Guyana Times Daily

National Art Gallery collection in deplorable state

Police shooting of teen reprehensible – Red Thread GuySuCo surpasses first crop production target PPP welcomes suspension of ‘intrusive’ LEAD Project Ramesh Persaud is new PSC Chairman

State sues financial institutions on performance bond enforcement

Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla signs into law the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Establishment Agreement. The signing was witnessed by former President Bharrat Jagdeo (left) and Environment and Energy Minister Rene Castro who share a congratulatory handshake as well as the Korean Ambassador to Costa Rica

saturday, may 10 , 2014| guyanatimesgy.com

Police shooting of teen reprehensible – Red Thread

Red Thread representative Wintress White said domestic violence, radical violence and, or state violence must not be condoned as she bashed the Guyana Police Force over increasing reports of Police brutality.

Less than two weeks ago, a Cadet Officer attached to the Police Force shot 15year-old Alex Griffith in his mouth after he was accused of witnessing a robbery.

This incidence comes even as the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Home Affairs Ministry continue to investigate the Colwyn Harding saga in which a Police is alleged to have raped him with a baton.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, White said Griffith should not have been shot in the first place; pointing out that there was no need for the use of excessive force.

“Some of the Police are really, really gun-happy and

trigger-happy, they are not investigating. They are just acting on the spur of the moment and this madness got to stop,” she lamented while speaking at The Red Thread Office, Queenstown, Georgetown.

If an individual is accused of committing a crime or is an accomplice, White said that person should be charged and placed before the court. “Let the court decide but policemen can’t go

around the place brutalising people.”

White is now joining the scores of Guyanese who are calling for an attempted murder charge to be laid against the Cadet Officer, who shot the 15 year. The officer, who is no longer on close arrest, but is required to report to the Police weekly, is contending that Griffith was shot by accident.

Intentional

“To shoot somebody in the mouth is intentional, he wanted to kill him. Why they didn’t shoot him in the foot or arm… why in his mouth? That was his intention, they wanted to kill him,” she opined.

Turning her attention to the “Colwyn Harding Saga”, White expressed disappointment in the slothful manner in which the matter is being dealt with. “To date, no justice has been done for Harding and the Police, who allegedly baton-raped him, is still working,” she said.

Harding’s file is currently before the PCA Chairman, Retired Justice Cecil Kennard for a second time. However, after submitting his report to the Guyana Police Force, the file will then be sent back to the DDP for recommendations. Though the incident occurred November last at the Timehri Police Station, it was only in January that the story became public.

“I think that this level of cruelty in the Police Force suggest that they have some real sadists operating in the Guyana Police Force,” White said as she further registered her disgust.

Reform needed

She believes the time has come for the Guyana Police Force to be reformed, rooting out criminal elements or those bent on violating the laws of Guyana.

“I think there is need for some national discussions on the way the Guyana Police Force is headed be-

cause it is heading into a major disaster,” the Red Threat representative further opined.

She said the citizens of Guyana are losing faith in the Guyana Police Force. She said too that a survey conducted after the 2004 Prison Break showed that a high percentage of youths lack confidence in the Force. The survey was reportedly conducted by Red Thread, the United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF)

and the Human Services Ministry.

Meanwhile, Guyana Human Rights Association Co-President Mike McCormack said the Association is giving the new acting Police Commissioner Seelall Persuad an opportunity to investigate the matter. While stating that Police brutality must not be condoned, he said the Human Rights Association is waiting on the officer to be charged before a pronouncement is made.

Speaking with Guyana Times earlier this week, the 15-year-old contended that the act committed against him was intentional, and as such, the Cadet Officer should be charged with attempted murder. He was discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) on Tuesday. While his family has been approached to settle the matter, his mother Marcel Griffith said “it is not about compensation, it is about justice”.

Reading of Coolie Woman at Berbice Campus today

The University of Guyana (UG), Berbice Campus, is hosting a reading by author Gaitura Bahadur from her newly released book Coolie Woman, a fascinating and enthralling epic of East Indian indentureship and imperial hubris.

A release said the reading will be held at 15:00h at the Tain Compound.

Coolie Woman, published in 2013 was met with critical acclaim in the US, UK, India and the Caribbean.

It was one of three nonfiction finalists for the Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature and is shortlisted for the Orwell Prize, Britain’s most prestigious prize for political writing.

Coolie Woman is the story of a young woman, who in 1903 sailed from India to Guiana as a “coolie”– the British name for indentured labourers who replaced the newly emancipated slaves on sugar plantations all around the world.

Pregnant and travelling alone, this woman, like so many of the indentured, disappeared into history. Now, in Coolie Woman, her greatgranddaughter Gaitura Bahadur embarks on a journey into the past to find her.

Traversing three continents and trawling through countless colonial archives, Bahadur excavates not only her great-grandmother’s story, but also the repressed history of some quarter of a million other coolie women shining a light on their complex lives.

Many of these women were widows, runaways, or outcasts. Many fled mis-

treatment, even mortal danger, to migrate alone in epic sea voyages – traumatic “middle passages” – only to face a life of hard labour, dismal living conditions, and sexual exploitation.

Examining this and many other facets of these courageous women’s lives, Coolie Woman is a meditation on survival, a gripping story of a double diaspora that is at once a search for one’s roots and an exploration of gender and power, peril and opportunity.

Bahadur is an American journalist and book critic who writes frequently about the culture and politics of global migration. She was born in Canje, Guyana and immigrated to the US with her family at the age of six.

The author studied literature at Yale and journalism at Columbia and was a 2007-2008 Nieman Fellow at Harvard. Coolie Woman is her first book.

Red Thread representative Wintress White

Alex Griffith

Gaitura Bahadur

National Art Gallery collection in deplorable state

– prominent artist says Herculean effort needed to rescue entity

BY SVETLANA MARSHALL

RWind: North easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.05 metres per second.

High Tide: 01:08h and 13:33h reaching maximum heights of 2.29 metres and 2.31 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:06h and 19:28h reaching minimum heights of 0.92 metre and 0.86 metre respectively.

enowned Guyanese artist Bernadette Indira Persaud championed the cause for the Government of Guyana to establish a “real art gallery”, as she bemoaned the poor state of some artistic pieces.

Persaud was speaking at the opening ceremony for the 2014 Independence Art Exhibition held at Castellani House, the National Gallery of Art on Thursday, held under the theme: “As New and As Old”.

The exhibition featured Persaud’s works of art dating 1984 and 2014.

In the presence of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Culture Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, members of the diplomatic corps and art enthusiasts, Persaud criticised Castellani House.

Since 1993 when it was commissioned, Castellani House is known as Guyana’s National Art Gallery. It is a large 19th century building which originally served as the residence for colonial officials.

Though dubbed the art gallery, Persaud stressed the opposite, saying that it is an old colonial mansion which is decorated by paintings. According to the re-

nowned artist, Castellani House is not a convenient place to stage an art exhibition, contending that only conventional pieces can be displayed at the “gallery”.

In putting together this year’s Independence Exhibition, she said Artist Philbert Gajadhar and acting Curator Ohene Koama had an uphill task in transforming the facility into an art gallery, capitalising on the limited space available.

“I haven’t been able to exhibit my flags, exhibit my colours of America because the space is too small and the walls are too short,” she said while calling the Prime Minister and the Culture Minister’s attention to the problem.

Saddened

Persaud was glad when Castellani House requested to showcase her work for this year’s exhibition, but became saddened upon seeing some poorly kept pieces that are found within the National Art Collection.

The renowned artist accepted the invitation, knowing that it would have given her the opportunity to view some of her work in the National Art Collection. However, when she requested to see them, Gajadhar and

Koama were very reluctant.

“When I saw them, I realised why they were hiding those pictures from me... one painting; the end of the season Bird Island which won the national award and which I have always boasted about is cracked up, so cracked up, it’s worse than Haiti,” she complained.

Due to its deteriorating condition, Persaud said it could not have been photographed. “When you photograph it, you are seeing all the cracks. It is a skeleton. So it’s the end of that painting.”

Termite attack

Alluding to another painting, the artist said it is all tattered along the edges. The piece done by Persaud was apparently partially eaten by wood ants or termites. Calling again on Hinds and Dr Anthony, Persaud said systems must be instituted to ensure there is proper accommodation for national works of art.

“It is a visual archive

and the stable where they have been housed can’t be cleaned. It would take a herculean effort on the part of Mr Gajadhar and Koama to start repairing paintings and putting them in order, it would take a real herculean task,” she said.

“This to me is really, really bad and I am very sad about it,” Persuad added. But she believes the problems facing the “art gallery” could have been prevented considering the monies received to upkeep Castellani House.

Return Nevertheless, Persaud returned to the art gallery after more than 10 years. She gained national recognition in 1958 after becoming the first woman to win the National Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition (NVACE). Since then, Persuad has won numerous awards, including the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement in 1997.

Bernadette Indira Persaud bemoaning the poor state of some pieces within the National Collection

Patrons at the art exhibition Turn To page 9

Weather: Sunny intervals with clear skies and sunshine are expected during the day with clear skies in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

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Editorial

Why fear China?

After three decades of double-digit growth, China is poised to overtake the USA as the largest economy in the world. Of course, with three times the population of the US, the country long derided as “the home of famines”, still has a long way to go in per capita income and standards of living.

But as the US lags and its contradictions begin to manifest themselves in an era when its hegemonic power is not sufficient to extract resources, there is a parallel rise in defining China as a threat to global stability.

We have seen this even in Guyana, where we have had over 40 years of relations with that country, during which they have assisted in so many ways. And this is not limited to the direct assistance in areas such as scholarships and doctors (remember those days when they rescued us?) but indirectly whenever they use their growing clout in the multilateral institutions that were deployed from the onset to push the agendas of the developed countries.

One new accusation that has popped up on the horizon recently has been claims that the Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) present a threat to global capitalism. What is actually meant, of course, is that it poses a threat to the neo-liberal order imposed via the “Washington Consensus” since the 1980s on almost every country on the planet save China and Cuba.

The Washington Consensus rested on the trinity of “liberalisation, privatisation and stabilisation”. The “liberalisation” meant opening every market from goods to finance and privatisation, that the state would just be a “night watchman” – preferably one that slept on the job. “Stabilisation” was to ensure that the “macro-economic fundamentals” took precedence over employment and income levels.

China, on the other hand, simply revelled in the state owning the “commanding heights of the economy” even as to everyone’s surprise, they were run along the lines of private enterprises and were just as efficient.

As the Japanese had shown earlier with their “revolutionary” just-in-time inventory management that shook up manufacturing America, the Chinese low-wage, high output factories, controlled by the Government have delivered what is seemingly a deadly body blow, from which the US manufacturing base is unlikely to recover.

State Capitalism, it seems, can also deliver the goods –once it is matched by a political directorate that is focused on developing their country. But this has not gone down well in the West which insists that “democracy” is more important than economic development.

Marxism, of course, has always found this claim risible, brushing it off as what they define as “bourgeois democracy” – an opium of the masses, who chose leaders from a strata that does not have their interest at heart.

So what China has done is to show conclusively that there is not one uni-linear path either to economic development or its corollary, political development. As Chairman Mao once said, labelling in another context, maybe the Chinese will so have the confidence to say to the US, “Let a thousand flowers bloom”.

But what is ironic is that the fears about the Chinese subverting Capitalism through Government ownership of firms, might be true – but not for the reasons claimed.

In their recent book By All Means Necessary, Elizabeth Economy and Michael Levi, found that China’s state-owned enterprises act largely the same way western private companies do. They demonstrated that some SOEs actually go against the party line when it is in their interest to do so.

The real threat is that Chinese Capitalism answers the fatal flaw in western capitalism as identified by Thomas Picketty in his seminal work just out: Capitalism in the 21st Century.

To wit, when the enterprises are all in private hands and are passed on via inheritance it concentrates wealth too unequally, leading to the destruction of the economy and even bourgeois democracy.

Perfect for mother

Dr Rodney wrote many books published by reputable universities and publishers

Dear Editor,

With the Rodney CoI in full swing and for the benefit of readers of your newspaper, it should be noted that Dr Rodney wrote many books published by recognised and reputable universities and publishers around the globe.

Also, there is a tremendous amount of publications on Dr Rodney himself, written by renowned academics. I feel that younger Guyanese should be made aware of his literary accomplishments and contribution to the world of knowledge and scholarship.

Below is an extract from my upcoming fourth edition of “Bibliography of Guyana and Guyanese Writers” slated to be published by Hansib Publications in the UK later this year.

Rodney, Walter A History of the Guyanese Working People, Volume 1, 18811905 (Johns Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, 1981).

Groundings with My Brothers (BogleL’Ouverture Publications: London, 1969)

• Guyanese Sugar Plantations in the Late Nineteenth Century: A Contemporary Description from the “Argosy” (Release Publishers: Georgetown, 1979).

• History of the Upper Guinea Coast (Oxford University Press: Oxford, 1970).

• How Europe underdeveloped Africa (Howard University Press: Washington DC, 1974).

Kofi Baado, Out of Africa (SN: Georgetown, 1980). Reprint. (Guyana Book Foundation: Georgetown, 2004).

• West Africa and the Atlantic Slave Trade (East African Publishing House, Nairobi, 1969).

_____, ed. Guyanese Sugar Plantations in the late Nineteenth Century (Release Publishers: Georgetown, 1980).

_____; Andaiye; and Nigel Westmaas, eds.

Lakshmi out of India (Guyana Book Heritage: Georgetown, 2000).

Books on Dr Rodney Alpers, EA; and Pierre-Michel Fontaine

Walter Rodney: Revolutionary and Scholar – A Tribute (University of California: Los Angeles, 1982).

Campbell, Horace Rasta and Resistance: From Marcus Garvey to Walter Rodney (Africa World Press: Trenton, 1987).

Hill, Robert

• Walter Rodney Speaks: The Making of an African Intellectual (Africa World Press: Trenton, 1990).

Joseph, Charles; et al

• Poetic Tributes to Walter Rodney (BogleL’Ouverture Publications: London, 1986).

Kwayana, Eusi

• Walter Rodney (Calaloux Publications: Wellesley, 1991).

• Walter Rodney: His Last Days and

Campaigns (R. Ferdinand-Lalljie Publishers: Birmingham, 2010).

Lewis, WRC

• Walter Rodney: 1968 Revisited (University of the West Indies Press: Kingston,1998).

• Walter Rodney’s Intellectual and Political Thought (University of the West Indies Press: Kingston,1998).

Smith, William Gregory and Wagner, Anne R Assassination Cry of a Failed Revolution – The Truth About Dr Walter Rodney’s Death (Xlibris: Bloomington, 2007).

University of Ife, And Finally They Killed Him: Speeches and Poems at a Memorial for Walter Rodney (University of Ife: Osun, 1980).

Sincerely, Lal Balkaran

Author of “Bibliography of Guyana and Guyanese Writers” lalbalkaran@rogers. com

The hunt was on for the perfect Mother’s Day gift at the Stabroek Market on Friday. The smile on this young lady's face seems to indicate that she has found the ideal gift (Carl Croker photo)

Professor Misir clears air on resignation

University of Guyana (UG) Pro Chancellor, Professor Prem Misir said contrary to what has been reported in sections of the media, he was not asked to resign by the university administration but rather it was a decision taken of free will and choice.

Professor Misir made these comments during a press briefing, on Friday afternoon at his Pere Street office, which he said was held for the purpose of “clearing the air” on his resignation.

Misir told the media operatives that contrary to what the administration was saying, they were informed of the decision for more than one year now, and as such, it should not have come as any surprise.

“This is something that just didn’t happen suddenly. I am surprised that the Registrar would have said that they were not aware of that. This is not a sudden thing. It is something which has been discussed with my principals for quite some time. I was anxious to leave more than a year ago, but I stayed on because new ap-

pointments were being made and some stability was being made since the institution had no Chancellor. All in all my principals were aware of it for more than a year,” he related.

The Pro Chancellor, in giving his reasons for the resignation, stated that there are many other interests he has and intends to pursue, contending that he is of the belief that he has served the university and the country to the best of his ability.

“I have other career goals and interests that I want

to consume. I have a lot of time and I want to do a lot more things. However, I will still be there to offer guidance and provide linkages if the university so needs me. I have an international research in HIV/AIDS coming up that will be done in three countries. I am also working on other projects and that is what I want to do. Those are the reasons I resigned,” Dr Misir said.

He disclosed that until June 2 comes, he will be shouldering his duties and responsibilities as he did before to the best of his ability.

Asked if the university’s smooth running will be jeopardised, Dr Misir responded in the negative, noting that it was because the university faced no consequences with his resignation that he had taken the decision.

He believes that the university had no major concerns or pressing issues and is well on the road to bigger successes.

Professor Misir has served as UG’s Pro Chancellor for four terms since he was first appointed on October 21, 2003.

The Cuban Five to be granted human rights award

The five anti-terrorist Cuban fighters arrested and given unfair and harsh sentences in US prisons were Thursday in San Francisco, California, given a human rights award by Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Global Exchange.

During a ceremony attended by relatives of these heroes, they were given the award Seleccionado for la Gente 2014 (the People’s Choice Award 2014), which is one of the categories in an annual contest.

Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labanino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez and Rene Gonzalez won the award from other candidates for their outstanding work for

justice and human rights, said the NGO in a communiqué announcing the award in April.

The group considered that though The Cuban Five are Cuban heroes known in many parts of the world; in the US, most people ignore their situation and their case.

The NGO recalled that Fernando Gonzalez and Rene Gonzalez fully served their sentences and are already with their families in Cuba, but the other three remain in prison in the US under fabricated charges and must be released and sent back home.

Alicia Krapko, coordinator of the International Free the Five Committee in the US, told Prensa Latina

that this “is a prestigious award”.

She said that during the voting campaign, in three weeks, almost 9000 people entered the link, describing who they are and the conditions of their arrest in Miami, on September 12, 1998, for monitoring Miamibased terrorist groups operating against Cuba.

There were 35 nominees for the award, including “native American activist Leonard Peltier, who has been in prison for 36 years for a crime he did not commit”, noted Jrapko.

The San Francisco-based Global Exchange, founded in 1988, has devoted itself to promoting human and social rights, and justice worldwide. (Prensa Latina)

COTED focusing on private sector support, other issues

Trade Ministers of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) on Friday began discussions for cooperation with the region’s private sector during the two-day 38th Ministerial Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED).

The COTED meeting opened at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, and is intended to focus on a number of critical areas, including an assessment of the state of play of the negotiations with Canada for a trade and development agreement; progress of the Transportation Commission and the Commission on the Economy, and the special session with the business community.

Addressing the meeting during the opening, Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque stated that the private sector is the key to economic growth in the region, noting that the critical role of this sector has been under discussion in Caricom for some time.

LaRocque also focused on other issues to be addressed during the meeting such as regional transportation. The council seeks to address air and maritime matters, and to advise on solutions to the economic challenges that currently face the Community. To be addressed are the effective deliv-

ery of transportation, cost and sustainability of transportation in the Region, and the ease of travel.

Regarding relations with the regional private sector, the Commission on the Economy is supported by the participation of regional institutions such as the Caricom Development Fund (CDF), the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB); and the University of the West Indies (UWI).

There has already been an endorsed preliminary report that covers fiscal sustainability, including debt management, resource mobilisation, private sector stimulation, and transitioning to sustainable growth.

It is expected that an interaction with the regional business leaders during the COTED meeting will see the development of strategic direction to guide the work of the Council in acknowledgement of the pivotal role the private sector plays in sustainable growth and development.

The discussions are expected to elicit from the business community the requirements for production and trade, and for stimulating an environment that is conducive to the growth of the region’s private sector, business and trade.

A team from Guyana’s Foreign Ministry is representing the country at the COTED.

Professor Prem Misir

Caricom General Secretary Irwin LaRocque consults with St Lucian External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation Minister Alva Baptiste, the acting Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) Chair at the opening of the 38th Council meeting at Pegasus Hotel on Friday

Page Foundation

Surviving the first year TWINS AND MULTIPLES:

BY PAMELA KRAMER

Not one but two babies

Jodi was thrilled when she found out she was pregnant with twins. She and her husband, Matt, had always wanted two children, and this way they would do it with just one pregnancy. But when the twins arrived, the demands of caring for two babies caught the couple off guard. “We didn’t have a clue what we were doing. They needed to be fed every few hours around the clock. Even when they were napping, we had to prepare bottles and do the laundry, so we hardly got any sleep,” the West Bloomfield, Michigan, mom recalls. “We were totally overwhelmed.”

ples) will only add to the difficulty. Fortunately, there are ways to make it work so that you can not only survive but – yes – enjoy your babies’ first year.

nection.org and twinslist. org.

Prep work

If you have twins or triplets, chances are you’re delighted but also wondering how you’re going to juggle the needs of your instant family. After all, most new parents have their hands full with just one baby! The reality is that raising multiples is hard. You have double or triple the feeding, diapering, and laundry and, as a result, less time to spend cuddling and getting to know each baby. To be sure, there will be days when you feel as if you’re walking up a down escalator. Recovering from a c-section or visiting premature babies in an intensive-care nursery (events you are more likely to experience when you have multi-

Early on, you’ll need to shop for baby equipment, find a paediatrician, and prep your house. When or ganising your home, don’t focus just on the nursery. If you have more than one floor, set up a changing station on each level; include diapers, wipes, and extra baby clothes. That way you can avoid running up and down the stairs every time one of the babies spits up or needs to be changed. Also, “set up a portable crib or playpen in the area where you will be spending most of your time with the babies, so that you have a safe place to leave one baby in case you need to attend to the other,” says Carline, of Los Angeles, the mother of 21-month-old twins Jay and Ava.

Finally, be sure to enlist the help of friends and relatives. “Do not turn down any offers of help!” says Maria, of Pelham, New York, whose mother-in-law helped out

er of multiples, you may feel like you do little else but feed your babies. By the time the second (or third) baby has been fed, burped, and changed, the first one’s often hungry – and the cycle begins all over again. This

It’s also a good idea to hook up with other parents of multiples. They can tell you what to expect, weigh in on the merits of side-by-side versus front-to-back double strollers, and help you feel as though you’re not alone. Also check out tripletcon-

going to be with two newborns. You’ll really appreciate an extra set of hands.” If there’s no one available, consider hiring a baby nurse (pricey, but many say it’s worth it), a sitter who can come for a few hours a day, and/or a cleaning service.

The feeding frenzy

When you’re the moth-

First, you’ll have to decide whether to breast or bottlefeed. Breastfeeding is the healthier choice, plus you can nurse two babies at one time once you get the hang of it. But be prepared for the fact that preemies often don’t suck as well as fullterm infants, so you may need a lactation consultant’s help to get your babies to latch on correctly.

of Greenwood, Indiana, mastered the art of nursing her twin sons, Chance and Campbell, before she left the hospital. “By the time I got home, I could sit on the couch and nurse them while I ate dinner.”

Nursing two infants at once is tricky – you’ll want to experiment with different positions to find what works best for you. One strategy is to rest one baby’s head in each palm or on pillows with their legs stretched out behind you. Or hold one baby in the football hold and cradle the other in front of you. A U-shaped nursing pillow fits comfortably around your waist and keeps both babies at the breast, leaving your hands free to adjust each baby’s mouth. Mothers of triplets often nurse two babies at a time and place the third next to them in an infant seat.

You should alternate breasts each feeding to make sure they produce equal amounts of milk and to lessen the chance of blocked

“Henry always ate less than Michael, so the breast that Henry last nursed from would become engorged before the next feeding,” says Julie, of Chicago, a mother of four boys, including identical twins.

Bottles and bedtime

Other mothers decide that formula is the best option for them. With formula, more people can help with feeding – and mom can get some relief during middleof-the-night sessions. Some mothers of multiples combine nursing and bottlefeeding so that their babies get the benefit of breast milk but others can help with the feeding.

“Our son had a difficult time latching on, and there were nights when we’d both wind up in tears – him out of hunger and me out of frustration,” says Rhonda, of Richton Park, Illinois, the mother of two-year-old twins. So she frequently nursed her daughter while her husband gave their son a bottle. Your newborns can sleep side by side in the same crib for the first few months, but if you’re keeping them in your room in bassinets, each baby will need his own. When the babies start wiggling around, move them to separate cribs, but keep them in the same room, where they can see and hear each other. Triplets can sleep crosswise in the same crib.

When one of the babies wakes up to be fed in the middle of the night, wake up the other one after you’re done if it’s within half an hour of her normal feeding time.

“It’s hard to wake a sleeping baby, but if you don’t, you will be constantly tending to babies and not getting any sleep,” says Sheila Laut, coauthor, with her husband, William Laut, of Raising Multiple Birth Children

During the first few months, it may seem as if you seldom have a moment to catch your breath. But things will get better. Maria, the Pelham mom, says she turned a major corner when she got her twins on a regular nap schedule.

“When Bayden and Helena were five months old, I started putting them down for a morning nap every day at 09:30h and an afternoon nap at 13:30h,” she says. Maria used the morning naptime to shower, pump milk, prep bottles, empty the dishwasher, and plan the day. She used the afternoon naptime to make phone calls and pay the bills. (Parents.com)

GuySuCo surpasses first crop production target

– kudos says President

President Donald Ramotar on Thursday congratulated the management and staff of the struggling Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for surpassing its first crop target of 74,842 tonnes of sugar. The President acknowledged that this achievement was not easy and expressed admiration for the persistence and hard work of the GuySuCo community of stakeholders who made it possible.

He said the attainment of this goal has not been without major challenges, many of which hampers efforts to make the Corporation viable and sustainable.

President Ramotar encouraged the management, staff and other stakeholders to use this opportunity to further motivate them to greater accomplishments, especially taking into ac-

count GuySuCo’s traditional contributions to the social and economic development of the country.

The President noted that many of the challenges faced by the Corporation are due to the vagaries of the international market.

“At this time, the world market prices for sugar are discouraging, but the Corporation would have to continue to find ways of being cost effective, efficient and productive,’’ he encouraged.

Confidence

President Ramotar said he is confident the Corporation can regain its prominent position in the social and economic strata of society and encouraged the management, staff and other stakeholders to build on its achievement, cognisant of the need for the continued support from all stakeholders. He also recognised that determination and hard work are the key points to achieve desired targets.

Minister Ramsammy had said that it is very encouraging to see GuySuCo performing at a level of its potential.

“This is testimony to my faith in the industry, and also allows for the detractors of the industry to pause a little, because I have heard the explanation of bad management and so forth, and my question is

how come when the weather is good, even in the last three years, GuySuCo performs at its potential,” he said.

Prevailed

“Indeed there is a group of people in Guyana who were convinced that GuySuCo would fail again and there are people who I believe were praying that GuySuCo would fail again, but I believe the Corporation, the managers and workers of GuySuCo, and we altogether that given the right conditions the same manager, the same factories, the same equipment, the same workers would perform as they have done historically, producing sugar at high level and we have done so again,” he said.

The Agriculture Minister noted that since climatic conditions seems to be a great issue affecting the production of sugar, what Guyana and the Caribbean needs to do is to ensure collectively there is an answer as to how to deal with the changing weather pattern.

He said that Guyana knows the answer and now it is all about getting the resources to put those answers in place. He noted that the $6 billion that was approved for GuySuCo this year will go towards some of this work, but much still needs to be done.

US Ambassador calls on Army Chief-of-Staff

US Ambassador D Brent Hardt on Tuesday held discussions on strengthening security corporation and partnership between the GDF and the US Army during a courtesy call on Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chiefof-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips.

According to a release, in the area of capacitybuilding, the US’ support in the recently concluded Metal Shark training, Special Forces Training and the assistance facilitated through the International Military Education Training Programme (IMET) were also noted.

There was a proposal for more training opportunities for GDF personnel at the operational and tactical lev-

els for the Coast Guard and land forces.

Also noted were the successes of the State Partnership Programme between the GDF and the Florida National Guard.

This partnership has seen GDF ranks being trained in disaster management by the US in Miami and Guyana, as well as Cadets from the FNG engaging in their Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency (CULP) Programme “Destination Guyana” in 2013.

This was deemed a highly successful model programme and another batch of cadets is scheduled to return to Guyana this year.

The US Military has indicated an interest to undergo jungle training in

has informed that the training facilities at the Jungle and Amphibious Training School (JATS) at Makouria are available.

The United States Military and the GDF continue to enjoy decades of security co-operation which have been beneficial to both sides.

Apart from Brigadier Phillips, the reception team comprised Colonel Administration and Quartering Captain (Coast Guard) John Flores, Lieutenant Colonel Cargill Kyte and Lieutenant Colonel Nazrul Hussain, who held a series of discussions with Ambassador Hardt and US Military Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Commander Robert Novotny.

Guyana. Brigadier Phillips

President Donald Ramotar

Front left to right: Captain (Coast Guard) John Flores; US Military Liaison Officer, Lieutenant Commander Robert Novotny; Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips; US Ambassador D Brent Hardt; and Lieutenant Colonel Cargill Kyte before their meeting on Tuesday

Cocaine-in-cosmetics accused remanded

Forty-nine-year-old

Sandra Daniels was on Friday remanded to prison after she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer to the charge of trafficking in narcotics.

The charge stated that on Thursday, May 8, at the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), the defendant tried to post a carton box to Spain. The box, which contained salon items such as false nails,

decorative kits, nail files and buffers, was searched by immigration and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officers and 272 grams of cocaine were found within some of the items.

The defendant, who resides in Dennis Street, Sophia, was told of the offence and arrested while the box with the illegal substance was taken to CANU headquarters where the cocaine was weighed. The mother of five, who was un-

represented by legal counsel, told the court that she was given the box and asked to post it by a friend who visited from Spain about two weeks ago and she could not have seen what the products contained with her naked eyes.

She also told the court that she has had no previous trouble with the law and that she is a receptionist at Banks DIH Ltd.

Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Oswald Massiah objected

to bail and stated that the defendant had spent 30 months in prison in England on a similar charge and was subsequently deported back to Guyana. The Prosecutor added that when she was questioned by the Police, she told them she was not employed but was a housewife. He noted that the defendant’s story was not at all consistent.

Daniel is scheduled to reappear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on June 2.

Eyew tness

Good sense...

...on LEAD

The American “Westerns” (“cowboy movies”, we called them here) left several lasting images for posterity. One was the showdown between the hero and the villain (the “bad man”). They’d advance towards each other, eyes squinted, hands poised stiffly over “six-shooters” in holsters on their hips: the quickest to “draw” survived. The other was dead meat. “High Noon” became more than a classic movie of the genre – it symbolised the “showdown” writ large.

The scene also posed the question, “who’s going to blink first?” Well, the standoff between the US

represented by Ambassador D Brent Hart, and the Government of Guyana, represented by its Cabinet Spokesman, Dr Roger Luncheon, over the LEAD programme, had all the hallmarks of “High Noon”.

Question was, “Who’s going to blink first?” We all know the background so no need to rehearse the facts: the US said LEAD was for our own good and the Government – elected to represent the sovereignty of the Guyanese people retorted “No way, Jose! We should’ve been consulted first!”

Of course, there was the back-and-forthing about who told “who” about “what”...but it came down to the question of sovereignty. Ultimately, there was no way the US was going to win this argument. They could’ve argued until they were blue in the face about the Opposition having more parliamentary seats than the Government – and the Opposition agreed to LEAD.

But Opposition parties don’t legally represent the sovereign power of the state. Even when the US House and Senate are controlled by their Opposition – it’s their President who calls the shots on Foreign Affairs. In both Guyana and the US, the Executive can be elected by a minority of the overall votes. Doesn’t make them less legitimate.

The US must’ve thought long and hard about how it would look for them to be seen bullying a minuscule country like Guyana. It’d worked too long and hard to overcome the image of the bullying “Gringo” in Latin America.

So the US blinked. It displayed maturity. With great power comes great responsibility. The greatness of a man or a country is how they treat lesser men or nations. Guyana is a gnat to the US and the latter have shown their greatness in giving credence to the international norm of “non-interference” in the affairs of sovereign nations.

It’s not as if we have a humanitarian crisis that they can invoke, “responsibility to protect”, is there?

...missing at City Hall

Just when you think the farce at City Hall couldn’t sink deeper in the morass of filth, venality and depravity that’ve characterised it up to now, the Mayor and his City Council shows that human wickedness has no limits. What’s going on here? Well, first of all, to use a favourite quote of the late, depraved Burnham, this long-running drama about the Town Clerk is “the occasion for the war, not the cause”.

Burnham, of course, would’ve used the Latin equivalent, but your Eyewitness is not driven to exhibitionism. It all has to do with the deviousness of Hamilton Green. Back in 1994, he was still smarting at his expulsion from the PNC by Desmond Hoyte. He launched GGG; took on his old party in what became a three-way race for the Mayorality. The vote was duly split three ways.

It was then agreed to share the Mayorality three ways: first PNC then Green and then PPP. When it came to PPP’s turn, Green reneged. And that’s what the fight’s all about. No honour in His Honour, Mayor Green.

...gone to the dogs

So we have the interesting situation of, in the absence of the Local Government Commission selecting the Town Clerk – who is by law a Local Government Officer – the Mayor has arrogated this power unto himself.

That is, the thief is appointing the Cop who’s supposed to keep him on the straight and narrow.

Costa Rica consults Jagdeo on climate strategy

Former President of Guyana and current Assembly of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) President Bharrat Jagdeo spent May 5, in Costa Rica at the invitation of the Costa Rican Government.

During a series of engagements, he met with key Ministers, the VicePresident and President to discuss Costa Rica’s low carbon development, and to share views on ongoing international efforts to agree a global climate deal in 2015.

The former President also discussed how Costa Rica, Mexico, Guyana, Ethiopia and Indonesia were working together within GGGI on issues relating to avoiding deforestation.

During former President Jagdeo’s visit, Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, signed into law the GGGI Establishment Agreement, which for-

malises Costa Rica’s longstanding involvement in the 23-member international organisation.

She was joined at the signing ceremony by Jagdeo and the Costa Rican Environment and Energy Minister Rene Castro.

Speaking after the ceremony, Jagdeo said: “Costa Rica has long been a global pioneer in sustainable development and what we now call green growth. Because of their ambition to become a carbon neutral economy by 2021, coupled with their innovative public policies – to deliver economic development from clean energy, sustainable land use, responsible stewardship of forests, and clean transportation – the people of Costa Rica are providing the world with practical proof of how the new global economy can be created.

Costa Rica’s membership of GGGI, now formalised through this law, enriches GGGI tremendously.

65-year-old man charged for stealing raw gold

A65-year-old man accused of stealing $500,000 in raw gold was remanded when he appeared on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry.

The charge alleged that on Thursday, May 8, the Virtual Complainant (VC), Vick Edwards approached the defendant, Brian DeNobrega, who buys and sells gold, with some gold for sale. However, DeNobrega, of 4626 Rasville, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Greater Georgetown, took

the raw gold and fled. The matter was reported and the defendant was arrested.

Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail, as investigations into similar matters against the accused are currently being carried out by Police ranks and additional charges will be laid against him the following week.

DeNobrega, who was represented by Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat, was consequently refused bail. He is scheduled to return to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday May 14.

National Art Gallery...

She received the prestigious award for “An outstanding contribution to the cultural mosaic in the field of art”.

Since then, she hasmade her name across the globe, exhibiting in the USA, UK, Canada, India, Mauritius, Suriname and the Caribbean. Her work is represented in the National Collection of Guyana and in several private and corporate collections locally and internationally and in her private studio-gallery.

In 2005, she became the recipient of the ICCR Distinguished Visiting Artist’s Travel Award to India.

In November 2012, she was inducted into the Caribbean Hall of Fame, Jamaica for her “outstanding contribution and achievement in the Visual Arts of the region. Currently, the former Burrowes School of Art teacher (1991-1999) and University of Guyana lecturer (2000-2007) is the Art Editor of the Arts Journal.

From now to June, Persaud’s work of art will be on display. Approximately 43 pieces are on display, including a batch from the National

Along with other countries in GGGI, Costa Rica is showing how international leadership on green growth is coming from to-

day’s developing world. If this leadership is matched by others, especially in the developed world, the inter-linked challenges of

climate change, resource insecurity, and ensuring inclusive economic growth can be overcome.”

Man jailed, fined for possession of narcotics

Twenty-year-old Troy Jackson was convicted of possession of narcotics and fined $10,000 and jailed for 36 months when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday.

Fourteen grams of cannabis were found in Jackson’s left pocket on May 6 after a mobile police patrol in the vicinity of Durban and Hadfield Streets noticed the defendant behaving suspiciously and searched him.

Jackson of Durban Street, Georgetown, was then made aware of the offence, and taken to a nearby police station where the cannabis was weighed in his presence. The defendant, who was unrepresented, told the court that it was his first time committing an act of such nature and asked for leniency.

from page 3

Collection such as the “Bird Island: the end of a season”, “The Lotus of A Hundred Petals” and “A Gentleman under the sky”, in addition to the pieces from the “Gentleman in the Gardens series”, the “LOTUS Series”, “Reading from the Koran”, “The Rainforest Series” and “The Wounded Canvas Series”.

Persaud said her submission to the exhibition represents the “new and old works” which subsume philosophical, political, aesthetic and ecological concerns from the perspective of an artist located in a particular historical, geographical and cultural space.

“These works challenge, critique and subvert existing notions about our art and more specifically, perceptions about the nature of our socio-political reality, a reality more poignantly voiced by ‘Martin Carter: New and old is the face of the world’s great grief’.”

Persaud’s work was last seen at the Castellani House's galleries in 2005 during a solo exhibition sponsored by the High Commission of India.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla shake hands as Minister Rene Castro looks on

PPP welcomes suspension of ‘intrusive’ LEAD Project

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has welcomed the suspension of the USsponsored Leadership and Democracy Project (LEAD), which was being implemented without the knowledge nor approval of the Government.

The party in a release said the unwelcome intrusion by USAID in pursuing the LEAD Project despite strong objections by the Guyana Government was both unnecessary and unwarranted.

Moreover, it represented not only an insult to the people of Guyana, but a clear case of violation of the country’s sovereign rights to determine its own affairs, which is a fundamental right of all nations as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

The party said it fully supports the position taken by the PPP/C Administration that the US Ambassador misrepresented the facts when he said that the project was approved by the Guyana Government.

The PPP said it is strongly of the view that the action taken by the US Ambassador is a clear departure from protocols and conventions governing inter-state relations and therefore deserve the full condemnation of the Guyanese people and their elected leaders.

The PPP has also noted with disgust the re-

peated attempts made by Ambassador Hardt to refer to the provisions of the 2009 Government of Guyana/ USAID agreement in justification of the stance taken by the US Government to go ahead with the project.

An imposition

The fact of the matter, as pointed out by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, is that at no time was the project the subject of any agreement between the Government and

USAID.

“In fact the Government has always insisted that the project was conceived, designed and implemented without the concurrence, approval or any inputs whatsoever from the administration.

“It is unfortunate that the Government had to resort to the revocation of the visa and work permit of IRI resident Country Director, Mr Glen Bradbury, but such a decision must be seen in the context of USAID’s non-

adherence to, and violation of the country’s immigration laws and regulations.”

The PPP is hopeful that the lessons of this episode will serve to safeguard against any future recurrence and that the preferred and tested method of consultation, concurrence and reason will form the basis of any future engagement.

“It is the hope of the PPP that the good and friendly relations between Guyana and the United States will continue to grow and deepen within the parameters of mutual respect and cooperation notwithstanding the lack of consensus on some elements of the LEAD Project and its implementation mode.

The party said it has taken note of attempts by some Opposition elements to blow the issue out of proportion in an attempt to score cheap political points.

“The decision to suspend the project will provide the parties involved with enough space to revisit the project and find common ground on how best the project could advance the stated objectives of leadership and democracy to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.

“In this regard, the party is pleased with the decision taken by the parties involved to put the project on hold and commended the PPP/C Administration for the resolute manner in which it represented the issue and for the successful halt to the project until a mutual resolution could be found,” the release concluded.

De Mayorfuh-Life turn a letter writer

Whenever de Mayor-fuh-Life get back into a corner, he does always start writin letters to de press. It look like Green Ham is a better letter writer than a Mayor. Wid de performance of de Mayorfuh-Life, any other ting he do gon be better than whah he doin as Mayor-fuh-Life.

One councillor seh de Mayor-fuh-Life doing nutten and de evidence is de whole of GT. De councillor seh yuh can see Green Ham every where in GT, but never doin any ting even close to whah de Mayor fuh a city supposed to be doin.

Is obvious that de Mayor-fuh-Life been doin nutten all dem years and he now become perfect at doin exactly that…nutten!

It got certain papers whah like stab people in the back, so that is de perfect place fuh de kinda letters whah de Mayor-fuh-Life does write. De Mayor-fuh-Life he self is a stabber and he pardna Tongue Clerk is another stabber. Is not usual that yuh does see two men who wanna stab one woman in she back at de same time, and none a dem succeedin.

Both Green Ham and he pardna whah he appoint as Tongue Clerk is expert at writin letters. It does be difficult to know who write which one because both a dem can mek people believe every ting dem seh even when dem foolin people. A councillor seh dem two can even fool God, so yuh can imagine how dem foolin de people of GT. Now de Mayor-fuh-Life write sum ting bout “rank” and “hyprocrisy”. But when yuh tink of rank, yuh tink of de Mayor-fuh-Life. Not de kinda rank who does be in de pullice force, but de kinda rank whah can describe GT.

And when yuh tink of a hypocrite, yuh also tink of Green Ham. He pardna Tongue Clerk come close. In fact, he gon tek up de rank hypocrite portfolio after de Mayorfuh-Life.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! Wid all this writin, de Mayor-fuh-Life should also publish de letter whah he send to de bank to tranfer de M&CC account!

Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon

Anna Regina roadside vendors agree to move

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker with much relief finally got vendors at the Anna Regina roadside to agree to move from the shoulders of the roadway, to the market.

At a special meeting on Thursday in the boardroom of the Anna Regina Town Council, Whittaker told staff, councillors of the Interim Management Committee and vendors that roadside vending is illegal and should not be tolerated.

The Minister said in the first quarter of 2014, the Government through the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry had decided to move all vendors, along the roadsides throughout Guyana and place them at stalls in the markets.

He informed vendors that the practice of roadside vending is illegal and that they needthem to co-operate with the Council in fixing the unethical practices.

The Minister said the Council should never accept money from vendors who are doing the wrong thing by selling on road shoulders and Government reserves.

Whittaker noted that due to roadside vend-

ing, Councils throughout Guyana are losing thousands of dollars as market stalls are empty.

The Minister optimistically noted that in an effort to curb roadside vending, millions of dollars have been invested in the past to construct tarmacs in all the regions.

He said monies have been invested in upgrading market facilities, noting that the problem still exists, whereby market tarmacs and structures are being underutilised.

The Minister noted that over the years, the Government has expended in excess of $400 million to increase the number of facilities for vending and to rehabilitate old ones.

While some vendors agreed to move, others were adamant, holding out that the Anna Regina Market facility is in a deplorable state and cannot accommodate everyone.

One vendor, Rendel Benn said it is not fair for some to move and others to remain due to lack of space. Vendors said often stalls are broken into at the markets, and to date, no one has faced the court.

The vendors had said that their colleagues inside the market are dumping their garbage on the roadside, creating an ugly scene. They have also complained bitterly about the flooding of the Anna Regina Market.

Minister Whittaker not-

Latin America, Caribbean redouble efforts to eradicate hunger

Representatives of all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have agreed on the actions needed to definitively eradicate hunger in the region before 2025.

“We know that the fight against hunger is a primary dimension within the major missions of mankind. It is perhaps the most brutal expression of inequality,” said President of Chile Michelle Bachelet in a speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the FAO regional conference, which runs from May 7-9.

ed that vendors have to sign an agreement which has guidelines, noting that the Anna Regina Town Council has been tasked with relocating the vendors.

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud has called on the vendors to cooperate and abide with the rules and regulations of the Anna Regina Town Council.

He said roadside vending is a serious issue and must be addressed; pointing out that the problem is prevalent at Anna Regina, Charity and Supenaam.

“The Latin America and the Caribbean region has become a global example in the fight against hunger, as it has been able to reduce the proportion of undernourishment from 15 per cent to eight per cent from 1990, and the total number of undernourished people from 66 to 47 million,” FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva said during his opening remarks, urging countries to fulfil the HungerFree Latin America and the Caribbean 2025 Initiative goal.

Established in 2006 and endorsed by all regional Heads of State and Government in the re-

gion, the initiative aims to achieve total eradication of undernourishment before the target date of 2025.

Sixteen countries in the region have already achieved the hunger component of the First Millennium Development Goal, cutting in half the proportion of their population going hungry.

“The challenge ahead of us is reducing hunger to zero,” Graziano da Silva said.

The FAO Director General noted that the extensive participation by governments in the regional conference is a sign that Latin America and the Caribbean have decided to take a definitive step towards food security.

“Today, we are seeing an unprecedented level of political and social commitment. Virtually all countries in the region as well as integration organisations such as CELAC, Petrocaribe, ALBA, UNASUR, MERCOSUR, Caricom, SICA and CAN are implementing plans and initiatives for hunger eradication,” Graziano da Silva noted.

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Regional officials and vendors at the meeting on Thursday

TCL moves to settle debt, improve working

Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL) has embarked on the North American phase of a road show, in a move aimed at securing funds for the repayment of existing debt, the improvement of working capital and ultimately the enhancement of value for its shareholders and other stakeholders.

Last Saturday, the company advised of its intention to issue Senior Secured First Lien Notes (Bonds) in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the equivalent of US$325 million.

According to a release, this is to be issued in a Trinidad and Tobago dollar denominated tranche to potential investors in Trinidad and Tobago on a private placement basis, and in a US dollar denominated tranche, which will be distributed in the US and Canada on a private placement basis.

The company expects to issue US$250 million to North American investors and US$75 million to TT investors, however, this distribution may shift depending on demand in both markets as the issue is being offered in both jurisdictions and

can be traded across borders.

Some US$295 million from the proceeds of the offering will be utilised by TCL to repay all its existing debt. The remainder of the proceeds from the offering will be used for working capital improvement and to pay all associated fees and expenses estimated at between US$10 to US$12 million.

Given the quantum amount (US$325 million) and possible limited local appetite, two Canadian along with one Jamaican firm have been identified to underwrite the bond – GMP Securities LP, Byron Capital Markets Limited and JMMB (Jamaica Money Market Brokers Limited).

Interaction

According to TCL Group CEO, Dr Rollin Bertrand, the road show is being done in New York, Boston, Toronto, LA, Minneapolis and Cincinnati in order to interact with as wide a cross-section of sophisticated investors as possible.

He remarked, “TCL is a ‘first time issuer’ in the US bond market and therefore the road

show has to be very rigorous as investors may not be familiar with the company or with the Caribbean for that matter”.

While US-based credit rating agencies Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Fitch have given ratings of B and B- respectively, both felt that there was a stable outlook for the company. Citing such strengths as its regional scope and leading position, TCL’s proven ability to strengthen its operating margins in 2013, its 60 years of experience, geographic location and the fact that it operates in markets with limited supply by other cement producers, which can allow room for price increases.

Improving cash flow

Fitch believes that the company will be able to slowly deleverage, as operating cash flow should continue to improve as volumes and sales prices increase. Further factored into the ratings is the favourable outlook for the Caribbean cement industry over the medium term driven by the region’s positive macroeconomic and busi-

ness environment. Additionally, the company has no significant or immediate capital expenditures required in the mediumterm, which should allow TCL to use its cash flow to repay debt and rebuild its cash balances.

Commenting on the rate the notes could be issued at, Dr Bertrand believes that based on the ratings received from Fitch and S&P and their out-

look for the company, TCL will be able to refinance the existing debt below the 10 per cent interest rate that it currently pays, but the final coupon will depend on the dynamics of the US bond markets over the next few weeks.

“The coupon is a reflection of the size of the offer (the bigger the better), the rating and the degree to which we are classified as an organisation operating in emerging markets.”

TCL is confident that aside from anticipated lower interest rates, the most important benefit is the absence of principal amortisation over the next seven years. This will improve TCL’s cash flow by an estimated US$170 million per year and can be used to improve EBITDA performance, pay down debt and restart the payment of dividends to shareholders at a modest level.

The company considers the bond issue a significant improvement on existing arrangements to be far more covenant-friendly than the current arrangement of the Override Agreement with existing lenders. According to

CEO Bertrand, there are signif icant benefits for cash flows interest payments and this ibility will allow TCL to age the refinancing risk prior 2021 when the company aims have around US$200 million debt to refinance. The Notes are expected

TCL CEO Dr Rollin Bertrand

The TCL Plant in Trinidad and

working capital

Bertrand, there are signifbenefits for cash flows and payments and this flexwill allow TCL to manrefinancing risk prior to when the company aims to around US$200 million in refinance.

Notes are expected to

have a tenor of seven years, and to mature in 2021, at which time, the full principal amount will become repayable. Interest on the Notes is expected to be fixed and paid on a semi-annual basis in arrears, commencing approximately six months after the issuance of the Notes.

Generally, these notes have tenors of five and seven years with TCL opting for the longer tenor to allow itself adequate time to manage the refinancing risk and to enable de-leveraging of the balance sheet.

The offer will be launched in Trinidad and Tobago next week.

Father, daughter hospitalised after car plunges into trench

Afather and his one-year-old daughter are patients at the Suddie Public Hospital after the car they were travelling in plunged in a trench at the Walton Hall Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

The incident which occurred around 08:00h Thursday night has left several persons injured.

Those injured are Salena Goddette, seven; Sulivia Rodique, five; Saberina Edmonson, one; Shenissai Parkes, 23; Ray Edmonson, 21; and Orlando Edmonson, 33, of Charity Housing Scheme.

Orlando Edmonson and his daughter Saberina Edmonson have been admitted to hospital while the others were treated and sent away.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the family from Charity was heading home from Anna Regina when Orlando lost control of the vehicle, ending up in a nearby trench. Residents heard the loud impact and went to the rescue of the family.

The family was immediately rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where they received immediate treatment. Apart from Edmond and his daughter, the other passengers receive minor injuries to the in hands and feet.

Doctors at the Suddie Public Hospital are trying desperately to save the child. Police are investigating the accident.

Latin America, Caribbean redouble...

FAO’s Regional Conference meets every two years to discuss major challenges in food security. This time the focus is on hunger and malnutrition eradication, sustainable development and family farming.

The conference will set FAO’s regional priorities for the next two years, and also constitutes an important forum for dialogue with civil society and the private sector.

“It is an important dialogue space to convey our views to governments” said representative of the Latin American and the Caribbean Agro-ecology Movement (MAELA), Mary Noel. Chile President Michelle Bachelet received special recognition from the FAO Director General for achieving the 1996 World Food

Summit goal, having reduced by half the absolute number of undernourished people in the country.

“Chile reduced undernourishment prevalence from nine per cent in the 90’s to less than five per cent in 2011-2013. We are very proud of this breakthrough and very aware of the work we must carry on to eradicate the remaining five per cent, which we all know is not just a number, but represents men, women and children who do not have the minimum required for their daily livelihoods,” said President Bachelet.

The FAO chief highlighted Chile as a global example in the fight against hunger and praised the way the country shares its experience with the rest of the world via a number of SouthSouth Cooperation mechanisms.

Plant in Trinidad and Tobago

Dr Gobind Ganga to be acting BoG Governor

...even as gold and dollar are weak

President Donald Ramotar said the post of Bank of Guyana Governor will be not filled immediately, and will only be done after extensive discussions.

The position was left vacant on May 7 following the passing of Governor Lawrence Williams.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Friday evening, the President related that while an appointment will have to be made, this will not be done immediately, citing the need for discussions to be held.

“The appointment will not be made for now. Give it some time. It is an issue which requires quite some discussion and that discussion cannot be held right now,” the President said.

President Ramotar did indicate, however, that Deputy Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga will be taking over the reins and performing the duties and responsibilities of Governor for the time being.

Asked whether Dr Ganga is likely to be given the post, the President, who is by law required to make the appointment within six months, related that he cannot make such a pronouncement just yet.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times has been reliably informed that Dr Ganga has been tipped to be appointed to the position of Governor.

Several individuals, from the financial community contacted by this newspaper, disclosed that they believe the appointment of Dr

Ganga as the next Governor must be done sooner than later.

Pointing out that the Guyana dollar has been under pressure recently, linked to factors such as the precipitate fall in the price of gold as well as the continued shortfall in sugar production (based on installed capacity), the experts pointed out that it was imperative the domestic and international financial communities see that the Central Bank is in firm hands. An “acting” appointment, they believe, will not address this need.

Dr Ganga completed his Bachelor of Art Degree in Economics and Administrative Studies at

the University of Winnipeg in 1981, his Master’s in Economics in 1983 and a PhD in Economics in 1988 at the University of Manitoba.

He was a lecturer and Senior Research Fellow at his alma mater. He was also a lecturer in Economics at the University of West Indies, Mona Campus, in Jamaica, an Adjunct Professor at the Consortium Graduate School at Mona, Jamaica and a Senior Researcher/Senior Lecturer at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus.

In 1995, Dr Ganga was appointed Director of the Research Department at the Bank of Guyana. He held that position until November 2003, when he was appoint-

ed Alternate Executive Director at the World Bank in Washington, DC, representing 10 Caribbean territories along with Canada and Ireland.

In June 2005, Dr Ganga was appointed Deputy Governor at the Bank of Guyana.

However, he was only able to take up his appointment after completing his term at the World Bank in the same year, a position he still holds nine years later.

Dr Ganga has a wealth of central banking experience. He has written and published many articles on a wide variety of economic issues, including monetary policy and macroeconomics.

Nigerian abductions: Warnings of school raid “ignored”

Nigeria’s military had advance warning of the attack on a school at which some 270 girls were kidnapped but failed to act, Amnesty International says. The human rights group says it was told by credible sources that the military had more than four hours’ warning of the raid by Boko Haram militants.

Fifty-three of the girls escaped soon after being seized in Borno state on April 14, but more than 200 remain captive.

Nigeria’s authorities say they “doubt the veracity” of the Amnesty report.

“If the Government was aware [beforehand], there would have been an intervention [against the militants],” Nigerian Information Minister Labaran Maku said, speaking on BBC World TV. However, he

said the authorities would still investigate the claims. Amnesty says it was told by several people that the military in Maiduguri, capital of north-east Borno state, was informed of the impending attack soon after 19:00h local time.

Despite the warning, reinforcements were not sent to help protect the school in the remote Chibok area, which was attacked around midnight, Amnesty says. One reason, the rights group says, was a “reported fear of engaging with the often better-equipped armed groups”.

In its report, Amnesty International said the failure of the Nigerian security forces to stop the raid – despite knowing about it in advance – will “amplify the national and international outcry at this

crime”.

Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobin Ganga (inset)

horrific

(Excerpt from BBC News)

The girls were seized from their school at night more than three weeks ago

Lawrence lived a purposeful and dedicated life – Ramotar

The passing of Bank of Guyana Governor Lawrence Williams has been described as a major loss to Guyana and the local financial sector by President Donald Ramotar.

The Head of State, who signed the Book of Condolence on Friday at the bank, Avenue of the Republic, said that he grew to know the financial expert during his ascension to office and had several interactions

with him.

“I have found him to be completely professional and dedicated.”

President Ramotar stated that Lawrence gave invaluable service to Guyana and possessed a great knowledge of financial affairs, “which was of a very high calibre” for which he will always be remembered.

He added that Guyanese can be consoled by the fact that “he lived a useful, pur-

poseful and dedicated life” and emphasised that there was no better life than when it is done in service of their country.

In 1979, just after successfully completing the Bachelors of Social Sciences Degree (Management), Lawrence Williams joined the staff of the bank as an Assistant Principal in the Exchange Control Department. In November 2004, Williams was appointed acting Governor and on June 8, 2005, he was sworn in as Governor, by then President Bharrat Jagdeo.

As the Chief Executive Officer, he was responsible for the overall management of the bank. As Governor, he was also Chairman of the board of Directors.

Earlier in his career, Williams was a member of the Guyana Gold Board and the Guyana Rice Export Board. He also attended a number of professional training programmes as well as numerous seminars, conferences and meetings regionally and further afield Williams passed away on May 7, after succumbing to cancer.

Parliament ready for live streaming of debates

The National Assembly in ensuring that its work is transparent, accountable and effective has taken several steps to improve Information and Communication Technology (ICT) delivery.

To this end, the Assembly will be launching its newly revamped website, its Paperless Parliament Pilot Project and the live streaming of all National Assembly sittings on May 15, at 13:00h in the Parliament Chambers.

The much anticipated website is being designed by Consultant Cirrus Multimedia and will include a media centre, a searchable database of committee reports, records, hearings, votes and other parliamentary documents pertaining to the current Parliament; searchable database of legislative acts, bills, documents laid, resolutions, motions, notice papers, questions and answers, minutes of the National Assembly, subsidiary legislation, petitions and other parliamentary documents.

According to a release, there will also be a special section on budget and financial legislation; an overview of the composition and functions of the National Assembly, including a de-

scription of the specific role of the parliamentary chamber and non-plenary bodies (committees, commissions, etc); a “Guided tour”(virtual tour) of the parliamentary building; practical information on access to the parliamentary building, and parliamentary library; pictures and contact information for all Members of Parliament; summary or complete records of parliamentary debates; audio and video Web telecasting of parliamentary sittings.

The website being launched is a beta version meaning that it is a work in process with ongoing work and changes being made.

The multimillion-dollar initiative to stream all sittings of the National Assembly is the fruit of a partnership between the Parliament Office and the Canadian Government through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

This fund supports and implements projects, the world over, in partnership with local, national and international organisations, educational institutions and local governments. In February, the Office had signed a Memorandum of Understanding which saw the Canadian Government providing for the funding of

this project.

The Parliament Office will run a pilot project for four months in which the Speaker and a select group of Parliamentarians and members of staff will commit to share all information electronically.

While this is done, the office will commit to conducting a study of the amount of paper and financial and other resources that will be saved, while acquainting MPs and staff of the benefits of the electronic sharing of information, by a process of extrapolation, the true benefits to the National Assembly will be realised.

During this pilot project, all members involved will report regularly to a designated officer who will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the project and preparing regular reports for sharing with the Parliamentary Management Committee and the United Nations Development Project (UNDP).

To facilitate this project, the Parliament Office had in December received 15 Samsung Galaxy Tablets, five Dell Optiplex desktop computers and one Dell laptop computer by the UNDP.

President Donald Ramotar and members of the Williams’ family at the signing the Book of Condolence for former Bank of Guyana Governor Lawrence Williams

President Donald Ramotar signing the Book of Condolence for former Bank of Guyana Governor Lawrence Williams

saturday, may 10, 2014 |

State sues financial institutions on performance bond enforcement

Attorney General

Anil Nandlall on Wednesday filed three suits on behalf of the state, claiming the sum of $186.1 million from three financial institutions, seeking to enforce performance bonds and advanced performance guarantees put up by these companies with respect to different infrastructural contracts

The entities in question are Citizens Bank Guyana Inc, Caricom General Insurance Company Inc, and North American Fire and General Insurance Company.

The Attorney General, in a release, said the bonds and guarantees were put up by these companies to assure and guarantee the performance of contractors under various contracts, and the Government contends that these contractors have failed to discharge their contractual obligations.

In these cases, the Government is seeking to “cash in” these bonds and guarantees.

On August 18, 2005, Citizens Bank Guyana executed a Performance Bond/ Guarantee in favour of the Government of Guyana at the request of Golden Star Contracting Services Company Limited, pursuant to a contract between the Government and the said company for the reha-

bilitation of the access road to the Parika Stelling.

On January 11, 2008, the Government terminated the said contract, owing to the company’s repeated failure to correct defects within the time frame specified by the engineer.

Nandlall said on April 23, 2008, the Public Works and Communications Ministry, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract, wrote to Citizens Bank making a first demand on the Performance Bond in the amount of $38,391,018.

Despite the aforesaid claim, Citizens Bank has, to date, failed, refused and neglected to effect payment of the said sum, the Attorney General said.

On September 19, 2011, Caricom General Insurance Company Inc executed a Performance Bond and

Advance Guarantee in favour of the Government of Guyana at the request of Maurice Balgobin pursuant to a contract between Maurice Balgobin and the Government for the rehabilitation and re-construction of Kaburi Village Road, Region Seven.

Contraction

On September 24, 2012, the Government terminated the said contract, owing to the fact that the contractor failed to substantially complete the works even after an extension of 260 days was granted.

Nandlall pointed out that on December 6, 2012, the Public Works and Communications Ministry, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract, wrote to Caricom General Insurance making a first demand on the Performance Bond and Advance Guarantee in the amounts of $4,986,375 and $1,892,009. Despite the aforesaid claim, Caricom General Insurance Company Inc has, to date, failed, refused and neglected to effect payment of the said sum.

On May 7, 2012, North American Fire and General Insurance Company executed Performance Bonds in favour of the Government of Guyana at the request of Bovell Construction

Services, pursuant to a contract between Bovell Construction Services and the Government for the Amaila Falls Road and Transmission Line Clearing Project Section Six, Issano Junction to Kuribong River.

On December, 27, 2012, the Government terminated the said contract owing to the fact that the contractor removed equipment from the site which resulted in a stoppage of work, constituting a fundamental breach of contract in accordance with the general conditions of the contracts.

Nandlall, who is also the Legal Affairs Minister, said on January 4, 2013, the Public Works and Communications Ministry, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract wrote to North American Fire and General Insurance Company Limited, making a first demand on the Performance Bonds in the amounts of $56,345,060 and $84,517,590.

Despite the aforesaid claim, North America Fire and General Insurance Company Limited has, to date, failed, refused and neglected to effect payment of the said sum, the Attorney General said.

The lawsuits were filed in the Commercial Division of the High Court and are set to be heard on June 18.

Ramesh Persaud is new PSC Chairman

Private Sector Commission (PSC) Vice Chairman Ramesh Persaud has been appointed Chairman of the body. Persaud succeeds the late Ronald Webster, who died on April 27.

The Council of the PSC on Tuesday ratified the appointment of Persaud, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) and the Executive Director of the Guyana Youth Business Trust (GYBT).

Persaud, a Chartered Accountant and entrepreneur who holds an MBA from the Edinburgh Business School, Heriot Watts University, Scotland, has wide experience within

the local private sector and has served on several representative organisations.

The current Chairman of the PSC Sub-Committee on Finance and Economics and former PSC Financial Director Persaud, is a Council member of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries (CAGI); the current Chairman of the Guyana Book Foundation; and the Coordinator of the Global Entrepreneurship Week activities in Guyana.

Persaud, the Co-founder and Director of Cacique Inc, is also a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana (ICAG). He currently serves as the Chairman of the Caribbean Micro Finance Alliance (CMFA), a regional network of more than 24 micro finance institutions and credit unions from nine Caribbean countries.

Efforts to get a comment from Persaud on his new post proved futile.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment from Ramesh Dookhoo, Chairman of the PSC’s Trade and Intelligence SubCommittee, stated that he stands committed to Persaud and wished him much success in his new role.

Starr Computer launches Samsung Smart School

Starr Computer on Friday morning launched the Samsung Smart School, an initiative to revolutionise classroom training in Guyana, at its headquarters in Brickdam, Georgetown.

The initiative enables educators to provide a customised and adaptive learning experience for students.

Not only will teachers be able to increasingly differentiate instructions, students will have more input on the pace and style of their education. The initiative was launched with the hope of creating a new learning environment with

sories and services that create the next-generation learning environment, beyond textbook and chalkboard teaching.

Samsung will also provide professional development and training services and solutions implementation services to support the future of the educational sector.

Interactive and collaborative

Osio stated that the international company can transform the learning environment with interactive and collaborative Samsung School solutions. The Smart School is easily managed by teachers who

the highest quality instruction to provide an enhanced educational experience for both students and teachers.

Marco Osio, the Head of the Enterprise Division of Samsung, explained that the programme will provide a comprehensive, robust set of educational offerings with devices, solutions, content, acces-

will be trained to operate the technology, but more importantly, the initiative presents an opportunity for students to improve their test scores, as was proved in other countries, the official stated.

The project has been launched in several countries in Europe, Asia, and North America, and is being implemented in Latin America

ual attention according to the student level of understanding.

More importantly, he divulged that the programme enable students to write, draw and interact fluidly on Samsung mobile devices with S Pen and S Note.

Ramos revealed that the Samsung Smart School can operate on two configurations — school mode and class mode to offer more flexibility in storing, managing and sharing educational content and student information. In Guyana’s case, the class mode solution suits the learning environment.

He noted that the devices’ energy consumption is much lower than ordinary desktop systems’.

“Instead of combing through piles of paper, teachers can handle class management functions on their mobile devices with Samsung’s easy-to-use management tools,” he added.

in turn, train others to use the system in the classroom.

and to an extent, Guyana, in collaboration with Starr Computer.

The Head of the Enterprise Division noted that Samsung manufactured the hardware and the software to implement the Smart School initiative. On this note, he told the gathering that Samsung has created a particular programme to train teachers who will,

He also added that once the infrastructure is in place, the initiative will be installed and ready for usage. He was optimistic that the programme will work in Guyana and eventually facilitate the move from piles of paper to mobile devices. Arsenio Ramos Leguizamon, Samsung Regional Solutions Manager, said the initiative is an advanced one that will see teachers managing and taking control of their students. He explained that teachers will be able to monitor students’ progress and provide individ-

The pilot project will be launched shortly and can take up to 100 days to become operationalised. All installations will be done by Starr Computer and powered by Samsung tablets, smartphones and phablets.

Some of the major benefits of the Samsung Smart School for Guyana include the transformation of text books to digital content and direct access to the Internet instead of the sequential access to information and video streaming instead of still images.

The Samsung team has met with President Donald Ramotar who has endorsed the initiative to the fullest and promised to work to set up Guyana’s first Smart School.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

New PSC Chairman Ramesh Persaud

Samsung Enterprise Division Head Marco Osio (right) and Arsenio Ramos Leguizamon during their presentation

Samsung Regional Solutions Manager Arsenio Ramos Leguizamon demonstrating features of the Smart School for media operatives at the launch on Friday

Suspected teen bandit shot dead on Main Street

Asuspected bandit was on Friday afternoon shot dead on Main Street, Georgetown after he allegedly robbed a popular businessman in the area.

The dead teenager was identified as Lloyd Hazel Jr, 19, of Lot 86 Hill Street, Lodge, Georgetown. Hazel was allegedly shot at least four times about his body by Police ranks that were in the area at the time.

Guyana Times understands that Hazel’s two accomplices were also shot. The men were admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital to receive medical attention for their injuries.

According to information received, Hazel and his accomplices were riding CG motorcycles and about 16:30h, they were seen parking their motorcycles in front of the old Customs Administration Building on Main Street. The motorcycles did not have rear number plates.

Inconsolable

After they parked the bikes, the three men reportedly walked towards the New Thriving Restaurant and confronted the businessman who was about to board a taxi, and relieved him of the bag with money. The businessman raised an alarm which caught the attention of the Police who were passing at the time.

Hazel reportedly discharged a round in the direction of the Police and they returned fire, hitting him in the process. The bag containing an undisclosed sum of money and a gun were found close to his body. The police also found four spent shells, which were taken as evidence.

Moments after the shooting, the man’s body was picked up by the Police and placed in the back of a 4Runner which sped away from the scene.

At the home of the dead man, his father, Lloyd Hazel Sr told Guyana Times that his son was home all day until he left in a minibus about 15:00h to purchase cigarettes at Stabroek Market.

He said after a while, he received a call informing him that his son was shot and killed.

He immediately rushed to Main Street where he saw bloodstains on the road and was told that his son had been taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

When he arrived there, his son’s body had already been taken to the mortuary.

The distressed father disclosed that his son was the proud owner of a grocery shop and was not involved in any illegal activities. He said his son used a minibus to go to buy his cigarettes after his motor car, a Toyota Premio, was encountering engine problems.

During the interview with the dead man’s father, his mother who was at the hospital returned home and was inconsolable. “Why meh baby… why it had to be he… he don’t trouble nobody, how many more, Lord, how many more?” she cried.

Contrary to the teen’s father, she said she had sent her son to drop off some photos at a relative to be taken to the United States of America. She said that she knew something was wrong after she attempted to call him and his phone went unanswered.

Moments later, she received a telephone call from a friend informing her of the shooting incident. At the hospital, she did not get a chance to see her son.

She recalled spending her birthday on Saturday last with her son, and on Friday, he asked her to cook cook-up rice without pork since he had an urge to eat the dish.

At the scene, the onlookers shouted “murder”. One woman said she was walking along the avenue when she heard the sound of four bullets and as she looked up the street, she saw a man lying face down on the road in a pool of blood.

Hazel leaves to mourn his parents and six siblings. An investigation has been launched into the shooting incident.

Plans afoot to reduce use of plastic bags

Plans are afoot to kick start a threemonth pilot project for a reusable/ biodegradable bag initiative in supermarkets throughout Guyana under the Clean and Green Guyana Initiative (C&GG), being administered by the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry and funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The bag initiative is a part of a larger effort by the C&GG to create behavioural change to eliminate the wanton and improper disposal of waste in Guyana.

The objective of this initiative is to reduce the use of plastic bags by Guyanese consumers and businesses. Plastic bags are a major environmental threat in Guyana and around the world as they end up as unsightly litter on the landscape.

Plastic bags can take up to 1000 years to be broken down and even in this process, they separate into smaller toxic

particulars which contaminate soil and water sources.

Under the initiative, the C&GG will provide selected supermarkets with reusable bags for distribution to customers and along with these supermarkets will use several ways to encourage customers to use the bags.

These include in store messages reminding customers to return with the bags the next time they shop and personal messages – cashiers and store attendants encouraging customers to use the reusable bags instead of plastic bags.

Additionally, the C&GG team will be interacting with the general public through social media on behalf of the supermarkets in order to encourage the use of the bags.

An image of what the reusable bags will look like

Guyanese shoppers are being urged by the Ministry to play their part in reducing the environmental damage that plastic bags cause and to support the reusable bag initiative by refusing the plastic bags when paying for items.

Autopsies for cocaine tonic victims inconclusive

The autopsies performed on the bodies of the four persons who allegedly drank a quantity of cocaine-laced SSS Tonic have been inconclusive.

The post-mortems were performed by Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary. As such, body samples have been taken with a view to conducting further examinations.

Simone “Ngina” Price, 36, of Lot 22 Cookrite Street, East La Penitence; her husband, Alex Blair, 42; her son Jahaquel Blair, seven; and her best friend, Natasha George, 36, consumed the substance on Sunday morning at East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Price’s elder son, Jamal Waterman, 12, is out of danger and has been discharged from the Georgetown Public Hospital.

However, Crime Chief Leslie James on Friday said no one has been arrested, but the Police have information and leads that they are working with. He is hopeful that an arrest will be made shortly.

It was reported that a bottle of multivitamin tonic was given to the family by a relative to be sent overseas, but the niece who was supposed to take the tonic refused.

She reportedly did not take the tonic, because she was heading to Pennsylvania and it had to be dropped off at a relative in Queens, New York. Immediately after the incident, two persons were arrested but were later released. The hunt is now on for the

suspect whose name was given as “Barney”.

On Sunday last, the family returned from church and decided to open the bottle and take the specified dosage. George also took some after it was offered to her by her best friend.

Immediately after taking a teaspoon of the liquid, Jahaquel cried out for abdominal pain. After a few minutes, the pain worsened, so his mother attempted to take him to the hospital, but she collapsed.

After a few more minutes, George started to froth and also fell to the ground. During the commotion, Alex also collapsed. They were all picked up, along with Waterman, and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where they were immediately attended to by doctors. After a few minutes, Price and George succumbed.

Alex took a turn for the worst and died almost an hour later. Jahaquel, despite being hooked up to a life support machine, took his last breath around 16:50h.

Police in a release stated that the family ingested the SSS Tonic into which a quantity of cocaine had been dissolved.

Police investigations revealed that the bottle of SSS Tonic, along with cassareep and chicken foot, had been left at the house by a man known to the family for an overseas-based female relative to take with her on her return flight. Natasha George is expected to be laid to rest today.

Key bridge in Sophia for month-end completion

The construction of a bridge in B Field, Sophia, which will trigger mass transportation movement between Sophia and Guyhoc Park, will be completed by May month-end.

Public Works Ministry Design Engineer Kelvin Clarke said the final structure to complete the connection between Sophia and Guyhoc Park is a HDPE double barrel culvert.

“It will be a relief for individuals living in Sophia because then they will have an alternative route which can connect them to Mandela Avenue. At the moment,

Denise Street is the only option for persons with vehicles,” Clarke said.

Additionally, two other bridges have been constructed in the Sophia community, Clarke added. One is a reinforced concrete structure on steel beams that spans the Sussex Street Canal, while the other is a 40-foot timber structure over the Lamaha Canal.

The developmental projects amounted to $38 million, with Courtney Benn Construction Services Limited (CBCSL) executing the works.

Dead: Lloyd Hazel Jr

Work ongoing on the bridge linking Sophia and Guyhoc Park

Dead: Simone “Ngina” Price

Dead: Jahaquel Blair

Dead: Alex Blair

Dead: Natasha George

SUDOKU

Don’t expend too much energy or too many dollars on an unreliable get-rich-quick scheme. Research an investment and the people involved before you decide to take part.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

Exciting new opportunities will become available as a result of new and valuable connections. Research and travel will come into play as you continue your quest for knowledge.

20-March 20)

An older family member may resist some changes you are considering making. If you deal with the problem diplomatically, you will both learn something valuable.

(March 21-April 19)

Keep your emotions out of the equation when doing business or making an investment or medical decision. Mull over the options available, and you’ll choose the correct one.

(April 20-May 20)

Concentrate on career matters. You could suggest some beneficial alterations at work and at home. Collaborating with others will lead to positive changes. Pool your resources and put your ideas in play.

(May 21June 20)

Make changes to your appearance and your image. Social activities look inviting and favourable. The compliments you receive will help to raise your self-esteem and your confidence.

You will have to count on your own skills and intellectual expertise. Your excellent memory will help you put the finishing touches on a project. Emotional outbursts must be kept to a minimum.

(July 23Aug. 22)

Be prepared to jump into the spotlight. An idea you have been considering shows potential. Your enthusiasm and creativity will persuade others to join in your plans.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Climb the ladder of success instead of helping and watching others get ahead. Start making the moves that will ensure your prosperity. Put your innovative ideas in motion.

23Oct. 23)

Follow your dreams and unleash your creative talent. Take time to reflect on what you really want. Own your destiny by making the moves that will carry you to your goals.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Stay in control of your emotions, and pay attention to your intuition. You will benefit from a friend’s objective advice. Someone may be out to undermine your position or reputation.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Partnerships will baffle you today. Strive for greater compatibility. Communication will be the key to obtaining better relationships with people who count personally and professionally.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

arCHie

dilbert

West Indies Fullbore Shooting C’ships, Jamaica

Guyana retain Milex Cup, maintain long-range shooting supremacy

Guyana retained the Milex Cup--the symbol of long range shooting supremacy in the region--when they emerged victorious in the Long -Range Team match at the West Indies Fullbore shooting Championships, being held at the Twickenham Park ranges in Spanish Town, Jamaica,on Friday.

The greatest challenge to the Guyanese shooters proved to be the windy conditions, as the eight-man team shot a grand total of 676 points and 29 V-bulls to blow away their closest rival Jamaica by 30 points in the shooting match held over 900 and 1000 yards.

The Jamaicans ended on 646 points and 23 Vs; Trinidad and Tobago 610 with 7 Vs; Antigua/Barbuda 607 and 15 Vs; and Barbados in the cellar position with 565 with 14 V.

The Guyanese marksmen looked well coordinated as they battled intense winds and at one time a threat of rain, but stuck to their task and recorded a combined 344 and 16 Vs at 900 yards led by Ransford Goodluck, who shot 47 with one V-bull out of a possible 50 points.

Captain Mahendra Persaud shot 45.4; Ryan Sampson 44.2; Sigmund

Douglas 44.0;Lennox

Braithwaite shot 43.4; Leo Romalho 43.2; debutant Sherwin Felicien 40.1; and Dylan Fields 38.2.

The 1000-yard range provided a serious challenge to

the teams, but the Guyanese shooters fared better to record 332 points and 13 Vs, with Jamaica securing 306.9; Antigua/Barbuda 253.5; Trinidad and Tobago 275.1; and Barbados 253.5.

Braithwaite shot 46.3; Goodluck 45.4; Persaud 43.2; Douglas 41.2; Felicien 41.1; Fields 41.0; and Romalho 36.

Team captain Persaud said the victory was a fan-

tastic team effort from the shooters, coaches and support staff.

“We had to use all of our experience to pull off this victory. We were both mentally and physically

prepared for it and we introduced new systems we learnt recently from Great Britain coach Ian Shaw, who held a two-week coaching stint in Guyana earlier this year,” he added.

He expressed gratitude to the team, coaches and all those who assisted in making the victory possible.

The Guyanese will be looking to reclaim the Anchor Cup they lost to the Jamaicans last year in Barbados in the Short -Range Team shoot on Saturday over 300, 500 and 600 yards.

Meanwhile, Guyana named an unchanged team for the Short- Range Team match.

The shooters are Persaud (captain), Fields (vice Captain), Braithwaite, Goodluck, Romalho, Sampson, Douglas and Felicien.

The last time the tournament was staged in Jamaica, Guyana carted off both titles and will be looking to continue their excellent run in Kingston.

The presentation ceremony will take place Saturday evening and the Guyana contingent is due to return home Sunday evening. (Story and photo by Troy Peters in Jamaica)

Ramdin appointed Test captain

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) today announced that wicketkeeper/batsman Denesh Ramdin has been appointed West Indies Test captain. Ramdin takes over from Darren Sammy who served in the post from October 2010 to May 2014.

Ramdin was the standing West Indies Test Vice Captain and previously served as West Indies Under 19 and ‘A’ Team captains.

The 29 year old has played 56 Tests in addition to 109 One Day Internationals and 46 Twenty20 Internationals.

The Board of Directors of the WICB approved the recommendation which was made by the West Indies Selection Panel chaired by

Clyde Butts and with Robert Haynes, Courtney Browne and Head Coach Ottis Gibson as members.

President of the WICB, Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron ,said that the Board is refocusing its attention on getting maximum performance for each format of the game and now is an ideal time to make the adjustments as we adopt the recommendations from the report done by the Director of Cricket.

“We thank Darren for his energetic and resolute leadership over the past four years and we continue to see his role as the Twenty20 captain as a critical one. The Board has approved the recommendation of the Selection Panel. We wish

Denesh consistent success and commit the full support of the Board as he takes on the mammoth responsibility of Test captain,” President Cameron said.

Ramdin said he is honoured by the confidence placed in him.

“It is an honour to be named as captain of the West Indies Test team. This is a huge opportunity and as a unit we are capable of representing the people of the West Indies,” Ramdin said.

“It is something very special to represent the people of the West Indies and to be named to the lead the Test team and chart the course forward is humbling and extra special. I thank the WICB for affording me this

incredible opportunity and I also thank the TTCB for the opportunity to lead Trinidad & Tobago.

“I am taking over from Darren who did a good job while he was at the helm. He is a very humble and hardworking cricketer and during his time at the helm we won six matches and [he] gave his all to the job.

“My first assignment will be against New Zealand at home and this promises to be a very exciting series. I am a very calm individual and I will bring that level of calmness to the job and to the team as we look to move forward and build a winning Test team, which will make the people of the West Indies proud.”

Sammy offered his support to Ramdin in a public comment.

“Congratulations to Ramdin on being named Test captain. God’s speed brother as you look to take us forward. Thanks to all for the support,” Sammy offered.

Ramdin’s first appointment in his new role will be the West Indies versus New Zealand Test in Jamaica starting on June 8th. The second Test at the Queen’s Park Oval will be his first as Test captain on home soil.

Ramdin is only the second West Indian wicketkeeper to have been formally appointed Test captain following Gerry Alexander. (Ridley Jacobs was named

captain for a series against Bangladesh when Carl Hooper was injured.) Since his return to Test cricket in 2012, Ramdin has scored 728 runs at an average of 42.8 with three centuries.

The appointment of Ramdin as Test captain is also historic as it is the first occasion on which the West Indies will have three separate appointed men’s international captains. The position will again be up for review in 2015.

West Indies Men’s Captains

West Indies Test captain – Denesh Ramdin

West Indies ODI captain – Dwayne Bravo

West Indies Twenty20 captain – Darren Sammy

Members of the victorious Guyana team pose proudly with the Golden Arrowhead, after retaining the Milex Cup at the West Indies Fullbore Shooting C’ships, Twickenham Park Ranges,Spanish Town, Jamaica

Limacol Caribbean Premier League unveils fixtures

The 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League, which will run from 11th July to 16th August, today announced the full set of fixtures that will have fans of the Biggest Party in Sport blocking out their calendars with 30 explosive games set to be played in just 37 days.

CPL II is set to thrill crowds across eight beautiful islands in the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Trinidad and Tobago. The tournament is set to entertain recordbreaking crowds both on and off the field, building on last year’s inaugural tournament won by the Jamaica Tallawahs.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the Limacol Caribbean Premier League, said:

“It’s a thrill to be able to announce the full schedule for this year’s tournament. Each island will deliver a party like no other, and the combination of worldclass internationals and exciting Caribbean talent will thrill the crowds, ensuring that this year’s Limacol Caribbean Premier League will be like no other cricket tournament, combining unbelievable, dramatic action on the field and a unique, vibrant carnival atmosphere off it.”

Week 1 – Grenada Carnival cricket fever hits the beautiful island of Grenada with the announcement that the National Cricket Stadium will host the opening round of games of the 2014 Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL), from Friday 11th July, with all six teams in action over the first weekend.

The National Stadium, which has hosted several West Indies matches since 2002, as well as six matches at the 2007 World Cup, boasts fantastic playing facilities, and will hold the biggest Limacol CPL crowd ever, with room for a massive 16,200 fans each day. The opening fixture, on Friday 11th July, will be Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Antigua Hawksbills, followed by Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel vs Barbados Tridents on the 12th and St. Lucia Zouks v Jamaica Tallawahs on the 13th July.

Week 2 – Guyana / Antigua The second week of the tournament is spread between Guyana and Antigua, with the Amazon Warriors and Hawksbills both looking to make full use of home advantage.

A packed Sir Vivian Richards Stadium is expected on 17th July as the Antigua Hawksbills welcome the visit of Mickey Arthur and the Jamaica Tallawahs, with coach Tim

Nielsen no doubt hoping the mystery spin of Saeed Ajmal can unravel Chris Gayle and his travelling Tallawahs.

Meanwhile, 15,000 passionate Guyanese fans are expected to fill the Providence Stadium as the Amazon Warriors welcome Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel in the second game of the day, held on the evening of the 17th. There will be a distinctly Kiwi feel for the match, with Corey Anderson and Martin Guptill turning out for the home team, and Ross Taylor representing the Red Steel.

Four further games follow at the weekend, with the pick of the week coming on Sunday 20th July, and a rematch of last year’s final between the Jamaica Tallawahs and the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

Week 3 – Trinidad / Barbados It’s set to be the tale of two Ovals in week three, as the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad, and Kensington Oval, Barbados play host to the next six games of the tournament.

Barbados fans will be well aware of the threat posed by the St. Lucia Zouks in their opening game of the week (24th July), and will hope Kieron Pollard and his Tridents are able to contain the powerful batting threat of Darren Sammy, Andre Fletcher and Brad Hodge.

Kevin Pietersen could make his Zouks debut later that week, against the Red Steel on 27th July. It will be a big weekend for Trinidad & Tobago, with reigning champions the Jamaica Tallawahs visiting Queen’s Park the day before for a fantastic clash between two of the Caribbean’s favourite players, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle.

Week 4 – Jamaica / St. Lucia With July drawing to a close, the CPL party will show no sign of stopping as it arrives in Jamaica and St. Lucia for the fourth week of the tournament.

Chris Gayle will hope to light up his home ground,

Sabina Park, in his first home game of the tournament on July 31st. However, another legendary West Indian batsman stands in his way, with Antigua Hawksbills mentor Sir Vivian Richards hoping to provide his team with the inspiration to spoil the Jamaican’s homecoming.

Kevin Pietersen will discover the passion and support of his home fans when he arrives at the Beausejour Stadium for the first time in a Zouks jersey. Captain Darren Sammy will be expecting the box-office batsman to deliver in three tough games, one of which

includes a clash with local rivals, Barbados Tridents.

Week 5 – St. Kitts The penultimate week of the tournament sees Warner Park welcome the CPL for the very first time, as the people of St Kitts and Nevis will get the chance to experience the thrill of the competition first-hand. With the stadium having undergone recent development to enable it to host CPL matches with the construction of state-of-the art lighting facilities, it is sure to be another exceptional host for the thousands of local fans expected from August 7th.

The first three games of the week will give teams the opportunity to settle some scores from the opening weekend of the tournament, with the first three fixtures mirroring those that took place in Grenada in July.

However, tension is set to reach breaking point when the final round of fixtures takes place on the weekend of 9/10th August. Jamaica Tallawahs and St. Lucia Zouks will be hoping for one final push as they both play

two games in as many days, including the hotly anticipated showdown between Gayle and Pietersen on 9th August.

Finals Week – St. Kitts The tournament will reach its climax during a packed week in St. Kitts, beginning with the semi-finals, taking place on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August. In a change from last year, the first-placed team at the end of the group stage will advance straight to the final, rewarding consistency across the season. The third and fourth-placed teams will meet in the first semi-final, with the winner of that match set to play the secondplaced team the following day for a place in the final. The remaining two franchises will then have the rest of the week to prepare, as the Biggest Party in Sport reaches its epic conclusion, with the Limacol Caribbean Premier League 2014 final due to begin at 3.30pm on Saturday 16th August. Check cplt20.com for ticket announcements and further details.

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Royal Challengers v Kings X1,IPL 2014

21 SPORTS

Miller, Sandeep set up massive win for Kings XI

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When the two teams last met, Sandeep Sharma had dismissed Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli in the same over and set the tone for a convincing win for Kings XI Punjab. On Friday, Royal Challengers Bangalore were chasing rather than setting a target, but the same set of characters went through an eerily similar routine, right down to the questionable umpiring decision that did for Kohli, in an over that sent Kings XI Punjab on their way to a 32-run win that gave them sole occupancy of the top spot in the IPL ta-

ble.

An innings of 66, off just 29 balls, from David Miller had powered Kings XI to a total of 198. If any team could chase it, though, it was Royal Challengers. They had been the only team to chase a 200-plus total on this ground, and they had done it against the same opponents, back in 2010. They faced a similar ask this time, and needed their top order to fire.

Sandeep had troubled Gayle with his swing right through his first over, beating him twice before failing to grab a difficult caught-and-bowled

chance off the last ball. First ball of his second over, though, Sandeep had his man. The ball swung away from Gayle, who swung hard at it and edged to the keeper.

In walked Kohli. In Dubai, he had been out second ball to a debatable lbw decision, with the ball appearing to be headed down the leg side. This time, Sandeep dismissed him first ball, caught behind down the leg side. There was a sound as ball passed bat, but replays suggested the ball had brushed the ground just as Wriddhiman Saha scooped it up with the webbing of his right

glove. Royal Challengers were 8 for 2, and 199 looked like 299. They were never going to get close after that, and Sandeep dented them once again with the wicket of Parthiv Patel in his next over. Royal Challengers’ subsequent struggles were encapsulated by Yuvraj Singh, who kept getting beaten by the spinners during a painful 11-ball stay that ended when he gave debutant offspinner Shivam Sharma his first wicket in senior cricket. It was 50 for 5 at that point, but AB de Villiers ensured Bangalore reached a respectable score with a 26ball 53. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Bangalore T20 innings (target: 199 runs from 20 overs)

CH Gayle c †Saha b Sandeep Sharma 4

PA Patel† c Mandeep Singh b Sandeep Sharma 13 V Kohli* c †Saha b Sandeep Sharma 0 S Rana b Patel 18

out 16 AR Patel b Starc 2 Shivam Sharma b Starc 4 L Balaji not out 1

Extras: (lb 2, w 11, nb 2) 15

Total: (8 wickets; 20 overs) 198

Did not bat: Sandeep Sharma Fall of wickets: 1-60 (Mandeep Singh, 5.5 ov), 2-68 (Sehwag, 6.5 ov), 3-93 (Maxwell, 8.5 ov), 4-116 (Bailey, 11.4 ov), 5-170 (Miller, 16.3 ov), 6-184 (Saha, 17.5 ov), 7-189 (Patel, 19.2 ov), 8-193 (Shivam Sharma, 19.4 ov)

Bowling: MA Starc 4-0-432, JA Morkel 4-0-20-1, VR

Aaron 4-0-35-1, HV Patel 3-0-56-2, YS Chahal 4-0-232, Yuvraj Singh 1-0-19-0

AB de Villiers c Patel b Balaji 53 Yuvraj Singh c Sehwag b Shivam Sharma 3 JA Morkel c Bailey b Shivam Sharma 16 MA Starc c Miller b Balaji 29 HV Patel c †Saha b Johnson 6 VR Aaron not out 17 YS Chahal not out 1 Extras: (lb 1, w 4, nb 1) 6 Total: (9 wickets; 20 overs) 166 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Gayle, 2.1 ov), 2-8 (Kohli, 2.2 ov), 3-26 (PA Patel, 5.3 ov), 4-39 (Rana, 6.5 ov), 5-50 (Yuvraj Singh, 9.3 ov), 6-76 (Morkel, 11.1 ov), 7-125 (de Villiers, 15.4 ov), 8-133 (HV Patel, 16.3 ov), 9-153 (Starc, 19.2 ov) Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 4-0-25-3, MG Johnson 4-0-251, L Balaji 3-0-43-2, AR Patel 4-0-22-1, Shivam Sharma 4-026-2, GJ Maxwell 1-0-24-0

Louis van Gaal wants Manchester United manager job

Louis van Gaal has told BBC Sport he wants to become the new manager of Manchester United.

“I would love the job,” said Van Gaal, “I hope that I shall be the one. It’s the biggest club in the world and it’s a fantastic challenge.”

The 62-year-old has been the overwhelming favourite for the role since the dismissal of David Moyes just over a fortnight ago.

It is anticipated United will confirm the appointment early next week.

The Netherlands boss was speaking at the start of a three-day World Cup training camp.

But despite the huge speculation surrounding him, Van Gaal is refusing to accept the job is his.

“You [the media] are thinking I’m the man but the most important thing is whether Manchester United are thinking that.”

For the second time this season,Sandeep Sharma dismissed Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli in the same over (BCCI)

Louis van Gaal

Cycling season resumes today with Powerade 11-race

After a one-month break, the local cycling season will resume today with the staging of the third annual Powerade 11-race sponsored by Banks DIH Limited at the inner circuit of the National Park.

The last event staged at the Park was the 10th annual Universal Auto and General Supplies (UA&GS) 11-race programme, which was won by Robin Persaud on April 5.

Today, veteran rider Paul Choo Wee Nam will look to keep his hands on the trophy when he defends the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race.

Choo Wee Nam outgunned fellow veteran rider Stephen Fernandes in the main race in 2013 at the inner circuit of the National Park, finishing in a time of one hour, 18 minutes, 12 seconds (01h: 18m: 12s) to take the trophy and two prime prizes.

This time around though, the defending champion will face a tough task, as all the riders will be using the event to test their prepar-

Defending champion Paul Choo Wee Nam (centre) will face competition from the likes of Alanzo Greaves (right) and Hamzah Eastman (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

edness for the 32nd annual Independence Three-Stage meet, billed for May 17-18. Today’s race is the last before the staging of the gru-

elling 171.5 miles/275.1km event sponsored by the National Sport Commission.

Among the cyclists looking to test Choo Wee Nam

are Persaud, Raynauth Jeffrey, Alanzo Greaves, Paul DeNobrega, Hamzah Eastman, Marlon Williams, Junior Niles and Albert Philander.

The other category winners last year were Eastman (Juveniles); Niles (Veteran U-50); Lancelot Rose (Veterans O-50); Maurice Fagundes (Veterans O-60); Stephano Husbands (Mountain Bikes); Alfie Soonaram (12-14 Boys and Girls); Jeremiah Harrison (BMX Boys 6-9); Sherwin Sampson (BMX Boys 9-12); Jamal John (BMX Boys 1214); and Hazina Barrett (Females).

As he did last year, Banks DIH Limited’s Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart, will witness the races and later assist in the presentation of prizes to the top three finishers in the respective categories.

The day’s activities are being organised by long-serving national cycling coach, Hassan Mohamed. (Avenash Ramzan)

GTTA to host Independence tourney

TGuyana set for NACRA 15’s Championships

Guyana will be heading to Barbados to start their campaign in the North American Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) 15’s championships which will begin on May 17.

Guyana will face host nation Barbados in the encounter at the Garrison Field and will hope for a successful showing.

Further, the 23-member squad, once successful against the Bajans, will face Trinidad and Tobago who are current champions of the Southern Zone.

In addition, the squad, which is mixed with fresh faces and some seasoned veterans will wing out on two different

flights this Wednesday and Thursday for the tournament. Squad: Ryan Gonsalves (Captain), Richard Staglon (Vice Captain), Chris Singh, Ronald Mayers, Claudius Butts, Rondell McArthur, Rickford Cummings, Grantley Williams, Jason Tyrell, Dwayne Schroeder, Filon Thompson, Clive Powell, Avery Corbin, Theodore Henry, Ryan Dey, Delroy Gordon, Jacques Archibald, Jamal Angus, Kevon David, Cyon Kitt, Carl Lewis and Leon Greaves. Coach of the team will be Clinton Clarke of the Guyana Defence Force, while the manager was named as John Lewis and the Physiotherapist, Barrington Browne.

Beach volleyball hits Linden on Sunday

Asizzling, inaugural Linden Beach Volleyball Open will be held on Sunday at the Linden beach football facility, under the auspices of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF).

Action will commence at approximately 11:00h, with teams from Linden, Georgetown and Berbice vying for supremacy. The competition is open to any team, male and female.

Further,registration for the tournament --which will run until May 25-- will close on May 15. May 26 will be set as a reserve playing day in case of an overflow of matches or a day’s schedule being incomplete.

Prizes will be up for grabs for all persons finishing first

he Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) will serve off their annual National Sports Commission (NSC) Independence Table Tennis tournament from May 16 at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. The tournament will be open to any player affiliated to the table tennis association as well as to novices interested in playing in the tournament.

to third in the various categories of the tournament.

Categories available for players to enter are as follows: Boys 9 years & under; Girls 9 years & under; Boys 11 years & under; Girls 11 years & under; Boys 13 years & under; Girls 13 years & under; Boys 15 years & under; Girls 15 years & under; Boys 18 years& under; Girls 18 years

& under; Boys Doubles, Girls Doubles; Jnr. Mixed Doubles; 21 years & under open; Women and Men’s Singles. Meanwhile, with the tournament being conducted under the rules of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and technical meeting will take place on May 15 at the National Gymnasium from 17:00h.

US diplomat, local player to clash in exhibition match

With the aim of reigniting the passion for tennis in Guyana, the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) has scheduled the first of several exciting exhibition matches over the next few months as a lead-up to the InterGuiana Games (IGG), which will be held in late October.

The first showdown will be held on Sunday from 16:00h on the courts of the National Racquet Centre, which is located opposite the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI) on Woolford Avenue.

This is a highly anticipated match-up between Berbician veteran champion, Godfrey Lowden, and Albert Razick of the US Embassy.

Lowden has been a formidable force in the Over-35 category for many years and

Razick is a US diplomat, who has many years of experience playing tennis and is eager to test his prowess on the local scene.

According to the GTA, spectators can expect to be treated to a great tennis match down to the last point. The match umpire will be Dr. Steve Surujbally.

“The general public is invited to this great event free of cost and tennis players are asked to visit the facility as early as 10:00h to participate in friendly matches in the lead-up to the exhibition match,” the GTA said in a release.

Media XI to face Umpires in T20 clash

Following a heated discussion between several umpires and members of the media fraternity, both organizations have decided to settle the score on the field of play on Monday 26th May at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, when the Media XI will oppose the Umpires and Scorers Association in a T20 encounter.

Several prominent business entities such as Star Party Rentals; Trophy Stall of Bourda Market; and Hadi’s City Mall Inc.; Regal Stationery and Computer Supplies; and P&P Insurance Brokers have been approached to sponsor this event.

Players of the calibre of Zaheer Mohammed, Nigel Duguid, Shannon Crawford,

Trevor Hoossein, Arleigh Rutherford, Daniel Richmond, Clifton Ross, Rajiv Bisnauth, Daniel Singh, Avenash Ramzan, John Ramsingh and Calvin Roberts, will be on show during the day, with the action promising to be exciting and enthralling.

With the aim of leaving no stone unturned in their quest to attain victory, the Media XI

will be conducting a rigorous training exercise under the watchful eyes of GCC coach Monty Lynch at the venue next Wednesday, from 14:00h to 16:00h.

Members of the media fraternity, who are interested in being a part of the team, are asked to take note of the training time, since no exceptions will be given.

According to a press release from the GVF, president John Flores said he anticipates a high level of participation and is urging players to give of their best in order to make the competition entertaining, and most importantly, of a high standard.

The GVF said that coordinators are putting in the necessary groundwork to ensure a very entertaining and successful competition.

“The venue is ready and the stage is set for this oneof- a- kind event to grace the mining town of Linden. Teams can get registered with coordinator Mr. Pearson on telephone number 617-3880,”

the GVF said. It added, “The teams’ spirits are very high and players are very enthusiastic about this event where it presents the opportunity to test their skills on a different surface and in outdoor conditions. Come this weekend in Linden, the battle is on to see which pair will be crowned the inaugural Linden beach kings and queens of beach volleyball.” According to the coordinators, transportation will be provided for teams, and players are asked to converge at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, where the buses will depart at 09:00h for Linden.

The GVF also informed that a basic referee course will be held from May 21-27 at the Carifesta Sports Complex in Georgetown.

Interested persons are advised to register early with the GVF, since this will be on a first-come-first- served basis and limited spaces are available. This course will be instructed by Professor Carlos Cimino from Brazil.

YBG regional conference tips off today

Schools basketball is back with the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) regional conference tournament and will tip off today at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) from 16:00h.

The tournament which has groomed some of Guyana’s top talent at the first-division level, will look to provide the same high-tempo high school basketball with an enthralling opening day of action in the East Coast and Georgetown Conferences.

Five games will start the action today with one East Coast match-up, one crossconference match-up and three Georgetown clashes.

The first game will see an under-16 clash between President’s College and Bishop’s High School, while

the second game will see Plaisance Academy facing President’s College in what is expected to be an exciting encounter between the two under-19 East Coast teams. Three under-19 Georgetown clashes will take place, with the first pitting Brickdam against St. Rose,s, while the second will bring together Bishop’s High School and the Government Technical Institute (GTI). Meanwhile, the final encounter will see the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) champions Marian Academy taking on Charlestown Secondary School in what promises to be a fast- paced game. After the conclusion of day one in the tournament, the competition will continue on May 17at the CASH.

Godfrey Lowden Albert Razick

GCB Inter-County U-19 Tournament….

– Berbice take 49-run lead over Essequibo Chanderpaul ton puts Demerara in strong position

By Rajiv Bisnauth

First-class opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul cracked a chanceless century to put his side, Demerara in a strong position on the opening day of the third and final round in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) InterCounty three-day tournament against the President’s X1 on Friday.

The left-hander produced a vintage display to score an unbeaten 113 and help the hosts reach 253-3 at stumps at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

Opener Brian Sattaur (67) also posted a half-century as the hosts carefully set about building an imposing total on a flat pitch, tailormade for high scoring.

Openers Sattaur and Chanderpaul gave

Demerara a perfect start and put on a superb 135-run opening stand.

The pair ensured Demerara were given a solid platform which they could use to amass a mammoth first innings total.

Both left-handers adopted a cautious approach during the first session, after Demerara won the toss on a surface that gave some assistance to the medium pacers earlier.

Sattaur was batting on 35 with Chanderpaul on 19 when lunch was called, at 61 without loss.

But as the moisture in the pitch dried out, runs flowed freely. The duo went about continuing their dominance of the President’s X1 bowling with Sattaur being the obvious aggressor of the two, bringing up his halfcentury off 129 balls.

The 100-run partnership between the two left-handers came in the 44th over, after which the first-class opener then registered his half-century with back-toback boundaries off left-arm seamer, Chavin Moriah.

However, the breakthrough came in the 52nd over when Sattaur was caught by Ronaldo Mohamed off the bowling of Damion Waldron. Sattaur slammed nine boundaries in his mature 165-ball innings.

Chanderpaul, his usual sensible self, mixing watchful defence with additional boundaries was joined by Sherfane Rutherford, and took the total to 169 at the second interval.

Rutherford, who was dropped on 24, went on to make 44, while Rudolph Singh (6) was the other batsmen dismissed in the presence of Chanderpaul.

The West Indies Under-19 batsman went from strength to strength, showed his compactness and solid and sound technique to reach his century off 250 balls, inclusive of 11 boundaries.

The young Chanderpaul has so far faced 265 balls, inclusive of 13 boundaries and Deonarine Seegobin, who is unbeaten on four, took the hosts to stumps.

Off-spinner Damion Waldron (3-63) was the most successful bowler for the

President’s X1.

Berbice lead by 49 runs over Essequibo

Meanwhile, at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Berbice closed the opening day with a first innings lead of 46 runs. At stumps, Berbice reached 168-5 in 49 overs, with opener Balchand Baldeo unbeaten on 64 (3x4s) and Hakeem Hinds on 12.

Earlier, Berbice’s bowlers put up a good show to restrict Essequibo to a paltry total of 122-9. Keno Harry did not bat, after he requested time off.

The Essequibians had no answer to the skills of the Berbicians’ attack, with off-spinner Sharaz Ramcharran, who turned the ball appreciably being the pick of the bowlers, with figures of 4-25.

Apart from Mahindra Balbadar (39), three other players, opener Avenash Persaud (37), Akil Wallace (12) and Travis Drakes (11) reached double digits with the innings coming to an abrupt end after lunch with only 43 overs bowled.

Medium pacer Grisean Grant scalped 3-27 and legspinner Viendra Gooniah had 2-24.

Shimron Hetmyer (20); Viendra Gooniah (17); Ashkay Homra (18); Sharaz Ramcharran (2); and David Latchaya (17) were the batsmen dismissed so far for Berbice.

Keom Paul, Akil Wallace and Akini Adams were the successful bowlers for Essequibo. Play will resume today at both venues from 10:00h.

Brian Sattaur raises his bat after reaching his half-century

Tagenarine Chanderpaul after reaching his century

Limacol Caribbean Premier League unveils fixtures

– the Biggest Party in Sport announces 30 games over 37 days on eight different islands, as the Limacol CPL II countdown begins

Darren Sammy retires from Test cricket

Darren Sammy has formally notified the West Indies Cricket Board of his decision to retire from Test cricket. Sammy has also informed the Board of his decision to continue to make himself available for selection for the other formats of the game. Sammy, in his communication to the Board thanked the directors, the selectors and team management for the confidence shown in him as a player and captain in which capacities he served as from October 2010 to May 2014.

Sammy said that he will always cherish the memories of representing and captaining the West Indies in Test cricket.

The West Indies Cricket Board thanks Sammy for his service to West Indies Test cricket both as player and captain and looks forward to his continued involvement and contribution as an ODI player and T20 captain and player.

Sammy played in 38 Tests, captaining in 30 of those appearances. He remains the West Indies T20 captain. (WICB Media)

Denesh Ramdin

Darren Sammy