injury will occur if you aren’t cautious. Realise your potential and stick to what you are capable of doing.

Follow through with your plans, even if someone throws an emotional wrench into the mix. It’s up to you to stick to your laurels and refuse to let anyone interfere with your happiness.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Check out different cultures and philosophies. You will get peace of mind knowing you are on the right track spiritually, educationally or emotionally. Protect your assets.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Opportunity knocks, and the chance to put your skills to work for you will result in rewards. Cover up for any emotional mishap that might slow down the process of advancement.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Look at what’s happening around you, but think twice before you leap into action. Stick close to home and focus on personal options and self-improvement, not changing others.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

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Driver in Riverstown hit-and-run accident surrenders

The driver involved in the hit-and-run accident on the Riverstown Public Road, Essequibo Coast, which left Pandit Narine Singh dead, has surrendered to ranks at the Anna Regina Police.

Delney Gonsalves, 49, of Darthmouth, Essequibo Coast, who was on the lam for close to a week, submitted himself to law enforcement officials on Monday.

Gonsalves allegedly drove his car in a dangerous manner, killing Singh, and immediately after the accident, he fled the scene instead of rendering assistance to Narine.

However, his car HB 4188 was found aback of Darthmouth and was taken to the Anna Regina Police Station.

Gonsalves will appear be-

fore Magistrate Sunil Scarce today at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court. Singh, 74, of Riverstown was walking home after visiting his daughter when he was struck down by Gonsalves.

Fish cleaner denied

bail for robbery

A20-year-old man was on Monday remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer to the charge of robbery under arms.

Michael Scott, also known as “Brother” of Lot 63 Middle Street, McDoom, Greater Georgetown, was not required to plead to the charge which stated that in October at Shell Road, Agricola, Greater Georgetown, being armed with a gun, he robbed

Marvrige Chester of a quantity of items and a sum of cash totalling $45,800. Scott was unrepresented in court and said that he cleans fish for a living.

Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the offence in society, along with the fact that the defendant has previous matters in court.

Bail was refused, and the matter was adjourned to November 26.

Former court clerk remanded

Awoman formerly employed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts as a clerk appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty to answer to the charge of larceny by clerk or servant.

Tiffany Peters, 23, of Lot 35 Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara was not required to plead to the charge which read that between February 7, 2012 and September 11, 2012, at Georgetown, being employed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, she stole the sum of $3,045,000, property of the State of Guyana.

The police had issued a wanted bulletin for Peters on

October 8, 2012, stating that she was wanted by the police for questioning in relation to forgery and larceny by clerk or servant committed at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail, stating that since the offence was committed over a year ago, the defendant has been on the run. Police were only able to set up a sting operation and apprehend her after receiving a tipoff. The prosecutor added that if the defendant was granted her pre-trial liberty, she would not return to court. The matter stands adjourned to November 26.

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Three juniors to challenge for senior chess title

Former national junior champion, Anthony Drayton, has emerged champion of the Caribbean Containers Inc. (CCI) national senior chess qualifiers, which concluded on Sunday at the Carifesta Sports Complex.

Drayton, who created a major upset by beating former national senior champion Wendell Meusa, was presented with the $15,000 first prize at the conclusion of the qualifiers.

Meusa came in second,

followed by junior players Davion Mars and Roberto Neto. They are followed by senior players Errol Tiwari, Glenford Corlette and Neil Khan. The seven players will meet reigning champion, Taffin Khan, in their challenge for the senior title later this month. Khan remarked to president of the Guyana Chess Federation, Shiv Nandalall, that he expects “stiff competition”, but he is confident of retaining the title.

The point standings at the end of the seven-round qualifiers read: Anthony Drayton and Wendell Meusa (six each), Davion Mars (4.5), and Roberto Neto, Errol Tiwari, Glenford Corlette and Neil Khan (four each). The presentation of prizes was made by CCI’s Human Resources Manager, Jimmy Lorrimer, who reiterated his company’s support to chess and expressed his pleasure at seeing young players taking up the challenge to play the game.

James in talks on Beckham Miami MLS team

Basketball super-

star LeBron James says he is in talks with David Beckham about investing in the former England captain’s planned Miami MLS franchise.

James, 28, won back-toback NBA titles with Miami Heat and believes a football team would be popular in the city.

“David has become a good friend of mine. There’s interest on both sides,” he told South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

The chance to become a team owner at a discounted price was part of Beckham’s contract at LA Galaxy.

The 38-year-old took up the option after ending his playing career at French side Paris St-Germain last season.

James already has a minority stake in Premier League Liverpool as part of a partnership with the club’s owners Fenway Sports Group.

“I think this is a great

Vettel proud of eight consecutive wins at US GP

Sebastian Vettel is “proud” of becoming the first driver to win eight consecutive races in a single season.

The Red Bull driver broke a record held by Michael Schumacher and Alberto Ascari with victory in the US GP.

“Numbers do not make me jump in the car but we realised we had done it and it makes you very proud,” Vettel said.

“You realise what it means to look back at those names. People look back and talk about certain drivers. One day people might talk about our time.”

The German has won every race since Formula 1 returned from its summer break at the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of August.

He said the achievement, which he described as “incredible” would not fully sink in until Monday morning.

“It’s always the day after usually you feel invincible - don’t get me wrong,” said Vettel, who tied up his fourth consecutive title in

India three races ago.

“It is great feeling. You have a grin on your face, unless you have a hangover. It is nice feeling, Sunday things happen very quick and it is bit harder to realise.

“It is one of those records that was not meant to be broken ever and it’s very difficult to understand we actually did it.

“It is down to team effort. Everyone is willing to push. This morning at eight o’clock the car was in pieces - we had the gearbox on the floor we had some concern about reliability and the guys were trying to fix it and it ran fine in the race.

“Since the summer break I don’t know what we have all done, but we need to remember for future years should we require a little bit more than just good performance.

“As a sportsman you know not every day is supposed to be a good day, you will have ups and downs.

“The points when you are at the low they hurt a lot more than when you are on

the high.

“I keep saying there is no guarantee for the next race, for the next race and equally for the year after. We had a phenomenal run that last five years. You never know what is coming next. You have to enjoy today and look forward to tomorrow.”

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: “When we reflect what we have achieved it is quite remarkable, the levels Sebastian has reached, the accuracy and consistency he has driven with is quite astounding.

“He was pretty emotional at the end of the race because he has beaten a record of one of his idols, who it seemed unlikely that kind of record would be beaten.

“To win eight consecutive races, to have won every race since July [when Lewis Hamilton won the Hungarian Grand Prix] is mind-blowing, especially against the quality of opposition we’re up against. It’ll take a little while for it to sink in with the whole team.” (BBC Sport)

Glasgow 2014 hotels price rise raises concerns

Glasgow hotels have been urged not to “fleece” visitors seeking accommodation at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and risk losing the city’s “friendly” tag.

The BBC looked at 10 hotels, picked at random, and compared their prices during Games time against prices outside of the 11-day event.

town for soccer,” James said of Beckham’s preferred base for his team.

“There’s a lot of soccer players, there’s great youth soccer players here and people love the city as well. That definitely would help.”

James added that he had learned more about football since becoming associated with Liverpool.

“I’ve grown to the point where I know exactly what’s going on when I’m watching the game,” he said. (BBC Sport)

It discovered the average price increase on a daily rate for a standard double room during the Games was 410%.

Glasgow 2014 organisers are encouraging people to be patient.

They have also pointed to Edinburgh and Stirling as alternative bases during their visit.

Both cities are less than an hour’s commute from the host city and are expecting to see an overspill.

“Trying to find somewhere to stay has been a very unpleasant surprise,” said Chris French from Rugby, who has secured tickets for the boxing event at next year’s Games.

“Everywhere I looked, the prices just seemed to have zeros added to them.

Some rooms that are usually £100 per night are now going for £800 - and you don’t even get your breakfast with that.

“I don’t mind paying above the average for accommodation, but please don’t fleece me. It’s not fair.”

During the investigation, it was discovered that one budget hotel in the centre of the city that usually offers a room for around £25 had priced the same room at £250 during the Commonwealth Games.

Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, says the price increases can be justified in part, but concedes that those pitching prices too high are not helping.

“It’ll turn people away from their property for sure,” he said.

“There is a bit of a ‘wait and see’ from the smaller hotels and guesthouses where they are not sure about the level of demand, so we are encouraging them to really look at their prices. There are mitigating circumstances that will reduce those prices.

“At the moment, some hotels have allocations with companies and with tour groups linked to the organisers. Some of those allocations will come back onto the market in January.” (BBC Sport)

LeBron James is in talks with David Beckham

Vettel v Schumacher – who is better?

The seven qualifiers who will move forward to the senior championship later this year

All Season Racing Service crowned 2013 champs

Corporation team

All Season Racing Service was crowned champions of the F&H Printing Establishment’s Million Dollars Plus nationwide domino competition after winning the final on Sunday night at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

All Season Racing Service chalked 78 games to finish ahead of Assassin, who drew the bye to the final, with 70 games, and 2012 winners TNT on 62.

Franklin Seaforth chalked up the maximum 18 games, Mark Persaud supported with 14 and

Errol Seaforth scored 13 for the winners. Osmond Braithwaite scored the maximum 18 and Deodat Dass 13 for Assassin, while Trevor Smith and Kanhai Samaroo marked 13 each for TNT.

All Season Racing Service won the semi-final with 77 games, while TNT placed second with 64 and Specialist were knocked out after managing 53 games.

J Freeman made 16 for All Season Racing Service; and A. Chow and S. McKenzie scored 13 apiece for TNT and Specialist respectively.

TNT won the quarter-final with 74 games, while All Season Racing Service placed second on 72 and Frankie ended in the cellar position with 59 games.

J Chance, Trevor Smith and Kanhai Samaroo made 15 games each for TNT; M. Persaud chalked up 16 for All Season Racing Service and K. Pollard 14 for Frankie.

Franklin Seaforth was the most valuable player in the final. TNT received a trophy, $100,000 and nine bronze medals, Assassin collected $250,000, a trophy and nine silver med -

als and All Season Racing Service, who also received the prize for the best corporation team, grabbed $500,000, a trophy and nine gold medals.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of F&H Printing Establishment, Fazil Hakh, congratulated the winners and thanked the teams for being part of the competition this year. The competition was sponsored by Courts (Guyana) Inc., Dave Persaud of Trinidad and Tobago, Steve’s Jewellery, King’s Advertising and F&H Printing Establishment.

West Indies retain Test squad despite drubbing

Despite a mauling in the recent Tests in India, West Indies have made no changes to their squad for the Tests in New Zealand next month.

Darren Sammy, who scored 25 runs over four innings and bowled 21 wicketless overs in the series, continues to captain the side.

The hastily arranged series against India featured two innings-defeats, with neither Test stretching past the third day.

Only two West Indian batsmen managed to aggregate more than 100 runs in the series, and the only bowler who had success was offspinner Shane Shillingford with 11 wickets. None of

his team-mates managed to take more than two wickets.

The first of three Tests against New Zealand starts on December 3 in Dunedin. Currently at No. 6 on the Test rankings, West Indies will slip one rung lower should they lose 2-0 or worse.

Squad: Darren Sammy (captain), Denesh Ramdin, Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sheldon Cottrell, Narsingh Deonarine, Kirk Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Veersammy Permaul, Kieron Powell, Marlon Samuels, Shane Shillingford and Chadwick Walton. (Cricinfo)

Armstrong accuses Verbruggen of doping cover-up

Lance Armstrong claims the ex-president of cycling’s world governing body knew he was doping and helped cover it up.

The American was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles last year before admitting he had taken performance-enhancing drugs during his career.

Armstrong told the Daily Mail that Hein Verbruggen helped him avoid a ban in 1999 by agreeing to blame a positive test on a backdated prescription for a steroid cream to treat saddle sores. Verbruggen has denied any wrongdoing.

Dutchman Verbruggen was president of the International Cycling Union (UCI) when Armstrong tested positive at the 1999 Tour de France.

The American says Verbruggen approved the idea of backdating the prescription to help protect the

image of the sport. Armstrong, who ‘won’ his first Tour de France in 1999, told the Daily Mail : “The real problem was, the sport was on life support [after the 1998 Festina drugs scandal]. And Hein just said, ‘This is a real problem for me, this is the knockout punch for our sport, the year after Festina,

so we’ve got to come up with something’. So we backdated the prescription.”

In a letter to the national federations, published earlier this month, Verbruggen said his conscience was “absolutely clean.”

He wrote: “I have never acted inappropriately. With the benefit of hindsight,

however, I admit that I could have done some things differently, but I do not accept that my integrity is in doubt.”

Current UCI president Brian Cookson was elected in September promising that establishing independent anti-doping procedures and carrying out “a swift in-

vestigation into cycling’s doping culture” were his priorities.

The organisation claimed in a statement that it would fully examine its own role in the scandals of the past.

“The UCI’s Independent Commission of Inquiry is in the process of being set up,” it read.

“The commission will invite individuals to provide evidence and we would urge all those involved to come forward and help in its work.

“This investigation is essential to the well-being of cycling in fully understanding the doping culture of the past, the role of the UCI at that time and helping us all to move forward to a clean and healthy future.”

Verbruggen is still a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) which responded to Armstrong’s latest claims by questioning his integrity and stating that it would

wait for the UCI’s own conclusions before acting.

“It is hard to give any credibility to the claims of a cyclist who appears to have misled the world for decades,” read an IOC statement.

“We await proper considered outcomes from this investigation rather than rumour and accusation.”

In August 2012, Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and accused by the United States Anti-Doping Agency of the “most sophisticated, professionalised and successful doping programme sport has ever seen”.

After repeatedly denying accusations of doping, he finally admitted in a television interview with chatshow host Oprah Winfrey in January that he had taken performance-enhancing drugs during his career. (BBC Sport)

F&H Million Dollars Plus domino…

Members of the successful All Season Racing Service team pose with officials of F&H Printing Establishment, including CEO, Fazil Hakh

Lance Armstrong (right) and Hein Verbruggen

Darren Sammy

BCB/Namilco/Bakewell T20 final…

Fudadin powers RHTG&G to title

Abrilliant all-round performance by West Indies Test player

Assad Fudadin led Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets (RHTG&G) to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Albion Cricket Club in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/ Namilco/Bakewell T20 tournament.

Playing infront of a large and colourful crowd at the famous Albion ground on Sunday, Fudadin took 4-24 and then returned with the bat to score an even half-century to lead his team home.

RHTG&G won the toss and surprisingly invited Albion to take first strike.

Former West Indies opener Sewnarine Chattergoon and former national Under-19 opener Kandasammy Surujnarine added 28 runs for the first wicket before the former was brilliantly taken by Dominic Rikhi at the long-on boundary off the bowling of Royston Crandon for 16 in the fifth over.

The talented Balchan Baldeo joined Surujnarine and they carried the score to 50 before Fudadin, bowling medium-pace, removed Baldeo for 13. The dangerous Jonathan Foo was not al-

lowed to settle and was brilliantly caught by Fudadin at short mid-wicket for 10 off the bowling of veteran leftarm spinner Ravi Narine.

Thereafter, Albion’s batting was kept in check by purposeful bowling RHTG&G bowling attack. National wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble (27) and former West Indies legspinner Devendra Bishoo (11) offered some resistance. Fudadin ended with 4-25 off four overs, while Narine, Hooper, Crandon and Rikhi supported him with one wicket apiece. Albion made 114 all out off their allotted 20 overs.

Pinch-hitter

In reply, RHTG&G lost pinch-hitter Eon Hooper in the first over to off-spinner Verapen Permaul without scoring. Fudadin joned forces with Rikhi and batted brilliantly to add 90 runs for the second wicket before he was caught at long-off, off part-time off-spinner Foo for a mature 50 (3x4s) off 48 balls in the 15th over.

National player Rajiv Ivan and Rikhi continued to build on the foundation laid by Fudadin and took the score to 109 in the 17th over

before Rikhi was caught behind off Bishu for 36 off 43 balls. Ivan and Crandon were at the crease when victory was achieved in the 18th over, scoring 16 and three respectively. Permaul, Bishoo and Foo took one wicket each for the Albion lads, who were surprisingly ragged in the field.

Earlier, Universal Solutions Bermine defeated West Berbice Super Kings by five wickets to clinch the third place prize. Batting first, West Berbice reached 92-6 off the allotted 20 overs with skipper Krisendat Ramoo scoring 33. Arthley Bailey supported with 22.

Romario Shepherd took 2-27, bowling for Bermine, who in reply, reached 96-5 in 18.2 overs.

Shemroy Barrington topscored with 31 and was supported by Eugene LaFleur with an unbeaten 29. National pacer Keon Joseph, bowling with genuine pace, took 3-14, while Ramoo and Keith Fraser supported with a wicket each.

Joint investment

At the presentation ceremony that followed, president of the BCB, Keith Foster, praised Namilco and Bakewell for their joint investment in Berbice cricket, while noting that cricket in the county continues to attract sponsorship due to the hard work of the Board.

He congratulated the winners on a well deserved victory and urged the top two teams in Berbice to always maintain high standards.

General Manager of Bakewell, Rajin Ganga, in brief remarks, expressed gratitude to the executives of the BCB for a well organised tournament and was pleased with the quality of cricket he witnessed.

Bert Sukhai, Managing

PMTC 1 win Chattergoon memorial volleyball tourney

PMTC 1 Volleyball

Club maintained their unbeaten record this year when they carted off the first place trophy in the Shamshadbagan Chattergoon’s memorial volleyball competition, which was played on Sunday at the Guysuco Apprentice Centre at Port Mourant, Corentyne.

The competition was organised by the Berbice Vollyball Associatio (BVA) and sponsored by the Chattergoon siblings in memory of their late mother, Shamshadbagan Chattergoon. The Chattergoon siblings, who have represented Guyana at cricket at various levels, are also volleyball enthusiasts.

PMTC 1, were without their star spiker Quacy Matheson, easily swept aside all of their opponents in straight sets due to the brilliant spiking of Ian Bagot and splendid setting of captain Jason Seelochan, with former national captain Seon Glasgow and Luen David providing valuable support.

The competition was played on a round-robin, two-best-of-three basis and involved PMTC 1, Port Mourant Jaguars, PMTC 2, Rollers of New Amsterdam, Falcons of Canje and newcomers to competitive volleyball, Skeldon Jets.

Runner-up Port Mourant Jaguars won four of their five matches, while PMTC 2 suffered defeated in all five of their games; Falcons won three and lost two; Rollers won two and lost three and Skeldon Jets won one and lost four.

At the presentation ceremony held immediately after the conclusion of the competition, BVA president Gregory Rambarran thanked the Chattergoon family for sponsoring the competition, the management of the Guysuco

Apprentice Centre for granting the use of their facilities, all the teams for participating. He also congratulated the winning team.

BVA secretary, Levi Nedd, who is also the national volleyball coach, said he was pleased with the standard of play and was glad that Rollers and Falcons were back on board. He said he was impressed with the skills and standard of play of the youngsters on the Skeldon Jets team and urged all the players to continue to work on their basic skills.

Trophies were presented to the top three teams and also to the best setter (Jason Seelochan), best spiker (Ian Bagot) and best defence (Seon Glasgow).

The BVA also took the opportunity to present balls to two referees and to the PMTC 1 team that will be participating in an international club tournament organised by the Guyana Volleyball Federation this weekend at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Director of Namilco, hailed the tournament as a success, and like Ganga, praised the work of the BCB, noting that this was his company’s first venture into sponsorship of cricket. He assured that Namilco would be willing to return next year once a good proposal is submitted.

Fudadin collected a one-year free supply of cable service compliments of E-Networks for his Man-ofthe-Match performance in the final. He was also the recipient of one DVD player and a CD player, compliments of A.

Ally and Sons for scoring the most runs and taking the

most wickets in the final.

Fudadin completed a brilliant day by clinching the best catch of the day award, while his teammate Clinton Pestano won the play of the day with a brilliant run out of David Latchaya.

Albion CC wicketkeeper Bramble hit the only six of the day, and as such, was awarded with the prize of the biggest six prize.

RHTG&G collected $200,000 for winning the tournament along with a beautiful trophy. Albion collected $100,000 for their efforts. Universal Bermine and West Berbice Super Kings won $50,000 and $25,000 respectively.

Gifts were also shared to spectators, groundstaff, umpires and others, compliments of Namilco and the BCB, while members of the four teams received products of Bakewell. The BCB would like to thank Namilco, Bakewell, Ansa McAl Trading, E-Networks, Guysuco, Universal DVD and Solutions, Sentinel Security, the Guyana Police Force and the media for their support in making this tournament a success.

Demerara trial match starts Thursday

With the aim of selecting the best possible team to represent Demerara at the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board senior inter-county four-day competition, the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) will stage a threeday trial game starting Thursday at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

According to the DCB, the match will comprise four innings, with action set to bowl off at 09:00 hours each day. “The DCB is asking the players selected for the trial to be prepared and on time at the venue,” a release from the board stated.

The two teams will be captained by West Indies players, middle-order batsman Leon Johnson and all-rounder Christopher Barnwell.

Also set to feature during the trial match are dis-

carded West Indies batsmen Ramnaresh Sarwan and Ryan Ramdass.

Johnson squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shemroy Barrington, Balwinda Shivpersaud, Zaheer Mohamed, Vishal Singh, Amir Khan, Joseph Perry, Randy Knights, Shaquille Williams, Andre Stoll, Paul Wintz, Totaram Bishun, Raj Nanan, Trevon Griffith and Ryan Ramdass.

Barnwell squad reads: Christopher Barnwell (captain), Rajendra Chandrika, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Yatesh Dhanpaul, Steven Jacobs, Arvin Seepersaud, Kemol Savoury, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Pattadin, Carl Rambarose, Trevor Benn, Kelon Carmichael, Anthony Atwell, Robin Bacchus and Jeetendra Sookdeo.

Dominique Rikhi

Assad Fudadin

Members of PMTC 1 strike a pose with tournament officials

Christopher Barnwell Leon Johnson

Heated rivalries expected at “Nationals”

– action gets underway today at National Stadium

By Treiston Joseph

Guyana’s largest high school event is set to begin today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, with a colourful opening ceremony from 09:00 hours.

And while 16 districts will be vying for one title, the individual rivalries among athletes are set to make the 53rd edition of the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field championships that much more interesting as they battle for personal glory.

Arguably, the rivalry that will take over the entire Stadium is that of South Georgetown’s Tirana Mitchell going head-to-head with North Georgetown’s Jevina Sampson in the female Under-16 sprints.

Sampson was a dominant force in 2011 before going out with a quadriceps injury in early 2012 that saw Mitchell rising to stardom. While Mitchell peaked during this period with a Carifta 200 metres bronze medal, Sampson struggled.

Sampson’s fall from grace became even more evident when the athlete barely qualified for “nationals” later that year after Mitchell dethroned her in the female 100 metres.

Sampson could not have run the 200 with Mitchell because she did not qualify, but won the 400 metres in record-breaking fashion. Further, Mitchell continued her rise in 2013, while Sampson was hardly seen on the track.

Chance in with a chance

However, Mitchell suffered a hamstring strain at the first South American Youth Games in September and barely recovered in time to qualify for “nationals” this year with visible limitations in her stride.

With Sampson coming out with renewed vigour and dominating the Inter Guiana Games (IGG), hammering all her competition to qualify for this year’s “nationals”, it has set up a very interesting 100 and 200 metre showdown between the two talented teens that is surely set to be the among most talked about events.

Switching to the male side of things, another rivalry brewing is that of East Coast’s Jason Yaw taking on North Georgetown’s Arinze Chance.

While the 16-year-old

London lands Wartsila trophy

Yaw is clearly the superior athlete talent wise and is tipped to win, reports reaching Guyana Times Sport indicate that the 6’3” has not been training for over two weeks.

Chance, on the other hand, talented in his own right, has been going through the paces, which might just level the playing field, thus giving him a chance create a major upset.

Both will compete in the Boys’ Under-18 sprints and Chance has the best opportunity of topping Yaw in the very event Yaw specialises in and gained a bronze medal in; that is the 400 metres.

Chance is a technically gifted athlete, while Yaw is more raw talent and for the simple fact that the 400 metres needs constant repetition to be mastered, those couple weeks off for Yaw, along with his reported dislike for the event, could possibly end in defeat.

It is definitely a rivalry that could be among the highlights package when “nationals” conclude this weekend.

Meanwhile, there is the rivalry of the unknown Rupununi distance runners against the entire field.

Over the past five years, Rupununi has had a knack of producing many top distance runners who rise to prominence at “nationals.”

Upsets such as 2007 when Ricardo Martin outgunned Jonathon Fagundes, and in 2011 when Samuel Kaitan prevailed over Nathaniel Giddings and Devon “Scooby” Barrington could very well be on the cards this around.

Only last year, Regina John upset the then twotime Carifta gold medalist, Jevina Straker, in the road race at “nationals”, while in 2010, Doretta Wilson took the event by storm. Only time will tell which Rupununi athlete will be the standout this year.

Taken all that has transpired over the last few weeks, in terms of training and challenges being thrown out by the various districts, it is safe to conclude that “nationals” will be very competitive, both from a team perspective, as well as the athletes, who will be vying for individual supremacy.

The athletes from North Georgetown (Dustrict 11) are the defending champions.

Philbert London took top honours on Saturday at the Lusignan Golf Coruse, winning the Wartsila sponsored golf tournament.

London shot a gross 92, playing off a 28 handicap for a best net score of 64.

Second place went to four-

time Guyana Open champion Avinash Persaud, who shot an effortless gross 70, parring the course for a net 66. Third place went to Robert Hanoman, who scored 92, off a handicap 24 and net 68.

Persaud chose to take the net prize for second

place so Jaipaul Seenanan was awarded the best gross prize with 75, winning on a count back from Munaff Arjune, who also won the Nearest-to-the-Pin prize.

The best lady on the course was reigning Guyana Open champion Christine Sookram, who shot a gross

80 and net 71, playong off a nine handicap.

Club president Jerome Khan thanked Wartsila for its sponsorship of the tournament, which also included a barbeque and a generous happy hour that was greatly appreciated by the members.

Goodluck retains national title

Ransford Goodluck retained his title on a hard fought final day of competition at the National Rifle Shooting championships at the Timehri Ranges on Sunday. The event was sponsored by Crown Mining, Queensway and Industrial Safety Supplies Inc.

Goodluck amassed a grand aggregate of 343 points with 29 V-bulls to claim championship honours, edging out day three winner and national captain Mahendra Persaud, who recorded an overall 341 with 24 V-bulls for second position.

Rain had curtailed competition on Saturday in which Lennox Braithwaite shot two possibles with scores of 35.7 and 35.3, shooting at 500 and 600

yards, followed by Goodluck with 69.11 (34.6 and 35.3), Persaud with 68.7 (33.4 and 35.3) and Dylan Fields 68.5 (35.3 and 33.2) being the ‘X’ Class leaders.

Sunday’s shooting was intriguing with Goodluck, Fields and Braithwaite all

locked on the same score at 1000 yards, but Persaud in a pugnacious move, bounced back into contention by winning the range with 144 points and nine V-bulls. He was followed by Goodluck with 142.9, Fields 138.9 and Braithwaite 134.9.

Fields finished with an overall aggregate of 338.22 to claim third position, while Braithwaite was fourth with 332.29.

Lt Col Terrence Stuart was the winner of the ‘O’ Class competition with 309 points and 14 V-bulls, followed by Inspector Dane Blair second with 277 points and 12 V-bulls and Sherwin Felicien third with 299.4. Ryan Sampson, Secretary of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA), said the presentation of prizes will take place next month at the planned GNRA annual presentation ceremony. He expressed sincere gratitude to Crown Mining, Queensway and Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. for sponsoring this year’s championships.

Kumar renews call for inter-club cycling championship

Director of Sport Neil Kumar has renewed his call for an interclub cycling championship to be hosted in Guyana.

He made the comment at the closing ceremony of the seventh annual “Ride for Life” five-stage cycling meet on Sunday at the National Cultural Centre.

Kumar argued that local riders should be allowed to engage in inter-club rivalry since it will allow them to become more competitive, and at the same time, assist them in learning the intracacies of “team riding.”

The Director of Sport initially threw out the idea at the presentation ceremony of the 2012 “Ride for Life”, but little strides have been made in ensuring it becomes a reality.

Currently, there are nine functioning cycling clubs in Guyana, namely, Carlton Wheelers, Roraima Bikers,

Winner Philbert London (fourth from right) with other top performers of last Saturday’s tournament

Mahendra Persaud

Lennox Braithwaite

Director of Sport Neil Kumar presents the winner’s trophy to top junior rider, Hamzah Eastman, at the conclusion of the seventh annual “Ride for Life” five-stage (Photo: Avenash Ramzan) Kaieteur, United Bikers Club, Linden Bauxite Flyers, Flying Star, Flying Ace, Trojan and Continental.

Samuel Kaitan Jason Yaw

Jevina Sampson

Tirana Mitchell

Ransford Goodluck

Managing Director of Namilco, Bert Sukhai (standing sixth from left), General Manager of Bakewell, Rajin Ganga (standing fifth from left), and Namilco Financial Officer, Fitzroy McLeod (extreme right) pose with members of the successful RHGT&G team after Sunday’s final