Guyana Times Daily

Mother kills children

Awena Rutherford (centre) allegedly poisoned her two children, Jabari Cadogan (right) and Odaceia Cadogan. Up to press time, she was battling to stay alive after ingesting a poisonous substance as well

friday, March 28,

FITUG hails budget as pro-working class

Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) President Carvil Duncan has declared that the 2014 budget, like those in the past, places continued focus on the workingclass, poor and elderly.

FITUG President Carvil Duncan in a release said it recognises that the budget comes on the heels of substantial reform arising from 2013, among which included increasing the Tax

Threshold by $10,000 per month to $50,000 monthly; a reduction of the Income Tax rate from 33.3 per cent to 30 per cent; the introduction of the mortgage interest relief; continued support to electricity customers

within GPL, Linden and other communities; and support to the sugar sector, to name a few.

“When taken alongside the five per cent increase in wages/salaries paid in 2013 as against a recorded 0.9 per cent inflation rate for the same period, we are pleased that employees of the public service would have benefited from a real wage increase and at the same time supported by various measures to reduce the cost of living.

“FITUG recognises ... the challenge of balancing the demands of expanding Government services through investments in the social sectors and infrastructure as against budget measures to increase the level of disposable income, particularly for the working class,” Duncan said.

He said FITUG is pleased to note the reduction of the external debt to 41.9 per cent of GDP [Gross Domestic Product], stable exchange, low inflation and continued growth rates, robust foreign direct investment, and continued expansion of credit, all of which signalled a well-managed macro economy.

Critical support

Duncan described the $6 billion injection into the ailing sugar industry to assist GuySuCo to meet the financing requirements for its transformation plans as a timely boost at a critical time.

The help, he said, would not only keep the industry afloat, but ensure the live-

lihood of some 18,000 thousand workers and their families.

Duncan was also satisfied that its proposal for electricity assistance to old age pensioners to increase by 50 per cent, from $20,000 to $30,000 per annum, was positively considered.

“The assistance will certainly assist in reducing the electricity charges that will have to be met by each pensioner who is a GPL customer, and will have the effect of increasing the disposable income of our senior citizen population by over 300 million,” FITUG said.

In the budget, Old Age Pension was increased to $13,125 from $12,500 in 2013, a five per cent increase. The annual impact of this increase will bring the overall Old Age Pension Bill to a total of $6.6 billion in 2014.

Duncan was also high in praise for the support to the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) provided for in the budget. Budget 2014

provides capital transfers to GPL totalling $3.7 billion to support that company in meeting its capital requirements as it seeks to expand reliability and improve efficiency. The allocations to the electricity sector will benefit over 170,000 GPL customers and their families and avoid tariff increases.

He said the allocation of sums totalling $3.2 billion to meet the cost of maintaining the electricity subsidy in Linden and Kwakwani so that 10,500 electricity customers in Region 10 can continue to benefit from the very low tariffs that exist is both timely and welcome.

Education grants So too, the sum of over $2 billion, $10,000 education grant for each child, which will have a direct effect on bringing disposable income into the family, Duncan noted.

“Coupled with existing school feeding programmes, uniform support, and investment in the education sector, the budget continues to focus on youth and development of upcoming workforce,” FITUG said.

The budget also contains many references to training. In 2013, some 3500 persons were trained in computer proficiency under the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Programme and over 2300 persons under the National Training Project for the Youth Empowerment Programme (NTYPE).

This year, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) plans to train over 3500, including single parents.

Duncan said FITUG also welcomed the commencement of the US$4 million investment in the establishment of the hospitality institute that will improve the standard of personnel serving the travel and tourism industry.

“FITUG wishes to support the 2014 budget which comes on the heel of substantial benefits to the working class, poor, and elderly announced in the 2013 budget, to further expand and improve on these benefits,” Duncan concluded.

FITUG said the $10,000 grant per schoolchild is a welcome initiative

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

WPA has evidence Rodney was assassinated – Tacuma

Wind: North easterly between 4.47 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:42h and 15:05h reaching maximum heights of 2.56 metres and 2.64 metres respectively.

and

By Alexis Rodney

Working People’s Alliance (WPA)

Executive Member

Tacuma Ogunseye said all the evidence gathered in 1980 by the party proved that its founding member, Dr Walter Rodney was indeed assassinated.

And though he does not explicitly pin the blame on the then Forbes Burnhamled Administration, Ogunseye admitted that the late historian was a thorn in their flesh. He said too that Rodney was in contact with the main suspect – the late former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant, Gregory Smith.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times earlier this week, Ogunseye relived some of the events which led up to the death of Rodney - a man he described as “humble and compassionate”.

However, Ogunseye said he will not be participating in the soon-to-start Commission of Inquiry owing to unresolved concerns his party raised with the Donald Ramotar Administration.

Asked if he does not feel a sense of moral obligation to testify at the Inquiry even with the objections of his party, Ogunseye said he would toe the party line.

However, if he is forced by law, he may very well have to. The WPA, earlier this month, had raised con-

cerns over paragraph four of the Terms of Reference (ToR), which it said “strays a considerable distance from the precisions of paragraph one”. Section four of the ToR tasks the Commission with “examining the facts and circumstances immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to the death of Dr Walter Rodney”.

The party has questioned the time period defined as being “immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to the death of Dr Rodney” – January 1, 1978 to December 31, 1980.

The party said that that runs the risk of opening a Pandora’s Box that will guarantee an unwelcomed poisoning of the political environment.

Questions were also raised about the granting of an absolute pardon to persons who may have been involved in the death of Dr Rodney.

Complex requirements

The WPA said “it would seem to have the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) tip-toe in the direction of a Truth Commission, even while the ToR and the prevailing conditions fall far short of the complex requirements of a Truth Commission”.

The party has also expressed concerns over the presence of Trinidadianbased Guyanese Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam on the Commission. Jairam, the WPA noted, was the lead counsel representing the Government in the budget cut case of 2012 before acting Chief Justice, Ian Chang. It said that his presence on the Commission would cause a conflict of interest.

He recalled the information given by Rodney’s older brother Donald, who was in the driver’s seat outside Camp Street jail when a bomb hidden in a walkie talkie exploded in his brother’s lap.

He said that Rodney was in contact with the main suspect, a bomb electronics

expert. Acknowledging that Smith and Dr Rodney were associates, Ogunseye said the WPA had never argued that the two men were never in contact. “The two were indeed associates. We have never denied that there was contact between Smith and Rodney; that is not contentious,” Ogunseye said.

He told Guyana Times that Rodney’s brother had revealed that he was a contact person between Smith and his sibling. According to Donald, he would take things of an electronic nature from Smith to his brother and vice versa.

According to Ogunseye, on the fateful day, Donald had revealed that a brown paper bag was given to him by Smith to take to Dr Rodney and he was instructed that Dr Rodney should come out of the car and walk alongside the Camp Street Prison fence.

“His instruction to Walter, when he is testing this thing, was that he must come out and activate the thing so that he, Smith, could get to see how it gets to respond.”

Based on the information provided by Donald, Dr Rodney did not do as was told, but rather sat in

the car and opened the paper bag. It was at this point when the device exploded, Ogunseye said.

Ogunseye contends that based on the series of events, it seems that Rodney’s death was well-planned. “Within hours of his death several leaflets were dropped outside the man’s house claiming that he had blown his head off in front the prison,” he said.

He said the plan did not work out very well because Dr Rodney did not leave the car as was instructed. He said the device was either a walkie talkie or a timer.

Whisked away The news about Rodney’s death spread rapidly, Ogunseye remembered. He said the WPA sought then to gather its members together as there was widespread anger and fear. He said Smith would soon be whisked away by the GDF and taken into the interior before being sent to French Guiana.

It was public knowledge, Ogunseye contended, that the regime of the day –People’s National Congress (PNC) – wanted to get rid of Dr Rodney, who he opined was “too trusting” of the people around him. He said it was unfortunate that he did not spend quality time in Guyana, to get to know the people and their tactics.

Ogunseye said he and Rodney met for the first time in 1978. According to him, the historian had just returned from Africa but prior to his return, he had applied to the University of Guyana (UG) for the post of History Lecturer.

Ogunseye said Rodney’s application was turned down by the then Government who, he further recalled, “was very oppressive”.

turn to page 7

WPA Executive Tacuma Ogunseye

Dr Walter Rodney

Countrywide: Light rain showers can be expected during the day with bursts of sunshine while partly cloudy to clear skies can be expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Editor: Nigel Williams

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Debt and development

Earlier in the year, Moses Nagamootoo, Member of Parliament for the Alliance For Change (AFC), claimed that Guyana’s debt burden had zoomed past that bequeathed by the PNC when they demitted office in 1992.

Among other points of rebuttal, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh pointed out that Nagamootoo was ignoring the nature of the debt and, therefore, inevitably drawing false conclusions on both the quantum of the debt and its sustainability. The Minister also suggested that the Opposition MP might be out of his depth.

Dr Singh’s avowal of Nagamootoo’s faux pas was illustrated quite clearly during his presentation of Budget 2014. When Nagamootoo made his incursion into the economics of debt financing, the external debt stood at US$1.7 billion, but Dr Singh pointed out that a substantial chunk of that amount had accrued because of the PetroCaribe oil facility extended by Venezuela.

In his 2014 Budget speech, he pointed out that the external debt had plunged to US$1.2 billion. This dramatic reduction of 8.3 per cent, the Minister explained, was primarily due to US$281.1 million of oil debt effectively cancelled under the PetroCaribe facility, equivalent to the value of rice and paddy exported by Guyana to Venezuela from July 2011 to October 2013.

Unfortunately, Mr Nagamootoo was not in Parliament to be enlightened by Dr Singh. He had followed his leader Khemraj Ramjattan and his other AFC colleagues, out of Parliament.

It was unfortunate also because Nagamootoo proceeded to address his party’s Essequibo organiser, who was leading a protest outside Parliament on behalf of Essequibo paddy farmers for higher prices for their paddy. And being incapable of making the connection between paddy prices, PetroCaribe, and debt, Nagamootoo lost an opportunity to enlighten rice farmers who are rightfully concerned about paddy prices.

For Nagamootoo and for many Guyanese who have not been exposed to economic concepts such as “opportunity costs”, the word “debt” connotes Dickensian poverty and being forced to borrow to make ends meet. And more often than not, when the debt cannot be repaid, to lose whatever collateral was put up to secure it. There is that, but there is also the use of debt to make investments where the returns are more than enough to pay off the loans and to generate such profits that future investments can be generated from internal funds.

From this perspective, one looks at debt as a device to leverage one’s financial position to a higher plane. We can use the PetroCaribe facility as an example. It is a debt because the money for the oil does not have to be paid immediately, but stretches out over 20 years. Guyana can use that money in the meantime to make investments that generate greater returns to the country.

For instance, in the very rice industry under consideration, drainage and irrigation, which is the sine qua non of success in rice production, was facilitated. The industry grew and farmers have the potential to boost their incomes – and not so incidentally pay more taxes that allow the debt to be serviced. A virtuous circle.

But in the PetroCaribe Initiative, there were a number of invaluable, added bonuses: Guyana was, firstly, able to secure, through the efforts of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, what is in effect, a captive market for its rice. And this market is now its largest.

Venezuela needs rice. Even with their polarised politics, it does not really matter which party is in power: they cannot afford to lose a secure supply of rice that is literally next door. But the other bonus is that Guyana can pay its farmers for the rice with Guyana dollars, which it prints, and write off debt denominated in U.S. dollars.

And we are returned to the other misapprehension of Nagamootoo when he originally exposed his ignorance of debt – assuming that domestic debt can be equated with external debt, denominated in foreign currencies.

Reparations for slavery justify equal reparations for Wismar Massacre

Dear Editor,

Kindly consider my letter in response to Abu Bakr, Eric Phillips and Dr David Hinds’s enlightening refreshers published in the media.

That slavery was an inhuman brutality inflicted on defenceless victims by European Christians needs no repetitious debate constantly proving slavery was wrong, always and now more wrong, less right and then going to great lengths to conclude how it was so repulsive, horrendous, so obviously and conclusively wrong and without a doubt most repulsive – all to what end?

Should it really matter which was worse between continental African or European mistreatment of slaves as Abu Bakr and Eric Phillips debated? What’s the significant difference between chattel slavery in comparison to those who bought, owned and treated humans as property and animals?

Slavery is slavery period. Imposed brutality, mass raping of women, robbery of the defenceless, the innocent, and assault and deprivation of human dignity just because of skin colour cannot anytime be acceptable. Neither can slavery and butchery also imposed by whites on other whites, example Nazis on Jews, make it less deplorable.

All this farming by Afrocentric advocates should get straight to the point. Let’s be serious. Now that the taxpayer funded Caricom is dispatched to procure reparations, how much money are we to get when promptly paid?

Slavery has had a most debilitating impact, not only on the victims physical condition, but it’s the minds which have been most still affected and for many generations, as the aforesaid critics can testify.

In my humble opinion all who participated and were responsible for enslaving Africans must be held accountable, be it the Arab slave traders, European financiers, ship owners, plantation buyers and African tribes. Slave offspring need to move beyond only an apology and calculate the monetary value due.

Horrific crimes committed by race against race deserves due compensation. Still, could there be other means of resolution? When the reparations of satisfaction have been secured and safely deposited in a local Guyana-owned bank, only then would the process of healing, atonement and closure have been fully and completely served for all.

In the meantime, all those innocent victims and descendants of the

1964 Wismar massacre, who also suffered horrific crimes, targeted only by automatic guilt of race, especially from those of our modern civilised creolised society, making it most heinous and outstandingly inhumane, would of course also be due “equality” of justice by expeditious compensation.

In Dwarka Nath’s book, A History of Indians in Guyana , he noted some 1600 Indo Guyanese were assaulted, homes and business looted and set afire, women and children raped and brutalised and their gold and silver jewellery and savings stolen by Afro Guyanese gangs while the police did nothing.

Those Wismar Indians and descendants must urgently file an injunction now, for the record, and start a class-action law suit against the town and citizens of Wismar for adequate compensation. The AFC would no doubt be their best supporters.

Encouragement for such urgent course of justice was sanctioned by no other than Hinds but they, unfortunately, never followed it to conclusion because of more than laziness and indolence, truth be told. Look, it’s not too late you know.

David especially, would be most supportive of reparations for Wismar 1964. In fact, he may also

become monumented by future generations of Guyanese.

That David may be supportive of Wismar reparations should be appreciated if not commended, resolved as he is by choice within the cocooned isolationist past for ultimate self sufficiency emergence of excellence most familiar only to him or whomever.

Claims for adequate reparations, much justified by the ravages of slavery, are understandable and exemplary without any cause to keep any other(s) manacled forever, as is.

Tenant status of Guyana’s native population will find redress, adjustment and closure since justice and “equality” matters are nonrestrictive.

While Portuguese, Indian and Chinese (PIC) long gone indentureship found no foreign fairy godmothers (UK and U.S.) in aid of their own closure and adjustment, they also cannot be expected to be without freedom to be unhitched from agitating problems not of their making or resolution.

Either we swim together federated or develop separately in partition. Hinds sight does not restrict the only way to be free.

Thank you, Vassan Ramracha

Students of Winfer Gardens are intent on this Queen’s College student as she explains her climate change project at the Georgetown leg of the Regional Science Fair on Thursday (Carl Croker photo) (see story on page 16)

Any responsible government will provide critical support for GuySuCo

Dear Editor,

I note the statement from both Messrs David Granger and Carl Greenidge that they intend to vote against the budgeted sum for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). It is unfortunate that APNU has decided on this course of action and it demonstrates that they preplanned to cut the budget in key areas.

GuySuCo has been targeted and I believe that this action is another in a series of actions and expressed intentions that are in keeping with the long history of being antisugar. Just a few weeks ago, they expressed views that GuySuCo should be closed down.

It was only after the backlash of sugar workers and other key stakeholders rejecting their proposal, that they back peddled and claimed that they were speaking of replacing sugar with ethanol.

But the intention of cutting the budget to deny an allocation to GuySuCo is in keeping with their avowed intention of closing sugar. But we will resist such efforts and we will never allow the closure of sugar in Guyana. Yet sugar workers and other stakeholders must not be fooled. APNU’s intention is

clear – they want to close sugar.

As Agriculture Minister, I reject the notion that the $6 billion budgeted for GuySuCo is a bailout or a handout. GuySuCo is too important to the economy of our country and to the lives of thousands of people for us to act recklessly and not ensure that GuySuCo is able to overcome the difficulties that it has been facing for some time now.

The PPP/C Government will stand firm with the sugar workers, the union and the corporation in ensuring that sugar continues to play a positive role in our development.

The welfare and livelihood of more than 18,000 employees and about 120,000 people generally are at stake. The PPP/C Government will not be so uncaring and so reckless as to not consider the welfare of the industry and the people who directly and indirectly depend on it.

In spite of the growth of the economy as a whole, GuySuCo still is one of the largest components of Guyana’s economy, contributing about four per cent of the overall economy. Any responsible Government or political party will need to provide critical support that GuySuCo

requires at this time, not only for the sake of GuySuCo, but also for the sake of the overall economy.

When it comes to the economies of Regions Three, Four, Five and Six, GuySuCo looms even larger and contributes almost 10 to 20 per cent of the economies of these regions. Note that in the past, GuySuCo alone contributed almost 15 per cent of the GDP of Guyana.

We must also take into consideration that on a weekly basis, GuySuCo’s payroll amounts to about $500 million and almost $25 billion per year. With this inflow into the economy, it would be foolish and downright irresponsible for anyone to seek to leave GuySuCo without any support. Furthermore, GuySuCo spends about $15 billion per year on drainage and irrigation, which not only supports the cultivation of sugar cane, but rice benefits in a major way from the drainage and irrigation expenditure of GuySuCo. Similarly, cash crop farmers in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six depend on the drainage and irrigation of GuySuCo.

Moreover, GuySuCo is responsible for significant injections of financial support

to provide health care for workers and people in the communities and for the upkeep of community centres in Regions Three, Four, Five and Six.

GuySuCo’s co-generation has been supplying about 8.5MW of baggasse-based energy to the National Grid from Line Path to Mahaica during the grinding season. This is in direct contrast to the totally fabricated statement from Greenidge that GuySuCo has never provided any energy to the national grid.

We also must recall that GuySuCo almost singlehandedly carried the economy of Guyana during a large part of the 1970s and 80s when the overall economy was in a tailspin. The neglect of the industry by the then PNC Government led to an almost total collapse of the sugar industry by 1990. It is the PPP/C Government that restored the viability of the sugar industry and the industry has exceeded 250,000 tons at least 15 times since 1992.

As it struggles to cope with climate change and the unreasonable price cut by the Europeans, we will ensure that GuySuCo in a short while from now will be able to recover its place as the undisputed giant within Guyana’s

economy. The PPP/C is committed to the strengthening of GuySuCo and we are encouraged that during periods of good weather, GuySuCo demonstrates its ability to meet expectations.

For example, GuySuCo is already approaching 40,000 tons for this crop and as long as the weather remains friendly, GuySuCo should have no difficulties meeting its first crop targets.

I, therefore, reject the callous position of APNU that they will cut the budgetary allocation for GuySuCo. I call on all workers and the Guyanese people to be united in our determination to stop APNU from their efforts to derail our development.

I also reject the hypocrisy of APNU and AFC on the matter of budgetary allocations to GuySuCo. These political parties have previously stated that the Government of Guyana (GoG) should allocate the total sum that the EU provided under the sugar protocol as a support because of the cut in sugar price since 2009.

Government has allocated sums in excess of what the EU has provided in sugar support. Yet now we see APNU promising to cut the budget-

ary allocation for GuySuCo. It demonstrates that they speak with a forked tongue and they never had the welfare of the sugar workers at heart.

I welcome the opportunity to work with GAWU to account for the expenditure towards GuySuCo. I note the call from GAWU to clarify the Government’s allocation to GuySuCo. I am inviting GAWU to a meeting to discuss the matter and clear up any misunderstanding that they might have. I am certain that GAWU will be satisfied that the GoG has surpassed sums from the EU as payments to GuySuCo. I am confident that together, the GoG and GuySuCo will weather the storm. I am certain that beginning in 2014, GuySuCo will begin a rapid accent towards our goal of 300,000, then 400,000 and 450,000 tons of sugar by 2020. In the meantime, we urge all Guyanese to act sensibly and to protect Guyana’s economy by ensuring that we continue to work with GuySuCo to overcome the difficulties it presently faces.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy Agriculture Minister

Rice farmers have struggled to make ends meet without subsidies

Dear Editor,

Looking at the Essequibo Coast rice farmers picketing in front of Parliament and speaking with the leaders of the main Opposition leaders David Granger and Khemraj Ramjattan, it is a clear case that the Government and the Agriculture Ministry have no interest in their welfare.

The rice farmers were not receiving money for themselves and their families to offset their expenses. Many of them worked long and backbreaking hours in the fields. Most of them are very poor.

The rice farmers have always struggled to make ends meet without any subsidies. For them, especially the poorer farmers, the Guyana

Rice Producers Association (GRPA) and the Guyana Rice Development Board ( GRDB) have lost their importance and relevance to their daily battles and victories for better conditions to their daily battles and victories for better conditions of work and livelihood.

The reasons are all evident – lack of firm conviction and action by the Government during the past decades. It is apposite to mention that the GRPA and GRDB have no say in decision-making with the Government and the Agriculture Ministry. It would therefore be advisable for policy makers of the rice industry to give special considerations to the farmer’s demands.

All the rice growing regions were affected by the low prices paid for a bag of paddy. The worst affected area is Region Two. The rice farmers of this region, in this oppressive period, are consistently caught in an inescapable net of exploitation.

The Government, in order to encourage production, must see that the farmers received the $300 million outstanding debts, for which all were post-dated cheques. Money for the farmers is quite literally the starting point for farmers. As such, its importance cannot be over-stated.

However, farmers find themselves at a disadvantage from the outset. Often farmers suffer from inade-

quate access to quality seed paddy, fertilisers and insecticides at a price they can afford.

The requirements for the banks finance under the facility are too stringent – identification card or passport, passport size photograph, financial statements, statements of outstanding debts, proof of equity, contribution (bank statement), quotations when fixed assets will be purchased. All collateral provided will be valued by the banks or a third parties in collaboration with the banks.

Some farmers do not own the land, they are simply renting from their parents or people who are unable to work it to feed their families, so these requirements

will be very difficult to meet for a loan.

The system gives weight to the rice millers. All attempts to reform the unfair system have been resisted by the millers.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan

Page Foundation

BY ANNIE MURPHY PAUL

Third, students’ subsequent memory of what they’re working on will be impaired if their attention is divided. Although we often assume that our memories fail at the moment we can’t recall a fact or concept, the failure may actually have occurred earlier, at the time we originally saved, or encoded, the memory. The moment of encoding is what matters most for retention, and dozens of laboratory studies have demonstrated that when our attention is divided during encoding, we remember that piece of information less well – or not at all. As the unlucky student spotlighted by Rosen can attest, we can’t remember something that never really entered our consciousness in the first place. And a study last month showed that students who multitask on laptops in class distract not just themselves but also their peers who see what they’re doing.

Fourth, some research has suggested that when we’re distracted, our brains actually process and store information in different, less useful ways. In a 2006 study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Russell Poldrack of the University of TexasAustin and two colleagues asked participants to engage in a learning activity on a computer while also

carrying out a second task, counting musical tones that sounded while they worked. Study subjects who did both tasks at once appeared to learn just as well as subjects who did the first task by itself. But upon further probing, the former group proved much less adept at extending and extrapolating their new knowledge to novel contexts – a key capacity that psychologists call transfer.

Brain scans taken during Poldrack’s experiment revealed that different regions of the brain were active under the two conditions, indicating that the brain engages in a different

beginning to demonstrate that media multitasking while learning is negatively associated with students’ grades. In Rosen’s study, students who used Facebook during the 15-minute observation period had lower grade-point averages than those who didn’t go on the site. And two recent studies by Reynol Junco, a faculty associate at

plete schoolwork may tax students’ capacity for cognitive processing and preclude deeper learning,” writes Junco and a co-author. (Of course, it’s also plausible that the texting and Facebooking students are those with less willpower or motivation, and thus likely to have lower GPAs even aside from their use of technology.)

form of memory when forced to pay attention to two streams of information at once. The results suggest, the scientists wrote, that “even if distraction does not decrease the overall level of learning, it can result in the acquisition of knowledge that can be applied less flexibly in new situations.”

Finally, researchers are

Harvard’s Berkman Centre for Internet and Society, found that texting and using Facebook – in class and while doing homework – were negatively correlated with college students’ GPAs. “Engaging in Facebook use or texting while trying to com-

Helping children prioritise Meyer, of the University of Michigan, worries that the problem goes beyond poor grades. “There’s a definite possibility that we are raising a generation that is learning more shallowly than young people in the past,” he says. “The depth of their processing of information is considerably less, because of all the distractions available to them as they learn.”

Given that these distractions aren’t going away, academic and even professional achievement may depend on the ability to ignore digital temptations while learning –

a feat akin to the famous marshmallow test. In a series of experiments conducted more than 40 years ago, Psychologist Walter Mischel tempted young children with a marshmallow, telling them they could have two of the treats if they put off eating one right away. Follow-up studies performed years later found that the children who were better able to delay gratification not only achieved higher grades and test scores but were also more likely to succeed in school and their careers.

Two years ago, Rosen and his colleagues conducted an informationage version of the marshmallow test. College students who participated in the study were asked to watch a 30-minute videotaped lecture, dur- ing which some were sent eight text messages while others were sent four or zero text messages. Those who were interrupted more often scored worse on a test of the lecture’s content; more interestingly, those who responded to the experimenters’ texts right away scored significantly worse than those participants who

waited to reply until the lecture was over.

This ability to resist the lure of technology can be consciously cultivated, Rosen maintains. He advises students to take “tech breaks” to satisfy their cravings for electronic communication: After they’ve laboured on their schoolwork uninterrupted for 15 minutes, they can allow themselves two minutes to text, check websites, and post to their hearts’ content. Then the devices get turned off for another 15 minutes of academics.

Over time, Rosen says, students are able to extend their working time to 20, 30, even 45 minutes, as long as they know that an opportunity to get online awaits. “Young people’s technology use is really about quelling anxiety,” he contends. “They don’t want to miss out. They don’t want to be the last person to hear some news, or the ninth person to ‘like’ someone’s post.” Device-checking is a compulsive behaviour that must be managed, he says, if young people are to learn and perform at their best.

Rideout, Director of the Kaiser study on children and media use, sees an upside for parents in the new focus on multitasking while learning. “The good thing about this phenomenon is that it’s a relatively discrete behaviour that parents actually can do something about,” she says. “It would be hard to enforce a total ban on media multitasking, but parents can draw a line when it comes to homework and studying – telling their children, ‘This is a time when you will concentrate on just one thing.’ ” Parents shouldn’t feel like ogres when they do so, she adds. “It’s important to remember that while a lot of children do media multitask while doing homework, a lot of them don’t. One out of five children in our study said they ‘never’ engage in other media while doing homework, and another one in five said they do so only ‘a little bit.’ This is not some universal norm that students and parents can’t buck. This is not an unreasonable thing to ask of your child.”

So here’s the takeaway for parents of Generation M: Stop fretting about how much they’re on Facebook. Don’t harass them about how much they play video games. The digital native boosters are right that this is the social and emotional world in which young people live. Just make sure when they’re doing schoolwork, the cellphones are silent, the video screens are dark, and that every last window is closed but one. (blog.kqed.org)

Budget must be given free passage – Ramotar urges

By Alexis Rodney

President Donald Ramotar has said that the $220 billion National Budget that was presented in the National Assembly on Monday reflects the humanitarian side of the Government and it must be given “free passage” without any conflict.

The combined Opposition has already declared that the budget debates will be difficult, while warning that there will be cuts. The Head of State told media operatives that this year’s budget covers the broadest crosssection of the Guyanese people, when one takes into consideration the many issues that have been addressed.

Ramotar, speaking about the various measures, related that much emphasis has been placed on creating a conducive environment for continued social and economic growth in the country. He noted that the hefty allocation to the social sector will deal with several issues. He said the Administration was still seeking to develop

the country’s human capital, pointing out that education in this age is crucial. “The giving of money for children for transportation for them to go to school is vital to ensure that we keep our children in school and that they study. And that, of course, adds to the several measures we’ve had in the past,” the President said, pointing to the $10,000 per child initiative announced in this year’s budget. The money will go to the parents of children who are attending public schools.

Infrastructural development

The President pointed to the increase in Old Age Pension, which, according to him, is in addition to the subsidies in water and electricity. Such things, he said, are very important when considering the improvement in the quality of life for the vulnerable in society.

President Ramotar spoke of Government’s investment in the Specialty Hospital, which, according to him, represents its interest in the country’s health. He not-

WPA has evidence...

Rodney immediately joined the small groups that were protesting his non-appointment at the University, Ogunseye recalled.

“Walter had just returned and it was his first speech. He was talking about the lower class and the educated. He made the case that those like him, who had become intellectuals had done so on the basis of the sweat and sacrifices of the broad majority of the working people, the farmers and so on, and they must see themselves as servant of the working people and used their skills and knowledge to help improve the livelihood of the working people,” said Ogunseye.

He said Rodney lived with that attitude until the day of his death. He said he was the kind of person who had a genuine interest in people’s lives. “Of course, he was one of my students in karate, but he was always that kind of person; very humble,” Ogunseye said with a broad smile.

Atrocities

Ogunseye said he, along with several other individuals, were very outspoken about the atrocities being carried out by the then-Burnham Government. This, he said, did not sit well with the leader of the day.

He said the WPA was formed as an alliance of four organisations ACRIA, IPRA,

ed that opportunities that are usually afforded to the wealthy will be available to all.

Speaking to infrastructural development, Ramotar reported that major work is yet to be done on the many roads and bridges. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project, he said, will help to build new industries, broaden the base for revenues, and expand opportunities in the tourism sector. Focus is also being placed on drainage and irrigation in the country, so as to enhance the agricultural sector.

“Generally, we have been focusing on all the major areas for development and we will be coming up with new initiatives: increase the productivity in the rural areas, we’d be looking at urban development, cleaner environment in the city and the countryside,” the President continued. “I think this is an extremely good budget, because it reflects our position of working very hard to develop our human resources, while, at the same time,

RATOON, and WPVP a few years before Rodney returned to Guyana. He stressed that the WPA was already formed, but became a political party when Rodney joined.

He recalled also the “Referendum Five”, a group including Walter Rodney, Rupert Roopnaraine and Karen De Souza, who were accused of burning a PNC office on Camp Street. Roopnaraine, Rodney, and another person were later charged and placed in the lock-ups for that crime, which they maintained they did not commit.

Unfortunate

Addressing the current issues with the WPA and the non-response from the President, Ogunseye said it is rather unfortunate that the Government would operate in such a manner.

He said it was unfortunate too that Rodney’s wife, Patricia Rodney would make such a decision to exclude the party after they had jointly called for the establishment of the Commission.

“We have such a strong interest in it just as she would have as a wife and family. But you can’t separate the politics from it. We are, in fact, on record saying that we hoped an Inquiry would lead to reconciliation in the country and political healing. That was the last thing we discussed.”

creating the physical conditions for more rapid economic and social development of our country.”

Exercise consideration President Ramotar reiterated that the many measures of the budget will, in every way, impact people’s lives. He hopes that the Opposition would exercise consideration when making their decisions. “I would hope that we would begin looking at the interest of all our people. If we take that standpoint, it is very difficult for me to see how the Opposition would want to do such. If I were in their position, I would have wanted more, but to vote against it seems to be a way of af-

fecting people’s lives.” The President says he is an optimist and believes that there will be no such action from the Opposition. The multibillion-dollar budget was on Monday presented to the National Assembly by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh who announced that a $6 billion injection was proposed for the troubled sugar industry, along with a five per cent hike in Old Age Pension and the increasing of the electricity subsidy for pensioners from $20,000 to $30,000.

There were no new taxes nor any tax relief announced, but the budget proposed an annual $10,000 grant for each child attend-

ing public school and a $500 million boost to make the rice industry more competitive. The budget, which surpassed last year’s $208.8 billion, was presented under the theme: “A Better Guyana For All Guyanese”. Dr Singh also announced that the economy is projected to expand by 5.6 per cent in 2014, with the non-sugar economy projected to grow by 5.2 per cent. He told the National Assembly that the inflation rate is pegged at five per cent compared to 0.9 per cent last year, the lowest rate in decades.

Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.2 per cent last year while the non-sugar GDP rose by 6.3 per cent.

The combined Opposition has already declared that the budget debates will be difficult, as seen in this Guyana Times file photo, the Opposition stages one of their many walkout protests

Man, 37, fined for chocolate theft

A37-year-old man on Thursday pleaded guilty to stealing two packages of Cadbury chocolate on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan.

Michael Ashby, of Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Greater Georgetown, who was charged with simple larceny, admitted to taking the chocolates valued $1500, property of Shell Gas Station at Regent and King Streets, on March 26.

Police Prosecutor De Niro Jones told the court that on the day in question at 13:33h, the defendant went into the supermarket and stole the items mentioned. He was seen by a staff who raised an alarm. The Prosecutor went on to say that Ashby tried to escape on foot, but he was apprehended by public-spir-

Woman prevented Police Constable from doing job−court hears

Dited persons and the items were recovered on his person. The matter was reported and the defendant was arrested.

Ashby was fined the sum of $30,000 with an alternative sentence of five months’ imprisonment.

Gas station thief fined

Eyew tness Spinning tall tales...

...in sugar

acia April, 24, who was charged with obstructing a Police Constable in the execution of his duties, appeared before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. April, of Lot 146 Cooper Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge against her.

March 20 at Cooper Street, the defendant obstructed Constable 18811 Griffith from doing his job.

AIt is alleged that on

The defendant was granted bail in the sum of $15,000. The matter was adjourned until April 8.

Taxi drivers charged for unlawful assault

Two men were brought before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for unlawful assault committed on each other.

Mark Allen, 32, of Lot 141 Dhanraj Street, Newton, Georgetown and Uhaul Abdool, 48, of Lot 317 East Street,

North Cummingsburg, Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the charges. It is alleged that on March 5 at Lot 317 East Street, Allen unlawfully and maliciously damaged the spectacles of Abdool and unlawfully and maliciously assaulted the man. Abdool is alleged to have also unlawfully assaulted

Allen.

The court was told that the men are known to each other since they share an employee-employer relationship at the Crown Cabs Taxi Service.

Bail was granted in the sum of $40,000 for Abdool and $60,000 for Allen. The matter is scheduled to be recalled on April 8.

welder accused of larceny appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan charged with larceny.

Dereck Persaud, 53, a welder by profession, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on March 25 at Regent and King Streets, he stole one tyre gel valued $1540 and one bottle of Ovaltine valued $1245, property of Shell Gas Station.

Police Prosecutor De Niro Jones told the court that on the day in question around 13:00h, the defendant went into the supermarket where he stole the said articles and tried to make good his escape, but he was apprehended by the guard on duty. A report was made and the accused was then told of the offence and arrested. Jones also noted the accused has been convicted for a similar offence at Bounty Supermarket and served some 14 months in prison.

Jones then objected to bail owing to the nature and gravity of the offence.

The defendant was fined $40,000, with an alternative sentence of six months’ imprisonment.

Tattoo artist remanded on robbery charge

Regan Ramiah, 27, of Lot 42 Campbellville, Georgetown on Thursday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan on a robbery charge.

It is alleged that on March 24 at Campbellville, the defendant, along with another person, robbed Ishwardine Singh of $45,000.

The defendant, who told the court that he is a selfemployed tattoo artist, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Prosecutor De Niro Jones objected to bail, citing the nature and gravity of the offence and the penalties attached. He also noted that violence was used during the robbery.

Bail was refused and the defendant is expected to make another court appearance on April 9.

APNU and their sugar daddy Tony Vieira are still struggling to extricate their foot from their mouth about their take on the sugar industry. They want to convince us that when they said they’ll close down the sugar estates to get out of sugar and get into tilapia, that didn’t mean they were going to close down the sugar industry. Clear as mud? Maybe after Vieira bankrupted his TV station and had to hock it, he discovered a way to turn tilapia into sugar, while he was bumming around in Florida?

Because if you’re not producing sugar we don’t see how you can have a “sugar industry”. That means the sugar industry is closed, kaput, finished, no? Still “no”... according to Vieira and APNU. Another tack they’ve taken (and boy, have they had to tack and turn!!!) is to say what they meant was that if all the sugar land’s used to produce tilapia, no one would be fired? Really? 18,000 persons producing tilapia? That’ll be like every worker having his personal tilapia. Maybe Vieira is thinking about goldfishes?

But Vieira has another arrow in his quiver...ethanol. Don’t produce sugar, he says...produce ethanol!! Now the biggest challenge the sugar industry faces is getting people to cut the cane. What’s going to make it different with ethanol?? The cane still has to be cut and transported to factories, no? Now don’t suggest that higher wages for cane cutters might bring them back to the canefields – even though they’ve now seen the bright lights in construction.

Vieira and APNU have long railed about the “astronomical” wages of sugar workers for the last two decades. They’re not going down that road! Or trench. But the biggest piffle that Vieira spouts is from his presumption that producing ethanol doesn’t have a cost component.

He goes on at a rate about not actually transforming the sugar cane juice into solid sugar and this step will generate all the savings. So how’s he going to distill the ethanol from the solution? By chewing the sugar cane and spitting it out? That’s Paiwari! Does he know the cost of distilleries? And that the centrifuges they’ll replace are less expensive. What a loser!

But we don’t have more time to waste on these pie in the sky ramblings of Vieira. We wonder what’s the take of Roopnaraine on all this grandstanding? Isn’t he the Shadow Minister of Agriculture? We know he’s a shadow of his old self nowadays...but still...he has to earn his keep, no?

Two duty free concessions on his SUVs got to be worth at least $10 million, no?

...on development

David Hinds is another pie-in-the-sky artist. Seems he’s had to give up WPA – folks feel he and the other three remaining geezers in the group should be singing their swan song. That’s sayonara. Goodbye. Au revoir and goodbye. But like a bad penny, Hinds has popped up again. This time promising development to African Guyanese who’ve been left out of the rising tide of economic development over the past five years.

Now we believe that there are African Guyanese who’re in this position. Just like some Indian Guyanese or Amerindian Guyanese or Chinese Guyanese or whoever. No one’s claimed poverty’s been wiped out in this land of ours. Things have become better, sure...but as even in America, the land of milk and honey, there’s pockets of poverty.

But Hinds been singing this song for close to two decades now. He needs a new gig.

...on marginalisation

Remember Hinds long and daily “marginalisation” letters in the press a few years back. What we’d like to know is if Hinds had the answers for so long, why hasn’t he done anything about it yet? Is it because he only drops in to Guyana when he’s on vacation from his teaching position in the States?

Tax Reform Committee to wind up work – Ramotar U.S.-based Guyanese killed in minibus accident

A58-year-old U.S.-based Guyanese was killed on Wednesday evening in Essequibo after he was struck down by a minibus as he was crossing the road. The accident occurred around 20:00h at Greenwich Park Public Road, East Bank Essequibo.

The dead man has been identified as Mohan Lall of Queens, New York City. The man is reported to have sustained several injuries about his body, including to his head, hands, and feet.

According to a police statement, ranks are investigating the accident. “Investigations have revealed that Mohan Lall is alleged to have attempted to cross the roadway and was struck down by a minibus. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Leonora Cottage Hospital,” the police stated.

Guyana Times understands that Lall came into the country to conduct some personal business and was staying at a family friend at Lot 7 Greenwich Park. This newspaper visited the family and one of its members, Halima Mohamed, related that the man had been staying with them for the past six weeks after he came to do some renovation works on his home located across the road.

The distraught woman noted that the man had gone across to check on his house, but took a long time to return, causing her to get a bit worried. “I tell my husband ‘Mohan ain’t come back yet’ and as soon as I say that, we hear the hard impact and everybody run out and I see he pitch and come till in front by we,” she recalled.

Mohamed told this newspaper that the bus was speeding, since it hit Lall and he ended up several feet away from the point of impact.

The woman recounted that after realising the accident victim was Lall, she immediately alerted her hus-

band and told him to bring out the vehicle so they can take him to the hospital.

“Neighbours start come out and by the time we take out the vehicle, we hear they say he dead, we couldn’t do anything, so we call the police,” she noted.

Mohamed further told this newspaper that after a while they took Lall to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival. The woman pointed out that the bus driver stopped after hitting Lall, but rather than rendering assistance, he caught another vehicle and reportedly went to the police station.

The grieving woman disclosed that Lall had got into an accident years ago and was badly injured. He was hospitalised for months and steel was inserted into his right leg, she added.

Mohamed noted that they have informed Lall’s family in the U.S. and they are waiting for funeral arrangements to be made.

Lall’s body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Parlour awaiting a post-mortem examination, which is expected to be conducted today. He leaves to mourn his wife, daughter, and other relatives. Meanwhile, the driver of the minibus has been taken into custody and has been assisting with the investigation.

President Donald Ramotar on Thursday said the Committee that was set up in late 2011 to review Guyana’s tax system is in the process of concluding its work.

The Committee has been working closely with experts from an overseas university, Ramotar told a news conference at his office. The Head of State said the work of this body will advise the Government on the way forward with regards to the tax system.

“Tax is the lifeblood of government revenue, so it has to be handled very carefully and not in a piecemeal manner,” he said.

Shortly after his inauguration, President Ramotar initiated the three-man Committee comprising former Guyana Power and Light Chairman Ronald Ali, Banks DIH Chairman Clifford Reis, and Economist, Dr Cyril Solomon. It is the mandate of the Committee to complete a comprehensive tax review, but a report which has the power to transform the country’s economic landscape is still pending.

Reducing tax burden

The “Ramotar Committee” is not the first attempt by the Government to overhaul the tax system. Back in 2009, the Government, through the Guyana Threshold Implementation Project, undertook a comprehensive tax review covering almost all tax areas.

The review examined the implementation of the tax system and suggested recommendations for improvements. It was in keeping with this project that the Tax Reform Committee was established with the task of examining the reports and making recommendations on behalf of the Government.

The principal aim of the review was to identify and recommend for consid-

eration measures to bring Guyana’s tax rates in line with other countries and simultaneously support growth by attracting investment, while substantially broadening the tax base so as to reduce the burden, especially on low income and vulnerable groups.

Shortly before the presentation of the budget, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President Clinton

Urling told Guyana Times in an interview: “We were excited and we were elated when the Government made the announcement that this Committee would have investigated the taxes, but our disappointment comes when two years later, we don’t have direct information or reports emanating from that Committee,” Urling said.

Nevertheless, the GCCI remains optimistic that a comprehensive holistic tax code review will be submitted, benefiting all tiers of society. Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, in presenting last year’s National Budget, had proposed a reduction in the rate of Income Tax from 33.3 per cent to 30 per cent; a request which was approved by the National Assembly under Section 36 of the Income Tax Act.

But Urling argued that this was not enough, contending that the matter can no longer be dealt with in a piecemeal, fragmented and

sporadic manner.

Over the years, some stakeholders, including Opposition political parties, have called for the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT), which stands at 16 per cent, but according to the GCCI President, such a move would have serious implications.

“If we just reduce VAT without considering the other taxes, there will a major short fall in revenues. How would the country recoup the losses?”

Rather than reducing VAT, Urling believes that there should be a further reduction in the Income Tax threshold, in addition to Corporation Tax.

“Reduced income taxes and corporate taxes… could result in consumers having a higher disposable income… if we could drop income taxes from the current 30 per cent to 15-10 per cent, it means the average worker would take home more money.”

Dead: Mohan Lall

President Donald Ramotar

Govt, resident differ on rundown state of Port Kaituma Hospital

Government and a prominent resident of Port Kaituma, North West District are at odds over the actual state of the community’s hospital.

Speaking with Guyana Times, former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) member and resident of the area, Richard Allen stated that despite the fact that Government claims to be spending millions of dollars to upgrade health facilities across the country, the Port Kaituma Hospital has been in a state of neglect for over one year now and residents will not take the issue lightly if the situation persists.

Allen related that the hospital has been faced with electricity woes for a number of years even though the authorities have been notified.

Subsequently, standby generators were procured for the hospital by

the Government and these had proven to be effective in the daily operations.

However, due to the use of tainted fuel and other contributing factors, the generators; two in number, reportedly ceased to function since early last year.

During attempts to get the generators up and running, it was found that several parts had to be re-

placed and these findings were sent to the regional authorities who reportedly forwarded them to officials in Georgetown. To date, however, the hospital is still awaiting the parts.

Allen told this publication that the hospital has reached the point where medications are no longer kept in the hospital’s pharmacy, but rather in the refrigerator of a private resident in the area.

“The residents are being helpful and they are assisting in whatever way they can but for how long will this be tolerated? I definitely think that it has the reached breaking point and we will not sit quietly,” he stated.

Purchase ice

He said the fridges in the mortuary are also reportedly defective and residents are usually asked to purchase ice for the storage of the bodies of their loved ones.

As if this was not enough, the former MP said doctors and nurses are at their wits end as they struggle to conduct surgical procedures with no form of lighting.

“The doctors are required to use torch lights and cellphone lights for even major surgeries in the hospital’s theatre,” Allen related, noting that despite claims made by persons that the hospital had received several rechargeable lamps, this was not the case. He claimed that he had seen the donations for himself and it was four battery-operated, non-rechargeable lamps.

“When a serious case comes in and requires surgery, all the staff on duty have to be involved. The nurses are required to hold flashlights and their cellphones for the doctors to operate and in having to do that, there is no one

free to attend to those who come in during the time of surgery. They cannot access health care unless the surgery is over and the doctors and nurses are free to assist them. This should not be and it will not be tolerated,” the man complained.

Allen stated that he is contemplating writing to Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran to find out what is being done to address the issue, and will not sit and wait on the Government. Contacted on the issue, acting Local Government and Regional Development Minister Norman Whittaker stated that contrary to residents’ belief, the Ministry is doing everything in its power to ensure that the generators are up and running as soon as possible.

24-hour electricity

“The area has 24 hours supply of electricity. It is only when there is a blackout that the hospital has an issue. However, the parts needed for the smaller generator are on their way to the hospital and should reach there before the end of the week,” he stated.

“Secondly, let me say that the parts for the larger generator are not available locally and all efforts are being made to source these internationally,” the Minister related.

Just recently, residents from the village of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara began complaining bitterly about

Only

two

people don’t

wanna clean up GT

Guvament wanna clean up GT de garbage town. People at de E-Pee-A wanna clean up GT. Even people who does live and sleep pun de streets does help clean up GT. De whole country wanna clean up GT. But it got just two people who don’t wanna clean up GT.

Minister Norman wanna clean up GT. Minister Robert wanna clean up GT. Overseas Guyanese who does come fuh holiday wanna clean up GT. Foreigners who ain’t born in GT wanna clean up GT. But it got just two people who don’t wanna clean up GT.

Taxi drivers wanna clean up GT. Minibus drivers wanna clean up GT, even though dem and dem passengers does throw out cups and food boxes pun de road. People who don’t come to GT wanna see a clean GT. But it got just two people who don’t wanna clean up GT.

School pickney wanna go to school in a clean GT. Street vendors wanna sell pun clean streets in GT. Traffic policemen wanna control traffic pun clean roads in GT. Drivers wanna keep dem cars clean in GT. But it got just two people who don’t wanna clean up GT. Guvament givin money to clean up GT. India givin money to clean up GT. Brazil givin money to clean up GT. South Africa givin money to clean up GT. UNDP helpin to clean up GT. Businessmen does clean up GT. But it got just two people who don’t wanna clean up GT.

People who don’t live in GT wanna come to a clean GT. Trot Man wanna clean up GT, even if is only around de House. People by a market and pun Waterloo Street want de guvament to clean up GT, never mind dem ain’t pay taxes. But it got just two people who don’t wanna clean up GT.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling…friend tell friend…mattie tell mattie! And dem two people seh no amount a money can’t clean up GT. Well, is time fuh clean out dem same two people from GT. A Green-free GT gon be a clean GT.

the condition of the community’s health centre. It was reported that visitors to the health centre had to return home on many occasions due to the fact that sterile bandages, cotton wool or water to clean and dress wounds were not available at the facility.

Dr Ramsaran had in a response stated that his Ministry is currently working to develop all of its health care facilities,

including the district hospitals across the regions, but it will take some time before works can be done on all of them.

Minister Whittaker also addressed this issue and stated that the Ministry was not aware of the issue until it was published by Guyana Times He noted, however, that measures are being put in place and will soon be implemented to tackle the issues of the health centre.

Acting Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker

Former APNU MP Richard Allen

Man assaulted by GRA officer still awaiting justice $414M budgeted for GPHC

Several weeks after he was reportedly assaulted and accused of being an assassin by a high ranking Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) official, Robert Pearson said he is still awaiting justice from the authorities.

Pearson contended that he is not satisfied with the investigations being mounted by both the GRA and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on the issue.

In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Pearson related that he has made several visits to the Brickdam Police Station, Georgetown to enquire about the investigations, but has not received any positive answer.

He explained that on his last visit to the police station, he was informed by a rank investigating the matter that the police have received two statements from the GRA, and are awaiting two other statements before wrapping up their investigations.

Pearson added that he has also made visits to the GRA at the request of the two “managers” investigating the incident. They took statements from him but are yet to positively inform him of any developments in their probe.

Pearson said he has since

made contact with his attorney, whom he identified as Senior Council Bernard DeSantos, and was advised to give both parties (GRA and GPF) an additional seven days to complete their investigations before embarking on legal action.

The young father who was assaulted early in the month maintained that if the investigation by the police is not done on time, he will adhere to his lawyer’s advice and file the lawsuit.

Wrongfully accused

In an interview shortly after his release from police custody, the young man said he was wrongfully assaulted and was accused of wanting to kill a high ranking GRA official. Pearson said he is fearful for his life and the security of his family after the GRA official threatened him with a gun.

The young man explained that he had gone to the Camp Street location to enquire about a business operating at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara when the incident occurred.

The 22-year-old man claimed that he was sent to meet a GRA official (name given) to discuss the matter. Pearson said he got the shock of his life when the senior GRA official accused

Robert Pearson

him of being part of a plot to assassinate him.

He alleged that the official drew a gun and threatened to kill him if he did not tell him, who sent him to assassinate him (the official). The young man, who had marks of violence on his face, alleged too that he was dragged out of the building and accused of taking pictures of the man’s vehicle.

He said GRA officials placed him in a vehicle and drove to the police station without telling his mother what had transpired.

He related that while in the vehicle, the men threatened to take him at the back of the “Gardens” and break his arms and legs.

The Government of Guyana has budgeted $414 million for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). If approved by the National Assembly, the money will facilitate capital projects.

From the grand total, $150 million has been set aside for the construction and rehabilitation projects within the facility which started in 2013.

The roll over projects include completion of the inpatient facility, extension of the maternity building and construction of the decontamination facility, operat-

ing theatre and the Intensive Care Unit. Provisions have been made for a waste processing facility while the kitchen floor will be renovated. Collectively, the projects cost a whopping $202.945 million with $52.945 million already being spent in 2013.

Meanwhile, $8 million has been budgeted for an ambulance. GPHC currently has a fleet of six ambulances with two recently being supplied by the Health Ministry.

With seven ambulances in operation, it is expected that the paramedic service of the public health institu-

tion will be enhanced. Meanwhile, $114 million has been budgeted for equipment. The project includes the purchase of a chiller, condensing unit, centrifuge, knife sharpener, tissue processor, generator and microtome and accessories. Additionally, $142 million was set aside for the purchase of medical equipment, including the purchase of an X-ray machine, mammography system, uretero-renoscope with accessories, blood gas analysers, laser equipment and surgical instruments.

Government has set aside $414 million for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) this year

GRDB finalising Venezuela rice shipment

Agriculture

Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said a team from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is in Venezuela to finalise shipment of some 200,000 tonnes of rice to the neighbouring country.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Thursday morning, the Minister confirmed that the shipment will begin as soon as arrangements are finalised between the two nations.

Dr Ramsammy also disclosed that last week shipment began and another shipment has left for Haiti. The commodity is also being shipped to Jamaica, Europe and Trinidad, among other countries.

The Minister said he is optimistic that by now to August, some 200,000 to 250,000 tonnes of rice from the first crop would be exported.

There have been a lot of talks about the 120,000 tonnes of paddy which was left over from the last crop. However, the Minister made it crystal clear that it is normal for a quantity of rice to remain since all the rice that comes in November and December will become stocks at hand.

“Most of that has been shipped out of the country and I expect that this year we will export between 470,000 to 490,000 tonnes,” Dr Ramsammy said.

He said too that more rice is being consumed locally, and citizens should not be fearful of eating too much of the staple.

Guyana utilises about 100,000 tonnes of rice annually.

Meeting with millers

On a different note, the Minister disclosed that he will again meet with millers, and it will not be only on prices, but timely payments to farmers.

“I will continue to work with them,” he assured.

On a different note, the Minister related that rice is one of the largest export businesses in Guyana, and like all other exports, prices will fluctuate.

“Rice is a commodity people have to buy, we are not growing rice in Guyana for our own self, we grow rice mainly for export and this is a business and prices will fluctuate like another commodity and we have to manage our business in such a way that when the price goes up, we use that profit in a stabilising way so that when there is a decline, we are able to manage it,” he said, noting that Guyana must consider things like crop financing, insurance and stabilisation funds.

Dr Ramsammy said rice harvesting is ongoing, and in the coming weeks, there will be an increase in activities at both the rice fields and mills.

“I am glad that some of the millers have responded to my appeal to increase the price for the farmers’ yield,” he said.

According to the Minister, the Hacks brothers in Region Six have increased their price from $3200 to $3500 per bag, and other rice millers across the country are do-

ing the same. He reiterated that there is no valid reason for the price of paddy to be vastly different from the last crop.

However, Rice Producers Association (RPA) President Leekah Rambrich told this publication that he thinks millers can still do better, while noting that farmers are grateful for the increase in payments.

Farmers have been asking for $3500 per bag of paddy from the millers.

Statistics workshops to focus on ICT, Environment

The Environment and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) will be the focus of separate workshops that will be held in St Vincent and the Grenadines in early April.

The workshops, hosted by the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat will deal with statistics and indicators in both sectors, and are funded by the European Union (EU) under the 10th European Development Fund (10th EDF), Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) and Economic Integration Programme.

The two-day Caricom workshop on environment statistics will be convened in collaboration with the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) on April 7 in Kingstown, St Vincent.

The forum will bring together a cross-section of member states to review the environment statistics and indicators submitted to the Caricom Secretariat focusing on thematic areas with significant data gaps.

One of the main areas of focus will be the comparability of data as efforts continue to harmonise en-

vironment statistics. It is expected that participants will be able to share their country's experiences in environment data collection, compilation and dissemination, and establish a network of environment statisticians among member states.

The second Caricom workshop on the Development of Caribbean Specific Information and Communication Technologies Statistics and Indicators will be held April 9-11, also in Kingstown.

It will explore Caribbean specific ICT themes, indica-

tors and metadata in areas such as poverty alleviation, agriculture, the environment, information literacy, governance, security and health.

Participants will also receive an update on the Regional Digital Development Strategy and the role statistics will play in it.

This would be the second Caricom workshop on the Development of Caribbean Specific Information and Communication Technologies Statistics and Indicators.

Teen critical after falling into pit

A17-year-old Amerindian boy is now in critical condition after he fell into a mining pit on Thursday.

The injured teenager has been identified as Kenny Rupert of the Amerindian Community of Jawalla in Region Seven. According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the incident occurred around 15:30h at the mining community of Abau, which is located close to Imbaimadai. Rupert has reportedly sustained severe injuries to his neck.

The uncle of the injured teen, Eugene Rupert, told this newspaper that his nephew was working at the mining pit where the incident occurred. He related that the teenager was standing at the outside edge of the pit when the ground caved in, caus-

ing him to fall into the pit.

The distraught man explained that his nephew might have fallen on his head since he sustained serious neck injuries. He noted that at the time there were other workers in the pit and they took him out and rushed him to the Imbaimadai Health Centre.

After the teenager was seen by medical staff there, he was flown to city and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and remain in critical condition. The elder Rupert disclosed that since the incident occurred, his nephew has not regained consciousness and it appears as though his condition had deteriorated during the flight to the city.

The Environment and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) will be the focus of separate workshops to be held in St Vincent and the Grenadines in early April

Guyana, by August, is expected to ship between 200,000 and 250,000 tonnes of rice from the first crop

Mother kills children, allegedly attempts suicide

By Svetlana MarShall and vahnu Manikchand

A21-year-old woman allegedly killed her two children by giving them a poisonous substance on Thursday night at their Perth, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara Home.

Dead are: one-year-old

Rutherford.

After collecting the two children, Rutherford took a minibus to Georgetown. There she would join another bus operating the Berbice route. She reportedly bought the tablets somewhere in the vicinity of the Plaisance Bus Park.

Relatives are unclear what might have led Rutherford to kill her children, although there are reports that she and her children’s father had been having problems.

This newspaper was

told that the man – Jabari Cadogan Sr had been making arrangements to facilitate the children migrating to the United States with him and this did not go down well with Rutherford who felt that she was going to be left out of her children’s lives.

“I don’t know what could cause her to do this. She wasn’t a wild girl, but this is pure wickedness. That’s the only thing I could see,” one of the aunts said tearfully.

Offering another pos-

sible reason, Rutherford’s cousin explained to Guyana Times that she had a relationship with a man in Sophia who constantly abused her.

Another relative said she was convinced that Rutherford did not drink any poison. “Just how I saw her today, that just how she looking in that hospital. Nothing is wrong with her, is tricks she playing – tricks.” (svetlanam@guyanatimesgy.com and vanhum@guyanatimesgy.com)

had spent the day with her in Anns Grove. “My brother called me from New York this morning and he said ‘Marcia, look them children; Awena wants to go out’,” the woman recalled.

At approximately 17:30h, Rutherford went to Anns Grove to collect the children from their

Jabari Cadogan and his four-year-old sister Odecia Cadogan. Their mother, Awena Rutherford, reportedly drank poison as well, but, up to press time, she was conscious. Guyana Times was told that the young mother might have fed the children carbon tablets, which are commonly used to kill rats.

The children and their mother were rushed to the

Mahaicony Hospital, but on their arrival, Jabari died while receiving medical attention. His sister and mother were then rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. But even as family members prayed for the four-year-old to recover, they were informed by the doctors and the police that the child had succumbed.

According to reports, while lying on the hospital bed, Rutherford said she had grown tired of the children, but would not say more. When Guyana Times visited the scene, family members on both sides were wailing in disbelief. The children’s paternal aunt whose name was only given as Marcia said Jabari and Odecia

aunt. She had requested some food, stating that she had not eaten for the day, but while the food was coming, she changed her request and settled for two glasses of water. “She said to me ‘you will get a surprise for your birthday’. So I said ‘what is the surprise’? She said ‘if I tell you, it will be no surprise’,” Marcia recalled her brief interaction with

Marcia, the children’s aunt, crying inconsolably at the Georgetown Public Hospital as she calls a relative to confirm the death of her four-year-old niece

One of Awena Rutherford’s aunts being consoled by another family member at the Georgetown Public Hospital

Details of Marriott’s investors to be revealed soon

After several months of dodging questions about the financial closure on the estimated US$85 million Marriott (Guyana) Hotel project, President Donald Ramotar on Thursday said the names of the investors are expected to be revealed soon.

He was at the time speaking at a press conference held on Thursday at the Office of the President.

However, the President shied away from frontally answering questions from reporters about details of the investors and the financial closure of the project.

Ramotar noted that while local banks have expressed interest in the Marriott project, foreign banks and investors are also involved in the process. He disclosed that work is underway to close the negotiations with the investors.

“I was hoping that it should have been announced already, but there are some small arrangements left to be made to tie things up…

I know you have been asking us questions a very long time… I don’t think you have to wait much longer for the answers,” he stated.

Funds available

Further questioned about the source of current funding of the project, since engagements are clearly ongoing and there has been no financial closure, Ramotar noted that there are funds available to get the work going.

“There are some conservative people that put money into it, so there is money there to do the work apart from what NICIL [National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited] has,” the President stated.

Last September, NICIL

Executive Director Winston Brassington had assured that there would be financial closure by the end of 2013. However, this was not done.

Brassington is also the Chairman of Atlantic Hotel Incorporated (AHI), the company established to oversee the project.

AHI had already spent some US$20 million on the project. Several efforts have been made by the Guyana Times to talk about the status of the project; however, most of these efforts were in vain.

Brassington had announced that Republic Bank would have invested some US$27 million in the proj-

ect, while NICIL would contribute US$19.5 million and a collective sum of US$12 million would have been garnered from two private investors.

To date, there has been no financial closure with Republic Bank.

Currently, NICIL is partnering with a private investor to acquire the re-

quired equity. The investor will be injecting US$8 million, while NICIL will invest US$12 million. The two parties have struck a shareholder’s agreement.

Agreements

“All we are waiting on is conclusion of the legal paperwork with Republic Bank, we have every confidence that we will conclude the financing and within a short period, we hope to close the entire transaction, the equity investor and the Republic Bank financing,”

Brassington had told this newspaper.

The Government and Marriott signed an agreement in June 2010, paving the way for the hotel to be operated by Marriott.

Government has executed a number of agreements with Marriott, starting in 2009 to operate the hotel for up to 30 years.

These include the Management Agreement, the Licence and Royalty Agreement, the International

Services Agreement, and the Technical Services Agreement.

Marriott Guyana will feature 197 rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness centre, a business centre, and roughly 12,800 square feet of conference and function space.

Government maintains that the project is expected to significantly boost Guyana's growing tourism sector.

Rocket fragment find draws huge crowd

Several Mahaica residents on Thursday stumbled onto what appeared to be part of a plane wing, but turned out to be a part of a booster rocket.

This was confirmed by members of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) who were assessing the white-coloured object that bore the letters “YN”.

From reports received, this debris might have been from one of the booster rockets that were released from a bigger one after it was launched in French Guiana.

The official added that this was the second portion of the booster to be discovered, noting that another part was found at Cottage, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Upon receiving the news of the debris, this newspaper contacted the GCAA, informing them of the development and a team was subsequently dispatched to the area.

Curious onlookers

When Guyana Times arrived at the foreshore, there were several curious onlookers and a host of media operatives along with the GCAA staff and investigators.

Trekking through the muddy, mangrove-forested foreshore, the media made its way to the site of the debris.

The fibreglass object, measuring about 15 feet in length and four feet width, was pulled from the water and taken to higher ground by several persons who were

on their way to catch crabs. Carl Anthony Sampat explained that he and his colleagues were walking along the foreshore when they spotted the object in the water.

He said taking into consideration the fact that an aircraft went missing some three weeks ago, he thought that it might have been a part of it, thus he contacted a relative who in turn contacted the authorities. He said that he just wanted to be certain of what the item was.

However, the official attached to the GCAA suspected that the object might have drifted over from French Guiana. This, he added, is not the first time pieces of rockets have washed ashore here.

Residents holding part of what was likely a rocket

Work on the Marriott Hotel has been ongoing

NICIL Executive Director and Chairman of Atlantic Hotel Incorporated (AHI), Winston Brassington

Ousted Venezuelan MP back in Caracas

Opposition Venezuelan lawmaker Maria Corina Machado has returned to Caracas after having her mandate revoked.

Machado was in Peru when the National Assembly stripped her of her parliamentary immunity on Monday.

The Assembly said she breached the Venezuelan Constitution last week when she addressed the Organisation of American

States (OAS) as a guest of Panama.

Speaking to hundreds of supporters in Caracas, Machado said she had been illegally dismissed.

“I am a still a legislator, more than ever, and will continue my activities inside and outside the National Assembly,” she said.

National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello had threatened to have her arrested for “acting as a Panamanian ambassador”

before the OAS.

She was also accused of inciting violence.

Machado was welcomed at the main Caracas airport by hundreds of supporters, who followed her to a demonstration in an Opposition stronghold in the east of the capital.

“Mr Cabello has violated all of the laws of the nation. He does not know what the procedures are to have a lawmaker sacked from his post.

“If the price that I have to pay so that our voice is heard around the world is this persecution and these threats, I’ll pay it once and a thousand times,” she said.

Venezuela has faced nearly two months of streets protests, with the Opposition blaming the Government’s failed left-wing policies for high inflation, crime and the shortage of many staples.

Thirty-five people – from both sides of the political divide – have been killed in the protests, according to the Government. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US$16.8M drug find in Grand Bahama

Bahamas police officers discovered marijuana plants on a field in East Grand Bahama on Monday afternoon, estimated to be worth US$16.8 million, according to police.

Jamaica’s economic reform programme off to “strong start” − IMF

The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF), resident representative to Jamaica, Bert Van Selm, said despite a front-loaded adjustment programme, the economy has seen some growth over the first year of the programme.

Van Selm made the comment in an address to persons attending a Financial Services Commission seminar on Wednesday.

He asserted that Jamaica’s economic reform programme is off to a strong start and for the rest of the programme period; there will be no need for further fiscal tightening, but that of staying on course.

He said this will have a

big impact on the country’s economic performance “because, in the year that you tighten your fiscal policy, you normally expect to see a negative impact on your economic growth, but actually so far this year, we haven’t seen too much of that, we’ve actually had a little bit of economic growth, in spite of this fiscal adjustment. So, going forward, that bodes well for the success of the programme, because a lot of the difficult stuff has already been done.”

Last week, Jamaica successfully completed its third review of the IMF programme.

According to the IMF representative, despite a difficult year of micro-econom-

ic adjustments and reforms under the programme, there have been positive indications.

He also pointed to December’s passing of tax reform laws in parliament and the passage of new fiscal rules, saying these are important reforms which have been pending for a long time.

He added that the Government has been running a primary surplus of seven and a half per cent of GDP for this year.

“The adjustment to get to this primary surplus of 7.5 per cent of GDP, that is happening in the first year of the programme and that is almost in the bag, he said.”

Amnesty reveals global surge in executions

The number of known executions worldwide rose to at least 778 in 2013 – a 15 per cent rise from the year before – following a surge in Iraq and Iran, Amnesty International said.

China remains the world’s biggest state executioner by far, the Londonbased human rights organisation said in a report released on Thursday. Beijing is thought to have killed thousands of its own citizens, more than the rest

of the world put together, it said.

The organisation’s annual report on death sentences and executions worldwide said the Chinese authorities “continue to treat the figures on death sentences and executions as a state secret”.

Although Beijing said in November it would reduce the number of crimes eligible for the death penalty from the current 55, it still led the top five countries using the death penalty in 2013, followed by Iran,

Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the United States.

The rise in the known judicial uses of the death penalty − from at least 682 in 2012 − was chiefly due to Iraq and Iran, the report said.

Iraq executed at least 169 people in 2013, a sharp rise on the 40 given the death penalty in 2011 and 101 put to death in 2010, with death sentences there often passed after “grossly unfair trials”, the report said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Police officers on the ground confirmed the suspected marijuana field.

Three suspects who were observed in the area fled to the bushes on seeing the officers, according to Seymour.

The marijuana plants were said to be in excess of 27 plots and scattered over roughly two miles of land.

“We approximated the plants’ total to be some

Assistant Police Commissioner Emrick Seymour revealed on Tuesday that the field was initially spotted during a routine aerial patrol by officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit and the United States’ Drug Enforcement Administration.

167,000 scattered over the 27 plots, and if you add a street value to that you’re talking about some US$16.8 million, which is extremely significant,” Seymour said.

“Unfortunately, no one has been arrested to this point, but the investigation into this matter is ongoing.”

Seymour noted that the rich soil and healthy marijuana plants were evidence they were well cared for.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

UN declares Crimea vote illegal

The UN General Assembly has approved a resolution describing the Moscowbacked referendum that led to Russia’s annexation of Crimea as illegal.

It comes after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed to a loan deal with Ukraine worth US$14-18 billion.

The U.S. Congress also passed legislation on Thursday backing a US$1 billion loan guarantee for Ukraine.

Tensions are high between Russia and the West after pro-Russian troops annexed Ukraine’s southern peninsula.

The West has widely condemned the move, with U.S. President Barack Obama warning on Wednesday of “deeper” EU and U.S. sanctions against Russia if it carried out further incursions in Ukraine.

One hundred countries voted in favour of approving

a UN General Assembly resolution declaring the Crimean referendum on March 16 illegal and affirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Eleven nations voted against, with 58 abstentions.

“This support has come from all corners of the world which shows that this (is) not only a regional matter but a global one,’’ Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsia told reporters after the vote. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Maria Corina Machado was elected to the National Assembly in 2010, representing the state of Miranda

Senior police officers along with Assistant Police Commissioner Emrick Seymour survey their discovery on Tuesday

friday, march 28, 2014|

Agro-processors forum opens today

The Agriculture Ministry, through the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), in collaboration with the Guyana Agro-Processors Association (GAPA) will be hosting an agro-processors forum today.

The forum will be held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, commencing at 09:00h.

According to a release, the forum will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders, standards institutions and interest groups, such as, the Food and Drugs Department, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards and commercial banks, and other service and input suppliers to discuss issues necessary to advance the agro-processing sector.

The main objective will be to focus on the develop-

ment of a road map to take the industry to 2020 and beyond.

GAPA President Ramanand Prashad in welcoming the effort and the collaboration with GMC, said he “hopes that the forum will build the awareness and synergy with all stakeholders in helping to move the sector forward”. Prashad believes that this sector is very important to building the economy.

Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy said, “We are looking for a 100 per cent increase of agro processed products by 2020, outside of packaged sugar and rice. We are looking for improved labelling and packaging.

Also a 100 per cent increase between base line years 2015 to 2020 in export. At least 50 per cent agro- processed facilities FDA [Food and Drug Administration]-

approved by end of 2014 and 100 per cent by 2016.

At least one ISO [International Organisation for Standardisation] certified by 2017 and at least three by 2020.”

Additionally, Minister Ramsammy stated that “production of pepper, plantain and cassava increase by 100 per cent by 2020 because demand by agro-processed facilities. We will have a coconut bottling or canning factory exporting coconut water by 2020”.

The GMC has been providing market and business related support to the agro -processing sector for a number of years. The corporation provides matchmaking, business development, supply-sourcing and advisory services to the sector.

Additionally, the corporation also supports the sector through advocacy.

Georgetown leg of Regional Science Fair opens

Under the theme “Science, Mathematics and Technology: Providing Solutions for the 21st Century”, the Education Ministry, through the Department for Education, on Thursday launched the Georgetown leg of the Regional Science Fair at the Queen’s College Auditorium, Thomas Land.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Education Ministry official Colin Moses said the projects focused on organic replacements for chemical fertilisers, technologies to trap and utilise carbon monoxide, converting tins to kitchen utensils, promotion of the use of recycled bottles as home decorations, flood reduction techniques, the versatility of lemon and sorrel,

will allow students to demonstrate their proficiency in the areas of science, Information Technology and other technical and pre-vocational areas, including art and crafts and home economics.

Moses expressed optimism that the very exhibits and ideas on display will soon become developmen-

reclamation of mined-out lands and climate change, among others.

Moses noted that the Regional Science Fair is launched each year with the aim of giving learners the opportunity to use their knowledge, skills and creativity to devise ways of solving critical and pressing problems in their environment.

He noted that the activity

tal projects which will benefit the country, the Caribbean and even the world at large in years to come.

The Georgetown leg, which will end today, saw some 30 schools taking part including St Stephen’s Primary, Queen’s College, North Georgetown Primary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, and the St Barnabas Special School.

The St Barnabas Special

School expressed their creative skill in converting juice tins into kitchen utensils, North Georgetown Primary demonstrated the many benefits of lemons, Queen’s College focused on climate change and the replanting of trees in mined-out areas.

The students seemed to know their material well, as they treated visitors to informative sessions on their respective projects and their aims.

Moses related that the projects would be judged on presentation, creativity, the students’ response to questions, relevance to the development of the environment, originality, and economic and environmental benefits to the country.

The students expressed delight in being part of the fair, as they believe that it provides a challenge to their young minds and help them to increase their knowledge base to become great thinkers and better students.

The National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair is scheduled to take place on April 22 through April 25 in Anna Regina after which the best projects will be entered into the Sagicor Visionaries Challenge Competition, which is open to all schools in the Caribbean.

Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang on Thursday admitted Lloyd Mark Conway of Lamaha Springs to the Guyana Bar as an Attorneyat-Law after his petition was presented by Senior Counsel Robin Stoby.

Conway, a former Queen’s College student and Customs Anti-Narcotics (CANU) officer, attended the University of Guyana where he obtained a degree in Public Management in 2007 before embarking on

his legal studies. He secured his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 2011 and thereafter successfully completed his two years of study at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad to earn his Legal Education Certificate (LEC).

Besides academics, while at Queen’s College, he excelled at cycling – copping national Juvenile and Junior Cycling Championship titles, a release said. He plans to work in the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

Chambers where he had done an attachment while still attending law school. Conway has said that he is prepared to work towards being an exceptional lawyer in service to his country. The new Attorney acknowledged the sacrifices made on his behalf by his parents Lloyd and Sylvia as well as the invaluable support of his wife Dinte and his two sons Ethan and Kaden. He also thanked his two sisters and a number of friends for their support.

The Agriculture Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Agro-Processors Association (GAPA), is hosting the agro-processors forum

Former CANU officer admitted to the Guyana Bar

New Attorney Mark Conway poses with his family, Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang and Senior Counsel Robin Stoby after being admitted to the Bar

The fair catered not only for science and technology students, but also those in art and craft

One of the many creative pieces on display at the fair on Thursday

Urling bows out as president of GCCI

Outgoing President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Clinton Urling announced on Thursday that the GCCI raked in $41.3 million in the Financial Year 2013, $18.6 million more than the previous year.

“The difference is almost a 100 per cent turnaround from the revenues which we had last year; 80 per cent of our revenue came from non-membership dues activities,” he explained during GCCI’s 125th Annual General Meeting at Duke Lodge.

But though the Chamber garnered $41.3 million in revenue at the end of December 31, 2013, its expenditure stood at $31.5 million. This level of expenditure was predicted, Urling posited, noting that the GCCI executed a wide range of activities in keeping with its mandate to propel economic activities within Georgetown and the wider Guyana.

He appeared proud of the accomplishments made by the entity under his stewardship as he presented his last address as head of this vital private sector organ in society. “It has been a tremendous honour to lead GCCI for the past two terms and I would like to express how grateful I am to have been given this tremendous honour,” he said.

Urling is leaving the chamber with an unblemished record – one that shows the gigantic steps the private institution has made over the last two years, gaining added recognition for the stance taken on critical matters. Simultaneously, GCCI continues to acceler-

ate growth within its realm.

“We have continued to offer services to our membership that allow them the opportunity to expand and develop their businesses. We have done this while preserving and increasing our financial capacity to ensure the organisation’s longterm success and sustainability,” the outgoing GCCI President said.

Urling was awarded for his contribution to GCCI and his outstanding performance in the private sector.

Admonishment

Urling used the opportunity to admonish the policymarkers at the level of the National Assembly to act in the best interest of the people of Guyana by making critical decisions that would enhance transparency and economic growth. “We want local government elections to be held this year. We want the Government to give GECOM [Guyana Elections

Commission] all the tools and resources it needs to get this done forthwith.”

Calls were also made for the passage of an effective Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill in the National Assembly. The AML/CFT Bill is currently at the level of the Special Select Committee at a time when Guyana has missed not one but several critical deadlines imposed by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). The country’s non-compliance posture is leading it down a road of “blacklisting” which can consequentially lead to economic turmoil.

“We want programmes and incentives that encourage Guyana’s best and brightest to stay and develop our private sector, thus creating more jobs in the country. We want a clear and concrete diversification and manufacturing strategy that removes our dependence on international

GTI able to satisfy labour market

With the demand for skilled construction workers steadily increasing as a result of the current housing boom, the Government Technical Institute (GTI) said it is able to adequately meet the rising demand of the workforce and employers. Speaking at GTI Open Day on Wednesday,

Principal Carl Benn related that some of the students would be recruited for wellpaying jobs even before they would have completed their studies at the institution.

He said while some of the students moved to further their education at other tertiary institutions, others have chosen to join the workforce.

GTI produces more than

100 craftsmen in the different areas, including, masonry, carpentry, plumbing and furniture construction every year.

These persons are in demand and easily find jobs in the areas that they would have been trained in.

He maintained that quite a number of females are applying to be a part of the institution.

commodity prices,” he added rolling out the Chamber’s list of expectations.

Calls were also made for the operationalisation of a National Competitiveness Council; the Public Procurement Commission (PPC); the implementation of modern intellectual property laws; and a Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) that would accelerate the time taken to process imports and exports.

Transformation

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles also applauded Urling and the GCCI’s Executives for their unwavering support to the private sector, noting that they have exemplified the spirit of entrepreneurship and investment. “There is little that can match the power and scope of private investment when it comes to innovation, prosperity, and security of developing nations such as Guyana.”

As she continued to underscore the critical role being played by the private sector, the Canadian High Commissioner said without private investment, sustainable economic development is nothing but a dream. In Guyana, small and medium scale enterprises are playing a foundational role in transforming the country’s economic landscape.

At the Annual General Meeting, behind closed doors, a 21-member council was elected. It is now expected that within days a new President will be appointed in addition to other executives. The laws governing the Chamber do not allow for an individual to serve more than two terms as President.

The principal further related that the institution is not facing any daring challenges, with the exception of students being absent and late for classes.

He related that the school board has since embarked on an initiative to

Cocaine in fake awaras found at CJIA

Ashipper and a customs broker were on Thursday morning arrested by ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) after they allegedly attempted to smuggle six kilograms of cocaine in fake awaras through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

The shipper was identified as 41-year-old Haimraj Singh of Dundee, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, while the identity of the broker was not released. Guyana Times understands that the drug enforcement officers are hunting for a third person.

According to information received, the cocaine was wrapped in plastic in the shape of awaras and sprayed with a similar colour as the fruit. Stems were then glued on to the fake awaras to make them look real.

Members of the CANU made the discovery as they were checking the fruits at CAMEX, a shipping company. As they searched the awaras, the ranks reported-

involve the parents of students who are usually late for classes or otherwise absent. Benn maintained that if the students are absent because of economic difficulties, there are systems in place to help these students.

The Open Day was at-

ly felt a difference in texture thus a decision was taken to examine the fruits further.

As they examined them, they realised that the fake awaras were placed among the real ones with the intention of shipping the cocaine. CANU’s Head, James Singh told this newspaper that the drug was destined for Canada and was supposed to be loaded onto a Caribbean Airlines Flight.

He added that during the examination of the awaras, one was ripped open and a whitish substance was seen. The shipper and the broker were questioned about the cargo which was registered in the shipper’s name.

In the past, there have been many instances where drugs were intercepted by the CANU hidden in pepper sauce, achar, star apple, pumpkin, cabbage, chowmein, and other.

For 2013, CANU has seized in excess of 90 kilograms of cocaine, with most of them being intercepted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

tended by potential students and employers who sought to get a glimpse of the work of GTI students.

Some of the external exhibitors at the event included MACORP, the University of Guyana and the Guyana Defence Force.

Total garbage!

Outgoing GCCI President Clinton Urling and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Nicole Giles

A GTI student explains one of the exhibits in her booth

This sign on the railway embankment at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, reads “Dumping in this area is strictly prohibited”. What it did not specify is the dumping of garbage is strictly prohibited

(Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

Some of the real and fake awaras with the cocaine that were seized at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Thursday

SUDOKU

Be practical in your approach to your financial future. Get in touch with an old friend who can provide you with valuable advice. Moderation will help you get ahead.

By Bernice Bede Osol

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

An unexpected financial gain could be imminent. Generosity will be your downfall. You can’t buy love. A fair and practical approach will be required for progress.

Add a spark of excitement to your relationships by making special plans. An unexpected trip will lead to a new adventure and greater opportunities.

Invest in your future, not someone else’s. Do a thorough check of your paperwork to make sure that you’re getting the full value from any contracts or financial arrangements you have pending.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

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

Tensions will multiply if you are oblivious to other people’s feelings. An agreement is possible, but you must be willing to compromise. A heavyhanded approach will make matters worse.

21-April 19)

You will not be taken seriously if you don’t finish what you start. Fulfil your commitments to the best of your ability. Show everyone where you stand and what your capabilities are.

(April 20-May 20)

Love is on the rise. The more activities you are involved in, the more opportunities will come your way. Don’t let another’s opinions or fears stand in the way of your progress.

(May 21June 20)

Remain consistent today. The people who can offer you the most will be impressed by your stability. Your endurance and stamina will pay off, resulting in offers you cannot refuse.

A poorly thought-out change will cause a major disruption in your personal life. You can avoid arguments by staying relaxed and rational. Take a deep breath before you share your feelings.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Plan to keep improving. Your best efforts will yield the most rewards. Laziness on your part will erase any chance you have to get ahead. Meet your responsibilities head-on.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Explore a creative move that will increase your freedom and help you pursue your goals. Keep tension to a minimum by walking away from an argument. Update your appearance.

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Don’t let a personal problem distract you from completing a job. Your reputation may be at stake if someone questions your actions. Ensure honesty in all your dealings.

Peanuts

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Record Lanning ton crushes Ireland

Meg Lanning produced the secondhighest score in all Twenty20 international cricket to power Australia Women to an imposing 191 for 4 batting first, a

total that proved way beyond Ireland Women. While Ireland’s batsmen hung in there, they could not go at the required pace, finishing 113 for 7, 79 runs short of the target.

Lanning slammed 126 off 65 balls, which puts her second only to countryman

Aaron Finch on the list of top T20 scores. She beat South Africa Women’s batsman Shandre Fritz’s 116 to go to the top on the women’s charts, then went past Brendon McCullum’s 123 to go to No. 2 overall; Finch had pummeled 156 against England last August. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Australia Women innings

DM Kimmince c CNIM Joyce

b Tice 35

AJ Healy† st †Waldron b Richardson 9

MM Lanning* c CNIM Joyce

b IMHC Joyce 126

AJ Blackwell run out (ScottHayward/Shillington)

of wickets

Waldron† not out

Extras (lb 2, w 9, nb 1) 12 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 113 Did not bat: LK O'Reilly, L Delany Fall of wickets 1-3 (Flanagan, 1.4 ov), 2-51 (Shillington, 10.1 ov), 3-64 (Scott-Hayward, 12.3 ov), 4-78 (IMHC Joyce, 14.2 ov), 5-87 (CNIM Joyce, 15.6 ov), 6-108 (Tice, 19.2 ov), 7-108 (McCarthy, 19.4 ov)

Bowling: HL Ferling 3-1-70, JL Jonassen 3-0-19-1, SJ Coyte 3-0-18-0, JL Hunter 4-0-21-0, EA Perry 3-0-172, EA Osborne 4-0-29-2

Bates’ 94 leads NZ to third win

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ew Zealand Women’s captain Suzie Bates’ unbeaten 94 steered her side to a third successive win at the Women’s World Twenty20, as they beat Pakistan Women by 59 runs. The victory boosts New Zealand’s chances of qualifying for the semi-finals, giving them a twopoint lead over secondplaced Australia in Group A, with one game left in the league stage. Bates and Suzie Devine gave the side a brisk start after New Zealand opted to bat. The pair added 83 for the first wicket, before Devine was out for 44. Bates, who was on 36 when Devine was dismissed, took charge of the innings thereafter, slamming her next 58 runs off 32 balls. She struck eight fours and two sixes in her 61-ball in -

nings, lifting New Zealand to a commanding 167 for 3. The knock was also her highest in T20Is.

For Pakistan, opener Javieria Khan and Sana Mir struck solid thirties but couldn’t find any other batsman willing to support their efforts. Felicity Leydon-Davis, playing her first match of the tournament, struck twice in her first over to leave Pakistan reeling at 36 for 3. Pakistan’s hopes then rested on Javeria and Sana Mir, but the former was run-out in the 11th over and from thereon, Pakistan could only limp to 108 for 7. Mir was unbeaten on 35 off 37 balls, while Leydon-Davis had the best returns for New Zealand with 2 for 15 in four overs. (Cricinfo)

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Suzie Bates

Meg Lanning

IPL ban for Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals – court

India’s Supreme Court intends to bar Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from this year’s Indian Premier League, which starts on 16 April.

The two teams are being investigated as part of an illegal betting and match-fixing probe.

Chennai have reached the last four finals, winning in 2010 and 2011.

Justice AK Patnaik, head of a two-judge panel, said: “Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals will not be allowed to participate in the IPL.”

Chennai Super Kings are led by India skipper MS Dhoni and have New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum in their side.

The Royals are captained by Australia all-rounder Shane Watson. The trio of players have not been implicated in the investigation.

The judges have been examining a report it commissioned into wrongdoing in last year’s edition of the annual Twenty20 tournament.

The Supreme Court has also recommended that India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar takes over as

interim president of the country’s cricket board in place of Narayanaswami Srinivasan.

They want Srinivasan to resign so a fair inquiry into spot-fixing in the IPL can be carried out.

A two-judge panel had previously said Srinivasan’s position was hampering the investigation, which involves his son-in-law.

Srinivasan is regarded as the world’s most powerful cricket administrator. He was elected chairman of cricket’s world governing body, the International Cricket Council, in February and will take up the role in July.

Srinivasan’s son-inlaw, Gurunath Meiyappan, was indicted last month on charges of betting and passing on information to illegal bookmakers.

Test bowler Shanthakumaran Sreesanth and his former Rajasthan Royals teammate Ankeet Chavan have been banned for life by the BCCI after being arrested in May 2013 by Indian police on suspicion of taking money to concede a minimum number of runs. (BBC Sport)

England v Sri Lanka, World T20, Group 1, Chittagong

Hales ton keeps England alive

Abreathtaking display from Alex

Hales, who hammered England’s first T20 hundred, inspired a beleaguered team to their highest-ever T20 run chase as they hunted down 190 to overcome Sri Lanka and keep alive a realistic chance of progressing in the tournament.

It was an astonishing turnaround after a shambolic fielding display which included four dropped catches and a missed run-out to allow

Sri Lanka to reach an imposing 189, including a stand of 145 between Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan. England found themselves 0 for 2 after the first over of their chase,before a brilliantly calculated assault by Hales and Eoin Morgan who added 152 in 15.2 overs for the third wicket.

Hales, who was dropped on 55 at deep square-leg by Jayawardene as fielding woes afflicted both teams, closed out the match with

Sangakkara† c Hales b Jordan 0 AD Mathews not out 11

Extras (lb

1-0-40, JW Dernbach 4-0-42, TT Bresnan 4-0-48-0, CJ Jordan 4-0-28, JC Tredwell 4-0-360, SCJ Broad 3-0-29-0

England innings (target: 190 runs from 20 overs) MJ Lumb b Kulasekara 0 AD Hales not out 116 MM Ali c Senanayake b Kulasekara 0 EJG Morgan c Mathews b Kulasekara 57 JC Buttler† c Chandimal b Kulasekara 2 RS Bopara not out 11

Extras (w 3, nb 1) 4 Total (4 wickets; 19.2 overs) 190

Did not bat: TT Bresnan, CJ Jordan, SCJ Broad*, JC Tredwell, JW Dernbach

Bowling: KMDN Kulasekara 4-1-32-4, AD Mathews 2.20-31-0, SL Malinga 4-0-31-0, SMSM Senanayake-4-0-30-0, BAW Mendis 4-0-52-0, NLTC Perera 1-0-14-0

three sixes in six balls after Nuwan Kulasekara, who began with a doublewicket maiden, returned to remove Morgan and Jos Buttler in the 17th over to bring Sri Lanka back into the match, but they could not stop Hales’ onslaught.

But the brief role played by Ravi Bopara should not be overlooked either, as he deflected two boundaries to third man in Lasith Malinga’s final over to ensure England had some breathing space. Crucially, Malinga went wicketless - and conceded nearly eight an over -

while Ajantha Mendis was dispatched for 52 which included 25 off his final over to swing the chase firmly England’s way. Before this match Hales jointly held the record for England’s highest T20 innings - 99 shared with Luke Wright - and this time was not to be denied three figures as he cracked a fourth six, over cover, during his final dip to reach a hundred off 60 balls. “It was one of the best knocks I’ve ever seen,” a delighted, relieved, and slightly hoarse Stuart Broad said (Cricinfo)

I’m only one who can beat Blatter, says Platini

UEFA chief Michel Platini told Reuters on Thursday he was the only person capable of beating Sepp Blatter in an election battle for the FIFA presidency.

The 58-year-old Frenchman emphasized he had yet to decide whether to stand for world soccer’s top job next year but told Reuters in a briefing following the UEFA Congress in Kazakhstan: “There is only one person who can beat Blatter”.

Asked who that was, Platini said: “Me”.

The former France midfielder also said he told FIFA investigator Michael Garcia why, as a member of the organization’s executive committee, he voted for Russia and Qatar to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Platini added he would “be the first” to fight any bid to stop Garcia probing corruption allegations surrounding FIFA and that his first thought when he saw Nicolas Anelka’s recent ‘quenelle’ salute was, “Oh-oh, do the English realize what a problem they have here?”.

President of European soccer’s governing body UEFA since 2007, Platini said he would decide later this year whether to stand for the number one job at FIFA.

Asked if he had enough backing outside Europe, he replied: “Yes I have many people who support me around the world but I have not yet decided to run.

“I am happy being UEFA president and I still have to decide about FIFA. I will consult many people but it will be my personal decision in the end.”

Swiss Blatter, 78, FIFA president since 1998, has dropped strong hints that

he will stand for re-election for a fifth term but will not announce his intentions until the organization’s annual Congress in Sao Paulo ahead of the World Cup in June. So far only Jerome Champagne, formerly a Blatter aide at FIFA where he was also deputy generalsecretary, has announced his candidacy. Platini has brought a number of innovations to UEFA and, as a member of the FIFA executive that decided where the 2018 and 2022 World Cups would be held, he said he had no concerns about voting for Russia and Qatar. (Reuters)

Alex Hayles

Michel Platini

Australia v WI, World T20, Group 2, Mirpur

West Indies hope to sustain new-ball success

West Indies are banking on their new-ball pair of legspinner

Samuel Badree and left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie to put Australia under early pressure in their World T20 game Friday (today). In both their matches so far, West Indies have been able to break through early. While they did not have too many to defend against India, they made the most of scoreboard pressure against Bangladesh.

Santokie struck twice off successive deliveries in his second over, by which time Badree had already taken out Tamim Iqbal. Badree and Santokie picked up 7 for 32 between them against Bangladesh, and while acknowledging they had been assisted by the 171 runs the West Indies batsmen had scored, Badree said the duo

would continue to look for wickets while bowling to Australia’s top order.

“Santokie is known for his wicket-taking ability. That is very, very important in the Powerplay overs,” Badree said. “If you can take wickets, you can put pressure on the opposition batsmen. If you don’t take wickets, that means that the openers will be there and they will be able to score freely. So it is good bowling with him because he is someone who always gets early wickets with the new ball.

“In this tournament so far I have been getting early wickets as well. We have been working well with that partnership, he from one end, I from the next. As long as we can maintain getting early wickets and restricting the opposition in the first six overs, I think that is exactly what the

team needs.”

Darren Sammy had talked up Santokie before West Indies’ opener against India, saying he had taken plenty of wickets in the Caribbean T20 and would be a player to watch out for as the tournament progressed. Santokie has displayed a deceptive slower ball so far in the tournament, getting it to move appreciably off the pitch at times. He has also been quite accurate, which Badree felt was crucial in the format.

Australia’s major challenge, however, will be against spin, which they succumbed to against Pakistan despite Glenn Maxwell’s counter-attack, losing five wickets in all to Zulfiqar Babar, Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi. In the 2012 World T20 semifinal, Badree, Narine and Marlon Samuels took five

Australian wickets between them in West Indies’ huge win. Sammy expected Badree and Narine, the world’s topranked T20 bowlers, to again pose problems for Australia.

“It will be a good contest. Badree and Narine are one and two in the world in T20 cricket at the moment and Badree has been getting wickets upfront for us in the first six overs,” Sammy said. “It is something we are looking he will hopefully continue doing.

“Won’t be an easy game. The Australians are a good side. We give them that respect. But at the end of the day, it is another cricket match where it is a contest between bat and ball. The team that handles pressure better and executes properly normally comes out on top. And we are hoping that it will be us tomorrow.” (Cricinfo)

Badree praises Saqlain’s influence

Samuel Badree, the West Indies legspinner, has called Saqlain Mushtaq a “calming influence” on the side. The former Pakistan offspinner is here in Bangladesh for the World T20 as part of the West Indies coaching group.

Badree said that more than his technical inputs, it was Saqlain’s ability to remain calm and offer his advice on how to read a batsman’s mind that were helping the West Indies bowlers.

“To be honest Saqi has been a wonderfully calming influence on the team,” Badree said ahead of West Indies’ match against Australia. “He is one who does not get worked up or anxious over any situation. He does not panic at all and I think his calming influence more so than any technical skills that he may impart has been doing wonders not only for myself but all the bowlers as well.

“He is someone who sits and analyses the game. He can work out a situation very well. As I said there’s not too much technical stuff but it is the calming presence and his advice at various stages and

how to work out batsmen, the signs that batsmen give to you so that you know what they are thinking. Those are important things, especially in this format where batsmen are aggressive towards you.”

Saqlain was brought in to help West Indies’ spinners after a clinic at the WICB High Performance Centre last year and has also worked with Bangladesh recently. Ahead of last month’s limited-overs series against England, West Indies left-arm spinner Nikita Miller had also said that Saqlain’s tips would help him prepare. Darren Sammy, the West Indies captain, agreed that Saqlain’s serenity and knowledge had been a boost for West Indies.

“Saqlain comes in with a lot of experience especially here in Bangladesh,” Sammy said. “He’s very calm guy, knows a lot about the game. He has been a good addition to our coaching staff. If he could work on improving the quality we have in our spinning department, and yet keep the dressing room calm and cool like we normally are, it will be a plus for us.” (Cricinfo)

Pollard returns from injury against CCC

Having not played in a major competition since the Champions League tournament in India last October, Kieron Pollard is set to continue his recovery from a knee injury in the Regional Four-day Championship against the Combined Campuses and Colleges this weekend at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Pollard, who has been sidelined following knee surgery late last year, is one of two changes to the Trinidad and Tobago squad for their game against the CCC.

Experienced off-spinner Amit Jaggernauth also returns to the team to bolster an attack that lacked penetration against new leaders Barbados.

T&T, winners of their first two matches against The Windward and Leeward Islands, crashed to a massive innings and 160-run defeat at Kensington Oval last Sunday, the Bajans declaring on 479 for eight. Pollard returned to competitive action last weekend for his club Queen’s Park Cricket Club in their Premier Division fixture against Esmeralda Sports, failing to

score in his sole innings.

But the selectors will be hoping that the West Indies big-hitter will be able to use his experience to help bolster a middle order that struggled without the injured centurymaker against the Leewards, Akeal Hosein.

Netherlands v SA, World T20, Group 1, Chittagong

Tahir spares South Africa embarrassment

They did it at Lord’s in the opening match of the World T20 five years ago. Then, Netherlands stunned England to announce the Associate threat in the shortest format. They did not look anywhere close to do doing it three days ago, when they were skittled out for the lowest total in T20 internationals, and Sri Lanka highlighted the gulf between cricket’s haves and have-nots in the most brutal way. But Netherlands almost did it again today.

Netherlands were on course to cull another giant after they restricted South Africa to under 150 and got the asking rate down to less than five runs an over in the chase, but then imploded at the end. They did almost everything right: they

took an early wicket, put the squeeze on South Africa with a selection of slower balls and got their own chase off to a flying start. South Africa had not lost to an Associate in their history and Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir held their nerve to ensure that did not change. The Dutch crumbled from 80 for 1 to 139 all out - losing 9 for 59 - and handed South Africa the two points they needed to stay in contention for the semi-finals. With two defeats, Netherlands only have a slim chance of advancing but are taking their own victories from this tournament. In this match, the biggest one was Ahsan Malik’s performance. The Rotterdam-born seamer recorded the best figures by an Associate bowler against a Full Member - 5 for 19. (Cricinfo)

Hosein’s prolific form with the ball was also missed by T&T, but Jaggernauth – second only to Rangy Nanan as the most prolific bowler for the national team in regional cricket – will be expected to fill the breach.

All-rounders Yannic Cariah and Daron Cruickshank make way for the Queen’s Park pair for this day/night game, starting at 15:00h.

Cruickshank and Yannic Cariah.

T&T squad: Rayad Emrit (Captain), Adrian Barath, Evin Lewis, Darren Bravo, Jason Mohammed, Jonathan Augustus, Imran Khan, Steven Katwaroo, Shannon Gabriel, Amit Jaggernauth, Kieron Pollard, Ricky Jaipaul, Marlon Richards, Kelvin Williams (Coach), Manohar Ramsaran (Manager), Clinton Jeremiah (Physio), Dinesh Mahabir (Analyst) ( Windiescricket)

Saqlain Mushtaq has worked with the West Indies spinners since last year

Imran Tahir

Kieron Pollard

GFRC presents materials to Sports Resource Centre

The Guyana Football Referees Council (GFRC) created history on Thursday morning by becoming the first local body to donate texts to the National Sports Resource Centre, located on Woolford Avenue.

The facility, which was recently commissioned, houses a library and conference room, which was incidentally first used by the GFRC.

The GFRC presented a quantity of books and DVDs on football and refereeing, adding to the already large collection of literature and videos at the facility.

In presenting the donation to Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, president of the council, Alfred King, said the body is keen on developing referees’ competence, through the hosting of workshops and seminars, as well as through other developmental programmes.

He however noted that the council is more than just about churning out quality referees for the game of football. King, who is also the Permanent Secretary in the Sport

Ministry, revealed the GFRC recently concluded its five-year strategic plan, copies of which are now

available at the Resource Centre.

“We would have taken time outthe entire executive team- to put to-

gether a five-year strategic plan for referees’ development. And in the document you’d recognise that we

understand fully our responsibilities as it relates to recruitment and training, mentoring of the referees, as it relates to strengthening the structures, on how we manage referees, mobilising resources and of course providing technical support for the development of our assessors and instructors,” King explained.

Dr Anthony commended King and his executives for seeing the need to make the donation, noting that other local associations, boards and federations should follow suit.

He also encouraged the local governing bodies to house the materials they would receive from the respective world governing bodies at the National Sports Resource Centre.

The minister also announced that the Sport Ministry will be hosting several courses during the coming months, with specific focus on anti-doping.

Also present at Thursday’s activity were Director of Sport Neil Kumar and other high-ranking officials of the GFRC.

NSC sports award ceremony billed for this evening

Top sportsmen and women, administrators and journalists will be recognised for their achievements and contributions to sport during 2013, when the National Sports Commission (NSC) stages its annual awards ceremony this evening. The ceremony will start at 19:00h and will be hosted at the National Cultural Centre, where His Excellency president Donald Ramotar is expected to deliver feature remarks. Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, Director

of Sport Neil Kumar and Permanent Secretary Alfred King are also slated to address the gathering.

West Indies players, veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and all-rounder Shemaine Campbelle are the senior Sportsman and

Woman-of-the-Year 2013, after the panel of judges assembled by the NSC last month elected the top performers of the past year.

The left-handed Chanderpaul was the Caribbean’s highest Test runscorer in the format last year, notching up 523 runs from seven games at an average of 58.1 with two centuries (108 versus Zimbabwe and 122 not out against New Zealand).

Chanderpaul gained seven votes from a panel of 14, while powerlifter Winston Frank Stoby copped five votes in the second round of voting to lift the runner-up Sportsman-ofthe-Year accolade.

During the period under review, Stoby made an unsuccessful attempt at defending his world title against a lifter four years his junior, but after competing in the 74kg Masters 2 Category, he set a new Deadlift World Record (WR) with another impressive performance at the 31st World Masters Men’s Powerlifting Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Stoby shattered his old Deadlift World Record of 260kg achieved in 2012 in Texas with a new record of 277.5kg to win the gold medal, but had to settle for second overall to the U.S.A.’s Gregory Page.

During last year, he also participated as a member of the Guyana team that successfully defended their Open title , capturing the gold medal in his weight class.

On the distaff side, Campbelle, who was nominated prior to the voting process

for that category, was again outstanding on the international circuit for the regional side.

After the first round of voting, Campbelle got four votes, while Guyana national women’s hockey goalkeeper Alysa Xavier captured five.

Last year’s Sportswomanof-the-Year, Nicolette Fernandes, gained two votes and athletics queen Alika Morgan three votes, were the other nominees.

However, with none of the candidates securing the stipu-

lated 50 per cent of votes, a second round of voting was required.

During this round, Campbelle got 10 votes, while Xavier received four. Xavier was the runner-up Sportswoman-of-the-Year, Table-tennis player Chelsea Edghill was voted junior sportswoman-of-theyear with CARIFTA 1500 metres gold medalist Cassie George getting 13 votes in the second round of voting for the runner-up junior sportswoman.

The exciting young athlete, CARIFTA 400 metres bronze medalists Jason Yaw captured eight votes for junior Sportsman-of-the-Year, with table tennis player Shemar Britton the runner-up junior sportsman.

Boxing coach Terrence Pool with seven votes won the Coach-of-the-Year accolade.

The Guyana Table Tennis Association got the nod for Sports Association-of-theyear, capturing seven votes, while the Guyana Amateur

Boxing Association was voted Most Improved Association, gaining 12 votes.

Manager of the 2013 CARIFTA Games team Amanda Hermonstine and Guyana Table Tennis Association President Godfrey Munroe won the Female and Male Sport Personality awards respectively, while the Guyana Senior Squash Team was voted Team-of-theYear.

Gibran Sarfaraz won the Special Award for Persons with disability.

Guyana Times/TVG/ RGI’s Reporter/News Anchor, Avenash Ramzan, was the popular choice for Sports Journalist-of-the-Year (NonPrint) for the third year in succession, copping nine of the available 13 votes.

Emmerson Campbell of Stabroek News secured eight votes to Guyana Chronicle’s Calvin Roberts four in a two-way race for the Sports Journalist-of-the-Year (Print) after the first round did not produce a clear winner.

For the third year running, Stabroek News’ Orlando Charles was a favourite for the Sports Photographer-ofthe-Year, securing 10 votes. The judging panel comprised NSC Chairman Conrad Plummer, Director of Sport Neil Kumar, Ian McDonald, Carlton Joao, Steve Ninvalle, Sharda Veeren-Chand, Justice Cecil Kennard, Sonia Roberts, Amanda Hermonstine, Claude David, Rajiv Bisnauth, Emmerson Campbell, Aletha GrantCharles and Mike DaSilva.

FIFA Instructor Roy McArthur presents some of the booklets to Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony, in the presence of Director of Sport Neil Kumar (left) and other officials of the GFRC (Photo: Avenash Ramzan)

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Donald Ramotar

Shemaine Campbelle

Extra edge to Aussie v Windies contest

One of the enduring images of international cricket is Richie Richardson, conceding a good foot and a bit, tugging at the giant arm of Curtly Ambrose, exhorting him to get on with it and ‘not waste my time’.

The venue was the Queen’s Park Oval in Bridgetown, and Ambrose, the meanest of fast bowlers but the gentlest of men, was drawn into a verbal battle by Steve Waugh.

There has always been a certain needle to AustraliaWest Indies cricket over the years.

As they go into their ICC World Twenty20 2014 Group 2 Super 10 clash on Friday (March 28), the contest has been further spiced up by James Faulkner saying he didn’t like the West Indies a lot, a comment that is certain to stir the pot some more.

It’s not as if West Indies has ever needed extra motivation when up against the Australians; Faulkner’s remarks, however, are certain to have touched a raw nerve, and while Darren Sammy might affect an air of nonchalance – “We all know what happened when we met in the World Cup last time” – it is inevitable that West Indies will be more determined than ever to not just put Australia in its place at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, but also all but knock it out of the running for a place in the semi-final.

Sammy’s reference to the

last meeting was pointed. Australia had come into the semi-final full of beans despite a 32-run loss to Pakistan in its last league tie, but was annihilated by a Chris Gayle special that catalysed West Indies’ ridiculously lop-sided 74-run romp.

West Indies posted 205 for 4 in its 20 overs on a reasonably slow Premadasa strip in Colombo, Gayle at his marauding best while making 75 off just 41. Australia will love to forget that match in a hurry; Sammy did his utmost to ensure that wouldn’t be the case, though he did so with a smile on his face, seeking to be matter of fact and without malice. The coincidence is hard to miss. Australia is again coming into this game after a loss to Pakistan, by 16 runs in its tournament opener on

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Football Academy

Tutorial Academy squeeze past Vryman’s Erven Secondary 3-2

Tutorial Academy Secondary (TASS)

Squeezed past Vryman’s Erven Secondary (VESS) 3-2, as the two teams got a taste of the 2014 Scotiabank/Pepsi School Football Academy, when the first round of the Berbice leg of the competition concluded at the Esplanade Park in New Amsterdam on Thursday.

Both teams looked as though they were playing a final and gave nothing away while creating great scoring opportunities in a fast -paced game.

Twelve minutes into the game, referee Mikah Ersking awarded a penalty to TASS after a reckless tackle on the 18-yard box. The penalty was taken by Orin Glen and he sent TASS into the lead.

Three minutes later, Dexter Welcome answered that goal to ensure the contest remains even.

Both teams seemed poised to take the lead, but the two goalkeepers Joshawn Morris for VESS and Gomuel Humphrey for TASS, did not allow this until Osafo McDonald went past two de-

Sunday, and while this isn’t quite the knockout contest it was in the Sri Lankan capital, the fear of an early flight out in the event of a second consecutive defeat is reasonably genuine.

The World T20 is the one major trophy Australia has never managed to lay its hands on; it has everything to play for, as well as to show the world that contrary to popular perception, this tournament does mean a lot to it. West Indies won’t make its task easy.

Having talked the talk, Faulkner will most likely get a chance to walk it too. He hasn’t played competitively since the end of January, having had arthroscopic knee surgery in the interim, but is back to near complete fitness and Australia will look to maximise his all-round skills.

A canny left-arm paceman with wonderful changes of pace and a hard-hitting batsman who holds the record for the fastest 100 by an Australian in One-Day

International cricket, he will be a massive addition to a side that, for all its batting firepower, was winkled out by Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul once Pakistan had managed to stall the demonic ball-striking of Glenn Maxwell.

There is no more feared batsman in Twenty20 cricket than Gayle, the master of coolness. The massive Jamaican

has had a quiet tournament despite making 82 runs in two innings; uncharacteristically, those runs have come off 81 deliveries with Gayle well below his explosive best.

It’s more than possible that Faulkner’s comments will fire him up the most; the huge send-off that cost Faulkner 10% of his match fee in Canberra last year is something Gayle wouldn’t have forgotten in a hurry, and Friday could be payback time.

Both of West Indies’ previous games at the Shere-Bangla have been under lights, and therefore it will need to do some adjusting playing in the afternoon.

The same pitch on which Pakistan and Australia combined to produce 366 runs in 40 overs will be on use on Friday, and the fact that it is a 3.30pm start should help Gayle, who has found it hard to get going under lights, find his bearings. Barring Dwayne Smith, West Indies has been fairly unimpressive with the bat, but the depth of stroke-

making options in its midst will express itself sooner rather than later. Australia, itself not short on heavy artillery, will be hoping it isn’t in this match.

All is in place for what should be a cracking contest, Faulkner or no Faulkner. With all his talk, the Australian all-rounder has ensured that Friday afternoon will be no walk in the park.

fenders and came one on one with Humphrey. A wellplaced shot was all that was needed and VESS took a 2-1 lead in the 26th minute.

The lead was however short lived, as Lomar Reid equalized four minutes later and the teams took the halftime break with the score deadlocked on 2-2.

Seconds after the resumption, Joshua Butts was awarded a free kick two yards outside the box. The defence wall that was created by the VESS did nothing to stop Butts from scoring, as he sent his shot over their heads and away from the outstretched hands of Morris to seal the issue.

The remainder of the second half was scoreless, but plays were well thought out and strategised.

TASS walked away with three points, while VESS are without a point despite their good showing.

The competition continues on Tuesday when second -round action commences with Berbice High (BHS) taking on New Amsterdam Multilateral (NAMS) at the same venue. (Andrew Carmichael)

Chris Gayle

Darren Sammy James Faulkner

Dr Anthony highlights need for healthy lifestyles

as Ross, Beckham pay courtesy call

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony and Director of Sport Neil Kumar were on Wednesday visited by Guyana’s internationally acclaimed bodybuilder Hugh Ross and IBFF Pro athlete Jeff “Classic” Beckham at the ministry’s office on Main Street, Georgetown.

Ross is presently coordinating the fourth Hugh Ross Classic, set for Saturday at the National Cultural Centre. Beckham is the guest poser at that event.

While in discussion, the minister extended an invitation to Ross to hold a seminar at the newly constructed National Sports Resource Centre. In acceptance, he noted that there are several topics he can deliver, based on fitness and nutrition.

Minister Anthony recognised that bodybuilding

is growing in Guyana, and in this regard, is pleased that Ross is championing the cause for its increased popularity. He added that the competition is of a high quality and anticipates another successful competition this year. The ministry is also pleased to give support to the event.

Dr Anthony noted that more attention needs to be placed on fitness in Guyana and one of the challenges of a developing society is that as people become prosperous they tend to make some wrong decisions regarding physical activity.

“We need to encourage people to exercise more regularly and to make the right food choices,” he said.

Ross noted that this year will see the addition of the Ms. Bikini category in an effort to attract more females

to the competition, since this is a challenge. The other two female categories are the Ms. Physique and Ms. Figure; the latter takes into consideration females who are toned and may be dancers or athletes.

Meanwhile, this is Beckham’s first visit to Guyana. Since arriving here, the 32-year-old, 280pound American has been engaging schoolchildren in talks about fitness and nutrition.

Dr Anthony endorsed this move, and emphasised that the importance of these talks by people who are practising healthy lifestyles.

Meanwhile, Ross and Beckhman both pointed out that they are currently preparing for separate bodybuilding competitions later in the year.

IPL ban for Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals – court

Extra edge to Aussie v Windies contest

Sport Minister Dr Frank Anthony (right) has the attention of Guyana’s internationally acclaimed bodybuilder Hugh Ross, Director of Sport Neil Kumar and IBFF Pro athlete Jeff “Classic” Beckham, during Wednesday’s courtesy call

One of the enduring images of international cricket is Richie Richardson, conceding a good foot and a bit, tugging at the giant arm of Curtly Ambrose, exhorting him to get on with it and ‘not waste my time’